SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Form S-4
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
Delaware
2000
943303521
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
6 Executive Campus
M. Kelley Maggs
With a copy to:
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box: o
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this form is a
post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same
offering.
o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
(3) Pursuant to Rule 457(n), no
additional registration fee is payable with respect to the
guarantees.
The registrants hereby
amend this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may
be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrants
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that
this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in
accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933
or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on
such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
SCHEDULE A
Explanatory note
This Registration Statement covers the
registration of $394,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our
8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the
exchange notes) that may be exchanged for
$394,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our outstanding
8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the
old notes, and together with the exchange notes, the
notes). This Registration Statement also covers the
registration of notes for resale by J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc. in market making transactions. The complete prospectus
relating to the exchange offer follows this explanatory note.
Following the exchange offer prospectus are certain pages of the
prospectus relating solely to market making transactions that
may be made by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., including
alternate front and back cover pages, a section entitled
Risk factors You cannot be sure that an active
trading market will develop for the exchange notes to be
used in lieu of the section entitled Risk factors An
active trading market may not develop for the exchange notes, in
which case the trading market liquidity and the market price
quoted for the exchange notes could be adversely affected
and alternate sections entitled Use of proceeds,
Legal matters and Plan of distribution.
In addition, the market making prospectus will not include the
following captions (or the information set forth under those
captions) in the exchange offer prospectus: Summary of the
terms of the exchange offer, Risk factors If
you do not properly tender your old notes, you will continue to
hold unregistered old notes and be subject to the same
limitations on your ability to transfer old notes,
The exchange offer, Exchange offer;
registration rights and Material U.S. federal
income tax consequences. All other sections of the
exchange offer prospectus will be included in the market making
prospectus.
Subject to completion, dated
August 20, 2004
Prospectus
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
Offer to exchange all outstanding 8 1/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2013 for 8 1/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2013 which have been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933
The exchange offer:
We will exchange all old notes that
are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for an equal
principal amount of exchange notes that are freely tradable.
You may withdraw tenders of old notes
at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.
The exchange offer expires at
5:00 p.m., New York City time,
on ,
2004, unless we extend the offer.
The exchange notes:
The terms of the exchange notes to be
issued in the exchange offer are substantially identical to the
old notes, except that the exchange notes will be freely
tradable by persons who are not affiliated with us and holders
of exchange notes will no longer have any registration rights or
be entitled to any additional interest.
No public market currently exists for
the notes. We do not intend to list the exchange notes on any
securities exchange and, therefore, no active public market is
anticipated.
The exchange notes, like the old
notes, will be unsecured and guaranteed on a senior subordinated
basis by each of our existing and future domestic restricted
subsidiaries.
The exchange notes, like the old
notes, will be our unsecured senior subordinated obligations and
will rank junior in right of payment to all of our existing and
future senior debt, rank equally with any of our existing and
future senior subordinated debt and rank senior to all of our
future subordinated debt. As of April 30, 2004, we had
outstanding $545.0 million of senior debt.
Each broker-dealer that receives
exchange notes pursuant to this exchange offer must acknowledge
that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale
of the exchange notes.
If the broker-dealer acquired the old
notes as a result of market making or other trading activities,
such broker-dealer may use this prospectus for the exchange
offer, as supplemented or amended, in connection with its
resales of the exchange notes.
See Risk factors beginning on
page 12 of this prospectus for a discussion of certain
risks that you should consider before participating in this
exchange offer.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission
nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved
of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of
this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus
is ,
2004
Table of contents
Each broker-dealer that receives the exchange
notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with
any resale of such exchange notes. The letter of transmittal
delivered with this prospectus states that by so acknowledging
and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be
deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.
This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time
to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with
resales of exchange notes received in exchange for old notes
where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a
result of market making activities or other trading activities.
We have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the
expiration date of the exchange offer, we will make this
prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection
with any such resale. See Plan of distribution.
We have not authorized anyone to give you any
information or to make any representations about us or the
transactions we discuss in this prospectus other than those
contained in this prospectus. If you are given any information
or representations about these matters that is not discussed in
this prospectus, you must not rely on that information. This
prospectus is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer
to buy securities anywhere or to anyone where or to whom we are
not permitted to offer or sell securities under applicable law.
The delivery of this prospectus does not, under any
circumstances, mean that there has not been a change in our
i
Until ,
2004 (90 days after the date of this prospectus), all
dealers effecting transactions in the exchange notes, whether or
not participating in the exchange offer, may be required to
deliver a prospectus.
All forward-looking statements attributable to us
or persons acting on our behalf apply only as of the date of
this prospectus and are expressly qualified in their entirety by
the cautionary statements included in this prospectus. We
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or
circumstances.
Market and industry data
We use a combination of customized (assembled at
our request) Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) data
and IRI syndicated databases (Supermarket Reviews).
Unless we indicate otherwise, retail sales, market share,
category and other industry data used throughout this prospectus
for all categories and segments listed below are IRI data for
the 52-week period ended April 25, 2004. These data include
retail sales in supermarkets with at least $2 million in
total annual sales but exclude sales in mass merchandiser, club,
drug, convenience or dollar stores. Retail sales are dollar
sales estimated by IRI and represent the value of units sold
through supermarket cash registers for the relevant period.
Prior to March 2004, IRI dollar sales data did not reflect
frequent shopper or loyalty program discounts which resulted in
an overstatement of dollar sales. In March 2004, IRI implemented
a change in their processing systems to accurately reflect these
discounts. These corrections to the data resulted in a 1% to 11%
swing in dollar sales versus the prior data depending on the
category. We view the frozen prepared meals category as
consisting of the following frozen segments: single-serve
full-calorie dinners and entrees, single-serve healthy dinners
and entrees, breakfast, hand-held, multi-serve dinners and
entrees, appetizers, pot pies, side dishes and kids meals, and
IRI data have been compiled on this basis. We view the baking
mixes and frostings category as consisting of the following
segments: layer cakes, brownies, ready-to-serve frostings,
muffins, cookie mix, bars, frosting mix, quick bread, snack kits
and special baking mixes. We view the grain-based segment of the
frozen breakfast category as consisting primarily of waffles,
pancakes and French toast. We view the prepared seafood segment
as consisting of the prepared fin, prepared non-fin without
shrimp and prepared shrimp sub-segments. References to the bagel
category are to scannable bagels, as consisting of the frozen,
refrigerated and shelf-stable segments. We view syrup, frozen
pizza and frozen skillet meals as distinct categories. When we
refer to the core market of our Open Pit brand of barbecue
sauce, such core market consists of the major metropolitan areas
surveyed by IRI in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, western
Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Unless we indicate otherwise, all
references to percent changes reflect the comparison to the same
period in the prior year.
Although we believe that this information is
reliable, we cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness, nor
have we independently verified it. Where we so indicate, we
obtain certain other market share and industry data from
internal company surveys and management estimates based on these
surveys and on our managements knowledge of the industry.
While we believe such internal company surveys and management
estimates are reliable, no independent sources have verified
such surveys and estimates. Although we are not aware of
ii
We own a number of registered trademarks in the
United States, Canada and other countries, including All Day
Breakfast®, American Recipes®, Avalon Bay®, Casa
Brava®, Casa Regina®, Celeste®, Country
Kitchen®, Duncan Hines®, Fun Frosters®, Great
Starts®, Grill Classics®, Hearty Bowls®,
Hungry-Man®, Hungry-Man Sports Grill®, Hungry-Man
Steakhouse®, Lenders®, Log Cabin®,
Milwaukees®, Mrs. Butterworths®,
Mrs. Pauls®, Open Pit®,
Snackmms®, Steakhouse Mix®, The Original
TV Dinner®, Van de Kamps® and
Vlasic®. Registration is pending on the following
trademarks: Candy Factory
TM
, Carb-Meter
TM
,
Fish N Dips
TM
, Food Thats In
Fashion
TM
, Hearty Hero
TM
, Its Good
To Be Full
TM
, Only
Mrs. Pauls
TM
, Ovals
TM
,
Relishmixers
TM
, Signature Desserts
TM
,
Stackers
TM
and Syrup Dunkers
TM
. We
manufacture and market certain of our frozen food products under
the Swanson® brand pursuant to two royalty-free, exclusive
and perpetual licenses granted by Campbell Soup Company. We
manufacture our Kings Hawaiian® products pursuant to
a three-year license agreement with Kings Hawaiian Holding
Company, Inc. that expires in November 2004. We license, for use
on frozen breakfast products, the Aunt Jemima® trademark
pursuant to a perpetual, royalty-free, license agreement with
The Quaker Oats Company. We also license the Chefs
Choice® trademark pursuant to a perpetual, royalty-free
license agreement with Perdue Holdings, Inc. We also own a
design trademark in the United States, Canada and other
countries on the Vlasic stork.
Presentation of financial and other
data
In this prospectus, PFGI, the
Company, we, us and
our refers to Pinnacle Foods Group Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. As
described elsewhere in this prospectus, PFHC (as defined) was
merged with and into Aurora (as defined) and the surviving
company was renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. PFHC
refers to Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis prior
to the consummation of the Aurora Transaction and
Pinnacle refers to Pinnacle Foods Corporation, a
Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of PFGI.
Aurora refers to Aurora Foods Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and its subsidiary on a consolidated basis prior to
the consummation of the Aurora Transaction.
PFGIs fiscal year ends on July 31. We
identify each fiscal year for PFGI in this prospectus according
to the calendar year in which such fiscal year ends. For
example, we refer to the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003,
as fiscal 2003 or 2003. On May 22,
2001, Pinnacle acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of the North American business of Vlasic Foods
International Inc. (VFI). The North American
business consisted of the Swanson frozen food, Vlasic pickles,
relish and peppers and Open Pit barbecue sauce businesses. PFHC
and Pinnacle were each incorporated on March 29, 2001, but
had no operations until the acquisition of the North American
business of VFI. The financial data for the ten weeks ended
July 31, 2001, include the results of operations from
May 23, 2001 through July 31, 2001. PFGI derived the
summary financial data for the 42 weeks ended May 22,
2001, from the audited statement of operations of the frozen
foods and condiments businesses of VFI, its predecessor.
Information presented in PFGI managements discussion
and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations for the 52 weeks ended July 31, 2001,
has been presented for comparative purposes only and is the
combination of the 42 weeks ended May 22, 2001 and the
ten weeks
iii
The first nine months of fiscal 2004 is based on
the information for the 39-week nine-month period ended
April 30, 2004 and is the combination of PFHCs
consolidated financial statements for the 16 weeks ended
November 24, 2003 and our consolidated financial statements
for the 23-week period ended April 30, 2004. This
combination represents what we believe is the most meaningful
basis for comparison of the fiscal 2004 nine month results with
the fiscal 2003 nine month results, although the combination is
not in accordance with GAAP. This combination represents what we
believe is the most meaningful basis for comparison, because the
customer base, products, manufacturing facilities and types of
marketing programs were the same under PFHC as they are under
us. Also, the discussion below for the first nine months of
fiscal 2004 includes the results of operations of the Aurora
businesses from the date of acquisition, March 19, 2004. As
a result of the change in ownership resulting from the Aurora
Transaction and the inclusion of results from the Aurora
businesses since the March 19, 2004 acquisition, these
results are not indicative of what the full 39-week nine-month
period ended April 30, 2004 would have been had the change
in ownership and the Aurora Transaction not occurred.
In this prospectus, we determine net sales in
accordance with GAAP. Similar to other food companies, we
calculate net sales by deducting expenses for trade marketing,
slotting and consumer coupon redemption from shipments. We
define shipments as gross sales less cash discounts, returns and
non-marketing allowances. We calculate gross sales by
multiplying the published list price of each product by the
number of units of that product sold.
iv
Summary
The following summary highlights all material
information contained elsewhere in this prospectus but does not
contain all the information that you should consider before
participating in the exchange offer. We urge you to read this
entire prospectus, including the Risk factors
section and the consolidated financial statements and related
notes.
Our company
We are a leading manufacturer and marketer of
high-quality, branded convenience food products through our two
business segments: frozen foods and dry foods. We had pro forma
net sales for the last twelve months, or LTM, ended
April 30, 2004 of $1,282.2 million. The frozen foods
segment, which accounts for 56.6% of our pro forma net sales,
consists primarily of Swanson frozen dinners, entrees and
breakfasts; Van de Kamps and Mrs. Pauls frozen
seafood; Aunt Jemima frozen breakfasts and Lenders bagels.
The dry foods segment, which accounts for 43.4% of our pro forma
net sales, consists primarily of Vlasic pickles, peppers and
relish; Duncan Hines baking mixes and frostings and
Mrs. Butterworths and Log Cabin syrups and pancake
mixes. Our major brands hold leading market positions in their
respective retail markets and enjoy high consumer awareness.
Through our managed broker network, our products reach all
traditional classes of trade, including grocery wholesalers and
distributors, grocery stores and supermarkets, convenience
stores, mass and drug merchandisers and warehouse clubs.
The following table presents a summary of our pro
forma net sales for the LTM ended April 30, 2004 by product
line (in thousands):
Frozen foods
Dinners and entrees (27.0% of pro
forma net sales).
Our frozen dinners and entrees product
line consists primarily of products sold in the United States
and Canada under the Swanson brand. We also distribute these
products through foodservice and private label channels. Swanson
caters to a number of different consumer segments and eating
occasions through
1
Prepared seafood (9.2% of pro
forma net sales).
Our frozen prepared seafood product line,
marketed primarily under the Van de Kamps and
Mrs. Pauls brands, includes breaded and battered fish
sticks and fish fillets, healthy breaded fish,
grilled fish fillets, breaded shrimp, marinated shrimp, shrimp
bowls and specialty seafood items, such as crab cakes and clam
strips. We use a dual-brand strategy to capitalize on the
regional strengths of our brands. We also distribute these
products through foodservice and private label channels. The Van
de Kamps brand dates back to 1915, and the
Mrs. Pauls franchise began in the mid-1940s. They
hold the number two (15.0%) and the number three
(12.5%) market share positions, respectively, of the
$565 million frozen prepared seafood segment of the
$1.5 billion frozen seafood category.
Grain-based breakfast (7.8% of pro
forma net sales).
Our frozen grain-based breakfast product
line consists primarily of waffles, pancakes and French toast
marketed under the Aunt Jemima brand. We also distribute
these products through foodservice and private label channels.
The Aunt Jemima brand was established over a century ago and,
with a 13.2% share, is currently the number two brand in
the $646 million grain-based segment of the
$1.0 billion frozen breakfast category.
Bagels (6.7% of pro forma net
sales).
Our bagel product line consists primarily of
Lenders packaged bagels, which we distribute among all
scannable sections of the grocery store (i.e., the frozen,
refrigerated and the fresh bread aisles). We also supply bagels
to foodservice operators. Founded in 1927, Lenders ranks
number two in scannable bagels, with a 20.9% share of the
$559 million scannable bagel category.
Dry foods
Pickles, peppers and relish (17.3%
of pro forma net sales).
We offer a complete line of pickle,
pepper and relish products that we market and distribute
nationally, primarily under the Vlasic brand. We also distribute
these products through foodservice and private label channels.
Our Vlasic brand was introduced over 60 years ago, and we
believe that the Vlasic brand, together with our trademark
Vlasic stork, enjoy strong consumer awareness. Vlasic, with a
30.4% share (nearly twice that of its nearest branded
competitor), is the leading and only national brand in the
$527 million shelf-stable pickle segment of the
$1.0 billion pickles, peppers and relish category.
Baking mixes and frostings (17.0%
of pro forma net sales).
Our baking mixes and frostings
product line consists primarily of Duncan Hines cake mixes,
ready-to-serve frostings, brownie mixes, muffin mixes and cookie
mixes. Duncan Hines is a national premium brand that appeals to
the consumer who wants a quality, good as homemade
baking product. Duncan Hines was introduced in 1956 and, with a
18.2% share, is the number two brand in the
$1.3 billion baking mixes and frostings category.
2
Syrups and pancake mixes (8.1% of
pro forma net sales).
Our syrup and pancake mixes product
line consists primarily of products marketed under our Log Cabin
and Mrs. Butterworths brands. Our syrup line consists
of original, lite and sugar-free varieties. We also distribute
these products through the foodservice channel. Log Cabin
was introduced in 1888 and is the only national branded syrup
that contains real maple syrup. Mrs. Butterworths was
introduced in 1962 and, with its distinctive grandmother-shaped
bottle, appeals to families with children. In the
$497 million table-syrup category, Log Cabin and
Mrs. Butterworths hold the number two (11.2%)
and number three (8.9%) market share positions,
respectively.
The completed Pinnacle and Aurora
Transactions
On August 8, 2003, Crunch Holding Corp., a
Delaware corporation indirectly owned by J.P. Morgan
Partners, LLC (or one or more of its affiliates, as appropriate,
JPMP), J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. (or one or more
of its affiliates, as appropriate, JWC) and CDM
Investor Group LLC, together with JPMP and JWC, the
Sponsors, entered into a definitive purchase
agreement to acquire PFHC (the Pinnacle Merger). The
Pinnacle Transaction (as defined below) was consummated on
November 25, 2003. As of the closing date of the Pinnacle
Transaction, the Sponsors indirectly owned 100% of the issued
and outstanding stock of PFHC.
The funds required to finance the Pinnacle
Transaction were provided by (i) $200.0 million of old
notes, (ii) a $120.0 million term loan under our
senior secured credit facilities, (iii) $21.5 million
of borrowings under our revolving credit facility and
(iv) a $181.1 million equity investment in Crunch
Equity Holding, LLC, of which $180.3 million was provided
in cash by JPMP and JWC.
The merger, the issuance of $200.0 million
of old notes, the borrowings under our senior secured credit
facilities, the equity investment described above and the other
related transactions are collectively referred to in this
prospectus for convenience as the Pinnacle
Transaction.
On November 25, 2003, Aurora entered into a
definitive agreement (as amended on January 8, 2004, the
Merger Agreement) with Crunch Equity Holding, LLC
that provided that Aurora would undertake a comprehensive
restructuring transaction in which it would be combined with
PFHC (the Aurora Merger).
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement,
(i) the senior secured lenders under Auroras existing
credit facility were paid in full in cash in respect of
principal and interest and received $15 million in cash in
full satisfaction of the excess-leverage and asset-sale fees
under the existing credit agreement, (ii) the holders of
Auroras 12% senior unsecured notes due 2005 were paid
in full in cash in respect of principal and interest but did not
receive $1.9 million of unamortized original issue
discount, (iii) the holders of Auroras outstanding
8.75% and 9.875% senior subordinated notes due 2008 and
2007, respectively, received approximately 50% of the face value
of their senior subordinated notes in cash or, at the election
of each bondholder, equity interests in Crunch Equity Holding,
LLC (held indirectly through a bondholders trust) having a value
equal to approximately 53% of the face value of their senior
subordinated notes, (iv) all of Auroras trade
creditors were paid in full, (v) all other claims against
Aurora were unimpaired, except that Auroras St. Louis
headquarters leases were rejected, and (vi) the existing
common and preferred stockholders did not receive any
distributions and their shares were cancelled.
The total cost of the Aurora Merger, including
the repayment of existing debt and payment of estimated
transaction fees and expenses, was approximately
$952 million.
3
The funds required to finance the Aurora Merger
consisted of (i) the $201.0 million of gross proceeds
of the old notes, (ii) a $425.0 million term loan
drawn under the delayed-draw portion of our senior secured
credit facilities, (iii) $11.5 million of drawings
under the revolving portion of our senior secured credit
facilities, (iv) existing cash on the Aurora balance sheet
and (v) a cash equity investment of $84.4 million from
the Sponsors and $10.9 million from the Aurora bondholders.
After giving effect to the Aurora Transaction (as
defined below), JPMP and JWC collectively own approximately 48%
of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, the holders of Auroras
senior subordinated notes own approximately 43% of Crunch Equity
Holding, LLC and CDM Investor Group, LLC owns approximately 9%
of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC.
The Aurora Merger was consummated on
March 19, 2004. Aurora is the surviving entity in the
merger, and the combined business operates under the name
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. The combination of Aurora and PFHC is
being treated as a purchase, with Crunch Equity Holding, LLC as
the accounting acquiror in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 141, Business
Combinations.
The Aurora Merger, the offering of
$194 million of old notes, the borrowings under our senior
secured credit facilities described above, the equity investment
described above and the other related transactions are
collectively referred to in this prospectus for convenience as
the Aurora Transaction, and together with the
Pinnacle Transaction, the Transactions.
The financial sponsors
JPMP, formerly Chase Capital Partners, is a
global partnership with over $22 billion under management.
Since its inception in 1984, JPMP has been a leading provider of
private equity and has closed over 1,200 individual
transactions. JPMP has more than 130 investment professionals in
eight offices throughout the world. JPMP is an affiliate of
JPMorgan Chase & Co., one of the largest bank holding
companies with over $750 billion in assets.
JWC is a leading private equity firm based in
Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in leveraged buyouts and
recapitalizations of middle-market growth companies in
partnership with company management through J.W. Childs
Equity Partners III, L.P. and other funds it sponsors.
Since 1995, the firm has invested in 25 companies with a
total transaction value of over $5.1 billion. JWC presently
manages $3.4 billion of equity capital from leading
financial institutions, pension funds, insurance companies and
university endowments.
CDM Investor Group LLC is a merchant banking and
management firm focused principally on the food and consumer
sectors in the United States and Europe. In recent years
C. Dean Metropoulos and his management team have been
involved in more than 45 acquisitions with approximately
$8 billion of transaction value. In addition to PFHC and
Aurora, some of the recent transactions in which C. Dean
Metropoulos and his management team have provided senior
management include Stella Foods, The Morningstar Group,
International Home Foods, Ghirardelli Chocolates, Mumm and
Perrier Jouet Champagnes and Hillsdown Holdings, PLC (Premier
International Foods, Burtons Biscuits and Christie Tyler
Furniture).
Our principal executive offices are located at
6 Executive Campus, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002. Our
telephone number at that address is (856) 969-7100.
4
Summary of the terms of the exchange
offer
In connection with the closing of the
Transactions, we entered into exchange and registration rights
agreements with the initial purchasers of the old notes. Under
the agreements, we agreed to deliver to you this prospectus and
to complete the exchange offer by November 19, 2004. You
are entitled to exchange in the exchange offer your old notes
for exchange notes which are identical in all material respects
to the old notes except that:
the exchange notes have been
registered under the Securities Act and will be freely tradable
by persons who are not affiliated with us;
the exchange notes are not entitled
to registration rights which are applicable to the old notes
under the exchange and registration rights agreements; and
our obligation to pay additional
interest on the old notes if the exchange offer is not
consummated by November 19, 2004 at a rate of 1.0% per
annum does not apply to the exchange notes.
5
6
7
Summary of the terms of the exchange
notes
The following summary, which is provided
solely for your convenience, only contains basic information
about the exchange notes and is not intended to be complete. For
a more detailed description of the exchange notes, please refer
to the section entitled Description of notes in this
prospectus.
8
Risk factors
You should carefully consider all the information
contained in this prospectus and, in particular, the factors set
forth under Risk factors before participating in the
exchange offer.
9
PFGI summary historical consolidated financial
data
The following table sets forth summary historical
consolidated financial and other data for PFGI and its
subsidiaries as of and for the fiscal years ended July 31,
2002 and 2003, and as of and for the nine months ended
April 30, 2003 and 2004. The summary financial data as of
and for the years ended July 31, 2002 and 2003 have been
derived from PFGIs audited consolidated financial
statements and are qualified in their entirety by reference to
the PFGI consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in
this prospectus. The summary financial data for the nine months
ended April 30, 2003 and 2004 have been derived from
PFGIs unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus. In PFGIs opinion,
the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have
been prepared on the same basis as the PFGI audited consolidated
financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting of
only normal recurring adjustments (except as related to the
Pinnacle and Aurora Transactions), necessary for a fair
statement of the results for the unaudited interim periods. The
results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of
the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year. See
Presentation of financial and other data for a
description of how we present our financial data for the nine
months ended April 30, 2003 and 2004. You should read the
information set forth below in conjunction with the information
under PFGI managements discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations and the
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
10
11
Risk factors
You should carefully consider the risks
described below as well as other information and data included
in this prospectus before participating in the exchange offer.
All of the following risks could materially and adversely affect
our business, financial condition or results of operations. In
such a case, you could lose all of or a part of your original
investment.
Risks related to the notes
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely
affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our
operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy
or our industry and prevent us from meeting our obligations
under the notes.
Our consolidated indebtedness at April 30,
2004 was approximately $945.8 million, of which
$545.0 million was senior indebtedness.
Our high degree of leverage could have important
consequences for you, including the following:
it may limit our ability to obtain
additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures,
debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or
other purposes;
a substantial portion of our cash
flow from operations must be dedicated to the payment of
principal and interest on our indebtedness and is not available
for other purposes, including our operations, capital
expenditures and future business opportunities;
the debt service requirements of our
other indebtedness could make it more difficult for us to make
payments on the notes;
certain of our borrowings, including
borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities, are at
variable rates of interest, exposing us to the risk of increased
interest rates;
it may limit our ability to adjust to
changing market conditions and to withstand competitive
pressures;
our debt level may put us in a
competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have
less debt; and
we may be vulnerable in a downturn in
general economic conditions or in our business, or we may be
unable to carry out capital spending that is important to our
growth.
In addition, the indenture governing the notes
and our senior secured credit facilities permits us to incur
substantial additional indebtedness in the future. After giving
effect to the Aurora Transaction, as of April 30, 2004,
$118.5 million (after outstanding letters of credit of
$11.5 million) would have been available to us for
additional borrowing under our senior secured credit facilities.
If new indebtedness is added to our and our subsidiaries
current debt levels, the risks described above would increase.
Our debt agreements contain operating and
financial covenants that may restrict our business and financing
activities.
The operating and financial restrictions and
covenants in our senior secured credit facilities, the indenture
and any future financing agreements may restrict our ability to
finance future
12
make capital expenditures;
incur additional debt or issue
redeemable equity or preferred stock;
create certain liens;
enter into certain transactions with
affiliates;
make certain types of investments;
sell assets;
pay dividends or make distributions,
repurchase equity interests or make other restricted
payments; and
consolidate or merge with or into, or
sell substantially all of our assets to, another person.
In addition, our senior secured credit facilities
require us to maintain specified financial ratios and comply
with other financial covenants. Our ability to comply with those
financial ratios and covenants can be affected by events beyond
our control, and we may not be able to comply with such ratios
or covenants. A breach of any of these covenants could result in
a default under our senior secured credit facilities and/or
under the notes. Upon the occurrence of an event of default
under our senior secured credit facilities, the lenders could
elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our senior
secured credit facilities to be immediately due and payable and
terminate all commitments to extend further credit, which could
result in an event of default under the notes. If the lenders
under our senior secured credit facilities accelerate the
repayment of borrowings, we may not have sufficient assets to
repay our senior secured credit facilities and our other
indebtedness, including the notes. If we were unable to repay
those amounts, the lenders under our senior secured credit
facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them
to secure that indebtedness. We have pledged substantially all
of our assets as collateral under our senior secured credit
facilities.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash
to service all of our indebtedness, including the notes, and may
be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under
our indebtedness that may not be successful.
Our ability to pay principal and interest on the
notes and to satisfy our other debt obligations will depend
upon, among other things:
our future financial and operating
performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic
conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors
(such as fluctuations in interest rates, increased operating
costs, prices of ingredients and regulatory development), many
of which are beyond our control; and
the future availability of borrowings
under our senior secured credit facilities or any successor
facility, the availability of which depends or may depend on,
among other things, our complying with the covenants in our
senior secured credit facilities.
We cannot assure you that our business will
generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future
borrowings will be available to us under our senior secured
credit facilities in an amount sufficient to service our
indebtedness or to fund our liquidity needs. See
Disclosure regarding forward-looking statements,
PFGI managements discussion and analysis of
13
If our cash flows and capital resources are
insufficient to service our indebtedness, we may be forced to
reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek
additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness,
including the notes. These alternative measures may not be
successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt
service obligations. In addition, the terms of existing or
future debt agreements, including our senior secured credit
facilities and the indenture governing the notes, may restrict
us from adopting any of these alternatives. In the absence of
such operating results and resources, we could face substantial
liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material
assets or operations to meet our debt service and other
obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions
or to obtain the proceeds that we could realize from them, and
these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service
obligations then due. See Description of senior secured
credit facilities and Description of notes.
Our variable-rate indebtedness subjects us to
interest-rate risk, which could cause our annual debt service
obligations to increase significantly.
Certain of our borrowings, including borrowings
under our senior secured credit facilities, are at variable
rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If
interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the
variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount
borrowed remained the same, and our net earnings would decrease.
An increase of 1.0% in the interest rates payable on our
variable rate indebtedness would increase our pro forma fiscal
2004 estimated debt-service requirements by approximately
$5.5 million. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates
from current levels could cause our annual debt-service
obligations to increase significantly.
Your right to receive payment on the notes is
junior to our existing and future senior debt and the existing
and future senior debt of our guarantors.
The notes and the guarantees are subordinated in
right of payment to the prior payment in full of our and our
guarantors respective current and future senior debt,
including our and their obligations under our senior secured
credit facilities. The aggregate principal amount of our senior
debt outstanding as of April 30, 2004 was approximately
$545.0 million. As a result of the subordination provisions
of the notes, in the event of the bankruptcy, liquidation or
dissolution of us or any guarantor, our assets or the assets of
the applicable guarantor would be available to pay obligations
under the notes and other senior subordinated obligations only
after all payments had been made on our senior debt or the
senior debt of the applicable guarantor. Sufficient assets may
not remain after all of these payments have been made to make
any payments on the notes and our other senior subordinated
obligations, including payment of interest when due. In
addition, all payments on the notes and the guarantees are
prohibited in the event of a payment default on our designated
senior indebtedness and, for a limited period, upon the
occurrence of other defaults under our designated senior
indebtedness.
14
The notes and the guarantees are effectively
subordinated to all of our and our guarantors secured
indebtedness and all indebtedness of our non-guarantor
subsidiaries.
The notes are not secured. The borrowings under
our senior secured credit facilities are secured by liens on
substantially all of our and our domestic subsidiary
guarantors assets, including receivables, inventory,
equipment, real estate, leases, licenses, patents, brand names,
trademarks, contracts, securities and capital stock of
subsidiaries. If we or any of these guarantors declare
bankruptcy, liquidate or dissolve, or if payment under our
senior secured credit facilities is accelerated, the lenders
under our senior secured credit facilities would be entitled to
exercise the remedies available to a secured lender under
applicable law and will have a claim on those assets before the
holders of the notes. As a result, the notes are effectively
subordinated to our and our guarantors secured
indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing
that indebtedness, and the holders of the notes would in all
likelihood recover ratably less than the lenders of our and our
guarantors secured indebtedness in the event of our
bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution. As of April 30,
2004, we had $545.0 million of secured indebtedness
outstanding and an additional $118.5 million (after
outstanding letters of credit of $11.5 million) of secured
indebtedness was available for borrowing under the revolving
credit portion of our senior secured credit facilities.
In addition, the notes are effectively
subordinated to all of the liabilities of our subsidiaries that
do not guarantee the notes. In the event of a bankruptcy,
liquidation or dissolution of any of the non-guarantor
subsidiaries, holders of their indebtedness, their trade
creditors and holders of their preferred equity will generally
be entitled to payment on their claims from assets of those
subsidiaries before any assets are made available for
distribution to us. Under some circumstances, the terms of the
notes will permit our non-guarantor subsidiaries to incur
additional specified indebtedness. As of April 30, 2004,
the non-guarantor subsidiaries did not have any senior
indebtedness outstanding and had approximately $2.6 million
of trade payables outstanding.
If we are not able to repurchase the notes
upon a change of control, we would be in default under the
indenture and our senior secured credit facilities, permitting
the lenders under our senior secured credit facilities to
accelerate the maturity of the borrowings thereunder and to
institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets and we
could be forced to seek bankruptcy protection.
If a change of control occurs, we must offer to
repurchase all of the outstanding notes at 101% of the principal
amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the date of repurchase.
A change of control would also constitute an event of default
under our senior secured credit facilities, providing the
lenders under our senior secured credit facilities with the
right to accelerate our borrowings under the facilities and to
prevent payments in respect of the notes until outstanding
borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities were
repaid in full. In the event of such a default, the Trustee
under the indenture or the holders of the notes and the lenders
under our senior secured credit facilities could accelerate the
maturity of the notes and the borrowings under our senior
secured credit facilities, respectively, to be immediately due
and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the
lenders under our senior secured credit facilities could elect
to terminate their commitments thereunder, cease making further
loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets,
and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. In the
event of a change of control, we may not have sufficient funds
to purchase all the notes and to repay the amounts outstanding
under our senior secured credit facilities. Further, we will be
contractually restricted under the terms of our
15
Because each subsidiary guarantors
liability under its guarantee may be reduced to zero, avoided or
released under certain circumstances, you may not receive any
payments from some or all of the subsidiary
guarantors.
The holders of the notes have the benefit of the
full and unconditional guarantees of the subsidiary guarantors.
However, the guarantees by our subsidiary guarantors are limited
to the maximum amount that the subsidiary guarantors are
permitted to guarantee under applicable law. As a result, a
subsidiary guarantors liability under its guarantee could
be reduced to zero, depending upon the amount of other
obligations of the subsidiary guarantors. Further, under the
circumstances discussed more fully below, a court under federal
and state fraudulent conveyance and transfer statutes could void
the obligations under the guarantee or further subordinate it to
all other obligations of the subsidiary guarantor. In addition,
you will lose the benefit of a particular subsidiary guarantee
if it is released under certain circumstances described under
Description of notesThe guarantees.
Federal and state fraudulent transfer laws
permit a court to void the notes and any guarantees, and, if
that occurs, you may not receive any payments on the
notes.
Under the federal bankruptcy law and comparable
provisions of state fraudulent conveyance, claims in respect of
the old notes, the exchange notes and the subsidiary guarantees
could be voided or subordinated to all of our other debts or
those of any subsidiary guarantor if, among other things, either
the notes or the subsidiary guarantees were incurred with the
intent to hinder, delay or defraud any of our present or future
creditors or those of our subsidiary guarantors, or at the time
we or our subsidiary guarantors incurred the indebtedness
evidenced by the notes or the subsidiary guarantees, we or our
subsidiaries received less than reasonably equivalent value or
fair consideration for the incurrence of such indebtedness and
we or the subsidiary guarantor either:
were insolvent or rendered insolvent
by reason of such incurrence;
were engaged in a business or
transaction for which our or such guarantors remaining
assets constituted unreasonably small capital; or
intended to incur, or believed that
we or it would incur, debts beyond our or such guarantors
ability to pay such debts as they mature.
In addition, any payment by us or such subsidiary
guarantor pursuant to the notes or any subsidiary guarantee
could be voided and required to be returned to us or such
subsidiary guarantor, or to a fund for the benefit of our
creditors or those of such subsidiary guarantor.
The measures of insolvency for purposes of these
fraudulent transfer laws will vary depending upon the law
applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent
transfer has occurred. Generally, however, we or a subsidiary
guarantor would be considered insolvent if:
the sum of our or such subsidiary
guarantors debts, including contingent liabilities, was
greater than the fair saleable value of all of our or such
subsidiary guarantors assets;
16
the present fair saleable value of
our or such subsidiary guarantors assets was less than the
amount that would be required to pay our or such subsidiary
guarantors probable liability on existing debts, including
contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and
mature; or
we or any subsidiary guarantor could
not pay debts as they became due.
Additionally, under federal bankruptcy or
applicable state insolvency law, if certain bankruptcy or
insolvency proceedings were initiated by or against us within
90 days after payment by us with respect to the notes, or
if we anticipated becoming insolvent at the time of such
payment, all or a portion of such payment could be avoided as a
preferential transfer and the recipient of such payment could be
required to return the payment.
Based on historical financial information, recent
operating history and other factors, we do not believe that we
or any of our subsidiary guarantors are insolvent, have
unreasonably small capital for the business in which we and they
are engaged or have incurred debts beyond our or their ability
to pay such debts as they mature. There can be no assurance,
however, as to what standard a court would apply in making such
determinations or that a court would agree with our conclusions
in this regard.
If you do not properly tender your old notes,
you will continue to hold unregistered old notes and be subject
to the same limitations on your ability to transfer old
notes.
We will only issue exchange notes in exchange for
old notes that are timely received by the exchange agent
together with all required documents, including a properly
completed and signed letter of transmittal. Therefore, you
should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery of the
old notes and you should carefully follow the instructions on
how to tender your old notes. Neither we nor the exchange agent
are required to tell you of any defects or irregularities with
respect to your tender of the old notes. If you are eligible to
participate in the exchange offer and do not tender your old
notes or if we do not accept your old notes because you did not
tender your old notes properly, then, after we consummate the
exchange offer, you will continue to hold old notes that are
subject to the existing transfer restrictions and will no longer
have any registration rights or be entitled to any additional
interest with respect to the old notes. In addition:
if you tender your old notes for the
purpose of participating in a distribution of the exchange
notes, you will be required to comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any resale of the exchange notes; and
if you are a broker-dealer that
receives exchange notes for your own account in exchange for old
notes that you acquired as a result of market making activities
or any other trading activities, you will be required to
acknowledge that you will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of those exchange notes.
We have agreed that, for a period of
180 days after the exchange offer is consummated, we will
make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in
connection with any resales of the exchange notes.
After the exchange offer is consummated, if you
continue to hold any old notes, you may have difficulty selling
them because there will be fewer old notes outstanding.
17
An active trading market may not develop for
the exchange notes, in which case the trading market liquidity
and the market price quoted for the exchange notes could be
adversely affected.
The exchange notes are a new issue of securities
with no established trading market and will not be listed on any
securities exchange or automated dealer quotation system. The
liquidity of the trading market in the exchange notes, and the
market price quoted for the exchange notes, may be adversely
affected by changes in the overall market for high yield
securities and by changes in our financial performance or
prospects or in the prospects for companies in our industry
generally. As a result, you cannot be sure that an active
trading market will develop for the exchange notes. In addition,
if a large amount of old notes are not tendered or are tendered
improperly, the limited amount of exchange notes that would be
issued and outstanding after we consummate the exchange offer
would reduce liquidity and could lower the market price of those
exchange notes.
We are controlled by JPMP, which is an affiliate
of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., one of the initial
purchasers, JWC and CDM Investor Group LLC. As a result of this
affiliate relationship, if J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
conducts any market making activities with respect to the
exchange notes, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. will be
required to deliver a market making prospectus when effecting
sales of the exchange notes. For as long as a market making
prospectus is required to be delivered, the ability of
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. to make a market in the
exchange notes may, in part, be dependent on our ability to
maintain a current market making prospectus for its use. If we
are unable to maintain a current market making prospectus,
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. may be required to discontinue
its market making activities without notice.
Risks related to our business
We face significant competition in our
industry.
The food-products business is highly competitive.
Numerous brands and products compete for shelf space and sales,
with competition based primarily on product quality,
convenience, price, trade promotion, consumer promotion, brand
recognition and loyalty, customer service, advertising and
promotion and the ability to identify and satisfy emerging
consumer preferences. We compete with a significant number of
companies of varying sizes, including divisions or subsidiaries
of larger companies. Many of these competitors have multiple
product lines, substantially greater financial and other
resources available to them and may have lower fixed costs and
be substantially less leveraged than we are. We cannot assure
you that we will be able to compete successfully with these
companies. Competitive pressures or other factors could cause us
to lose market share, which may require us to lower prices,
increase marketing and advertising expenditures, or increase the
use of discounting or promotional campaigns, each of which would
adversely affect our margins and could result in a decrease in
our operating results and profitability. See
BusinessCompetition.
We are vulnerable to fluctuations in the price
and supply of food ingredients and packaging
materials.
The prices of the food ingredients we use are
subject to fluctuations in price attributable to, among other
things, changes in crop size and government-sponsored
agricultural and livestock programs. Changes in these prices
have a corresponding impact on the cost of finished products
and, as a result, could impact our gross margins. Our ability to
pass along cost increases to customers is dependent upon
competitive conditions and pricing methodologies
18
In our pickle business we rely primarily on
cucumbers and, along with our frozen dinners and entrees
business to a lesser extent, other produce supplied by
third-party growers. We also use significant quantities of corn
syrup, flour, sugar, fish, shrimp, eggs, cheese, vegetable oils,
shortening and other agricultural products as well as corrugated
fiberboard and plastic packaging materials provided by
third-party suppliers. We buy from a variety of producers and
manufacturers, and alternate sources of supply are readily
available. However, the supply and price are subject to market
conditions and are influenced by other factors beyond our
control, such as general economic conditions, unanticipated
demand, problems in production or distribution, natural
disasters, weather conditions during the growing and harvesting
seasons, insects, plant diseases and fungi.
We generally do not have long-term contracts
with our suppliers, and as a result they could increase prices
significantly or fail to deliver.
We typically do not rely on long-term
arrangements with our suppliers. Our suppliers may implement
significant price increases or may not meet our requirements in
a timely fashion, if at all. The occurrence of any of the
foregoing could increase our costs and disrupt our operations.
If we lose one or more of our major customers,
or if any of our major customers experience significant business
interruption, our results of operations and our ability to
service our indebtedness could be adversely affected.
We are dependent upon a limited number of large
customers with substantial purchasing power for a significant
percentage of our sales. Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
represented 17%, 14% and 13% of PFHCs consolidated net
sales in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and 17%, 18%
and 14% of Auroras consolidated net sales in the fiscal
years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
We do not have a long-term supply contract with any of our major
customers. PFHCs top ten customers accounted for
approximately 50% of PFHCs net sales in fiscal 2003. Sales
to Auroras ten largest customers represented approximately
50% of Auroras total net sales in fiscal 2003. The loss of
one or more major customers, a material reduction in sales to
these customers as a result of competition from other food
manufacturers or the occurrence of a significant business
interruption at our customers would result in a decrease in our
revenues, operating results and earnings and adversely affect
our ability to service our indebtedness.
Due to the seasonality of the business, our
revenue and operating results may vary quarter to
quarter.
Our sales and cash flows are affected by seasonal
cyclicality. Sales of frozen foods, including seafood, tend to
be marginally higher during the winter months, whereas sales of
pickles, relishes and barbecue sauces tend to be higher in the
spring and summer months and demand for Duncan Hines products
tends to be higher around the Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas
holidays. We pack the majority of our pickles during a season
extending from May through September and also increase our
seafood and Duncan Hines inventories at that time in advance of
the selling season. As a result, our inventory levels tend to be
higher in the first quarter of the fiscal year, and thus we
require more working capital in the first fiscal quarter.
19
Loss of any of our current co-packing
arrangements could decrease our sales and earnings and put us at
a competitive disadvantage.
We rely upon co-packers for our Duncan Hines cake
mixes, brownie mixes, specialty mixes and frosting products,
Chef Choice products, Open Pit product line, and a limited
portion of our other manufacturing needs. We believe that there
are a limited number of competent, high-quality co-packers in
the industry, and if we were required to obtain additional or
alternative co-packing agreements or arrangements in the future,
we cannot assure you we will be able to do so on satisfactory
terms or in a timely manner.
We may not be able to complete any future
acquisitions, which could restrict our ability to grow our
business; and if we fail to successfully integrate any future
acquisitions into our operations, our operating costs could
increase and our operating margins, operating results and
profitability may decrease.
We may not be able to identify and complete
additional acquisitions in the future, and our failure to
identify and complete acquisitions could restrict our ability to
grow our business beyond our existing brands. In addition, we
may require additional debt or equity financing for future
acquisitions. Such financing may not be available on favorable
terms, if at all. Also, if we do not successfully integrate
acquisitions, we may not realize anticipated operating
advantages and cost savings which would reduce our operating
margins, operating results and profitability. The acquisition
and integration of companies involves a number of risks,
including:
the risk that a proposed acquisition
will be prohibited by U.S. or foreign antitrust laws;
use of available cash or borrowings
under our senior secured credit facilities to consummate the
acquisition;
demands on management related to the
increase in our size after an acquisition;
the diversion of managements
attention from existing operations to the integration of
acquired companies;
difficulties in the assimilation and
retention of employees; and
potential adverse effects on our
operating results.
We may not be able to maintain the levels of
operating efficiency that acquired companies achieved
separately. Successful integration of acquired operations will
depend upon our ability to manage those operations and to
eliminate redundant and excess costs. We may not be able to
achieve the cost savings and other benefits that we would hope
to achieve from acquisitions, which could cause our financial
condition to deteriorate or result in an increase in our
expenses or a reduction in our operating margins, thereby
reducing our operating results and profitability.
Our failure to integrate the operations of
Aurora and PFHC and achieve cost savings would negatively impact
our results of operations and profitability.
A significant element of our business strategy is
the improvement of our operating efficiencies and a reduction of
our operating costs. The process of integrating the operations
of Aurora and PFHC may result in unforeseen difficulties and may
require a disproportionate amount of resources and management
attention. There can be no assurance that we will be successful
in integrating Aurora and PFHC or that such an integrated
company will perform as we expect,
20
We are subject to environmental laws and
regulations relating to hazardous materials used in or resulting
from our operations. Liabilities or claims with respect to
environmental matters could have a significant negative impact
on our business.
Our operations include the use, generation and
disposal of hazardous materials. We are subject to various
federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the
protection of the environment, including those governing the
discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management
and disposal of hazardous materials and the cleanup of
contaminated sites. In addition, our operations are governed by
laws and regulations relating to workplace safety and worker
health which, among other things, regulate employee exposure to
hazardous materials in the workplace. We could incur substantial
costs, including cleanup costs, civil or criminal fines or
sanctions and third-party claims for property damage or personal
injury, as a result of violations of, or liabilities under,
environmental laws and regulations or the noncompliance with
environmental permits required at our facilities. These laws,
regulations and permits also could require the installation of
pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit air
emissions or wastewater discharges and/or decrease the
likelihood of accidental releases of hazardous materials. We
cannot assure you that such costs will not be material.
We cannot predict what environmental or health
and safety legislation or regulations will be enacted in the
future or how existing or future laws or regulations will be
enforced, administered or interpreted. We can also not predict
the amount of future expenditures that may be required in order
to comply with such environmental or health and safety laws or
regulations or to respond to environmental claims. See
BusinessGovernmental, legal and regulatory
matters.
Our operations are subject to FDA and USDA
governmental regulation, and there is no assurance that we will
be in compliance with all regulations.
Our operations are subject to extensive
regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the
U.S. Department of Agriculture and other national, state
and local authorities. Specifically, we are subject to the Food,
Drug and Cosmetic Act and regulations promulgated thereunder by
the FDA. This comprehensive regulatory program governs, among
other things, the manufacturing, composition and ingredients,
packaging and safety of food. Under this program the FDA
regulates manufacturing practices for foods through its current
good manufacturing practices regulations and
specifies the recipes for certain foods. Our processing
facilities and products are subject to periodic inspection by
federal, state and local authorities. In addition, we must
comply with similar laws in Canada. We seek to comply with
applicable regulations through a combination of employing
internal personnel to ensure quality-assurance compliance (for
example, assuring that food packages contain only ingredients as
specified on the package labeling) and contracting with
third-party laboratories that conduct analyses of products for
the nutritional-labeling requirements.
21
Failure by us to comply with applicable laws and
regulations or maintain permits and licenses relating to our
operations could subject us to civil remedies, including fines,
injunctions, recalls or seizures, as well as potential criminal
sanctions, which could result in increased operating costs
resulting in a material effect on our operating results and
business. See BusinessGovernmental, legal and
regulatory matters.
We may be subject to significant liability
should the consumption of any of our products cause injury,
illness or death.
Our business is subject to product recalls in the
event of contamination, product tampering, mislabeling or damage
to our products. We cannot assure you that product-liability
claims will not be asserted against us or that we will not be
obligated to recall our products in the future. A
product-liability judgment against us or a product recall could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition or results of operations.
Litigation regarding our trademarks and any
other proprietary rights may have a significant negative impact
on our business.
We consider our trademarks to be of significant
importance in our business. Although we devote resources to the
establishment and protection of our trademarks, we cannot assure
you that the actions we have taken or will take in the future
will be adequate to prevent imitation of our products by others
or prevent others from seeking to block sales of our products as
an alleged violation of their trademarks and proprietary rights.
There can be no assurance that future litigation by us will not
be necessary to enforce our trademark rights or to defend us
against claimed infringement of the rights of others, or result
in adverse determinations that could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition or results of
operations. Our inability to use our trademarks and other
proprietary rights could harm our business and sales through
reduced demand for our products and reduced revenues.
Termination of our material licenses would
have a material adverse effect on our business.
We manufacture and market certain of our frozen
food products under the Swanson brand pursuant to two
royalty-free, exclusive and perpetual trademark licenses granted
by Campbell Soup Company. The licenses give us the right to use
certain Swanson trademarks both inside and outside of the United
States in connection with the manufacture, distribution,
marketing, advertising and promotion of frozen foods and
beverages of any type except for frozen soup or broth. The
licenses require us to obtain the prior written approval of
Campbell Soup Company for the visual appearance and labeling of
all packaging, advertising materials and promotions bearing the
Swanson trademark. The licenses contain standard provisions,
including those dealing with quality control and termination by
Campbell Soup Company as well as assignment and consent. If we
were to breach any material term of the licenses and not timely
cure such breach, Campbell Soup Company could terminate the
licenses.
We manufacture and market certain of our frozen
breakfast products under the Aunt Jemima brand pursuant to a
royalty-free, exclusive (as to frozen breakfast products only)
and perpetual license granted by The Quaker Oats Company. The
license gives us the right to use certain Aunt Jemima trademarks
both inside and outside the United States in connection with the
manufacture and sale of waffles, pancakes, French toast, pancake
batter, biscuits, muffins, strudel, croissants and all other
frozen breakfast products, excluding frozen cereal. The license
requires us to obtain the approval of The Quaker Oats Company
for any labels, packaging, advertising and promotional materials
bearing the Aunt Jemima trademark. The Quaker Oats
22
The loss of these licenses would have a material
adverse effect on our business.
If we are unable to retain our key management
personnel, our growth and future success may be impaired and our
financial condition could suffer as a result.
Our success depends to a significant degree upon
the continued contributions of senior management, certain of
whom would be difficult to replace. Departure by certain of our
executive officers could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition or results of operations. We do
not maintain key-man life insurance on any of our executive
officers. We cannot assure you that the services of such
personnel will continue to be available to us.
Our financial well-being could be jeopardized
by unforeseen changes in our employees collective
bargaining agreements or shifts in union policy.
As of July 1, 2004, we employed
approximately 3,400 people. Approximately 38% of our employees
are unionized. Although we consider our employee relations to
generally be good, failure to extend or renew our
collective-bargaining agreements or a prolonged work stoppage or
strike at any facility with union employees could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or
results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that
upon the expiration of our existing collective-bargaining
agreements, new agreements will be reached without union action
or that any such new agreements will be on terms wholly
satisfactory to us.
We are controlled by parties whose interests
may not be aligned with yours.
The Sponsors collectively own approximately 57%
of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC. Accordingly, the Sponsors control
our management and policies. Conflicts of interest could arise
in connection with potential acquisitions, the incurrence of
additional indebtedness, the payment of dividends and other
matters or as a result of transactions or potential transactions
between the Sponsors or their affiliates, on the one hand, and
us, on the other hand.
In addition, our Chief Executive Officer, C. Dean
Metropoulos, also serves as a director of National Waterworks,
Inc., a portfolio company of JPMP. Furthermore, C. Dean
Metropoulos, in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of CDM
Investor Group LLC, may manage or have an ownership interest in
other companies, including competing food companies. Service as
a director, involvement in management or ownership of both our
company and other companies, other than our subsidiaries, could
create or appear to create potential conflicts of interest when
faced with decisions that could have different implications for
us and the other companies. A conflict of interest could also
exist with respect to allocation of the time and attention of
persons who serve, manage or own both our company and one or
more other companies.
23
The exchange offer
Purpose and effect of the exchange
offer
We have entered into exchange and registration
rights agreements with the initial purchasers of the old notes,
in which we agreed to file a registration statement relating to
an offer to exchange the old notes for exchange notes. The
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part was
filed in compliance with this obligation. We also agreed to use
our reasonable best efforts to cause the exchange offer to be
consummated on or before November 19, 2004. The exchange
notes will have terms substantially identical to the old notes
except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with
respect to transfer restrictions, registration rights and
additional interest payable for the failure to have the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part
declared effective by October 20, 2004 or the exchange
offer consummated by November 19, 2004. Old notes in an
aggregate principal amount of $394,000,000 were issued on
November 25, 2003 and February 20, 2004.
Under the circumstances set forth below, we will
use our reasonable best efforts to cause the SEC to declare
effective a shelf registration statement with respect to the
resale of the old notes and to keep the shelf registration
statement effective for up to two years after the effective date
of the shelf registration statement. These circumstances include:
the exchange offer is not permitted
by applicable law or SEC policy;
prior to the consummation of the
exchange offer, existing SEC interpretations are changed such
that the debt securities received by the holders in the exchange
offer would not be transferable without restriction under the
Securities Act;
the exchange offer has not been
consummated on or before November 19, 2004; or
prior to the consummation of the
exchange offer, any holder notifies us in writing that it holds
any securities acquired by it that have, or that are reasonably
likely to be determined to have, the status of an unsold
allotment in the initial distribution of the securities, or any
holder notifies us in writing that it believes that it is not
entitled to participate in the exchange offer and such holder
has not received a written opinion of counsel to PFGI to the
effect that such holder is legally permitted to participate in
the exchange offer;
Each holder of old notes that wishes to exchange
such old notes for transferable exchange notes in the exchange
offer will be required to make the following representations:
any exchange notes to be received by
it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business;
it has no arrangement or
understanding with any person or entity, including any of our
affiliates, to participate in the distribution (within the
meaning of Securities Act) of the exchange notes in violation of
the Securities Act; and
it is not our affiliate,
as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, or, if it
is an affiliate, that it will comply with applicable
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act.
Resale of exchange notes
Based on interpretations of the SEC staff set
forth in no action letters issued to unrelated third parties, we
believe that exchange notes issued in the exchange offer in
exchange for old notes
24
such holder is not an
affiliate of ours within the meaning of
Rule 405 under the Securities Act;
such exchange notes are acquired in
the ordinary course of the holders business; and
the holder does not intend to
participate in the distribution of such exchange notes.
Any holder who tenders in the exchange offer with
the intention of participating in any manner in a distribution
of the exchange notes:
cannot rely on the position of the
staff of the SEC set forth in Exxon Capital Holdings
Corporation or similar interpretive letters; and
must comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with a secondary resale transaction.
If, as stated above, a holder cannot rely on the
position of the staff of the SEC set forth in Exxon
Capital Holdings Corporation or similar interpretive
letters, any effective registration statement used in connection
with a secondary resale transaction must contain the selling
security holder information required by Item 507 of
Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
This prospectus may be used for an offer to
resell, for the resale or for other retransfer of exchange notes
only as specifically set forth in this prospectus. With regard
to broker-dealers, only broker-dealers that acquired the old
notes as a result of market making activities or other trading
activities may participate in the exchange offer. Each
broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account
in exchange for old notes, where such old notes were acquired by
such broker-dealer as a result of market making activities or
other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver
a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange
notes. Please read the section captioned Plan of
distribution for more details regarding these procedures
for the transfer of exchange notes. We have agreed that, for a
period of 180 days after the exchange offer is consummated,
we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for
use in connection with any resales of the exchange notes.
Terms of the exchange offer
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal, we
will accept for exchange any old notes properly tendered and not
withdrawn prior to the expiration date. We will issue $1,000
principal amount of exchange notes in exchange for each $1,000
principal amount of old notes surrendered under the exchange
offer. Old notes may be tendered only in integral multiples of
$1,000.
The form and terms of the exchange notes will be
substantially identical to the form and terms of the old notes
except the exchange notes will be registered under the
Securities Act, will not bear legends restricting their transfer
and will not provide for any additional interest upon our
failure to fulfill our obligations under the exchange and
registration rights agreements to file, and cause to become
effective, a registration statement. The exchange notes will
evidence the same debt as the old notes. The exchange notes will
be issued under and entitled to the benefits of the same
indenture that authorized the issuance of the old notes.
Consequently, both series will be treated as a single class of
debt securities under that indenture.
25
The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any
minimum aggregate principal amount of old notes being tendered
for exchange.
As of the date of this prospectus, $394,000,000
aggregate principal amount of the old notes are outstanding.
This prospectus and the letter of transmittal are being sent to
all registered holders of old notes. There will be no fixed
record date for determining registered holders of old notes
entitled to participate in the exchange offer.
We intend to conduct the exchange offer in
accordance with the provisions of the exchange and registration
rights agreements, the applicable requirements of the Securities
Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the
Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Old
notes that are not tendered for exchange in the exchange offer
will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest and will
be entitled to the rights and benefits such holders have under
the indenture relating to the old notes.
We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange
properly tendered old notes when we have given oral or written
notice of the acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange
agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the
purposes of receiving the exchange notes from us and delivering
exchange notes to such holders. Subject to the terms of the
exchange and registration rights agreements, we expressly
reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer, and
not to accept for exchange any old notes not previously accepted
for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions
specified below under the caption Certain conditions
to the exchange offer.
Holders who tender old notes in the exchange
offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees,
or, subject to the instructions in the letter of transmittal,
transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of old notes. We
will pay all charges and expenses, other than those transfer
taxes described below, in connection with the exchange offer. It
is important that you read the section labeled Fees
and expenses below for more details regarding fees and
expenses incurred in the exchange offer.
Expiration date; Extensions;
Amendments
The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time
on ,
2004, unless we extend it in our sole discretion. In order to
extend the exchange offer, we will notify the exchange agent
orally or in writing of any extension. We will notify in writing
or by public announcement the registered holders of old notes of
the extension no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time,
on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration
date.
We reserve the right, in our sole discretion:
to delay accepting for exchange any
old notes;
to extend the exchange offer or to
terminate the exchange offer and to refuse to accept old notes
not previously accepted if any of the conditions set forth below
under Certain conditions to the exchange offer
have not been satisfied, by giving oral or written notice of
such delay, extension or termination to the exchange
agent; or
subject to the terms of the exchange
and registration rights agreements, to amend the terms of the
exchange offer in any manner.
Any such delay in acceptance, extension,
termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as
practicable by oral or written notice or public announcement
thereof to the registered holders of old notes. If we amend the
exchange offer in a manner that we
26
Without limiting the manner in which we may
choose to make public announcements of any delay in acceptance,
extension, termination or amendment of the exchange offer, we
shall have no obligation to publish, advertise, or otherwise
communicate any such public announcement, other than by issuing
a timely press release to a financial news service.
Certain conditions to the exchange
offer
Despite any other term of the exchange offer, we
will not be required to accept for exchange, or exchange any
exchange notes for, any old notes, and we may terminate the
exchange offer as provided in this prospectus before accepting
any old notes for exchange if in our reasonable judgment:
the exchange notes to be received
will not be tradable by the holder without restriction under the
Securities Act or the Exchange Act, and without material
restrictions under the blue sky or securities laws of
substantially all of the states of the United States;
the exchange offer, or the making of
any exchange by a holder of old notes, would violate applicable
law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the
SEC; or
any action or proceeding has been
instituted or threatened in any court or by or before any
governmental agency with respect to the exchange offer that, in
our judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair our ability
to proceed with the exchange offer.
In addition, we will not be obligated to accept
for exchange the old notes of any holder that has not made:
the representations described under
Purpose and effect of the exchange offer,
Procedures for tendering and Plan of
distribution, and
such other representations as may be
reasonably necessary under applicable SEC rules, regulations or
interpretations to make available to us an appropriate form for
registration of the exchange notes under the Securities Act.
We expressly reserve the right, at any time or at
various times on or prior to the scheduled expiration date of
the exchange offer, to extend the period of time during which
the exchange offer is open. Consequently, we may delay
acceptance of any old notes by giving oral or written notice of
such extension to the registered holders of the old notes.
During any such extensions, all old notes previously tendered
will remain subject to the exchange offer, and we may accept
them for exchange unless they have been previously withdrawn. We
will return any old notes that we do not accept for exchange for
any reason without expense to their tendering holder promptly
after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.
We expressly reserve the right to amend or
terminate the exchange offer on or prior to the scheduled
expiration date of the exchange offer, and to reject for
exchange any old notes not
27
These conditions are for our sole benefit and we
may, in our sole discretion, assert them regardless of the
circumstances that may give rise to them or waive them in whole
or in part at any or at various times except that all conditions
to the exchange offer must be satisfied or waived by us prior to
the expiration of the exchange offer. If we fail at any time to
exercise any of the foregoing rights, that failure will not
constitute a waiver of such right. Each such right will be
deemed an ongoing right that we may assert at any time or at
various times prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.
In addition, we will not accept for exchange any
old notes tendered, and will not issue exchange notes in
exchange for any such old notes, if at such time any stop order
is threatened or in effect with respect to the registration
statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the
qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended.
Procedures for tendering
Only a holder of old notes may tender such old
notes in the exchange offer. To tender in the exchange offer, a
holder must:
complete, sign and date the letter of
transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal; have
the signature on the letter of transmittal guaranteed if the
letter of transmittal so requires; and mail or deliver such
letter of transmittal or facsimile to the exchange agent prior
to the expiration date; or
comply with DTCs Automated
Tender Offer Program procedures described below.
In addition, either:
the exchange agent must receive old
notes along with the letter of transmittal; or
the exchange agent must receive,
prior to the expiration date, a timely confirmation of
book-entry transfer of such old notes into the exchange
agents account at DTC according to the procedures for
book-entry transfer described below or a properly transmitted
agents message; or
the holder must comply with the
guaranteed delivery procedures described below.
To be tendered effectively, the exchange agent
must receive any physical delivery of the letter of transmittal
and other required documents at the address set forth below
under Exchange agent prior to the expiration
date.
The tender by a holder that is not withdrawn
prior to the expiration date will constitute an agreement
between such holder and us in accordance with the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in
the letter of transmittal.
The method of delivery of old notes, the letter
of transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange
agent is at the holders election and risk. Rather than
mail these items, we recommend that holders use an overnight or
hand delivery service. In all cases, holders should
28
Any beneficial owner whose old notes are
registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender should
contact the registered holder promptly and instruct it to tender
on the owners behalf. If such beneficial owner wishes to
tender on its own behalf, it must, prior to completing and
executing the letter of transmittal and delivering its old
notes, either:
make appropriate arrangements to
register ownership of the old notes in such owners
name; or
obtain a properly completed bond
power from the registered holder of old notes.
The transfer of registered ownership may take
considerable time and may not be completed prior to the
expiration date.
Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice
of withdrawal described below must be guaranteed by a member
firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial
bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the
United States or another eligible institution within
the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act, unless
the old notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered:
by a registered holder who has not
completed the box entitled Special Issuance
Instructions or Special Delivery Instructions
on the letter of transmittal; or
for the account of an eligible
institution.
If the letter of transmittal is signed by a
person other than the registered holder of any old notes listed
on the old notes, such old notes must be endorsed or accompanied
by a properly completed bond power. The bond power must be
signed by the registered holder as the registered holders
name appears on the old notes and an eligible institution must
guarantee the signature on the bond power.
If the letter of transmittal or any old notes or
bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators,
guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others
acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons
should so indicate when signing. Unless waived by us, they
should also submit evidence satisfactory to us of their
authority to deliver the letter of transmittal.
The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed that
any financial institution that is a participant in DTCs
system may use DTCs Automated Tender Offer Program to
tender. Participants in the program may, instead of physically
completing and signing the letter of transmittal and delivering
it to the exchange agent, transmit their acceptance of the
exchange offer electronically. They may do so by causing DTC to
transfer the old notes to the exchange agent in accordance with
its procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an agents
message to the exchange agent. The term agents
message means a message transmitted by DTC, received by
the exchange agent and forming part of the book-entry
confirmation, to the effect that:
DTC has received an express
acknowledgment from a participant in its Automated Tender Offer
Program that is tendering old notes that are the subject of such
book-entry confirmation;
29
such participant has received and
agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal
(or, in the case of an agents message relating to
guaranteed delivery, that such participant has received and
agrees to be bound by the applicable notice of guaranteed
delivery); and
the agreement may be enforced against
such participant.
We will determine in our sole discretion all
questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time
of receipt), acceptance of tendered old notes and withdrawal of
tendered old notes. Our determination will be final and binding.
We reserve the absolute right to reject any old notes not
properly tendered or any old notes the acceptance of which
would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also
reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or
conditions of tender as to particular old notes. Our
interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer
(including the instructions in the letter of transmittal) will
he final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects
or irregularities in connection with tenders of old notes must
be cured within such time as we shall determine. Although we
intend to notify holders of defects or irregularities with
respect to tenders of old notes, neither we, the exchange agent
nor any other person will incur any liability for failure to
give such notification. Tenders of old notes will not be deemed
made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or
waived. Any old notes received by the exchange agent that are
not properly tendered and as to which the defects or
irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned to
the exchange agent without cost to the tendering holder, unless
otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, promptly
following the expiration date.
In all cases, we will issue exchange notes for
old notes that we have accepted for exchange under the exchange
offer only after the exchange agent timely receives:
old notes or a timely book-entry
confirmation of such old notes into the exchange agents
account at DTC; and
a properly completed and duly
executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents
or a properly transmitted agents message.
By signing the letter of transmittal, each
tendering holder of old notes will represent that, among other
things:
any exchange notes that the holder
receives will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business;
the holder has no arrangement or
understanding with any person or entity, including any of our
affiliates, to participate in the distribution of the exchange
notes;
if the holder is not a broker-dealer,
that it is not engaged in and does not intend to engage in the
distribution of the exchange notes;
if the holder is a broker-dealer that
will receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for
old notes that were acquired as a result of market making
activities, that it will deliver a prospectus, as required by
law, in connection with any resale of such exchange
notes; and
the holder is not our
affiliate, as defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act, or, if it is an affiliate, that it will comply
with applicable registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act.
30
Book-entry transfer
The exchange agent will make a request to
establish an account with respect to the old notes at DTC for
purposes of the exchange offer promptly after the date of this
prospectus; and any financial institution participating in
DTCs system may make book-entry delivery of old notes by
causing DTC to transfer such old notes into the exchange
agents account at DTC in accordance with DTCs
procedures for transfer. Holders of old notes who are unable to
deliver confirmation of the book-entry tender of their old notes
into the exchange agents account at DTC or all other
documents of transmittal to the exchange agent on or prior to
the expiration date must tender their old notes according to the
guaranteed delivery procedures described below.
Guaranteed delivery procedures
Holders wishing to tender their old notes but
whose old notes are not immediately available or who cannot
deliver their old notes, the letter of transmittal or any other
required documents to the exchange agent or comply with the
applicable procedures under DTCs Automated Tender Offer
Program prior to the expiration date may tender if:
the tender is made through an
eligible institution;
prior to the expiration date, the
exchange agent receives from such eligible institution either a
properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed
delivery by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery or a
properly transmitted agents message and notice of
guaranteed delivery:
the exchange agent receives such
properly completed and executed letter of transmittal or
facsimile thereof, as well as all tendered old notes in proper
form for transfer or a book-entry confirmation, and all other
documents required by the letter of transmittal, within
three (3) New York Stock Exchange trading days after the
expiration date.
Upon request to the exchange agent, a notice of
guaranteed delivery will be sent to holders who wish to tender
their old notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures
set forth above.
Withdrawal of tenders
Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus,
holders of old notes may withdraw their tenders at any time
prior to the expiration date.
31
For a withdrawal to be effective:
the exchange agent must receive a
written notice of withdrawal, which notice may be by telegram,
telex, facsimile transmission or letter, at one of the addresses
set forth below under Exchange agent; or
holders must comply with the
appropriate procedures of DTCs Automated Tender Offer
Program system.
Any such notice of withdrawal must:
specify the name of the person who
tendered the old notes to be withdrawn;
identify the old notes to be
withdrawn, including the principal amount of such old
notes; and
where certificates for old notes have
been transmitted, specify the name in which such old notes were
registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder.
If certificates for old notes have been delivered
or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to
the release of such certificates, the withdrawing holder must
also submit:
the serial numbers of the particular
certificates to be withdrawn; and
a signed notice of withdrawal with
signatures guaranteed by an eligible institution unless such
holder is an eligible institution.
If old notes have been tendered pursuant to the
procedure for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of
withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at
DTC to be credited with the withdrawn old notes and otherwise
comply with the procedures of such facility. We will determine
all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility,
including time of receipt, of such notices, and our
determination shall be final and binding on all parties. We will
deem any old notes so withdrawn not to have been validly
tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offer. Any
old notes that have been tendered for exchange but which are not
exchanged for any reason will be returned to the holder thereof
without cost to such holder (or, in the case of old notes
tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agents
account at DTC according to the procedures described above, such
old notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC for
old notes) promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or
termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn old notes
may be retendered by following one of the procedures described
under Procedures for tendering above at any
time prior to the expiration date.
Exchange agent
Wilmington Trust Company has been appointed as
exchange agent for the exchange offer. You should direct
questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional
copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal and
requests for the notice of guaranteed delivery to the exchange
agent addressed as follows:
32
DELIVERY OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN
ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION VIA
FACSIMILE OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A
VALID DELIVERY OF SUCH LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
Fees and expenses
We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders.
The principal solicitation is being made by mail; however, we
may make additional solicitations by telegraph, telephone or in
person by our officers and regular employees and those of our
affiliates.
We have not retained any dealer-manager in
connection with the exchange offer and will not make any
payments to broker-dealers or others soliciting acceptances of
the exchange offer. We will, however, pay the exchange agent
reasonable and customary fees for its services and reimburse it
for its related reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
Our expenses in connection with the exchange
offer include:
SEC registration fees;
fees and expenses of the exchange
agent and trustee;
accounting and legal fees and
printing costs; and
related fees and expenses.
Transfer taxes
We will pay all transfer taxes, if any,
applicable to the exchange of old notes under the exchange
offer. The tendering holder, however, will be required to pay
any transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or
any other person, if:
certificates representing old notes
for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are
to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any
person other than the registered holder of old notes tendered;
tendered old notes are registered in
the name of any person other than the person signing the letter
of transmittal; or
a transfer tax is imposed for any
reason other than the exchange of old notes under the exchange
offer.
If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes
is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of
such transfer taxes will be billed to that tendering holder.
Holders who tender their old notes for exchange
will not be required to pay any transfer taxes. However, holders
who instruct us to register exchange notes in the name of, or
request that old notes not tendered or not accepted in the
exchange offer be returned to, a person other than the
registered tendering holder will be required to pay any
applicable transfer tax.
Consequences of failure to exchange
Holders of old notes who do not exchange their
old notes for exchange notes under the exchange offer, including
as a result of failing to timely deliver old notes to the
exchange agent, together with all required documentation,
including a properly completed and signed letter of transmittal,
will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer of such old
notes:
as set forth in the legend printed on
the old notes as a consequence of the issuance of the old notes
pursuant to the exemptions from, or in transactions not subject
to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and
applicable state securities laws; and
33
otherwise as set forth in the
offering memorandum distributed in connection with the private
offering of the old notes.
In addition, you will no longer have any
registration rights or be entitled to additional interest with
respect to the old notes.
In general, you may not offer or sell the old
notes unless they are registered under the Securities Act, or if
the offer or sale is exempt from registration under the
Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as
required by the exchange and registration rights agreements, we
do not intend to register resales of the old notes under the
Securities Act. Based on interpretations of the SEC staff,
exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer may be
offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by their
holders, other than any such holder that is our
affiliate within the meaning of Rule 405 under
the Securities Act, without compliance with the registration and
prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided
that the holders acquired the exchange notes in the ordinary
course of the holders business and the holders have no
arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of
the exchange notes to be acquired in the exchange offer. Any
holder who tenders in the exchange offer for the purpose of
participating in a distribution of the exchange notes:
could not rely on the applicable
interpretations of the SEC; and
must comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with a secondary resale transaction.
After the exchange offer is consummated, if you
continue to hold any old notes, you may have difficulty selling
them because there will be fewer old notes outstanding.
Accounting treatment
We will record the exchange notes in our
accounting records at the same carrying value as the old notes,
as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchange.
Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for
accounting purposes in connection with the exchange offer. We
will record the expenses of the exchange offer as debt issuance
costs.
Other
Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary,
and you should carefully consider whether to accept. You are
urged to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your
own decision on what action to take.
We may in the future seek to acquire untendered
old notes in the open market or privately negotiated
transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise.
We have no present plans to acquire any old notes that are not
tendered in the exchange offer or to file a registration
statement to permit resales of any untendered old notes.
34
Disclosure regarding forward-looking
statements
This prospectus includes forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.
Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our
plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future
revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs,
plans or intentions relating to acquisitions, business trends
and other information that is not historical information and, in
particular, appear under the headings Summary,
Unaudited pro forma financial information,
PFGI managements discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations,
Aurora managements discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations and
Business. When used in this prospectus, the words
estimates, expects,
anticipates, projects,
plans, intends, believes,
forecasts and variations of such words or similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation,
managements examination of historical operating trends,
are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions.
Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good
faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them.
However, there can be no assurance that managements
expectations, beliefs and projections will result or be achieved.
There are a number of risks and uncertainties
that could cause our actual results to differ materially from
the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus.
Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ
materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this
prospectus are set forth in this prospectus, including under the
heading Risk factors. As stated elsewhere in this
prospectus, such risks, uncertainties and other important
factors include, among others:
general economic and business
conditions;
industry trends;
changes in our leverage;
interest rate changes;
changes in our ownership structure;
competition;
the loss of any of our major
customers or suppliers;
changes in demand for our products;
changes in distribution channels or
competitive conditions in the markets where we operate;
costs of integrating Aurora and any
future acquisitions;
loss of our intellectual property
rights;
fluctuations in price and supply of
raw materials;
seasonality;
our reliance on co-packers to meet
our manufacturing needs;
availability of qualified
personnel; and
changes in the cost of compliance
with laws and regulations, including environmental laws and
regulations.
35
There may be other factors that may cause our
actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements.
All forward-looking statements attributable to us
or persons acting on our behalf apply only as of the date of
this prospectus and are expressly qualified in their entirety by
the cautionary statements included in this prospectus. We
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or
circumstances.
36
The Transactions
On August 8, 2003, Crunch Holding Corp., a
Delaware corporation indirectly owned by the Sponsors, entered
into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire PFHC. The
Pinnacle Transaction was consummated on November 25, 2003.
As of the closing date of the Pinnacle Transaction, the Sponsors
indirectly owned 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of
PFHC.
The funds required to finance the Pinnacle
Transaction were provided by (i) $200.0 million of old
notes, (ii) a $120.0 million term loan under our
senior secured credit facilities, (iii) $21.5 million
of borrowings under our revolving credit facility and
(iv) a $181.1 million equity investment in Crunch
Equity Holding, LLC, of which $180.3 million was provided
in cash by JPMP and JWC.
On November 25, 2003, Aurora entered into
the Merger Agreement (as amended on January 8, 2004) with
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a company owned by the Sponsors. The
Merger Agreement provided that Aurora would undertake a
comprehensive financial restructuring (the
Restructuring) designed to reduce its outstanding
indebtedness, strengthen its balance sheet and improve its
liquidity. As part of the Restructuring, on March 19, 2004,
PFHC was merged with and into Aurora. Aurora is the surviving
entity in the merger, and the combined businesses operate under
the name Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. The combination of Aurora and
PFHC is being treated as a purchase, with Crunch Equity Holding,
LLC as the accounting acquiror in accordance with
SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations.
The total cost of the Aurora Merger, including
the repayment of existing debt and payment of estimated
transaction fees and expenses, was approximately
$952 million.
The Reorganization Plan and the Merger Agreement
Reorganization plan
On December 8, 2003, Aurora and Sea Coast,
or the Debtors, filed a reorganization plan, which set forth the
manner in which claims against and interests in the Debtors
would be treated following the Debtors emergence from the
Chapter 11 cases. On February 20, 2004, the First
Amended Joint Reorganization Plan of Aurora Foods Inc. and Sea
Coast Foods, Inc., as modified, dated February 17, 2004,
was confirmed by order of the Bankruptcy Court.
The Restructuring
In connection with the Restructuring pursuant to
the Plan, as of the date of the Aurora Transaction:
(i) Auroras existing lenders were paid in full in
cash in respect of principal and interest under Auroras
existing credit agreement (the Prepetition Credit
Agreement) and the existing lenders (the Prepetition
Lenders) received $15 million in cash in full
satisfaction of the excess-leverage fee and the asset-sale fee,
(ii) holders of Auroras existing senior unsecured
notes were paid in full in cash in respect of principal and
interest, but did not receive $1.9 million in respect of
unamortized original issue discount, (iii) Sub Debt Claims
(as defined below) received either (x) cash or
(y) equity in Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, as more fully
described below, (iv) existing equity interests did not
receive any distributions, and the existing equity interests
were cancelled, (v) all trade creditors were paid in full
and (vi) all other claims against Aurora were unimpaired.
Auroras St. Louis headquarters leases were rejected.
No other contracts were rejected.
37
On February 24, 2004, R2 Top Hat, Ltd., or
R2, a lender under Auroras existing credit agreement,
appealed the confirmation order and on March 1, 2004, R2
appealed the summary judgment order entered in connection with a
related adversary proceeding. R2 is challenging the validity of
the Amendment and Forbearance (the October
Amendment) dated as of October 13, 2003, among Aurora
and certain lenders under Auroras existing credit
agreement. R2 asserted in its objection to confirmation of the
Plan, and has alleged in its appeal, that the October Amendment
never became effective due to the failure to obtain the consent
of the requisite number of the existing Aurora lenders, and that
it is thus entitled to its pro rata share of certain fees which
were reduced in the October Amendment (which pro rata share is
approximately $6,850,000). We believe that the October Amendment
is valid and that R2s claims are without merit. We assumed
a liability of $20 million through the Aurora Transaction
with respect to our total exposure relating to these fees.
Allocation of equity
The Merger Agreement provides that each holder of
a claim for principal and interest (a Sub Debt
Claim) arising from its ownership of Auroras
9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007,
Auroras 9 7/8% Series C Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2007 and/or Auroras 8 3/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2008 (collectively, the Sub
Debt) had a choice either to elect to convert their Sub
Debt Claims into indirect interests of PFGI, or instead to
receive a cash payment.
Holders of Sub Debt Claims electing to receive
cash received approximately $0.462 for each dollar of their Sub
Debt Claims. Approximately $1.9 million was paid to holders
of Sub Debt Claims electing cash.
Holders of Sub Debt Claims who elected to receive
equity do not own interests in LLC directly, but instead
received interests in Crunch Equity Voting Trust, a Delaware
voting trust (the Bondholders Trust) formed to hold
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC interests on their behalf. Each
ownership interest in the Bondholders Trust (a Bondholders
Trust Interest) represents a corresponding interest in
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC. Holders electing equity interests
also had the right to subscribe in cash for additional
Bondholders Trust Interests. Holders owning approximately 99% of
Sub Debt Claims received Bondholder Trust Interests and
subscribed for an additional approximately $12.7 million of
Bondholder Trust Interests in connection with the consummation
of the Aurora Transaction.
The total amount of Bondholder Trust Interests
was initially valued at $225 million, subject to a net debt
adjustment. If net debt on the closing date of the Aurora
Transaction is determined to be greater than
$609.9 million, the value of the Bondholder Trust Interests
will be decreased correspondingly and the percentage ownership
of the Bondholders Trust in the Combined Company will decrease.
If the net debt on the closing date of the Aurora Transaction is
determined to be less than $595.9 million, the value of the
Bondholders Trust Interest will be increased correspondingly and
the percentage ownership of the Bondholders Trust in the
Combined Company will increase. The Bondholder Trust Interests
were estimated to be valued at closing at approximately
$236 million, consisting of an original $225 million
equity value plus an estimated net debt adjustment of
approximately $11 million. The value of the Bondholder
Trust Interests is subject to additional adjustment based on the
final net debt calculation. As of the date of this prospectus,
Auroras final net debt has not yet been determined.
38
In connection with the Aurora Transaction, JWC
invested approximately $42.2 million (of which
$42 million was invested directly in Crunch Equity Holding,
LLC, and approximately $0.2 million was invested in
Bondholder Trust Interests, which interests may be exchanged for
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC units upon expiration of the
indemnity agreement described under Certain relationships
and related transactions), JPMP invested approximately
$34.7 million (of which $34.5 million was invested
directly in Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, and approximately
$0.2 million was invested in Bondholder Trust Interests,
which interests may be exchanged for Crunch Equity Holding, LLC
units upon expiration of the indemnity agreement described under
Certain relationships and related transactions) and
an affiliate of Lexington Partners invested $7.5 million
directly in Crunch Equity Holding, LLC.
After giving effect to the Aurora Transaction,
JPMP and JWC collectively control approximately 48% of Crunch
Equity Holding, LLC, Bondholders Trust owns approximately 43% of
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC and CDM Investor Group LLC owns
approximately 9% of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC.
The combination of Aurora and PFHC is being
treated as a purchase, with Crunch Equity Holding, LLC as the
accounting acquiror, in accordance with SFAS No. 141,
Business Combinations.
39
Use of proceeds
We will not receive any cash proceeds from the
issuance of the exchange notes. In consideration for issuing the
exchange notes as contemplated in this prospectus, we will
receive in exchange old notes in like principal amount, which
will be cancelled and as such will not result in any increase in
our indebtedness.
The proceeds from the offering of the old notes
along with borrowings under our senior secured credit
facilities, and the proceeds from the Sponsors equity
investment was used to fund the Transactions and pay related
fees and expenses.
40
Capitalization
The following table sets forth our cash and cash
equivalents and capitalization as of April 30, 2004, on an
actual basis. You should read this table in conjunction with
The Transactions, PFGI managements
discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations, Aurora managements discussion and
analysis of financial condition and results of operations
and the consolidated financial statements and related notes
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
(1) Our senior secured credit facilities
consist of (i) a $130.0 million senior secured
revolving credit facility maturing November 25, 2009, of
which up to $65.0 million was made available on and after
November 25, 2003 and the remaining $65.0 million was
made available on February 20, 2004 and (ii) a
$545.0 million senior secured term loan facility maturing
November 25, 2010, of which up to $120.0 million was
funded on November 25, 2003 and up to $425.0 million
was made available as a delayed-draw term loan on
February 20, 2004.
(2) Includes unamortized premium of
$6.8 million.
41
Unaudited pro forma financial
information
The following unaudited pro forma statements of
operations of PFGI present information for the most recent
fiscal year ended July 31, 2003, and the nine months ended
April 30, 2004, as if the Pinnacle and Aurora Transactions
had occurred as of August 1, 2002, the beginning of the
most recently completed fiscal year. For months in the period of
time ended January 31, 2004, information for Aurora is
presented on a one-month lag. The impact of the one-month lag is
not significant. For months in the period of time subsequent to
January 31, 2004, information for Aurora is the actual
results for those months. The unaudited pro forma information
includes the actual results for the periods with pro forma
adjustments as described in the accompanying notes.
The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based
upon available information, the structure of the transactions
and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the
circumstances. The unaudited pro forma financial information
does not purport to represent what our results of operations
would have been had the Pinnacle and Aurora Transactions
actually occurred on the date indicated, nor do they purport to
project our results of operations for any future period. The
information set forth below should be read together with the
other information contained under the captions Use of
proceeds, Capitalization, PFGI selected
financial data, PFGI managements discussion
and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations, Aurora selected financial data and
Aurora managements discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations and the
historical consolidated financial statements included elsewhere
in this prospectus.
The merger of PFHC with Crunch Acquisition Corp.,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Holding Corp., is treated as
a purchase with Crunch Equity Holding, LLC (whose sole asset is
its indirect investment in the common stock of PFHC) as the
accounting acquiror in accordance with SFAS No. 141,
Business Combinations, and is being accounted for in
accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
88-16, Basis in Leveraged Buyout Transactions. The
allocation of the purchase consideration to assets and
liabilities is based, in part, on preliminary information that
is subject to adjustment upon obtaining complete valuation
information as of the date of the acquisition. Such adjustment,
possibly relating to inventories, fixed assets and intangible
assets, could be material. In addition, the acquisition
consideration is subject to a post-closing adjustment based on
PFHCs net working capital as of the closing date.
The combination of Aurora and PFHC is being
treated as a purchase, with Crunch Equity Holding, LLC as the
accounting acquiror, in accordance with SFAS No. 141.
For purposes of this pro forma analysis, the allocation of
consideration from the combination is based, in part, on
preliminary information that is subject to adjustment based upon
obtaining complete valuation information. Such adjustment,
possibly relating to inventories, fixed assets and intangible
assets, could be material. In addition, the acquisition
consideration is subject to a post-closing adjustment based on
Auroras adjusted net debt as of the closing date.
The unaudited pro forma financial statements have
not been adjusted to reflect any operating efficiencies that may
be realized as a result of the Transactions.
The unaudited pro forma financial information is
provided for illustrative purposes only. It does not purport to
represent what the results of operations of PFGI would actually
have been had the Pinnacle and Aurora Transactions occurred on
the date indicated, nor does it purport to project the results
of operations of PFGI for any future period.
42
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
43
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
44
Notes to PFGI unaudited pro forma
PFGI unaudited pro forma statement of operations
pro forma adjustments:
45
(a) Pursuant to the terms of the senior
credit facility, the interest rates are as follows:
Term
loan: Eurodollar rate +2.75%
Revolving
credit facility: Eurodollar rate +2.75%
(b) Deferred debt issuance costs are
amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the related
debt. Total fees amount to $37,669 with a weighted amortization
period of 7.9 years result in amortization expense of
$4,781 per year.
46
(c) A change in the interest rate of
one-eighth of one percent would change interest expense as
follows (assuming the revolver were fully drawn):
47
48
PFGI selected financial data
The following table sets forth selected
historical consolidated financial and other operating data for
PFGI and its subsidiaries as of and for the ten weeks ended
July 31, 2001, as of and for the years ended July 31,
2002 and 2003, and as of and for the nine months ended
April 30, 2003 and 2004 and financial and other operating
data for VFI (PFGIs predecessor) for the 42 weeks
ended May 22, 2001 and the 52 weeks ended
August 1, 1999 and July 30, 2000. The selected
historical financial data as of and for the nine months ended
April 30, 2003 and 2004 have been derived from PFGIs
unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus. In PFGIs opinion, the
unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been
prepared on the same basis as the PFGI audited consolidated
financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting of
only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair
statement of the results for the unaudited interim periods. The
results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of
the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year. The
selected financial data as of and for the ten weeks ended
July 31, 2001 and as of and for the years ended
July 31, 2002 and 2003 have been derived from the PFGI
consolidated financial statements and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the PFGI consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. On
May 22, 2001, Pinnacle acquired certain assets and assumed
certain liabilities of the North American business of VFI. The
North American business consisted of the Swanson frozen food,
Vlasic pickles, relish and peppers and Open Pit barbecue sauce
businesses. PFHC was incorporated on March 29, 2001, but
had no operations until the acquisition of the North American
business. The selected financial data for the ten weeks ended
July 31, 2001, include the results of operations from
May 23, 2001 through July 31, 2001. The selected
financial data for the 42 weeks ended May 22, 2001,
have been derived from the audited statement of operations of
the frozen foods and condiments businesses of VFI (PFGIs
predecessor) and are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The
selected financial data as of August 1, 1999 and
July 30, 2000 and for the fiscal years then ended have been
derived from unaudited financial statements of PFGIs
predecessor that are not included in this prospectus. You should
read the information set forth below in conjunction with the
information under PFGI managements discussion and
analysis of financial condition and results of operations
and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
49
(1) The predecessor financial data include
all the operations of VFI, which in fiscal 1999 included
VFIs operations in Argentina and Germany. VFI divested
these operations in fiscal 1999 but did not treat them as
discontinued operations because they did not comprise an entire
segment at the time of divestiture. Consolidated fiscal
1999 net sales includes $228,679 from the Argentine and
German operations and $719,262 from the North American business,
which we acquired on May 22, 2001.
(2) For purposes of computing the ratio of
earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of earnings (loss)
before income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of
(i) interest expense, including amortization of debt
acquisition costs and (ii) one-third of rent expense, which
management believes to be representative of the interest factor
thereon. The Predecessors earnings for the 52 weeks
ended August 1, 1999 and July 30, 2000 and the
42 weeks ended May 22, 2001, were insufficient to
cover fixed charges by $106.6 million, $40.7 million
and $50.5 million, respectively. PFGIs earnings for
the 10 weeks ended July 31, 2001 and the nine months
ended April 30, 2004, were insufficient to cover fixed
charges by $8.9 million and $67.9 million,
respectively.
50
PFGI managements discussion and analysis
of
The purpose of this section is to discuss and
analyze our consolidated financial condition, liquidity and
capital resources and results of operations. You should read
this analysis in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and notes that appear elsewhere in this prospectus.
This section contains certain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of federal securities laws
that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements
regarding our plans, objectives, goals, strategies and financial
performance. Our actual results could differ materially from the
results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a
result of factors set forth under Disclosure regarding
forward-looking statements and Risk factors
and elsewhere in this prospectus.
Overview
We are a leading producer, marketer and
distributor of high-quality, branded food products in two
business segments: (i) frozen foods and (ii) dry
foods. Our frozen foods segment consists primarily of Swanson
frozen dinners, entrees and breakfasts; Van de Kamps and
Mrs. Pauls frozen seafood; Aunt Jemima frozen
breakfasts and Lenders bagels. Our dry foods segment
consists primarily of Vlasic pickles, peppers and relish; Duncan
Hines baking mixes and frostings and
Mrs. Butterworths and Log Cabin syrups and pancake
mixes.
On May 22, 2001, we acquired certain assets
and assumed certain liabilities of the North American business
of VFI. The North American business consisted of the Swanson
frozen food, Vlasic pickles, relish and peppers and Open Pit
barbecue sauce businesses. We were incorporated on
March 29, 2001, but had no operations until the acquisition
of the North American business.
On August 8, 2003, Crunch Holding Corp., a
Delaware corporation indirectly owned by the Sponsors, entered
into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire PFHC. The
Pinnacle Transaction was consummated on November 25, 2003.
As of the closing date of the Pinnacle Transaction, the Sponsors
indirectly owned 100% of the issued and outstanding stock of
PFHC.
On November 25, 2003, Aurora entered into
the Merger Agreement with Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, which
provided that Aurora would undertake a comprehensive
restructuring transaction in which it would be combined with
PFHC. The Aurora Transaction (as previously defined) was
consummated on March 19, 2004. Aurora is the surviving
entity in the merger, and the combined businesses operate under
the name Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
In addition to critical accounting policies and
certain factors impacting results of operations, key indicators
focused on by management in evaluating operations include the
components of net sales outlined in the tables below, cost of
product sold as a percentage of net sales, marketing and selling
expenses, general and administrative expenses, and earnings
before interest and income taxes. In terms of financial
condition, we focus on working capital changes and cash flow
from operating activities excluding working capital changes. We
also closely monitor and control capital expenditures and our
obligations under our debt agreements. Since these key areas are
the focus of management, they are the backbone of our
managements discussion and analysis.
51
As of April 30, 2004, our consolidated
indebtedness was approximately $945.8 million, of which
$545.0 million was senior indebtedness. The degree to which
we are leveraged results in significant cash interest expense.
The discussion below for each of the comparative
periods is based upon net sales. We determine net sales in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP). Similar to other food companies, we
calculate our net sales by deducting trade marketing, slotting
and consumer coupon redemption expenses from shipments.
Shipments means gross sales less cash discounts,
returns and non-marketing allowances. We calculate
gross sales by multiplying the published list price of each
product by the number of units of that product sold.
Shipments is a non-GAAP financial measure. We
include it in our managements discussion and analysis
because we believe that it is a relevant financial performance
indicator for us as it measures the increase or decrease in our
revenues caused by shipping more or less physical case volume
multiplied by our published list prices. It is also a measure
used by our management to evaluate our revenue performance. This
measure is not recognized in accordance with GAAP and should not
be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance.
The following tables reconcile shipments to net
sales for the consolidated company, the frozen foods segment and
the dry foods segment for the years ended July 31, 2001,
2002 and 2003 and nine month periods ending April 30, 2003
and 2004.
(1) Represents the combined 52 weeks
ended July 31, 2001.
(1) Represents the combined 39 weeks
ended April 30, 2004.
52
Critical accounting policies and estimates
The preparation of financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
requires the use of judgment, estimates and assumptions. We make
such subjective determinations after careful consideration of
our historical performance, managements experience,
current economic trends and events and information from outside
sources. Inherent in this process is the possibility that actual
results could differ from these estimates and assumptions for
any particular period.
Our significant accounting policies are detailed
in Note 2 to the 2003 consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus. The following areas are
the most important and require the most difficult, subjective
judgments.
Revenue recognition.
Revenue consists of sales of our frozen food and dry food
products. We recognize revenue from product sales upon shipment
to our customers, at which point title and risk of loss are
transferred and the selling price is fixed or determinable.
Shipment completes the revenue-earning process, as an
arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed
and collectibility is reasonably assured. We account for
discounts and rebates to customers, returns and other
adjustments in the same period in which we record the related
sales.
Trade and consumer promotional
expenses.
We offer various sales
incentive programs to retailers and consumers. We record
consumer incentive and trade-promotion costs as a reduction of
revenues in the year in which we offer the programs. The
recognition of expense for these programs involves the exercise
of judgment related to performance and redemption estimates that
we base on historical experience and other factors. Actual
expenses may differ if the level of redemption rates and
performance vary from estimates. This caption also includes
slotting, which refers to payments to retailers to obtain shelf
placement for new and existing product introductions. We expense
the amount of slotting related to each customer in full at the
time of the first shipment of the new product to that customer.
Inventories.
We
state inventories at the lower of average cost and market value.
In determining market value, we record provisions for excess and
obsolete inventories. These adjustments are estimates, which
could vary significantly from actual requirements if future
economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive
conditions differ from expectations.
Long-lived and intangible
assets.
We have adopted the provisions
of SFAS No. 142 Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets. Pursuant to SFAS No. 142 we are required
to perform an annual assessment of our reporting units for
impairment. To assess impairment, we compare the reporting
units book value of net assets, including goodwill, to its
fair value. Fair value is estimated using a combination of
valuation approaches including the market value and income
approaches. In the event that book value exceeds the fair value,
we recognize an impairment to the extent the book value of
goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill for any
reporting unit, calculated by determining the fair value of the
assets and liabilities for the reporting unit. Deterioration in
future economic conditions, poor operating results in the
reporting units or new or stronger competitors could result in
an inability to recover the carrying value of the goodwill and
intangible assets, thereby requiring an impairment in the future.
Pensions and retiree medical
benefits.
We provide pension and
postretirement benefits to employees and retirees. Determining
the costs associated with such benefits depends on various
actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, expected return
on plan assets, compensation
53
Insurance reserves.
We retain liabilities under our workers compensation
insurance policy. An independent, third-party actuary estimates
the outstanding retained-insurance liabilities by projecting
incurred losses to their ultimate liability and subtracting
amounts paid-to-date to obtain the remaining liabilities. We
base actuarial estimates of ultimate liability on actual
incurred losses, estimates of incurred but not yet reported
lossesbased on historical information from both us and the
industryand the projected costs to resolve these losses.
Retained-insurance liabilities may differ based on new events or
circumstances that might materially impact the ultimate cost to
settle these losses.
Income taxes.
We
record income taxes based on the amounts that are refundable or
payable in the current year, and we include results of any
difference between GAAP and U.S. tax reporting that we
record as deferred tax assets or liabilities. Assessment of the
appropriate amount and classification of income taxes is
dependent on several factors, including estimates of the timing
and realization of deferred income tax assets and the timing of
income tax payments. Actual collections and payments may differ
from these estimates as a result of changes in tax laws as well
as unanticipated future transactions impacting related income
tax balances.
Stock options.
We
have elected to use Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees. SFAS No. 148, Accounting for
Stock-Based CompensationTransition and Disclosure, an
amendment of FASB Statement No. 123, requires us to
make pro forma disclosure of net earnings and earnings per share
as if we had applied the fair value method of accounting for
stock options in measuring compensation cost. Sale of our stock
is restricted. Except under certain circumstances, we have the
option to purchase at fair value all or any portion of the
shares of common stock acquired by exercise of options held by
employees in the event of termination or a change in control.
Such options to purchase can only be applied to shares held by
the employee for greater than six months. Accordingly, we
account for these options as fixed options. At the time an event
occurs that allows us to exercise our option, we will not record
compensation expense for the difference between fair value and
the exercise price.
Certain factors affecting results of operations
Accelerated
slotting.
In the food industry,
manufacturers of food products are required to pay slotting
expenses to retailers in order to obtain shelf placement. In our
frozen food business, we typically introduce new products once a
year, during our first fiscal quarter (August through October),
and we incur the majority of the related slotting expenses
during that same quarter. In the first quarter of fiscal 2003,
for example, we introduced our fiscal 2003 new frozen food
products and incurred $7.8 million of the total
$10.5 million of slotting expense associated with this
introduction at that time.
In the fourth quarter (May through July) of 2003,
we made a strategic decision to accelerate our fiscal 2004
frozen food product introductions into the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2003. As a result, we incurred an additional
$8.6 million of frozen food slotting expense in the fourth
quarter, increasing our total fiscal 2003 frozen food slotting
expense to $19.1 million. The decision to accelerate our
fiscal 2004 slotting expense into the fourth quarter of fiscal
2003 resulted in significantly higher fiscal 2003 slotting
expense than we have normally experienced.
54
Impairment charges.
Prior to the acquisition by Pinnacle, our predecessor, VFI, had
determined that the assets of one of our manufacturing
facilities in Omaha, Nebraska, had been impaired. In accordance
with GAAP, a $21.0 million charge was recorded in fiscal
2001 to reduce the carrying amount of the facility to its net
realizable value. The carrying value became impaired as a result
of a revision in our frozen food co-packing contract with
Campbell Soup Company discussed below.
Campbell Soup Company contract
termination.
Our predecessor, VFI,
produced certain frozen foodservice products for Campbell Soup
Company under a co-packing contract. In fiscal 2001 and before
the acquisition by us, Campbell Soup Company gave notice that it
would terminate the contract in the first quarter of fiscal
2002. Net sales to Campbell Soup Company were $0,
$9.9 million and $61.4 million in fiscal 2003, 2002
and 2001, respectively.
Impact of purchase accounting on cost of
products sold for the first nine months of fiscal 2004, fiscal
2002 and 2001.
Fiscal 2002 and 2001
include charges related to the excess of fair value over
manufactured cost of inventories at the time PFHC acquired the
business of VFI. In accordance with the requirements of purchase
method accounting for acquisitions, PFHC valued inventories as
of May 22, 2001 at fair value (net realizable value),
which, in the case of finished product, was $13.0 million
higher than VFIs historical manufacturing cost. Cost of
products sold in fiscal 2001 includes a pre-tax charge of
$12.5 million representing the excess of fair value over
manufactured cost at May 22, 2001, of inventories which
were sold subsequent to May 22, 2001. Cost of products
sold in fiscal 2002 includes a pre-tax charge of
$0.5 million representing the remainder of the excess of
fair value over manufacturing costs.
The first nine months of fiscal 2004 include
charges related to the excess of fair value over manufactured
cost of inventories at the time we acquired the businesses,
totaling $37.6 million. In accordance with the requirements
of purchase method accounting for acquisitions, we valued
inventories as of November 24, 2003 at fair value (net
realizable value), which, in the case of finished product, was
$26.3 million higher than PFHCs historical
manufacturing cost. Cost of products sold in the first nine
months of fiscal 2004 includes a pre-tax charge of
$26.3 million representing the excess of fair value over
manufactured cost at November 24, 2003, of inventories
which were sold subsequent to November 24, 2003. The first
nine months of fiscal 2004 also includes charges related to the
excess of fair value over manufactured cost of inventories at
the time of the Aurora Transaction. In accordance with the
requirements of purchase method accounting for acquisitions, we
valued inventories as of March 19, 2004 at fair value (net
realizable value), which, in the case of finished product, was
$13.2 million higher than Auroras historical
manufacturing cost. Cost of products sold in the first nine
months of fiscal 2004 includes a pretax charge of
$11.3 million, representing the excess of fair value over
manufactured cost at March 19, 2004, of inventories which
were sold subsequent to March 19, 2004.
Results of operations
The discussion below of fiscal 2001 is based on
the information for the 52 weeks ended July 31, 2001
and is the combination of the audited consolidated financial
statements of the frozen foods and condiments businesses of VFI
for the 42 weeks ended May 22, 2001 and our audited
consolidated financial statements for the ten-week period ended
July 31, 2001. For an in-depth description of the VFI
transaction and the related accounting treatment, see
Note 1 to our
55
The discussion below of the first nine months of
fiscal 2004 is based on the information for the 39-week
nine-month period ended April 30, 2004 and is the
combination of PFHCs consolidated financial statements for
the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003 and our
consolidated financial statements for the 23-week period ended
April 30, 2004. This combination represents what we believe
is the most meaningful basis for comparison of the fiscal 2004
nine month results with the fiscal 2003 nine month results,
although the combination is not in accordance with GAAP. This
combination represents what we believe is the most meaningful
basis for comparison, because the customer base, products,
manufacturing facilities and types of marketing programs were
the same under PFHC as they are under us. Also, the discussion
below for the first nine months of fiscal 2004 includes the
results of operations of the Aurora businesses from the date of
acquisition, March 19, 2004. As a result of the change in
ownership resulting from the Aurora Transaction and the
inclusion of results from the Aurora businesses since the
March 19, 2004 acquisition, these results are not
indicative of what the full 39-week nine-month period ended
April 30, 2004 would have been had the change in ownership
and the Aurora Transaction not occurred.
The following tables set forth statement of
operations data expressed in dollars and as percentages of net
sales.
(1) Represents the combined 52 weeks
ended July 31, 2001.
(2) Represents the combined 39 weeks
ended April 30, 2004.
56
(1) Represents the combined 52 weeks
ended July 31, 2001.
(2) Represents the combined 39 weeks
ended April 30, 2004.
Nine months ended April 30, 2004 compared
to nine months ended April 30, 2003
The discussion below of the first nine months of
fiscal 2004 is based on the information for the 39-week
nine-month period ended April 30, 2004 and is the
combination of PFHCs consolidated financial statements for
the 16 weeks ended November 24, 2003 and our
consolidated financial statements for the 23-week period ended
April 30, 2004. This combination represents what we believe
is the most meaningful basis for comparison of the fiscal 2004
nine month results with the fiscal 2003 nine month results,
although the combination is not in accordance with GAAP. This
combination represents what we believe is the most meaningful
basis for comparison, because the customer base, products,
manufacturing facilities and types of marketing programs were
the same under PFHC as they are under us. Also, the discussion
below for the first nine months of fiscal 2004 includes the
results of operations of the Aurora businesses from the date of
acquisition, March 19, 2004. As a result of the change in
ownership resulting from the Aurora Transaction and the
inclusion of results from the Aurora businesses since the
March 19, 2004 acquisition, these results are not
indicative of what the full 39-week nine-month period ended
April 30, 2004 would have been had the change in ownership
and the Aurora Transaction not occurred.
Net sales.
Shipments
in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 were
$646.6 million, an increase of $107.0 million, or
19.8%, compared to shipments in the first nine months of fiscal
2003 of $539.6 million; $99.0 million of the increase
was related to the Aurora Transaction. Net sales in the first
nine months of fiscal 2004 were $492.9 million, an increase
of $71.7 million, or 17.0%, compared to net sales in the
first nine months of 2003 of $421.2 million;
$64.5 million of the increase was related to the Aurora
Transaction.
57
Cost of products
sold.
Our cost of products sold was
$411.4 million, or 83.5% of net sales in the first nine
months of fiscal 2004, versus cost of products sold of
$326.7 million, or 77.6% of net sales in the first nine
months of fiscal 2003. The Aurora Transaction resulted in
$61.1 million of cost of products sold in the first nine
months of fiscal 2004, and includes additional costs of
$11.3 million related to post-acquisition sales of
inventories written up to fair value at the date of the Aurora
Transaction. The balance of cost of products sold was
$350.3 million, or 81.8% of net sales, in the first nine
months of fiscal 2004. The first nine months of fiscal 2004
includes additional costs of $26.3 million related to
post-merger sales of inventories written up to fair value at the
date of the Pinnacle Merger. In addition to these costs, this
percentage is also affected by changes in our aggregate trade
and consumer coupon redemption expenses that are classified as
reductions to net sales. Other factors contributing to improved
operating performance are favorable product mix, improved yields
and manufacturing plant efficiencies.
Marketing and selling
expenses.
Marketing and selling
expenses were $57.8 million, or 11.7% of net sales, in the
first nine months of 2004 compared to $45.0 million, or
10.7% of net sales, in the first nine months of 2003. The Aurora
Transaction contributed $7.3 million of the increase for
the first nine months of fiscal 2004. The balance of the
increase was due to higher advertising expense of
$5.3 million, primarily in support of our Vlasic business,
and increased consumer marketing expense of $1.4 million in
support of our Swanson business. These increases were offset by
lower selling expense, as a result of changes in our broker
commission structure.
Administrative
expenses.
Administrative expenses were
$29.3 million, or 6.0% of net sales, in the first nine
months of 2004 compared to $23.7 million, or 5.6% of net
sales, in the first nine months of 2003. The principal driver of
the $5.6 million increase is higher overhead expense
related to personnel costs caused by moving functions formerly
in Auroras St. Louis headquarters to Pinnacles
New Jersey offices.
Research and development
expenses.
Research and development
expenses were $2.1 million, or 0.4% of net sales, in the
first nine months of 2004 compared with $2.4 million, or
0.6% of net sales, in the first nine months of 2003.
Other expense
(income).
Other expense was
$39.2 million in the first nine months of 2004 as compared
to $2.4 million in the first nine months of 2003. This
increase was principally related to $27.3 million of
Pinnacle Merger related expenses in the first nine months of
fiscal 2004,
58
Earnings (loss) before interest and
taxes.
Earnings (loss) before interest
and taxes (EBIT) decreased $67.8 million to a loss of
$46.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 from
$21.0 million in EBIT in the first nine months of fiscal
2003. This decrease resulted from a $11.8 million decrease
in frozen foods EBIT, a $31.3 million decrease in dry foods
EBIT, and a $24.8 million increase in unallocated corporate
expenses. The increase in the unallocated corporate expenses was
principally related to $27.3 million of Pinnacle Merger
related expenses in the first nine months of fiscal 2004,
consisting primarily of $18.4 million of equity related
compensation expense, $4.9 million of Predecessor stock
option expense, $2.2 million of retention benefit payments,
and $1.7 million of change in control payments. In the
first nine months of fiscal 2003 the unallocated corporate
segment incurred a cost of $2.0 million in connection with
the early termination of a related party contract with our
Chairman and $0.7 million charge related to pre-acquisition
transaction costs relating to the proposed agreement to acquire
the Claussen brand (see Note 4 to the unaudited
consolidated financial statements).
59
Interest expense,
net.
Interest expense was
$21.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004,
compared to $8.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal
2003. Comparison of interest expense is not meaningful due to
the change in capital structure after the Pinnacle Merger and
the Aurora Transaction.
Provision for income
taxes.
The effective tax rate was 9.9%
in the first nine months of fiscal 2004, compared to 37.9% in
the first nine months of fiscal 2003. The principal reason for
the difference in effective rates is the non-deductibility of
the equity related compensation expense of $18.4 million
and deferred tax valuation allowances primarily due to the
Aurora Transaction. See Note 1 Summary of
Business Activities. The Company records deferred tax
liabilities for the differences between the book and tax bases
of certain goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets.
Under Internal Revenue Code Section 382,
Aurora is a loss corporation. Section 382 of the Code
places limitations on the ability of the Company to use
Auroras net operating loss carryforward to offset the
income of the Company. The annual net operating loss limitation
is approximately $12-15 million subject to other rules and
restrictions.
Fiscal year ended July 31, 2003 compared
to fiscal year ended July 31, 2002
Net sales.
Shipments
in fiscal 2003 were $749.3 million, an increase of
$23.3 million, or 3.2%, compared to shipments in fiscal
2002 of $726.0 million. Net sales in fiscal 2003 were
unchanged at $574.5 million as an increase in net sales of
frozen foods of $2.5 million was offset by a comparable
decrease in the net sales of dry foods.
Cost of products
sold.
Our cost of products sold was
$447.5 million, or 77.9% of net sales, in fiscal 2003, an
improvement of 0.8 percentage points from fiscal 2002, when
our cost of products sold was $452.1 million, or 78.7% of
net sales. This improvement was driven by favorable product mix,
reduced ingredient and packaging costs and improved yields and
60
Marketing and selling
expenses.
Marketing and selling
expenses were $57.9 million, or 10.1% of net sales, in
fiscal 2003 compared to $51.5 million, or 9.0% of net
sales, in fiscal 2002. The principal driver behind the
$6.4 million increase was higher Swanson advertising
expense of $9.3 million. Lower packaging design costs of
$1.6 million as compared to fiscal 2002, when packaging
design costs were higher than normal due to marketing
initiatives across the entire Swanson line and lower other
marketing and selling expenses of $1.3 million, offset the
increased advertising expense.
Administrative
expenses.
Administrative expenses were
$32.9 million, or 5.7% of net sales, in fiscal 2003
compared to $32.3 million, or 5.6% of net sales, in fiscal
2002. The $0.6 million increase in administrative expenses
in fiscal 2003 was driven primarily by a $1.3 million
provision related to two large customer bankruptcy filings.
Excluding this provision, administrative expenses would have
declined by $0.7 million, or 2.2%.
Research and development
expenses.
Research and development
expenses were $3.0 million, or 0.5% of net sales, in fiscal
2003 compared with $3.6 million, or 0.6% of net sales, in
fiscal 2002. The reduction was due to savings associated with
lower headcount.
Other expense
(income).
Other expense (income) was
$8.0 million in fiscal 2003 as compared to
$5.1 million in fiscal 2002. This increase was principally
related to a fiscal 2003 non-cash goodwill and intangibles
impairment loss of $4.9 million related to the Kings
Hawaiian frozen entree business acquired in fiscal 2002 (as
further described in Notes 2 and 15 to our 2003
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus) and a one-time cost in fiscal 2003 of
$2.0 million in connection with the early termination of a
related party contract with our Chairman (as further described
in Note 10 to our 2003 consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus). These increases were
offset by a net reduction in fiscal 2003 of $4.0 million in
pre-acquisition transaction costs relating to the proposed
agreement to acquire the Claussen brand (as further described in
Note 3 to our 2003 consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus) and a $0.8 million
gain in fiscal 2003 on an insurance claim related to finished
product inventories damaged in a public warehouse in fiscal 2002.
Earnings (loss) before interest and
taxes.
EBIT declined $4.7 million
to $25.1 million in fiscal 2003 from $29.8 million in
fiscal 2002. This decline resulted from a $15.7 million
decline in frozen foods EBIT partially offset by a
$11.6 million increase in dry foods EBIT. A
$0.6 million increase in unallocated corporate expenses
accounted for remainder of the change.
61
Interest expense,
net.
Interest expense was
$11.6 million in fiscal 2003, compared to
$14.5 million in fiscal 2002, a decline of 20.1%. A
decrease in related variable interest rates on borrowings under
our existing credit facility accounted for 90.2% of the decline
and the balance was due to lower average debt balances. Interest
income was $0.5 million in fiscal 2003, compared to
$0.8 million in fiscal 2002. The decline in interest rates
more than offset higher average cash balances.
Provision for income
taxes.
The effective tax rate was
39.5% in fiscal 2003, compared to 26.0% in fiscal 2002. The
principal reason for the lower effective tax rate in fiscal 2002
was the change in the deferred tax valuation allowance based
upon managements determination that there would be
sufficient income earned in the future to realize the majority
of the deferred tax asset.
Fiscal year ended July 31, 2002 compared
to combined 52 weeks ended July 31, 2001
The discussion below of fiscal 2001 is based on
the information for the 52 weeks ended July 31, 2001
and is the combination of the audited consolidated financial
statements of the frozen foods and condiments businesses of VFI
for the 42 weeks ended May 22, 2001 and our audited
consolidated financial statements for the ten-week period then
ended. For an in-depth description of the VFI transaction and
the related accounting treatment, see Note 1 to our 2003
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus. This combination represents what we believe is the
most meaningful basis for comparison to which you may compare
fiscal 2002 results, although the combination is not in
accordance with GAAP. We believe that this is the most
meaningful basis for comparison because the customer base,
products, manufacturing facilities and types of marketing
programs were the same under VFI as they are under us. As a
result of the change in ownership resulting from our acquisition
of the North American business of VFI, these results are not
indicative of what the full 52-week year 2001 would have been
had the change in ownership not occurred.
Net sales.
Shipments
in fiscal 2002 were $726.0 million, a decrease of
$40.1 million, or 5.2%, compared to shipments in 2001 of
$766.1 million. Net sales in fiscal 2002 were
$574.5 million, a decrease of 4.9%, as a decrease in net
sales of frozen foods of $55.7 million was partially offset
by an increase in net sales of dry foods of $26.1 million.
62
Cost of products
sold.
Our cost of products sold for
2002 was $452.1 million, or 78.7% of net sales in fiscal
2002, an improvement of 5.8 percentage points from fiscal
2001, when our cost of products sold was $510.7 million, or
84.5% of net sales. In addition to changes in production costs,
this percentage of net sales was affected by decreases in our
aggregate trade and consumer marketing expenditures that are
classified as reductions in net sales. Fiscal 2002 and 2001
included charges related to the excess of fair value over
manufactured cost of inventories at the time we acquired the
business from the predecessor. These charges were
$12.5 million in fiscal 2001 and $0.5 million in
fiscal 2002. The balance of the improvement was generated by
significant purchasing savings in fiscal 2002, which were
partially offset by the cost of Swanson product quality
improvements and the $6.7 million loss of contribution to
overhead absorption resulting from the Campbell Soup Company
contract termination. Fiscal 2001 also included charges for idle
asset write-offs of $3.0 million.
Marketing and selling
expenses.
Marketing and selling
expenses were $51.5 million, or 9.0% of net sales, in
fiscal 2002, compared to $41.9 million, or 6.9% of net
sales, in fiscal 2001. The principal drivers behind the
$9.6 million increase were higher advertising expenses of
$8.3 million, principally related to the Swanson Hungry-Man
television campaign that coincided with the product improvements
discussed above, and $1.6 million of increased package
design costs related to marketing initiatives across the entire
Swanson product line.
Administrative
expenses.
Administrative expenses were
$32.3 million, or 5.6% of net sales, in fiscal 2002,
compared to $44.5 million, or 7.4% of net sales, in fiscal
2001. Payments made by the predecessor related to pre-bankruptcy
professional fees and employee retention expense account for
68.0% of the decline. The balance is due to a lower level of
ongoing expenditures since we began managing the business.
Research and development
expenses.
Research and development
expenses were $3.6 million, or 0.6% of net sales in fiscal
2002, compared to $4.5 million, or 0.7% of net sales, in
fiscal 2001. The reduction was due to savings associated with a
reduction in headcount.
Other expense
(income).
Other expense (income) was
$5.1 million in fiscal 2002 compared to $17.3 million
in fiscal 2001. This decrease was principally related to an
asset impairment of $21.0 million in fiscal 2001 related to
a reduction in the carrying value of our Omaha frozen food plant
after the revised contract for frozen foodservice co-packing
with Campbell Soup Company, partially offset by a
$3.3 million credit related to the deferred compensation
settlement in amounts less than VFI had originally estimated and
by the $4.6 million charge in fiscal 2002 related to the
proposed agreement to acquire the Claussen brand (as further
63
Earnings (loss) before interest and
taxes.
EBIT increased to
$29.8 million in fiscal 2002 from a loss of
$14.7 million in fiscal 2001. This increase resulted from a
$8.6 million increase in frozen foods EBIT and a
$41.4 million increase in dry foods EBIT. A
$5.5 million increase in unallocated corporate expenses
accounted for the remainder of the change.
Liquidity and capital resources
Historical
Overview.
Our cash
flows are very seasonal. Typically we are a net user of cash in
the first quarter of our fiscal year (i.e., the quarter ending
in October) and a net generator of cash over the balance of the
year.
Our principal liquidity requirements have been,
and we expect will be, for working capital and general corporate
purposes, including capital expenditures and debt service.
Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately
$15 million in fiscal 2004. We have satisfied our liquidity
requirements with internally generated cash flows and
availability under our revolving credit facilities.
Statements of cash flows
Nine months ended April 30,
2004.
In the Predecessors
16 week period ending November 24, 2003 of fiscal
2004, cash usage as a result of operations was
$23.4 million, in the Successors 23 week period
ending April 30, 2004, cash generated as a result of
operations was $59.4 million, for a net cash increase as a
result of operations for the 39 week combined period ended
April 30, 2004 of $35.9 million. The cash increase
from operations is due to net earnings excluding non-cash
charges/credits and the impact of the flow through of the
write-up of
64
Capital expenditures were $5.2 million,
primarily for process improvement, cost savings and maintenance
capital.
In the first nine months of fiscal 2004, bank
overdrafts increased by $1.5 million resulting from the
timing of checks clearing the bank.
The other significant activities in our cash flow
for the first nine months of fiscal 2004 relate to the Pinnacle
and Aurora Transactions. Pinnacle Transaction consideration paid
was $361.1 million, Pinnacle Transaction costs were
$7.7 million, the Predecessor senior credit facility term
loan of $175.0 million was paid off, and debt acquisition
costs were $21.2 million. Cash inflows consisted of an
equity contribution of $180.3 million, long-term bank
borrowing of $120.0 million, borrowing under our bank
revolver of $21.5 million, and issuance of senior
subordinated notes of $200.0 million. Since the Pinnacle
Transaction, we have repaid $21.5 million of the revolver
borrowings. The Aurora Transaction consideration paid was
$888.9 million (including $225.1 million relating to
the exchange of Aurora senior subordinated notes for equity
interest in Crunch Equity Holding, LLC), transaction costs paid
were $12.9 million, and debt acquisition costs were
$16.5 million. Cash inflows consisted of the equity
contribution to Successor of $320.4 million (including
$225.1 million relating to the exchange of Aurora senior
subordinated notes for equity interest in Crunch Equity Holding,
LLC), term loan borrowings under the senior secured credit
facilities of $425.0 million and gross proceeds from the
February 2004 issuance of additional 8 1/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2013.
The net of all activities resulted in a decrease
in cash by $4.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal
2004.
Nine months ended April 30,
2003.
In the first nine months of
fiscal 2003, cash provided by operating activities was
$4.3 million, resulting from net earnings excluding
non-cash charges/credits of $29.9 million, partially offset
by increased working capital of $25.6 million. The
increased working capital was driven by higher receivables of
$10.0 million and payments of current liabilities.
Capital expenditures were $6.1 million,
primarily for process improvement, cost savings and maintenance
capital.
In the first nine months of fiscal 2003, bank
overdrafts decreased by $3.3 million resulting from the
timing of checks clearing the bank.
Debt principal payments of $7.5 million were
made on the Predecessors senior credit facility term loan.
The net impact of all other items was an increase
in cash flows of $0.4 million, for a total net of all
activities resulting in a decrease in cash of $12.2 million
in the first nine months of fiscal 2003.
Debt
In November 2003 we entered into a
$675.0 million senior secured credit facility with JPMorgan
Chase Bank and other financial institutions as lenders, which
provides for a $545.0 million
65
We may redeem all or a portion of the notes prior
to December 1, 2008, at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the notes plus a make-whole
premium. On or after December 1, 2008, we may redeem some
or all of the notes at the redemption prices listed below, if
redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on
December 1 of the years indicated below:
At any time prior to December 1, 2006, we
may redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount
of the notes with the net cash proceeds of certain equity
offerings at a redemption price equal to 108.250% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, so
long as (a) at least 65% of the original aggregate amount
of the notes remains outstanding after each such redemption and
(b) any such redemption by us is made within 90 days
of such equity offering.
If a change of control occurs, and unless we have
exercised our right to redeem all of the notes as described
above, the note holders will have the right to require us to
repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a purchase price in
cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued
and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.
As of April 30, 2004, our debt structure
consisted of (i) $394.0 million of old notes,
(ii) a $130.0 million senior secured revolving credit
facility maturing on November 25, 2009, of which up to
$65.0 million was made available on November 25, 2003
and the remaining $65.0 million was made available on the
closing date of the Aurora Transaction, and (iii) a
$545.0 million senior secured term loan facility maturing
November 25, 2010, of which up to $120.0 million was
made available on November 25, 2003 and up to
$425.0 million was made available as a delayed draw term
loan on the closing date of the Aurora Transaction. There were
no borrowings outstanding under the revolver as of
April 30, 2004.
Our borrowings under the new senior secured
credit facilities will bear interest at a floating rate and are
maintained as base rate loans or as Eurodollar loans. Base rate
loans bear interest at the base rate plus the applicable base
rate margin, as defined in the new senior secured credit
facilities. Base rates is defined as the higher of (i) the
prime rate and (ii) the Federal Reserve reported overnight
funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%. Eurodollar loans bear
interest at the adjusted Eurodollar rate, as described in the
new senior secured credit facilities, plus the applicable
Eurodollar rate margin.
The applicable margins with respect to our term
loan facility and our revolving credit facility will vary from
time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and agreed
upon pricing grids based on our leverage ratio as defined in our
new senior secured credit facilities. The
66
In the case of base rate loans: 1.75%
for the term loan and 1.75% for the revolving credit facility.
In the case of Eurodollar loans:
2.75% for the term loan and 2.75% for the revolving credit
facility.
The range of margins for the revolving credit
facility is:
In the case of base rate loans: 1.25%
to 1.75%.
In the case of Eurodollar loans:
2.25% to 2.75%.
A commitment fee of 0.50% per annum applies
to the unused portion of the revolving loan facility and
1.25% per annum applied to the delayed-draw term loan until
it became available for the Aurora Transaction. For the
23 weeks ended April 30, 2004, the weighted average
interest rate on the term loan was 3.96% and on the revolving
credit facility was 3.88%. As of April 30, 2004, the
Eurodollar interest rate on the term loan facility and the
revolver was 4.25% and the commitment fee on the undrawn
revolving credit facility was 0.50%. There were no borrowings
under the revolver as of April 30, 2004.
The term loan facility matures in annual 1%
installments from November 25, 2003 through
November 25, 2009, with the remaining balance due in 2010
and the revolving credit facility terminates on
November 25, 2009. The aggregate maturities of the term
loan and notes outstanding as of April 30, 2004 are:
$1.4 million in 2004, $5.5 million in 2005,
$5.5 million in 2006, $5.5 million in 2007,
$5.5 million in 2008 and $915.6 million thereafter.
Our new senior secured credit facilities and the
notes contain a number of covenants that, among other things,
limit, subject to certain exceptions, our ability to incur
additional liens and indebtedness, make capital expenditures,
engage in certain transactions with affiliates, repay other
indebtedness (including the notes), make certain distributions,
make acquisitions and investments, loans or advances, engage in
mergers or consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions and
joint ventures, sell assets, make dividends, amend certain
material agreements governing our indebtedness, enter into
guarantees and other contingent obligations and other matters
customarily restricted in similar agreements. In addition to
scheduled periodic repayments, we are also required to make
mandatory repayments of the loans under the senior secured
credit facilities with a portion of its excess cash flow, as
defined. In addition, our new senior secured credit facilities
contain, among others, the following financial covenants: a
maximum total leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio
and a maximum capital expenditure limitation, of which
measurement with compliance commenced on July 31, 2004.
The obligations under the senior secured credit
facilities are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by
each of our direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries
(collectively, the Guarantors). In addition, the
senior secured credit facilities are collateralized by first
priority or equivalent security interests in (i) all the
capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct or
indirect domestic subsidiary of the Company and 65% of the
capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct
foreign subsidiary of the Company, or any of its domestic
subsidiaries and (ii) certain tangible and intangible
assets of the Company and the Guarantors (subject to certain
exceptions and qualifications).
We pay a commission on the face amount of all
outstanding letters of credit drawn under the senior secured
credit facilities at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable
Margin then in
67
Fiscal 2003.
Cash
provided by operations was $33.0 million and was net of a
$10.8 million increase in working capital, principally
related to the timing of payment of liabilities and an increase
in inventories of $2.2 million, or 2.8%, to provide
improved customer service levels. Capital expenditures were
$8.8 million, primarily for process improvement, cost
savings and maintenance capital. Scheduled payments of
$15.0 million were made on the term loan. In fiscal 2003,
bank overdrafts decreased by $2.4 million resulting from
the timing of checks clearing the bank. The net of all
activities increased cash by $7.2 million in fiscal 2003.
Fiscal 2002.
Cash
provided by operations was $64.5 million, including a
$21.8 million reduction in working capital. As a result of
re-establishing normal trade terms with vendors following the
change in ownership in May 2001, accounts payable increased by
$11.9 million to more normal levels. Inventories decreased
by $8.2 million, principally in pickles, the result of our
decision to procure a lower cost local cucumber
crop. This resulted in less production in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2002 and more in the first quarter of fiscal 2003. This
does not impact year-end comparisons of fiscal 2002 with fiscal
2003. Accrued liabilities increased as the management incentive
bonus was accrued in fiscal 2002 but not paid until early fiscal
2003. There were no accrued bonuses as of July 31, 2001.
Capital expenditures were $19.5 million in fiscal 2002,
including $9.0 million related to the consolidation of
productive capacity at other facilities in connection with the
closing of one of our Omaha plants in March 2002 (as described
in Note 1 to the 2003 consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus). Cash payments for
business acquisitions were $7.4 million in fiscal 2002 and
principally related to the Kings Hawaiian frozen entree
acquisition, which we funded from our excess cash balance.
During fiscal 2002, we issued $2.2 million of common stock
related to purchases by key employees under our Stock Purchase
Plan. In fiscal 2002, bank overdrafts increased
$7.8 million related to a change in the depository for
temporary investments in early fiscal 2002. The net of all
activities increased cash by $47.5 million in fiscal 2002.
Fiscal 2001.
Cash
provided by operations was $21.4 million in the ten weeks
ended July 31, 2001. The principal drivers were the
seasonal collections of accounts receivable and the increase in
accounts payable and accrued liabilities with the beginning of
the return to more normal trade terms with vendors following the
change in ownership in May 2001 and the establishment of certain
liabilities that we did not assume from the predecessor. Capital
expenditures in the ten-week period were $1.7 million. The
most significant cash flow activity in fiscal 2001 was the
purchase of the North American business of VFI. Cash payments of
$341.8 million were funded with a $160.0 million
initial capital contribution from our existing equity investors
and a $190.0 million borrowing under our term loan credit
facility. See Note 1 to the 2003 consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more
details. The net of all activities increased cash by
$17.4 million in the ten weeks ended July 2001.
68
We have not discussed our predecessors cash
flows because it is not meaningful to our liquidity or capital
resources at this time.
Post Aurora Transaction
After giving effect to the Aurora Transaction, we
have a significant amount of indebtedness. See
Capitalization.
Our senior secured credit facilities and the
notes contain a number of covenants that, among other things,
limit, subject to certain exceptions, our ability to incur
additional liens and indebtedness, make capital expenditures,
engage in certain transactions with affiliates, repay other
indebtedness (including the notes), make certain distributions,
make acquisitions and investments, loans or advances, engage in
mergers or consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions and
joint ventures, sell assets, make dividends, amend certain
material agreements governing our indebtedness, enter into
guarantees and other contingent obligations and other matters
customarily restricted in similar agreements. In addition, our
senior secured credit facilities contain, among others, the
following financial covenants: a maximum total leverage ratio, a
minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum capital
expenditure limitation.
We believe that funds that we generate from
operations, along with our available borrowing capacity under
the revolving credit facility, will be adequate to fund our debt
service requirements, capital expenditures and working capital
requirements for the near future. As of April 30, 2004,
$118.5 million (after outstanding letters of credit of
$11.5 million) would have been available to us for
additional borrowing under our senior secured credit facilities.
We cannot assure you, however, that we will
generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future
borrowings will be available to us under the revolving credit
portion of our senior secured credit facilities in an amount
sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our
other liquidity needs.
The following table sets forth our long-term cash
contractual obligations, excluding interest, after giving effect
to the borrowings related to the Transactions.
Inflation
Inflation has not had a significant effect on us.
We have been successful in mitigating the effects of inflation
with aggressive cost reduction and productivity programs.
Although we have no such expectation, severe increases in
inflation, however, could affect the North American economies
and could have an adverse impact on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
69
Seasonality
Our sales and cash flows are affected by seasonal
cyclicality. Sales of frozen foods, including seafood, tend to
be marginally higher during the winter months, whereas sales of
pickles, relishes and barbecue sauces tend to be higher in the
spring and summer months and demand for Duncan Hines products
tends to be higher around the Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas
holidays. We pack the majority of our pickles during a season
extending from May through September and also increase our
seafood and Duncan Hines inventories at that time in advance of
the selling season. As a result, our inventory levels tend to be
higher in the first quarter of the fiscal year, and thus we
require more working capital in the first fiscal quarter. We are
a seasonal net user of cash in the first quarter which may
require us to draw on the revolving credit commitments under our
senior secured credit facilities.
New accounting pronouncements
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB
Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities. The provisions of FIN 46
will be the guidance that determines (i) whether
consolidation is required under the controlling financial
interest model of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51
(ARB 51), Consolidated Financial Statements (or
other existing authoritative guidance) or, alternatively,
(ii) whether the variable interest model under FIN 46
should be used to account for existing and new entities.
Non-public entities are required to apply the interpretation to
any pre-existing entities as of the first fiscal year beginning
after June 15, 2003. All enterprises will be required to
apply the transition disclosure requirements in financial
statements issued after February 1, 2003. FASB Staff
position FIN 46-6 (FSP FIN 46-6)
establishes the first interim or annual reporting period ending
after December 15, 2003 as the new effective date for
variable interest entities existing prior to February 1,
2003.
In December 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46
(revised 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entities (FIN 46R) to address certain
implementation issues. For non-public entities, there will be no
distinction in the rules between SPEs and non-SPEs, and the
effective dates are as follows:
For all entities created before
December 31, 2003, non-public entities will not be required
to adopt FIN 46 but will be required to adopt FIN 46R
as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting
period beginning after December 15, 2004.
For entities created after
December 31, 2003, non-public entities will apply the
provisions of FIN 46R as of the date they first become
involved with the respective entities.
The adoption of FIN 46R with respect to
entities created after December 31, 2003 did not have a
significant impact on our financial position and results of
operations. The adoption of FIN 46R with respect to
entities created before December 31, 2003 is not expected
to have a significant impact on our financial position and
results of operations.
In April 2003, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which is
effective for contracts entered into or modified after
June 30, 2003, with certain exceptions, and for hedging
relationships designated after June 30.
SFAS No. 149 is to be applied prospectively. The
adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our
financial position or results of operations.
In May, 2003, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and
Equity. The standard specifies that instruments within its
70
In December 2003, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), Employers
Disclosures about Pension and Other Postretirement
Benefits, an amendment of SFAS Statement Nos. 87, 88,
and 106 and a revision of SFAS No. 132
(SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003)). This
statement revises employers disclosures about pension
plans and postretirement benefit plans. The new rules require
additional disclosures about the assets, obligations, cashflows,
and net periodic cost of defined benefit pension plans and other
postretirement benefit plans. The new disclosures are effective
June 15, 2004. The interim period disclosures are effective
for interim periods beginning after December 31, 2003.
In December 2003, the SEC issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 104 (SAB 104), Revenue
Recognition, which supercedes SAB 101, Revenue
Recognition in Financial Statements. The primary purpose
of SAB 104 is to rescind accounting guidance contained in
SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements,
superceded as a result of the issuance of Emerging Issues Task
Force No. 00-21 (EITF 00-21),
Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple
Deliverables. Additionally, SAB 104 rescinds the
SECs Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (the
FAQ) issued with SAB 101 that had been codified
in SEC Topic 13, Revenue Recognition. Selected
portions of the FAQ have been incorporated into SAB 104.
While the working of SAB 104 has changed to reflect the
issuance of EITF 00-21, the revenue recognition principles
of SAB 101 remain largely unchanged by the issuance of
SAB 104. We adopted SAB 104 immediately upon its
issuance. There was no material impact from the adoption of
SAB 104 on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position
FAS 106-2, Accounting and Disclosure Requirements
Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and
Modernization Act of 2003 (FSP 106-2) which
supercedes Staff Position FSP 106-1 of the same name
(FSP 106-1). The Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Medicare
Act), which triggered FSP 106-1 and was signed by the
President on December 8, 2003, introduced a prescription
drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a
federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree healthcare benefit forms
that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent
to Medicare Part D. Pursuant to FSP 106-1, which was issued in
January 2004, we had elected to defer current recognition of the
effects of the Medicare Act in the accounting for its
prescription drug plan until authoritative guidance on the
accounting for the federal subsidy was issued. FSP 106-2, which
is effective for interim reporting periods beginning after
June 15, 2004, provides guidance on the accounting for the
effects of the Medicare Act for those employees with
prescription drug benefits that are actuarially equivalent to
the drug benefits under Medicare Part D. We are continuing to
evaluate the impact of the legislation, however, we do not
expect this law to have a material impact on our consolidated
financial statements.
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
We may utilize derivative financial instruments
to enhance our ability to manage risks, including interest rate
and foreign currency, which exist as part of our ongoing
business operations. We do not enter into contracts for
speculative or trading purposes, nor are we a party to any
leveraged derivative instrument. We monitor the use of
derivative financial
71
We rely primarily on bank borrowings to meet our
funding requirements. We may utilize interest rate swap
agreements or other derivative instruments to reduce the
potential exposure to interest rate movements and to achieve a
desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. We will
recognize the amounts that we pay or receive on hedges related
to debt as an adjustment to interest expense.
During April 2004, the Company entered into three
interest rate swap agreements with a counterparty to effectively
change the floating rate payments on its senior secured credit
facility into fixed rate payments. The first swap agreement
became effective April 26, 2004, terminates
December 31, 2004 and has a notional amount of
$545.0 million; the second swap agreement commences
January 1, 2005, terminates on January 1, 2006 and has
a notional amount of $450.0 million; and the third swap
agreement commences January 1, 2006, terminates on
January 1, 2007 and has a notional amount of
$350.0 million. Interest payments determined under each
swap agreement are based on these notional amounts, which match
or are expected to match the Companys outstanding
borrowings under the senior secured credit facility during the
periods that each interest rate swap is outstanding. Floating
interest rate payments to be received under each swap are based
on U.S. Dollar LIBOR, which is the same basis for
determining the floating rate payments on the senior secured
credit facility. The fixed interest rate payments that the
Company will pay under the swap agreements are determined using
the following approximate fixed interest rates: 1.39% for the
swap terminating December 31, 2004; 2.25% for the swap
terminating January 1, 2006; and 3.33% for swap terminating
January 1, 2007.
These swaps were not designated as hedges
pursuant to SFAS No. 133, Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. As of
April 30, 2004, the fair value of the interest rate swaps
was a gain of $6.2 million. Of this amount,
$3.1 million is recorded in Other current assets and
$3.1 million is recorded in Other assets, net in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet. The related offset is recorded as a
gain of $6.2 million and was recognized in interest expense
in the consolidated statement of operations for the twenty-three
weeks ended April 30, 2004. In June 2004, the swap for the
period January 1, 2006 to January 1, 2007 was
terminated at a gain of $3.5 million, of which
$2.9 million was included in the $6.2 million gain
recognized in the twenty-three weeks ended April 30, 2004.
As required by the senior secured credit
facilities in effect prior to the Pinnacle Merger, in September
2001, we entered into a zero cost collar for a one-year period
for the purpose of reducing our exposure to variable interest
rates. This collar required the counterparty to make payments to
us when the 30-day LIBOR interest rate exceeded 7% and required
us to make payments to the counterparty when the 30-day LIBOR
interest rate fell below 3.13%. Our payments increase interest
expense and the payments received reduce interest expense. In
September 2002, we entered into a new zero cost collar for a
one-year period. The new zero cost collar requires the
counterparty to make payments to us when the 30-day LIBOR
interest rate exceeds 5% and requires us to make payments to the
counterparty when the 30 day LIBOR interest rate falls
below 1.5%. Additionally, because these agreements are not
designated as hedges pursuant to Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities,
we recorded a credit to interest expense of $115 in each of the
first quarters of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003. The collar was
terminated in September 2003.
72
We utilize irrevocable standby letters of credit
with one-year renewable terms to satisfy workers
compensation self-insurance security deposit requirements. The
contract value of the outstanding standby letter of credit as of
April 30, 2004 was $10.8 million, which approximates
fair value. As of April 30, 2004, we also utilized letters
of credit in connection with certain Aurora leases in the amount
of $0.7 million, which approximates fair value.
We may also utilize foreign currency exchange
contracts, including swap and forward contracts, to hedge
existing foreign currency exposures. We recognize foreign
exchange gains and losses on derivative financial instruments,
and we offset foreign exchange gains and losses on the
underlying exposures. At April 30, 2004 and July 31,
2003, we had no outstanding foreign exchange contracts in place.
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of
non-performance by the other parties to derivative financial
instruments. All counterparties are at least A rated
by Moodys and Standard & Poors.
Accordingly, we do not anticipate non-performance by the
counterparties.
The table below presents the estimated expected
cash flows from our market risk sensitive financial instruments
for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2004, each of the
five fiscal years ending after July 31, 2004, and an
aggregate amount of expected cash flows for years thereafter
until maturity. Additionally, the pertinent contractual terms
are presented to assist in assessing future cash flows
associated with these instruments. Average notional amounts of
the aforementioned interest rate swaps are determined in
relation to the period of time such swaps are outstanding during
the applicable fiscal year being presented.
Average variable interest rates are based on
implied forward rates in the yield curve of the three-month
U.S. Dollar LIBOR as of April 30, 2004. The average
interest rate on the senior secured credit facility also
includes the applicable margin of 2.75%. A 1.0% increase
(decrease) in the variable interest rate applicable to our
senior secured credit facility would result in an approximate
$5.5 million increase (decrease) in our fiscal 2005
interest expense.
Market risk/raw materials, ingredients, packaging and
production costs
We purchase agricultural products, meat, poultry,
other raw materials and packaging supplies from growers,
commodity processors, other food companies and packaging
manufacturers using a combination of purchase orders and various
short- and long-term supply arrangements. To date, we have not
entered into commodity futures, options or other hedge
contracts. While all such materials are available from numerous
independent suppliers, raw materials are subject
73
Off-balance sheet arrangements
We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of
April 30, 2004.
74
Aurora selected financial data
The following table sets forth selected
historical consolidated financial and other operating data for
Aurora as of and for the years ended December 31, 2003,
2002, 2001 and 2000. On December 8, 2003, Aurora filed for
reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The
historical consolidated financial and other operating data
presented below for Aurora had been prepared assuming Aurora
would continue as a going concern and do not reflect the effects
of the reorganization that resulted from the aforementioned
bankruptcy process. The selected historical consolidated
financial data have been derived from Auroras audited
financial statements and we qualify this data in their entirety
by reference to the Aurora consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus. On August 14, 2003,
Aurora announced that its financial results for the years ended
December 31, 2002 and 2001, including certain interim
quarters, would be restated to reflect certain adjustments with
regard to deferred taxes. In addition to the restatement
adjustments, certain reclassifications were made to prior period
amounts to conform to the current-period presentation. See
Aurora managements discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations and the
Aurora consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in
this prospectus. The data presented below reflect these
adjustments and reclassifications. The comparability of the
selected financial data presented below is significantly
affected by a change in accounting principles in 2002 and by the
acquisitions and related financings completed by Aurora during
its history. The results of operations for the interim periods
are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for
the full year or any future period. You should read the
information set forth below in conjunction with the information
under Aurora managements discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations and the
Aurora consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
75
76
Aurora managements discussion and
analysis of
The purpose of this section is to discuss and
analyze the financial condition, liquidity and capital resources
and results of operations of Aurora, prior to the Aurora
Transaction. You should read the following discussion and
analysis of Auroras financial condition and results of
operations in conjunction with the historical financial
information included in the Aurora consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this
prospectus. Unless we otherwise note, fiscal years in this
discussion refer to Auroras December-ending fiscal years.
Overview
Aurora was a leading producer and marketer of
premium branded food products including Duncan Hines baking mix
products, Lenders bagel products,
Mrs. Butterworths and Log Cabin syrup products, Van
de Kamps and Mrs. Pauls frozen seafood
products, Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast products, Celeste frozen
pizza and Chefs Choice frozen skillet meals. Aurora
primarily competed in three industry segments: retail,
foodservice and other distribution channels.
Restatement
Aurora reevaluated its deferred tax accounting
and determined that its valuation allowance for net deferred tax
assets, which had been recorded by Aurora at December 31,
2002, should have been recorded at December 31, 2001 and
that Aurora should have provided for ongoing deferred tax
liabilities subsequent to January 1, 2002 (the effective
date of the adoption of SFAS No. 142) for certain of
the differences between the book and tax amortization of
Auroras goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles as
defined by SFAS No. 142. The impact of the adjustments
for the year ended December 31, 2001 was to increase income
tax expense and net loss by $65.4 million. For the year
ended December 31, 2002, the impact was to decrease tax
expense by $30.9 million, increase the expense recorded for
the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle by
$60.8 million, all of which increased the net loss by
$29.9 million. These adjustments do not affect previously
recorded net sales, operating income (loss) or past or expected
future cash tax obligations. While provision for this deferred
tax liability is required by existing accounting literature,
these potential taxes may only become payable in the event that
Aurora sells a brand at some future date for an amount in excess
of both the tax basis of the brand at that time and the
unexpired and unused net operating tax loss carryforwards
(NOL). At December 31, 2003, Auroras NOL
was in excess of $700 million and expires at various times
through the year 2023, primarily after 2018. This balance does
not reflect any potential future limitations on utilization of
the NOL resulting from transactions currently being contemplated
by Aurora nor any tax planning techniques available to Aurora.
Critical accounting policies and estimates
The accounting policies utilized by Aurora in the
preparation of its consolidated financial statements reflecting
its financial position and results of operations necessarily
require management to make estimates and use assumptions that
affect the reported amounts in these financial statements and as
a result they are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty.
Actual amounts may differ from those estimates under different
assumptions or conditions and as additional information becomes
available in future periods. Auroras accounting policies
are
77
Customer returns, allowances and
trade-promotional costs.
Trade
promotions and allowances represent significant expenditures for
Aurora and are critical to the support of its business.
Allowances and promotional expenses are given to customers to
promote the sale of Auroras products. Such costs include,
for example, amounts paid to obtain favorable display positions
in retailers stores, amounts paid to incent retailers to
offer temporary price reductions in the sale of Auroras
products to consumers and amounts paid to customers for shelf
space in retail stores (slotting fees). The total of all
returns, allowances, price discounts and trade promotions
(included in net sales) recorded during 2003 was approximately
$266 million, compared to $324 million during 2002.
These expenses have been reflected as a reduction of net sales
in accordance with the Emerging Issues Task Force
(EITF) 01-09, Accounting for Consideration
Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the
Vendors Products). Amounts for customer returns,
allowances and trade promotion are calculated, using estimated
performance for specific events and recorded when the product is
sold or in the period during which the promotions occur,
depending on the nature of the allowance and event. Settlement
of these liabilities typically occurs in subsequent periods
through payment to a customer or deduction taken by a customer
from amounts otherwise due to Aurora. As a result, the amounts
are dependent on the relative success of the events and the
actions and level of deductions taken by Auroras customers
for amounts they determine are due to them. Final resolution of
amounts appropriately deducted by customers may take extended
periods of time.
Consumer coupons.
Costs associated with the redemption of consumer coupons are
recorded at the later of the time coupons are circulated or the
related products are sold by Aurora, and are reflected as a
reduction of net sales. The total cost for redemption of
consumer coupons was approximately $11.1 million in 2003
and $11.2 million in 2002. Auroras liability for
coupon redemption costs at the end of a period is based upon
redemption estimates using historical trends experienced by
Aurora. Costs associated with the production and insertion of
Auroras consumer coupons are recorded as a component of
consumer promotion expense.
Inventories.
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value and
have been reduced by an estimated allowance for excess, obsolete
and unsaleable inventories. The estimate is based on
managements review of inventories on hand and its age,
compared to estimated future usage and sales.
Goodwill, intangible and other long-lived
assets.
Goodwill and other intangible
assets are accounted for in accordance with
SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
SFAS 142 requires the cessation of amortization of goodwill
and other indefinite-lived intangibles. Aurora performs annual
impairment tests for these assets as well as interim impairment
tests in the event of certain triggering events. At the adoption
of SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002, Aurora determined
that, in addition to goodwill, Auroras tradenames are also
indefinite-lived assets. The remaining intangible assets
consisting primarily of formulas and recipes, and customer lists
are classified as finite-lived assets and are being amortized
over their remaining useful lives. Aurora periodically assesses
the net realizable value of its other noncurrent assets,
including
78
Derivative financial instruments have been used
by Aurora, as required by its senior secured debt agreement, to
limit its exposure to significant increases in interest rates.
As of December 31, 2003, Aurora was no longer a party to
any derivatives.
Deferred tax assets have been recorded by Aurora
in prior periods, a significant portion of which represented net
operating loss carry forwards. Income tax expense primarily
includes non-cash tax adjustments resulting from Aurora
establishing a valuation allowance against its deferred tax
assets, as Aurora is no longer able to reasonably estimate the
period of reversal for deferred tax liabilities relating to
certain goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets as the
result of the adoption of SFAS No. 142. As a result,
Aurora may not rely on the reversal, if any, of deferred tax
liabilities associated with these assets to realize the deferred
tax assets. Due to cumulative losses as of December 31,
2001, Aurora could not rely, for accounting purposes, on
forecasts of future earnings as a means to realize the deferred
tax assets. Accordingly, Aurora has determined that, pursuant to
the provisions of SFAS No. 109, deferred tax valuation
allowances are required on those deferred tax assets. Aurora
also continues to record deferred tax liabilities for the
differences between the book and tax bases of certain goodwill
and indefinite lived intangible assets.
Revenue recognition.
Revenue is recognized upon shipment of product and transfer of
title to customers.
Accounting changes and reclassifications
Effective as of January 1, 2003, Aurora
classified cash discounts taken by customers for prompt payment
as a reduction of net sales, rather than as brokerage and
distribution expense. Net sales for 2002 and 2001 were reduced
by approximately $15.5 million and $15.8 million,
respectively, as a result of this reclassification.
Effective January 1, 2001, Aurora adopted
the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 133 (FAS 133), Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and recorded a
cumulative adjustment from adoption, net of tax, of
$2.3 million in Other Comprehensive Loss.
Effective January 1, 2002, Aurora adopted
the consensus reached in EITF 00-25 and 01-09, which
required that certain items, which had been classified as trade
promotions expense in prior years, be reclassified as reductions
of net sales. Adoption of the consensus had no impact on cash
flow or the reported amounts of operating income for any period.
Following this change, all payments made by Aurora to direct and
indirect customers to promote and facilitate the sale of
Auroras products are reflected as reductions of net sales.
Prior year amounts in the accompanying statement of operations
have been reclassified to conform with this new presentation.
On January 1, 2002, Aurora adopted
FAS 142. FAS 142 generally requires that
(1) recorded amounts of goodwill no longer be amortized, on
a prospective basis, (2) the amount of goodwill recorded on
the balance sheet of Aurora be evaluated annually for impairment
using a two-step method, (3) other identifiable intangible
assets be categorized as to whether they have indefinite or
finite lives, (4) intangibles having indefinite lives no
longer be amortized on a prospective basis, and (5) the
amount of intangibles having indefinite lives on the balance
sheet of Aurora be evaluated at least annually for impairment
using a one-step method.
79
During the first quarter of 2002, Aurora
determined that all identifiable intangibles have definite lives
with the exception of all of Auroras tradenames.
Amortization of the tradenames ceased January 1, 2002 and
the carrying values were tested for impairment as of that date
using a one-step test comparing the fair value of the asset to
its net carrying value. Aurora determined the fair value of the
tradenames based on valuations performed by outside parties
using the excess earnings approach. The fair value of all
tradenames exceeded their net carrying value except for the
Lenders and Celeste tradenames. The net carrying value for
these two tradenames was in excess of their fair value by
$155.6 million, which was recorded, net of tax of
$12.0 million, as a cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle.
The two-step method used to evaluate recorded
amounts of goodwill for possible impairment involves comparing
the total fair value of each reporting unit, as defined, to the
recorded book value of the reporting unit. If the book value of
the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit,
a second step is required. The second step involves comparing
the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of all
identifiable net assets that exist (the residual) to
the book value of goodwill. Where the residual is less than the
book value of goodwill for the reporting unit, an adjustment of
the book value down to the residual is required.
Results of the first step of Auroras
impairment test of goodwill, completed during the second quarter
of 2002, indicated goodwill impairment in two of Auroras
reporting units. Independent valuations using the discounted
cash flow and market comparable approaches indicated the fair
value of each reporting unit exceeded the book value for each
reporting unit except for Auroras seafood and Chefs
Choice businesses, primarily in the retail segment, due
principally to changes in business conditions and performance
relative to expectations at the time of acquisition. Based on
the results of the first step, Aurora recorded an estimated
goodwill impairment charge, as of January 1, 2002, for the
seafood and Chefs Choice reporting units, in the statement
of operations as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle. The results from the first quarter of 2002 were
restated in the second quarter to reflect this estimated charge.
Aurora completed the second step of its goodwill
impairment test for the seafood and Chefs Choice reporting
units during the fourth quarter of 2002. The results of the
second step indicated that the book value of goodwill for the
seafood and Chefs Choice reporting units, as of
January 1, 2002, exceeded the fair value of those two
reporting units, less the fair value of all identifiable net
assets, by $94.1 million. Consequently, Aurora has recorded
an additional charge in the statement of operations as a
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The final
goodwill impairment charge of $94.1 million, net of tax of
$9.5 million, has been recorded in the statement of
operations as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle effective as of January 1, 2002. The results from
the first quarter of 2002, previously restated in Auroras
Form 10-Q for the second quarter, are further restated
below to reflect the final goodwill impairment charge associated
with the adoption of FAS 142.
The adoption of FAS 142 resulted in total
impairment charges to goodwill and tradenames of
$249.6 million, which has been recorded, net of tax of
$21.5 million, as a cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle, effective as of January 1, 2002.
Effective January 1, 2002, with the adoption
of FAS 142, Aurora reclassified $1.6 million of other
intangibles to goodwill to comply with new intangible asset
classification guidelines in FAS 142.
80
The following schedule shows net loss and net
loss per share adjusted to exclude Auroras amortization
expense related to goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles
(net of tax effects) as if such amortization expense had been
discontinued in 2001 (in thousands):
Results of operations
Consolidated statements of
operations
All data for 2003 and 2002 have been presented on
a restated basis. See Note 2 to the Aurora consolidated
financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for
discussion on the restatement.
In 2003 and 2002, Aurora managed its business in
three operating segments, which are based on the distribution of
its products: retail, foodservice and other distribution
channels, as described in Note 24 to the Aurora
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus. This organization structure was put in place
following Auroras consolidation of administration in
St. Louis, Missouri in late 2000. The following discussion
and analysis of the results of operations, comparing 2003 to
2002 and 2002 to 2001, is based on those segments and that
organization structure where appropriate. References in the
discussion to market, category or segment sales, market share
and market positions reflect U.S. retail supermarket
information for the 52-week period ended in late December 2003,
2002 and 2001, as gathered by IRI. It should be noted that
beginning in fiscal 2001, this IRI information no longer
includes sales by Wal-Mart and its affiliates who accounted for
approximately 17%, 18% and 14% of Auroras net sales in
2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
81
Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to
the year ended December 31, 2002
The following tables set forth the results of
operations for the periods indicated as well as line items as a
percentage of net sales. Certain amounts from prior years have
been reclassified to conform to Auroras current year
presentation.
82
83
Results for the year ended December 31,
2002, include pretax adjustments of $20.1 million
principally from changes in estimates, which included net sales
adjustments of $17.7 million, principally for trade
promotion costs, along with a charge to cost of sales of
approximately $1.0 million for unresolved inventory
disputes and $1.1 million charged to selling, general and
administrative costs, principally associated with executive
severance.
84
Operating results by segment were as follows:
Net sales.
Net sales
in 2003 decreased $42.3 million, or 5.6% to
$714.1 million in 2003 from $756.4 million in 2002.
Total unit volume was down 9.0% during 2003 versus the prior
year. In the retail segment, volume declined 11.6% from the
prior year, primarily in Duncan Hines, bagels, and syrup.
Auroras shipments to its retail customers lagged
consumption as the trade reduced inventory levels and overall
weeks supply versus the prior year. Duncan Hines volumes
decreased 9.3% and net sales decreased by a similar percentage
due to increased competitive activity. Net sales of syrup
products decreased 10.2% due to the impact of a transition to an
everyday low price strategy and increased spending on consumer
marketing due to the introduction of a competitors new
product. Lenders bagels net sales decreased 9.7% from
prior year due to decreases in frozen and fresh bagel sales,
offset by increases in sales of refrigerated bagels.
Foodservice net sales increased $3.6 million
from prior year levels primarily as a result of an increase in
unit volume of 9.6% over prior year. This increased volume was
primarily due to increased shipments of Duncan Hines and Aunt
Jemima products. Net sales in other distribution channels
decreased $4.9 million, primarily due to weak sales of
baking and syrup products in drug, discount, and convenience
stores, offset by increased sales of private label bagels.
Gross profit.
Gross
profit increased $13.0 million or 5.0% to
$274.9 million in 2003 from $261.9 million in 2002.
Gross profit in 2003 as compared to 2002 was impacted by the
decline in net sales in 2003 and the net sales adjustments in
the prior year. Gross profit was positively impacted by reduced
trade spending and decreased slotting expenses. In addition,
reduced costs in syrup production as production was moved from
contract manufacturers to a Company owned facility and cost
savings resulting from the closings of the Yuba City and West
Seneca
85
Brokerage and distribution
expenses.
Brokerage and distribution
expenses decreased $6.5 million, or 6.4% in 2003 to
$95.0 million, due to lower inventory levels, resulting in
reduced inventory storage costs at third party distribution
facilities and savings from facility consolidations, offset by
higher per unit freight costs resulting from higher fuel costs.
Consumer marketing
expenses.
Consumer marketing expenses,
which include the costs of advertising and other events and
expenses to promote Auroras products directly with
the consumer, decreased $12.9 million or 50.1% to
$12.8 million in 2003 from $25.7 million in 2002. This
decrease was due to the lower levels of spending in 2003 on
seafood, bagel and baking products including less media
advertising and reduced couponing activity as Aurora introduced
fewer new products in 2003.
Amortization
expense.
Amortization expense
increased $2.2 million, primarily due to amortization of
the Chefs Choice trademark, which was not being amortized
during 2002. During the fourth quarter of 2002, Aurora
determined that this trademark had a finite life and it is now
being amortized over a three-year period.
Selling, general and administrative
expenses.
Selling, general and
administrative expenses decreased $4.2 million to
$54.8 million in 2003 from $59.0 million in 2002. The
decrease was principally due to corporate staff reductions and
reduction in market research and share data as Aurora reduced
expenditures for these items, offset by increases in incentive
compensation and bad debt expense.
Administrative restructuring, retention and
divestiture costs.
Approximately
$5.6 million was recorded during 2003 for the cost of
corporate staff reductions of approximately 75 through
terminations and elimination of open positions. Affected
employees are receiving severance pay in accordance with
Auroras policies. In addition, retention bonuses were
awarded to certain key employees if they remained with Aurora
through June 1, 2004, which are being charged to expense
ratably over that period. Aurora also incurred approximately
$2.4 million of legal, accounting and investment banking
costs related to the divestiture process. These costs were
expensed during 2003 due to the uncertainty that a divestiture
transaction would be completed.
Financial restructuring
costs.
As of December 8, 2003
(bankruptcy filing date), Aurora had incurred approximately
$16.8 million of legal, consulting, and investment banking
costs related to the restructuring efforts. In addition, Aurora
incurred approximately $1.2 million of professional fees
from the bankruptcy filing date through December 31, 2003,
which are reflected as reorganization items on the consolidated
statement of operations.
86
Goodwill and tradename impairment
charges.
Aurora completed its
impairment tests for goodwill and other indefinite-lived
intangible assets in December 2003. Based on the results of
those tests, a pre-tax charge of $220.5 million was
recorded for goodwill impairment for three of its business
units. See Note 8 to the Aurora consolidated financial
statements.
Plant closure and asset impairment
charges.
Approximately
$3.0 million was recorded as a result of an adjustment to
the recorded liabilities due to higher than expected proceeds
from the disposition of the assets at the Yuba City, California,
facility and the reinstatement of assets previously anticipated
to be sold. The remaining liability as of December 31, 2003
is less than $0.1 million and is expected to be paid during
2004.
Interest and financing
expenses.
Net interest expense,
decreased to $91.5 million in 2003 from $92.5 million
in 2002 primarily due to the bankruptcy filing as of
December 8, 2003, which stayed the interest related to all
debt except the senior secured debt. This benefit was offset in
part by increases in the margin that Aurora pays above floating
market rates pursuant to its senior secured debt agreement, as
amended, higher levels of indebtedness from the additional
financing obtained in June 2002, and the increase in the
interest rates to the post-default interest rates beginning in
September 2003.
In addition, Aurora recorded $35.1 million
of excess leverage and asset sale fees related to the senior
secured debt agreement, as amended, as the October 13, 2003
amendment to the senior secured debt agreement required payment
of the entire amount unless all outstanding obligations pursuant
to the agreement were repaid on or prior to March 31, 2004.
As the date of the consummation of the plan was not known as of
December 31, 2003, Aurora recorded the full amount of the
excess leverage fees as of December 31, 2003.
Net market adjustments associated with
Auroras derivative instruments, which were not effective
as hedges as determined by FAS 133, resulted in
$1.4 million of expense in 2003, compared to
$12.1 million in 2002.
Amortization of deferred financing expenses
decreased $2.9 million from $7.7 million in 2002 to
$4.7 million in 2003. During the second quarter of 2002,
Aurora expensed approximately $1.9 million of previously
deferred financing costs related to credit agreement amendments,
which were replaced by the June 27, 2002 amendment. During
the fourth quarter of 2002, Aurora expensed approximately
$1.9 million of deferred financing costs related to the
June 27, 2002 credit agreement amendment that was replaced
by the February 21, 2003 amendment.
Income tax expense.
Aurora recorded a net income tax benefit in 2003 of
$28.0 million as compared to income tax expense of
$115.9 million in 2002. An income tax benefit of
approximately $50.1 million was recorded related to the
goodwill impairment charge of $220.5 million. Offsetting
this benefit was income tax expense of approximately
$22.1 million recorded for the year primarily due to
non-cash tax adjustments to establish a valuation allowance
against the deferred tax assets, as it was no longer reasonable
to estimate the period of reversal, if any, for deferred tax
liabilities related to certain goodwill and indefinite lived
intangible assets as the result of the adoption of FAS 142.
No additional income tax benefit associated with the pre-tax
loss was recorded during 2003.
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting.
Effective January 1,
2002, Aurora adopted FAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets. As a result, Aurora recorded a cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle of $228.2 million, net of
tax in the accompanying statement of operations.
87
Year ended December 31, 2002 compared to
the year ended December 31, 2001
The following tables set forth the results of
operations for the periods indicated as well as line items as a
percentage of net sales. Certain amounts from prior years have
been reclassified to conform to Auroras current year
presentation.
88
Results for the year ended December 31, 2002
include pretax adjustments of $20.1 million recorded during
the first quarter of 2002 principally from changes in estimates.
These adjustments consisted primarily of net sales adjustments
of $17.7 million, principally for trade-promotion costs,
along with a charge to cost of sales of approximately
$1.0 million for unresolved inventory disputes and
$1.1 million charged to selling, general and administrative
costs, principally associated with an executives
severance. The trade-promotion adjustments were a result of
updated evaluations of Auroras reserves and assumptions
for such costs. Settlement of trade-promotion costs has
historically occurred when a customer deducts, from
89
Operating results by segment were as follows:
Net sales.
Net sales
in 2002 decreased $70.0 million, or 8.5% from 2001, as a
result of increased trade spending levels, the first quarter
adjustments discussed above and unfavorable mix of products and
distribution channel sales as a result of higher sales of lower
priced products. Net sales in 2002 as compared to 2001 were
impacted by retail volume decreases of approximately 2.4% in
seafood products, bagels, frozen pizza, skillet meals and
syrups, which were offset in part by increased volume sales of
frozen breakfast and baking products. The seafood sales decline
resulted from stronger than expected industry sales of private
label shrimp, which reduced sales and consumption of traditional
fish products during the Lent season. Shrimp prices were
significantly below historical levels. These seafood declines in
the Mrs. Pauls brand were offset by sales of its new
shrimp bowl meals, resulting in no volume change for the brand.
However, Aurora reduced its seafood consumer marketing and
advertising in 2002 and increased trade spending, primarily to
place and promote the new shrimp bowls, which lowered net sales.
Lenders bagel volume was down 12.4% as increased sales of
refrigerated bagels were more than offset by lower frozen and
fresh sales. The decline in frozen pizza sales is due to Aurora
not offering the magnitude of certain promotional events in
2002, as compared to 2001. Skillet meals net sales were lower
due to significant market segment contraction as a result of
increased competition from other meal segments. Sales of syrup
products decreased from the prior year on slightly lower volume,
unfavorable product mix and
90
Gross profit.
Gross
profit decreased $69.8 million or 21.0% to
$261.9 million in 2002 from $331.7 million in 2001. In
addition to the previously described first quarter adjustments,
gross profit in 2002 as compared to 2001 was impacted by the
decline in net sales described above. In addition, gross profit
was impacted by a shift in the mix of sales to lower margin
products, increased inventory obsolescence costs and additional
depreciation expenses associated with capital expenditures,
offset in part by reduced costs in syrup production as
production was moved from contract manufacturers to an owned
facility, reduced overall raw materials prices and reduced
manufacturing costs as a result of closing the West Seneca, New
York facility. Aurora recorded expenses of $10.8 million in
2002 for excess and obsolete inventory, as compared to
$2.9 million in 2001. These charges were recorded primarily
in the third and fourth quarters, due to inventory which had
become aged, primarily due to certain distribution losses in
seafood and declining sales of certain Chefs Choice
products, as well as Auroras transition plan to reduce
operating complexity, reduce inventories and eliminate a
significant number of low volume product offerings. Depreciation
expense in 2002 increased to $28.0 million, an increase of
approximately $1.3 million over 2001, primarily due to
capital expenditures. The cost of raw materials was lower with
price decreases in meats, dairy, vegetables, bread, corrugate
packaging materials and significant cost savings on purchases of
seafood and shrimp raw materials, offset in part by higher costs
of flour, oils and shortening, flavorings and plastic packaging
materials. The 2001 results included one-time gains associated
with the renegotiation of employee benefits at the West Seneca,
New York facility, and with the termination of an unprofitable
contract production agreement. Gross profit as a percentage of
net sales declined from 40.1% in 2001 to 34.6% in 2002, as cost
of goods sold remained relatively flat and net sales declined as
described above.
Brokerage and distribution
expenses.
Brokerage and distribution
expenses decreased $0.4 million in 2002 to
$101.5 million, due to decreases in brokerage expenses of
approximately $1.8 million as Aurora increased the level of
off-invoice trade allowances in 2002 which lowered brokerage
commissions, offset in part by increased warehousing costs of
$1.2 million as average inventory levels increased during
2002 as compared to 2001.
Consumer marketing
expenses.
Consumer marketing expenses,
which include the costs of advertising and other events and
expenses to promote Auroras products directly with
the consumer, decreased $11.5 million or 30.9% to
$25.7 million in 2002 from $37.2 million in 2001. This
decrease was due to the lower levels of spending in 2002 on
seafood, bagel and syrup products that was redeployed to trade
spending reflected in net sales.
Amortization
expense.
Amortization expense
decreased $34.3 million due to the elimination of
amortization of goodwill and certain other intangible assets
following the adoption of
91
Selling, general and administrative
expenses.
Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased $1.0 million to
$59.0 million in 2002 from $58.0 million in 2001. The
increase was principally due to severance costs associated with
a former executive officer, additional expense associated with
an arbitration settlement and increased compensation related
expenses due to increased headcount as compared to 2001. These
amounts were offset in part by decreases in expenses for
incentive compensation, market research and share data as Aurora
reduced expenditures for these items and negotiated lower rates,
decreased depreciation and decreases in expenses for relocation
and consulting services.
Goodwill and tradename impairment
charges.
Aurora completed its annual
impairment tests for goodwill and other indefinite-lived
intangible assets as of December 31, 2002. Based on the
results of those tests, Aurora recorded a charge of
$67.1 million for goodwill and tradename impairment for
three of its business units. See Note 8 to the consolidated
financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Plant closure and asset impairment
charges.
During the second quarter,
Aurora closed its West Seneca, New York, Lenders bagel
manufacturing facility and recorded charges of
$32.4 million in 2002. During the fourth quarter of 2002,
Aurora announced its intention to close its Yuba City,
California facility and recorded a charge of $6.7 million.
During the fourth quarter of 2002, Aurora completed a strategic
assessment of its existing capacity in relation to Auroras
future operational plans. Based upon that assessment, Aurora
recorded a charge of approximately $14.1 million in the
statement of operations for fixed assets determined to be
permanently impaired. The impaired fixed assets represent a
broad range of fixed assets across all business lines located at
various facilities. See Note 13 to the Aurora consolidated
financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Operating income.
Operating income decreased $147.8 million in 2002 as
compared to 2001. Operating income in 2002 was impacted
negatively by the goodwill and tradename impairment charges and
plant closure and asset impairment charges, offset in part by
reduced amortization expense in 2002 resulting from the adoption
of SFAS No. 142. Excluding the impact of those items,
operating income declined $61.8 million in 2002 as compared
to 2001, which is primarily due to increased trade spending
levels and the impact of the first quarter charge.
Interest and financing
expenses.
Net interest expense,
decreased to $92.5 million in 2002 from $103.2 million
in 2001 primarily due to lower interest rates on variable rate
debt as compared to the prior year. This benefit was offset in
part by increases in the margin that Aurora pays above floating
market rates pursuant to its senior secured debt agreement, as
amended, and higher levels of indebtedness from the additional
financing obtained in June 2002.
The benefit of lower interest rates to Aurora is
partially limited by Auroras interest rate swap agreement
and interest rate collar agreement. The interest rate swap
agreement functions to lock the interest rate on
$150 million of debt at a LIBOR rate of 6.01% plus the
applicable margin paid by Aurora on its senior secured debt. The
interest rate collar agreement functions to lock the interest
rate on $150 million of debt at a LIBOR rate of 6.5% plus
the applicable margin paid by Aurora on its senior secured debt
when the three-month LIBOR rate is less than 4.55% or between
5.38% and 7.40%.
Net market adjustments associated with
Auroras derivative instruments, which were not effective
as hedges as determined by SFAS 133, resulted in
$12.1 million of expense in 2002,
92
During 2002, Aurora expensed $1.8 million
related to the value of warrants issued on May 1, 2002. See
Note 10 to the Aurora consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Amortization of deferred financing expenses
increased $4.2 million to $7.7 million in 2002,
compared to $3.5 million in 2001. During the second quarter
of 2002, Aurora expensed approximately $1.9 million of
previously deferred financing costs related to credit agreement
amendments which were replaced by the June 27, 2002
amendment. During the fourth quarter, Aurora expensed
approximately $1.9 million of deferred financing costs
related to the June 27, 2002 credit agreement amendment
that was replaced by the February 21, 2003 amendment.
Income tax expense.
As restated, Aurora recorded income tax expense of
$115.9 million in 2002 as compared to $58.6 million in
2001. The increase was due primarily to non-cash tax adjustments
to increase the existing valuation allowance against the
deferred tax assets, as Aurora is no longer able to reasonably
estimate the period of reversal, if any, for deferred tax
liabilities related to certain goodwill and indefinite lived
intangible assets as the result of the adoption of
SFAS 142. As a result, Aurora may not rely on the reversal
of deferred tax liabilities associated with these assets as a
means to realize the deferred tax assets, which represent net
operating loss carry forwards. Accordingly, Aurora has
determined that, pursuant to the provisions of SFAS 109,
deferred tax valuation allowances are required on those deferred
tax assets. Aurora continues to record deferred tax liabilities
for the differences between the book and tax bases of certain
goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. See
Notes 2 and 18 to the Aurora consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting.
Effective January 1,
2002, Aurora adopted SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets. As a result, Aurora recorded a cumulative
effect of a change in accounting principle of
$228.2 million, net of tax in the accompanying statement of
operations. See Note 3 to the Aurora consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Plant closure charges
On May 2, 2002, Aurora announced its
intention to close its West Seneca, New York, Lenders
bagel manufacturing facility. As a result of this decision,
production at West Seneca ceased on May 31, 2002, with the
formal closing on July 2, 2002. The closing resulted in the
elimination of all 204 jobs. Affected employees received
severance pay in accordance with Auroras policies and
union agreements. Aurora recorded charges of $32.4 million
during 2002 in connection with the shutdown of the West Seneca
facility. The non-cash portion of the charges was approximately
$28.2 million and is attributable to the write-down of
property, plant and equipment, with the remaining
$4.2 million of cash costs related to severance and other
employee related costs of $3.0 million, and other costs
necessary to maintain and dispose of the facility of
$1.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2003,
Aurora had paid approximately $0.1 million of severance and
other employee related costs and $0.6 million of other
costs for disposal of the facility. Adjustments of
$0.1 million were made in 2003 to recorded liabilities and
there are no remaining liability as of December 31, 2003.
On October 30, 2002, Aurora announced its
intention to close its Yuba City, California facility where
Aurora manufactured specialty seafood and Chefs Choice
products. As a result of this
93
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flows for the year ended
December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002
For the year ended December 31, 2003 Aurora
generated cash of $40.0 million from operating activities
compared to using $15.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2002. The $55.9 million increase in cash
generation primarily resulted from better operating performance
in 2003 and a $39.9 million increase in cash from working
capital. Auroras operating loss of $142.4 million
includes non-cash charges of $251.5 million for
depreciation and amortization, goodwill and tradename impairment
charges and plant closure charges. Auroras operating loss
of $55.0 million in 2002 included non-cash charges of
$154.2 million for depreciation and amortization, goodwill
and tradename impairment charges and plant closure and asset
impairment charges. The increase in operating income, net of the
above non-cash charges, was $9.9 million. This increase was
primarily due to improved trade spending efficiency and cost
reductions, offset in part by price increases for certain raw
materials and costs of fuel.
Aurora generated $22.4 million from changes
in working capital in 2003, as compared to using
$23.1 million in 2002. The decline in inventory balances by
$27.0 million and the increase in accrued expenses by
$33.1 million were significant sources of cash during 2003.
Aurora strived to lower inventory balances to more reasonable
levels by decreased purchases and by discontinuing the use of
outside warehouses. In addition, accrued expenses increased due
to the increase in accrued interest expenses as these costs were
not being paid on a timely basis. The increase in accounts
receivable balances by $12.8 million and the decrease in
accounts payable by $17.5 million were significant uses of
cash during 2003. Accounts receivable balances increased as
Aurora discontinued the receivable sales facility as of
November 15, 2003. Accounts payable balances decreased as
more vendors required advance payment due to the pending
bankruptcy. Historical seasonal changes in working capital
requirements are still to be expected.
Net cash used in investing activities for the
year ended December 31, 2003 was $6.4 million compared
to $18.9 million during 2002. In 2003, capital expenditures
were only $8.5 million, compared to 2002 capital
expenditures of $23.1 million, of which $8.1 million
related to Auroras St. Elmo, Illinois syrup production
facility and distribution center. In 2003, Aurora received
proceeds of $2.1 million from the sale of assets at the
Yuba City, California facility. In 2002 Aurora received proceeds
of $4.2 million from the sales of assets, primarily related
to its West Seneca, New York facility, which was closed during
the year.
94
Aurora continues to be highly leveraged, however,
certain of its prepetition obligations have been stayed as a
result of the bankruptcy petition filed on December 8,
2003. At December 31, 2003, Aurora has outstanding
approximately $1.09 million in aggregate principal amount
of indebtedness for borrowed money, only a portion of which will
be required to be repaid in cash by Aurora under the terms of
the reorganization plan. The degree to which Aurora is leveraged
has resulted in significant cash interest expense and principal
repayment obligations and such interest expense may increase
with respect to its senior secured credit facility based upon
changes in prevailing interest rates. This leverage has, and
may, among other things, affect the ability of Aurora to obtain
additional financing, or adjust to changing market conditions.
Cash flows for the year ended
December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001
For the year ended December 31, 2002, Aurora
used cash of $15.9 million from operating activities
compared to $89.3 million generated by operations in the
year ended December 31, 2001. The $105.2 million
decline in cash generation primarily resulted from poorer
operating performance in 2002 and a $54.9 million net swing
in cash used for working capital. Auroras operating loss
of $55.0 million in 2002 included non-cash charges of
$154.2 million for depreciation and amortization, goodwill
and tradename impairment charges and plant closure and asset
impairment charges. The 2001 operating income of
$92.8 million included depreciation and amortization
charges of $76.7 million. The reduction in operating
income, net of the above non-cash charges, was
$70.3 million. This decline was primarily due to higher
trade spending in 2002 and the first quarter adjustments.
Aurora used $23.1 million for working
capital in 2002, as compared to the $31.8 million generated
in 2001. The net swing in cash used for accounts payable of
$50.3 million accounted for a majority of the change in
cash used in 2002.
Accounts payable balances declined by
$27.4 million as production levels in the latter part of
2002 were significantly lower than in 2001. In addition, in 2002
Aurora utilized its revolving credit agreement to reduce its
accounts payable balance. Reduction of accrued expenses,
primarily for bonus accruals in 2002 and promotional and coupon
marketing programs in 2001 was a significant use of cash in both
years. Conversely, reductions in accounts receivable served as a
significant source of liquidity.
Net cash used in investing activities for the
year ended December 31, 2002 was $18.9 million
compared to $24.9 million during 2001. In 2002, capital
expenditures were $23.1 million, of which $8.1 million
related to Auroras St. Elmo, Illinois syrup production
facility and distribution center. In 2002 Aurora received
proceeds of $4.2 million from the sales of assets,
primarily related to its West Seneca, New York facility which
was closed during the year. Capital expenditures for 2001
totaled $25.0 million, of which approximately
$10 million represented an investment in the St. Elmo
facility.
In light of the lower amount of cash provided by
operations in 2002, on June 27, 2002, Aurora secured
commitments for $62.6 million, before discounts, of
additional financing. The financing consisted of
$37.6 million (before discount of $2.6 million) from
Auroras senior secured lenders and $25.0 million
(before a cash discount of $0.75 million) from certain
entities affiliated with Auroras major shareholders. These
funds were used for general operating purposes including
providing working capital. At December 31, 2002,
Auroras debt principally consisted of $663.9 million
of senior secured debt, $400.0 million of subordinated
notes and the $25.0 million of senior unsecured notes.
During 2002, Aurora made $38.0 million in scheduled
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Aurora used the cash generated from operations in
2001 to reduce its debt. During 2001, Aurora made
$33.0 million in scheduled amortization payments on its
senior debt and reduced its borrowings under the revolver by
$32.3 million. In addition, it reduced its sales of
receivables by a net $5.3 million to $33.3 million at
December 31, 2001.
Existing senior credit facilities and
receivables sales facility
Auroras historical sources of liquidity, in
addition to cash generated by operations, were its revolving
credit facility under its senior secured lending agreement and
its ongoing sale of receivables under its receivable sales
facility.
In connection with the Restructuring, Aurora
elected not to pay the $8.8 million interest payment due on
July 1, 2003 on the 1998 Notes, which resulted in a default
under its debt agreements. Aurora entered into an Amendment and
Forbearance, dated as of June 30, 2003 (the June Bank
Amendment), with lenders holding more than 51% of the term
loan and revolving credit facility borrowings under the Senior
Secured Debt Facility (the Requisite Lenders). The
June Bank Amendment included a forbearance by the Requisite
Lenders under the Senior Secured Debt Facility providing that
such lenders would not exercise any remedies available under any
of the Loan Documents (as such term is defined in the Senior
Secured Debt Facility) solely as a result of any potential or
actual event of default arising under the terms of the Senior
Secured Debt Facility by virtue of Auroras failure to make
the scheduled interest payment on the 1998 Notes. As a result of
this non-payment, Aurora has classified all outstanding debt as
current liabilities.
Subsequently, also in connection with the
Restructuring, Aurora elected not to pay the $9.8 million
interest payment due on August 15, 2003 on the 1997 Notes,
which resulted in a default under its debt agreements.
Subsequent to entering into the June Bank Amendment, Aurora
entered into two other forbearance agreements with the Requisite
Lenders with respect to its election to withhold payment of
interest when due on each series of its outstanding Senior
Subordinated Notes. On July 30, 2003, Aurora entered into
an Amendment, Forbearance and Waiver (the July Bank
Amendment) that (i) extended the original forbearance
granted under the June Bank Amendment, (ii) provided for
the forbearance by the Requisite Lenders from exercising
remedies under the Senior Secured Debt Facility arising from the
potential failure to pay interest on the Senior Subordinated
Notes and (iii) provided for a waiver of any default under
the Senior Secured Debt Facility arising from the failure by
Aurora to conduct certain conference calls with, and provide
certain progress reports to the Requisite Lenders with respect
to Auroras asset sales. Additionally, on July 31,
2003, Aurora entered into a forbearance agreement with
noteholders possessing a majority of the outstanding principal
amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes whereby such noteholders
agreed to forbear from exercising any remedies available to them
under any of the indentures governing the Senior Subordinated
Notes solely as a result of any potential or actual event of
default arising by virtue of Auroras failure to make any
scheduled interest payments on the Senior Subordinated Notes. By
their terms, both forbearance agreements expired on
September 15, 2003.
Since the expiration of the forbearance
agreements on September 15, 2003, the Requisite Lenders and
the holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes have continued to
forbear from exercising remedies available to them under any of
the indentures, except for the senior lenders right to
receive the Post-Default interest rate (as such term is defined
in the Senior
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The restatement (as discussed in Note 2 to
Auroras consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus) would have resulted in a technical
default under the Senior Secured Debt Facility. However, on
August 14, 2003, Aurora entered into a Waiver and
Forbearance with the Requisite Lenders, which (i) extended
the forbearance granted under both the June Bank Amendment and
the July Bank Amendment through September 15, 2003, and
(ii) provided for a waiver of any default under the Senior
Secured Debt Facility arising in connection with any failure by
Aurora to deliver financial statements prepared in conformity
with GAAP (as a result of the restatement) and without a
going concern qualification for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, as well as interim months
and quarters.
In connection with the execution of the Letter of
Intent, Aurora entered into an Amendment and Forbearance with
the Requisite Lenders that, among other things, provided for
(i) a reduction in the leverage and asset sale fees under
the Senior Secured Debt Facility to an aggregate of
$15 million in the event that certain conditions are
satisfied, including the payment in full in cash of
Auroras obligations under the Senior Secured Debt Facility
by March 31, 2004, (ii) an increase in the leverage
and asset sale fees under the Senior Secured Debt Facility to
5.25% of the aggregate amount outstanding in the event that the
Senior Secured Debt Facility is not paid in full by
March 31, 2004, and (iii) the forbearance by the
Requisite Lenders from exercising remedies under the Senior
Secured Debt Facility arising from Auroras failure to make
interest payments on its Senior Subordinated Notes or failure to
make principal payments under the Senior Secured Debt Facility.
By its terms, the forbearance agreement expired on
December 1, 2003, or earlier upon the happening of certain
other events.
The second major source of effective financing
for Aurora was its receivable sales facility. In April 2000,
Aurora entered into an agreement to sell, on a periodic basis,
specified accounts receivable in amounts of up to
$60 million. The facility has subsequently been amended to
reduce the maximum amount of receivable sales to
$29.2 million and expired on December 15, 2003. Under
terms of the receivable sales agreement, receivables have been
sold at a discount that effectively yields an interest rate to
the purchaser of prime plus 2.5% to 3.0%. Aurora sold
receivables on a weekly or twice weekly basis and had the
ability to sell additional receivables as previously sold
receivables were collected. As such, the receivables sale
facility effectively acted in a manner similar to a secured
revolving credit facility, although it is reflected on the
balance sheet as a reduction in accounts receivable and not as
debt since the credit risk associated with the collection of
accounts receivable sold has been transferred to the purchaser.
Contingencies
Please see Note 21 to the Aurora
consolidated financial statements for a discussion of certain
contingencies.
Interest rate agreements
In accordance with the senior bank facilities,
Aurora was required through November 1, 2002, to use
derivative instruments to the extent necessary to provide that,
when combined with
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At December 31, 2003, Aurora was no longer a
party to any interest rate agreements. Auroras fixed to
floating interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of
$150 million expired on March 17, 2003, when Aurora
made a final payment to the counterparty, JP Morgan Chase Bank,
for $1.7 million. Auroras interest rate collar
agreement was converted into a fixed bank note of
$7.7 million which was equal to the fair market value of
the collar agreement as of the bankruptcy filing date and will
be repaid upon completion of the Restructuring.
Risks associated with the interest rate
agreements include those associated with changes in market value
and interest rates.
Impact of new accounting pronouncements
In December 2003, the SEC issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition. SAB
No. 104 revises or rescinds portions of interpretative
guidance on revenue recognition. SAB No. 104 became
effective immediately upon release and requires registrants to
either restate prior periods or report a change in accounting
principle. The adoption of SAB No. 104 did not have an
impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In May 2003, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 150 Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and
Equity. SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for
how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial
instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity.
SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments
entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise
is effective at the beginning of the first interim period
beginning after June 15, 2003. SFAS No. 150 will
be adopted by Aurora for financial instruments entered into or
modified after May 31, 2003. Due to the restructuring,
Aurora is still evaluating the impact of the adoption of
SFAS No. 150 on its financial condition.
In November 2002, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation No. 45
(FIN 45), Guarantors Accounting and
Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect
Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, and Interpretation
of FASB Statements Nos. 5, 57 and 107 and recession of FASB
Interpretation No. 34. FIN 45 requires: (1) the
guarantor of debt to recognize a liability, at the inception of
the guarantee, for the fair value of the obligation undertaken
in issuing this guarantee, (2) indirect guarantees of debt
to be recognized in the financial statements of the guarantor
and (3) the guarantor to disclose the background and nature
of the guarantee, the maximum potential amount to be paid under
the guarantee, the carrying value of the liability associated
with the guarantee and any recourse of the guarantor to recover
amounts paid under the guarantee from third parties. FIN 45
rescinds all the provisions of FIN 34, Disclosure of
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, as it has
been incorporated into the provisions of FIN 45. The
provisions of FIN 45 are effective for all guarantees
issued or modified subsequent to December 31, 2002. The
disclosure requirements of FIN 45 are effective for the
financial statements of interim and annual periods ending after
December 15, 2002. Aurora does not have any significant
commitments within the scope of FIN 45, except as disclosed
in the footnotes to the Aurora consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
In June 2002, FASB issued SFAS No. 146
(SFAS No. 146), Accounting for Costs
Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.
SFAS No. 146 addresses significant issues regarding
the recognition, measurement and reporting of costs that are
associated with exit and disposal activities, including
restructuring activities that are currently accounted for
pursuant to the
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History/ Subsequent events
On February 11, 2000, Auroras board of
directors, after discussions with Auroras independent
accountants, formed a special committee to conduct an
investigation into Auroras accounting policies. Prior to
the issuance of Auroras financial statements as of and for
the year ended December 31, 1999, it was determined that
the results reported in Auroras Form 10-K as of and
for the years ended December 31, 1998 as well as the
unaudited interim results reported in Auroras Forms 10-Q
as of and for the periods ended September 30, 1998,
March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999 and September 30,
1999 were misstated. Upon further investigation, it was
determined that liabilities that existed for certain
trade-promotion and marketing activities and other expenses
(primarily sales returns and allowances, distribution and
consumer marketing) were not properly recognized as liabilities
and that certain assets were overstated (primarily accounts
receivable, inventories and fixed assets). In addition, certain
activities were improperly recognized as sales. As a result,
financial statements as of and for the year ended
December 31, 1998 as well as the unaudited quarterly
financial data as of and for the interim periods ended
September 30, 1998, March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999
and September 30, 1999 were restated.
During 2000, Aurora was served with 18 complaints
in purported class action lawsuits filed in the
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
alleging that, among other things, as a result of accounting
irregularities, Auroras previously issued financial
statements were materially false and misleading and thus
constituted violations of federal securities laws by Aurora and
certain officers and directors. Certain current and former
directors were also named in a derivative lawsuit alleging
breach of fiduciary duty, mismanagement and related causes of
action based upon Auroras restatement. Stipulations of
settlement for the securities class action and derivative
lawsuits were entered into in March 2001 to fully resolve,
discharge and settle the claims made in each respective lawsuit.
Under the terms of the agreement, Aurora was required to pay the
class members $26 million in cash and $10 million in
common stock of Aurora. For more information, see Note 22
to the Aurora consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
The staff of the SEC and the U.S. Attorney
for the Southern District of New York also initiated
investigations relating to the events that resulted in the
restatement of Auroras financial statements for prior
periods. On January 23, 2001 the U.S. Attorney
announced indictments alleging financial accounting fraud
against members of former management and certain former
employees of Aurora. Each of the individuals indicted pled
guilty to the charges against them. The U.S. Attorney did
not bring charges against Aurora. Aurora entered into a
cooperation agreement with the U.S. Attorney, confirming
that it would implement an extensive compliance program and
consented to the entry of an order by the SEC in connection with
a civil action requiring compliance with requirements for
accurate and timely reporting of quarterly and annual financial
results and maintenance of internal control procedures.
99
In April 2003, Aurora announced that it had
restructured its corporate organization and reduced its
corporate staff by approximately 75 positions through
terminations and the elimination of open positions. Pursuant to
such restructuring, affected employees would receive severance
pay in accordance with Auroras policies and retention
bonuses would be awarded to certain key employees who remained
with Aurora through June 1, 2004. Aurora expects the
restructuring and staff reductions to result in a charge of
approximately $7.0 million over future quarters and
estimates that the cash impact in 2003 will be approximately
$5.0 million.
At Auroras May 6, 2003 annual meeting
of stockholders, all nominees for the board of directors were
elected, authorization to grant the board of directors the
authority to effect a reverse stock split at one of three ratios
as described in the proxy was approved and the proposed
amendment to Auroras 2000 equity incentive plan to
increase the number of shares of common stock for issuance under
the Plan and to increase the number of shares that may be
granted to any participant in any one calendar year was
approved. In light of the Restructuring and the delisting of the
common stock, Auroras proposal for a reverse stock split
is not being pursued.
In May 2003, Auroras production facility in
Jackson, Tennessee, was damaged by a tornado. The damage is
covered by insurance and has not resulted in any significant
impact on shipments, customer service or production.
On July 2, 2003, the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) announced that it was suspending the listing
of Auroras common stock as a direct result of
Auroras announcement regarding the restructuring. On
August 15, 2003, the SEC granted the application of the
NYSE for removal. Auroras common stock is now quoted on
the OTC Bulletin Board under the ticker symbol AURF.
On August 14, 2003, Aurora announced that it
was restating its financial results for the years ended
December 31, 2002 and 2001, including certain interim
quarters, to reflect certain adjustments with regard to deferred
taxes. In addition to the restatement adjustments, certain
reclassifications were made to prior-period amounts to conform
to the current-period presentation.
On December 8, 2003, Aurora and its
subsidiary filed voluntary petitions for relief under
Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Aurora
and its subsidiary remain in possession of their assets and
properties and continue to operate their businesses as
debtors-in-possession under the jurisdiction of the
Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.
For a discussion of certain subsequent events
related to Auroras existing credit facilities and
receivables facilities, see Liquidity and capital
resources.
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Business
Our business
We are a leading manufacturer and marketer of
high-quality, branded convenience food products through our two
business segments: frozen foods and dry foods. The frozen foods
segment, which accounts for 56.6% of our pro forma net sales,
consists primarily of Swanson frozen dinners, entrees and
breakfasts; Van de Kamps and Mrs. Pauls frozen
seafood; Aunt Jemima frozen breakfasts and Lenders bagels.
The dry foods segment, which accounts for 43.4% of our pro forma
net sales, consists primarily of Vlasic pickles, peppers and
relish; Duncan Hines baking mixes and frostings and
Mrs. Butterworths and Log Cabin syrups and pancake
mixes. Our major brands hold leading market positions in their
respective retail markets and enjoy high consumer awareness.
Through our managed broker network, our products reach all
traditional classes of trade, including grocery wholesalers and
distributors, grocery stores and supermarkets, convenience
stores, mass and drug merchandisers and warehouse clubs. We had
pro forma net sales (as defined) for the LTM ended
April 30, 2004 of $1,282.2 million.
Industry overview
The U.S. food manufacturing industry has
historically been characterized by relatively stable sales
growth based on modest price and population increases. Over the
past several years, consolidation activity in the food
manufacturing industry has been driven primarily by businesses
making strategic acquisitions to complement category positions,
maximize economies of scale in raw material sourcing and
production and expand retail distribution, while shedding
non-core business lines. In recent years food manufacturers have
capitalized on an increasing desire by households, particularly
dual-income, single-family and active-lifestyle consumers, for
convenience and variety by introducing innovative, high-quality
food products and complete meal solutions. Food manufacturers
have also taken advantage of the growing trends toward
away-from-home eating by increasing their sales to the
foodservice channel, which supplies restaurants, schools,
hospitals and other institutions. We believe that these trends
will continue to represent growth opportunities for food
manufacturers.
Frozen prepared
meals.
The frozen prepared meals
category is one of the largest food categories in supermarkets,
with $7.8 billion in retail sales and a compound annual
growth rate of 1.4% from 1999 through 2003. Through our Swanson
Hungry-Man and Swanson Dinners sub-brands, we compete in the
$2.2 billion single-serve, full-calorie dinners and entrees
segment of this category. Through our Great Starts sub-brand, we
compete in the $1.0 billion frozen breakfast segment of
this category, particularly the $281 million protein-based
sub-segment of this category. We believe that time-constrained
consumers are driving the growth in the frozen prepared meals
category through their increased demand for convenient,
pre-cooked meals. In response, manufacturers are launching new
and innovative products and increasing marketing investment.
Retailers have correspondingly increased their commitment to the
frozen prepared meals category, devoting more shelf space and
promotion dollars. We expect that consumers continued
desire for convenient and easily prepared meals will further
drive category and segment growth.
Frozen prepared
seafood.
The frozen prepared seafood
category consists of fin products, such as pollock
and salmon, and non-fin products, primarily shrimp.
This category had approximately $565 million in retail
sales, as compared to the overall frozen seafood category,
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Frozen grain-based
breakfast.
The frozen grain-based
breakfast category consists primarily of frozen waffles,
pancakes and French toast. This category had $646 million
in retail sales, as compared to the overall frozen breakfast
category, which had retail sales of approximately
$1.0 billion. Through our Aunt Jemima brand, we compete
primarily in the frozen grain-based breakfast category, where we
are currently the number two brand. The category has grown 1.6%
over the three-year period ended December 28, 2003, driven
primarily by an increased focus on new product innovation and
new entrants to the category.
Bagels.
The
scannable bagel category consists of frozen bagels, refrigerated
bagels and fresh bagels, comprising 12.5%, 12.6% and 74.8% of
the category, respectively. The scannable bagel category has
declined 2.6% over the three-year period ended December 28,
2003. Over the 52-week period ended April 25, 2004, frozen
and fresh bagel market sales have declined 18.5% and 0.7%,
respectively, while refrigerated bagel market sales have
increased 1.0%. The decline in frozen bagel sales is driven by
consumers replacing frozen bagel purchases with purchases of
other, more innovative frozen breakfast products. As a result,
retailers have reduced shelf space and distribution for frozen
bagels, further contributing to the decline in the frozen bagel
segment.
Pickles, peppers and
relish.
The pickles, peppers and
relish category is large and stable, with approximately
$1 billion of retail sales in each of the past five years.
Shelf-stable pickles is the largest segment of the category,
with $527 million in retail sales, followed by peppers
($262 million), refrigerated pickles ($135 million)
and relish ($119 million). Of retail shelf-stable pickle
category sales, approximately 70% represents sales of branded
pickles, and the remaining 30% represents sales of private label
pickles. We believe that the pickles, peppers and relish
category will continue to demonstrate a stable level of retail
sales.
Baking mixes and
frostings.
The baking mixes and
frostings category, which has historically exhibited stable
consumption, had approximately $1.3 billion in retail
sales, an increase of 0.4% over the prior year period. The
baking mixes and frostings category primarily consists of the
following five key product segments, with the corresponding
retail sales volume percentages: cake mix (26.2%),
ready-to-serve frostings (18.9%), brownie mix (16.3%), muffin
mix (16.5%) and cookie mix (4.5%). Our Duncan Hines brand
competes in all five of these segments. The remaining 17.6% of
the retail sales volume is in small product segments such as
quick breads and specialty mixes. The primary drivers within
each of these product categories are product innovation,
merchandising and pricing. New product innovation is critical to
maintaining consumer and retailer awareness and to increasing
demand by encouraging consumers to bake more often.
Merchandising and display activities also serve to maintain
consumer awareness and, importantly, encourage impulse purchases
by consumers. Pricing remains a key competitive issue for
retailers, who price their inventory to drive store traffic,
particularly around key holiday periods.
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Syrup.
The syrup
category had $497 million in retail sales, which represents
a decline of approximately 0.1%. The table syrup category, which
has historically been characterized by slightly declining
consumption, has declined 0.2% over the three-year period ended
December 28, 2003. The syrup category consists of four
major brands Aunt Jemima, Mrs. Butterworths,
Log Cabin and Eggo as well as numerous private label
brands. Market share is driven largely by pricing, as the syrup
consumer is extremely price sensitive. Private label brands have
benefited from the trend toward greater pricing sensitivity on
the part of consumers, who appear to see less differentiation
between private label and branded syrup products. As a result,
private label, which represented approximately 20% of the table
syrup category, has demonstrated stronger sales growth than
branded syrup, growing at approximately 5.6% over the three-year
period ended December 28, 2003.
Our competitive strengths
We believe that our competitive strengths include
the following:
Strong brands with leading market
positions
We are a large competitor in the food industry,
with $1.3 billion in pro forma net sales and a diverse
portfolio of brands. We offer a broad mix of well-recognized
food products that, we believe, consumers purchase reasonably
independently of economic cycles. Most of our brands enjoy long
histories, high consumer awareness and national retail
distribution.
The following table outlines the leadership
position of our major brands in their respective categories as
of April 25, 2004:
(1) Single-serve, full-calorie frozen
dinners and entrees.
Proven ability to revitalize brands
Our company will continue to benefit from
Pinnacles skilled and experienced senior management team,
which has a proven ability to revitalize under-supported brands.
In May 2001, when our management team took over the operations
of Pinnacle, we inherited a portfolio of brands with strong
heritages and consumer awareness that suffered from ineffective
marketing support, ineffective retail sales execution and, in
certain cases, quality degradation. To address the situation, we
launched product- and category-specific strategies to turn
around the Swanson and Vlasic businesses. These brand-building
initiatives have enabled
103
An overview of the actions that we are taking to
turn around the Swanson and Vlasic businesses follows:
Swanson.
Within the
Swanson business, we identified an opportunity to improve our
position within the underserved male demographic through our
Swanson Hungry-Man brand. In 2002, we re-launched our
traditional Swanson Hungry-Man product line by improving product
quality, increasing the minimum portion size to one pound and
introducing several new products to solidify and broaden our
market position and expand eating occasions. In response to
these efforts, retail sales of our Hungry-Man products increased
approximately 9% (most of which was attributable to sales of new
products) for the 52 weeks ended April 25, 2004,
compared to the same period in the prior year.
Vlasic.
Since May
2001, we have successfully increased Vlasics profitability
while maintaining our leading market share of 30.4% in
shelf-stable pickles. Specifically, we eliminated inefficient
trade spending and reduced Vlasics trade-promotion
expenditures from 25.9% of gross sales in 2001 to 18.1% of gross
sales in 2003. We also improved profitability by implementing
manufacturing-process improvements, reducing procurement costs
and, in certain cases, improving our product mix. We reinvested
a portion of these savings to improve product quality, update
packaging and increase our levels of consumer support through
coupons and advertising.
We similarly plan to eliminate inefficient trade
spending and to invest in product-quality improvements, new
product innovation and consumer marketing in order to revitalize
the under-supported brands acquired in the Aurora Transaction.
We have been successful with these strategies in the past, and
we believe that we can replicate this success.
Strong, stable and diversified cash
flows
We are a significant food industry competitor,
with over $1.3 billion in pro forma net sales. In addition,
because the type of food products we manufacture generally do
not require significant capital expenditures, our products
generate significant cash flows. We believe that the size and
diversity of our product portfolio, when combined with the
consumption stability of the food products industry in general,
provides us with strong, stable and diverse cash flows that we
intend to utilize to reduce leverage and reinvest in our brands.
Proven management team
The 11 members of our senior management team, led
by C. Dean Metropoulos, have an average of more than
19 years of industry experience and a history in the food
industry of successfully acquiring and integrating companies and
delivering strong operating performance through brand-building
initiatives and a continuing focus on achieving cost savings. C.
Dean Metropoulos has significant entrepreneurial food industry
experience, having founded and run Stella Foods, Inc., one of
the largest producers of specialty cheeses in the United States,
and was subsequently instrumental in the acquisition and sale of
The Morningstar Group, International Home Foods, Ghirardelli
Chocolates, Mumm and Perrier Jouet Champagnes and Hillsdown
Holdings. C. Dean Metropoulos and the rest of the Pinnacle
management team will
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Our strategy
Realize significant synergies from the merger
of two complementary businesses
The combination of Pinnacle and Aurora has
brought together complementary businesses and created a
substantially larger food company with opportunities for
significant cost savings and revenue-enhancement through:
Consolidating sales and general
and administrative functions.
We believe that we will be
able to achieve significant annual cost savings by consolidating
sales and marketing forces, streamlining overlapping support
functions (e.g., finance and accounting) and reducing redundant
general and administrative expenses.
Optimizing supply chain and
manufacturing operations.
We believe that cost savings can
be achieved in manufacturing by reducing headcount, improving
yields through waste and downtime minimization and reducing
overhead expenses. In addition, we have identified cost-saving
opportunities through optimization and consolidation of our
supply-chain management, logistics, distribution networks and
product development processes.
Improving broker and retailer
relationships.
We believe that our larger scale will provide
us with greater leverage with our brokers and retail customers.
Our expanded scale, distribution network and portfolio of
product offerings should serve to strengthen our relationships
with brokers and retailers. For example, as retailers
consolidate, they prefer suppliers that can provide
consumer-favored brands, a full line of products, comprehensive
merchandising programs and national distribution networks that
ensure efficient supply-chain economies and continuity of supply.
Continue to revitalize our well-known
brands
We believe that opportunities exist to generate
further long-term, sustainable growth in the revenue and
profitability of our brands by building on the progress we have
made in our Swanson and Vlasic brands. We are investing in and
reinvigorating the brands we acquired in the Aurora Transaction,
which we believe posed many of the same challenges as did the
Swanson and Vlasic brands when we acquired them in 2001. We are
employing many of the same strategies that were successful in
revitalizing the Swanson and Vlasic brands in our re-launch of
the brands we acquired in the Aurora Transaction. Specifically,
we expect to focus on the following re-launch efforts:
Package redesign.
The
re-launch of the brands acquired in the Aurora Transaction is
planned to include redesign of the existing packaging for the
seafood brands, Aunt Jemima breakfast products, syrup brands and
Lenders bagel products.
Product innovation and quality
improvements.
We plan to launch several new items across all
the categories in which we compete and improve the quality of
Lenders bagel products, Aunt Jemima frozen breakfasts and
many of our frozen seafood items.
Consumer marketing.
Marketing
support for the brands acquired in the Aurora Transaction was
skewed towards trade promotions, with trade-promotion spending
representing 94% of Auroras marketing spending, compared
to the industry average of 59%. We intend to utilize
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Grow and optimize brand portfolio
We believe that the food manufacturing industry
will continue to experience consolidation as competitors shed
non-core business lines and make strategic acquisitions to
complement category positions. We intend to complement the
organic growth of our existing brand portfolio with selective
acquisitions. In addition, we are currently evaluating the
combined brand portfolio and may choose to rationalize certain
brands over time. We will pursue acquisitions in a disciplined
manner and only to the extent they meet stringent evaluative
criteria, which include strong brand recognition and the
opportunity to achieve financial and operating cost synergies.
We have invested significantly in a scalable infrastructure
positioned to maximize the level of operating synergies we can
achieve through add-on acquisitions. We will also utilize the
extensive and varied experience of our senior management team,
which has demonstrated its ability to identify new market
opportunities, build brands and complete add-on acquisitions in
the food industry with other platform companies.
Our products
Our product portfolio consists of a diverse mix
of product lines and leading well-recognized brands. Our major
brands hold leading market positions in their respective retail
markets and enjoy high consumer awareness. Through our managed
broker network, our products reach all traditional classes of
trade, including grocery wholesalers and distributors, grocery
stores and supermarkets, convenience stores, mass and drug
merchandisers and warehouse clubs. Our pro forma net sales are
generated from the following product lines across all of our
distribution channels:
(1) The data presented for the fiscal years
2001, 2002 and 2003 combine data for the fiscal year ended
December 31 for Aurora and July 31 for PFHC for the
relevant period.
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Frozen foods
Dinners and entrees.
Our
dinners and entrees product line consists primarily of products
sold in the United States and Canada under the Swanson brand. We
also distribute these products through foodservice and private
label channels. Swanson caters to a number of different consumer
segments and eating occasions through three major sub-brands:
Swanson Hungry-Man, Swanson Dinners and Swanson Great Starts.
Beginning in May, 2004, the Swanson Great Starts products will
be re-branded Aunt Jemima Great Starts which will allow us
to leverage the combined size of our grain-based and
protein-based frozen breakfast offerings. As a complement to
these major sub-brands, our frozen dinner offerings also include
Swanson Pot Pies, Kings Hawaiian bowls products and
Swanson Hearty Bowls sold in Canada. The Swanson brand enjoys a
strong heritage, dating back over 50 years to its
introduction of The Original TV Dinner in 1953. Our Swanson
Hungry-Man and Swanson Dinners sub-brands collectively represent
the third-largest brand in the $2.2 billion single-serve,
full-calorie dinners and entrees segment.
Swanson Hungry-Man consists of dinners,
breakfasts and sandwiches targeted toward men who prefer larger,
more satisfying portions. As a result of our unique positioning
and new product introductions backed by significant investments,
Swanson Hungry-Man retail sales have increased 9% over the last
year. Swanson Dinners consists of a complete line of dinners
targeted toward women and is positioned as the best
value among the premium brands in the single-serve,
full-calorie dinners and entrees segment. Swanson Great Starts
consists of a unique line of protein-based frozen breakfast
entrees and hand-held breakfast sandwiches, all of which include
breakfast meats, and are targeted toward adults who seek fast,
yet filling, breakfast meals.
Our strategy for the Swanson Hungry-Man brand is
to continue to reinforce our positioning towards males through
advertising and entering into strategic partnerships such as
with sports networks. We will also continue to introduce new
items to broaden our market position and expand eating occasions.
Prepared seafood.
Our frozen
prepared seafood product line, marketed primarily under the Van
de Kamps and Mrs. Pauls brands, includes
breaded and battered fish sticks and fish fillets,
healthy breaded fish, grilled fish fillets, breaded
shrimp, marinated shrimp, shrimp bowls and specialty seafood
items, such as crab cakes and clam strips. We also distribute
these products through foodservice and private label channels.
The Van de Kamps and Mrs. Pauls brands hold the
number two (15.0%) and the number three (12.5%) market share
positions, respectively, of the $565 million frozen
prepared seafood segment of the $1.5 billion frozen seafood
category. We use a dual-brand strategy to capitalize on the
regional strengths of our brands. We also manufacture and market
frozen prepared seafood products under the Avalon Bay brand
through club store channels.
The Van de Kamps brand dates back to 1915
and the Mrs. Pauls franchise began in the mid-1940s.
Our strategy for the Van de Kamps and
Mrs. Pauls brands is to redesign package graphics,
improve product quality on existing items and introduce new
items. These initiatives will be supported by a new advertising
and consumer campaign.
Grain-based breakfast.
Our
grain-based breakfast product line consists primarily of
waffles, pancakes and French toast marketed under the Aunt
Jemima brand. The Aunt Jemima brand was established over a
century ago and, with a 13.2% share, is currently the number two
brand in the $646 million grain-based segment of the
$1.0 billion frozen breakfast category.
Aunt Jemima is positioned as a high-quality,
value-priced frozen breakfast brand that appeals to families
with children. Our strategy for the Aunt Jemima brand is to
leverage the combined
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Bagels.
Our bagel product line
consists primarily of Lenders packaged bagels, which we
distribute among all scannable sections of the grocery store
(i.e., the frozen, refrigerated and the fresh bread aisles). We
also supply bagels to various foodservice operators. Founded in
1927, Lenders ranks number two in scannable bagels, with a
20.9% share of the $559 million scannable bagel category,
of which frozen bagels, refrigerated bagels and fresh bagels
comprise 12.5%, 12.6% and 74.8%, respectively, compared to
21.8%, 11.6% and 66.7% over the three-year period ended
December 28, 2003.
Our Lenders bagels are offered in a variety
of styles, including Lenders Original and New York Style
Frozen Bagels, Lenders refrigerated and Lenders
fresh bagels. Our strategy for the Lenders brand is to
redesign package graphics, improve product quality and
strengthen our relationships with distributors. We also plan on
building our presence in the refrigerated and shelf-stable
segments by introducing new items such as low-carb and mini
bagels.
Other frozen foods.
We market
frozen pizza under the Celeste brand, which dates back to the
1930s. Celeste is positioned as a homemade, authentic Italian
meal at an affordable price. We also sell skillet meals, which
are complete entrees in a single package that can be cooked in a
skillet in less than fifteen minutes, under the Chefs
Choice brand.
Dry foods
Pickles, peppers and relish.
Our pickle, pepper and relish product lines consists primarily
of pickle, pepper and relish products sold nationally under our
Vlasic brand (95% of branded sales) and pickles sold regionally
under the Milwaukees and Wiejske Wyroby brands (5% of
branded sales). Our Vlasic brand was introduced over
60 years ago, and we believe that the Vlasic brand,
together with our trademark Vlasic stork, enjoy strong consumer
awareness. Vlasic, with a 30.4% share (nearly twice that of its
nearest branded competitor), is the leading and only national
brand in the $527 million shelf-stable pickle segment of
the $1.0 billion pickles, peppers and relish category.
We believe that our customers associate Vlasic
with the highest-quality, best-tasting pickles. Our Vlasic
pickle products are offered primarily in dill, sweet and
bread-and-butter flavors and in a wide array of forms, such as
whole, baby wholes, spears, chips and slices. We offer over 30
different flavors and cuts of pickles. The Vlasic cut pepper
product offering consists of four types of peppers in varying
heat levels to cover the sweet, mild and hot consumer
preferences. Vlasic also offers six other whole pepper
varieties, such as jalapeno and pepperoncini. The Vlasic relish
product offering consists of a full line of relish products in a
variety of flavors including Dill, Mild Sweet and Fancy Sweet.
Our strategy for the Vlasic brand will focus on
maintaining our category leadership by introducing new items
supported by seasonal promotional activity and consumer
campaigns.
Baking mixes and frostings.
Our baking mixes and frostings product line consists primarily
of Duncan Hines cake mixes, ready-to-serve frostings, brownie
mixes, muffin mixes and cookie mixes. Duncan Hines is a national
premium brand that appeals to the consumer who wants a
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We position Duncan Hines as a national premium
brand that appeals to the consumer who wants a quality,
good as homemade baking product. Our strategy for Duncan
Hines is to leverage the strength of its leading market position
in cake mix (34% market share) to increase its market share in
other baking products, primarily through the introduction of new
items supported by seasonal promotional activity and consumer
campaigns. All Duncan Hines products are produced by contract
manufacturers.
Syrups and pancake mixes.
Our
syrup and pancake mixes product line consists primarily of
products marketed under our Log Cabin and
Mrs. Butterworths brands. Our syrup line consists of
original, lite and sugar-free varieties. We also distribute
these products through the foodservice channel. Log Cabin was
introduced in 1888 and is the only national branded syrup that
contains real maple syrup. Mrs. Butterworths was
introduced in 1962 and, with its distinctive grandmother-shaped
bottle, appeals to families with children. In the
$497 million table-syrup category, Log Cabin and
Mrs. Butterworths hold the number two (11.2%) and
number three (8.9%) market share positions, respectively.
We also sell pancake mix under the
Mrs. Butterworths brand.
Our strategy for the Log Cabin and
Mrs. Butterworths brands is to rebuild our shelf
presence by redesigning package graphics for greater shelf
impact, improving the quality of our existing products and
introducing new products.
Other dry foods.
We market a
complete line of barbeque sauce products under our Open Pit
brand, which was introduced in 1955. We sell this product line
primarily to retail customers in core Midwest markets where we
have the number one position with 23% market share.
Marketing, sales and distribution
Our marketing programs consist of advertising,
consumer promotions and trade promotions. Our advertising
consists of television, newspaper and magazine advertising aimed
at increasing consumer awareness and trial of our brands.
Consumer promotions include free trial offers, targeted coupons
and on-package offers to generate trial usage and increase
purchasing frequency. Our trade promotions focus on obtaining
retail feature and display support, discounting to achieve key
price points and securing retail shelf space. We continue to
shift our marketing efforts toward building long-term brand
equity through consumer advertising and trial generation
promotions rather than through trade spending.
We sell a majority of our products in the United
States and Canada through a single national broker with whom we
have a long term working relationship. We employ other brokers
for the foodservice, military, club and convenience channels. We
manage our brokers through our company employees in regional
sales offices located in Arkansas, Florida, Texas and Ontario,
Canada. Through this managed broker network, our products reach
all traditional classes of trade including grocery wholesalers
and distributors, grocery stores and supermarkets, convenience
stores, mass and drug merchandisers and warehouse clubs.
Due to the different demands of distribution for
frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable products, we maintain
separate distribution systems. Frozen products are distributed
by means of eight distribution centers in the United States and
two distribution centers in Canada, all of which are operated by
third-party logistics providers. Vlasic refrigerated pickles are
distributed directly
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Ingredients and packaging
We believe that the ingredients and packaging
used to produce our products are readily available through
multiple sources. PFHCs ingredients have historically
accounted for approximately 39% of its cost of products sold,
and primary ingredients include chicken, beef, turkey and
cucumbers, PFHCs largest raw material. Auroras
ingredients have historically accounted for approximately 54% of
its cost of products sold, and primary ingredients include corn
syrup, flour, sugar, fish, shrimp, eggs, cheese, vegetable oils,
shortening and other agricultural products. PFHCs
packaging costs, primarily for glass jars and plastic trays,
have historically accounted for approximately 16% of its cost of
products sold, while Auroras packaging costs, primarily
for corrugated fiberboard and plastic packaging materials, have
historically accounted for approximately 15% of its cost of
products sold.
Manufacturing and facilities
We own and operate the following eight
manufacturing facilities:
On April 7, 2004, we announced our decision
to permanently close our Omaha, Nebraska production facility, as
part of our plan of consolidating and streamlining production
activities after the Aurora Transaction. Production from the
Omaha plant, which manufactures Swanson frozen entree retail
products and frozen foodservice products, will be relocated to
our Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jackson, Tennessee production
facilities. Activities related to the closure of the plant are
expected to be completed by October 1, 2004 and will result
in the elimination of approximately 420 positions in Omaha.
Employee termination activities will commence in late August or
early September 2004.
We believe that our manufacturing facilities have
sufficient capacity to accommodate our planned internal growth
over the next few years. We have also entered into co-packing
(third-party manufacturing) agreements with several
manufacturers for certain of our finished products. The majority
of our co-packed finished products are represented by our Duncan
110
We lease office space in Mountain Lakes, New
Jersey; Cherry Hill, New Jersey (our corporate headquarters);
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; Greenwich, Connecticut; and
Mississauga, Ontario, under operating leases expiring in
July 2012, May 2011, November 2005, May 2010 and October
2006, respectively.
Research and development
Our New Product Development and Technical
Services team currently consists of 29 full-time employees
focused on product-quality improvements, product creation,
package development, regulatory compliance, quality assurance
and tracking consumer feedback. For the fiscal years ended
July 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, PFHCs research and
development expenditures totaled $4.5 million,
$3.6 million and $3.0 million, respectively. For the
fiscal years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003,
Auroras research and development expenditures totaled
$4.4 million, $4.6 million and $3.4 million
respectively.
Customers
Sales of PFHCs products to Wal-Mart and its
affiliates approximated 17%, 14% and 13% of PFHCs
consolidated net sales in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001,
respectively. PFHCs top ten customers accounted for
approximately 50% of PFHCs net sales in fiscal 2003. Sales
of Auroras products to Wal-Mart and its affiliates
approximated 17%, 18% and 14% of total net sales for the years
ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Sales
to Auroras ten largest customers represented approximately
50% of Auroras total net sales in fiscal 2003. We believe
that our concentration of business with our largest customers is
representative of the food industry. The loss of our largest
customer would have a significant impact on our business. The
specific timing of significant customers merchandising
activities for our products can impact quarterly sales and
operating results when making year-to-year comparisons.
Competition
We face competition in each of our product lines.
We compete with producers of similar products on the basis of,
among other things, product quality, convenience, price, brand
recognition and loyalty, customer service, effective advertising
and promotional activities and the ability to identify and
satisfy emerging consumer preferences. We compete with a
significant number of companies of varying sizes, including
divisions, subdivisions or subsidiaries of much larger companies
with more substantial financial and other resources available to
them. Our ability to grow our business may be impacted by the
relative effectiveness of, and competitive response to, new
product efforts, product innovation and new advertising and
promotional activities. In addition, from time to time, we may
experience margin pressure in certain markets as a result of
competitors pricing practices or as a result of price
increases for the ingredients used in our products. Although we
compete in a highly competitive industry
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During 2003 our most significant competitors for
our frozen foods products were Nestle, ConAgra and Heinz, and
our most significant branded competitors for our pickles and
peppers products were Claussen, B&G Foods, Inc., and Mt.
Olive products. During 2003 our most significant competitors for
our baking products were General Mills and International
Multifoods, for our syrup products were The Quaker Oats Company
and Kelloggs, for our seafood products was Gortons,
for our frozen breakfast products were Kelloggs and
General Mills and for our bagels were Weston and Sara Lee.
Trademarks and patents
We own a number of registered trademarks in the
United States, Canada and other countries, including All Day
Breakfast®, American Recipes®, Avalon Bay®, Casa
Brava®, Casa Regina®, Celeste®, Country
Kitchen®, Duncan Hines®, Fun Frosters®, Great
Starts®, Grill Classics®, Hearty Bowls®,
Hungry-Man®, Hungry-Man Sports Grill®, Hungry-Man
Steakhouse®, Lenders®, Log Cabin®,
Milwaukees®, Mrs. Butterworths®,
Mrs. Pauls®, Open Pit®,
Snackmms®, Steakhouse Mix®, The Original TV
Dinner®, Van de Kamps® and Vlasic®.
Registration is pending on the following trademarks: Candy
Factory
TM
, Carb-Meter
TM
, Fish N
Dips
TM
, Food Thats In Fashion
TM
,
Hearty Hero
TM
, Its Good To Be
Full
TM
, Only Mrs. Pauls
TM
,
Ovals
TM
, Relishmixers
TM
, Signature
Desserts
TM
, Stackers
TM
and Syrup
Dunkers
TM
. We protect our trademarks by
obtaining registrations where appropriate and opposing any
infringement in key markets. We also own a design trademark in
the United States, Canada and other countries on the Vlasic
stork.
We manufacture and market certain of our frozen
food products under the Swanson brand pursuant to two
royalty-free, exclusive and perpetual trademark licenses granted
by Campbell Soup Company. The licenses give us the right to use
certain Swanson trademarks both inside and outside of the United
States in connection with the manufacture, distribution,
marketing, advertising and promotion of frozen foods and
beverages of any type except for frozen soup or broth. The
licenses require us to obtain the prior written approval of
Campbell Soup Company for the visual appearance and labeling of
all packaging, advertising materials and promotions bearing the
Swanson trademark. The licenses contain standard provisions,
including those dealing with quality control and termination by
Campbell Soup Company as well as assignment and consent. If we
were to breach any material term of the licenses and not timely
cure such breach, Campbell Soup Company could terminate the
licenses.
We manufacture and market certain of our frozen
breakfast products under the Aunt Jemima brand pursuant to a
royalty-free, exclusive (as to frozen breakfast products only)
and perpetual license granted by The Quaker Oats Company. The
license gives us the right to use certain Aunt Jemima trademarks
both inside and outside the United States in connection with the
manufacture and sale of waffles, pancakes, French toast, pancake
batter, biscuits, muffins, strudel, croissants and all other
frozen breakfast products, excluding frozen cereal. The license
requires us to obtain the approval of The Quaker Oats Company
for any labels, packaging, advertising and promotional materials
bearing the Aunt Jemima trademark. The Quaker Oats Company can
only withhold approval if such proposed use violates the terms
of the license. The license contains standard provisions,
including those dealing with quality control and termination by
The Quaker Oats Company as well as assignment and consent. If we
were to breach any material term of the license and not timely
cure such breach, The Quaker Oats
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The loss of these licenses could have a material
adverse effect on our business.
Although we own a number of patents covering
manufacturing processes, we do not believe that our business
depends on any of these patents to a material extent.
Employees
As of July 1, 2004, we employed
approximately 3,400 people. Approximately 38% of our employees
are unionized. We consider our employee relations to be
generally good. See Risk factors.
Governmental, legal and regulatory matters
Food safety and labeling
We are subject to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Food and Drug
Administration. This comprehensive and evolving regulatory
program governs, among other things, the manufacturing,
composition and ingredients, labeling, packaging and safety of
food. In addition, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of
1990 prescribes the format and content of certain information
required to appear on the labels of food products. We are
subject to regulation by certain other governmental agencies,
including the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Our operations and products are also subject to
state and local regulation through such measures as licensing of
plants, enforcement by state health agencies of various state
standards and inspection of facilities. Enforcement actions for
violations of federal, state and local regulations may include
seizure and condemnation of products, cease and desist orders,
injunctions or monetary penalties. We believe that our
facilities and practices are sufficient to maintain compliance
with applicable government regulations, although there can be no
assurances in this regard.
Federal Trade Commission
We are subject to certain regulations by the
Federal Trade Commission. Advertising of our products is subject
to such regulation pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission Act
and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Employee safety regulations
We are subject to certain health and safety
regulations, including regulations issued pursuant to the
Occupational Safety and Health Act. These regulations require us
to comply with certain manufacturing, health and safety
standards to protect our employees from accidents.
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Environmental
We are subject to a number of federal, state and
local laws and other requirements relating to the protection of
the environment and the safety and health of personnel and the
public. These requirements relate to a broad range of our
activities, including:
the discharge of pollutants into the
air and water;
the identification, generation,
storage, handling, transportation, disposal, record-keeping,
labeling, reporting of, and emergency response in connection
with, hazardous materials (including asbestos) associated with
our operations;
noise emissions from our
facilities; and
safety and health standards,
practices and procedures that apply to the workplace and the
operation of our facilities.
In order to comply with these requirements, we
may need to spend substantial amounts of money and other
resources from time to time to (i) construct or acquire new
equipment, (ii) acquire or amend permits to authorize
facility operations, (iii) modify, upgrade or replace
existing and proposed equipment and (iv) clean up or
decommission waste management facilities. Our capital and
operating budgets include costs and expenses associated with
complying with these laws. If we do not comply with
environmental requirements that apply to our operations,
regulatory agencies could seek to impose civil, administrative
and/or criminal liabilities, as well as seek to curtail our
operations. Under some circumstances, private parties could also
seek to impose civil fines or penalties for violations of
environmental laws or recover monetary damages, including those
relating to property damage or personal injury.
The presence of hazardous materials at our
facilities may expose us to potential liabilities associated
with the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater under
federal or state Superfund statutes. Under the
federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980, as amended (CERCLA), owners
and operators of facilities from which there has been a release
or threatened release of hazardous materials, together with
those who have transported or arranged for the transportation or
disposal of those materials, are liable for (i) the costs
of responding to and remediating that release and (ii) the
restoration of natural resources damaged by any such release.
Under CERCLA and similar state statutes, liability for the
entire cost of cleaning up the contaminated site can be imposed
upon any such party, regardless of the lawfulness of the
activities that led to the contamination. During fiscal 2003,
there were no material expenditures made in order to comply with
environmental laws or regulations, and we do not anticipate any
such material expenditures for fiscal 2004. We are not aware of
any environmental liabilities that we would expect to have a
material adverse effect on our business.
St. Elmo, Illinois
We are a defendant in an action filed by the
State of Illinois regarding our St. Elmo facility. The Illinois
Attorney General filed a complaint seeking a restraining order
prohibiting further discharges by the City of St. Elmo from its
publicly owned wastewater treatment facility in violation of
Illinois law and enjoining us from discharging our industrial
waste into the Citys treatment facility. The complaint
also asked for fines and penalties associated with the
Citys discharge from its treatment facility and our
alleged operation of its production facility without obtaining a
state environmental operating permit. On June 19, 2003, we
and the Illinois Attorney General executed an Agreed Injunction
Order settling all allegations in the
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Subsequent to our settlement with the State of
Illinois, the City also entered into a settlement agreement with
the State of Illinois. At this time, the City is on restricted
status with the ILEPA, and therefore the ILEPA is prevented from
issuing any operating permits to users of the Citys
wastewater treatment facility until the City is removed from
restricted status. Restricted status for the City may be lifted
after it establishes a consistent record of compliance with its
effluent discharge parameters.
We continue to discharge our effluent to the
City. If we are ultimately unable to obtain a formal operating
permit for these discharges, we may be required to drastically
revise our St. Elmo operations including investing in
pretreatment equipment or shutting down this facility. We would
vigorously defend any future effort to prevent us from
discharging our industrial wastewater to the City. Although we
believe we will be able to resolve this matter favorably, an
adverse resolution may have a material impact on our financial
position and results of operation.
Insurance
We maintain general liability and product
liability, property, workers compensation, director and
officer and other insurance in amounts and on terms that we
believe are customary for companies similarly situated. In
addition, we maintain excess insurance where we reasonably
believe it is cost effective.
Legal Proceedings
PFGIs Fleming bankruptcy claim
PFGI, on or about April 1, 2003, filed a
reclamation claim against Fleming, a customer, in Flemings
bankruptcy proceeding pending in the United States Bankruptcy
Court for the District of Delaware in the amount of $964,000.
Fleming has claimed that the products in controversy had been
commingled with other products and that the value of PFGIs
claim is $0. Additionally, on or about January 31, 2004,
Fleming identified alleged preferential transfers to PFGI of up
to approximately $6.5 million, of which Fleming has alleged
approximately $5.0 million are, or may be, eligible for
protection as new value. Fleming additionally
alleged that some, if not all, of the alleged PFGI preferential
transfers may qualify as ordinary course of business
transactions. Fleming has also made claims regarding payments it
describes as overpayment, unjust enrichment due to allegedly
excess wire transfers and payments and debts arising out of
military sales. We have been advised that similar allegations
have been made by Fleming in many, if not all, of the other
pending reclamation claims filed against Fleming. We are
currently in the process of analyzing the claims.
Auroras Fleming bankruptcy
claim
Aurora, on or about March 31, 2003, filed a
reclamation claim against Fleming, a customer, in Flemings
bankruptcy proceeding pending in the United States Bankruptcy
Court for the District of Delaware in the amount of $595,000.
Fleming has claimed that the products in controversy had been
commingled with other products and that the value of
Auroras claim is $299,000. Additionally, on or about
February 2, 2004, Fleming identified alleged preferential
transfers to
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Employee litigationindemnification of US
Cold Storage
On March 21, 2002, an employee at the Omaha,
Nebraska facility died as the result of an accident while
operating a forklift at a warehouse facility that we leased.
OSHA conducted a full investigation and determined that the
death was the result of an accident and found no violations
against us. On March 18, 2004, the estate of the deceased
filed suit in District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, Case No:
CI 04-391, against us, the owner of the forklift and the leased
warehouse, the manufacturer of the forklift and the distributor
of the forklift. We, having been the deceaseds employer,
were named as a defendant for workers compensation
subrogation purposes only.
On May 18, 2004, we received notice from
defendant, US Cold Storage, requesting that we accept the tender
of defense for US Cold Storage in this case in accordance with
the indemnification provision of the warehouse lease. The
request has been submitted to our insurance carrier for
evaluation.
R2 appeal in Aurora bankruptcy
Prior to its bankruptcy filing, Aurora entered
into an agreement with its prepetition lending group
compromising the amount of certain fees due under its senior
bank facilities (the October Amendment). One of the
members of the bank group (R2) challenged the
enforceability of the October Amendment during Auroras
bankruptcy by filing an adversary proceeding and by objecting to
confirmation. The bankruptcy court rejected R2s argument
and confirmed Auroras plan of reorganization. R2 then
appealed from those orders of the bankruptcy court. The appeals
are pending; we believe it is too early to predict the outcome
of the appeals.
State of Illinois v. City of St. Elmo and
Aurora Foods Inc.
We are a defendant in an action filed by the
State of Illinois regarding our St. Elmo facility. The Illinois
Attorney General filed a complaint seeking a restraining order
prohibiting further discharges by the City of St. Elmo from its
publicly owned wastewater treatment facility in violation of
Illinois law and enjoining us from discharging our industrial
waste into the Citys treatment facility. The complaint
also asked for fines and penalties associated with the
Citys discharge from its treatment facility and our
alleged operation of its production facility without obtaining a
state environmental operating permit. On June 19, 2003, we
and the Illinois Attorney General executed an Agreed Injunction
Order settling all allegations in the complaint against us,
other than any potential monetary fines or penalty. We intend to
vigorously defend any future claim for fines or penalties.
Although we believe we will be able to resolve this matter
favorably, an adverse resolution may have a material impact on
our financial position and results of operation.
116
Weight requirements
Recently, it has come to our attention that
certain products produced in one of the plants acquired in the
Aurora Transaction have not met some state weight requirements.
While we are in the process of investigating the scope of this
issue, we have revised the operating procedures of the plant
such that products produced there will comply with state product
weight requirements.
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Management
The following table sets forth certain
information with respect to our executive officers, key
employees and directors. In connection with entering into the
amended and restated members agreement (described in
Certain relationships and related transactions), we
appointed, at the direction of the Bondholders Trust, an
additional two directors to our board. We did not retain any
senior management from Aurora upon the closing of the Aurora
Transaction.
C. Dean Metropoulos
has served as our Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer since March 19, 2004. Prior thereto,
Mr. Metropoulos held the same position with Pinnacle since
its inception in 2001. Mr. Metropoulos is also Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of CDM Investor Group LLC, a merchant
banking and management firm. Some of the recent transactions for
which affiliates of CDM Investor Group LLC have provided senior
management include Hillsdown Holdings, PLC (Premier
International Foods, Burtons Biscuits and Christie Tyler
Furniture), Mumm and Perrier Jouet Champagnes, International
Home Foods, Ghirardelli Chocolates, The Morningstar Group and
Stella Foods, Inc. Mr. Metropoulos also sits on the board
of a number of companies in both the United States and Europe.
Mr. Metropoulos began his career with GTE International,
where his last position before leaving to establish his merchant
banking and management firm was Senior Vice President.
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N. Michael Dion
has been our Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer since March 19, 2004. Prior
thereto, Mr. Dion held the same position with Pinnacle
since its inception in 2001. Mr. Dion has been affiliated
with affiliates of CDM Investor Group LLC and each of the
business platforms that Mr. Metropoulos and his team have
managed since 1990. Mr. Dion served as Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of International Home
Foods from November 1996 to November 1999. Mr. Dion is also
a Certified Public Accountant.
Michael J. Cramer
has been our Executive Vice President
and Chief Administrative Officer since March 19, 2004. From
1998 to 2004, Mr. Cramer served as President and COO of
Southwest Sports Group, LLC, and Southwest Sports Realty, LP and
as part of those duties, he served at various times as President
of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club and Dallas Stars Hockey Team.
Prior to joining Southwest Sports Group in 1998, Mr. Cramer
was affiliated with each of the platforms C. Dean Metropoulos
managed since 1987. In that capacity he served as Executive Vice
President and as a member of the Board of Directors of
International Home Foods; Executive Vice President and General
Counsel of The Morningstar Group Inc. and Executive Vice
President of Administration and General Counsel of Stella Foods,
Inc. Prior to that time, he was engaged in the private practice
of law for several years in Wisconsin.
Evan Metropoulos
has
been our Executive Vice President, Operations and Technical
Services since March 19, 2004. Prior thereto, Evan
Metropoulos held the same position with Pinnacle since its
inception in 2001. Evan Metropoulos is also a founding partner
of affiliates of CDM Investor Group LLC, and has overseen the
manufacturing operations for affiliates of CDM Investor Group
LLC portfolio platforms in the United States and Europe. Evan
Metropoulos is the brother of C. Dean Metropoulos.
Louis Pellicano
has
been our Executive Vice President, Business Development and
Acquisitions and Assistant Secretary since March 19, 2004.
Prior thereto, Mr. Pellicano held the same position with
Pinnacle since its inception in 2001. Mr. Pellicano is also
a founding partner of CDM Investor Group LLC. During the past
ten years at affiliates of CDM Investor Group LLC,
Mr. Pellicano has played a significant role in the
acquisition, monitoring and successful exit of all affiliates of
CDM Investor Group LLC portfolio food platforms. Previously,
Mr. Pellicano was Senior Vice President at International
Home Foods until it was sold in 2000. Before affiliates of CDM
Investor Group LLC, Mr. Pellicano spent twelve years at and
was a co-founder of the Mergers & Acquisitions office
in New York for Banque Nationale de Paris and Credit Lyonnais.
He began his career with Ford Motor Company and Mobil Oil
Corporation in various management positions.
Dianne Jacobs
is the
Executive Vice President and General Manager of our Frozen
Grocery division. Prior thereto, Ms. Jacobs held the same
position with Pinnacle. Ms. Jacobs joined Pinnacle in June
2001, shortly after its formation. Before joining us,
Ms. Jacobs was the Vice President of Marketing for Kraft
Foods/ Nabisco leading their cookie portfolio including brands
such as Oreo, Chips Ahoy!, SnackWells, Newtons and others.
Ms. Jacobs has extensive experience in the frozen food
category from her five years experience with Nestle/
Stouffers before her time with Nabisco. Her final position
with Nestle was a Vice President of Marketing for their Frozen
Foods Division, where she had management responsibility for
Stouffers, Lean Cuisine and French Bread Pizza.
Ms. Jacobs began her career with Procter and Gamble and
later moved to General Foods Corporation in brand management.
David Roe
is the
Executive Vice President and General Manager of our Dry Grocery
division (Cake Mix, Pancake Syrups & Condiments). Prior
thereto, Mr. Roe held the same position with Pinnacle.
Mr. Roe joined Pinnacle in January 2004 following three
years with Cendant
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William Toler
has
been our Executive Vice President, Sales since March 19,
2004. Mr. Toler previously provided consulting services to
Aurora and oversaw its sales department from June 2003 to March
2004. Mr. Toler was previously President of North America
for ICG Commerce, a procurement services company. Before ICG
Commerce, Mr. Toler was President of Campbell Sales Company
from 1995 to 2000. At Campbell Sales Company, he was responsible
for $4 billion in sales, including Campbell Soup
Companys flagship soup brands Condensed, Chunky and
Select; V-8 beverages; and Prego and Pace sauces. He joined
Campbell Sales Company from Nabisco, where he was Vice
President, Sales and Integrated Logistics from 1992 to 1995.
Prior to Nabisco, he was Vice President/ National Sales Manager
for Reckitt & Colman from 1989 to 1992. Mr. Toler
began his career at Procter & Gamble, where he worked
from 1981 to 1989; his last responsibility at Procter &
Gamble was Eastern division manager of Health and Beauty Care.
M. Kelley Maggs
has been our Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary since March 19, 2004. Prior
thereto, Mr. Maggs held the same position with Pinnacle
since its inception in 2001. He has also been associated with
affiliates of CDM Investor Group LLC for the past ten years.
Prior to his involvement with Pinnacle, Mr. Maggs held the
same position with International Home Foods from November 1996
to December 2000. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Maggs was employed
with Stella Foods, Inc. as Vice President and General Counsel.
Lynne M. Misericordia
has been our Vice President and
Treasurer since March 19, 2004. Prior thereto,
Ms. Misericordia held the same position with Pinnacle since
its inception in 2001. Ms. Misericordia previously held the
position of Treasurer with International Home Foods from
November 1996 to December 2000. Before that,
Ms. Misericordia was employed by Wyeth from August 1985 to
November 1996 and held various financial positions.
John F. Kroeger
has
recently been named Vice President, Human Resources and has been
our Vice President and Assistant General Counsel since
March 19, 2004. Prior thereto, Mr. Kroeger held the
position of Vice President and Assistant General Counsel with
Pinnacle since November 2001. From January 2001 to October 2001,
Mr. Kroeger was the Vice President and General Counsel of
Anadigics, Inc., a NASDAQ Company. From August 1998 until
December 2000, Mr. Kroeger was Vice President and Assistant
General Counsel at International Home Foods, Inc.
Mr. Kroeger has also held general management and legal
positions with leading companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical
and petroleum-refining industries.
Stephen P. Murray
became our director upon consummation
of the Aurora Transaction on March 19, 2004.
Mr. Murray is a Partner of JPMP. Prior to joining JPMP in
1984, Mr. Murray was a Vice President with the
Middle-Market Lending Division of Manufacturers Hanover Trust
Company. Currently, he serves as a director of The International
Cornerstone Group, La Petite Academy, Zoots, Cabelas,
Erisk, Risk Metrics Group, National Waterworks, Inc. and
Strongwood Insurance.
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Terry Peets
became
our director upon consummation of the Aurora Transaction on
March 19, 2004. Mr. Peets is an advisor to JPMP in its
consideration of consumer segment investment opportunities. Over
the past 25 years, Mr. Peets has served as Chairman of
Brunos Supermarkets, Inc., Executive Vice President of
Vons Grocery Company, Executive Vice President of Ralphs Grocery
Company, and President and CEO of PIA Merchandising, Inc.
Mr. Peets is the Chairman of the Board and Director of
World Kitchens, Inc., Vice Chairman and Director of City of
Hope, PSC Scanning Inc., QRS Inc., Ruiz Foods Inc. and
Childrens Museum of Orange County. Mr. Peets holds an
M.B.A. with honors from Pepperdine University.
Kevin G. OBrien
became our director upon consummation
of the Aurora Transaction on March 19, 2004.
Mr. OBrien is a Principal of JPMP. Prior to joining
JPMP in 2000, Mr. OBrien was a Vice President in the
High Yield Capital Markets and High Yield Corporate Finance
Groups at Chemical Securities Inc. and Chase Securities Inc.
since 1994. Previously, he was a commissioned officer in the
U.S. Navy. Currently, he serves as a director of
La Petite Academy and National Waterworks, Inc.
John W. Childs
became our director upon consummation
of the Aurora Transaction on March 19, 2004.
Mr. Childs has been President of JWC since July 1995. Prior
to that time, he was an executive at Thomas H. Lee Company from
May 1987, most recently holding the position of Senior Managing
Director. Prior to that, Mr. Childs was with the Prudential
Insurance Company of America where he held various executive
positions in the investment area ultimately serving as Senior
Managing Director in charge of the Capital Markets Group. He is
a director of Chevys Holdings, Inc., Pan Am International Flight
Academy, Inc., Bass Pro Inc., American Safety Razor Company, The
Hartz Mountain Corporation, The NutraSweet Company and
Esselte AB.
Adam L. Suttin
became our director upon consummation
of the Aurora Transaction on March 19, 2004.
Mr. Suttin has been a Partner of JWC since January 1998 and
has been with JWC since July 1995. Prior to that time,
Mr. Suttin was an executive at Thomas H. Lee Company
from August 1989, most recently holding the position of
Associate. Mr. Suttin is a director of American Safety
Razor Company, The NutraSweet Company and Esselte AB.
Raymond B. Rudy
became our director upon consummation
of the Aurora Transaction on March 19, 2004. Mr. Rudy
has been an Operating Partner of JWC since July 1995. Prior to
that time, he was Deputy Chairman and Director of Snapple
Beverage Corporation from 1992 until the company was sold in
1994. From 1987 to 1989, Mr. Rudy was President of Best
Foods Subsidiaries of CPC International. From 1984 to 1986,
Mr. Rudy was Chairman, President and CEO of Arnold Foods
Company, Inc. He is the Chairman of American Safety Razor
Company and The Hartz Mountain Corporation.
David R. Jessick
became our director upon consummation
of the Aurora Transaction on March 19, 2004.
Mr. Jessick has been a consultant to the chief executive
officer and finance team of Rite Aid Corporation since July
2002. From December 1999 to July 2002, Mr. Jessick was a
Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer of
Rite Aid Corporation. Prior to joining Rite Aid Corporation in
1999, Mr. Jessick spent three years at Fred Meyer, Inc.,
with his last position being Executive Vice President, Finance
and Investor Relations. Prior to joining Fred Meyer, Inc.,
Mr. Jessick spent 17 years with Thrifty PayLess
Holdings, Inc., with his last position being Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior thereto,
Mr. Jessick worked as an auditor with KPMG.
Mr. Jessick received a B.B.A. degree in accounting from
Boise State University. He currently serves as a director of WKI
Holding Company, Inc. and is a director-nominee of Dollar
Financial Corp.
121
Brett G. Wyard
became our director upon consummation
of the Aurora Transaction on March 19, 2004. Mr. Wyard
is a Managing Director of Oaktree Capital Management LLC where
he is part of Oaktree distressed opportunities group. Before
joining Oaktree in 1999, Mr. Wyard served as a Vice
President in Merrill Lynchs global distressed situations
group where he focused on proprietary debt investments in
distressed and bankrupt situations. Prior to joining Merrill
Lynch in 1997, Mr. Wyard spent three years as a senior
associate in Houlihan, Lokey, Howard & Zukin,
Inc.s financial restructuring group providing financial
advisory services to both distressed corporations and their
creditor constituencies. Prior thereto, Mr. Wyard worked at
Voyageur Asset Management in investment-grade bond management
and Miller & Schroeder Financial in investment banking.
Mr. Wyard received a B.A. degree in Economics from Boston
College.
Executive compensation
The following table sets forth information
concerning total compensation earned or paid to Pinnacles
Chief Executive Officer and Pinnacles four other most
highly compensated executive officers who served in such
capacities as of July 31, 2003 (as of the end of the last
fiscal year) (collectively, the named executive
officers), for services rendered to Pinnacle during each
of the past three fiscal years.
In connection with the Pinnacle Transaction,
Robert Sperry, Louis Pellicano, N. Michael Dion and Evan
Metropoulos received payments under certain change of control
agreements with Pinnacle of $950,000, $250,000, $250,000 and
$250,000, respectively.
In addition certain key other employees received
retention benefits in an aggregate amount of approximately
$2.2 million, which was paid in February 2004.
Summary compensation table
(1) Compensation is reported on the basis of
our fiscal year ending in July. Bonuses are reported for the
fiscal year earned and are typically paid to the executive in
first quarter of the subsequent fiscal year. Compensation for
fiscal 2001 represents compensation earned from May 22,
2001, through PFGIs fiscal year ended July 31, 2001.
(2) For PFGIs fiscal years ended
July 31, 2001, and July 31, 2002,
Messrs. C.D. Metropoulos, E. Metropoulos and
Sperry each performed services for an affiliate of PFGIs
principal shareholder. Accordingly, these individuals base
salaries for 2001 and 2002 are lower than their base salaries
per their respective employment contracts with us.
122
(3) Amounts totaling less than the lesser of
$50,000 or 10% of total annual salary and bonus have been
omitted. We provide the named executive officers with certain
group life, health, medical and other non-cash benefits that are
generally available to all salaried employees and not included
in this column.
(4) For Mr. C.D. Metropoulos, All
other compensation includes items provided pursuant to his
employment agreement with Pinnacle. For fiscal 2002 All
other compensation includes the following benefits which
were provided beginning January 1, 2002: $20,538 for
personal use of company-provided vehicles, $16,413 for club dues
and $754 for personal use of an aircraft that we provided. For
fiscal 2003 All other compensation includes the
following: $117,057 for accounting and tax services provided for
Mr. C.D. Metropoulos, $36,850 for personal use of
vehicles that we provided and $27,397 for club dues.
(5) Mr. Sperry resigned on
November 25, 2003.
Stock options and stock purchase plans
PFHCs 2001 stock option plan, pursuant to
which stock options were granted to certain officers and key
employees, was terminated in connection with the Pinnacle
Transaction. All outstanding options thereunder vested and the
holders of options granted under the 2001 plan thereof (none of
whom are listed above) received $4,320,500 in the aggregate.
PFHCs 2001 stock purchase plan was also terminated in
connection with the Pinnacle Transaction.
No stock options or SARs were granted to or
exercised by the named executive officers for fiscal year 2003.
Crunch Holding Corp. has adopted a stock option
plan providing for the issuance of up to 29,250,000 shares
of Crunch Holding Corp.s common stock. Pursuant to the
option plan, certain officers, employees, managers, directors
and other persons performing certain designated services for
Crunch Holding Corp., or a subsidiary or parent thereof, will be
eligible to receive grants of incentive and nonqualified stock
options, as permitted by applicable law. The option plan will be
administered by a committee, sub-committee or officer(s)
selected by Crunch Holding Corp.s board of directors which
shall determine the exercise price per share at the time of each
option grant. Except as otherwise provided by the plan
administrator, two-thirds ( 2/3) of the shares of common
stock subject to each option shall time vest annually over a
three-year period from the effective date of the option grant.
The remaining one-third ( 1/3) of the shares of common
stock subject to each option shall vest on the seventh
anniversary of the effective date of the option grant unless
otherwise determined by the plan administrator. All options, and
shares of common stock received upon exercise, will be subject
to certain call-rights, drag-along rights, co-sale rights and
transfer restrictions. Upon the occurrence of certain events,
the vesting of certain the options granted under the option plan
will accelerate.
Crunch Holding Corp. plans to adopt a stock
option plan providing for the issuance of up to
350,000 shares of Crunch Holding Corp.s common stock
to certain officers, employees, managers, directors and other
persons who are residents of California performing certain
designated services for Crunch Holding Corp., or a subsidiary or
parent thereof. The terms of the California stock option plan
will be substantially similar to the terms of the stock option
plan described above, other than certain changes required by
California law.
Crunch Holding Corp. has adopted an employee
stock purchase plan providing for the issuance of up to
14,500,000 shares of Crunch Holding Corp.s common
stock. Pursuant to the stock purchase plan, certain individuals
and employees performing certain designated services for Crunch
Holding Corp., or a subsidiary or parent thereof, will be
eligible to purchase shares of Crunch Holding Corp.s
common stock at the fair market value of such shares on the date
of determination. The stock purchase plan will be administered
by a committee, sub-committee or officer(s) selected by Crunch
Holding Corp.s board of directors. All shares of common
stock purchased under the stock purchase plan will be subject to
certain call-rights, drag-along rights, co-sale rights and
transfer restrictions.
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Crunch Holding Corp. plans to adopt an employee
stock purchase plan providing for the issuance of up to
500,000 shares of Crunch Holding Corp.s common stock
to certain individuals and employees who are residents of
California performing certain designated services for Crunch
Holding Corp., or a subsidiary or parent thereof. The terms of
the California employee stock purchase plan will be
substantially similar to the terms of the employee stock
purchase plan described above, other than certain changes
required by California law.
In connection with the adoption of the stock
option plan and stock purchase plan, Crunch Holding Corp. has
amended its certificate of incorporation to increase the number
of its authorized shares of common stock. Copies of the stock
option plans and stock purchase plans have been filed as
exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus
forms a part.
Pension plans
We do not have any tax-qualified defined benefit
pension plans for salaried employees.
Employment agreements
In connection with the Pinnacle Transaction, PFHC
entered into amended employment agreements with
Messrs. C.D. Metropoulos, E. Metropoulos, Dion and
Pellicano, each of whom is a member of CDM Investor Group LLC.
These amended employment agreements provide for a two-year term
and two successive automatic one-year extensions.
Pursuant to the amended employment agreements,
Mr. C. Dean Metropoulos is entitled to an annual base
salary of $1,250,000 and an annual bonus of up to $1,250,000,
provided certain performance targets are met; Mr. E.
Metropoulos is entitled to an annual base salary of $350,000 and
an annual bonus of up to $150,000, provided certain performance
targets are met; Mr. Dion is entitled to an annual base
salary of $350,000 and an annual bonus of up to $175,000,
provided certain performance targets are met; and
Mr. Pellicano is entitled to an annual base salary of
$350,000 and an annual bonus of up to $150,000, provided certain
performance targets are met. Pursuant to each of the amended
employment agreements, in light of each executives
increased duties and responsibilities as a result of the Aurora
Transaction, effective as of March 22, 2004, Mr. C.D.
Metropoulos annual base salary and annual bonus target
were increased to $2,000,000 and $1,000,000 respectively, and
Messrs. E. Metropoulos and Dions annual base
salary and annual bonus target were increased to $450,000 and
$200,000, respectively.
Additionally, each of the amended employment
agreements provides for certain severance payments to be made if
the executives employment is terminated without
cause or due to a resignation for good
reason or a disability (each as defined in the
employment agreements). Following any of these events,
(A) Mr. C.D. Metropoulos will be entitled to receive,
among other things, (i) an amount equal to 200% of his
then-current annual base compensation and (ii) a pro rata
portion of any bonus earned during the calendar year in which
the termination occurs payable concurrently with the other
accrued investments and (B) Messrs. E. Metropoulos,
Dion and Pellicano will be entitled to receive, among other
things, (i) an amount equal to 150% of his then-current
annual base compensation and (ii) a pro rata portion of any
bonus earned during the calendar year in which the termination
occurs payable concurrently with the other accrued investments.
Each of the amended employment agreements provides for a
gross-up for any Code section 4999 excise tax that may be
triggered as a result of any payment made pursuant to the
executives employment agreement or otherwise.
124
Each of the amended employment agreements
contains a confidentiality provision pursuant to which each
executive agrees not to use confidential information
(as defined in the employment agreements) for the benefit of any
person or entity during the term of the employment agreements.
Each of the amended employment agreements also contains a
non-compete provision pursuant to which each executive agrees,
in the event of his termination or his resignation for good
reason, other than for a termination or resignation for good
reason due to the occurrence of a change of control, concurrent
with his receipt of his severance payment, not to engage in or
promote any business within the United States that is
principally engaged in the business of manufacturing and
marketing food products that directly compete in the same
categories as our core products at the time of termination with
PFHC. The non-competition period for Mr. C.D. Metropoulos
is two years after the termination of his employment with PFHC.
In the case of Messrs. E. Metropoulos, Dion and Pellicano,
the non-competition period is 18 months after the
termination of the executives employment with PFHC.
Committees of the board of directors
The board of directors of PFGI has an audit
committee and a compensation committee. The audit committee
recommends the annual appointment of auditors with whom the
audit committee reviews the scope of audit and non-audit
assignments and related fees and accounting principles we will
use in financial reporting. The members of the audit committee
are currently Messrs. OBrien, Suttin and Peets. The
compensation committee will review and approve the compensation
and benefits for our employees, directors and consultants,
administer our employee benefit plans, authorize and ratify
stock option grants and other incentive arrangement and
authorize employment and related agreements. The members of the
compensation committee are currently Messrs. C.D.
Metropoulos, Murray and Childs.
Mr. C.D. Metropoulos, our Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, is the only member of the compensation
committee who is also one of our employees or officers. However,
Mr. C.D. Metropoulos does not participate in decisions
affecting his own compensation. For information regarding
certain transactions between us and Mr. C.D. Metropoulos,
see Certain relationships and related transactions.
Compensation of directors
Our directors who are also our employees or
employees of our principal stockholders will receive no
additional compensation for their services as director. Those
directors who are not employees of us or our principal
stockholders will be paid (1) an annual retainer of $25,000
to be paid quarterly in arrears and (2) an annual option
grant valued at $10,000 with a one year vesting period. We also
intend to promptly reimburse our non-employee directors for
reasonable expenses incurred to attend meetings of our board of
directors or its committees.
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Security ownership of certain beneficial
owners
Crunch Holding Corp. owns 100% of the capital
stock of PFGI. Crunch Equity Holding, LLC owns 100% of the
capital stock of Crunch Holding Corp.
The following table sets forth information with
respect to the ownership of the membership units of Crunch
Equity Holding, LLC as of July 31, 2004:
each person known to own beneficially
more than 5% of the membership units,
The information set forth below is subject to a
post-closing net debt adjustment to the Aurora equity value.
Net debt is calculated as funded debt as of the
closing date of the Aurora Transaction less cash on hand, minus
working capital, and will be adjusted for certain payments the
Debtors have made or will make with respect to specific matters
referred to in the Merger Agreement. The Debtors
working capital is defined as the sum of
(i) net accounts receivable, (ii) inventory net of
reserves and (iii) prepaid expenses minus the sum of
(x) accounts payable and (y) accrued expenses
(excluding certain items). Each of net debt and working capital
excludes certain specifically identified expenses. If net debt
on the closing date of the Aurora Transaction is determined to
be greater than $609.9 million, the value of the
Bondholders Trust Interests will be decreased correspondingly
and the percentage ownership of the Bondholders Trust in the
Combined Company will decrease. If net debt on the closing date
of the Aurora Transaction is determined to be less than
$595.9 million, the value of the Bondholders Trust
Interests will be increased correspondingly and the percentage
ownership of the Bondholders Trust in the Combined Company will
increase. The ownership of the membership units of Crunch Equity
Holding, LLC immediately upon consummation of the Aurora
Transaction was based on an estimate by Aurora of net debt of
$584,504,000. As of the date of this prospectus, Auroras
final net debt has not yet been determined. See The
Transactions Allocation of equity.
Notwithstanding the beneficial ownership of units
presented below, a members agreement governs the
members exercise of their voting rights with respect to
election of directors and certain other material events. The
parties to the members agreement have agreed to vote their
units to elect the board of directors as set forth therein. See
Certain relationships and related transactions.
The amounts and percentages of units beneficially
owned are reported on the basis of SEC regulations governing the
determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under SEC
rules, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner
of a security if that person has or shares voting power or
investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to
direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed
to be a beneficial owner of any securities with respect to which
that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within
60 days. Securities that can be so acquired are deemed to
be outstanding for purposes of computing such persons
ownership percentage but not for purposes of computing any other
persons percentage. Under these rules, more than one
person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same
securities, and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner
of securities as to which such person has no economic interest.
126
Except as otherwise indicated in these footnotes,
each of the beneficial owners listed has, to our knowledge, sole
voting and investment power with respect to the indicated units.
(1) Represents the aggregate ownership of
the Class A and Class B Units of Crunch Equity
Holding, LLC. Affiliates of JPMP Capital Corp. and J.W. Childs
Equity Investors III, L.P. and Crunch Equity Voting Trust own
only Class A Units. The Class B Units are owned only
by CDM Investor Group LLC and its officers.
(2) Includes 95,786.09 Units, 16,846.69
Units, 2,588.56 Units, 8,457.81 Units and 945.85 Units of
Class A Units owned by J.P. Morgan Partners (BHCA),
L.P., J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors, L.P.,
J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors A, L.P.,
J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman), L.P. and
J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman) II,
L.P., respectively. JPMP Capital Corp., which is an affiliate of
JPMorgan Chase & Co., is the direct or indirect general
partner of each of these entities. JPMP Capital Corp. and each
of the foregoing entities is an affiliate of J.P. Morgan
Partners, LLC and has an address c/o J.P. Morgan
Partners, LLC, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 39th Floor, New
York, New York 10020. Also includes 7,500 units owned by
Co-Investment Partners, L.P. Pursuant to a proxy agreement, each
of J.P. Morgan Partners (BHCA), L.P., J.P. Morgan
Partners Global Investors, L.P., J.P. Morgan Partners
Global Investors A, L.P., J.P. Morgan Partners Global
Investors (Cayman), L.P. and J.P. Morgan Partners Global
Investors (Cayman) II, L.P. has the right to vote the units
owned by Co-Investment Partners, L.P.
(3) Includes 128,957.527 Units owned by J.W.
Childs Equity Partners III, L.P. and 3,167.473 Units owned
by JWC Fund III Co-Invest, LLC. J.W. Childs Associates,
Inc. is the direct or indirect majority shareholder, general
partner or managing member, as applicable, of each of these
entities.
(4) Includes 250 Class A Units and
30,950 Class B Units owned by CDM Investor Group LLC. CDM
Investor Group LLC also owns 17,071.85 Class C Units,
28,890.61 Class D Units and 30,411.44 Class E Units.
C. Dean Metropoulos is the managing member of CDM Investor Group
LLC and has the sole power to direct the voting and disposition
of any Units owned by CDM Investor Group LLC. The non-managing
members of CDM Investor Group LLC are currently
Messrs. Dion, E. Metropoulos and Pellicano and certain of
their respective affiliates. The address of CDM Investor Group
LLC and each of the foregoing persons is c/o CDM Investor
Group LLC, 67 Mason Street, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830.
(5) Crunch Equity Voting Trust (the
Voting Trust) was formed prior to the consummation
of the Aurora Transaction to hold approximately 235,906 Crunch
Equity Holding, LLC interests on behalf of the Aurora
bondholders and, 244.875 of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC interests
of JWC and 244.876 of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC Units of JPMP.
The interests held by JPMP and JWC may be exchanged for units in
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC upon expiration of the indemnity
agreement described herein. Each ownership interest in the
Voting Trust represents a corresponding interest in Crunch
Equity Holding, LLC. The Voting Trust has a board of three
voting trustees. As more fully set forth in the trust agreement
for the Voting Trust, the board has the authority, at the
boards sole discretion, to exercise certain rights and
cause the Voting Trust to perform certain obligations of the
Voting Trust. Certain other actions taken by the board require
the consent or instruction of the holders of ownership interests
in the Voting Trust. The Voting Trust terminates upon the
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of Crunch
Equity Holding, LLC or at such time (following the deposit of
the first Class A Units into the Voting Trust) as the
Voting Trust ceases to hold any Class A Units.
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(6) Reflects the shares directly owned by
J.P. Morgan Partners (BHCA), L.P., J.P. Morgan
Partners Global Investors, L.P., J.P. Morgan Partners
Global Investors A., L.P., J.P. Morgan Partners Global
Investors (Cayman), L.P. and J.P. Morgan Partners Global
Investors (Cayman) II, L.P. (collectively, the JPMP
Entities) due to his status as an executive officer of
JPMP Capital Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of JPMorgan
Chase & Co. and the direct and indirect general partner
of each of the JPMP Entities. Mr. Murray disclaims
beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary
interest. The address of Mr. Murray is
c/o J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, 1221 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10020.
(7) Mr. OBrien is a Principal of
J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC and a limited partner of JPMP
Master Fund Manager, L.P. (JPMP MFM), an entity
which has a carried interest in investments of the JPMP
Entities. While Mr. OBrien has no beneficial
ownership of these shares held by the JPMP Entities under
Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act because he has no ability
to control the voting or investment power of the JPMP Entities,
Mr. OBrien has an indirect pecuniary interest in the
shares of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC held by the JPMP Entities
as a result of his status as a limited partner of JPMP MFM.
Mr. OBrien disclaims beneficial ownership of these
shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
The actual pecuniary interest which may be attributable to
Mr. OBrien is not readily determinable because it is
subject to several variables, including without limitation, the
JPMP Entities internal rate of return and vesting.
Mr. OBriens address is
c/o J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, 1221 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10020.
(8) Each of Messrs. Childs, Suttin and
Rudy may be deemed the beneficial owner of the Units owned by
J.W. Childs Associates, Inc., in their capacity as a
shareholder, Partner or Operating Partner of J.W. Childs
Associates, Inc. and certain of its affiliates, as applicable.
Each of Messrs. Childs, Suttin and Rudy disclaim beneficial
ownership of such Units. The address for each of them is
c/o J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., 111 Huntington Avenue,
Suite 2900, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7610.
(9) Mr. Wyard is a Managing Director of
Oaktree Capital Management, LLC (Oaktree). Oaktree
is the general partner or investment adviser of certain funds
and accounts which hold, in the aggregate, 77,288.297 units
of ownership interest in the Voting Trust, and may be deemed to
have beneficial ownership of such units. Mr. Wyard, Oaktree
and its members, principals and officers hereby disclaim
beneficial ownership of such units, except to the extent of any
pecuniary interest therein.
(10) Mr. C.D. Metropoulos may be deemed
the beneficial owner of the Units owned by CDM Investor Group
LLC set forth in note (4) due to his status as its managing
member. Mr. C.D. Metropoulos disclaims beneficial ownership
of any such Units except to the extent of his pecuniary interest.
(11) Each of Messrs. Dion, E.
Metropoulos and Pellicano is a non-managing member of CDM
Investor Group LLC but has no power to direct the voting or
disposition of Units owned by CDM Investor Group LLC.
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Certain relationships and related
transactions
Office space lease
We currently lease office space owned by
Barrington Properties, LLC, which is an affiliate of C.D.
Metropoulos, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. In the
first nine months of 2004 and the fiscal years 2003, 2002 and
2001, total rent paid under this lease was $141,000, $283,000,
$228,000 and $0, respectively. The building, which included
the office space leased by a subsidiary of PFGI, was sold by the
owner on January 12, 2004. The lease was amended to reflect
that the subsidiary moved to a different building in Greenwich,
Connecticut also owned by Barrington Properties, LLC. The lease
amendment runs through May 31, 2010.
Airplane
We historically used an aircraft owned by a
company indirectly owned by our Chairman. In connection with the
use of this aircraft, we paid net operating expenses of $0 in
fiscal 2001, $1,180,000 in fiscal 2002 and $376,000 in the first
quarter of fiscal 2003. In the second quarter of fiscal 2003,
the agreement to use and pay for the plane was terminated early
at a cost to us of $2 million. Beginning November 25,
2003, we resumed using the aircraft and in connection with the
usage, paid net operating expenses of $856,000 in the
twenty-three weeks ended April 30, 2004.
As of March 2004, our subsidiary, Pinnacle Foods
Management Corporation, entered into an agreement with Fairmont
Aviation, LLC, an affiliate of C.D. Metropoulos, our Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, whereby Fairmont Aviation, LLC has
agreed to provide us with use of an aircraft for approximately
$230,000 per month. Subject to each parties termination
rights, the agreement terminates in March 2010 and may be
renewed on a month-to-month basis thereafter.
Members agreement
In connection with the Aurora Transaction, the
Sponsors and the Bondholders Trust entered into an amended and
restated members agreement of LLC. The members
agreement, among other matters:
restricts the transfer of units of
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, subject to certain exceptions, and
provides that all transferees must become a party to the
members agreement;
provides for a board of managers of
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC and a board of directors of Crunch
Holding Corp. and PFC consisting of nine directors, of which:
requires each member of Crunch Equity
Holding, LLC to vote all their shares for the election of the
persons nominated as managers as provided above;
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provides for a compensation committee
and an audit committee, each consisting of at least three
managers, of which:
prohibits Crunch Equity Holding, LLC
or any of its subsidiaries from taking the following actions,
subject to carve outs provided in the members agreement,
without the prior approval of the members of the board of
managers affiliated with each of JPMP and JWC so long as in each
case the members affiliated with the applicable Sponsor owns at
least 25% of the Class A Units owned by such party at the
consummation of the Aurora Transaction:
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require the consent of CDM Investor
Group LLC to any changes to the terms of the Class B, C, D
or E units or any amendment to Crunch Equity Holding, LLCs
governance documents that would adversely affect CDM Investor
Group LLC in a manner different from any other member;
require the consent of the
Bondholders Trust to amend Crunch Equity Holding, LLCs
governance documents for so long as the Bondholders Trust holds
at least 5% of the issued and outstanding units;
contain rights of certain unit
holders to participate in transfers of Class A and
Class B units by the Sponsors to third parties;
contain a right of first refusal by
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC with respect to transfers of
Class A and Class B units by members other than
Bondholders Trust, and if Crunch Equity Holding, LLC does not
exercise such right, grant the non-transferring members (other
than Bondholders Trust) a right of first refusal;
grants the Sponsors and Crunch Equity
Holding, LLC a right of first offer with respect to transfers of
interests by members of Bondholders Trust;
grant the members certain preemptive
rights;
require the consent of each of the
Sponsors to effect a sale of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, Aurora
or PFC;
if CDM Investor Group LLC does not
consent to (i) a sale of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC or
Aurora or (ii) a liquidation in connection with a required
initial public offering, grant JPMP and JWC, in the case of
clause (i), and Bondholders Trust, in the case of
clause (ii), the right to purchase all of CDM Investor
Group LLCs units at a purchase price equal to the product
of (x) $10.75 million and (y) a percentage (which
is not greater than 100%) representing the percentage on
original investment of the capital returned to JPMP, JWC and the
Bondholders Trust in connection with such transaction; and
if any of C. Dean Metropoulos, N.
Michael Dion, Evan Metropoulos or Louis Pellicano voluntarily
resign from Aurora without good reason (as defined in his
respective employment agreement) and other than as a result of
disability (as defined in his employment agreement), grant
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, Pinnacle or Aurora the option to
purchase the portion of CDM Investor Group LLCs units
reflecting such individuals ownership in CDM Investor
Group LLC (i) if such resignation is on or before
November 25, 2004, at a purchase price equal to
$10.75 million multiplied by such individuals
ownership percentage in CDM Investor Group LLC and (ii) if
such resignation is after November 25, 2004 but on or
before November 25, 2005, at a purchase price equal to the
greater of (x) $10.75 million multiplied by such
individuals ownership percentage in CDM Investor Group LLC
and (y) fair market value (without regard to any minority
or illiquidity discounts.
The members agreement will terminate upon
the sale, dissolution or liquidation of Crunch Equity Holding,
LLC.
Management and fee agreements
In connection with the Pinnacle Transaction, PFHC
entered into a management agreement with JPMP and an affiliate
of JWC. Under this agreement, each of JPMP and JWC provide us
with financial advisory and other services. We will pay each of
JPMP and JWC an annual management fee in the amount of
$0.5 million ($1.0 million in the aggregate)
commencing November 2003, and one-fourth of this fee will be
paid each calendar quarter in advance. In
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In connection with the Pinnacle Transaction, we
paid each of JPMP and JWC a transaction fee in the amount of
$2,425,000 ($4,850,000 in the aggregate). We also paid all
expenses of JPMP, JWC and each of their controlled affiliates,
including the fees and expenses of their respective counsel and
other advisors and consultants, in connection with the Pinnacle
Transaction.
In addition, in connection with the Pinnacle
Transaction, PFHC entered into an agreement with CDM Capital
LLC, an affiliate of CDM Investor Group LLC, pursuant to which
CDM Capital LLC will receive, in exchange for advisory services
in connection with acquisitions, a transaction fee equal to
0.5% of the aggregate purchase price upon consummation of
any acquisition (other than the Pinnacle Transaction or the
Aurora Transaction) by us. The payments to CDM Capital LLC under
the fee agreement cease at the time at which CDM Investor Group
LLC no longer owns at least 5% of the Crunch Equity
Holding, LLC units issued to it at the closing of the Pinnacle
Transaction.
These arrangements with the Sponsors also contain
standard indemnification provisions by us of the Sponsors.
Upon the closing date of the Aurora Transaction,
PFGI assumed all of PFHCs rights and obligations under the
management and fee agreements.
Tax sharing agreement
On November 25, 2003, we entered into a tax
sharing agreement with Crunch Holding Corp. which provides that
we will file U.S. federal income tax returns with Crunch
Holding Corp. on a consolidated basis. This agreement further
provides that we make distributions to Crunch Holding Corp., and
Crunch Holding Corp. makes contributions to us, such that we
incur the expense for taxes generated by our business on the
same basis as if we did not file consolidated tax returns.
Aurora and its wholly owned subsidiary, Sea Coast, became party
to the tax sharing agreement on March 19, 2004.
Indemnity agreement
In connection with the Aurora Transaction, we
entered into an indemnity agreement with the Bondholders Trust.
Pursuant to the indemnity agreement, the Bondholders Trust is
required to reimburse us in respect of losses resulting from
liabilities other than those (a) reserved against
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The Bondholders Trust is not required to
reimburse us for the first $1 million of such losses
(subject to upward adjustment of up to $14 million
depending on the level of Auroras net debt at closing) and
its aggregate reimbursement obligation may not exceed
$30 million. Any claims for indemnification must be made by
us prior to the first anniversary of the closing date of the
Aurora Transaction. The Bondholders Trust may satisfy its
indemnification obligations by delivering Class A units
(valued at $1,000 per unit) to Crunch Equity Holding, LLC
for cancellation or by paying cash. The indemnity agreement was
amended and restated on May 4, 2004 to provide that the
$30 million cap will be increased as further provided
therein to the extent we are obligated to pay amounts in excess
of $6.85 million to any prepetition lender in connection
with the R2 appeal described in The
Transactions.
Registration rights agreement
In connection with the Aurora Transaction, Crunch
Holding Corp. entered into a registration rights agreement with
the members of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC. Pursuant to the
registration rights agreement, following consummation of an IPO
by Crunch Holding Corp., affiliates of JPMP, affiliates of JWC,
CDM Investor Group LLC and the Bondholders Trust will each
receive a demand registration right with respect to shares of
Crunch Holding Corp. received by it upon liquidation of Crunch
Equity Holding, LLC in connection with the initial public
offering, as well as unlimited rights to include its shares of
Crunch Holding Corp. in registered offerings by Crunch Holding
Corp. and to request registration on Form S-3 if Crunch
Holding Corp. has qualified for the use of Form S-3, in all
cases subject to certain conditions, standard cutbacks and other
customary restrictions.
Senior credit facility and interim financing commitment
JPMorgan Chase & Co. or one of its
affiliates is a lender under the senior secured credit
facilities. In addition, JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its
affiliates in conjunction with each of the other initial
purchasers or their affiliates agreed to provide us with senior
subordinated financing in an aggregate amount of
$150.0 million in the event that the offering of the old
notes was not consummated. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. was
an initial purchaser of the old notes and both J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. are affiliates
of JPMP Capital Corp., which owns approximately 25% of our
parents outstanding capital stock (on a fully diluted
basis) and has the right under the members agreement to
appoint three of our directors. JPMP Capital Corp. is an
affiliate of J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC. Steven P.
Murray, a partner of J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC,
Kevin G. OBrien, a principal of J.P. Morgan
Partners, LLC, and Terry Peets, an advisor to J.P. Morgan
Partners LLC, serve as three of our directors.
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Description of senior secured credit
facilities
General
On November 25, 2003, we entered into a
credit agreement led by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., who act as joint lead arrangers,
and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global
Markets Inc., who act as joint bookrunners in connection with
the senior secured credit facilities. Under this credit
agreement, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas acts as
administrative agent and collateral agent, General Electric
Capital Corporation acts as syndication agent, JPMorgan Chase
Bank, Citicorp North America, Inc. and Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce act as co-documentation agents and a syndicate of banks
and other financial institutions act as lenders, providing for
the senior secured credit facilities.
The senior secured credit facilities consist of:
a $130.0 million senior secured
revolving credit facility maturing November 25, 2009, of
which up to $65.0 million was made available on and after
November 25, 2003, and the remaining $65.0 million was
made available on and after the closing date of the Aurora
Transaction; and
a $545.0 million senior secured
term loan facility maturing November 25, 2010, of which up
to $120.0 million was made available on November 25,
2003, and $425.0 million was made available on the closing
date of the Aurora Transaction.
Subject to certain restrictions and exceptions,
our senior secured credit facilities also permit us to obtain up
to an additional $125.0 million of credit facilities, or
the additional credit facilities, without the consent of the
existing lenders thereunder, so long as no default or event of
default under the senior secured credit facilities has occurred
or would occur after giving effect to such issuance and certain
other conditions are satisfied, including pro forma compliance
with certain financial ratios.
Security and guarantees
Our obligations under the senior secured credit
facilities are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed
jointly and severally by Crunch Holding Corp., our parent, and
each existing and subsequently acquired or organized domestic
subsidiary of our parent.
Our obligations under the senior secured credit
facilities, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured
by substantially all of our and our parents assets and
substantially all of the assets of each existing and
subsequently acquired or organized domestic (and, to the extent
no adverse tax consequences to us or our parent would result
therefrom, foreign) subsidiary of our parent, including but not
limited to:
a first priority pledge of 100% of
our capital stock and 100% of the capital stock and other equity
interests held by us, our parent and each existing and
subsequently acquired or organized domestic (and, to the extent
no adverse tax consequences to us or our parent would result
therefrom, foreign) subsidiary of our parent (which pledge, in
the case of capital stock of any foreign subsidiary, shall be
limited to 65% of the capital stock of such foreign subsidiary
to the extent the pledge of any greater percentage would result
in adverse tax consequences to us or our parent); and
a perfected first-priority security
interest in substantially all tangible and intangible assets of
our parent, us and each existing and subsequently acquired or
organized domestic (and, to the
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Interest rates and fees
The borrowings under the senior secured credit
facilities bear interest as follows:
Revolving credit facility:
initially (a) in the case of loans with an interest rate
based on the Alternate Base Rate, an applicable margin of
1.75% per annum plus the higher of (i) JPMorgan Chase
Banks prime rate and (ii) the federal funds effective
rate plus 1/2 of 1% or (b) in the case of loans with
an interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate, the Eurodollar
rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75% per annum, and,
after the delivery of the financial statements for the fiscal
quarter ending on January 31, 2004, such applicable margins
are subject to reduction subject to our parent and its
subsidiaries attaining certain leverage ratios; and
Term loan facility:
(a) in the case of loans with an interest rate based on the
Alternate Base Rate, an applicable margin of 1.75% per
annum plus the higher of (i) JPMorgan Chase Banks
prime rate and (ii) the federal funds effective rate
plus 1/2 of 1% or (b) in the case of loans with an
interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate, the Eurodollar rate
plus an applicable margin of 2.75% per annum.
In addition to paying interest on the outstanding
principal under the senior secured credit facilities, we will
also pay (a) a commitment fee to the lenders under the
revolving credit facility in respect of the average daily unused
commitments under the revolving credit facility at a rate equal
to 1/2 of 1% per annum and (b) a commitment fee on the
average daily undrawn portion of the commitments under the term
loan facility at a rate equal to 1.25% per annum.
In connection with the senior secured credit
facilities, we are also required to pay customary administrative
fees, letter of credit issuance and administration fees and
certain expenses, and to provide certain customary indemnities.
Scheduled amortization payments and mandatory prepayments
The term loan facility under the senior secured
credit facilities provides for quarterly amortization payments
totaling 1% per annum beginning on June 30, 2004,
resulting in amortization of 0.50% of the aggregate principal
amount of the term loans outstanding as of November 25,
2003 and of the aggregate principal amount of the term loans
outstanding as of March 19, 2004 during the first year
following November 25, 2003, 1.00% during the second
through sixth years and 94.50% during the seventh year.
In addition, the senior secured credit facilities
require us to prepay outstanding term loans (and, after the term
loans have been repaid in full, to prepay outstanding revolving
credit loans), subject to certain exceptions, with:
100% of the net proceeds of certain
asset dispositions by Crunch Holding Corp. or its subsidiaries;
50% of the net proceeds of certain
public equity issuances by Crunch Holding Corp. or its
subsidiaries;
75% (which percentage is reduced if
our leverage ratio is less than certain levels) of excess cash
flow (as defined in the credit agreement); and
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100% of the net proceeds of certain
debt issuances by Crunch Holding Corp. or its subsidiaries
(other than the notes offered hereby and other debt permitted
under the credit agreement).
Voluntary prepayments
The senior secured credit facilities provide for
voluntary prepayments of the loans and voluntary reductions of
the unutilized portion of the commitments under the senior
secured credit facilities, without premium or penalty, other
than customary breakage costs with respect to
eurodollar loans.
Covenants
The senior secured credit facilities contain
financial, affirmative and negative covenants that we believe
are usual and customary for a senior secured credit agreement.
The negative covenants in the senior secured credit facilities
include, among other things, limitations (each of which shall be
subject to standard and customary and other exceptions for
financings of this type) on our ability to:
declare dividends and make other
distributions;
redeem or repurchase our capital
stock;
prepay, redeem or repurchase certain
of our indebtedness (including the notes);
make loans or investments (including
acquisitions);
incur additional indebtedness;
grant liens;
enter into sale-leaseback
transactions;
modify the terms of the notes or
certain other debt or capital stock;
restrict dividends from our
subsidiaries;
enter into new lines of business;
recapitalize, merge, consolidate or
enter into acquisitions;
sell our assets; and
enter into transactions with our
affiliates.
In addition, the senior secured credit facilities
require us to maintain the following financial covenants:
a maximum total leverage ratio;
a minimum interest coverage
ratio; and
a maximum capital expenditure
limitation.
Events of default
Our senior secured credit facilities contain
certain customary events of default, including, among others:
nonpayment of principal, interest,
fees or other amounts when due;
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breach of the affirmative or negative
covenants;
inaccuracy of the representation or
warranties;
cross-default and cross-acceleration
with respect to other material indebtedness;
bankruptcy or insolvency;
material judgments entered against
our parent, us or any of our subsidiaries;
certain ERISA violations;
actual or asserted invalidity of the
security documents or guarantees associated with the senior
secured credit facilities;
a change in control (as described in
the senior secured credit facilities); and
actual or asserted invalidity of the
provisions of the notes subordinating the notes to the senior
secured credit facilities.
Some of these events of default allow for grace
periods and materiality thresholds.
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Description of notes
You can find the definitions of certain terms
used in this description under the subheading
Certain definitions. In this description the
word Company refers only to Pinnacle Foods Group
Inc. but not to any of its Subsidiaries, Holdings
refers to Crunch Holding Corp., which owns all the outstanding
stock of the Company, and CEH refers to Crunch
Equity Holding, LLC, which owns all the outstanding stock of
Holdings.
The old notes were, and the exchange notes will
be, issued under an indenture dated as of November 25, 2003
among the Company, the guarantors and Wilmington Trust Company,
as trustee. A copy of the indenture has been filed as an exhibit
to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a
part. 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.
On November 25, 2003, we issued $200,000,000
aggregate principal amount of old notes under the indenture, and
on February 20, 2004, we issued an additional $194,000,000
aggregate principal amount of old notes under the indenture. The
terms of the exchange notes are identical in all material
respects to the old notes, except the exchange notes will not
contain transfer restrictions and holders of exchange notes will
no longer have any registration rights or be entitled to any
additional interest. Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee of the
notes, will authenticate and deliver exchange notes for original
issue only in exchange for a like principal amount of old notes.
Any old notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of
the exchange offer, together with the exchange notes, will be
treated as a single class of securities under the indenture.
Accordingly, all references in this section to specified
percentages in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
notes shall be deemed to mean, at any time after the exchange
offer is consummated, such percentage in aggregate principal
amount of the old notes and exchange notes then outstanding.
The following description is a summary of the
material provisions of the indenture. It does not restate the
indenture in its entirety. We urge you to read the indenture
because it, and not this description, defines your rights as
holders of the exchange notes. A copy of the indenture has been
filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part. Certain defined terms used in this
description but not defined below under Certain
definitions have the meanings assigned to them in the
indenture.
The registered Holder of a note will be treated
as the owner of it for all purposes. Only registered Holders
will have rights under the indenture.
Brief description of the notes and the guarantees
The notes
The old notes are, and the exchange notes will be,
general unsecured obligations of the
Company;
subordinated in right of payment to
all existing and future Senior Debt of the Company;
pari passu
in right of payment
with any future senior subordinated Indebtedness of the
Company; and
senior in right of payment to any
future subordinated Indebtedness of the Company.
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The note guarantors
The old notes are, and the exchange notes will
be, guaranteed by each of the Domestic Subsidiaries of the
Company, which currently consist of the following:
Pinnacle Foods Corporation;
PF Sales, LLC;
PF Distribution, LLC;
Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation;
PF Standards Corporation;
Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation;
PF Sales (N. Central
Region) Corp.; and
Sea Coast Foods, Inc.
Except under certain circumstances, the notes are
not guaranteed by the Foreign Subsidiaries of the Company. The
only existing Foreign Subsidiary is Pinnacle Foods Canada
Corporation.
Pinnacle Foods Canada Corporation generated 4.9%
of the net sales of the Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries for the nine months ended April 30, 2004, and
accounted for 0.3% of the assets of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries at April 30, 2004.
The guarantees
Each guarantee of the old notes is, and of the
exchange notes will be:
a general unsecured obligation of the
Guarantor;
subordinated in right of payment to
all existing and future Senior Debt of that Guarantor;
pari passu
in right of payment
with any future senior subordinated Indebtedness of that
Guarantor; and
senior in right of payment to any
future subordinated Indebtedness of the Guarantor.
As of April 30, 2004, the Company had total
debt outstanding (including the notes) of approximately
$945.8 million, and approximately $118.5 million would
have been available (after giving effect to the outstanding
letters of credit of approximately $11.5 million) to the
Company for additional borrowings under its credit facility, all
of which constitutes Senior Debt ranking ahead of the notes, and
all of which constitutes secured debt. As indicated above and as
discussed in detail below under the caption
Subordination, payments on the notes and under
the guarantees will be subordinated to the payment of Senior
Debt. The indenture will permit both the Company and the
Guarantors to incur additional Senior Debt.
All of the Companys Subsidiaries are
Restricted Subsidiaries, except that under the
circumstances described below under the subheading
Certain covenantsDesignation of restricted and
unrestricted subsidiaries, the Company is permitted to
designate certain of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted
Subsidiaries. The Companys Unrestricted
Subsidiaries, if any exist in the future, will not be subject to
the restrictive covenants in the indenture, and they will not
guarantee the notes.
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Principal, maturity and interest
The Company initially issued notes in a total
principal amount of $200,000,000 on November 25, 2003, and
subsequently issued notes in an aggregate principal amount of
$194,000,000 on February 20, 2004. The Company will issue
up to $394,000,000 of exchange notes in exchange for the old
notes in the exchange offer. The Company may issue additional
notes under the indenture from time to time. Any issuance of
additional notes will be subject to the covenant described below
under the caption Certain covenantsIncurrence
of indebtedness and issuance of preferred stock. The
exchange notes, the old notes and any additional notes
subsequently issued under the indenture will rank equally and
will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the
indenture, including, without limitation, waivers, amendments,
redemptions and offers to purchase. The Company will issue
exchange notes in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
of $1,000. The old notes and the exchange notes will mature on
December 1, 2013.
Interest on the notes accrues at the rate of
8 1/4% per annum and is payable semi-annually in
arrears on June 1 and December 1, commencing on
June 1, 2004. The Company will make each interest payment
to the Holders of record on the immediately preceding
May 15 and November 15.
Interest on the notes will accrue from the most
recent date on which interest has been paid or, if no interest
has been paid, from and including the date of issuance. Interest
will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of
twelve 30-day months.
Methods of receiving payments on the notes
If a Holder owning at least $5.0 million in
principal amount of notes has given wire transfer instructions
to the Company and the Trustee by the record date for such
payment, the Company will pay all principal, interest and
premium and additional interest, if any, on that Holders
notes in accordance with those instructions. All other payments
on notes will be made at the office or agency of the paying
agent and registrar within the City and State of New York
(which will initially be the corporate trust office of the
trustee) unless the Company elects to make interest payments by
check mailed to the Holders at their address set forth in the
register of Holders.
Paying agent and registrar for the notes
The trustee will initially act as paying agent
and registrar for the notes. The Company may change the paying
agent or registrar without prior notice to the Holders of the
notes, and the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may
act as paying agent or registrar.
Transfer and exchange
A Holder may transfer or exchange notes in
accordance with the indenture. The registrar and the trustee may
require a Holder to furnish appropriate endorsements and
transfer documents in connection with a transfer of notes.
Holders will be required to pay all taxes or similar government
charges due on transfer or exchange. The Company is not required
to transfer or exchange any note selected for redemption except
the unredeemed portion of any note being redeemed in part. Also,
the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any note
(i) for a period of 15 days before a selection of
notes to be redeemed or (ii) between a record date and the
next succeeding interest payment date.
140
Guarantees
The old notes are, and the exchange notes will
be, guaranteed by each of the Companys Domestic
Subsidiaries and certain future subsidiaries of the Company.
Subject to the conditions described below, the Guarantors will,
jointly and severally, unconditionally guarantee on a senior
subordinated basis the performance and punctual payment when
due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise,
of all obligations of the Company under the indenture and the
notes, whether for principal, premium or additional interest, if
any, or interest on the notes or otherwise. The Guarantors will
also pay, on a senior subordinated basis and in addition to the
amount stated above, any and all expenses (including counsel
fees and expenses) incurred by the trustee under the indenture
in enforcing any rights under a guarantee with respect to a
Guarantor. Each guarantee will be subordinated to the prior
payment in full of all Senior Debt of that Guarantor on the same
basis as the notes are subordinated to the Senior Debt of the
Company. The obligations of each Guarantor under its guarantee
will be limited as necessary to prevent that guarantee from
constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. See
Risk factorsRisks related to the notesFederal
and state fraudulent transfer laws permit a court to void the
notes and any guarantees, and, if that occurs, you may not
receive any payments on the notes.
A subsidiary Guarantor may not sell or otherwise
dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, or
consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such
Guarantor is the surviving Person), another Person, other than
the Company or another Guarantor, unless:
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Restricted
Subsidiary may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or
part of its assets and properties to the Company or a Subsidiary
of the Company that is a Guarantor.
The guarantee of a subsidiary Guarantor will be
released:
141
See Repurchase at the option of
holdersAsset sales, Certain
covenantsDesignation of restricted and unrestricted
subsidiaries and Legal defeasance and covenant
defeasance.
Subordination
The payment of principal, interest and premium
and additional interest, if any, on the old notes and the
exchange notes will be subordinated to the prior payment in full
of all Senior Debt of the Company, including Senior Debt
incurred after the date of the indenture.
The holders of Senior Debt will be entitled to
receive payment in full of all Obligations due in respect of
Senior Debt (including interest after the commencement of any
bankruptcy proceeding at the rate specified in the applicable
Senior Debt whether or not such interest is an allowed claim in
any such proceeding) before the Holders of notes will be
entitled to receive any payment or distribution with respect to
the notes (except that Holders of notes may receive and retain
Permitted Junior Securities and payments made from the trust, if
any, as described under Legal defeasance and
covenant defeasance), in the event of any distribution to
creditors of the Company:
The Company also may not make any payment or
distribution in respect of the old notes and the exchange notes
(except in the form of Permitted Junior Securities or from the
trust described under Legal defeasance and covenant
defeasance) and may not make any deposits with the trustee
as described under Legal defeasance and covenant
defeasance if:
Payments on the notes may and will be resumed at
the first to occur of the following:
142
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may
make payment on the notes if the Company and the trustee receive
written notice approving such payment from the Representative of
the Designated Senior Debt with respect to which either of the
events set forth in clauses (1) and (2) of this
paragraph has occurred and is continuing.
No new Payment Blockage Notice may be delivered
unless and until:
Not more than one Payment Blockage Notice may be
given in any consecutive 365-day period, irrespective of the
number of defaults with respect to all Designated Senior Debt
during such period,
provided
that if any Payment Blockage
Notice is delivered to the trustee by or on behalf of the
holders of Designated Senior Debt of the Company (other than the
holders of Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement), a
Representative of holders of Indebtedness under the Credit
Agreement may give another Payment Blockage Notice within such
period. However, in no event may the total number of days during
which any payment blockage period or periods on the notes is in
effect exceed 179 days in the aggregate during any
consecutive 365-day period, and there must be at least
186 days during any consecutive 365-day period during which
no payment blockage period is in effect.
The failure to make any payment on the notes by
reason of the subordination provisions of the indenture will not
be construed as preventing the occurrence of an Event of Default
with respect to the notes by reason of the failure to make a
required payment. Upon termination of any period of payment
blockage, the Company will be required to resume making any and
all required payments under the notes, including any missed
payments. No nonpayment default that existed or was continuing
on the date of delivery of any Payment Blockage Notice to the
trustee will be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent Payment
Blockage Notice.
If the trustee or any Holder of the notes
receives a payment in respect of the notes (except in Permitted
Junior Securities or from the trust described under
Legal defeasance and covenant defeasance) when:
the trustee or the Holder, as the case may be,
will hold the payment in trust for the benefit of the holders of
Senior Debt. Upon the proper written request of the holders of
Senior Debt, the trustee or the Holder, as the case may be, will
deliver the amounts in trust to the holders of Senior Debt or
their proper representative.
The Company must promptly notify the
Representative of Designated Senior Debt if payment of the notes
is accelerated because of an Event of Default.
As a result of the subordination provisions
described above, in the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or
reorganization of the Company, Holders of notes may recover less
ratably than creditors of the Company who are holders of Senior
Debt. See Risk factorsRisks related to
143
Optional redemption
At any time prior to December 1, 2006, the
Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the
aggregate principal amount of notes issued under the indenture
(calculated after giving effect to the issuance of additional
notes) at a redemption price of 108.250% of the principal
amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional
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), with the
Net Cash Proceeds from one or more Equity Offerings by the
Company, Holdings or CEH (so long as such Net Cash Proceeds are
contributed to the Company as common equity);
provided
that:
The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part,
at any time prior to December 1, 2008, at the option of the
Company upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior
notice mailed by first-class mail to each Holders
registered address, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the notes redeemed plus the Applicable
Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and additional
interest, 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).
Except as described in the two preceding
paragraphs, the notes will not be redeemable at the
Companys option prior to December 1, 2008.
On or after December 1, 2008, the Company
may redeem all or a part of the notes upon not less than 30 nor
more than 60 days notice, at the redemption prices
(expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below
plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if
any, on the notes redeemed, 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 1 of the years indicated below:
Unless the Company defaults in payment of the
redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest
will cease to accrue on the notes or portions thereof called for
redemption.
If less than all of the notes are to be redeemed,
the procedures described below under Selection and
notice will apply.
144
No mandatory redemption or sinking fund
The Company is not required to make mandatory
redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the notes.
Repurchase at the option of holders
Change of Control
If a Change of Control occurs and the Company
does not exercise its option to redeem the notes, each Holder of
notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase
all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of
$1,000) of that Holders notes pursuant to a Change of
Control offer on the terms set forth in the indenture (a
Change of Control Offer). In the Change of Control
Offer, the Company will offer a Change of Control Payment in
cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of notes
repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional
interest, if any, on the notes repurchased, 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) (a Change of Control
Payment). Within 30 days following any Change of
Control, the Company will mail a notice to each Holder
describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the
Change of Control and offering to repurchase notes on the Change
of Control Payment date specified in the notice, which date will
be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days
from the date such notice is mailed, pursuant to the procedures
required by the indenture and described in such notice. The
Company will comply with the requirements of Section 14(e)
of and Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other
securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those
laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the
repurchase of the notes as a result of a Change of Control. To
the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or
regulations conflict with the Change of Control provisions of
the indenture, the Company will comply with the applicable
securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have
breached its obligations under the Change of Control provisions
of the indenture by virtue of such conflict.
On the Change of Control Payment date, the
Company will, to the extent lawful:
The paying agent will promptly mail to each
Holder of notes properly 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 new
note will be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral
multiple of $1,000.
In the event that at the time of the Change of
Control the terms of any agreement governing Senior Debt of the
Company or its Subsidiaries restrict or prohibit the repurchase
of notes pursuant to this covenant, then prior to the mailing of
notice to Holders of notes provided for above, but in any event
within 60 days following a Change of Control, the Company
will either
145
If the Company does not obtain such consents or
repay such Indebtedness, the Company will remain prohibited from
purchasing the notes pursuant to this covenant. In such event,
the Companys failure to make the offer to purchase
pursuant to this covenant would constitute an Event of Default
under the indenture which in turn would constitute a default
under the Credit Agreement. In such circumstances, the
subordination provisions of the indenture would likely prohibit
payments to the Holders of the notes.
The provisions described above that require the
Company to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of
Control will be applicable whether or not any other provisions
of the indenture are applicable. Except as described above with
respect to a Change of Control, the indenture does not contain
provisions that permit the Holders of the notes to require that
the Company repurchase or redeem the notes in the event of a
takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.
The Company will not be required to make a Change
of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if 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 the
indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the
Company and purchases all notes properly tendered and not
withdrawn under the Change of Control Offer.
The definition of Change of Control includes a
phrase relating to the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer,
conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially
all of the properties or assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although there is a limited body
of case law interpreting the phrase substantially
all, there is no precise established definition of the
phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a
Holder of notes to require the Company to repurchase its notes
as a result of a sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other
disposition of less than all of the assets of the Company and
its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to another Person or group may
be uncertain.
The Change of Control provisions described above
may deter certain mergers, tender offers and other takeover
attempts involving the Company, Holdings and CEH by increasing
the capital required to effectuate such transactions.
Asset sales
The Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:
146
Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net
Proceeds from an Asset Sale, the Company (or such Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be) may apply those Net Proceeds at
its option:
it being understood that the Company may apply
Net Proceeds received by any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in
any of the foregoing manners and any Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company may apply Net Proceeds received by the Company or
another Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any of the
foregoing manners.
Pending the final application of any Net
Proceeds, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary may
temporarily reduce revolving credit borrowings or otherwise
invest the Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by
the indenture.
Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not
applied or invested as provided in the preceding paragraphs will
constitute Excess Proceeds. On the 366th day after
an Asset Sale, if the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds
exceeds $15.0 million, the Company will make an Asset Sale
offer to all Holders of notes and all holders of any other
Indebtedness that is
pari passu
with the notes containing
provisions similar to those set forth in the indenture with
respect to offers to purchase or redeem such Indebtedness with
the proceeds of sales of assets
147
The Company will comply with the requirements of
Section 14(e) of and Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act
and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the
extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection
with each repurchase of notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer.
To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or
regulations conflict with the Asset Sale provisions of the
indenture, the Company will comply with the applicable
securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have
breached its obligations under the Asset Sale provisions of the
indenture by virtue of such conflict.
The agreements governing all of the
Companys outstanding Senior Debt currently restrict the
Company from purchasing notes, and also provide that certain
change of control or asset sale events with respect to the
Company would constitute a default under these agreements. Any
future credit agreements or other agreements relating to Senior
Debt to which the Company becomes a party may contain similar
restrictions and provisions. In the event a Change of Control or
Asset Sale occurs at a time when the Company is prohibited from
purchasing notes, the Company could seek the consent of its
senior lenders to the purchase of notes or could attempt to
refinance the borrowings that contain such prohibition, neither
of which may be possible. If the Company does not obtain such a
consent or repay such borrowings, the Company will remain
prohibited from purchasing notes. In such case, the
Companys failure to purchase tendered notes would
constitute an Event of Default under the indenture which would,
in turn, likely constitute a default under such Senior Debt. See
Risk factorsRisks related to the notesIf we
are not able to repurchase the notes upon a change of control,
we would be in default under the indenture and our senior
secured credit facilities, permitting the lenders under our
senior secured credit facilities to accelerate the maturity of
the borrowings thereunder and to institute foreclosure
proceedings against our assets and we could be forced to seek
bankruptcy protection. In such circumstances, the
subordination provisions in the indenture would likely restrict
payments to the Holders of notes.
Selection and notice
If less than all of the notes are to be redeemed
in connection with any redemption, the trustee will select notes
(or portions of notes) for redemption as follows:
148
No notes of a principal amount of $1,000 or less
can be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption will be mailed by
first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days
before the redemption date to each Holder of notes to be
redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption
notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a
redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a
defeasance of the notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the
indenture. Notices of redemption may not be conditional.
If any note is to be redeemed in part only, the
notice of redemption that relates to that note will state the
portion of the principal amount of that note that is to be
redeemed. A new note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed
portion of the original note will be issued in the name of the
Holder of notes upon cancellation of the original note. Notes
called for redemption become due on the date fixed for
redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest and
additional interest, if any, will cease to accrue on notes or
portions of them called for redemption.
Certain covenants
Restricted payments
The Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:
149
unless, at the time of and after giving effect to
such Restricted Payment:
150
The preceding provisions will not prohibit:
151
152
The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than
cash) will be the fair market value on the date of the
Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be
transferred or issued by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted
Payment. The fair market value of any assets or securities that
are required to be valued by this covenant will be determined by
the Companys Board of Directors, whose determination with
respect thereto shall be conclusive, and evidenced by a
resolution to be delivered to the trustee. For the avoidance of
doubt, the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement,
the Credit Agreement, the Purchase Agreement, the Exchange and
Registration Rights Agreements, the Members Agreement and
the Management and Fee Agreements will be addressed under the
covenant below described under the caption
Transactions with affiliates and will not be
considered to be Restricted Payments.
Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of
preferred stock
The Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create,
incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or
indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to
(collectively, incur) any Indebtedness (including
Acquired Debt) and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to issue any shares of
preferred stock;
provided, however,
that the Company or
any Guarantor may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt)
and any Restricted Subsidiary may issue preferred stock and
incur Acquired Debt, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the
Companys most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for
which consolidated financial statements are available
immediately preceding the date on which such additional
Indebtedness is incurred or such preferred stock is issued would
have been at least 2.0 to 1, determined on a pro forma
basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds
therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred
or the preferred stock had been issued, as the case may be, at
the beginning of such four-quarter period.
The first paragraph of this covenant will not
prohibit the incurrence of any of the following items of
Indebtedness (collectively, Permitted Debt):
153
154
155
For purposes of determining compliance with this
Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred
stock covenant, in the event that an item of proposed
Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the
categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (1)
through (16) above, or is entitled to be incurred pursuant
to the first paragraph of this covenant, the Company will be
permitted to classify such item of Indebtedness on the date of
its incurrence, or later reclassify all or a portion of such
item of Indebtedness, in any manner that complies with this
covenant. Indebtedness under Credit Facilities outstanding on
the date on which notes are first issued and authenticated under
the indenture will initially be deemed to have been incurred
pursuant to clause (1) of the definition of Permitted Debt.
Indebtedness permitted by this covenant need not be permitted 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.
The accrual of interest, the accretion or
amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest
and dividends on any Indebtedness in the form of additional
Indebtedness with the same terms, and the payment or accrual of
dividends on Disqualified Stock or preferred stock in the form
of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock or
preferred stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of
Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock or preferred
stock for purposes of this covenant.
No senior subordinated debt
The Company will not incur, create, issue,
assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable for any
Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of payment
to any Senior Debt of the Company and senior in right of payment
to the notes. No Guarantor will incur, create, issue, assume,
guarantee or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness that
is subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Senior Debt
of such Guarantor and senior in right of payment to such
Guarantors guarantee.
Liens
The Company will not and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or
otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien
of any kind securing Indebtedness (other than Permitted Liens)
upon any of their property or assets, now owned or hereafter
acquired, unless all payments due under the indenture and the
notes are secured on an equal and ratable basis (or on a senior
basis in the case of obligations subordinated in right of
payment to the notes) with the obligations so secured until such
time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien.
Dividend and other payment restrictions
affecting restricted subsidiaries
The Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create
or permit to exist or become effective any consensual
encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted
Subsidiary to:
156
However, the preceding restrictions will not
apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by
reason of:
157
Merger, consolidation or sale of
assets
The Company may not, directly or indirectly,
(1) consolidate or merge with or into another Person
(whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation) or
(2) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of
all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one
or more related transactions, to another Person unless, in the
case of clauses (1) and (2) above:
158
Notwithstanding clauses (3) and (4) of
the preceding paragraph, the Company may merge or consolidate
with a Restricted Subsidiary incorporated solely for the purpose
of organizing the Company in another jurisdiction.
In addition, the Company may not, directly or
indirectly, lease all or substantially all of its properties or
assets, in one or more related transactions, to any other
Person. This Merger, consolidation or sale of assets
covenant will not apply to a sale, assignment, transfer,
conveyance or other disposition of assets between or among the
Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
Designation of restricted and unrestricted
subsidiaries
The Board of Directors may designate any
Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if no
Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of the
designation and if that designation would not cause a Default.
If a Restricted Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary, the aggregate fair market value of all outstanding
Investments owned by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
in the Subsidiary properly designated will be deemed to be an
Investment made as of the time of the designation and will
reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under the
first paragraph of the covenant described above under the
caption Restricted payments or Permitted
Investments, as determined by the Company. That designation will
only be permitted if the Investment would be permitted at that
time and if the Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the
definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. In addition, no such
designation may be made unless the proposed Unrestricted
Subsidiary does not own any Capital Stock in any Restricted
Subsidiary that is not simultaneously subject to designation as
an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors may
redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted
Subsidiary if the redesignation would not cause a Default.
Transactions with affiliates
The Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell,
lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or
assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter
into or make or amend any transaction,
159
The following items will not be deemed to be
Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will not be subject to
the provisions of the prior paragraph:
160
Future guarantees
If (i) the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries acquires or creates another Domestic Subsidiary or
if any Restricted Subsidiary becomes a Domestic Subsidiary after
the date of the indenture or (ii) any Foreign Subsidiary
guarantees any obligation under the Credit Facilities, then that
newly acquired or created Domestic Subsidiary or the Foreign
Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) will become a
Guarantor, execute a supplemental indenture and deliver an
opinion of counsel that such supplemental indenture has been
duly authorized, executed and delivered and is a valid and
legally binding obligation of such Subsidiary enforceable in
accordance with its terms;
provided, however,
that all
Subsidiaries that have properly been designated as Unrestricted
Subsidiaries in accordance with the indenture for so
161
If Holdings guarantees Indebtedness of the
Company other than the Credit Agreement, then Holdings will
(a) become a Guarantor, execute a supplemental indenture
and deliver an opinion of counsel that such supplemental
indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered and
is a valid and legally binding obligation of Holdings
enforceable in accordance with its terms and (b) remain a
Guarantor for so long as such guarantee of such other
Indebtedness remains outstanding.
Business activities
The Company will not, and will not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than
Permitted Businesses, except to such extent as would not be
material to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as
a whole.
Reports
Whether or not required by the SEC, so long as
any notes are outstanding, the Company will furnish to the
Holders of notes, within the time periods specified in the
SECs rules and regulations:
In addition, if at any time Holdings becomes a
Guarantor of the notes and complies with the requirements of
Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC (or
any successor provision), the reports, information and other
documents required to be filed and furnished to Holders of the
notes pursuant to this covenant may, at the option of the
Company, be filed by and be those of Holdings rather than the
Company until such time as Holdings shall cease to be a
Guarantor.
In addition, following the consummation of the
exchange offer contemplated by the Exchange and Registration
Rights Agreements, whether or not required by the SEC, the
Company will file a copy of all of the information and reports
referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above with the SEC
for public availability within the time periods specified in the
SECs rules and regulations (unless the SEC will not accept
such a filing) and make such information available to securities
analysts and prospective investors upon request. In addition,
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries have agreed that,
for so long as any notes remain outstanding, they will furnish
to the Holders of the notes and to securities analysts and
prospective investors, upon their request, the information
required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under
the Securities Act.
162
Events of default and remedies
Each of the following is an Event of Default:
and, in each case, the principal amount of any
such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any
other Indebtedness contemplated by clause (a) or
(b) above, aggregates $15.0 million or more and such
default continues for 10 days after receipt of the written
notice (specifying the default and demanding that the same be
remedied) referred to below;
163
In the case of an Event of Default arising from
certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect to the
Company or any Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding notes
will become due and payable immediately without further action
or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs and is
continuing, the trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes may
declare all the notes to be due and payable immediately;
provided
that so long as any Indebtedness permitted to be
incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement shall be outstanding,
such acceleration shall not be effective until the earlier of
(1) the acceleration of any Indebtedness under the Credit
Agreement and (2) five Business Days after receipt by the
Company of written notice of such acceleration. A default under
clause (4), (5), (6) or (8) will not constitute
an Event of Default until the trustee notifies the Company or
the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding notes notify the Company and the trustee of the
default and the Company or its Subsidiary, as applicable, does
not cure such default within the time specified in
clause (4), (5), (6) or (8) after receipt of such
notice.
Holders of the notes may not enforce the
indenture or the notes except as provided in the indenture.
Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the then outstanding notes may direct the
trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The trustee may
withhold from Holders of the notes notice of any continuing
Default or Event of Default if it determines that withholding
notice is in their interest, except a Default or Event of
Default relating to the payment of principal or interest or
additional interest.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the notes then outstanding by notice to the trustee
may on behalf of the Holders of all of the notes waive any
existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under
the indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in
the payment of interest or premium and additional interest, if
any, on, or the principal of, the notes.
The Company is required to deliver to the trustee
annually a statement regarding compliance with the indenture.
Upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, the
Company is required to deliver to the trustee a statement
specifying such Default or Event of Default.
No personal liability of directors, officers, employees and
stockholders
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or
stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have
any liability for any obligations of the Company or the
Guarantors under the notes, the indenture, the guarantees, or
for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such
obligations or their creation. Each Holder of notes by accepting
a note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for issuance of the notes.
The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the
federal securities laws.
164
Legal defeasance and covenant defeasance
The Company may, at its option and at any time,
elect to have all of its obligations discharged with respect to
the outstanding notes and all obligations of the Guarantors
discharged with respect to their guarantees (Legal
Defeasance) except for:
In addition, the Company may, at its option and
at any time, elect to have the obligations of the Company and
the Guarantors released with respect to:
The Company may exercise its legal defeasance
option notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant
defeasance option. If the Company exercises its legal defeasance
option, payment of the notes may not be accelerated because of
an Event of Default with respect to the notes. If the Company
exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the notes
may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified
in clause (3) (with respect to an Asset Sale Offer or a
Change of Control Offer only), (4), (5), (6), (7) or (9)
(with respect to Significant Subsidiaries or a group which
constitutes a Significant Subsidiary only) under Events of
default above or because of the failure of the Company to
comply with clause (4) under Certain covenants
Merger and consolidation above.
In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or
Covenant Defeasance:
165
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the opinion of
counsel required by clause (2) above with respect to a
Legal Defeasance need not be delivered if all notes not
theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation
(1) have become due and payable or (2) will become due
and payable on the maturity date 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 Company.
Amendment, supplement and waiver
Except as provided in the next three succeeding
paragraphs, the indenture, the notes and the guarantees may be
amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at
least 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 of, or tender offer or exchange offer
for, notes), and any existing default or Event of Default or
compliance with any provision of the indenture or the notes or
the guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of
a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding notes
voting as a single class (including, without limitation,
consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender
offer or exchange offer for, notes).
166
Without the consent of each Holder affected, an
amendment or waiver may not (with respect to any notes held by a
non-consenting Holder):
Notwithstanding the preceding, without the
consent of any Holder of notes, the Company, the Guarantors and
the trustee may amend or supplement the indenture or the notes
or the guarantees:
167
However, no amendment may be made to the
subordination provisions of the indenture that adversely affects
the rights of any holder of Senior Debt of the Company or any
Guarantor then outstanding unless the holders of such Senior
Debt (or any group or representative thereof authorized to give
a consent) consent to such change.
Satisfaction and discharge
The indenture will be discharged and will cease
to be of further effect as to all notes and the guarantees
issued thereunder, when:
In addition, the Company 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.
168
Concerning the trustee
If the trustee becomes a creditor of the Company
or any Guarantor, the indenture limits its right to obtain
payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain
property received in respect of any such claim as security or
otherwise. The trustee will be permitted to engage in other
transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest
it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to
the SEC for permission to continue or resign.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of
the then outstanding notes will have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for
exercising any remedy available to the trustee, subject to
certain exceptions. The indenture provides that in case an Event
of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be
required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of
care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject
to such provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to
exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the
request of any Holder of notes, unless such Holder has offered
and delivered to the trustee security and indemnity satisfactory
to it against any loss, liability or expense.
Certain definitions
Set forth below are certain defined terms used in
the indenture. Reference is made to the indenture for a full
disclosure of all such terms, as well as any other capitalized
terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
Acquired Debt means, with respect to
any specified Person:
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 purposes of this definition,
control, as used with respect to any Person, means
the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct
or cause the direction of the management or policies of such
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
agreement or otherwise;
provided
that beneficial
ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a Person will be
deemed to be control. For purposes of this definition, the terms
controlling, controlled by and
under common control with have correlative meanings.
No Person (other than the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company) in whom a Receivables Subsidiary makes an Investment in
connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction will be
deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries solely by reason of such Investment.
Applicable Premium means, with
respect to any note on any applicable redemption date, the
greater of:
169
Asset Sale means:
Notwithstanding the preceding, the following
items will not be deemed to be Asset Sales:
170
Aurora Acquisition means the
acquisition of Aurora Foods Inc., a Delaware corporation, on
substantially the terms described in this prospectus;
provided
that the consummation of the Aurora Acquisition
will be deemed to be on substantially the terms described in
this prospectus so long as any changes to such terms, taken as a
whole, are not disadvantageous to the Holders of the notes in
any material respect.
Beneficial Owner has the meaning
assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5
under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the
beneficial ownership of any particular person (as
that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act),
such person will be deemed to have beneficial
ownership of all securities that such person has the
right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities,
whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable
only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition. The term
Beneficially Owns has a corresponding meaning.
Board of Directors means:
Business Day means each day that is
not a Legal Holiday.
Capital Lease Obligation means, at
the time any determination is to be made, the amount of the
liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time
be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance
with GAAP, and the stated maturity thereof shall be the date of
the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such
lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be
prepaid by the lessee without payment of a penalty.
Capital Stock means:
Cash Equivalents means:
171
CEH means Crunch Equity
Holding, LLC.
Change of Control means the
occurrence of any of the following:
172
Commodity Price Protection Agreement
means, with respect to any Person, any forward contract,
commodity swap, commodity option or other similar agreement or
arrangement relating to, or the value of which is dependent upon
or which is designed to protect such Person against,
fluctuations in commodity prices.
Consolidated Cash Flow means, with
respect to any specified Person for any period, the Consolidated
Net Income of such Person for such period
plus
:
173
Consolidated Net Income means, with
respect to any specified Person for any period, the aggregate of
the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries
for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in
accordance with GAAP;
provided
that:
Continuing Directors means, as of any
date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of
CEH who:
Credit Agreement means that certain
Credit Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003 among
Holdings, the Company, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas,
General Electric
174
Credit Facilities means one or more
debt facilities (including, without limitation, the Credit
Agreement) or commercial paper facilities, in each case with
banks or other institutional lenders providing for revolving
credit loans, term loans, 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, in each case, as amended,
restated, modified, supplemented, renewed, refunded, replaced,
restructured or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time
(including any agreement extending the maturity thereof or
increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder or
adding Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company as additional
borrowers or guarantors thereunder).
Currency Agreement means, with
respect to any Person, any foreign exchange contract, currency
swap agreements, futures contract, options contract, synthetic
cap or other similar agreement or arrangement to which such
Person is a party or of which it is a beneficiary for the
purpose of hedging foreign currency risk.
Default means any event that is, or
with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would
be, an Event of Default.
Designated Non-cash Consideration
means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received
by the Company or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries in
connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as
Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officers
Certificate setting forth the basis of valuation.
Designated Senior Debt means:
Disqualified Stock means any Capital
Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into
which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable or
exercisable, in each case at the option of the holder of the
Capital Stock), or upon the happening of any event (other than
an event solely within the control of the issuer thereof),
matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund
obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the
holder of the Capital Stock, in whole or in part, on or prior to
the date that is 91 days after the date on which the notes
mature;
provided, however,
that any class of Capital
Stock that, by its terms, authorizes the issuer thereof to
satisfy in full its obligations with respect to payment of
dividends or upon maturity, redemption (pursuant to a sinking
fund or otherwise) or repurchase thereof or otherwise by
delivery of Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock, and
175
Domestic Subsidiary means any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was formed under the
laws of the United States or any state of the United States or
the District of Columbia or that guarantees or otherwise
provides direct credit support for any Indebtedness of the
Company.
Equity Interests means Capital Stock
and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital
Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into,
or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).
Equity Offering means a public or
private sale for cash of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified
Stock).
Exchange Act means the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Existing Indebtedness means the
Indebtedness of the Company (other than Indebtedness under the
Credit Agreement) in existence on the date of the indenture.
Existing Management Stockholders
means CDM Investor Group LLC and the members thereof on the date
of the indenture.
Fixed Charges means, with respect to
any specified Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for any
period, the sum, without duplication, of:
176
In addition, for purposes of calculating the
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:
In addition, to the extent, if any, not covered
by the foregoing, if the transactions have been consummated
during the four-quarter period used to determine the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio, then the Consolidated Cash Flow for such
period shall reflect, to the extent incurred during such period,
each item reflected in Adjusted EBITDA (but not in EBITDA) for
the period ended July 31, 2003, as set forth in the
offering memorandum dated February 5, 2004 for the old
notes.
If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of
interest, the interest expense on such Indebtedness shall 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 Hedging Obligation applicable to
177
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio means,
with respect to any specified Person for any period, the ratio
of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person
and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period. In the event
that the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
incurs, assumes, Guarantees, repays, repurchases or redeems any
Indebtedness (other than ordinary working capital borrowings) or
issues, repurchases or redeems Disqualified Stock of such Person
or preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person
subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the
date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the Calculation
Date), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio will be
calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence,
assumption, Guarantee, repayment, repurchase or redemption of
Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of
preferred stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom as if the
same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable
four-quarter reference period.
Foreign Subsidiary means a Restricted
Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
GAAP means generally accepted
accounting principles 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 have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting
profession, which are in effect from time to time.
Government Securities means direct
obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest
in such obligations) of the United States of America (including
any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which
the full faith and credit of the United States of America is
pledged and which are not callable or redeemable at the
issuers option.
Guarantee means a guarantee other
than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in
the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any
manner including, without limitation, by way of a pledge of
assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements
in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness.
Guarantor means:
Hedging Obligations means, with
respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such Person
under:
178
Holder means the Person in whose name
a note is registered on the Registrars books.
Holdings means Crunch Holding Corp.
Indebtedness means, with respect to
any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person, whether
or not contingent:
if and to the extent any of the preceding items
(other than amounts in respect of letters of credit, Hedging
Obligations, Qualified Receivables Transactions and Disqualified
Stock) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the
specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition,
the term Indebtedness includes (i) all
Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the
specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by
the specified Person);
provided, however,
that the amount
of Indebtedness of such Person shall 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; and (ii) to the extent not otherwise
included, the Guarantee by the specified Person of any
indebtedness of any other Person.
The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of
any date will be:
179
In addition, for purposes of determining the
outstanding principal amount of any particular Indebtedness
incurred pursuant to the covenant described above under
Certain covenants Incurrence of indebtedness
and issuance of preferred stock:
Investments means, with respect to
any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such Person in
other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans
(including Guarantees or other obligations), advances or capital
contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit and
advances to customers and payroll, travel and similar advances
to officers and employees 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), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration
of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together
with all items that are or would be classified as investments on
a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. If the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise
disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving
effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer
a Subsidiary of the Company, the Company will be deemed to have
made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition
equal to the fair market value of the Equity Interests of such
Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an amount
determined as provided in the final paragraph of the covenant
described above under the caption Certain
covenants Restricted payments.
Legal Holiday means a Saturday,
Sunday or other day on which banking institutions are not
required by law or regulation to be open in the State of New
York or Delaware.
Lien means, with respect to any
asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or
encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not
filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law,
including any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other
agreement to sell or give a security interest in and, except in
connection with any Qualified Receivables Transaction, any
filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the
Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any
jurisdiction.
Merger means the merger to occur on
the date of the indenture pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
Merger Agreement means that certain
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 8, 2003,
by and among the Company, Holdings, Crunch Acquisition Corp. and
HMTF PF, L.L.C.
180
Net Cash Proceeds with respect to any
issuance or sale of Equity Interests, means the cash proceeds of
such issuance or sale net of attorneys fees,
accountants fees, underwriters or placement agents
fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultant and
other fees and expenses actually incurred in connection with
such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a
result thereof.
Net Income means, with respect to any
specified Person, the net income (loss) of such Person,
determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in
respect of preferred stock dividends.
Net Proceeds means the aggregate cash
proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without
limitation, any cash received upon the sale or other disposition
of any Designated Non-cash Consideration or other non-cash
consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of the direct
costs, fees and expenses relating to such Asset Sale, including,
without limitation:
Non-Recourse Debt means Indebtedness:
181
Obligations means any principal,
interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements,
damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation
governing any Indebtedness.
Officer means the Chairman of the
Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer,
the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the
Secretary of the Company. Officer of a note
Guarantor has a correlative meaning.
Officers Certificate means a
certificate signed by two Officers.
Permitted Business means any business
that derives a majority of its revenues from the businesses
engaged in by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the
date of original issuance of the notes and/or activities that
are reasonably similar, ancillary, complementary or related to,
or a reasonable extension, development or expansion of, the
businesses in which the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
are engaged on the date of original issuance of the notes.
Permitted Business Unit means a
store, branch, distribution center, region or other similar unit
of a Permitted Business or the operations and assets of any of
the foregoing.
Permitted Holder means JPMorgan
Partners, LLC and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. or their
Affiliates, the Existing Management Stockholders or their
Related Parties or any Person acting in the capacity of
underwriter in connection with a public or private offering of
the Companys or Holdings Equity Interests.
Permitted Investments means:
182
183
Permitted Junior Securities means:
provided
that the
term Permitted Junior Securities shall not include
any securities distributed pursuant to a plan of reorganization
if the Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement is treated as
part of the same class as the notes for purposes of such plan of
reorganization.
Permitted Liens means:
184
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness
means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of
which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or
refund other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries (other than intercompany Indebtedness);
provided
that:
185
Person means any individual,
corporation, partnership, joint venture, association,
joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited
liability company or government or other entity.
Qualified Receivables Transaction
means any transaction or series of transactions entered into by
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to
which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries sells,
conveys or otherwise transfers to (i) a Receivables
Subsidiary (in the case of a transfer by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries) and (ii) any other Person (in
the case of a transfer by a Receivables Subsidiary), or grants a
security interest in, any accounts receivable (whether now
existing or arising in the future) of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto
including, without limitation, all collateral securing such
accounts receivable, all contracts and all guarantees or other
obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, proceeds of
such accounts receivable and other assets which are customarily
transferred or in respect of which security interests are
customarily granted in connection with asset securitization
transactions involving accounts receivable.
Receivables Subsidiary means a
Subsidiary of the Company which engages in no activities other
than in connection with the financing of accounts receivable and
which is designated by the Board of Directors of the Company (as
provided below) as a Receivables Subsidiary (a) no portion
of the Indebtedness or any other Obligations (contingent or
otherwise) of which (i) is guaranteed by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (excluding guarantees of
Obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on,
Indebtedness) pursuant to representations, warranties, covenants
and indemnities entered into in the ordinary course of business
in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction),
(ii) is recourse to or obligates the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any way other than
pursuant to customary representations, warranties, covenants and
indemnities entered into in connection with a Qualified
Receivables Transaction or (iii) subjects any property or
asset of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
(other than accounts receivable and related assets as provided
in the definition of Qualified Receivables
Transaction), directly or indirectly, contingently or
otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to
representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered
into in the ordinary course of business in connection with a
Qualified Receivables Transaction, (b) with which neither
the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company has any
material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other
than on terms no less favorable to the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the
time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Company, other
than fees payable in the ordinary course of business in
connection with servicing accounts receivable and (c) with
which neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company has any obligation to maintain or preserve such
186
Related Parties means with respect to
a Person (a) that is a natural person (1) any spouse,
parent or lineal descendant (including adopted children) of such
Person or (2) the estate of such Person during any period
in which such estate holds Capital Stock of the Company for the
benefit of any person referred to in clause (a)(1) and
(b) any trust, corporation, partnership, limited liability
company or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders,
partners, owners or Persons beneficially owning an interest of
more than 50% of which consist of such Person and/or such other
Persons referred to in the immediately preceding clause (a).
Representative means the trustee,
agent or representative (if any) for an issuer of Senior Debt.
Restricted Investment means an
Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
Restricted Subsidiary of a Person
means any Subsidiary of such Person that is not an Unrestricted
Subsidiary.
Sale/ Leaseback Transaction means an
arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired
by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary whereby the Company or
a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such
Person, other than leases between the Company and a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary or between Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiaries.
Securitization Fees means reasonable
distributions, payments or other fees made or paid directly or
by means of discounts (i) to a Person that is not a
Receivables Subsidiary and (ii) with respect to any
participation interest issued or sold in connection with a
Qualified Receivables Transaction.
Senior Debt means:
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the
preceding, Senior Debt will not include:
187
Significant Subsidiary means any
Subsidiary that would be a significant subsidiary as
defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of
Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act,
as such Regulation is in effect on the date of the indenture.
Stated Maturity means, with respect
to any installment of interest or principal on any series of
Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or
principal was scheduled to be paid in the original documentation
governing such Indebtedness, and will not include any contingent
obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or
principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment
thereof.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any
specified Person:
Total Assets means the total
consolidated assets of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, as shown on the most recent quarterly balance
sheet of the Company and determined in accordance with GAAP;
provided, however,
that, in the case of any Investment
made or Indebtedness incurred in reliance on the provisions
based on Total Assets, if such Investment or Indebtedness was
permitted when made or incurred, the Company will not be deemed
to have violated such provisions solely due to any subsequent
decline in Total Assets.
Treasury Rate means, as of the
applicable redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such
redemption date of United States Treasury securities with a
constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent
Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has
become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to
such redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no
longer published, any publicly available source of similar
market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such
redemption date to December 1, 2008;
provided, however,
that if the period from such redemption date to
December 1, 2008 is less than one year, the weekly average
yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities
adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.
Unrestricted Subsidiary means any
Subsidiary of the Company that is designated by the Board of
Directors as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Board
Resolution, but only to the extent that such Subsidiary:
188
Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as
an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the trustee by
filing with the trustee a certified copy of the Board Resolution
giving effect to such designation and an Officers
Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the
preceding conditions and was permitted by the covenant described
above under the caption Certain covenants
Restricted payments. If, at any time, any Unrestricted
Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding requirements as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary, it will thereafter cease to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of the indenture and any
Indebtedness of such Subsidiary will be deemed to be incurred by
a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as of such date and, if
such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such
date under the covenant described under the caption
Certain covenants Incurrence of indebtedness
and issuance of preferred stock, the Company will be in
default of such covenant. The Board of Directors of the Company
may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a
Restricted Subsidiary;
provided
that such designation
will be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of any outstanding
Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such
designation will only be permitted if (1) such Indebtedness
is permitted under the covenant described under the caption
Certain covenants Incurrence of indebtedness
and issuance of preferred stock, calculated on a pro forma
basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of
the four-quarter reference period; and (2) no Default or
Event of Default would be in existence following such
designation.
Voting Stock of any Person as of any
date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time,
entitled generally to vote in the election of the Board of
Directors of such Person (without regard to the occurrence of
any contingency).
Weighted Average Life to Maturity
means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number
of years obtained by dividing:
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
any Person means a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of
the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of
which (other than directors qualifying shares) shall at
the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one
or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person.
189
Exchange offer; registration rights
We and the guarantors entered into registration
rights agreements with the initial purchasers on
November 25, 2003 and February 20, 2004. In those
agreements, we and the guarantors agreed for the benefit of the
holders of the notes that we will (1) file with the SEC on
or prior to August 21, 2004 a registration statement
relating to an offer to exchange the notes for an issue of
SEC-registered notes with terms identical to the notes (except
that the exchange notes will not be subject to restrictions on
transfer or to any increase in annual interest rate as described
below) and (2) use our reasonable best efforts to cause
such registration statement to become effective on or prior to
October 20, 2004.
When the SEC declares the exchange offer
registration statement (of which this prospectus is a part)
effective, we and the guarantors will offer the exchange notes
in return for the old notes. The exchange offer will remain open
for at least 20 business days after the date we mail notice
of the exchange offer to the old noteholders. For each old note
surrendered to us under the exchange offer, the old noteholder
will receive an exchange note of equal principal amount.
Interest on each exchange note will accrue from the last payment
date on which interest was paid on the old notes or, if no
interest has been paid on the old notes, from the closing date.
If applicable interpretations of the staff of the
SEC do not permit us to effect the exchange offer, then,
pursuant to the registration rights agreements, we and the
guarantors will use our reasonable best efforts to cause to
become effective a shelf registration statement relating to
resales of the old notes and to keep that shelf registration
statement effective until the expiration of the time period
referred to in Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act, or
such shorter period that will terminate when all notes covered
by the shelf registration statement have been sold. We will, in
the event of such a shelf registration pursuant to the
registration rights agreements, provide to each noteholder
copies of a prospectus, notify each noteholder when the shelf
registration statement has become effective and take certain
other actions to permit resales of the old notes. A noteholder
that sells notes under the shelf registration statement
generally will be required to be named as a selling security
holder in the related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to
purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability
provisions under the Securities Act in connection with those
sales and will be bound by the provisions of the registration
rights agreements that are applicable to such a noteholder
(including certain indemnification obligations).
If the exchange offer is not completed (or, if
required, the shelf registration statement is not declared
effective) on or before November 19, 2004, the annual
interest rate borne by the notes will be increased by
1.0% per annum until the exchange offer is completed or the
shelf registration statement is declared effective.
If we and the guarantors effect the exchange
offer, we will be entitled to close the exchange offer 20
business days after its commencement, provided that we have
accepted all notes validly surrendered in accordance with the
terms of the exchange offer. Notes not tendered in the exchange
offer shall bear interest at the rate set forth on the cover
page of this prospectus and be subject to all the terms and
conditions specified in the indenture, including transfer
restrictions.
This summary of the provisions of the
registration rights agreements does not purport to be complete
and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to, all the provisions of the registration rights agreements,
copies of which are available from us upon request.
190
In addition, so long as J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. or any of its affiliates (each, a market
maker) owns any equity securities of us, the guarantors or
any of our respective affiliates, we have agreed for the benefit
of the market maker that, on the date we file the exchange offer
registration statement described above, we will use our
reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC and cause to become
effective a registration statement, which may be the exchange
offer registration statement, so that the market maker may
make a market in the notes and the exchange notes as
part of its business in the ordinary course. The registration
rights agreements provide that the market maker has certain
rights and remedies that are independent of the rights and
remedies of the holders of the notes and have separate
indemnification obligations with respect to us and the
guarantors.
191
Book-entry settlement and clearance
Except as set forth below, the exchange notes
will initially be issued in the form of one or more fully
registered notes in global form without coupons. Each global
note shall be deposited with the trustee, as custodian for, and
registered in the name of DTC or a nominee thereof. The old
notes to the extent validly tendered and accepted and directed
by their holders in their letters of transmittal, will be
exchanged through book-entry electronic transfer for the global
note.
Except as set forth below, the global note may be
transferred, in whole but not in part, solely to another nominee
of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial
interests in the global note may not be exchanged for notes in
certificated form except in the limited circumstances described
below.
The global notes
The notes will be issued in the form of several
registered notes in global form, without interest coupons (the
global notes), as follows:
notes sold to qualified institutional
buyers under Rule 144A will be represented by the
Rule 144A global note;
notes sold in offshore transactions
to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S will
be represented by the Regulation S global note; and
any notes sold in the secondary
market to institutional accredited investors will be represented
by the Institutional Accredited Investor global note.
Upon issuance, each of the global notes will be
deposited with the Trustee as custodian for DTC and registered
in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.
Ownership of beneficial interests in each global
note will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC, or
DTC participants, or persons who hold interests through DTC
participants. We expect that under procedures established by DTC:
upon deposit of each global note with
DTCs custodian, DTC will credit portions of the principal
amount of the global note to the accounts of the DTC
participants designated by the initial purchasers; and
ownership of beneficial interests in
each global note will be shown on, and transfer of ownership of
those interests will be effected only through, records
maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of DTC
participants) and the records of DTC participants (with respect
to other owners of beneficial interests in the global note).
During the distribution compliance period
described below, beneficial interests in the Regulation S
global note may be transferred only to non-U.S. persons
under Regulation S, qualified institutional buyers under
Rule 144A or institutional accredited investors.
Beneficial interests in the global notes may not
be exchanged for notes in physical, certificated form except in
the limited circumstances described below.
Each global note and beneficial interests in each
global note will be subject to restrictions on transfer as
described under Transfer restrictions.
192
Exchanges among the global notes
The distribution compliance period will begin on
the closing date and end 40 days after the closing date.
Beneficial interests in one global note may
generally be exchanged for interests in another global note.
Depending on whether the transfer is being made during or after
the distribution compliance period, and to which global note the
transfer is being made, the Trustee may require the seller to
provide certain written certifications in the form provided in
the indenture. In addition, in the case of a transfer of
interests to the Institutional Accredited Investor global note,
the Trustee may require the buyer to deliver a representation
letter in the form provided in the Indenture that states, among
other things, that the buyer is not acquiring notes with a view
to distributing them in violation of the Securities Act.
A beneficial interest in a global note that is
transferred to a person who takes delivery through another
global note will, upon transfer, become subject to any transfer
restrictions and other procedures applicable to beneficial
interests in the other global note.
Book-entry procedures for the global notes
All interests in the global notes will be subject
to the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and
Clearstream. We provide the following summaries of those
operations and procedures solely for the convenience of
investors. The operations and procedures of each settlement
system are controlled by that settlement system and may be
changed at any time. Neither we nor the initial purchasers are
responsible for those operations or procedures.
DTC has advised us that it is:
a limited purpose trust company
organized under the laws of the State of New York;
a banking organization
within the meaning of the New York State Banking Law;
a member of the Federal Reserve
System;
a clearing corporation
within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code; and
a clearing agency
registered under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.
DTC was created to hold securities for its
participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions between its participants through
electronic book-entry changes to the accounts of its
participants. DTCs participants include securities brokers
and dealers, including the initial purchasers; banks and trust
companies; clearing corporations and other organizations.
Indirect access to DTCs system is also available to others
such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies; these
indirect participants clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or
indirectly. Investors who are not DTC participants may
beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only
through DTC participants or indirect participants in DTC.
So long as DTCs nominee is the registered
owner of a global note, that nominee will be considered the sole
owner or holder of the notes represented by that global note for
all purposes under the indenture. Except as provided below,
owners of beneficial interests in a global note:
will not be entitled to have notes
represented by the global note registered in their names;
will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical, certificated notes; and
193
will not be considered the owners or
holders of the notes under the indenture for any purpose,
including with respect to the giving of any direction,
instruction or approval to the Trustee under the indenture.
As a result, each investor who owns a beneficial
interest in a global note must rely on the procedures of DTC to
exercise any rights of a holder of notes under the indenture
(and, if the investor is not a participant or an indirect
participant in DTC, on the procedures of the DTC participant
through which the investor owns its interest).
Payments of principal, premium (if any) and
interest with respect to the notes represented by a global note
will be made by the Trustee to DTCs nominee as the
registered holder of the global note. Neither we nor the Trustee
will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of
amounts to owners of beneficial interests in a global note, for
any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of those interests by DTC, or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to those
interests.
Payments by participants and indirect
participants in DTC to the owners of beneficial interests in a
global note will be governed by standing instructions and
customary industry practice and will be the responsibility of
those participants or indirect participants and DTC.
Transfers between participants in DTC will be
effected under DTCs procedures and will be settled in
same-day funds. Transfers between participants in Euroclear or
Clearstream will be effected in the ordinary way under the rules
and operating procedures of those systems.
Cross-market transfers between DTC participants,
on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on
the other hand, will be effected within DTC through the DTC
participants that are acting as depositaries for Euroclear and
Clearstream. To deliver or receive an interest in a global note
held in a Euroclear or Clearstream account, an investor must
send transfer instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the
case may be, under the rules and procedures of that system and
within the established deadlines of that system. If the
transaction meets its settlement requirements, Euroclear or
Clearstream, as the case may be, will send instructions to its
DTC depositary to take action to effect final settlement by
delivering or receiving interests in the relevant global notes
in DTC, and making or receiving payment under normal procedures
for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear and
Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly
to the DTC depositaries that are acting for Euroclear or
Clearstream.
Because of time zone differences, the securities
account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant that purchases
an interest in a global note from a DTC participant will be
credited on the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream
immediately following the DTC settlement date. Cash received in
Euroclear or Clearstream from the sale of an interest in a
global note to a DTC participant will be received with value on
the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant
Euroclear or Clearstream cash account as of the business day for
Euroclear or Clearstream following the DTC settlement date.
DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the
above procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the
global notes among participants in those settlement systems.
However, the settlement systems are not obligated to perform
these procedures and may discontinue or change these procedures
at any time. Neither we nor the Trustee will have any
responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or
Clearstream or their participants or indirect participants of
their obligations under the rules and procedures governing their
operations.
194
Certificated notes
Notes in physical, certificated form will be
issued and delivered to each person that DTC identifies as a
beneficial owner of the related notes only if:
DTC notifies us at any time that it
is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the global
notes and a successor depositary is not appointed within
90 days;
DTC ceases to be registered as a
clearing agency under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a
successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days;
we, at our option, notify the Trustee
that we elect to cause the issuance of certificated
notes; or
certain other events provided in the
indenture should occur.
195
Material U.S. federal income tax
consequences
General
The following is a summary of material
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange of old
notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer, but
does not address any other aspects of U.S. federal income
tax consequences to holders of old notes or exchange notes. This
summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, existing and proposed regulations thereunder, and
published rulings and court decisions, all as in effect and
existing on the date hereof and all of which are subject to
change at any time, which change may be retroactive. This
summary is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or on the
courts, and no ruling will be requested from the Internal
Revenue Service on any issues described below. There can be no
assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will not take a
different position concerning the matters discussed below and
that such positions of the Internal Revenue Service would not be
sustained.
Except as expressly stated otherwise, this
summary applies only to U.S. holders that exchange old
notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer and who hold the
old notes as capital assets. It does not address the tax
consequences to taxpayers who are subject to special rules (such
as financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations and
insurance companies). A U.S. holder means a
beneficial owner of a note who purchased the note pursuant to
the offering and is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes
a citizen or resident of the United
States;
a corporation, partnership or other
entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United
States or
any political subdivision thereof;
an estate the income of which is
subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its
source; or
a trust if
Persons considering the exchange of old notes for
exchange notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning
the U.S. federal income tax consequences in light of their
particular situations as well as any consequences arising under
the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
Exchange of an old note for an exchange note pursuant to the
exchange offer
The exchange by any holder of an old note for an
exchange note will not constitute a taxable exchange for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. Consequently, no gain or
loss will be recognized by holders that exchange old notes for
exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer. For purposes of
determining gain or loss upon the subsequent sale or exchange of
exchange notes, a holders tax basis in an exchange will be
the same as such holders tax basis in the old note
exchanged therefor. Holders will be considered to have held the
exchange notes from the time of their acquisition of the old
notes.
196
Plan of distribution
Until 90 days after the date of this
prospectus, all dealers effecting transactions in the exchange
notes, whether or not participating in this distribution, may be
required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the
obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as
underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or
subscriptions.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes
for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with
any resale of such exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a
broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes
received in exchange for old notes only where such old notes
were acquired as a result of market making activities or other
trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of
180 days from the date on which the exchange offer is
consummated, we will make this prospectus, as amended or
supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in
connection with any such resale.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of
exchange notes by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by
broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange
offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions
in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions,
through the writing of options on the exchange notes or a
combination of such methods of resale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such
resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through
brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of
commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the
purchasers of any exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells
exchange notes that were received by it for its own account
pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that
participates in a distribution of such exchange notes may be
deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of
the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of exchange
notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such
persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the
Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that by
acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a
prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it
is an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act.
For a period of 180 days from the date on
which the exchange offer is consummated, we will promptly send
additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or
supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests
such documents in the letter of transmittal. We have agreed to
pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer, other than
commissions or concessions of any broker-dealers and will
indemnify the holders of the notes, including any
broker-dealers, against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.
197
Legal matters
The validity of the exchange notes will be passed
upon for us by OMelveny & Myers LLP, New York,
New York.
Experts
PFGIs consolidated financial statements for
the ten-week period ended July 31, 2001, and as of and for
the years ended July 31, 2002 and 2003 and the consolidated
financial statements of the frozen foods and condiments
businesses of VFI for the 42 weeks ended May 22, 2001,
included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on
the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered
public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as
experts in auditing and accounting.
The consolidated financial statements of Aurora
as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, and for the three
years ended December 31, 2003, included in this prospectus
have been so included in reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on
the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
Where you can find more information
We will be required to file annual and quarterly
reports and other information with the SEC after the
registration statement described below is declared effective by
the SEC. You may read and copy any materials we file with the
SEC at the SECs Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth
Street, NW, Washington, D.C., 20549. Please call
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the
Public Reference Room. Our filings will also be available to the
public from commercial document retrieval services and at the
web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
We have filed a registration statement on
Form S-4 to register with the SEC the exchange notes to be
issued in exchange for the old notes. This prospectus is part of
that registration statement. As allowed by the SECs rules,
this prospectus does not contain all of the information you can
find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the
registration statement. You should note that where we summarize
in this prospectus the material terms of any contract, agreement
or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement, the summary information provided in the prospectus is
less complete than the actual contract, agreement or document.
You should refer to the exhibits filed to the registration
statement for copies of the actual contract, agreement or
document.
We have not authorized anyone to give you any
information or to make any representations about us or the
transactions we discuss in this prospectus other than those
contained in this prospectus. If you are given any information
or representations about these matters that is not discussed in
this prospectus, you must not rely on that information. This
prospectus is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer
to buy securities anywhere or to anyone where or to whom we are
not permitted to offer or sell securities under applicable
law.
198
Index to financial statements
F-1
Report of independent registered public
accounting firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of
operations, cash flows and shareholders equity present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation at July 31, 2003 and
2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for
the fiscal years then ended and for the period March 29,
2001 (inception) to July 31, 2001, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the
standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
F-2
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation and
Subsidiaries
(1) Pinnacle was incorporated on
March 29, 2001 but had no operations until the purchase of
Vlasic Foods International Inc.s North American Business
on May 22, 2001. The Statement of Operations for fiscal
2001 covers the acquired business from May 23, 2001 to
July 31, 2001 (10 weeks).
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-3
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation and
Subsidiaries
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-4
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation and
Subsidiaries
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-5
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation and
Subsidiaries
(1) Warrants were issued December 12,
2001.
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-6
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation and
Subsidiaries
1. Summary of business activities
Corporate overview VFI
acquisition
On April 3, 2001, Pinnacle Foods Holding
Corporation (Pinnacle, PFHC or the
Company), through a wholly-owned subsidiary, agreed to
acquire the North American assets and selected liabilities (the
North American Business) of Vlasic Foods
International Inc. (VFI or Vlasic).
Pinnacle was originally formed by Hicks, Muse, Tate &
Furst Incorporated (HMTF), together with C. Dean
Metropoulos & Co. (CDM, and together with
HMTF, the Sponsors) to acquire VFIs North
American Business. The acquisition of the North American
Business from VFI, which filed for bankruptcy on
January 29, 2001, (the Transaction), was
approved by the bankruptcy court on May 9, 2001 and closed
and funded on May 22, 2001. Pinnacle is a leading producer,
marketer and distributor of high quality, branded convenience
food products in two operating segments: (i) Frozen Foods
under the Swanson brand and (ii) Condiments under the
Vlasic brand of pickles, relish and peppers and the Open Pit
barbecue sauce brand.
Pinnacle was incorporated on March 29, 2001
but had no operations until the purchase of VFIs North
American Business on May 22, 2001. The 2001 Statement of
Operations covers the acquired business from May 23, 2001
to July 31, 2001.
The purchase of VFI was financed through a
$245 million Senior Secured Credit Facility, which consists
of a $190 million term loan, and a $55 million
revolving credit facility. Equity investors contributed
$160 million of equity led by HMTF. In addition, after the
satisfaction of certain conditions, 22.5 million warrants
were issued in connection with the purchase (Note 9).
At July 31, 2001, certain matters regarding
the acquisition were unresolved, and accordingly, the purchase
price allocation was preliminary. All of these matters were
resolved in 2002 and accordingly, the purchase price allocation
is now final.
The total cost of the acquisition consists of:
At the May 2001 closing, $6,000 was deposited
into an escrow account pending finalization of the working
capital audit, accounts receivable adjustment and certain
indemnification matters, pursuant to the Asset Purchase
Agreement. During 2002, these items were settled and $4,800 was
paid to Vlasic, and is included in amounts paid to Vlasic above,
and $1,200 was returned to Pinnacle.
In June 2001, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, and
SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets which establishes accounting and reporting for
business combinations. SFAS No. 141 requires all
business combinations be accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting. SFAS No. 142 provides that goodwill and
other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not to be
amortized, but will be tested for impairment on an
F-7
The cost of the acquisition was allocated on the
basis of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed. As contemplated at the acquisition date, the Company
closed one of its manufacturing facilities in Omaha, Nebraska.
Accordingly, the costs of closing the facility, including
severance and benefits of $1,237 and other closing costs of
$225, are included in liabilities assumed and the estimated net
realizable value of the facility is included in Other current
assets in the July 31, 2001 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The
facility was sold in May, 2002. None of the costs were paid
prior to July 31, 2001, $1,120 was paid out in fiscal 2002,
and $187 was paid out in fiscal 2003. The unutilized balance of
$155 was closed out to goodwill in fiscal 2003.
The following table reconciles the fair value of
assets acquired and the liabilities assumed to the purchase
price:
The total intangible assets amounted to $119,209,
of which $88,000 was assigned to tradenames that are not subject
to amortization. Goodwill, which is not subject to amortization,
amounted to $31,209 and was allocated to the Frozen Foods
Segment. There is no goodwill deductible for tax purposes.
In accordance with the requirements of purchase
method accounting for acquisitions, inventories as of
May 22, 2001 were valued at fair value (net realizable
value) which in the case of finished products was $13,017 higher
than Vlasics historical manufacturing cost. Cost of
products sold in 2001 includes a pre-tax charge of $12,476
representing the excess of fair value over manufactured cost at
May 22, 2001 of inventories which were sold subsequent to
May 22, 2001. Net loss in the 2001 Statement of Operations
of $7,978 includes this charge. Cost of products sold in 2002
includes a pre-tax charge of $541 representing the remainder of
the excess of fair value over manufactured costs.
Business acquisition
During the second fiscal quarter of fiscal 2002,
Pinnacle completed the acquisition of Kings Hawaiian, a
line of frozen entrees, including premium products such as
Teriyaki Chicken and Sour Chicken rice bowls. The total cost of
the acquisition of approximately $8,000 was funded
F-8
Proposed merger
On August 8, 2003, the Company, Crunch
Holding Corp., Crunch Acquisition Corp, and an affiliate of HMTF
entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
Agreement). Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in the Agreement, Crunch Acquisition Corp.
will be merged with and into the Company. The Company will be
the surviving corporation in the merger, and will thus be a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Holding Corp. The closing of
the transaction is subject to certain conditions, and is also
dependent upon Crunch Holding Corp. obtaining appropriate
financing. Crunch Holding Corp. is an affiliate of JPMorgan
Partners. JPMorgan Partners currently owns approximately 9.2% of
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporations common stock.
Each share of the Companys issued and
outstanding stock immediately prior to closing will be converted
into the right to receive the final per share merger
consideration (approximately $2.00 per share) in cash. The
aggregate purchase price is $485 million, including
outstanding debt under the Companys Senior Secured Credit
Facilities. The aggregate purchase price is subject to final
working capital and other adjustments as of the closing date. At
closing, all debt under the Companys Senior Secured Credit
Facilities described in Note 18 will be repaid.
Immediately prior to closing, pursuant to their
original terms, all of the Companys outstanding stock
options will vest and the Company will exercise its purchase
option at fair market value pursuant to the Stock Option Plan.
As described in Note 7, at the time an event occurs which
would allow the Company to exercise its purchase option,
compensation expense of approximately $4 million would be
recorded for the difference between the fair value and the
exercise price. Each option holder will receive cash
consideration for each option outstanding equal to the
difference between the final per share merger consideration and
the exercise price for each option.
From and after the consummation of the merger,
each outstanding warrant will thereafter entitle the holder
thereof to receive, in consideration for the cancellation of
such warrant, an amount in cash equal to the excess, if any, of
the final per share merger consideration over the exercise price
of such warrant, and no more.
The Advisory and Oversight Agreement between the
Company and an affiliate of HMTF, and the stockholders agreement
between the Company and the Companys current stockholders,
both described in Note 10, will be terminated at closing.
The closing of the transaction represents a
change in control under the Companys employment agreements
with certain executives. At closing, the Company may be required
to pay up to $8,187 pursuant to these agreements. In addition,
upon certain conditions being met, retention benefits to certain
key employees amounting to approximately $2.2 million will
be paid three months after the closing.
At closing, all members of the board of directors
of the Company will resign. Subsequent to the merger, directors
of Crunch Acquisition Corp. will become directors of the
surviving corporation.
Under the terms of the Agreement, until closing
or termination of the Agreement, the Company is restricted from
making significant changes to its business practices,
transferring
F-9
2. Summary of significant accounting policies
Consolidation.
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year.
The
fiscal year ends on July 31. For 2001, the Companys
initial year, the financial statements cover the period from
March 29, 2001 through July 31, 2001, although
operations of the Company did not commence until May 23,
2001.
Cash and Cash Equivalents.
All highly liquid debt instruments
purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less are
classified as cash equivalents.
Inventories.
Substantially all inventories are
valued at the lower of average cost or market.
Plant Assets.
Plant
assets are stated at the assigned value on the date of purchase.
The assigned value is based on the estimated fair market value
at the date of acquisition determined by independent appraisers
utilizing proven valuation procedures and techniques.
Depreciation.
Depreciation provided in costs and
expenses is calculated using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings and machinery
and equipment are depreciated over periods not exceeding
45 years and 15 years, respectively. The weighted
average estimated useful lives are approximately 10 years
for buildings and 7 years for machinery and equipment.
Accelerated methods of depreciation are used for income tax
purposes in certain jurisdictions. When assets are retired,
sold, or otherwise disposed of, their gross carrying value and
related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts
and included in determining gain or loss on such disposals.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets.
Intangible assets consist principally
of goodwill and tradenames. Intangible assets with definite
lives are amortized over those lives. Goodwill and intangible
assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are tested
annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be
recoverable.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.
The Company adopted
SFAS No. 144 Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets on August 1, 2002. The
carrying value of long-lived assets held and used, other than
goodwill, is evaluated when events or changes in circumstances
indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying
value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the
total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset are
separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In
that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which
the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the
long-lived asset. Fair market value is determined primarily
using the projected cash flows from the asset discounted at a
rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived
assets held for sale, other than goodwill, are determined in a
similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for
disposal costs. The adoption of this standard did not have a
material impact on the Companys financial position and
results of operations. However, continued sales significantly
below expectations for the Companys Kings Hawaiian
frozen entrée business was a change in circumstances that
indicated the carrying value of the intangible assets related to
the business may not be recoverable. After performing the cash
flow analysis, it was determined that an impairment loss was to
be recorded and is included in
F-10
Revenue Recognition.
Revenue from product sales is
recognized upon shipment to the customers at which point title
and risk of loss is transferred and the selling price is fixed
or determinable. This completes the revenue-earning process,
specifically that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred,
the price is fixed and collectibility is reasonably assured.
Provisions for discounts and rebates to customers, and returns
and other adjustments are provided for in the same period the
related sales are recorded.
Marketing Expenses.
Trade marketing expense is comprised
of amounts paid to retailers for programs designed to promote
our products. These costs include standard introductory
allowances for new products. They also include the cost of
in-store product displays, feature pricing in retailers
advertisements and other temporary price reductions. These
programs are offered to our customers both in fixed and variable
(rate per case) amounts. The ultimate cost of these programs
depends on retailer performance and is the subject of
significant management estimates. The Company records as expense
the estimated ultimate cost of the program in the year during
which the program occurs. In accordance with EITF No. 01-9
Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a
Customer, these trade marketing expenses are classified in
the Statement of Operations as a reduction of net sales. Also,
in accordance with EITF No. 01-9, coupon redemption costs are
also recognized as reductions of net sales. Marketing expenses
recorded as a reduction of net sales were $174,833 in 2003,
$151,313 in 2002 and $25,383 in 2001.
Advertising.
Advertising costs include the cost of
working media (advertising on television, radio or in print),
the cost of producing advertising, and the cost of coupon
insertion and distribution. Working media and coupon insertion
and distribution costs are expensed in the period the
advertising is run or the coupons are distributed. The cost of
producing advertising is expensed as of the first date the
advertisement takes place. Advertising included in marketing and
selling expenses was $25,402 in 2003, $16,100 in 2002 and $1,477
in 2001. Included in Other current assets are deferred
production costs of $551 at July 31, 2003. There were no
amounts of advertising included in assets at July 31, 2002.
Shipping and Handling Revenues and
Costs.
In accordance with the EITF
No. 00-10 Accounting for Shipping and Handling
Revenues and Costs, costs related to shipping and handling
of products shipped to customers are classified as cost of
products sold.
Stock Based
Compensation.
The Company applies the
intrinsic-value recognition and measurement principles of
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and
related interpretations in accounting for stock based
compensation. No compensation expense for employee stock options
is reflected in net earnings as all options granted under those
plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the
common stock on the date of the grant. Net earnings, as
reported, includes compensation expense related to restricted
stock. The following table illustrates the effect on net
earnings in the Company had applied the fair value recognition
provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based
F-11
Labor.
Approximately
75% of the Companys workforce is represented by collective
bargaining units with various unions. Approximately 60% of these
employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements which
will expire within one year.
Income Taxes.
Income
taxes are accounted for in accordance with
SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes,
under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined
based on the difference between the financial statement and tax
bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in
effect for the year in which the differences are expected to
reverse.
Use of Estimates.
The preparation of financial
statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the
financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications.
Certain reclassifications of prior
year data have been made to conform to 2003 classifications.
3. Other Expense (Income)
Unsuccessful Claussen acquisition.
On May 4, 2002, the Company
entered into an agreement to acquire the Claussen brand and
related manufacturing assets from Kraft Foods North America.
F-12
On October 22, 2002, the U.S. Federal
Trade Commission authorized its staff to seek a preliminary
injunction in federal district court to block the proposed
acquisition on grounds that it would violate federal antitrust
laws.
The purchase agreement included a provision that
would require the Company to pay $2 million to Kraft Foods
North America upon termination of the agreement for certain
reasons. Additionally, the Company had incurred approximately
$2,626 in pre-acquisition transaction costs as of July 31,
2002. These costs ($2,626) and the agreement termination fee
($2,000) that total $4,626 were expensed and are included on the
Other expense (income) line of the statement of
operations for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2002.
Subsequent to July 31, 2002, the Company incurred an
additional $660 in pre-acquisition transaction costs. These were
expensed in the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003.
Contract termination.
As described in Note 10, the
Company used an aircraft owned by a company indirectly owned by
the Chairman. During fiscal 2003, this agreement was terminated
early at a one-time cost to the Company of $2 million.
Impairment of intangibles and goodwill.
As also described in Notes 2 and
15, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $4,941 related to
the intangibles and goodwill of the Kings Hawaiian frozen
entrée business. The loss is the result of cash flows not
being sufficient to recover the previously recorded values of
the intangibles and was calculated in accordance with the
policies described in Note 2. The Kings Hawaiian
business is part of the Companys Frozen Foods segment.
While the sales growth anticipated at the acquisition date has
not been achieved, the Company expects to continue to maintain
its present market share.
Gain on insurance settlement.
During fiscal 2003, the Company
settled at a gain of $783 an insurance claim related to finished
product inventories damaged in a public warehouse in fiscal 2002.
Merger costs.
During
fiscal 2003, the Company incurred costs in connection with the
Proposed Merger discussed in Note 1 of $547.
4. Segment and geographic area information
The Company has two segments that are organized
based upon similar economic characteristics, manufacturing
processes, marketing strategies and distribution channels. The
Frozen Foods
segment consists of
Swanson
frozen
foods in the United States and Canada and contract manufacturing
of primarily frozen foodservice products in the United States.
The
Condiments
segment includes
Vlasic
retail and
foodservice pickles and condiments and
Open Pit
barbecue
F-13
(1) Pinnacle was incorporated on
March 29, 2001 but had no operations until the purchase of
Vlasic Foods International Inc.s North American Business
on May 22, 2001. The Statement of Operations for fiscal
2001 covers the acquired business from May 23, 2001 to
July 31, 2001 (10 weeks).
Transfers between segments and geographic areas
are recorded at cost plus markup or at market. Identifiable
assets are those assets, including goodwill, which are
identified with the operations in each segment or geographic
region. Cost of products sold includes $571 ($130 Frozen and
$441 Condiments) in 2002, and $12,476 ($3,452 Frozen and $9,024
Condiments) in
F-14
Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. were 17% of
consolidated net sales in 2003, 14% in 2002 and 13% in 2001. No
other single customer represents over 10% of consolidated net
sales in any year.
5. Taxes on earnings
F-15
A full valuation allowance against deferred taxes
was recorded at July 31, 2001, due to the Company having no
historical financial results prior to the acquisition of certain
assets of Vlasic, Vlasic incurring losses from operations and a
net capital deficiency and future income levels not being
assured at that time. The deferred tax valuation allowance at
July 31, 2001 was $17.3 million, of which
$14.9 million was established as of the acquisition date.
As of July 31, 2002, management determined that sufficient
income will be earned in the future to realize the majority of
the deferred tax asset. Accordingly, the valuation allowance was
reduced by $15.4 million. In accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting
for Income Taxes, $13.2 million of the tax benefit
recognized by the reduction of the valuation allowance has been
applied as a reduction of goodwill and $2.2 million has
been recognized in the tax provision for the year ended
July 31, 2002. The Companys valuation allowance,
which is related to state net operating loss carryforwards and
the realization of state deferred tax assets, was $2.3 and
$1.8 million at July 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002
respectively. Approximately $1.7 million of the
$2.3 million valuation allowance recorded at July 31,
2003 was established as of the acquisition date, and would be
allocated as a reduction in goodwill upon subsequent recognition
of the tax benefits associated with the deferred tax assets to
which the valuation allowance applies.
For the year ended July 31, 2003, the
Company generated federal and foreign net operating losses of
$4.6 and $0.6 million respectively. Management anticipates
that the losses will be
F-16
6. Pension plans and retirement benefits
Pension Plans.
Pinnacle assumed the VFI pension plan
for union employees. Benefits are generally based on years of
service and employees compensation during the last years
of employment. All plans are funded and contributions are made
in amounts not less than minimum statutory funding requirements
nor more than the maximum amount that can be deducted for
U.S. income tax purposes. In accordance with the Asset
Purchase Agreement, the pension trust assets transferred from
VFI were equal to the projected benefit obligation at
May 22, 2001, plus or minus investment performance from
that date to the actual date of transfer.
Other Postretirement Benefits.
Pinnacle assumed the retiree benefit
plan for those employees related to the Vlasic businesses
acquired. The Company provides postretirement benefits,
including health care and life insurance, to most
U.S. employees and their dependents. Employees who have
10 years of service after the age of 45 and retire are
eligible to participate in the postretirement benefit plan.
In 2002, the Company amended its postretirement
healthcare benefit plan to require increased participant
contributions in the future. This amendment reduced the benefit
obligation by $32,168. The impact of this amendment will be
amortized over the estimated remaining service period of
affected employees, thus decreasing annual net periodic benefit
cost.
F-17
The benefit obligation at inception was net of a
$1,200 curtailment gain resulting from the facility closure
discussed in Note 1. Upon finalization of the purchase
price allocation, the curtailment gain amounted to $392 which
was recorded as an adjustment to goodwill.
F-18
The assumed health care trend rates used in
determining other post-retirement benefits at July 31, 2003
are 8.50% decreasing gradually to 4.00% in 2009, and 8.65%
decreasing gradually to 4.00% in 2008 at July 31, 2002.
The final purchase price allocation adjustment
results from a curtailment loss related to the facility closure
discussed in Note 1 which was recorded as an adjustment to
goodwill.
The following represents the components of net
periodic benefit costs and the sensitivity of retiree welfare
results:
F-19
Savings Plans.
Employees participate in a 401(k)
plan. Pinnacle matches 50% of employee contributions up to five
percent of compensation for union employees after one year of
continuous service and six percent of compensation for salaried
employees. Employer contributions made by the Company relating
to this plan were $867 in 2003
,
$1,274 in 2002 and $214
in 2001. In June, 2002, the matching contribution was eliminated
for certain union employees.
7. Stock options
Under the Pinnacle 2001 Stock Option Plan (the
Plan), stock options may be granted to certain
officers and key employees. The Plan authorizes the issuance of
up to 8.4 million shares of Pinnacle common stock pursuant
to the exercise of stock options. Options are granted at a price
not less than the fair value of the shares on the date of grant
and expire no later than ten years after the date of grant.
Substantially all options vest over a five year period. The
Companys officers and key employees participate in the
Plan.
As of July 31, 2001, no options had been
issued.
The Company accounts for stock option grants in
accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related
interpretations and complies with the disclosure provisions of
SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation.
Sale of the Companys stock is restricted.
Except under certain circumstances, the Company has the option
to purchase at fair value all or any portion of the shares of
common stock acquired by exercise of an option and/or options
held by the employee in the event of termination or change in
control. Accordingly, these options are accounted for as
variable options. At the time an event occurs which would allow
the Company to exercise its option, compensation expense would
be recorded for the difference between fair value and the
exercise price. See Note 1 Proposed
merger.
The following table summarizes the stock option
transactions under the Pinnacle incentive plan:
F-20
The following table summarizes information for
options currently outstanding at July 31, 2003:
Had the compensation cost for the stock option
plan been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates
for awards under the plan, consistent with the alternative
method set forth under SFAS 123, net earnings would have
been $8,180 in 2003 and $11,647 in 2002.
The fair value of each option grant was estimated
on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model with the following weighted average assumptions used for
grants, in 2003 and 2002:
Volatility was based on an
average 400 week volatilities of a group of publicly
traded food companies.
The weighted-average fair value of options
granted during 2003 and 2002 is as follows:
In accordance with SFAS No. 123, the
weighted-average fair value of stock options granted is required
to be based on a theoretical statistical model in accordance
with assumptions noted above. In actuality, because employee
stock options do not trade on a secondary exchange, employees
receive no benefit and derive no value from holding stock
options under these plans without an increase in the market
price of the Companys stock.
8. Stock purchase plan
Under the 2001 Pinnacle Stock Purchase Plan,
5.0 million shares of Pinnacle Common Stock may be sold to
eligible participants upon the offer by Pinnacle, which includes
among other provisions the number of shares and the purchase
price. During 2003 and 2002, 246 and 2.087 million shares
were issued at $1.00 per share pursuant to the plan.
Additionally, during 2003 and 2002, 100 and 100 shares were
issued at $1.00 per share to certain non-employee directors
not pursuant to this plan.
F-21
9. Warrants
The Company issued an aggregate of
22.5 million warrants to purchase an aggregate of
22.5 million shares of common stock of the Company (subject
to adjustments described in the warrant agreement) as part of
the purchase price consideration for the acquisition of the
North American Business from Vlasic on May 22, 2001.
The warrants are issued pursuant to a warrant
agreement entered into between the Company and The Bank of
New York, as warrant agent. Each warrant will initially
entitle the holder thereof to purchase one share of common stock
of the Company at an initial exercise price of $3.00 per
share, subject to adjustments described in the warrant agreement.
Conditions to issuance of the warrants included,
among others, the requirement that distribution and transfer
restrictions be included under Vlasics Plan of
Distribution such that the distribution or transfer of warrants
does not cause the Company to become a reporting company under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and also the
requirement that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
District of Delaware issue an order confirming Vlasics
Plan of Distribution in a form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Company with certain findings under the
United States Bankruptcy Code contained therein.
As of May 22, 2001, the estimated fair value
of these warrants was approximately $3,375 based on the
application of the Black-Scholes option pricing model which
incorporates current stock price ($1.00 per share),
expected volatility (26.5%), expected interest rates (5.6%),
expected holding period of the warrant (10 years) and
expected dividend yield (zero).
In fiscal 2001, the Company issued
19.5 million warrants valued at $2,925. As part of the
final settlement in December 2001, the Company issued an
additional 3.0 million warrants valued at $450. The
warrants are currently exercisable and will expire on
May 22, 2011, the tenth anniversary of the date of original
issuance. See Note 1 Proposed merger.
10. Related party transactions
Effective April 17, 2001, the Company
entered into a monitoring and oversight agreement with an
affiliate of HMTF, the Companys largest stockholder. The
agreement provides for an annual fee of the greater of
$1 million or 0.15% of the budgeted consolidated net sales
(as defined) of the Company for the current year. In addition,
effective April 17, 2001, the Company entered into a
financial advisory agreement with HMTFs affiliate under
which the affiliate will be entitled to a fee of 1.5% of the
transaction value, as defined, for each add-on transaction
including a tender offer, acquisition, sale, merger, exchange
offer, recapitalization, restructuring refinancing, issuances of
debt or equity (whether in a private or a public offering) or
other similar transaction. The monitoring and oversight and
financial advisory agreements will terminate on the earlier to
occur of the tenth anniversary of the agreement or the date on
which HMTF and its affiliates no longer beneficially own any
securities of the Company or any of its successors. The Company
incurred monitoring and oversight fees of $1,136 in 2003, $1,090
in 2002 and $190 in 2001. The Company also incurred financial
advisory fees of $5,805 for the period May 23, 2001 through
July 31, 2001, which were capitalized, of which $3,152 is
included in deferred financing costs at July 31, 2001 and
$2,653 is included in the purchase cost of the VFI assets. In
2002 in connection with the Kings Hawaiian acquisition,
the Company incurred finance and advisory fees of $105 which
were included in the purchase cost of Kings Hawaiian.
F-22
On May 22, 2001, the Company entered into a
stockholders agreement with its current stockholders, including
an affiliate of HMTF, that, among other things, requires the
parties thereto to vote their shares in favor of the election to
the Companys board of directors individuals designated by
HMTF, grants HMTF the right to require other parties to the
stockholders agreement to sell shares of common stock under
certain circumstances if HMTF sells shares of common stock,
grants stockholders other than HMTF and its affiliates the right
to sell shares of common stock under certain circumstances if
HMTF or any of its affiliates sells shares of common stock,
grants preemptive rights to the parties thereto, grants HMTF or
its assignee a right of first refusal to purchase shares of
common stock that other parties to the stockholders agreement
propose to transfer to third parties, and grants certain
registration rights to the parties thereto. See
Note 1 Proposed Merger.
In fiscal 2002, the Companys Chairman and
two of his direct reports provided certain management and
oversight functions to companies also owned by affiliates of
HMTF. For these services provided, the Company received
reimbursements from those companies of $876 in 2002. None of the
Companys executives provided any such services and no
reimbursements were received in 2003.
The Company leases office space owned by a party
related to the Chairman. Rent paid was $283 in 2003 and $228 in
2002. The Company also used an aircraft owned by a company
indirectly owned by the Chairman. In connection with the use of
this aircraft, the Company paid net operating expenses of $1,180
in 2002 and $376 for the first quarter of 2003. In the second
quarter of 2003, the agreement to use and pay for the plane was
terminated early at a one-time cost to the Company of
$2 million which is included in the Other expense (income)
line on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
11. Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are as follows:
12. Inventories
Inventories are as follows:
F-23
The Company has various purchase commitments for
raw materials, containers, supplies and certain finished
products incident to the ordinary course of business. Such
commitments are not at prices in excess of current market.
13. Other current assets
Other current assets are as follows:
14. Plant assets
Plant assets are as follows:
Depreciation costs and expenses were $22,136 in
2003, $20,616 in 2002 and $3,187 in 2001. Fiscal 2004 capital
expenditures are expected to approximate $8.0 million.
Fiscal 2002 capital expenditures of $19,452 includes $9,000
related to the consolidation of productive capacity at other
facilities in connection with the facility closing described in
Note 1.
Certain offices, distribution facilities and
equipment are under operating leases expiring on various dates
through 2008. Total rental expense charged to operations was
$3,359 in 2003, $4,449 in 2002 and $743 in 2001. The minimum
future rental commitments under non-cancelable leases payable
over the remaining lives of these leases approximate $1,965 in
2004, $1,757 in 2005, $1,476 in 2006, $1,029 in 2007, $881 in
2008 and $2,616 in 2009 through 2011, totaling $9,724. The
single largest operating lease is for the corporate offices in
Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Under the terms of this lease
agreement, if the lease is terminated early, Pinnacle would be
required to accelerate rental payments of approximately
$4.9 million due during the remainder of the lease.
F-24
15. Goodwill and other assets
Goodwill resulting from the PFHCs
acquisition of VFIs North American Business was allocated
to the Frozen Foods segment and is not subject to amortization.
During 2002, goodwill was reduced by $13,200 as the result of
the reduction in the deferred tax valuation allowance, discussed
in Note 5. Goodwill resulting from the Kings Hawaiian
acquisition increased goodwill by approximately $1,600 in 2002.
The goodwill associated with Kings Hawaiian was
written-off as impaired in 2003 as discussed in Note 3.
Goodwill was also decreased by $155 in 2003 for the unused
liability for the Omaha facility closure as discussed in
Note 1.
Other assets are as follows:
Tradenames of $88,000 resulting from the
PFHCs acquisition of VFIs North American Business
are not subject to amortization. Pinnacle has a perpetual,
royalty-free license to use the Swanson trademark for certain
frozen foods (other than broth, stock and soup), included in
tradenames. Tradenames and recipes acquired in the Kings
Hawaiian acquisition of $6,100 are being amortized over their
estimated useful lives of 3-10 years (weighted
average 9.4 years). As described in Note 3, these
Kings Hawaiian intangible assets were determined to be
impaired and were written down by $3.3 million. Deferred
financing costs were incurred in connection with the
Companys Senior Secured Credit Facilities. See
Note 1 Proposed Merger. Aggregate
amortization expense was $2,442 in 2003
,
$2,245 in 2002
and $300 in 2001. The estimated amortization expense for each of
the next five years is $1,852, $1,819, $1,720, $1,304 and $1,136
for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 respectively.
16. Accounts payable
Book overdrafts represent outstanding checks in
excess of funds on deposit.
F-25
17. Accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities are as follows:
At July 31, 2002, Other includes
$2 million payable to Kraft Foods North America upon
termination of Claussen agreement that was paid in 2003. See
Note 3.
18. Debt
Long-term debt is as follows:
The aggregate maturities of the term loan during
each of the next five years are $15,000, $25,000, $35,000,
$45,000 and $55,000 for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
respectively.
In May 2001, PFHC entered into a $245,000 Credit
Agreement (Senior Secured Credit Facilities) with
Bankers Trust Co., which provides for a term loan of $190,000
and a revolving credit facility of $55,000. The term loan
matures in 2008 and the revolving credit facility expires in
2006.
In addition to scheduled periodic repayments,
PFHC is also required to make mandatory repayments of the loans
under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities with a portion of its
excess cash flow, as defined.
Borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit
Facilities bear interest based on the Eurodollar Rate or an
Alternate Base Rate, as defined, plus applicable margins. As of
July 31, 2003 margins ranged from 1.5% to 3.5%. The
weighted average interest rate on the term loan and revolving
credit facility was 5.40% in 2003
,
6.50% in 2002 and
8.29% in 2001. At July 31, 2003, the interest rate in
effect for the term loan was 4.13% and there were no borrowings
outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
The obligations of the Company under the Senior
Secured Credit Facilities are unconditionally and irrevocably
guaranteed by each of the Companys direct or indirect
domestic subsidiaries
F-26
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities also contain
covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the
Company to dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness,
repay other indebtedness or amend other debt instruments, pay
dividends, create liens on assets, make investments or
acquisitions, engage in mergers or consolidations, make capital
expenditures, engage in certain transactions with affiliates,
and otherwise restrict corporate activities. In addition, under
the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the Company is required to
comply with specified minimum interest coverage, maximum
leverage and minimum fixed charge coverage ratios.
The Company pays a commission on the face amount
of all outstanding letters of credit drawn under the Senior
Secured Credit Facilities at a per annum rate equal to the
Applicable Margin then in effect with respect to Eurodollar
loans under the revolving credit loan facility minus the
fronting fee (as defined). A fronting fee equal to 1/4% per
annum on the face amount of each letter of credit is payable
quarterly in arrears to the issuing lender for its own account.
The Company also pays a per annum fee equal to 1/2% on the
undrawn portion of the commitments in respect of the revolving
credit facility. Total letters of credit issuable under the
facilities can not exceed $10,000. As of July 31, 2003, the
Company had utilized $5,068 of the revolving credit facility for
a letter of credit and had an unused balance of $49,932
available for future borrowings and letters of credit, of which
a maximum of $4,932 may be used for letters of credit.
19. Financial instruments
Pinnacle may utilize derivative financial
instruments to enhance its ability to manage risks, including
interest rate and foreign currency, which exist as part of
on-going business operations. Pinnacle does not enter into
contracts for speculative purposes, nor was it a party to any
leveraged derivative instrument. The use of derivative financial
instruments is monitored through regular communication with
senior management and the utilization of written guidelines.
Pinnacle relies primarily on bank borrowings to
meet its funding requirements. Pinnacle may utilize interest
rate swap agreements or other derivative instruments to reduce
the potential exposure to interest rate movements and to achieve
a desired proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. The
amounts paid or received on hedges related to debt will be
recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
As required by the Senior Secured Credit
Facilities, in September, 2001, Pinnacle entered into a zero
cost collar for a one year period for the purpose of reducing
its exposure to variable interest rates. It required the
counterparty to make payments to Pinnacle when the 30 day
LIBOR interest rate exceeds 7% and required Pinnacle to make
payments to the counterparty when the 30 day LIBOR interest
rate fell below 3.13%. Such payments made serve to increase
interest expense and payments received reduce interest expense.
In September 2002, Pinnacle entered into a new zero cost collar
for a one year period. The new zero cost collar requires the
counterparty to make payments to Pinnacle when the 30 day
LIBOR interest rate exceeds 5%
F-27
Pinnacle utilizes irrevocable standby letters of
credit with one-year renewable terms to satisfy workers
compensation self-insurance security deposit requirements. The
contract value of the outstanding standby letter of credit as of
July 31, 2003 was $5,068, which approximates fair value.
Pinnacle may also utilize foreign currency
exchange contracts, including swap and forward contracts, to
hedge existing foreign currency exposures. Foreign exchange
gains and losses on derivative financial instruments are
recognized and offset foreign exchange gains and losses on the
underlying exposures. At July 31, 2003 and 2002, Pinnacle
had no outstanding foreign exchange contracts in place.
Pinnacle is exposed to credit loss in the event
of non-performance by the other parties to derivative financial
instruments. All counterparties are at least A rated
by Moodys and Standard & Poors.
Accordingly, Pinnacle does not anticipate non-performance by the
counterparties.
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents,
accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value.
The estimated fair value of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities
bank debt that is classified as long term debt on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet at July 31, 2003, was
approximately its carrying value.
20. Recently issued accounting pronouncements
Effective August 1, 2002, the Company
adopted SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations, which requires that the fair value
of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized
in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate
of fair value can be made. The adoption of this standard did not
have a material impact on the Companys financial position
and results of operations.
In May 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 145,
Rescission of FAS Nos. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of
FAS 13, and Technical Corrections. This statement is
effective for transactions entered into after May 15, 2002.
The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on
the Companys financial position and results of operations.
In July 2002, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated
with Exit or Disposal Activities Accounting For Asset Retirement
Obligations. SFAS 146 establishes accounting
guidelines for the recognition and measurement of a liability at
its fair value for the cost associated with an exit or disposal
activity in the period in which the liability is incurred,
rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal
plan. SFAS 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities
initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of this
standard did not have a material impact of the Companys
financial position and results of operations.
In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB
Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), Guarantors
Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees.
FIN 45 relates to the accounting for
F-28
On January 17, 2003, the FASB issued FASB
Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities. The provisions of FIN 46
will be the guidance that determines (1) whether
consolidation is required under the controlling financial
interest model of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51
(ARB 51), Consolidated Financial Statements (or
other existing authoritative guidance) or, alternatively,
(2) whether the variable interest model under FIN 46
should be used to account for existing and new entities.
Non-public entities are required to apply the Interpretation to
any pre-existing entities as of the first fiscal year beginning
after June 15, 2003. All enterprises will be required to
apply the transition disclosure requirements in financial
statements issued after February 1, 2003. The adoption of
FIN 46 is not expected to have a significant impact on the
Companys financial position and results of operations.
In April 2003, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which is
effective for contracts entered into or modified after
June 30, 2003, with certain exceptions, and for hedging
relationships designated after June 30. The guidance is to
be applied prospectively. The adoption of this standard did not
have a material impact on the Companys financial position
or results of operations.
In May 2003, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.
The Standard specifies that instruments within its scope embody
obligations of the issuer and that, therefore, the issuer must
classify them as liabilities. The Company has not issued any
such financial instruments.
21. Guarantor and nonguarantor financial statements
In connection with the Proposed Merger described
in Note 1 and as a part of the related financing, the
Company will issue $150 million senior subordinated notes
(the Notes) in a private placement pursuant to Rule 144A
and Regulation S. The Notes are expected to be general unsecured
obligations of the Company, subordinated in right of payment to
all existing and future senior indebtedness of the Company, and
guaranteed on a full, unconditional, joint and several basis by
the Companys wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.
The following consolidating financial information
presents:
Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by
the parent using the equity method of accounting. The guarantor
and nonguarantor subsidiary are presented on a combined basis.
The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in
subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.
Separate financial statements for the guarantor subsidiaries and
the nonguarantor subsidiary are not presented because management
believes that such financial statements would not be meaningful
to investors.
F-29
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
F-30
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
F-31
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
F-32
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
F-33
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
Note: Pinnacle was incorporated on March 29,
2001 but had no operations until the purchase of Vlasic Foods
International Inc.s North American Business on
May 22, 2001. The Statement of Operations for fiscal 2001
covers the acquired business from May 23, 2001 to
July 31, 2001 (10 weeks).
F-34
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
F-35
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
F-36
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
F-37
22. Quarterly results (unaudited)
Net earnings in fiscal 2002 and 2003 included the
following items included in the Other expense
(income) line on the Consolidated Statements of
Operations, which are discussed in Note 3.
F-38
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. and
Subsidiaries
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (unaudited).
F-39
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. and
Subsidiaries
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (unaudited).
F-40
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. and
Subsidiaries
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (unaudited).
F-41
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. and
Subsidiaries
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and
financing activities:
In the Statement of Cash Flows for the
23 weeks ended April 30, 2004, cash flows for the
Aurora merger consideration paid and for the equity contribution
to Successor do not include the $225,120 equity credit in LLC
received by Aurora senior subordinated noteholders.
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (unaudited).
F-42
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. and
Subsidiaries
F-43
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements (unaudited).
F-44
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. and
Subsidiaries
1. Summary of business activities
Business Overview
As described in detail below, Pinnacle Foods
Holding Corporation (PFHC), a leading producer,
marketer and distributor of high quality, branded food products,
and certain newly-formed investor companies consummated a merger
(the Pinnacle Merger or Merger)
effective November 24, 2003. The ultimate parent of these
investor companies is Crunch Equity Holding, LLC
(LLC). Each share of PFHCs issued and
outstanding stock immediately prior to the closing of the
Pinnacle Merger was converted into the right to receive the per
share merger consideration in cash. Therefore, PFHC was
effectively acquired by LLC on November 25, 2003.
On November 25, 2003, LLC entered into a
definitive agreement with Aurora Foods Inc. (Aurora)
that provided for a comprehensive restructuring transaction in
which PFHC was merged with and into Aurora, with Aurora
surviving this merger. The combination of Aurora and PFHC is
treated as a purchase, with LLC as the accounting acquirer, in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 141, Business
Combinations. This restructuring transaction and the
related merger was completed on March 19, 2004 and the
surviving company was renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
(hereafter referred to as the Company or
PFGI).
For purposes of identification and description,
the Company is referred to as the Predecessor for
the period prior to the Pinnacle Merger occurring on
November 24, 2003, and the Successor for the
period subsequent to the Pinnacle Merger.
The Company is a leading producer, marketer and
distributor of high quality, branded convenience food products
in two business segments: (i) frozen foods and
(ii) dry foods. The Companys frozen foods segment
consists primarily of
Swanson
frozen foods products,
foodservice and private label,
Van de Kamps
and
Mrs. Pauls
frozen seafood,
Aunt Jemima
frozen breakfasts,
Lenders
bagels and other
frozen foods under the
Celeste
and
Chefs Choice
name. The Companys dry foods segment consists
primarily of
Vlasic
pickles, peppers and relish products,
Duncan Hines
baking mixes and frostings,
Mrs. Butterworths
and
Log Cabin
syrups
and pancake mixes, and
Open Pit
barbecue sauce.
On May 22, 2001, the Company acquired
certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the North
American business of Vlasic Foods International Inc.
(VFI). The North American business consisted of the
Swanson frozen food, Vlasic pickles, relish and peppers and Open
Pit barbecue sauce businesses. The Company was incorporated on
March 29, 2001, but had no operations until the acquisition
of the North American business. Until the closing of the
Pinnacle Merger, our largest stockholder was Hicks, Muse,
Tate & Furst Incorporated (HMTF).
Pinnacle Merger and Change of
Control
On August 8, 2003, Pinnacle Foods Holding
Corporation (PFHC, or Pinnacle), Crunch
Holding Corp. (CHC) and Crunch Acquisition Corp.
(CAC) entered into an agreement and plan of merger.
CHC is a newly formed Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of LLC, and CAC is a newly formed Delaware
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHC.
J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC (JPMP), J.W. Childs
Associates, L.P. (or its affiliates, as appropriate,
F-45
Each share of PFHCs issued and outstanding
stock immediately prior to closing was converted into the right
to receive the per share Merger consideration (approximately
$2.14 per share) in cash. The aggregate purchase price was
approximately $485 million, including the repayment of
outstanding debt under the Predecessors Senior Secured
Credit Facilities. The estimated working capital adjustment at
the time of the closing was approximately $10 million. The
aggregate purchase price is subject to final working capital and
other adjustments as of the closing date. The process of
determining the working capital adjustment is currently underway
and is expected to be resolved by the end of July 2004. At
closing, all debt under the Predecessors Senior Secured
Credit Facilities was paid.
In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141,
Business Combinations, and SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which
establishes accounting and reporting for business combinations.
SFAS No. 141 requires all business combinations be
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
SFAS No. 142 provides that goodwill and other
intangible assets with indefinite lives will not be amortized,
but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis. The
Successor has accounted for the Pinnacle Merger in accordance
with these standards. The Merger of PFHC with CAC is being
treated as a purchase with LLC (whose sole asset is its indirect
investment in the common stock of PFHC) as the accounting
acquiror in accordance with SFAS No. 141, and is
accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force
(EITF) Issue No. 88-16, Basis in
Leveraged Buyout Transactions.
Following the guidance in EITF Issue
No. 88-16, the net assets associated with the 9.2% of the
outstanding PFHC common stock owned by JPMP and certain members
of CDM Investor Group LLC before the Pinnacle Merger were
carried over at the Predecessor basis and the net assets related
to the 90.8% of the outstanding PFHC common stock before the
Merger not owned by JPMP and certain members of CDM Investor
Group LLC have been recorded at fair value. The excess of the
purchase price over Predecessor basis of net assets of the PFHC
common stock owned by JPMP and certain members of CDM Investor
Group LLC prior to the Pinnacle Merger was $17,542 and is
recorded as carry-over basis in shareholders equity.
The preliminary total cost of the Pinnacle Merger
consists of:
The working capital adjustment is preliminary.
The aggregate purchase price is subject to final working capital
and other adjustments. As indicated above, the process of
determining the final working capital adjustment is currently
underway and is expected to be resolved by the end of July 2004.
Of the total consideration paid to the
Predecessors shareholders outlined above, $10 million
was deposited into an escrow account pending finalization of the
working capital adjustment
F-46
The following table summarizes the allocation of
the total cost of the Pinnacle acquisition to the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed:
The total intangible assets amounted to $249,722,
of which $106,156 was assigned to tradenames that are not
subject to amortization. Goodwill, which is not subject to
amortization, amounted to $143,566, of which $141,799 was
allocated to the dry foods segment and $1,767 was allocated to
the frozen foods segment. No new tax-deductible goodwill was
created as a result of the Pinnacle Merger, but historical
tax-deductible goodwill does exist.
In accordance with the requirements of purchase
method accounting for acquisitions, inventories as of
November 24, 2003 were valued at fair value (net realizable
value, which is defined as estimated selling prices less the sum
of (a) costs of disposal and (b) a reasonable profit
allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring entity) which
in the case of finished products was $26,303 higher than the
Predecessors historical manufacturing cost. The
Successors cost of products sold for the 23 weeks
ended April 30, 2004 and for the three months ended
April 30, 2004 includes pre-tax charges of $26,303 and
$11,989, respectively, as all of such finished product was sold
during the period November 25, 2003 to April 30, 2004.
The purchase price allocation is preliminary
subject to finalization of appraisals, purchase price
adjustments discussed above and accounting for income taxes. The
cost of the acquisition was allocated on the basis of the
estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed. Portions of the purchase price, including intangible
assets, are being identified by independent appraisers utilizing
proven valuation procedures and techniques. We are awaiting
receipt of the final valuation report supporting the valuation
of inventories, fixed assets and intangible assets.
F-47
The Pinnacle Merger was financed through
borrowings of a $120 million Term Loan and a
$21.5 million Revolver drawing under the Successors
Senior Secured Credit Facilities, $200 million of Senior
Subordinated Notes issued November 2003 and $181 million
equity contribution from the Sponsors.
As a result of the Pinnacle Merger, our initial
capitalization at the Merger date consisted of:
Other Pinnacle Merger Related
Matters
Immediately prior to closing, pursuant to their
original terms, all of the Predecessors outstanding stock
options vested and the Predecessor exercised its purchase option
to purchase at fair value all of the shares of common stock to
be acquired by exercise of options held by employees pursuant to
the Stock Option Plan. As a result, compensation expense of
approximately $4.9 million was recorded in the Consolidated
Statement of Operations immediately before the Pinnacle Merger
for the difference between the aggregate fair value of the
shares of common stock and the aggregate exercise price of the
stock options. Upon resolution of the working capital and
indemnity escrows, the ultimate amount of Pinnacle Merger
consideration may change and, accordingly, an adjustment of this
compensation expense may be required.
From and after the consummation of the Pinnacle
Merger, each outstanding warrant will thereafter entitle the
holder thereof to receive, in consideration for the cancellation
of such warrant, an amount in cash equal to the excess, if any,
of the final per share Pinnacle Merger consideration over the
exercise price of such warrant and no more. Because the
warrants strike price is $3.00 per share and as the
Pinnacle Merger consideration is approximately $2.14 per
share (subject to adjustment as set forth above), no payment to
warrant holders is expected; thus, no value was assigned to the
warrants.
The closing of the transaction represents a
change in control under the Predecessors employment
agreements with certain executives. As a result, the Predecessor
was required to pay $1.7 million pursuant to these
agreements and recorded a charge for such amount in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations immediately before the
Pinnacle Merger. In addition, retention benefits to certain key
employees of approximately $2.2 million were paid in
February 2004, resulting in a compensation charge over the
three-month retention period through February 2004.
In connection with the formation of LLC, certain
ownership units of LLC were issued to CDM Investor Group LLC,
which is controlled by certain members of PFGIs
management. Certain of these units provide a profits interest
consisting of an interest in distributions to the extent in
excess of capital contributed by members of the LLC. The
interests vest immediately. The estimated fair value of the
interests at the date of grant is $11 million and has been
included in the Successors Consolidated Balance Sheet as
an increase in Successors paid-in-capital and in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the ten weeks ended
January 31, 2004 as an expense reflecting the charge for
the fair value immediately after consummation of the
F-48
The Advisory and Oversight Agreement between the
Predecessor and an affiliate of the majority selling
shareowners, and the stockholders agreement between PFHC and
Predecessors current shareholders, was terminated at
closing. Also, at closing, all members of the board of directors
of PFHC resigned. Subsequent to the Pinnacle Merger, directors
of Crunch Acquisition Corp. became directors of the surviving
corporation, Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation.
Aurora Transaction
On November 25, 2003, Aurora Foods Inc.
(Aurora) entered into a definitive agreement with
LLC, the indirect owner of PFHC. The definitive agreement
provides for a comprehensive restructuring transaction in which
PFHC was merged with and into Aurora, with Aurora surviving the
Merger, following the filing and confirmation of a
pre-negotiated bankruptcy reorganization case with respect to
Aurora under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
On December 8, 2003, Aurora filed its petition for
reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court. On February 20,
2004, the First Amended Joint Reorganization Plan of Aurora
Foods Inc. and Sea Coast Foods, Inc., as modified, dated
February 17, 2004, was confirmed by order of the Bankruptcy
Court. We collectively refer to the restructuring, the financing
therefore and the other related transactions as the Aurora
Transaction. This restructuring transaction was completed
on March 19, 2004 and the surviving company was renamed
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (hereafter referred to as the
Company or PFGI).
Pursuant to the terms of the definitive
agreement, (i) the senior secured lenders under
Auroras existing credit facility were paid in full in cash
in respect of principal and interest, and received
$15 million in cash in respect of certain leverage and
asset sales fees owing under that facility, (ii) the
holders of Auroras 12% senior unsecured notes due
2005 were paid in full in cash in respect of principal and
interest but will not receive $1.9 million of original
issue discount, (iii) the holders of Auroras
outstanding 8.75% and 9.875% senior subordinated notes due
2008 and 2007, respectively, received approximately 50% of the
face value of the senior subordinated notes plus accrued
interest in cash or, at the election of each bondholder, 52% of
the face value of the senior subordinated notes plus accrued
interest in equity interests in LLC (held indirectly through a
bondholders trust), (iv) the existing common and preferred
stockholders did not receive any distributions and their shares
have been cancelled, (v) Auroras existing accounts
receivable securitization facility was terminated in December
2003, (vi) all of Auroras trade creditors were paid
in full and (vii) all other claims against Aurora were
unimpaired, except for the rejection of Auroras
St. Louis headquarters leases. The definitive agreement
also provides that total acquisition consideration is subject to
a post-closing adjustment based on Auroras adjusted net
debt as of the closing date.
In connection with the Aurora Transaction,
certain ownership units of LLC were issued to CDM Investor Group
LLC, which is controlled by certain members of PFGIs
management. Certain of these units provide a profits interest
consisting of an interest in distributions to the extent in
excess of capital contributed by members of the LLC. The
interests vest immediately. The estimated fair value of the
interests at the date of grant is $7.4 million and has been
included in the Successors Consolidated Balance Sheet as
an increase in Successors paid-in-capital and in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended
April 30, 2004 as an expense reflecting the charge for the
fair value immediately after consummation of the Pinnacle
Merger. We are awaiting receipt of the final valuation report
supporting this
F-49
After the consummation of the Aurora Transaction,
JPMP and JWC collectively own approximately 48% of LLC, the
holders of Auroras senior subordinated notes own
approximately 43% of LLC and CDM Investor Group, LLC owns
approximately 9% of LLC, in each case subject to dilution by up
to 16% in management equity incentives and in each case without
giving effect to any net debt adjustment to the Aurora equity
value.
Prior to its bankruptcy filing, the Company
entered into an agreement with its prepetition lending group
compromising the amount of certain fees due under its senior
bank facilities (the October Amendment). One of the
members of the bank group (R2 Top Hat, Ltd.) challenged the
enforceability of the October Amendment during the
Companys bankruptcy by filing an adversary proceeding and
by objecting to confirmation. The bankruptcy court rejected the
lenders argument and confirmed the Companys plan of
reorganization. The lender then appealed from those orders of
the bankruptcy court. The appeals are pending. It is too early
to predict the outcome of the appeals. The Company assumed a
liability of $20 million through the Aurora Transaction
with respect to its total exposure relating to these fees.
The Aurora Transaction was financed through
borrowings of a $425.0 million Term Loan drawn under the
Companys Senior Secured Credit Facilities,
$201.0 million gross proceeds from the February 2004
issuance of the 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013,
existing cash on the Aurora balance sheet and cash equity
contributions of $84.4 million and $10.9 million by
the Sponsors and from the Aurora bondholders, respectively.
The preliminary total cost of the Aurora
Transaction consists of:
F-50
The following table summarizes the allocation of
the total cost of acquisition to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed:
The total intangible assets amounted to $943,211,
of which $20,467 was assigned to recipes and formulas, which are
amortized over an estimated useful life of five years, and
$646,700 was assigned to tradenames that are not subject to
amortization. Goodwill, which is not subject to amortization,
amounted to $276,044, of which $144,923 was allocated to the dry
foods segment and $131,121 was allocated to the frozen foods
segment. No new tax-deductible goodwill was created as a result
of the Aurora Transaction, but historical tax-deductible
goodwill does exist.
In accordance with the requirements of purchase
method accounting for acquisitions, inventories as of
March 19, 2004 were valued at fair value (net realizable
value, which is defined as estimated selling prices less the sum
of (a) costs of disposal and (b) a reasonable profit
allowance for the selling effort of the acquiring entity) which
in the case of finished products was $13,185 higher than the
Auroras historical manufacturing cost. Cost of products
sold in the three and nine months ended April 30, 2004
includes a pre-tax charge of $11,290 representing the write-up
of the inventory to fair value at March 19, 2004 of
inventories, which were sold during the period March 19,
2004 to April 30, 2004.
The purchase price allocation is preliminary
subject to finalization of appraisals, purchase price
adjustments discussed above, and accounting for income taxes.
The cost of the acquisition was allocated on the basis of the
estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed. Portions of the purchase price, including intangible
assets, are being identified by independent appraisers utilizing
proven valuation procedures and techniques. The Company is
awaiting receipt of the final valuation report supporting the
valuation of inventories, fixed assets and intangible assets.
Pro forma Information
The following unaudited pro forma statements of
operation data present the information for the three and nine
months ended April 30, 2004 and 2003 as if the Pinnacle
Merger and Aurora Transaction had occurred as of August 1,
2002, the beginning of the most recently completed fiscal year.
The pro forma information includes the actual results for the
periods with pro forma adjustments for the change in interest
expense related to the changes in
F-51
The unaudited pro forma information are provided
for illustrative purposes only. It does not purport to represent
what the results of operations would have been had the Pinnacle
Merger and Aurora Transaction occurred on the date indicated
above, nor does it purport to project the results of operations
for any future period or as of any future date.
Pro forma depreciation and amortization expense
included above was $10,463 and $14,383 for the three months
ended April 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $30,257
and $32,263 for the nine months ended April 30, 2004 and
2003, respectively.
Included in earnings (loss) before interest and
taxes in the pro forma information above are the following
material charges (credits):
F-52
2. Interim Financial Statements
In the opinion of management, the accompanying
consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring adjustments except as
otherwise discussed related to the acquisitions as disclosed in
Notes 1 and 4 to the unaudited consolidated financial
statements) necessary to present fairly PFGIs financial
position as of April 30, 2004 and Predecessors
financial position as of July 31, 2003, and the results of
operations for Successors three months and twenty-three
weeks ended April 30, 2004 and the Predecessors
sixteen weeks ended November 24, 2003 and three and nine
months ended April 30, 2003 and cash flows for the
Successors twenty-three weeks ended April 30, 2004
and the Predecessors sixteen weeks ended November 24,
2003 and nine months ended April 30, 2003. The results of
operations are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
expected for the full year. The accompanying consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
Predecessors audited consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto for the year ended July 31, 2003.
3. Stock Options
The Company applies the intrinsic-value
recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees, and related interpretations in accounting for
stock based compensation. The following table illustrates the
effect on net earnings if the Company had applied the fair value
recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based
employee compensation for the periods ended April 30, 2004
and 2003. All outstanding Predecessor stock options vested and
were purchased by the Predecessor at the closing and
$4.9 million was charged to expense prior to the Pinnacle
Merger. There
F-53
F-54
4. Other Expense (Income)
Restructuring and impairment charges
On April 7, 2004, the Company made and
announced its decision to permanently close its Omaha, Nebraska
production facility, as part of the Companys plan of
consolidating and streamlining production activities after the
Aurora merger. Production from the Omaha plant, which
manufactures Swanson frozen entrée retail products and
frozen foodservice products, will be relocated to the
Companys Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jackson, Tennessee
production facilities. Activities related to the closure of the
plant are expected to be completed by October 1, 2004 and
will result in the elimination of approximately
420 positions. The Company anticipates that employee
termination activities will commence in July 2004.
F-55
Included in Other expense (income) line of the
Consolidated Statement of Operations for three months and the
twenty-three weeks ended April 30, 2004 are the following
restructuring charges:
All such charges are reported under the frozen
foods business segment.
The Company plans to transfer equipment with a
net book value of approximately $9,700 to other production
locations, primarily in Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jackson,
Tennessee. The remaining property, plant and equipment have been
evaluated as to recoverability and a net impairment loss of
$7,400 was recognized in April 2004, based on an estimate of
future cash flows over the remaining useful life of the assets.
Depreciation expense will be accelerated on the remaining asset
value and will result in additional depreciation expense of
approximately $5,500 through September 2004.
Employees terminated as a result of this closure
are eligible to receive severance pay of $2,200. Other closing
costs of approximately $425 relate to warehouse restoration
obligations and other shutdown costs. As of April 30, 2004,
no amounts have been expended.
The employee terminations resulted in a
curtailment gain under the Companys pension plan of $2,500
and postretirement benefit plan of approximately $1,142, as a
portion of the unrecognized prior service credit will be
immediately recognized when the employees terminate. As no
employees have been terminated as of April 30, 2004, no
gains have been recognized in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations; such gains will be recorded in the periods in which
the employees actually terminate.
In connection with the plant closure, costs to
dismantle, transfer and reassemble equipment and other plant
shut down costs will be incurred and expect to result in expense
as incurred in the Companys Statements of Operations of
approximately $2,160, $1,830 and $400 in the fourth fiscal
quarter ending July 2004, first fiscal quarter of 2005 ending
October 2004 and second fiscal quarter of 2005 ending January
2005, respectively. Also, the Company expects to make capital
expenditures of approximately $6,400 through December 2004 in
connection with this plant consolidation project.
Merger related
costs.
The Successor and/or the
Predecessor incurred the following costs in connection with the
Merger discussed in Note 1:
Successor
Equity related compensation. In connection with
the formation of LLC and the Pinnacle Transaction, certain
ownership units of LLC were issued to CDM Investor Group LLC,
which is controlled by certain members of PFGIs
management. Certain of these units provide a profits interest
consisting of an interest in distributions to the extent in
excess of capital contributed by members of the LLC. Additional
units were issued in connection with the Aurora Transaction. The
interests vest immediately. The estimated fair value of the
interests issued in the Pinnacle Transaction at the date of
grant was $11 million and has been included in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet as an increase in the
Successors paid-in-capital and in the
F-56
Retention benefits. In connection with the
Pinnacle Merger, retention benefits to certain key employees of
approximately $2.2 million were paid in February, 2004,
resulting in the recognition of a compensation charge of
$1.6 million in the ten week period ended January 31,
2004 and $0.6 million in the three months ended
April 30, 2004.
Other miscellaneous Merger costs amounted to
$0.1 million.
Predecessor
Stock options. Immediately prior to closing,
pursuant to their original terms, all of the Predecessors
outstanding stock options vested and the Predecessor exercised
its purchase option to purchase at fair value all of the shares
of common stock to be acquired by exercise of options held by
employees pursuant to the Stock Option Plan. As a result,
compensation expense of approximately $4.9 million was
recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations immediately
before the Merger for the difference between the aggregate fair
value of the shares of common stock and the aggregate exercise
price of the stock options. Upon resolution of the working
capital and indemnity escrows, the ultimate amount of Merger
consideration may change and, accordingly, an adjustment of this
compensation expense may be required.
Change in control. The closing of the transaction
represents a change in control under the Predecessors
employment agreements with certain executives. As a result, the
Predecessor was required to pay $1.7 million pursuant to
these agreements and recorded a charge for such amount in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations immediately before the
Merger.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, changes
in circumstances indicated that the carrying value of the
intangible assets related to the Kings Hawaiian business
may not be recoverable. After performing a cash flow analysis,
it was determined that an impairment loss of $1,262 was to be
recorded and is included in the Other expense (income) line on
the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the earnings
(loss) before taxes of the frozen foods segment for the sixteen
weeks ended November 24, 2003.
Unsuccessful Claussen
acquisition.
On May 4, 2002, PFHC
entered into an agreement to acquire the Claussen brand and
related manufacturing assets from Kraft Foods North America.
This agreement was contingent upon obtaining regulatory approval
and other normal closing conditions.
On October 22, 2002, the U.S. Federal
Trade Commission authorized its staff to seek a preliminary
injunction in federal district court to block the proposed
acquisition on grounds that it would violate federal antitrust
laws.
The purchase agreement included a provision that
would require PFHC to pay $2 million to Kraft Foods North
America upon termination of the agreement for certain reasons.
Additionally, PFHC had incurred approximately $2,626 in
pre-acquisition transaction costs as of
F-57
Contract
termination.
As described in
Note 7, PFHC used an aircraft owned by a company indirectly
owned by the Chairman. During the second quarter of fiscal 2003,
this agreement was terminated early at a cost to the Predecessor
of $2 million.
Gain on insurance
settlement.
During fiscal 2003, PFHC
settled at a gain of $783 an insurance claim related to finished
product inventories damaged in a public warehouse in fiscal
2002. $518 of this settlement was received and recorded in the
second quarter of fiscal year 2003 and $259 was received and
recorded in the third quarter of fiscal year 2003, for a total
of $777 for the nine months ended April 30, 2003.
5. Inventories
As of April 30, 2004, $1,895 of the write-up
of inventory to fair value from the Aurora Transaction remains
in the above finished product balance, of which $1,480 relates
to the frozen foods segment and $415 relates to the dry foods
segment, and is expected to flow through cost of products sold
in the fourth quarter ending July 31, 2004. As of
April 30, 2004, none of the write-up of inventory to fair
value from the Pinnacle Merger remains in the above finished
product inventory.
The Company has various purchase commitments for
raw materials, containers, supplies and certain finished
products incident to the ordinary course of business. Such
commitments are not at prices in excess of current market.
6. Segment and Geographic Area Information
The Company has two segments that are organized
based upon similar economic characteristics, manufacturing
processes, marketing strategies and distribution channels. The
Frozen Foods segment consists primarily of
Swanson
frozen
foods in the United States and Canada, frozen foodservice and
private label products in the United States,
Van de
Kamps
and
Mrs. Pauls
frozen seafood,
Aunt Jemima
frozen breakfasts,
Lenders
bagels and other frozen foods under the
Celeste
and
Chefs Choice
name. The Dry Foods segment primarily
includes
Vlasic
retail and foodservice pickles and
condiments,
Duncan Hines
baking mixes and frostings,
Mrs. Butterworths
and
Log Cabin
syrups
and pancake mixes and
Open Pit
barbecue sauce. Segment
performance is evaluated based on earnings before interest and
taxes. Transfers between segments and geographic areas are
recorded at cost plus markup or at market. Identifiable assets
are those assets, including goodwill, which are identified with
the operations in each segment or geographic region. Cost of
products sold for the three months ended and twenty-three weeks
ended April 30, 2004 includes $23,279 ($4,513 frozen foods
and $18,766
F-58
F-59
F-60
Management fees
Predecessor
-
The Predecessor incurred monitoring
and oversight fees of $76 in the 3 weeks ended
November 24, 2003, $367 in the 16 weeks ended
November 24, 2003, and $550 in the 6 months ended
January 31, 2003 paid to an affiliate of HMTF, its then
largest stockholder. The monitoring and oversight agreement with
the affiliate of HMTF was terminated at the time of the Pinnacle
Merger.
Successor
-
On November 25, 2003, the
Successor entered into a Management Agreement with JPMorgan
Partners, LLC (JPMP) and J.W. Childs
Associates, L.P. (JWC) where JPMP and JWC provide
management, advisory and other services. The agreement calls for
quarterly payments of $125 to each JPMP and JWC for management
fees. Management fees to JPMP and JWC in total included in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended
and twenty-three weeks ended April 30, 2004 were $250 and
$431, respectively. In connection with the Pinnacle Merger, the
Successor paid a transaction fee of $2,425 to each JPMP and JWC,
in addition to fees and expenses. In connection with the Aurora
Transaction, transaction fees were paid to JPMP and JWC of
$1 million to each, plus fees and expenses. In connection
with any subsequent acquisition transaction there will be a
transaction fee of 1/2% of the aggregate purchase price to
each of JPMP and JWC, plus fees and expenses. These transaction
fees are included in Acquisition costs in Note 1.
Also on November 25, 2003, the Successor
entered into an agreement with CDM Capital LLC, an affiliate of
CDM Investor Group LLC, where CDM Capital LLC will receive a
transaction fee of 1/2% of the aggregate purchase price of
future acquisitions (other than the Pinnacle Merger or the
Aurora Transaction), plus fees and expenses.
Leases and Aircraft
The Company leases office space owned by a party
related to the Chairman. One office was leased through
January 15, 2004. A new office was leased beginning
January 15, 2004. The new lease provides for the Company to
make leasehold improvements approximating $318. The base rent
for the new office is $87 annually compared to $245 annually
scheduled in the old office. Rent expense includes the following
amounts: the Successor paid rent of $22 in the three months
ended April 30, 2004; the Successor paid rent of $36 on the
old office and $34 on the new office in the twenty-three weeks
ended April 30, 2004; the Predecessor paid $71 in the
sixteen weeks ended November 24, 2003. The Predecessor paid
$65 and $196 in the three and nine months of fiscal 2003,
respectively.
The Predecessor also used an aircraft owned by a
company indirectly owned by the Chairman. In connection with the
use of this aircraft, the Predecessor paid net operating
expenses of $376 in the first quarter of fiscal 2003. In the
second quarter of 2003, the agreement to use and pay for the
plane was terminated early at a cost to the Predecessor of
$2 million which was included in the Consolidated Statement
of Operations for the second quarter of 2003. Beginning
November 25, 2003, the Successor resumed using the aircraft
and in connection with the usage paid net operating expenses of
$490 and $856 in the three months and twenty-three weeks ended
April 30, 2004, respectively. Also, during the November
2003 financing road show, the Company paid an
additional $84 for usage of the aircraft; such amount is
included in deferred financing costs in Other Assets in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2004.
F-61
Debt and Interest Expense
See Note 10.
For the three months and twenty-three weeks ended
April 30, 2004, interest expense recognized in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the debt to the related
party, JPMorgan Chase Bank, amounted to $71 and $107,
respectively.
The allocation of the Pinnacle Merger purchase
price resulted in goodwill being allocated $141,799 to the dry
foods segment and $1,767 to the frozen foods segment by the
Successor and is not subject to amortization. Goodwill is not
tax deductible.
The allocation of the Aurora Transaction purchase
price resulted in goodwill being allocated $144,923 to the dry
foods segment and $131,121 to the frozen foods segment and is
not subject to amortization.
Goodwill resulting from the Predecessors
acquisition of VFIs North American Business was allocated
to the frozen foods segment and was not subject to amortization.
F-62
The change in the book value of nonamortizable
intangible assets is as follows:
Successor
-
Tradenames of $106,156 resulting from the Successors
acquisition (the Pinnacle Merger) are not subject to
amortization. Pinnacle has a perpetual, royalty-free license to
use the Swanson trademark for certain frozen foods (other than
broth, stock and soup), included in tradenames. Tradenames of
$646,700 resulting from the Aurora Transaction are not subject
to amortization.
Amortizable intangible assets acquired in the
Aurora Transaction are recipes and formulas and have been
assigned a five year estimated useful life for amortization
purposes.
Predecessor
-
Tradenames of $88,000 resulting from the Predecessors
acquisition of VFIs North American Business are not
subject to amortization. Pinnacle has a perpetual, royalty-free
license to use the Swanson trademark for certain frozen foods
(other than broth, stock and soup), included in tradenames.
Tradenames and recipes acquired in the Kings Hawaiian
acquisition of $6,100 were being amortized over their estimated
useful lives of 3-10 years (weighted
average 9.4 years). These Kings Hawaiian
intangible assets were determined to be impaired and were
written down by $3.3 million in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2003. Subsequent analysis in the sixteen week Predecessor
period ended November 24, 2003 indicated there was further
impairment of these intangibles and they were written down by
$1.3 million. As of November 24, 2003, the Kings
Hawaiian intangibles are fully impaired and have no carrying
value.
Deferred financing costs as of April 30,
2004 were in connection with the Successors senior secured
credit facilities and senior subordinated notes. Aggregate
amortization was $964 and $1,454 for the three months and
twenty-three weeks ended April 30, 2004, respectively.
Deferred financing costs as of July 31, 2003 were in
connection with the Predecessors senior secured credit
facilities. Aggregate amortization for the sixteen weeks ended
November 24, 2003 was $506. In addition, the remaining
balance of $6,400 was written-off immediately before the Merger
in connection with the repayment of the debt.
9. Pension plans and retirement benefits
In December 2003, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 132, Employers Disclosures about
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (revised 2003)
(FAS 132R). FAS 132R requires additional
annual and interim disclosures about pension plans and other
postretirement benefit plans. As of April 30, 2004, the
Company maintains a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan
that covers substantially all eligible union employees and
provides benefits generally based on years of service and
employees compensation. The Companys postretirement
benefits plan provides health care and life insurance benefits
to eligible retirees, covers most U.S. employees and their
dependents and is self-funded. After May 22, 2004, the
Companys net out-of-pocket costs for postretirement health
care benefits are minimal, due to plan amendments increasing
F-63
The components of net periodic benefit cost
included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are as
follows:
F-64
10. Debt
Successor
In November, 2003, the Successor entered into a
$675.0 million Credit Agreement (senior secured
credit facilities) with JPMorgan Chase Bank (a related
party of JPMP) and other financial institutions as lenders,
which provides for a $545.0 million seven-year term
loan B facility, of which $120.0 million was made
available on November 25, 2003 and $425.0 million was
made available as a delayed draw term loan on the closing date
of the Aurora Transaction. The term loan matures
November 25, 2010. The senior secured credit facility also
provides for a six-year $130.0 million revolving credit
facility, of which up to $65.0 million was made available
on November 25, 2003, and the remaining $65.0 million
was made available on the closing date of the Aurora
Transaction. The revolving credit facility expires
November 25, 2009. As of April 30, 2004, the amount
owed to JP Morgan Chase Bank is $8.0 million.
In November 2003, the Successor issued
$200.0 million 8 1/4% senior subordinated notes.
On February 20, 2004, the Successor issued an additional
$194.0 million of 8 1/4% senior subordinated
notes, which resulted in gross proceeds of $201.0 million,
including premium. The terms of the notes are the same as the
existing $200.0 million of notes and are issued under the
same indenture.
We may redeem all or a portion of the notes prior
to December 1, 2008, at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the notes plus a make-whole
premium (the greater of: (1) 1% of the then outstanding
principal amount of the note; and (2) the excess of:
(a) the present value at such redemption date of
(i) the redemption price of the note at December 1,
2008 plus (ii) plus all required interest payments due on
the note through December 1, 2008, computed using a
discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption
date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the then
outstanding principal amount of the note, if greater). On or
after December 1, 2008, we may redeem some or all of the
notes at the redemption prices
F-65
At any time prior to December 1, 2006, we
may redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount
of the notes with the net cash proceeds of certain equity
offerings at a redemption price equal to 108.250% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, so
long as (a) at least 65% of the original aggregate amount
of the notes remains outstanding after each such redemption and
(b) any such redemption by us is made within 90 days
of such equity offering.
If a change of control occurs (as defined in the
indenture pursuant to which the notes were issued), and unless
we have exercised our right to redeem all of the notes as
described above, the note holders will have the right to require
the Successor to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a
purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
repurchase.
Our borrowings under the new senior secured
credit facilities bear interest at a floating rate and are
maintained as base rate loans or as Eurodollar loans. Base rate
loans bear interest at the base rate plus the applicable base
rate margin, as defined in the new senior secured credit
facilities. Base rate is defined as the higher of (i) the
prime rate and (ii) the Federal Reserve reported overnight
funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%. Eurodollar loans bear interest at the
adjusted Eurodollar rate, as described in the new senior secured
credit facilities, plus the applicable Eurodollar rate margin.
The applicable margins with respect to our term
loan facility and our revolving credit facility will vary from
time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and agreed
upon pricing grids based on our leverage ratio as defined in our
new senior secured credit facilities. The initial applicable
margin with respect to the term loan facility and the revolving
credit facility is:
The range of margins for the revolving credit
facility is:
A commitment fee of 0.50% per annum applies
to the unused portion of the revolving loan facility and
1.25% per annum applies to the delayed-draw term loan until
it becomes available for the Aurora Transaction. For the
23 weeks ended April 30, 2004, the weighted average
interest rate on the term loan was 3.96% and on the revolving
credit facility was 3.88%. As of
F-66
The term loan facility matures in annual 1%
installments from November 25, 2003 through
November 25, 2009, with the remaining balance due in 2010
and the revolving credit facility terminates on
November 25, 2009. The aggregate maturities of the term
loan and notes outstanding as of April 30, 2004 are:
$1.4 million in 2004, $5.5 million in 2005,
$5.5 million in 2006, $5.5 million in 2007,
$5.5 million in 2008 and $915.6 million thereafter.
Our senior secured credit facilities and the
notes contain a number of covenants that, among other things,
limit, subject to certain exceptions, our ability to incur
additional liens and indebtedness, make capital expenditures,
engage in certain transactions with affiliates, repay other
indebtedness (including the notes), make certain distributions,
make acquisitions and investments, loans or advances, engage in
mergers or consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions and
joint ventures, sell assets, make dividends, amend certain
material agreements governing our indebtedness, enter into
guarantees and other contingent obligations and other matters
customarily restricted in similar agreements. In addition to
scheduled periodic repayments, we are also required to make
mandatory repayments of the loans under the senior secured
credit facilities with a portion of its excess cash flow, as
defined. In addition, our new senior secured credit facilities
contain, among others, the following financial covenants: a
maximum total leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio
and a maximum capital expenditure limitation, of which
measurement with compliance commences July 31, 2004.
The obligations under the senior secured credit
facilities are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by
each of our direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries
(collectively, the Guarantors). In addition, the
senior secured credit facilities are collateralized by first
priority or equivalent security interests in (i) all the
capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct or
indirect domestic subsidiary of the Company and 65% of the
capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each direct
foreign subsidiary of the Company, or any of its domestic
subsidiaries and (ii) certain tangible and intangible
assets of the Company and the Guarantors (subject to certain
exceptions and qualifications).
We pay a commission on the face amount of all
outstanding letters of credit drawn under the senior secured
credit facilities at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable
Margin then in effect with respect to Eurodollar loans under the
revolving credit loan facility minus the fronting fee (as
defined). A fronting fee equal to 1/4% per annum on the
face amount of each letter of credit is payable quarterly in
arrears to the issuing lender for its own account. We also pay a
per annum fee equal to 1/2% on the undrawn portion of the
commitments in respect of the revolving credit facility. Total
letters of credit issuable under the facilities cannot exceed
$40,000. As of April 30, 2004, we had utilized $11,468 of
the revolving credit facility for letters of credit. As of
April 30, 2004, there were no outstanding borrowings under
the revolving credit facility and had utilized of the revolving
credit facility $11,468 for letters of credit. Of the $130,000
revolving credit facility available, as of April 30, 2004,
we had an unused balance of $118,532 available for future
borrowings and letters of credit, of which a maximum of $28,532
may be used for letters of credit.
Predecessor
The Predecessors senior secured credit
facility was paid in full and terminated at the closing of the
Pinnacle Merger described in Note 1.
F-67
As of July 31, 2003, the aggregate
maturities of the term loan during each of the next five years
were $15,000, $25,000, $35,000, $45,000 and $55,000 for 2004,
2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 respectively.
In May, 2001, the Predecessor entered into a
$245,000 Credit Agreement (Senior Secured Credit
Facilities) with Bankers Trust Co., which provided for a
term loan of $190,000 and a revolving credit facility of
$55,000. The term loan matured in 2008 and the revolving credit
facility expired in 2006.
In addition to scheduled periodic repayments, the
Predecessor was also required to make mandatory repayments of
the loans under the senior secured credit facilities with a
portion of its excess cash flow, as defined.
Borrowings under the senior secured credit
facilities bear interest based on the Eurodollar Rate or an
Alternate Base Rate, as defined, plus applicable margins. As of
July 31, 2003 margins ranged from 1.5% to 3.5%. The
weighted average interest rate on the term loan and revolving
credit facility was 5.40% in 2003
,
6.50% in 2002 and
8.29% in 2001. At July 31, 2003, the interest rate in
effect for the term loan was 4.13% and there were no borrowings
outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
The obligations of the Predecessor under the
senior secured credit facilities were unconditionally and
irrevocably guaranteed by each of the Predecessors direct
or indirect domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the
Guarantors). In addition, the senior secured credit
facilities are collateralized by first priority or equivalent
security interests in (i) all the capital stock of, or
other equity interests in, each direct or indirect domestic
subsidiary of the Company and 65% of the capital stock of, or
other equity interests in, each direct foreign subsidiary of the
Predecessor, or any of its domestic subsidiaries and
(ii) certain tangible and intangible assets of the
Predecessor and the Guarantors (subject to certain exceptions
and qualifications).
The senior secured credit facilities also
contained covenants that, among other things, restrict the
ability of the Predecessor to dispose of assets, incur
additional indebtedness, repay other indebtedness or amend other
debt instruments, pay dividends, create liens on assets, make
investments or acquisitions, engage in mergers or
consolidations, make capital expenditures, engage in certain
transactions with affiliates, and otherwise restrict corporate
activities. In addition, under the senior secured credit
facilities, the Predecessor is required to comply with specified
minimum interest coverage, maximum leverage and minimum fixed
charge coverage ratios. The Predecessor was in compliance with
such covenants as of November 24, 2003.
The Predecessor paid a commission on the face
amount of all outstanding letters of credit drawn under the
senior secured credit facilities at a per annum rate equal to
the Applicable Margin then in effect with respect to Eurodollar
loans under the revolving credit loan facility minus the
fronting fee (as defined). A fronting fee equal to 1/4% per
annum on the face amount of each letter of credit is payable
quarterly in arrears to the issuing lender for its own account.
The Predecessor also paid a per annum fee equal to 1/2% on the
undrawn portion of the commitments in respect of the revolving
credit facility. Total letters of credit issuable under the
facilities cannot exceed $10,000. As of July 31, 2003, the
Predecessor had utilized $5,068 of the revolving credit facility
for a letter of credit and had an unused balance of $49,932
available for future borrowings and letters of credit, of which
a maximum of $4,932 may be used for letters of credit.
F-68
11. Commitments and
Contingencies
Pinnacles Fleming Bankruptcy
Claim
The Company, on or about April 1, 2003,
filed a reclamation claim against Fleming, a customer, in
Flemings bankruptcy proceeding pending in the United
States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in the
amount of $964. Fleming has claimed that the products in
controversy had been commingled with other products and that the
value of Pinnacles claim is $0. Additionally, on or about
January 31, 2004 Fleming identified alleged preferential
transfers to Pinnacle of up to $6,493, of which Fleming has
alleged $5,014 are, or may be, eligible for protection as
new value. Fleming additionally alleged that some,
if not all, of the alleged Pinnacle preferential transfers may
qualify as ordinary course of business transactions.
Fleming has also made claims regarding payments it describes as
overpayment; unjust enrichment due to allegedly excess wire
transfers and payments and debts arising out of military sales.
The Company has been advised that similar allegations have been
made by Fleming in many, if not all, of the other pending
reclamation claims filed against Fleming. The Company is
currently in the process of analyzing the claims.
Auroras Fleming Bankruptcy
Claim
The Company (Aurora), on or about March 31,
2003, filed a reclamation claim against Fleming, a customer, in
Flemings bankruptcy proceeding pending in the United
States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in the
amount of $595. Fleming has claimed that the products in
controversy had been commingled with other products and that the
value of Auroras claim is $299. Additionally, on or about
February 2, 2004, Fleming identified alleged preferential
transfers to Aurora of up to $5,942, of which Fleming has
alleged $3,293 are, or may be, eligible for protection as
new value. Fleming additionally alleged that some,
if not all, of the alleged Aurora preferential transfers may
qualify as ordinary course of business transactions.
Fleming has also made claims regarding payments it describes as
overpayment; unjust enrichment due to allegedly excess wire
transfers and payments and debts arising out of military sales.
The Company has been advised that similar allegations have been
made by Fleming in many, if not all, of the other pending
reclamation claims filed against Fleming. The Company is
currently in the process of analyzing the claims.
Employee Litigation Indemnification of
US Cold Storage
On March 21, 2002, an employee at the Omaha,
NE facility, died as the result of an accident while operating a
forklift at a Company-leased warehouse facility. OSHA conducted
a full investigation and determined that the death was the
result of an accident and found no violations against the
Company. On March 18, 2004, the Estate of the deceased
filed suit in District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, Case No:
CI 04-391, against the Company, the owner of the forklift and
the leased warehouse, the manufacturer of the forklift and the
distributor of the forklift. The Company, having been the
deceaseds employer, was named as a defendant for
workers compensation subrogation purposes only.
On May 18, 2004, the Company received notice
from defendant, US Cold Storage, requesting the Company to
accept the tender of defense for US Cold Storage in this case in
accordance with the Indemnification provision of the warehouse
lease. The request has been submitted to the Companys
insurance carrier for evaluation.
F-69
R2 Appeal in Aurora Bankruptcy
Prior to its bankruptcy filing, the Company
entered into an agreement with its prepetition lending group
compromising the amount of certain fees due under its senior
bank facilities (the October Amendment). One of the
members of the bank group (R2 Top Hat, Ltd.) challenged the
enforceability of the October Amendment during the
Companys bankruptcy by filing an adversary proceeding and
by objecting to confirmation. The bankruptcy court rejected the
lenders argument and confirmed the Companys plan of
reorganization. The lender then appealed from those orders of
the bankruptcy court. The appeals are pending. It is too early
to predict the outcome of the appeals.
State of Illinois v. City of St. Elmo and
Aurora Foods Inc.
The Company is a defendant in an action filed by
the State of Illinois regarding the Companys St. Elmo
facility. The Illinois Attorney General filed a complaint
seeking a restraining order prohibiting further discharges by
the City of St. Elmo from its publicly owned wastewater
treatment facility in violation of Illinois law and enjoining
the Company from discharging its industrial waste into the
Citys treatment facility. The complaint also asked for
fines and penalties associated with the Citys discharge
from its treatment facility and the Companys alleged
operation of its production facility without obtaining a state
environmental operating permit. On June 19, 2003, the
Company and the Illinois Attorney General executed an Agreed
Injunction Order settling all allegations in the complaint
against the Company, other than any potential monetary fines or
penalty. The Company intends to vigorously defend any future
claim for fines or penalties. A Status Conference with the court
is scheduled for June 22, 2004
While the Company is currently in the process of
analyzing these claims, the Company believes that resolution of
such matters will not result in a material impact on the
Companys financial condition, results of operations or
cash flows.
12. Financial Instruments
We may utilize derivative financial instruments
to enhance our ability to manage risks, including interest rate
and foreign currency, which exist as part of ongoing business
operations. We do not enter into contracts for speculative
purposes, nor are we a party to any leveraged derivative
instrument. We monitor the use of derivative financial
instruments through regular communication with senior management
and the utilization of written guidelines.
We rely primarily on bank borrowings to meet our
funding requirements. We utilize interest rate swap agreements
or other derivative instruments to reduce the potential exposure
to interest rate movements and to achieve a desired proportion
of variable versus fixed rate debt. We will recognize the
amounts that we pay or receive on hedges related to debt as an
adjustment to interest expense.
During April 2004, the Company entered into three
interest rate swap agreements with a counterparty to effectively
change the floating rate payments on its Senior Secured Credit
Facility into fixed rate payments. The first swap agreement
became effective April 26, 2004, terminates
December 31, 2004 and has a notional amount of
$545.0 million; the second swap agreement commences
January 1, 2005, terminates on January 1, 2006 and has
a notional amount of $450.0 million; and the third swap
agreement commences January 1, 2006, terminates on
January 1, 2007 and has a notional amount of
$350.0 million. Interest payments determined under each
swap agreement are based on these notional amounts, which match
or
F-70
These swaps were not designated as hedges
pursuant to SFAS No. 133, Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. As of
April 30, 2004, the fair value of the interest rate swaps
was a gain of $6.2 million. Of this amount, $3,130 is
recorded in Other current assets and $3,070 is recorded in Other
assets, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The related
offset is recorded as a gain of $6.2 million and was
recognized in interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of
Operations for the three months and twenty-three weeks ended
April 30, 2004. In June 2004, the swap for the period
January 1, 2006 to January 1, 2007 was terminated at a
gain of $3.5 million, of which $2.9 million was
included in the $6.2 million gain recognized in the three
months and twenty-three weeks ended April 30, 2004.
As required by the senior secured credit
facilities in effect prior to the Merger, in September 2001, we
entered into a zero cost collar for a one-year period for the
purpose of reducing our exposure to variable interest rates.
This collar required the counterparty to make payments to us
when the 30-day LIBOR interest rate exceeded 7% and required us
to make payments to the counterparty when the 30-day LIBOR
interest rate fell below 3.13%. Our payments increase interest
expense and the payments received reduce interest expense. In
September 2002, we entered into a new zero cost collar for a
one-year period. The new zero cost collar requires the
counterparty to make payments to us when the 30-day LIBOR
interest rate exceeds 5% and requires us to make payments to the
counterparty when the 30 day LIBOR interest rate falls
below 1.5%. Additionally, because these agreements are not
designated as hedges pursuant to Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities,
we recorded a credit to interest expense of $115 in each of the
first quarters of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003. The collar was
terminated in September 2003.
We utilize irrevocable standby letters of credit
with one-year renewable terms to satisfy workers
compensation self-insurance security deposit requirements. The
contract value of the outstanding standby letter of credit as of
April 30, 2004 was $10.8 million, which approximates
fair value. As of April 30, 2004, we also utilized letters
of credit in connection with certain Aurora leases in the amount
of $0.7 million, which approximates fair value.
We may also utilize foreign currency exchange
contracts, including swap and forward contracts, to hedge
existing foreign currency exposures. We recognize foreign
exchange gains and losses on derivative financial instruments,
and we offset foreign exchange gains and losses on the
underlying exposures. At April 30, 2004 and July 31,
2003, we had no outstanding foreign exchange contracts in place.
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of
non-performance by the other parties to derivative financial
instruments. All counterparties are at least A rated
by Moodys and Standard & Poors.
Accordingly, we do not anticipate non-performance by the
counterparties.
F-71
13. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB
Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities. The provisions of FIN 46
will be the guidance that determines (i) whether
consolidation is required under the controlling financial
interest model of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51
(ARB 51), Consolidated Financial Statements (or
other existing authoritative guidance) or, alternatively,
(ii) whether the variable interest model under FIN 46
should be used to account for existing and new entities.
Non-public entities are required to apply the Interpretation to
any pre-existing entities as of the first fiscal year beginning
after June 15, 2003. All enterprises will be required to
apply the transition disclosure requirements in financial
statements issued after February 1, 2003. FASB Staff
position FIN 46-6 (FSP FIN 46-6)
establishes the first interim or annual reporting period ending
after December 15, 2003 as the new effective date for
variable interest entities existing prior to February 1,
2003.
In December 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46
(revised 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
(FIN 46R) to address certain implementation
issues. For non-public entities, there will be no distinction in
the rules between SPEs (Special Purpose Entities) and non-SPEs,
and the effective dates are as follows:
The adoption of FIN 46R with respect to
entities created after December 31, 2003 did not have a
significant impact on our financial position and results of
operations. The adoption of FIN 46R with respect to
entities created before December 31, 2003 is not expected
to have a significant impact on our financial position and
results of operations.
On December 8, 2003, the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
(the Act) was signed into law. The Act expanded
Medicare to include, for the first time, coverage for
prescription drugs and a federal subsidy to sponsors of certain
retiree medical plans. The Company sponsors medical programs for
certain of its U.S. retirees and expects that this
legislation may eventually reduce the costs for some of these
programs. While the Company is still evaluating the impact of
this legislation, the Company does not expect this law to have a
material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
14. Guarantor and Nonguarantor Financial Statements
In connection with the Merger and Aurora
Transaction described in Note 1 and as a part of the
related financings, the Company issued $394 million of
8 1/4% senior subordinated notes ($200 million in
November 2003 and $194 million in February 2004,
collectively referred to as the Notes) in private
placements pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S. The
Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company,
subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future
senior indebtedness of the Company, and guaranteed on a full,
unconditional, joint and several basis by the Companys
wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries.
F-72
The following consolidating financial information
presents:
Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by
the parent using the equity method of accounting. The guarantor
subsidiaries and nonguarantor subsidiary are presented on a
combined basis. The principal elimination entries eliminate
investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and
transactions. Separate financial statements for the guarantor
subsidiaries and the nonguarantor subsidiary are not presented
because management believes that such financial statements would
not be meaningful to investors.
F-73
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
F-74
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
F-75
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
F-76
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
F-77
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
F-78
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
F-79
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and
financing activities:
In the Statement of Cash Flows for the
23 weeks ended April 30, 2004, cash flows for the
Aurora merger consideration paid and for the equity contribution
to Successor do not include the $225,120 equity credit in LLC
received by Aurora senior subordinated noteholders.
F-80
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
F-81
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
F-82
Report of independent registered public
accounting firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations, of changes in investment (deficit) in
net assets and of cash flows present fairly, in all material
respects, the results of operations and cash flows of the Frozen
Foods and Condiments Businesses of Vlasic Foods International
Inc. for the forty-two weeks ended May 22, 2001 in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these
statements in accordance with the standards of the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
As disclosed in Note 3, Vlasic Foods
International Inc. adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities, effective
July 31, 2000.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
F-83
Frozen foods and condiments
businesses
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-84
Frozen foods and condiments
businesses
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-85
Frozen foods and condiments
businesses
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-86
Notes to consolidated financial statements (in
thousands)
1. Summary of Business Activities and Basis of
Presentation
Corporate overview
Vlasic Foods International Inc.
(Vlasic, VFI, or the Parent)
was created through a tax-free spin-off of various food
businesses from Campbell Soup Company (Campbell) on
March 30, 1998. Vlasic Foods International Inc. is a
leading producer, marketer and distributor of high quality,
branded convenience food products in two operating segments:
(i) frozen foods under the
Swanson
brand and
(ii) condiments under the
Vlasic
brand of pickles,
relish and peppers and the
Open Pit
barbecue sauce brand.
These financial statements represent the carve
out of the Frozen Foods and Condiments Businesses of Vlasic
Foods International Inc. The Frozen Foods Business is comprised
of the
Swanson
brand. The Condiments Business is
comprised of
Vlasic
brand and
Open Pit
brand.
On April 3, 2001, Pinnacle Foods Corporation
(Pinnacle, PFC or the
Company), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pinnacle Foods
Holding Corporation, agreed to acquire the North American assets
and selected liabilities (the North American
Business, consisting of the Frozen Foods and Condiments
Businesses) of VFI. Pinnacle was originally formed by Hicks,
Muse, Tate & Furst Incorporated (HMTF), together
with C. Dean Metropoulos & Co. (CDM, and
together with HTMF, the Sponsors) to acquire
VFIs North American Business. The acquisition of the North
American Business from VFI, which filed for bankruptcy on
January 29, 2001 (the Transaction), was
approved by the bankruptcy court on May 9, 2001 and closed
and funded on May 22, 2001.
The accompanying financial statements include the
operations of VFI, prior to being acquired by Pinnacle on
May 22, 2001.
Bankruptcy matters
On January 29, 2001, the Parent filed
voluntary petitions for reorganization relief pursuant to
Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the
Bankruptcy Code) and announced that the Parent and
its wholly owned subsidiary, VF Brands, Inc., entered into an
asset purchase agreement with H.J. Heinz Company
(Heinz) providing for the sale of substantially all
of the assets relating to the Companys Condiments
Businesses to Heinz (the Heinz agreement). Pursuant
to the competitive sales process provided for under the
Bankruptcy Code and the Heinz Agreement, the Parent terminated
the Heinz Agreement in accordance with its terms in favor of
entering into the Asset Purchase Agreement with PFC. The Heinz
Agreement provided for the Parent to pay to Heinz a
$5 million fee in the event of its termination of such
agreement. This fee was paid by the Parent on May 23, 2001
out of the proceeds of the sale and thus, is not recorded in the
accompanying financial statements.
The Parents filing for reorganization under
Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code resulted in an event
of default under VFIs senior credit facility and senior
subordinated notes (see Note 15), which resulted in all
such debt becoming immediately due and payable.
Upon its commencement of bankruptcy proceedings,
the Parent began operating its businesses as
debtor-in-possession under Chapter 11 of the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code, which provides for the reorganization of
businesses under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court.
Shortly thereafter, the Parent began notifying all known or
potential creditors of the filing for purposes of identifying
all prepetition claims against the Parent. Except for amounts
owed to the banks
F-87
Pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court, on
June 7, 2001, VFI used $323.6 million, including the
proceeds from the sale of the Frozen Foods and Condiments
Businesses of the Parent, to repay amounts outstanding under its
senior secured credit facility. After paying administrative and
other priority claims, the remaining proceeds from the
liquidation of estate assets will be distributed pursuant to the
Parents Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan when filed and
approved.
All post-petition bankruptcy reorganization costs
were incurred on behalf of the Parent and do not relate to the
operations of the Frozen Foods and Condiments Businesses of
Vlasic Foods International Inc. acquired by Pinnacle and,
accordingly, are accounted for as a change in Parents
deficit in net assets.
2. Summary of significant accounting policies
Consolidation.
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Parents Frozen Foods and Condiments Businesses and the
Parents wholly-owned subsidiaries for the periods up to
May 22, 2001. Significant intercompany transactions have
been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year.
The
fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest July 31. There were
42 weeks in the period July 31, 2000 through
May 22, 2001 (also referred to as fiscal 2001 throughout
this document).
Cash and Cash Equivalents.
All highly liquid debt instruments
purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less are
classified as cash equivalents.
Inventories.
Substantially all inventories were
valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined by
the last-in, first-out method. Other inventories are valued at
the lower of average cost or market. Liquidation of LIFO
inventory quantities increased net earnings by $1,442 in fiscal
2001.
Plant Assets.
Plant
assets are stated at historical cost. Alterations and major
overhauls which extend the lives or increase the capacity of
plant assets are capitalized. The amounts for property disposals
are removed from plant asset and accumulated depreciation
accounts and any resultant gain or loss is included in earnings.
Ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to operating costs.
Certain offices, distribution facilities and
equipment are under operating leases expiring on various dates
through 2008. Total rental expense charged to operations was
$3,989 in fiscal 2001.
Depreciation.
Depreciation provided in costs and
expenses is calculated using the straight-line method. Buildings
and machinery and equipment are depreciated over periods not
exceeding 45 years and 15 years, respectively.
Accelerated methods of depreciation are used for income tax
purposes in certain jurisdictions.
Intangible Assets.
Intangible assets consist principally
of excess purchase price over net assets of businesses acquired
and trademarks. Intangible assets are amortized on a
straight-line basis
F-88
Revenue Recognition.
Revenue from product sales is
recognized upon completed delivery of the shipment to the
customers at which point title and risk of loss is transferred.
This completes the revenue-earning process, specifically that an
arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed
and collectibility is reasonably assured. Provisions for
discounts and rebates to customers, and returns and other
adjustments are provided for in the same period the related
sales are recorded.
Marketing Expenses.
Trade marketing expense is comprised
of amounts paid to retailers for programs designed to promote
our products. These costs include standard introductory
allowances for new products. They also include the cost of
in-store product displays, feature pricing in retailers
advertisements and other temporary price reductions. These
programs are offered to our customers both in fixed and variable
(rate per case) amounts. The ultimate cost of these programs
depends on retailer performance and is the subject of
significant management estimates. We record as a reduction of
net sales the estimated ultimate cost of the program in the year
during which the program occurs. In accordance with EITF
No. 00-25 Vendor Income Statement Characterization of
Consideration Paid to a Reseller of the Vendors
Products, these trade marketing expenses are classified in
the Statement of Operations as a reduction of net sales. In
accordance with EITF No. 00-14 Accounting for
Coupons, Rebates and Discounts, coupon redemption costs
are also recognized as reductions of net sales.
Advertising.
Advertising costs include the cost of
working media (advertising on television, radio or in print),
the cost of producing advertising, and the cost of coupon
insertion and distribution. Working media and coupon insertion
and distribution costs are expensed in the period the
advertising is run or the coupons are distributed. The cost of
producing advertising is expensed as of the first date the
advertisement takes place. Advertising included in marketing and
selling expenses was $6,312 in 2001.
Shipping and Handling Revenues and
Costs.
In accordance with the EITF
No. 00-10 Accounting for Shipping and Handling
Revenues and Costs, costs related to shipping and handling
of products shipped to customers are classified as cost of
products sold.
Use of Estimates.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
3. Change in accounting principle
Effective fiscal 2001, VFI adopted the Financial
Accounting Standards Boards (FASB) Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This
statement requires all derivative instruments to be measured at
fair value and be recognized as either assets or liabilities in
the balance sheet. As of the date of adoption, VFI was a
counterparty to an interest rate swap agreement to hedge a
certain amount of its exposure to variability in the interest
payments on the borrowings under the senior credit facility (see
Note 15). Interest rate swaps are used by VFI to manage risk
associated with interest rate movements and to achieve an
acceptable proportion of variable versus fixed rate debt. The
adjustment made on July 31, 2000 to reflect the interest
rate swap at fair value in other current assets was
approximately $1.3 million. As the interest rate swap is
F-89
During November 2000, VFI terminated the interest
rate swap, receiving approximately $0.6 million. This gain
was being recognized over the remaining term of the underlying
debt; however, given the Parents bankruptcy filing, the
remaining net gain was recognized in the third quarter of 2001.
4. Divested businesses
During the third quarter of fiscal 1999, VFI
entered into a divestiture agreement to sell its Argentine beef
business, Swift-Armour. The sale closed in July 1999. The sale
price was $85 million and the net proceeds were used to
repay a portion of the indebtedness outstanding under VFIs
senior credit facility. The net charge to fiscal 1999 earnings
related to this divestiture was $137,729. During the third
quarter of fiscal 1999 VFI recorded as a special item a $140,000
charge to reduce the carrying value of the Argentine beef assets
held for sale to their fair value based on the estimated sale
price less the estimated costs to sell. Since the assets were
written-down to their estimated fair value and in accordance
with accounting standards, VFI excluded $2,739 of depreciation
and amortization expense from fourth quarter fiscal 1999
earnings. Additionally in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, VFI
recognized a benefit of $2,271 on the final closing of the sale
as a Special item on the Statements of Operations. The SAFRA
trademark and equipment acquired during the second quarter of
fiscal 1998 were included in the divestiture. In fiscal 2001,
VFI recognized benefits of $633 as Special items on the
Statement of Operations because certain costs were lower than
originally estimated.
5. Discontinued operations
Mushroom business
In an effort to focus on its core
Vlasic and Swanson businesses and to pay
down debt, VFI sold Vlasic Farms, Inc., its fresh mushroom
business, to Moneys Mushrooms Ltd. on January 31,
2000. The sale price was $50,000, less post-closing purchase
price adjustments amounting to $4,751 that were paid from its
general cash account in July 2000. The net proceeds, net of
transaction closing costs and amounts held on deposit to cover
certain future costs related to the transaction, were used to
repay a portion of the indebtedness outstanding under the senior
credit facility. Funds of $2,500 were held on deposit for the
anticipated purchase price adjustments, severance payments and
certain other indemnified costs and were included in the
Restricted cash amounts on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at
July 30, 2000. In August 2000, VFI received $4,751 from the
escrow account to reimburse VFI for the July 2000 disbursement
from its general cash account. The remaining funds held on
deposit after payment of the specified items were returned to
VFI.
In accordance with Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 30 (APB 30), Reporting the Results of
OperationsReporting the Effect of Disposal of a Segment of
a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently
Occurring Events and Transactions, the results of Vlasic
Farms, Inc. have been reported separately as a discontinued
operation for all periods presented. The loss from discontinued
operations for fiscal 2000 included the results of the mushroom
business through December 17, 1999, the date on which
VFIs Board of Directors authorized the divestiture (the
measurement date). The loss from discontinued operations
subsequent to the measurement date through January 30, 2000
(the phase-out period) of $839
F-90
Liabilities retained by VFI subsequent to the
sale of the mushroom business included certain indemnified
costs, property taxes and medical claims totaling $1,463 and
were included in Accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance
Sheet at July 30, 2000. VFI also retained a pre-sale
projected benefit obligation for pensions of approximately
$14,100 and a pre-sale projected benefit obligation for other
postretirement benefits of approximately $8,100.
In conjunction with the sale, VFI entered into a
Transition Services Agreement with the buyers through
January 31, 2001, whereby VFI continued to perform certain
administrative and accounting functions for fees that
approximated cost. In fiscal 2001, VFI received $840 which was
included in Other expense (income) on the Statement of
Operations. Such services are no longer provided.
After the sale, VFI remained contingently liable
for workers compensation claims incurred prior to the sale
of the mushroom business in the event the buyer failed to
satisfy this liability. On November 2, 2000, the buyer
filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code. As the workers compensation liability was
a prepetition liability at the time of the buyers filing,
the buyer was able to, and has, rejected this liability.
Therefore, VFI accrued a liability for such claims and
effectively revised the previously booked gain on the sale of
the mushroom business by recording a $4.0 million loss on
the sale of discontinued operations in 2001.
U.K. businesses
On April 5, 2001, Stratford-upon-Avon Foods
Limited, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of VFI, completed
the sale of substantially all of the assets related to its
canned and jarred pickle, fruit and vegetable products business
in the United Kingdom (the SonA Business) to Chivers
Hartley Limited for approximately $17.6 million, subject to
certain adjustments. On April 5, 2001, Freshbake Foods
Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of VFI, completed the sale of
substantially all of the assets related to its frozen pastry and
sausage products business in the United Kingdom (the
Freshbake Business) to Smoothrun Limited and
Ezzentialize Limited for approximately $2.7 million,
subject to certain adjustments. A total of $7.7 million of
the above sale proceeds were retained as escrow funds pursuant
to the terms of the purchase agreements for the SonA Business
and the Freshbake Business. Under the terms of the transactions,
VFIs United Kingdom (U.K.) subsidiaries retained cash on
hand and also retained certain liabilities that are required to
be liquidated prior to making final distributions to VFI. Such
distributions are not expected for at least nine months due to
U.K. regulations in connection with liquidations of U.K.
companies. In addition, a gain of $5.6 million was recorded
upon the closing of the sales. Previously in the first quarter
of fiscal 2001, an asset impairment charge of $96 million
was recorded and is included in loss from discontinued
operations.
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Net sales, loss before taxes and net loss
applicable to discontinued operations (both the Mushroom
Business and the U.K. Businesses) were as follows for fiscal
2001:
6. Special items
Special items included on the Consolidated
Statement of Operations for fiscal 2001 include the following:
As a result of the revised contract for frozen
foodservice copacking for Campbell, the carrying value of one of
the buildings in the Omaha frozen food plant was reduced to fair
value based upon estimated selling values less costs to sell.
This asset impairment amounted to $21 million and was
recorded in the first quarter of 2001.
7. Restructuring charges
A special charge of $1,500 ($975 after-tax) was
recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2000 associated with
reductions in the United States headquarters workforce. This
restructuring program was designed to streamline the
organization and reflects the need for a smaller infrastructure.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, it was estimated that $300
($195 after-tax) of the original reserve would not be utilized
due to higher than anticipated voluntary
F-92
8. Segment and geographic area information
The Company has three segments that are organized
based upon similar economic characteristics, manufacturing
processes, marketing strategies and distribution channels. The
Frozen Foods
segment consists of
Swanson
frozen
foods in the United States and Canada and contract manufacturing
of primarily frozen foodservice products in the United States.
The
Condiments
segment includes
Vlasic
retail and
foodservice pickles and condiments and
Open Pit
barbecue
sauce in the United States. The
Discontinued operations
segment includes the Vlasic Farms mushroom business and the
U.K. operations consisting of
Freshbake
frozen foods and
SonA
and
Rowats
pickles, canned beans and
vegetables. Segment performance is evaluated based on earnings
before interest and taxes. The following charts outline segment
and geographic information for fiscal 2001:
F-93
Transfers between segments and geographic areas
are recorded at cost plus markup or at market. Identifiable
assets are those assets, including goodwill, which are
identified with the operations in each segment or geographic
region. Contributions to earnings (loss) before interest
and taxes from continuing operations include the impact of
special items (see Note 6) as detailed below by segment.
F-94
9. Taxes on earnings
The following reports the provision for income
tax as well as the effective income tax rates on continuing
operations for fiscal 2001:
F-95
As of July 30, 2000, there were available
federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately
$77 million in the United States of which $24 million,
$2 million and $51 million would expire in 2018, 2019
and 2020, respectively. Included in the July 30, 2000
Consolidated Balance Sheet was a deferred tax asset of
$16.6 million. This asset related to the federal net
operating loss carryforwards. Realization of this deferred tax
asset would require approximately $50 million of future
taxable income in the U.S. At July 30, 2000, it was
unlikely that on-going operations would be sufficient to
generate such future taxable income. However, as management was
in a strategic review process which was likely to result in the
sale of the Company in whole or in parts, management believed
such a sale would result in a taxable gain in excess of
$50 million.
Based upon the status of VFIs strategic
review process at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2001,
it was believed that the net proceeds to be realized upon the
sale of VFI in whole or in part would not result in a taxable
gain of the magnitude necessary to realize the net book value of
the U.S. deferred tax asset on the July 30, 2000
Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accordingly, a valuation allowance
of $16.6 million was recorded in the first quarter fiscal
2001 to reduce the net carrying value of the deferred tax asset
to zero. Also, no tax benefit was provided for the fiscal 2001
operating losses in the U.S.
10. Pension plans and retirement benefits
Pension Plans.
Substantially all U.S. employees
participated in Vlasic sponsored noncontributory defined benefit
pension plans. Prior to the spin-off from Campbell in 1998, the
participants in the plans were included in plans with similar
benefits sponsored by Campbell. Under an agreement with
Campbell, VFI assumed pension liabilities related to the active
Vlasic participants, but not to pre-spin retirees from the
Vlasic businesses. Campbell transferred certain trust assets
from its funded plans to our plans based upon actuarial
determinations consistent with regulatory requirements. Benefits
are generally based on years of service and employees
compensation during the last years of employment. All plans are
funded and contributions are made in amounts not less than
minimum statutory funding requirements nor more than the maximum
amount that can be deducted for U.S. income tax purposes.
Retiree Benefits.
The Company provides postretirement
benefits, including health care and life insurance, to most
U.S. employees retiring after the spin-off, and their
dependents. Employees who have 10 years of service after
the age of 45 and retire are eligible to participate in the
postretirement benefit plans. Obligations related to
non-U.S. postretirement benefit plans were not significant
since these benefits are generally provided through
government-sponsored plans.
In accordance with the agreement with Campbell,
the pension trust assets transferred to VFI were equal to the
projected benefit obligation at March 30, 1998, the date of
the spin-off, plus or minus investment performance from
March 30, 1998 to the actual date of transfer. Due to
changes in estimates of the projected benefit obligation at the
date of the spin-off as a result of the finalization in August
2000, the estimated assets transferred changed. This change in
estimate is not indicative of any change in the value of the
underlying assets or the investment performance of such assets.
F-96
The following outlines the components of net
periodic benefit costs for the fiscal 2001:
Savings Plans.
U.S.
employees participated in VFIs savings plans. After one
year of continuous service, VFI matched 50% of employee
contributions up to five percent of compensation. Employer
contributions relating to these savings plans were $816 in
fiscal 2001.
11. Stock options and restricted stock
The Parent accounted for the stock option grants
and restricted stock awards in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees and related interpretations.
Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized in the
Statement of Operations because options were granted at a price
not less than the fair value of the shares on the date of the
grant. In fiscal 1997, the Parent adopted the disclosure
provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation.
Had the compensation cost for the stock option
plan been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates
for awards under the plan, consistent with the alternative
method set forth under SFAS 123, the net loss would have
been changed to the pro forma (for the purpose of applying
SFAS 123) amounts set forth below for the period from
July 31, 2000 through May 22, 2001:
The fair value of each option grant was estimated
on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model. There were no grants in fiscal 2001. Proforma
compensation expense for fiscal 2001 included amounts recognized
during the vesting period for grants made in previous years.
F-97
12. Related party transactions
VFI sold to Campbell frozen foodservice finished
products from its frozen foods segment. VFI also purchased from
Campbell retail frozen food finished products in Canada. These
transactions were at negotiated prices. Included in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations are sales to Campbell from
the frozen foods segment of $53,253 in 2001. Included in Costs
of products sold are purchases from Campbell of $8,200 in fiscal
2001.
At the time of the spin-off from Campbell in
1998, VFI entered into a multi-year agreement with Campbell for
the continued production of frozen foodservice products in the
United States by us as well as a one-year agreement for the
production of frozen retail products in Canada by Campbell.
Campbell continues to produce frozen retail products for
VFIs Canadian business. On December 1, 2000, the
frozen U.S. foodservice contract copacking agreement with
Campbell was modified and extended through September 30,
2001. As a result of the revised contract, the carrying value of
one of VFIs buildings in the Omaha frozen food plant was
reduced to fair value based upon estimated selling values less
costs to sell. This asset impairment amounted to $21 million.
13. Other expense (income)
Other expense (income) on the Consolidated
Statement of Operations consists of the following for the period
from July 31, 2000 though May 22, 2001:
Expenses of $2,939 were incurred associated with
a boiler explosion at one of VFIs frozen foods facilities
in fiscal 2000. In fiscal 2000, insurance proceeds of $1,800
were received and in fiscal 2001, an additional $485 insurance
proceeds were received. No further recoveries are expected.
The credit related to the deferred compensation
settlement resulted from a settlement in amounts less than
originally estimated. VFI settled this obligation in November
2000.
F-98
14. Interest expense
Interest expense on the Statement of Operations
consists of the following for the period from July 31, 2000
though May 22, 2001:
15. Debt
In fiscal 1999, VFI issued senior subordinated
notes with an aggregate principal amount of $200 million at
an issue price of 98.472%. Interest on the notes accrued at the
rate of 10 1/4% per annum and was payable semi-annually in
arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year,
commencing on January 1, 2000. VFI did not make the
interest payment that was due on January 2, 2001.
VFIs amended senior credit facility
consisted of (1) a senior secured term loan in a principal
amount of $100 million and (2) senior secured
revolving credit commitments providing for revolving loans,
initially in the aggregate amount of up to $223.5 million.
On June 28, 2000, VFI executed an amendment
of the senior credit facility waiver (discussed below). The
amendment provided for usage of up to $35 million of
borrowings under the facility for the working capital purposes
subject to being in compliance with tests related to the cash
budget. The amendment provided for the funding of the
$35 million availability to be made 50% by the bank senior
credit facility syndicate and 50% by participation of certain
descendants of Dr. John T. Dorrance (Dorrance Family
Participants). The Dorrance Family Participants provided funding
to VFI through participation in the senior credit facility bank
syndicate by providing $1 of funding for each $1 supplied
by the bank syndicate up to a maximum participation of
$17.5 million. The Dorrance Family Participants would
receive a one-time fee of $350,000, interest of 2% per annum
over that otherwise payable under the terms of the senior credit
facility, and a fee equal to 5% of the total outstanding shares
multiplied by the excess of the closing price of Vlasic common
stock (on any date of their choice) over $1.94 per share. VFI
believes that the terms of the transaction discussed above
between VFI and the Dorrance Family Participants, are similar to
those that would have been obtained in like transactions with
others considering the nature of the transactions and the
availability of comparable funding.
The waiver was necessary due to VFIs
failure to comply with certain financial ratio covenants under
its senior credit facility. The waiver required the payment of a
fee, an increase in interest rates, delivery of and compliance
with a cash budget and also established minimum sales, minimum
net worth, and revised capital expenditure limits. The waiver
also required that an escrow deposit to pay the January 2,
2001 interest payment of $10.25 million on the senior
subordinated notes (January Interest Payment) be
established by December 28, 2000. However, VFI breached the
provision of the waiver relating to the funding of the January
Interest Payment. On January 29, 2001 VFIs filing for
reorganization resulted in an event of default under its senior
credit facility and its senior subordinated notes, in which case
all such debt was immediately due and payable.
F-99
The senior credit facility was collaterized by
liens on substantially all of VFIs assets. Pursuant to an
order of the Bankruptcy Court, on June 7, 2001 VFI used
$323.6 million, including the proceeds from the sale of the
North American Business, to repay amounts outstanding under its
senior secured credit facility. After paying administrative and
other priority claims, the remaining proceeds from the
liquidation of estate assets will be distributed pursuant to
VFIs Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan when filed and
approved.
The Parent filed its Chapter 11 bankruptcy
plan with the United States Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington,
Delaware in June 2001. As proceeds from the aforementioned asset
sales were not sufficient to pay creditors in full, the
Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan did not provide for any
distributions to holders of the Parents common stock.
The senior subordinated notes were unsecured.
Therefore, the accrual of interest ceased effective
January 29, 2001, the date of the Parents filing for
reorganization relief, as payment of any postpetition interest
on such debt is not considered probable. Interest expense
reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operation for the
forty-two weeks ended May 22, 2001 would have been
approximately $6.4 million higher if VFI recorded the
interest on the senior subordinated notes.
Deferred financing costs were incurred in prior
years by VFI in connection with its senior subordinated notes
and senior credit facility. Amortization was $2,018 in the first
two quarters of fiscal 2001 prior to the bankruptcy filing. As
these notes have become an allowed claim at their total face
value pursuant to the bankruptcy proceedings, it was necessary
to record an adjustment to remove the unamortized debt discount,
thereby valuing such debt at its total face amount.
Additionally, all previously capitalized debt issuance costs
related to such notes and the secured credit facility were
written off as a reorganization charge of $9,484.
16. Financial instruments
VFI utilized derivative instruments to enhance
its ability to manage risks, including interest rate and foreign
currency. VFI did not enter into contracts for speculative
purposes, nor was it a party to any leveraged derivative
instrument. The use of derivative instruments was monitored
through regular communication with senior management and the
utilization of written guidelines.
VFI relied primarily on bank and public bond
market borrowings to meet its funding requirements. VFI utilized
interest rate swap agreements to reduce the potential exposure
to interest rate movements and to achieve a desired proportion
of variable versus fixed rate debt. The amounts paid or received
on hedges related to debt are recognized as an adjustment to
interest expense.
VFI utilized irrevocable standby letters of
credit with one-year renewable terms to satisfy workers
compensation self-insurance security deposit requirements. In
August 2000, VFI was required to collaterize a standby letter of
credit in the amount of $2,900.
VFI also utilized foreign currency exchange
contracts, including swap and forward contracts, to hedge
existing foreign currency exposures. Foreign exchange gains and
losses on derivative instruments are recognized and offset
foreign exchange gains and losses on the underlying exposures.
VFI was exposed to credit loss in the event of
non-performance by the counterparties in swap and forward
contracts. VFI minimized its credit risk on these transactions
by only dealing with
F-100
17. Statement of cash flows
F-101
Report of Independent Auditors
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
We have audited the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets of Aurora Foods Inc. and its subsidiary as of
December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, comprehensive income,
stockholders deficit and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the
Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with
auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of
America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial
statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Aurora Foods Inc. and its
subsidiary at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
As discussed in Notes 1 and 27 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company filed a
reorganization plan on December 8, 2003 with the
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware under
the provisions of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The
Companys amended plan of reorganization was substantially
consummated on March 19, 2004 and the Company emerged from
bankruptcy and merged with Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation as
described in the aforementioned notes, with the combined company
being renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated
financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it
accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets as of
January 1, 2002.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
F-102
Aurora Foods Inc.
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-103
Aurora Foods Inc.
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-104
Aurora Foods Inc.
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-105
Aurora Foods Inc.
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-106
Aurora Foods Inc.
See accompanying notes to consolidated
financial statements.
F-107
Aurora Foods Inc.
Note 1 The Company
Operations
Aurora Foods Inc. (the Company)
produces and markets branded food products that are sold across
the United States. The Company groups its business in three
operating segments: retail, foodservice and other distribution
channels. Many of the Companys brands are sold through
each of the segments. The retail distribution segment includes
all of the Companys brands and products sold to customers
who sell or distribute these products to consumers through
supermarkets, grocery stores and normal grocery retail outlets.
The foodservice segment includes both branded and non-branded
products sold to customers such as restaurants,
business/industry and schools. The other distribution channels
segment includes sales of branded and private label products to
club stores, the military, mass merchandisers, convenience, drug
and chain stores, as well as exports from the United States.
The principal trademarks owned or licensed by the
Company are Duncan Hines®, Lenders®, Log
Cabin®, Mrs. Butterworths®, Van de
Kamps®, Mrs. Pauls®, Aunt
Jemima®, Celeste®, and Chefs Choice®.
The Company produces its Van de Kamps and
Mrs. Pauls frozen seafood products primarily at its
Erie, Pennsylvania, and Jackson, Tennessee manufacturing
facilities. The Company produces its Aunt Jemima frozen
breakfast products at its Jackson, Tennessee and Erie,
Pennsylvania facilities and its Celeste frozen pizza products at
the Jackson, Tennessee facility. The Company produces its
Lenders frozen, refrigerated and fresh bagel products at
its Mattoon, Illinois facility. The Companys syrup
products are primarily produced in the Companys
manufacturing and distribution facility in St. Elmo,
Illinois. Duncan Hines cake mixes, brownie mixes, specialty
mixes and frosting products and Chefs Choice products are
produced by contract manufacturers.
Financial restructuring
This section and the remaining sections of
Note 1 should be read in conjunction with Note 27,
Subsequent Events.
In July 2003, the Company announced that it was
undertaking a comprehensive financial restructuring (the
Restructuring), designed to reduce the
Companys outstanding indebtedness, strengthen its balance
sheet and improve its liquidity. As part of the Restructuring,
the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement whereby
J.W. Childs Equity Partners, L.P. III
(JWC), an affiliate of J.W. Childs Associates,
L.P., agreed to make an investment of $200 million in
exchange for 65.6% of the equity in the Company, subject to
adjustment, which transaction would be effected through a
pre-negotiated Chapter 11 reorganization case to commence
during the second half of 2003 (the Original Stock
Purchase Agreement). After entering into the Original
Stock Purchase Agreement with the Company, JWC engaged in
discussions with J.P. Morgan Partners LLC
(JPMP) and CDM Investor Group LLC
(CDM), which, in turn, were engaged in negotiations
for the acquisition of Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
(Pinnacle) from Hicks, Muse, Tate &
Furst Inc. (Hicks Muse). At the same time, the
Company engaged in negotiations with the prepetition lenders
under the Fifth Amended
F-108
At various times from July through September
2003, the Company, JPMP, JWC, the Steering Committee for the
Prepetition Lenders and the Noteholders Committee had
discussions and negotiations with respect to potential
modifications to the Original Stock Purchase Agreement and the
possibility of combining Pinnacle and the Company.
On October 14, 2003, the Company issued a
press release announcing that it had revised its previously
announced financial restructuring and had entered into a letter
of intent (the LOI), dated October 13, 2003,
with JPMP, JWC, an affiliate of CDM and the Noteholders
Committee, under which the Companys previous agreement
with JWC would be amended to provide for a comprehensive
restructuring transaction in which the Company would be combined
with Pinnacle. The LOI, among other things, contemplated
(i) a joint investment of $83.75 million by JPMP and
JWC, together with the equity in Pinnacle, in exchange for
approximately 49.3% of the equity of the reorganized company and
(ii) an investment of $1.25 million by an affiliate of
CDM in exchange for approximately 8.8% of the equity of the
reorganized company. Under the terms of the LOI, the transaction
would take place pursuant to a pre-negotiated reorganization
plan of the Company under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.
On November 25, 2003, the Company entered
into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger with
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, (CEH LLC), a
limited liability company owned by JPMP, JWC and CDM and certain
of their respective affiliates (the New Equity
Investors), which was amended on January 8, 2004 (as
amended, the Merger Agreement). CEH LLC was
formed by the New Equity Investors for the purposes of making
their respective investments in the Company and Pinnacle. The
Merger Agreement contemplates the Restructuring pursuant to the
Plan, which includes the following:
F-109
In July 2003, the Company also launched, with the
support of its senior lenders, a vendor lien program under which
the Company offered vendors and carriers of its goods the
ability to obtain a junior lien on substantially all of the
Companys assets for shipments made to the Company on
agreed terms. Approximately 145 vendors representing estimated
annual Company purchases of $300 million joined the vendor
lien program, which improved the cash flow of the Company by
allowing it to pay the vendors under normal and customary trade
terms. The vendor lien program was terminated in accordance with
its terms and a majority of the vendors who participated have
been paid in full. The remaining vendors will also be paid in
full upon consummation of the Restructuring.
The Restructuring will trigger, at closing,
additional amounts of bonus payment obligations, estimated at
approximately $3.1 million pursuant to the change of
control provisions of the Companys incentive plans, as
well as certain change-of-control, retention and severance
obligations to employees terminated following the Restructuring.
These additional costs are not accrued as of December 31,
2003.
The Restructuring is subject to a number of
conditions, including confirmation of the Bankruptcy Plan
referred to below and receipt of financing. Subject to the
satisfaction of the remaining conditions, the Company expects to
complete the Restructuring in the first quarter of 2004.
Petition for relief under
Chapter 11
On December 8, 2003, the Company and its
subsidiary, Sea Coast Foods, Inc. (together with the Company,
the Debtor) filed a reorganization plan (the
Plan) under Chapter 11 of the federal
bankruptcy laws in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
District of Delaware (the Bankruptcy Court). Under
Chapter 11, certain claims against the Debtor in existence
prior to the filing of the petitions for relief under the
federal bankruptcy laws are expected to be impaired and are
stayed while the Debtor continues business operations as
debtor-in-possession. These claims are reflected in the
December 31, 2003 balance sheet as liabilities
subject to compromise. Additional claims may arise
subsequent to the filing date resulting from rejection of
executory contracts, including leases, and from the
determination by the court (or agreement of the parties in
interest) of allowed claims for contingencies and other disputed
amounts. Claims secured against the Debtors assets
(secured claims) are also stayed, although the holders of such
claims received relief from the Bankruptcy Court to allow for
the continued payment of interest on prepetition balances.
Secured claims are collateralized by substantially all of the
assets of the Company.
The Debtor received approval from the Bankruptcy
Court to pay or otherwise honor certain of its prepetition
obligations, including employee compensation, benefits and
expense reimburse-
F-110
Certain liabilities of the Company, payment of
which is stayed pending effectiveness of the Plan submitted on
February 17, 2004, for consideration by the Bankruptcy
Court, have been classified as liabilities subject to compromise
in the accompanying December 31, 2003 consolidated balance
sheet. Liabilities subject to compromise at December 31,
2003, are as follows (in thousands):
The Plan contemplates that neither preferred
dividends nor accrued interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes
will be paid in cash upon consummation of the reorganization.
Holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes will receive cash or
equity of the Reorganized Company pursuant to the Plan as
previously noted. The lease that is the subject of the
capitalized lease obligation will be rejected under the Plan.
Pursuant to American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants Statement of Position 90-7, Financial
Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy
Code (SOP 90-7), as of the filing date, the
Company wrote off as reorganization items its deferred financing
costs and premiums associated with the Sub Debt totaling
$9.2 million. Reorganization items also include
professional fees from the bankruptcy filing date to
December 31, 2003 of $1.2 million, net of an
immaterial amount of interest earned on cash accumulated during
the Chapter 11 proceeding. In addition, the Company
incurred and expensed in financial restructuring costs on the
Consolidated Statement of Operations approximately
$16.8 million of professional fees before the bankruptcy
filing. In addition, the Company discontinued recording
preferred stock dividends and certain interest expense after
December 8, 2003.
On January 9, 2004, the Company filed its
amended Plan and disclosure statement with the Bankruptcy Court,
which was submitted to creditors entitled to vote on the Plan.
Following approval by those creditors and after hearing and
overruling objections to the Plan, on February 20, 2004 the
Bankruptcy Court entered a confirmation order approving the
Companys Plan. One of the prepetition lenders has appealed
its overruled objection, however the completion of the
Restructuring has not been stayed and the appeal will be heard
by the United States District Court for the District of Delaware
at a future date to be determined. In addition, one of the
lenders commenced an adversary proceeding relating to its
objection to confirmation. The Bankruptcy Court granted summary
judgment in favor of the Debtor in this adversary proceeding and
such lender has also appealed from that order.
The Plan as confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on
February 20, 2004 will require the Company to implement the
fresh start accounting provisions of SOP 90-7
upon the effective date of emergence from bankruptcy.
SOP 90-7 will require the Company to establish a fair value
for the carrying values of the assets and liabilities of the
Reorganized Company. The application of fresh start
accounting to the Companys consolidated financial
statements is expected to
F-111
Liquidity
The Company remains highly leveraged, however,
certain of its prepetition obligations have been stayed as a
result of the bankruptcy petition filed on December 8,
2003. At December 31, 2003, the Company has outstanding
approximately $1.09 billion in aggregate principal amount
of indebtedness for borrowed money only a portion of which will
be required to be repaid in cash by the Company under the terms
of the Plan. The degree to which the Company is leveraged has
resulted in significant cash interest expense and principal
repayment obligations and such interest expense may increase
with respect to its senior secured credit facility based upon
changes in prevailing interest rates. This leverage has and may,
among other things, affect the ability of the Company to obtain
additional financing, or adjust to changing market conditions.
Based on the Companys plans, management
believes that cash generated from operations as well as cash
available under its $50 million debtor-in-possession credit
agreement will be adequate in 2004 to fund its operating and
capital expenditure requirements and its debt service
obligations during the expected pendency of the bankruptcy
proceedings. The Companys ability to access its available
liquidity under the debtor-in-possession credit facility is
dependent on the Companys continued compliance with the
covenants in the debtor-in-possession credit agreement. As of
March 18, 2004, the Company has approximately
$49 million of cash and has not borrowed any amounts under
the debtor-in-possession credit agreement.
Note 2 Restatements of consolidated financial
results
The Company reevaluated its deferred tax
accounting in August 2003, and determined that its valuation
allowance for net deferred tax assets, which had been recorded
by the Company at December 31, 2002, should have been
recorded at December 31, 2001, and that the Company should
have provided for ongoing deferred tax liabilities subsequent to
January 1, 2002 (the effective date of the adoption of
FAS 142) for certain of the differences between the book
and tax amortization of the Companys goodwill and
indefinite lived intangibles as defined by FAS 142. The
impact of the adjustments for the year ended December 31,
2001, was to increase income tax expense and net loss by
$65.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2002,
the impact was to decrease tax expense by $30.9 million,
increase the expense recorded for the cumulative effect of the
change in accounting principle by $60.8 million, all of
which increased the net loss by $29.9 million. These
adjustments do not affect previously recorded net sales,
operating income (loss) or past or expected future cash tax
obligations. While provision for this deferred tax liability is
required by existing accounting literature, these potential
taxes may only become payable in the event that the Company
sells a brand at some future date for an amount in excess of
both the tax basis of the brand at that time and the unexpired
and unused net operating tax loss carryforwards (NOL). At
December 31, 2003, the Companys NOL was approximately
$741 million and expires at various times through the year
2023, primarily after 2017. This balance does not reflect any
potential future limitations on utilization of the NOL resulting
from transactions currently being contemplated by the Company,
as described in Note 1 Financial Restructuring, nor
any tax planning techniques available to the Company.
F-112
The following table sets forth the consolidated
balance sheet for the Company, showing previously reported and
restated amounts, as of December 31, 2002:
F-113
The following table sets forth the consolidated
statements of operations for the Company, showing previously
reported and restated amount for the years ended
December 31, 2002 and 2001:
Note 3 Significant accounting policies and change
in accounting principles
The policies utilized by the Company in the
preparation of the consolidated financial statements conform to
generally accepted accounting principles and require management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual amounts
could differ from these estimates and assumptions. The Company
uses the accrual basis of accounting in the preparation of its
financial statements. Certain prior year amounts have been
reclassified to conform with the current years
presentation.
Since the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, the
Company has applied the provisions of SOP 90-7, which does
not significantly change the application of generally accepted
accounting principles; however, it does require that the
financial statements for the periods including and subsequent to
the bankruptcy filing distinguish transactions and events that
are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing
operations of the business and to classify any liabilities
subject to compromise separately on the balance sheet.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All
intercompany transactions are eliminated.
F-114
Accounting changes and
reclassifications
Effective January 1, 2003, the Company
classified cash discounts taken by customers for prompt payment
as a reduction of net sales, rather than brokerage and
distribution expense. Net sales for 2002 and 2001 were reduced
by approximately $15.5 million and $15.8 million,
respectively, as a result of this reclassification.
Effective January 1, 2001, the Company
adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 133 (FAS 133), Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and recorded
a cumulative adjustment from adoption, net of tax, of
$2.3 million in Other Comprehensive Loss. See Note 17.
Effective January 1, 2002, the Company
adopted the consensus reached in Emerging Issues Task Force
00-25 and 01-09, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor
to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendors
Products), which required that certain items which had been
classified as trade promotions expense in prior years be
reclassified as reductions of net sales. Adoption of the
consensus had no impact on cash flow or the reported amounts of
operating income for any period. Following this change, all
payments made by the Company to direct and indirect customers to
promote and facilitate the sale of the Companys products
are reflected as reductions of net sales. Prior year amounts in
the accompanying statement of operations have been reclassified
to conform with this new presentation. Net sales for 2001 were
reduced by approximately $194.0 million as a result of the
adoption of this standard.
On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142
(FAS 142), Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets. FAS 142 generally requires that (1) recorded
amounts of goodwill no longer be amortized, on a prospective
basis, (2) the amount of goodwill recorded on the balance
sheet of the Company be evaluated annually for impairment using
a two-step method, (3) other identifiable intangible assets
be categorized as to whether they have indefinite or finite
lives, (4) intangibles having indefinite lives no longer be
amortized on a prospective basis, and (5) the amount of
intangibles having indefinite lives on the balance sheet of the
Company be evaluated at least annually for impairment using a
one-step method.
During the first quarter of 2002, the Company
determined that all identifiable intangibles have definite lives
with the exception of all of the Companys tradenames.
Amortization of the tradenames ceased January 1, 2002 and
the carrying values were tested for impairment as of that date
using a one-step test comparing the fair value of the asset to
its net carrying value. The Company determined the fair value of
the tradenames based on valuations performed by outside parties
using the excess earnings approach. The fair value of all
tradenames exceeded their net carrying value except for the
Lenders and Celeste tradenames. The net carrying value for
these two tradenames was in excess of their fair value by
$155.6 million, which was recorded, net of tax of
$12.0 million, as a cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle.
The two-step method used to evaluate recorded
amounts of goodwill for possible impairment involves comparing
the total fair value of each reporting unit, as defined, to the
recorded book value of the reporting unit. If the book value of
the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit,
a second step is required. The second step involves comparing
the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of all
identifiable net assets that exist (the residual) to
the book value of goodwill. Where the residual is less than the
book value of goodwill for the reporting unit, an adjustment of
the book value down to the residual is required.
F-115
Results of the first step of the Companys
impairment test of goodwill, completed during the second quarter
of 2002, indicated goodwill impairment in two of the
Companys reporting units. Independent valuations using the
excess earnings and market comparable approaches indicated the
fair value of each reporting unit exceeded the book value for
each reporting unit except for the Companys seafood and
Chefs Choice businesses, primarily in the retail segment,
due principally to changes in business conditions and
performance relative to expectations at the time of acquisition.
Based on the results of the first step, the Company recorded an
estimated goodwill impairment charge, as of January 1,
2002, for the seafood and Chefs Choice reporting units, in
the consolidated statement of operations as a cumulative effect
of a change in accounting principle.
The Company completed the second step of its
goodwill impairment test for the seafood and Chefs Choice
reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2002. The results
of the second step indicated that the book value of goodwill for
the seafood and Chefs Choice reporting units, as of
January 1, 2002, exceeded the fair value of those two
reporting units, less the fair value of all identifiable net
assets, by $94.1 million. Consequently, the Company has
recorded an additional charge in the consolidated statement of
operations as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle. The final goodwill impairment charge of
$94.1 million, net of tax of $9.5 million, has been
recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as a
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle effective
as of January 1, 2002.
The adoption of FAS 142 resulted in total
impairment charges to goodwill and tradenames of
$249.6 million, which has been recorded, net of tax of
$21.5 million, as a cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle, effective as of January 1, 2002.
Effective January 1, 2002, with the adoption
of FAS 142, the Company reclassified $1.6 million of
other intangibles to goodwill to comply with new intangible
asset classification guidelines in FAS 142.
F-116
The following schedule shows net loss and net
loss per share adjusted to exclude the Companys
amortization expense related to goodwill and indefinite lived
intangibles (net of tax effects) as if such amortization expense
had been discontinued in 2001 (in thousands):
Impact of new accounting
pronouncements
In June 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or
Disposal Activities (FAS 146). FAS 146
addresses significant issues regarding the recognition,
measurement and reporting of costs that are associated with exit
and disposal activities, including restructuring activities that
were previously accounted for pursuant to the guidance that the
Emerging Issues Task Force had set forth. The scope of
FAS 146 also includes costs related to terminating a
contract that is not a capital lease and termination benefits
that employees who are involuntarily terminated receive under
terms of a one-time benefit arrangement that is not an ongoing
benefit arrangement or an individual deferred compensation
contract. FAS 146 is effective for exit or disposal
activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The
Companys administrative restructuring, announced in the
quarter ended June 30, 2003, has been recorded in
accordance with FAS 146 (See Note 13).
In November 2002, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation No. 45
(FIN 45), Guarantors Accounting and
Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect
Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, and Interpretation of FASB
Statements Nos. 5, 57 and 107 and recission of FASB
Interpretation No. 34. FIN 45 requires: (1) the
guarantor of debt to recognize a liability, at the inception of
the guarantee, for the fair value of the obligation undertaken
in issuing this guarantee, (2) indirect guarantees of debt
to be recognized in the financial statements of the guarantor
and (3) the guarantor to disclose the background and nature
of the guarantee, the maximum potential amount to be paid under
the guarantee, the carrying value of the liability associated
with the guarantee and any
F-117
In May 2003, the FASB issued
FAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.
FAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies
and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics
of both liabilities and equity. FAS 150 is effective for
financial instruments entered into or modified after
May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning
of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.
The adoption of FAS 150 did not have an impact on the
consolidated financial statements of the Company. The
Restructuring contemplates that all currently outstanding
preferred stock will be cancelled.
In December 2003, the SEC issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition.
SAB No. 104 revises or rescinds portions of
interpretative guidance on revenue recognition.
SAB No. 104 became effective immediately upon release
and requires registrants to either restate prior periods or
report a change in accounting principle. The adoption of
SAB No. 104 did not impact the consolidated financial
statements.
Cash and cash equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid financial
instruments with original maturities of three months or less to
be cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or
market value and have been reduced by an estimated allowance for
excess, obsolete and unsaleable inventories. The estimate is
based on managements review of inventories on hand and its
age, compared to estimated future usage and sales. Cost is
determined using the first-in first-out (FIFO) method.
Inventories include the cost of raw materials, packaging, labor
and manufacturing overhead, spare parts and distribution costs
incurred prior to sale.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost
less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
individual assets ranging from two to thirty years. Costs that
improve an asset or extend its useful life are capitalized,
while repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2003,
2002 and 2001 was $21.5 million, $29.6 million and
$28.7 million, respectively.
F-118
Depreciable lives for major classes of assets are
as follows:
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets include
goodwill, tradenames and various identifiable intangible assets
purchased by the Company and are accounted for in accordance
with FAS 142. FAS 142 requires the cessation of
amortization of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles
as of January 1, 2002. The Company performs annual
impairment tests at December 31 for these assets as well as
interim impairment tests in the event of certain triggering
events. At the adoption of FAS 142 on January 1, 2002,
the Company determined that, in addition to goodwill, the
Companys tradenames are also indefinite-lived assets.
Prior to this determination, the Company had amortized its
tradenames over 40 years. The remaining intangible assets
consisting primarily of formulas and recipes, and customer lists
are classified as finite-lived assets and are being amortized
over their remaining useful life. Amortization of other
intangible assets, excluding amortization of amounts included in
other assets, charged against income for the years ended
December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $8.7 million and
$6.5 million, respectively. Amortization of goodwill and
other intangible assets, excluding amortization of amounts
included in other assets, charged against income for the year
ended December 31, 2001 was $39.8 million.
Long-lived assets
The Company periodically assesses the net
realizable value of its noncurrent assets and recognizes an
impairment when the recorded value of these assets exceeds the
undiscounted cash flows expected in future periods. Any such
impairment is determined by comparing the estimated fair value
with the recorded value. Such assessments in 2002 resulted in an
adjustment to the value of fixed assets. See Note 14.
Other assets
Other assets consist of deferred loan acquisition
costs, systems software, packaging design and plates, and other
miscellaneous assets. Deferred loan acquisition costs are being
amortized using the effective interest method over the terms of
the respective debt, except that on December 8, 2003 such
costs associated with the Sub Debt of $9.2 million were
expensed as a reorganization item in the statement of
operations. Software and packaging design costs are amortized
over 5 years and 3 years, respectively, on a straight
line basis. Aggregate amortization of deferred loan acquisition
costs and other assets charged against income for the years
ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was
$7.5 million, $7.7 million and $8.4 million,
respectively.
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized upon shipment of product
and transfer of title to customers. Sales, returns and
allowances and amounts billed to customers for freight and
handling are included
F-119
Disclosure about fair value of financial
instruments
The estimated fair market value of the
Companys senior secured debt, senior unsecured promissory
notes, senior subordinated notes and bank loan at
December 31, 2003, based on market prices, was
$668.8 million, $22.7 million, $314.0 million and
$7.7 million, respectively. The estimated fair market value
of the Companys senior secured debt, senior unsecured
promissory notes and senior subordinated notes at
December 31, 2002, based on market prices, was
$565.9 million, $16.9 million and $200.0 million,
respectively. See Note 10. The book value of the
Companys current assets and current liabilities
approximates their fair value.
Derivative instruments
The Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as
amended by SFAS No. 137 and SFAS No. 138
(collectively the Statement), on January 1, 2001. As
required by the Statement, the Company records all derivative
instruments on the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in
the fair value of the derivative instruments are recorded in
current earnings or deferred in other comprehensive income,
depending on whether a derivative is designated as and is
effective as a hedge and on the type of hedging transaction. See
Note 16.
Concentration of credit risk
The Company sells its products to retail
supermarkets and grocery stores, foodservice operators and other
distribution channels. The Company performs ongoing credit
evaluations of its customers and generally does not require
collateral. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit
losses and had no significant concentration of credit risk at
December 31, 2003.
Significant customers
Sales to one of the Companys customers and
its affiliates were approximately 17%, 18% and 14% of net sales
in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Income taxes
Generally, no income tax benefits associated with
the pretax losses have been recorded. The Company records
deferred tax expense and liabilities for the differences between
the book and tax bases of certain goodwill and indefinite lived
intangibles. See Notes 2 and 17. The Company recorded a tax
benefit in 2003 for a portion of the goodwill impairment, in
addition to a valuation allowance related to any deferred tax
assets.
Advertising expenses
Advertising expenses are included in consumer
marketing and include the costs to produce, distribute and run
print media, television and radio advertising for the
Companys products. Such costs are expensed during the
calendar year when first used. Advertising expenses were minimal
in 2003, and were approximately $9.2 million and
$14.5 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively.
F-120
Trade promotion costs
Costs of trade promotions include the costs paid
to retailers to promote the Companys products and are
recorded as a reduction of sales. Such costs include amounts
paid to customers for space in retailers stores
(slotting fees), amounts paid to incent retailers to
offer temporary price reductions in the sale of the
Companys products to consumers and amounts paid to obtain
favorable display positions in the retailers stores. These
incentives are offered to customers in lump sum payments and as
rate per unit allowances as dictated by industry norms. The
Company expenses slotting fees in the calendar year incurred and
expenses other trade promotions in the period during which the
promotions occur. The expense recorded necessarily requires
management to make estimates and assumptions as to the success
of the promotion and the related amounts which will be due to or
deducted by the Companys customers in subsequent periods.
Consumer coupons
Costs associated with the redemption of consumer
coupons are recorded at the later of the time coupons are
circulated or the related products are sold by the Company, and
are reflected as a reduction of net sales. The Companys
liability for coupon redemption costs at the end of a period is
based upon redemption estimates using historical trends
experienced by the Company. Costs associated with the production
and insertion of the Companys consumer coupons are
recorded as a component of consumer promotion expense.
Stock based compensation
At December 31, 2003, the Company has two
stock-based employee compensation plans, which are more fully
described in Note 23. The Company accounts for those plans
under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25),
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and its related
interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation costs are
reflected in net income, as all options granted under those
plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the
underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following
table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per
share for the three years ended December 31, 2003, if the
Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
(FAS 123), Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation. The
following table does not give any effect to the fact that none
of the outstanding stock options
F-121
Other Comprehensive Income (Expense)
Other comprehensive income relates to cash flow
hedges recorded in accordance with FAS 133. Accumulated
other comprehensive income at December 31, 2002 and 2001 is
solely related to the deferral of gains and losses associated
with the cash flow hedges.
Note 4Supplemental cash flow disclosure
Cash interest payments, net of amounts
capitalized, in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and
2001, were $85.8 million, $97.8 million and
$105.0 million, respectively. Interest totaling
$18.6 million due on the Sub Debt during 2003 was not paid
(See Note 10). No cash income taxes were paid in the years
ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. Cumulative
preferred stock dividends unpaid at December 31, 2003 were
$3.8 million and the Restructuring contemplates that all
currently outstanding preferred stock and the rights to
accumulated dividends will be cancelled.
The following are non-cash investing and
financing activities. During the third quarter of 2001, the
Company entered into a 10-year lease of a facility for its
product development center. This lease has been treated as a
capital lease for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the present
value of the minimum lease payments of $2.0 million was
recorded as property, plant and equipment and as a capitalized
lease obligation, the remaining balance of which has been
included in debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet
at December 31, 2002 and in liabilities subject to
compromise at December 31, 2003. During the second quarter
of 2001, in connection with the settlement of the securities
class action and derivative lawsuits, the Company received
3,051,303 shares, valued at $15.7 million, of the
Companys common stock from former management. During May
2001, the Company distributed 465,342 shares of its common
stock as settlement for the first $2.5 million of the
common stock component of the stockholder settlement, described
in Note 15. On September 6, 2002, the Company
distributed 5,319,149 shares of common stock to the
settlement class as settlement for the remaining
$7.5 million of the common stock portion of the stockholder
settlement. On October 6, 2003, 449,165 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock were converted to
704,363 shares of Common Stock at the option of the holder.
F-122
Note 5Sale of accounts receivable
In April 2000, the Company entered into an
agreement to sell, on a periodic basis, specified accounts
receivable in amounts of up to $60 million. The facility
has subsequently been amended to reduce the maximum amount of
receivable sales to $29.2 million and expired on
December 15, 2003. Under terms of the receivable sales
agreement, receivables have been sold at a discount that
effectively yields an interest rate to the purchaser of prime
plus 2.5% to 3.0%. The Company sold receivables on a weekly or
twice weekly basis and had the ability to sell additional
receivables as previously sold receivables were collected. As
such, the receivables sale facility effectively acted in a
manner similar to a secured revolving credit facility, although
it is reflected on the balance sheet as a reduction in accounts
receivable and not as debt since the credit risk associated with
the collection of accounts receivable sold has been transferred
to the purchaser. Accounts receivable as of December 31,
2003 and 2002 are stated net of the proceeds received from the
sale of accounts receivable pursuant to the Companys
accounts receivable sales facility in the amount of $0 and
$14.8 million, respectively. The total discount on amounts
sold in 2003, 2002 and 2001 was approximately $1.3 million,
$2.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively, and is
included in interest expense.
Note 6Inventories
Inventories, net of reserves of $2.1 and
$9.9 million, respectively, consist of the following:
At December 31, 2003, the Company had
commitments to buy raw materials of $13.3 million in 2004
and had no commitments beyond 2004.
During the third and fourth quarters of 2002, the
Company recorded additional charges for excess and obsolete
inventory of approximately $9.0 million. These charges
related to inventory which had become aged, primarily due to
certain distribution losses in seafood and declining sales of
certain Chefs Choice products, as well as the
Companys transition plans to reduce operating complexity,
to reduce inventories and eliminate a significant number of low
volume product offerings.
The Company recorded approximately
$10.0 million of charges for excess and obsolete inventory
during 2003. Approximately $6.8 million was recorded during
the fourth quarter primarily due to revisions of the salvage
values of aged products related to Lenders, seafood, and Duncan
Hines.
F-123
Note 7Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment consist of the
following:
During 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company
capitalized interest costs of $0.1 million,
$0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively. At
December 31, 2003, the Company did not have any significant
commitments for facility construction or machinery and equipment
purchases. In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company recorded a
charge for permanently impaired fixed assets. See Note 14.
Note 8Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets consist of
the following:
F-124
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 are as
follows:
The following tables summarize the identifiable
intangible assets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002:
F-125
Amortization of other intangible assets, charged
against income for the year ended December 31, 2003 was
$8.7 million. Estimated annual amortization expense of
other intangible assets for the next five years is
$7.6 million in 2004, $5.2 million in 2005,
$1.7 million in 2006, $1.7 million in 2007, and
$0.2 million in 2008.
The Company has set December 31 as the date
that it performs its annual impairment test of goodwill and
other indefinite-lived intangible assets. Initiation of the
Companys bankruptcy proceedings was a triggering event as
defined by FAS 142, requiring the Company to perform an
interim impairment test. Independent valuations, using the
excess earnings and market comparable approaches indicated that
the book value of the goodwill for the Companys
Lenders, frozen breakfast and baking mixes and frostings
reporting units exceeded the fair value of the goodwill for
those reporting units by approximately $220.5 million,
primarily in the retail segment, which the Company recorded as a
charge in the statement of operations. The decline in the fair
value of these business units was primarily due to increased
competition within the categories in which these brands compete,
declining operating results and cash flows during 2003, and
revised long term expectations for these brands.
Independent valuations completed as of
December 31, 2002, using the excess earnings and market
comparable approaches indicated that the book value of the
goodwill for the Companys Lenders, Celeste and
Chefs Choice reporting units exceeded the fair value of
the goodwill for those reporting units by approximately
$64.7 million, primarily in the retail segment. In
addition, the December 31, 2002 impairment tests indicated
that the book value of the Chefs Choice tradename exceeded
its fair value by approximately $2.4 million. Based on
these results, the Company recorded a charge for goodwill and
tradename impairment in the statement of operations of
$67.1 million. The decline in the fair value of these
business units was primarily due to increased competition within
the categories in which these brands compete, declining
operating results and cash flows during 2002, and revised long
term plans for these brands.
Due to the impairment of the Chefs Choice
tradename in 2002 and the increased competition within the home
meal replacement category, the Company determined that as of
January 1, 2003, the life of the Chefs Choice
tradename should be amortized over a finite life of three years.
F-126
Note 9 Accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
The Plan requires that the excess leverage and
asset sale fees be paid pursuant to an October 13, 2003
amendment to the Senior Secured Debt facility in the amount of
$15 million if the reorganization plan is consummated on or
prior to March 31, 2004. As consummation on or prior to
March 31, 2004 is not totally within the control of the
Company, the full amount of the excess leverage and asset sale
fees has been recorded and included above.
F-127
Note 10 Long term debt
Long term debt consists of the following (dollars
in thousands):
F-128
Annual principal payments for the next five years
and thereafter as proposed in the Plan consist of the following
(dollars in thousands):
The following discussion and descriptions of the
Companys long-term debt financing generally does not
consider the impact of the Companys financial
restructuring. See Note 1 for descriptions of the
Companys financial restructuring and petition for relief
under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code.
F-129
Senior secured debt
The Companys Senior Secured Debt Facility
is with a group of lending institutions that provides for term
borrowings of $600 million with quarterly repayments of
principal, and a $175 million revolving credit facility,
subject to reductions for outstanding letters of credit. At
December 31, 2003, adjusting for outstanding letters of
credit of $8.0 million, the Company had no unused borrowing
availability on the revolving debt portion of the Senior Secured
Debt Facility. The Senior Secured Debt Facility requires a
commitment fee of 0.50% per annum payable monthly on the
unused portions of the revolving debt portion. Borrowings under
the Senior Secured Debt Facility are collateralized by
substantially all of the assets of the Company.
The Senior Secured Debt Facility, as amended,
included restrictive covenants, which for 2003, did not permit
additional indebtedness, except for nominal amounts and
obligations incurred in the normal course of business, limited
capital expenditures to $20.0 million, did not permit the
payment of cash dividends and required the Company to maintain
minimum levels of EBITDA, as defined.
The Senior Secured Debt Facility which had been
amended in 2000, was further amended on February 7, 2001.
The amendment included provisions that:
During the third quarter of 2001, the Senior
Secured Debt Facility was amended to provide that for third
quarter covenant purposes, the proceeds from an asset sale
anticipated to occur in October 2001 would be applied as if it
had occurred in the third quarter. In the event that the asset
sale did not occur, the Senior Secured Debt Facility was further
amended to reset the senior leverage covenant, in return for a
contingent fee, in the event that the Company would not
otherwise have met its senior leverage covenant. The asset sale
did not occur and the amendment was necessary to keep the
Company within the senior leverage covenant. Consequently, the
Company paid a $428,000 fee in October 2001 to reset the third
quarter covenant.
In December 2001 the Company obtained a waiver of
its December 31, 2001 maximum leverage and maximum senior
leverage financial covenants, subject to meeting newly set
maximum amounts, which the Company met.
In February 2002, the Senior Secured Debt
Facility was amended, with provisions to allow for the potential
issuance of additional senior subordinated notes to replace the
current receivables purchase facility and to further amend the
financial covenants for periods through March 31, 2003.
In March 2002, the Company received a waiver of a
specific technical provision of the Senior Secured Debt Facility
which would have otherwise required the Company to prepay
approximately $20 million of this facility.
F-130
On May 1, 2002, the Senior Secured Debt
Facility was further amended to revise certain of the financial
covenants for future interim periods in 2002 and to provide for
the exclusion of (1) approximately $20.1 million of
expenses recorded by the Company in the quarter ended
March 31, 2002, and (2) fees and expenses associated
with the provisions of the amendment, for purposes of the
financial covenant calculations at March 31, 2002 and
future periods. In addition, the Company provided a revised 2002
business plan to the Administrative Agent, met with the lenders
to discuss the Companys business and assisted a
consultant, chosen by the Administrative Agent and at the
Companys expense, in reviewing the Companys business
plan and trade promotion systems along with cash flow
projections and liquidity. As a condition to the amendment,
certain entities affiliated with Fenway Partners, Inc. and
McCown De Leeuw & Co., Inc. (the Investors)
entered into a Revolving Loan Subordinated Participation
Agreement, pursuant to which they agreed to purchase, on a
subordinated basis, a participation of $10 million of the
Companys outstanding revolving loans. The Company issued
718,230 warrants to purchase common stock of the Company at
$0.01 per share to these entities affiliated with the
Investors as consideration for their willingness to enter into
this Participation Agreement. The number of warrants issued for
this service was subject to adjustment by the Special Committee
of the Board of Directors, in consultation with outside
advisors, and was not to exceed 1% of the number of shares of
common stock outstanding on May 1, 2002. The warrants
expire on April 30, 2012. The warrants were valued on
May 1, 2002 at $4.3 million and were expensed during
the second quarter as the Revolving Loan Subordinated
Participation Agreement was cancelled by the June 27, 2002
credit agreement amendment and the additional financing
described below. In August 2002, the Special Committee of the
Board of Directors reduced the number of warrants from 718,230
to 300,000, and as a result, the Company recorded a reduction of
expense in the third quarter of approximately $2.5 million.
On June 27, 2002, the Company secured
commitments for $62.6 million of additional financing and
further amended the Senior Secured Debt Facility. The financing
package included $37.6 million of Supplemental
Tranche B financing that was obtained from new term loans
under an amendment to the Companys existing credit
facility with various lenders. The terms and conditions of this
financing are identical to the Tranche B Term Loans under
the Companys existing senior credit facility. These
Supplemental Tranche B loans were purchased at a discount
of approximately $2.6 million. The Company received
$35.0 million in proceeds from this additional financing on
July 2, 2002. The remaining portion of the financing
package consisted of $25 million of Senior Unsecured
Promissory Notes issued to the Investors, described below. The
Company used the new capital to reduce debt under the senior
secured revolving debt facility and for working capital purposes.
The June 27, 2002 amendment to the Senior
Secured Debt Facility revised certain of the financial covenants
for future periods through September 30, 2003, and provided
for the exclusion of fees and expenses associated with the
amendment for purposes of the financial covenant calculations at
June 30, 2002 and future periods. The amendment also
provided for an excess leverage fee of 1.5% of average
borrowings under the term loans and revolving credit facility
for the period September 30, 2002 through
September 30, 2003 and additional pay-in-kind interest of
1% per year on the average borrowings under the term loans
and revolving credit facility from the date of the amendment
until the date net cash proceeds of $200 million are
received, in each case, payable only in the event the Company
did not realize net cash proceeds of $200 million from the
sale of assets prior to September 30, 2003. The amendment
also reduced the maximum amount of receivables subject to sale
under the receivable sales agreement from $42.0 million to
$30.0 million.
F-131
At December 31, 2002, the Company was not in
compliance with certain financial covenants of the Senior
Secured Debt Facility.
On February 21, 2003 the Senior Secured Debt
Facility was further amended. The amendment included provisions
that:
The Company did not meet the asset sale
requirements at June 30 or September 30, 2003.
In connection with the Restructuring, the Company
elected not to pay the $8.8 million interest payment due on
July 1, 2003 on the 1998 Notes, which resulted in a default
under its debt agreements. The Company entered into an Amendment
and Forbearance, dated as of June 30, 2003 (the June
Bank Amendment), with lenders holding more than 51% of the
term loan and revolving credit facility borrowings under the
Senior Secured Debt Facility (the Requisite
Lenders). The June Bank Amendment included a forbearance
by the Requisite Lenders under the Senior Secured Debt Facility
providing that such lenders would not exercise any remedies
available under any of the Loan Documents (as such term is
defined in the Senior Secured Debt Facility) solely as a result
of any potential or actual event of default arising under the
terms of the Senior Secured Debt Facility by virtue of the
Companys failure to make the scheduled interest payment on
the 1998 Notes. As a result of this non-payment, the Company has
classified all of its outstanding debt as current liabilities.
F-132
Subsequently, also in connection with the
Restructuring, the Company elected not to pay the
$9.8 million interest payment due on August 15, 2003
on the 1997 Notes, which resulted in a default under its debt
agreements. Subsequent to entering into the June Bank Amendment,
the Company entered into two other forbearance agreements with
the Requisite Lenders with respect to its election to withhold
payment of interest when due on each series of its outstanding
Senior Subordinated Notes. On July 30, 2003, the Company
entered into an Amendment, Forbearance and Waiver (the
July Bank Amendment) that (i) extended the
original forbearance granted under the June Bank Amendment,
(ii) provided for the forbearance by the Requisite Lenders
from exercising remedies under the Senior Secured Debt Facility
arising from the potential failure to pay interest on the Senior
Subordinated Notes and (iii) provided for a waiver of any
default under the Senior Secured Debt Facility arising from the
failure by the Company to conduct certain conference calls with,
and provide certain progress reports to the Requisite Lenders
with respect to the Companys asset sales. Additionally, on
July 31, 2003, the Company entered into a forbearance
agreement with noteholders possessing a majority of the
outstanding principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes
whereby such noteholders agreed to forbear from exercising any
remedies available to them under any of the indentures governing
the Senior Subordinated Notes solely as a result of any
potential or actual event of default arising by virtue of the
Companys failure to make any scheduled interest payments
on the Senior Subordinated Notes. By their terms, both
forbearance agreements expired on September 15, 2003.
Since the expiration of the forbearance
agreements on September 15, 2003, the Requisite Lenders and
the holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes have continued to
forbear from exercising remedies available to them under any of
the indentures, except for the senior lenders right to
receive the Post-Default interest rate (as such term is defined
in the Senior Secured Debt Facility) on the Companys
senior indebtedness. The Post-Default interest rates are
2% per annum in excess of interest rates otherwise payable
on base rate loans, as defined. The Post-Default interest rates
continued in effect until December 8, 2003, the
commencement of the bankruptcy proceeding.
The restatement (as discussed in
Note 2) would have resulted in a technical default
under the Senior Secured Debt Facility. However, on
August 14, 2003, the Company entered into a Waiver and
Forbearance with the Requisite Lenders, which (i) extended
the forbearance granted under both the June Bank Amendment and
the July Bank Amendment through September 15, 2003, and
(ii) provided for a waiver of any default under the Senior
Secured Debt Facility arising in connection with any failure by
the Company to deliver financial statements prepared in
conformity with GAAP (as a result of the restatement) and
without a going concern qualification for the fiscal
years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, as well as interim
months and quarters.
In connection with the execution of the Letter of
Intent, the Company entered into an Amendment and Forbearance
with the Requisite Lenders that, among other things, provided
for (i) a reduction in the leverage and asset sale fees
under the Senior Secured Debt Facility to an aggregate of
$15 million in the event that certain conditions are
satisfied, including the payment in full in cash of the
Companys obligations under the Senior Secured Debt
Facility by March 31, 2004, (ii) an increase in the
leverage and asset sale fees under the Senior Secured Debt
Facility to 5.25% of the aggregate amount outstanding in the
event that the Senior Secured Debt Facility is not paid in full
by March 31, 2004, and (iii) the forbearance by the
Requisite Lenders from exercising remedies under the Senior
Secured Debt Facility arising from the Companys failure to
make interest payments on its Senior Subordinated Notes or
failure to
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Senior unsecured promissory notes
The Companys additional financing package
completed on June 27, 2002 included $25 million of
financing in the form of the Senior Unsecured Promissory Notes
from certain entities affiliated with the Investors. The Notes
mature October 1, 2006, and accrue interest at the rate of
12% per annum, payable semi-annually. Any unpaid interest
accrues at a default rate of the applicable interest rate plus
2% per annum and will be payable at maturity. The Notes
were purchased at a discount of $750,000. In addition to the
cash discount, as part of the senior unsecured note agreement,
the Investors received warrants from the Company to
purchase 2.1 million shares of common stock of the
Company at $0.01 per share. The warrants were issued on
July 8, 2002 and expire on July 7, 2012. A value of
approximately $2.6 million was assigned to the warrants,
which was recorded as additional debt discount in the third
quarter of 2002, and is being amortized as additional interest
expense over the life of the debt. The Company received
$15 million, less applicable discount, from the Investors
on June 27, 2002, with the remaining $10 million, less
applicable discount, received on July 2, 2002. In
consideration of the $25 million financing provided by the
Investors, the Revolving Loan Subordinated Participation
Agreement, entered into on May 1, 2002 was terminated. The
Company did not pay the cash interest due on the Senior
Unsecured Promissory Notes at January 1, 2003 or
July 1, 2003, and as a result, interest on the unpaid
interest accrued at the default rate prior to December 8,
2003, the bankruptcy filing date, after which interest was
stayed by the bankruptcy proceeding.
Senior subordinated notes
On February 10, 1997, the Company issued
$100.0 million of senior subordinated notes. On
July 1, 1997, the Company issued $100.0 million of
senior subordinated notes at a premium in the amount of
$2.5 million. The unamortized balance of the premium on
these at December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $0 and
$1.3 million, respectively, as the premium was written off
as a reorganization item as of the bankruptcy filing date.
The Company may redeem the two notes issued in
1997 at any time after February 15, 2002, at the redemption
price together with accrued and unpaid interest. Upon a Change
in Control (as defined), the Company had the option at any time
prior to February 15, 2002 to redeem the Notes at a
redemption price of 100% plus the Applicable Premium (as
defined), together with accrued and unpaid interest. If the
Company has not redeemed the Notes and if a Change of Control
occurs after February 15, 2002, the Company is required to
offer to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% together
with accrued and unpaid interest.
On July 1, 1998, the Company issued
$200.0 million of senior subordinated notes (the 1998
Notes). The Company may redeem the 1998 Notes at any time
after July 1, 2003, at the redemption price together with
accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, the Company may redeem
$70.0 million of the 1998 Notes at any time prior to
July 1, 2003 subject to certain requirements, with the cash
proceeds received from one or more Subsequent Equity Offerings
(as defined), at a redemption price of 108.75% together with
accrued and unpaid interest. Upon a Change in Control (as
defined), the Company has the option at any time prior to
July 1, 2003, to redeem the 1998 Notes at a redemption
price of 100% plus the Applicable Premium (as defined), together
with accrued and unpaid interest. If the Company has not
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The senior subordinated note indentures include
restrictive covenants, which limit additional borrowings, cash
dividends, sale of assets, mergers and the sale of stock. As a
result of the adjustments to the Companys unaudited
interim financial results for the first, second and third
quarters of 1999 and the third quarter of 1998, and adjustments
to its audited financial results for the year ended December
1998, the Company was in default under its indentures.
During the third quarter of 2000, the Company
solicited and received sufficient consents from holders of its
senior subordinated notes to amend certain provisions and waive
certain events of default under its indentures. As a result of
the Consent Solicitation, the senior subordinated indentures
were amended to, among other things, increase the redemption
price payable upon optional redemption of the notes by the
Company, allow the Company to refinance its outstanding debt,
and permit the Company to incur additional indebtedness.
Pursuant to the terms of the Consent Solicitation, the Company
issued, effective September 20, 2000, an aggregate of
6,965,736 shares of common stock to the senior subordinated
note holders who participated in the consent solicitation.
The common stock issued in connection with the
consent solicitation noted above was valued by the Company at
the closing market price on September 20, 2000, less a
12.5% discount to reflect that the shares are subject to
transfer restrictions under securities laws. The total increase
to common stock and paid-in-capital of $21.7 million was
allocated, based on independent valuations, to other assets as
deferred financing costs ($4 million), with the balance
($17.7 million) recorded as other financial, legal and
accounting expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of
operations.
No interest was paid in 2003 on the senior
subordinated notes subsequent to June 30, 2003 and as a
result, the Company was in default of the covenants of the
indentures. See the discussion under the Senior Secured Debt
section earlier in this note.
Bank loan
Pursuant to the terms of the outstanding
derivative agreement (See Note 16), the bankruptcy filing
caused the remaining obligation under the agreement to become
due and payable. Payment of this obligation was stayed by the
bankruptcy filing and the obligation was converted to a loan to
JP Morgan Chase Bank, with the interest rate equal to the cost
of funds to the bank plus 1%.
Interest rate agreements
See Note 16.
Note 11 Preferred stock
In September 2000, the Company issued to certain
entities affiliated with current stockholders, in exchange for
$15 million, 3,750,000 shares of Series A
Convertible Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series A
Preferred Stock), in connection with the senior
subordinated noteholders consent solicitation (see
Note 10). The shares have a par value of $0.01 per
share, pay a cumulative dividend in arrears of 8% and have a
liquidation preference value of the greater of
(i) $4.00 per share, plus accumulated dividends, if
any, plus any unpaid dividends since the last
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The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible
into the number of shares of Common Stock equal to $4.00 plus
accumulated dividends, if any and unpaid dividends since the
last payment date, divided by the initial conversion price of
$3.35 (the Conversion Price). The Conversion Price
is subject to adjustment for equity issuances by the Company at
a price per share less than the Conversion Price. The issuance
of warrants on May 1, 2002 (as adjusted) and July 8,
2002, as described in Note 10, activated certain
anti-dilution provisions of the Companys convertible
preferred stock. Due to the issuance of warrants, the conversion
price used in the calculation to convert the preferred stock
liquidation preference value into shares of the Companys
common stock, if converted, was reduced from $3.35 per
share to $3.24 per share. Based on the liquidation
preference value at December 31, 2002, these changes would
result in the issuance of approximately 5.5 million
additional common shares, if converted. On October 6, 2003,
449,165 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were
converted to 704,363 shares of Common Stock at the option
of the holder.
The Series A Preferred Stock converts at the
Companys option into shares of Common Stock in the event
the Common Stock trades for 10 consecutive days at a price that
is in excess of 200% of the Conversion Price. Preferred
dividends, to the extent they are paid, will be paid in the form
of additional Preferred Stock until such time as the
restrictions on payments of dividends contained in the senior
secured debt agreements are no longer in effect, at which time
the Company will consider how future dividends will be paid. The
Plan contemplates that all currently outstanding preferred stock
will be cancelled along with the unpaid accumulated preferred
dividends which were $3.8 million and $2.9 million,
respectively at December 31, 2003 and 2002.
Note 12 Common stock warrants
On May 1, 2002, the Company issued 300,000
warrants, as adjusted, to purchase common stock of the Company
at $0.01 per share to entities affiliated with the
Investors as consideration for their willingness to enter into
the Revolving Loan Subordinated Participation Agreement. The
warrants expire on April 30, 2012. See Note 10.
As part of the senior unsecured promissory note
agreement, entities affiliated with the Investors received
warrants from the Company to purchase 2.1 million
shares of common stock of the Company at $0.01 per share.
The warrants were issued on July 8, 2002 and expire on
July 7, 2012. See Note 10.
The Plan contemplates that all common stock and
outstanding common stock options and warrants will be cancelled
at the completion of the Restructuring.
Note 13 Administrative restructuring, retention
and divestiture costs
On April 3, 2003, the Company announced that
it had restructured its corporate organization and reduced its
corporate staff by approximately 75 positions through
terminations and the elimination of open positions. Affected
employees are receiving severance pay in accordance with the
Companys policies. In addition, retention bonuses were
awarded to certain key employees who remain with the Company
through June 1, 2004. The Company expects the
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During 2002, the Company engaged Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. as joint financial advisors to
assist it in reviewing a range of strategic alternatives,
including the sale of one or more of the Companys lines of
business, with the net cash proceeds from any such sale being
used to repay senior secured debt. J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc. is an affiliate of JP Morgan Chase Bank, Administrative
Agent and lead Lender under the Companys senior secured
debt agreements. The focus of the divestiture process had been
on the Companys frozen foods businesses, including Van de
Kamps and Mrs. Pauls frozen seafood, Aunt
Jemima frozen breakfast, Celeste frozen pizza and Chefs
Choice frozen skillet meals. As of December 31, 2003, the
Company had expensed approximately $2.4 million of legal,
accounting and investment banking costs related to the
divestiture process. The Companys engagement of
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. as financial advisor has been
terminated and its engagement with Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated as financial advisor will
be terminated as of the date of closing of any specified
transaction involving J.W Childs Associates, L.P. or any of its
affiliates, including the closing of the transactions
contemplated under the Merger Agreement.
Note 14 Plant closure and asset impairment
charges
In May 2002, the Company announced its intention
to close its West Seneca, New York, Lenders bagel
manufacturing facility. As a result of this decision, production
at West Seneca ceased on May 31, 2002, with the formal
closing on July 2, 2002. The closing resulted in the
elimination of all 204 jobs. Affected employees received
severance pay in accordance with the Companys policies and
union agreements. The Company recorded charges of
$32.4 million during 2002 in connection with the shutdown
of the West Seneca facility. The non-cash portion of the charges
was approximately $28.2 million and is attributable to the
write-down of property, plant and equipment, with the remaining
$4.2 million of cash costs related to severance and other
employee related costs of $3.0 million, and other costs
necessary to maintain and dispose of the facility of
$1.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2003,
the Company paid $0.1 million in severance and related
costs and $0.6 million of other costs related to closing
and sale of the facility. Adjustments of $0.1 million were
made in 2003 to recorded liabilities and there is no remaining
liability at December 31, 2003.
On October 30, 2002, the Company announced
its intention to close its Yuba City, California facility where
the Company manufactured specialty seafood and Chefs
Choice products. As a result of this decision, production at the
Yuba City facility ceased in early 2003. The closing resulted in
the elimination of all 155 jobs. Affected employees received
severance pay in accordance with the Companys policies. As
a result the Company recorded a charge of $6.7 million
during the fourth quarter of 2002. The non-cash portion of the
charge of approximately $4.9 million was attributable to
the write-down of property, plant and equipment. The remaining
$1.8 million of cash costs was related to severance and
other employee related costs of $0.9 million and other
costs necessary to maintain and dispose of the facility of
$0.9 million. During the year ended December 31, 2003,
the Company paid $0.9 million in severance and other
employee related costs and $0.3 million in facility related
costs. Approximately $3.0 million was recorded as an
adjustment to the recorded liabilities and recorded in plant
closures on the consolidated statement of operations as a result
of higher
F-137
During the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company
completed a strategic assessment of its existing capacity in
relation to the Companys future operational plans. Based
upon that assessment, the Company recorded a charge of
approximately $14.1 million for fixed assets determined to
be permanently impaired. The impaired fixed assets represent a
broad range of fixed assets across all business lines located at
various facilities. Assets determined to be impaired were
written down to their estimated realizable value, and the
Company disposed of these impaired assets. The ultimate salvage
value of these assets, net of disposal costs, was not
significant.
Note 15 Other financial, legal, accounting and
consolidation expenses
As a result of the investigation into the
Companys accounting practices, the resulting restatement
of its 1998 and 1999 financial statements, litigation,
governmental proceedings, defaults under its loan agreements and
related matters (see Notes 10 and 21), the Company has
received shares of common stock from former management, recorded
settlement obligations and has incurred legal and accounting
expenses, charges to obtain waivers on its events of default and
charges related to amending its financing facilities. Such
costs, totaled $47.4 million in 2000, including a non-cash
$17.7 million charge associated with the issuance of common
stock to certain holders of the Companys senior
subordinated debt. On January 16, 2001, the Company
announced that it reached a preliminary agreement to settle the
securities class action and derivative lawsuits pending against
the Company and its former management team in the
U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California.
On March 1, 2001, Stipulations of Settlement for the
Securities class action and derivative lawsuits were entered
into in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of
California to fully resolve, discharge and settle the claims
made in each respective lawsuit. On May 11, 2001, the
United States District Court for the Northern District of
California approved the settlement.
Under the terms of the agreement, Aurora was
required to pay the class members $26 million in cash and
$10 million in common stock of the Company. On
March 2, 2001, the Company entered into definitive
settlement agreements with certain members of former management
to transfer to the Company between approximately 3 million
and 3.6 million shares of common stock of the Company, in
consideration for a resolution of any civil claims that the
Company may have, and partially conditioned upon future events
and circumstances. The cash component of the settlement was
funded entirely by the Companys insurance in the fourth
quarter of 2001. During the second quarter of 2001, in
connection with the settlement of the securities class action
and derivative lawsuits, the Company received
3,051,303 shares, valued at $15.7 million, of the
Companys common stock from former management. These shares
served as a partial recovery of losses and were recorded as
Treasury Stock at an amount equal to the market value of the
shares of $5.13 per share at the date the settlement was
confirmed by the court. In addition, the Company recorded a
liability for the value of the shares required to be distributed
to members of the shareholder class in the amount of
$10.0 million and recorded accruals of $1.9 million
for estimated remaining costs to be incurred to complete all of
the Companys obligations under terms of the settlement
agreements. As a result, a pretax net gain of approximately
$3.8 million was recorded. During May 2001, the Company
distributed 465,342 shares of its common stock as
settlement for the first $2.5 million of the common stock
component of the settlement. On September 6, 2002, the
Company distributed 5,319,149 shares of common stock to the
settlement class as settlement for the remaining
$7.5 million of the
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Note 16 Derivative instruments
The Company maintained an interest rate risk
management strategy that uses derivative instruments to minimize
significant, unanticipated earnings fluctuations caused by
interest rate volatility. The Companys specific goals are
(1) to convert a portion of its variable-rate debt to
fixed-rate debt and (2) to offset a portion of the
unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the market value of
its fixed-rate debt caused by interest rate fluctuations.
In accordance with the senior bank facilities,
the Company was required through November 1, 2002, to use
derivative instruments to the extent necessary to provide that,
when combined with the Companys senior subordinated notes,
at least 50% of the Companys aggregate indebtedness is
subject to either a fixed interest rate or interest rate
protection agreements.
The Company entered into two types of derivative
contracts: (1) the hedge of the fair value of a recognized
asset or liability (fair value hedge) and
(2) the hedge of the variability of cash flows to be
received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability
(cash flow hedge). The Company recognizes all
derivatives on the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in
the fair value of derivatives that are highly effective and have
been designated and qualify as a fair value hedges are recorded
in current period earnings, along with gains or losses on the
related hedged assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value
of derivatives that are highly effective and have been
designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in other
comprehensive income, until earnings are affected by the
variability of cash flows.
The Company formally documents all relationships
between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its
risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various
hedge transactions. This process includes linking all
derivatives to specific assets and liabilities on the balance
sheet. The Company also assesses, both at the hedges
inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that
are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in
offsetting changes in the fair values or cash flows of hedged
items.
When the Company determines that a derivative is
no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair
value or cash flows of a hedged item, the Company will
discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. When hedge
accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the
derivative no longer qualifies as an effective fair value hedge,
the derivative will continue to be carried on the balance sheet
at its fair value, and the hedged asset or liability will no
longer be adjusted for changes in its fair value. When hedge
accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the
derivative no longer qualifies as an effective cash flow hedge,
the derivative will continue to be carried on the balance sheet
at its fair value, with changes in its fair value recognized in
current period earnings.
The Company does not use derivative financial
instruments for trading or speculative purposes. In accordance
with the senior bank facilities, the Company was required to
enter into interest rate protection agreements to the extent
necessary to provide that, when combined with the Companys
senior subordinated notes, at least 50% of the Companys
aggregate indebtedness is subject to either a fixed interest
rate or interest rate protection agreements.
F-139
At December 31, 2003, the Company was no
longer a party to any interest rate agreements. The
Companys fixed to floating interest rate swap agreement
with a notional principal amount of $150 million expired on
March 17, 2003, when the Company made a final payment to
the counterparty, JP Morgan Chase Bank, for $1.7 million.
The Companys interest rate collar agreement was converted
into a fixed bank note of $7.7 million which was equal to
the fair market value of the collar agreement as of the
bankruptcy filing date and will be repaid upon completion of the
Restructuring.
During 2003 and 2002, the Company made payments
under interest rate agreements of $9.6 million and
$13.2 million, respectively.
Risks associated with the interest rate
agreements include those associated with changes in market value
and interest rates. At December 31, 2002, the fair value of
the Companys interest rate agreements was a liability of
$15.8 million and is reflected in other liabilities in the
December 31, 2002 consolidated balance sheet.
During fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, the
Company recognized a net loss of $1.4 million,
$12.1 million and $10.6, respectively, related to its
ineffective interest rate collar agreement (reported as
adjustment of value of derivatives in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations). Recorded amounts related to the
Companys fair value hedge in 2003 and 2002 were immaterial.
Note 17 Income taxes
The provision for income taxes is summarized as
follows (in thousands):
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Deferred tax assets (liabilities), representing
the tax effects of the difference between amounts recognized for
book and tax purposes, consist of the following:
At December 31, 2003, the Company had a
federal net operating loss carryforward (NOL) of
approximately $746.8 million. The net operating loss can be
used to offset future taxable income and expires in 2010 through
2023. The Company is a loss corporation as defined in
section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, if
certain substantial changes of the Companys ownership
should occur as contemplated by the Restructuring, there could
be significant annual limitations of the amount of net operating
loss carryforward which can be utilized. The net operating loss
carryforward and the respective years of expiration are as
follows (in thousands):
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Effective as of December 31, 2001,
management determined that it was no longer more likely than not
that the Company would be able to realize its deferred tax
assets. This conclusion was reached due to recent cumulative
pretax losses and the financial reporting requirements of
FAS 109. As a result, the Company cannot anticipate future
earnings as a means to realize the deferred tax assets.
Accordingly, the Company has determined that, pursuant to the
provisions of FAS 109, deferred tax valuation allowances
are required on those deferred tax assets. The provision for
income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by
applying the applicable U.S. statutory federal income tax
rate to pretax income as a result of the following differences
(in thousands):
Note 18 Leases
The Company leases certain facilities, machinery
and equipment under operating and capital lease agreements with
varying terms and conditions. The leases are noncancellable and
expire on various dates through 2011. Obligations pursuant to
the capital leases of the Companys product development
facility which are expected to be rejected at the completion of
the Restructuring are included in liabilities subject to
compromise at December 31, 2003 and are included in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet as part of debt at December 31,
2002 (see Note 10). In addition, the operating lease of the
Companys corporate headquarters is also expected to be
rejected at the completion of the Restructuring. Operating lease
commitments associated with the Companys unused office
space in Columbus, Ohio, in excess of estimated sublease
revenue, have been expensed as part of Columbus consolidation
costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
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Future annual minimum lease payments under these
leases prior to certain leases being rejected are summarized as
follows (in thousands):
Rent expense for the years ended
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $2.4 million,
$2.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
Note 19 Savings and benefit plans
The Company offers a retirement savings plan to
employees in the form of a 401(k) plan. Under the 401(k) plan,
employee contributions of up to 6% of total compensation,
subject to certain tax law limitations, are matched by Company
contributions of up to 5% of total compensation, which are fully
vested at the time of contribution. Additional contributions of
4% of eligible compensation are made on behalf of all employees
on an annual basis. These contributions vest ratably over the
first five years of employment. Effective March 6, 2004,
the plan was amended to terminate sections of the plan providing
for the additional 4% contribution and as a result, all
contributions became fully vested. None of the contributions to
the Companys retirement savings plan are in the form of
the Companys common stock. Company employees have the
opportunity to purchase limited amounts of the Companys
common stock through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (see
Note 21) and are not restricted in their sale of such stock
except during applicable insider trading black-out periods. The
Company recorded expense for the 401(k) and the additional
contributions for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002
and 2001, of $4.3 million, $4.8 million and
$4.5 million, respectively.
Note 20 Related party transactions
On April 19, 2000, the Company entered into
an agreement pursuant to which The Chase Manhattan Bank, now JP
Morgan Chase Bank, agreed to purchase from time to time certain
of the Companys accounts receivable. The agreement was
last amended as of June 28, 2002. During 2003, the
agreement provided that the amount of purchased and uncollected
accounts receivable outstanding at any given time is not to
exceed $30 million. Funds affiliated with Fenway Partners,
Inc. (Fenway), whose partners include
Messrs. Richard C. Dresdale, Andrea Geisser and Peter Lamm
(all directors of the Company), McCown De Leeuw & Co.,
Inc. (MDC), whose managing directors include
Messrs. George E. McCown, Robert B. Hellman, Jr. and
John
F-143
On September 20, 2000, the Company issued
3,750,000 shares of its Series A Convertible
Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series A Preferred
Stock) to certain existing stockholders including funds
affiliated with Fenway, MDC and UBS Capital at a price of
$4.00 per share for an aggregate offering price of
$15,000,000. The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible
into the number of shares of Common Stock equal to $4.00 plus
accumulated dividends, if any, and unpaid dividends since the
last dividend payment date divided by the initial conversion
price of $3.35 (the Conversion Price). The
Conversion Price is subject to adjustment for equity issuances
by the Company at a price per share less than the Conversion
Price. The issuance of warrants on May 1, 2002 (as
adjusted) and July 8, 2002, as described in Note 10,
activated certain anti-dilution provisions of the Companys
convertible preferred stock. Due to the issuance of warrants,
the conversion price used in the calculation to convert the
preferred stock liquidation preference value into shares of the
Companys common stock, if converted, was reduced from
$3.35 per share to $3.24 per share. The Series A
Preferred Stock converts at the Companys option into
shares of Common Stock in the event the Common Stock trades for
10 consecutive days at a price that is in excess of 200% of the
Conversion Price. The Plan contemplates the cancellation of all
shares of the Series A Preferred Stock without any
distributions with respect thereto. See Notes 1 and 11.
In connection with the May 1, 2002 amendment
to the Companys senior secured debt agreement, certain
entities affiliated with Fenway Partners, Inc. and McCown De
Leeuw & Co. (the Investors) agreed to
purchase on a subordinated basis, a participation of
$10 million of the Companys outstanding revolving
loans. The Company issued 718,230 warrants to purchase common
stock of the Company at $0.01 per share to these entities
affiliated with the Investors as consideration for their
willingness to enter into this Participation Agreement. The
number of warrants issued for this service was subject to
adjustment by the Special Committee of the Board of Directors,
in consultation with outside advisors, and was not to exceed 1%
of the number of shares of common stock outstanding on
May 1, 2002. The warrants expire on April 30, 2012.
The warrants were valued on May 1, 2002 at
$4.3 million and were expensed during the second quarter of
2002 as the Revolving Loan Subordinated Participation Agreement
was cancelled by the June 27, 2002 credit agreement
amendment and the additional financing. In August 2002, the
Special Committee of the Board of Directors reduced the number
of warrants from 718,230 to 300,000, and as a result, the
Company recorded a reduction of expense in the third quarter of
2002 of approximately $2.5 million. The Plan contemplates
the cancellation of all warrants to purchase common stock of the
Company without any distributions with respect thereto. See
Notes 1 and 10.
On June 27, 2002, the Company secured
commitments for $62.6 million of additional financing and
further amended the senior secured debt agreement. The financing
package included $25 million in the form of Senior
Unsecured Promissory Notes from certain entities affiliated with
the Investors. The Senior Unsecured Promissory Notes mature
October 1, 2006, and accrue
F-144
On August 28, 2002, Dale F. Morrison became
the Chairman of the Board and interim Chief Executive Officer of
the Company. Mr. Morrison is employed by Fenway Partners
Resources, Inc. Fenway Partners Resources, Inc. is affiliated
with Fenway Partners Capital Fund, L.P. and Fenway Partners
Capital Fund II, L.P., which are shareholders of the
Company. Mr. Morrison earned $70,455, for his work with the
Company from August 28, 2002 to December 31, 2002.
This salary was paid to Mr. Morrison by Fenway Partners
Resources, Inc., as a consultant to the Company. Fenway Partners
Resources, Inc. charged to the Company the $70,455 it paid to
Mr. Morrison for his services.
In January 2003, Mr. Morrison became an
employee of the Company, but remains affiliated with Fenway.
In February 2004, the Compensation and
Independent Committees of the Board of Directors approved a
management retention plan in which Mr. Morrison and two
Fenway employees that have provided consulting services to the
Company at no cost, will receive at the time of completion of
the Restructuring, a combined total of up to $2.6 million.
The Company entered into agreements in 1998
pursuant to which it agreed to pay transaction fees to each of
Fenway, MDC III and Dartford Partners, an entity affiliated
with the Companys former chairman, of 0.333% of the
acquisition price for future acquisitions by the Company. The
Dartford agreement terminated upon the resignation of
Mr. Wilson on February 17, 2000. The acquisition price
is the sum of (i) the cash purchase price actually received
by the seller, (ii) the fair market value of any equity
securities issued by the seller, (iii) the face value of
any debt securities issued to the seller less any discounts,
(iv) the amount of liabilities assumed by the Company plus
(v) the fair market value of any other property or
consideration paid in connection with the acquisition, with
installment or deferred payments to be calculated using the
present value thereof.
The Company and certain stockholders of the
Company have entered into the Securityholders Agreement, which
provides for certain rights, including registration rights of
the stockholders.
On July 7, 1999, Mr. Thomas O.
Ellinwood, Executive Vice President, Aurora Brands, in
connection with the tax liability associated with certain equity
issuances to him, executed a secured promissory note payable on
demand by the Company in the amount of $501,571 in favor of the
company. If Mr. Ellinwood sells his shares of the
Companys Common Stock, he must repay his note.
Mr. Ellinwoods employment with the Company ended in
April 2003 and
F-145
Note 21 Commitments and contingent liabilities
Litigation
During 2000, the Company was served with eighteen
complaints in purported class action lawsuits filed in the
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
California. The complaints received by the Company alleged that,
among other things, as a result of accounting irregularities,
the Companys previously issued financial statements were
materially false and misleading and thus constituted violations
of federal securities laws by the Company and the directors and
officers who resigned on February 17, 2000 (Ian R. Wilson,
James B. Ardrey, Ray Chung and M. Laurie Cummings). The actions
(the Securities Actions) alleged that the defendants
violated Sections 10(b) and/or Section 20(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated
thereunder. The Securities Actions complaints sought damages in
unspecified amounts. These Securities Actions purported to be
brought on behalf of purchasers of the Companys securities
during various periods, all of which fell between
October 28, 1998 and April 2, 2000.
On April 14, 2000, certain of the
Companys current and former directors were named as
defendants in a derivative lawsuit filed in the Superior Court
of the State of California, in the County of San Francisco,
alleging breach of fiduciary duty, mismanagement and related
causes of action based upon the Companys restatement of
its financial statements. The case was then removed to federal
court in San Francisco.
On January 16, 2001 the Company announced
that it reached a preliminary agreement to settle the securities
class action and derivative lawsuits pending against the Company
and its former management team in the U.S. District Court
in the Northern District of California. On March 1, 2001,
Stipulations of Settlement for the Securities Actions and
derivative lawsuits were entered into in the U.S. District
Court in the Northern District of California to fully resolve,
discharge and settle the claims made in each respective lawsuit.
On May 11, 2001, the United States District Court for the
Northern District of California approved the settlement.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement,
Aurora was required to pay the class members $26 million in
cash and $10 million in common stock of the Company. On
March 2, 2001, the Company entered into definitive
agreements with certain members of former management to transfer
between approximately 3 million and 3.6 million shares
of common stock of the Company to the Company, in consideration
for a resolution of any civil claims that the Company may have,
and partially conditioned upon future events and circumstances.
The cash component of the settlement was funded entirely by the
Companys insurance in the fourth quarter of 2001. Members
of the class had the opportunity to opt out of the settlement
agreement, and bring separate claims against the Company.
Separate claims representing an immaterial number of shares did
opt out of the settlement agreement.
Pursuant to the settlement agreement and the
definitive agreements, the Company received
3,051,303 shares of its common stock from former
management. During May, 2001, the Company distributed
465,342 shares of its common stock as settlement for the
first $2.5 million of the common stock component of the
settlement. On September 6, 2002, the Company distributed
5,319,149 shares of common stock to the settlement class as
settlement for the
F-146
The staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC) and the United States Attorney
for the Southern District of New York (the
U.S. Attorney) also initiated investigations
relating to the events that resulted in the restatement of the
Companys financial statements for prior periods
(Prior Events). The SEC and the U.S. Attorney
requested that the Company provide certain documents relating to
the Companys historical financial statements. On
September 5, 2000, the Company received a subpoena from the
SEC to produce documents in connection with the Prior Events.
The SEC also requested certain information regarding some of the
Companys former officers and employees, correspondence
with the Companys auditors and documents related to
financial statements, accounting policies and certain
transactions and business arrangements.
On January 23, 2001 the U.S. Attorney
announced indictments alleging financial accounting fraud
against members of former management and certain former
employees of the Company. Each of the individuals indicted pled
guilty to the charges against them. The U.S. Attorney did
not bring charges against the Company.
In a cooperation agreement with the
U.S. Attorney, the Company confirmed that it would
implement an extensive compliance program, which includes an
internal audit function, a corporate code of conduct, a
comprehensive policies and procedures manual, employee training
and education on policies and procedures and adequate
disciplinary mechanisms for violations of policies and
procedures.
In addition, the Company consented to the entry
of an order by the SEC requiring compliance with requirements
for accurate and timely reporting of quarterly and annual
financial results, and the maintenance of internal control
procedures in connection with a civil action by the SEC
concerning accounting irregularities at the Company in 1998 and
1999. Aurora did not either admit or deny any wrongdoing, and
the SEC did not seek any monetary penalty. The Company also
committed to continue to cooperate with the SEC in connection
with its actions against certain former members of management
and former employees.
The Company has substantially implemented the
requirements of each of the settlements with the shareholder
class, the U.S. Attorney and the SEC.
During the first quarter of 2002, the Company
lost a dispute in arbitration associated with termination of a
contract in 2000 and recorded additional expense of
approximately $730,000. The total award and related costs of
approximately $1.5 million were paid in April 2002.
The Company was a defendant in an action filed by
a former employee in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern
District of Missouri. The plaintiff alleged breach of contract,
fraud and negligent misrepresentation as well as state law
securities claims, and alleged damages in the amount of
$3.7 million. In the first quarter of 2002, the
plaintiffs federal and state securities
F-147
The Company is a defendant in an action filed by
the State of Illinois regarding the Companys St. Elmo
facility. The Illinois Attorney General filed a complaint
seeking a restraining order prohibiting further discharges by
the City of St. Elmo from its publicly owned wastewater
treatment facility in violation of Illinois law and enjoining
the Company from discharging its industrial waste into the
Citys treatment facility. The complaint also asked for
fines and penalties associated with the Citys discharge
from its treatment facility and the Companys alleged
operation of its production facility without obtaining a state
environmental operating permit. On June 19, 2003, the
Company and the Illinois Attorney General executed an Agreed
Injunction Order settling all allegations in the complaint
against the Company, other than any potential monetary fines or
penalty. The Company intends to vigorously defend any future
claim for fines or penalties.
In September 2003, a shareholder of the Company
made a request, under Section 220 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, to inspect the Companys books and records
for the purpose of investigating, among other things, any
potential fraud, mismanagement and insider trading. The Company
has responded by providing the requesting shareholder copies of
some of the requested records pursuant to a confidentiality
agreement. No litigation has been filed, however, the
shareholder objected to confirmation of the Companys
Bankruptcy Plan of Reorganization, based on its inclusion of a
release by the Company of any claims against its Directors and
Officers. This objection was denied as part of the bankruptcy
confirmation order signed on February 20, 2004.
On December 8, 2003, the Company and its
wholly owned subsidiary filed voluntary bankruptcy petitions in
the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
On January 9, 2004, the Company filed its amended Plan and
disclosure statement with the Bankruptcy Court, which was
submitted to creditors entitled to vote on the Plan. Following
approval by those creditors and after hearing and overruling
objections to the Plan, on February 20, 2004 the Bankruptcy
Court entered a confirmation order approving the Companys
Plan. One of the prepetition lenders has appealed its overruled
objection, however the completion of the Restructuring has not
been stayed and the appeal will be heard by the United States
District Court for the District of Delaware at a future date to
be determined. In addition, one of the lenders commenced an
adversary proceeding relating to its objection to confirmation.
The Bankruptcy Court granted summary judgment in favor of the
Debtor in this adversary proceeding and such lender has also
appealed from that order.
The Company is also subject to litigation in the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, it is
remote that the ultimate outcome of any existing litigation will
have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Commitments and contingencies
As permitted under Delaware law, the Company has
agreements with no specified term whereby the Company
indemnifies its officers and directors for certain events or
occurrences while the officer or director is or was serving in
such capacity. The maximum potential amount
F-148
Note 22 Stock option and employee stock purchase
plans
The Company has stock option plans and an
employee stock purchase plan as described below. The Company
applies APB 25 and its related interpretations in
accounting for its plans. No compensation cost has been
recognized for its stock option plans because grants have been
made at exercise prices at or above fair market value of the
common stock on the date of grant.
The Company has two stock option plans, the 1998
Long Term Incentive Plan (the 1998 Option Plan) and
the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2000 Incentive
Plan). Under the 1998 Option Plan, the Company is
authorized to grant both incentive and non-qualified stock
options to purchase common stock up to an aggregate amount of
3,500,000 shares. During 2003, 1,020,000 options were
granted pursuant to the plan, which vest ratably over a three or
four year period. A total of 382,300 shares remained
available as of December 31, 2003. No incentive stock
options may be granted with an exercise price less than fair
market value of the stock on the date of grant; non-qualified
stock options may be granted at any price but, in general, are
not granted with an exercise price less than the fair market
value of the stock on the date of grant. Options are generally
granted with a term of ten years and vest ratably over three
years beginning on either the first or third anniversary of the
date of grant.
The terms of the 2000 Incentive Plan provide for
the grant of up to 7 million options, stock appreciation
rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, deferred stock or
performance awards or a combination thereof. During 2003,
1,734,250 options were granted pursuant to the plan at option
prices equal to fair market value at the dates of grant, which
vest ratably over a three or four year period. A total of
1,171,762 shares remained available for grant at
December 31, 2003.
The Plan contemplates that all common stock and
outstanding common stock options and warrants will be cancelled
at the completion of the Restructuring.
F-149
Presented below is a summary of stock option
plans activity for the years shown:
The following table provides additional
information for options outstanding at December 31, 2003:
The following table provides additional
information for options exercisable at December 31, 2003:
F-150
The fair value of options granted, which is
hypothetically amortized to expense over the option vesting
period in determining the pro forma impact, has been estimated
on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model with the following weighted average assumptions:
The weighted average fair value of options
granted during 2003, 2002 and 2001 determined using the
Black-Scholes model is as follows:
The Company had a stock purchase plan, the 1998
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the 1998 Purchase
Plan) covering an aggregate of 400,000 shares of
common stock. Under the 1998 Purchase Plan, as amended, eligible
employees have the right to purchase common stock at 85% of the
fair market value of the common stock on the commencement date
of each six month offering period. Purchases are made from
accumulated payroll deductions of up to 15% of such
employees earnings, limited to 2,000 shares during a
calendar year. During the years ended December 31, 2003,
2002 and 2001, 0, 13,094 and 99,414 shares were purchased
at weighted average prices of $0, $1.65 and $2.81 per
share, respectively. In June 2003, the Board of Directors
suspended this plan.
Note 23Loss per share and number of common shares
outstanding
Basic loss per share represents the loss
available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the measurement
period. Diluted loss per share represents the loss available to
common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during the measurement period while
also giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares
that were outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive
common shares consist of stock options (the dilutive impact is
calculated by applying the treasury stock method),
the outstanding Convertible Cumulative Preferred Stock and the
common stock warrants which were approximately 7.6 million,
8.2 million and 7.2 million for the years ended
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company
has had net losses available to common stockholders in each
year, therefore the impact of these potentially dilutive common
shares has been antidilutive.
F-151
The table below summarizes the numerator and
denominator for the basic and diluted loss per share
calculations (in thousands except per share amounts):
The number of shares of common stock outstanding
and the changes during the years ended December 31, 2003,
2002 and 2001 were as follows (in thousands):
F-152
Note 24Segment information
The Company groups its business in three
operating segments: retail, foodservice and other distribution
channels. Many of the Companys brands are sold through
each of the segments. The retail distribution segment includes
all of the Companys brands and products sold to customers
who sell or distribute these products to consumers through
supermarkets, grocery stores and normal grocery retail outlets.
The foodservice segment includes both branded and non-branded
products sold to customers such as restaurants,
business/industry and schools. The other distribution channels
segment includes sales of branded and private label products to
club stores, the military, mass merchandisers, convenience, drug
and chain stores, as well as exports from the United States.
The Companys segments are consistent with
the organization and responsibilities of management reporting to
the chief operating decision-maker for the purpose of assessing
performance. The Companys definition of segment
contribution differs from operating income as presented in its
primary financial statements and a reconciliation of the
segmented and consolidated results is provided in the following
table. Interest expense, financing costs and income tax amounts
are not allocated to the operating segments.
The Companys assets are not managed or
maintained on a segmented basis. Property, plant and equipment
is used in the production and packaging of products for each of
the segments. Cash, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, other
assets and deferred tax assets are maintained and managed on a
consolidated basis and generally do not pertain to any
particular segment. Inventories include primarily raw materials
and packaged finished goods, which in most circumstances are
sold through any or all of the segments. The Companys
goodwill and other intangible assets, which include its
tradenames, are used by and pertain to the activities and brands
sold across all of its segments. As no segmentation of the
Companys assets, depreciation expense (included in fixed
manufacturing costs and general and administrative expenses) or
capital expenditures is maintained by the Company, no allocation
of these amounts has been made solely for purposes of segment
disclosure requirements.
Sales to one of the Companys customers in
the retail segment were approximately 18%, 19% and 13% of retail
net sales in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
F-153
The following table presents a summary of
operations by segment for the years ended December 31,
2003, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):
The following supplemental information provides
net sales by product line across all segments (in thousands):
F-154
Note 25Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
The information in this footnote has been revised
from the information previously reported to reflect the
Companys restatement of its financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2002. The restatement does not
affect previously recorded net sales, gross profit or operating
income (loss). See Note 2 for description of the
restatement.
Unaudited quarterly financial data for the years
ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows (in
thousands, except per share data):
(a)
Basic
and diluted loss per share available to common stockholders is
computed independently for each of the periods presented and,
therefore, may not sum to the total for the year.
F-155
The following table summarizes the restated
results for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 due to the
adoption of FAS 142 (in thousands except per share amounts):
(1) The selected financial data reflects the
restated amounts recorded pursuant to the transitional adoption
provisions of FAS 142, as previously reported.
(2) The selected financial data reflects the
additional changes due to the restatement for matters relating
to the accounting for deferred taxes. See Note 2 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Significant adjustments in quarterly
periods
During the fourth quarter 2003, the Company filed
for bankruptcy and in accordance to SOP 90-7 charged the
unamortized premium and deferred financing costs to expense as
part of the reorganization items in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations. In addition, the Company
recorded the remainder of the potential excess leverage and
asset sale fees. See Note 9. In addition, the Company
recorded $6.8 million of charges related to excess and
obsolete inventory. The Company also recorded expense of
$220.5 million as goodwill impairment charges.
Several significant items impacted the quarterly
results of 2002. Results for the first quarter of 2002 include
adjustments of $20.1 million principally from changes in
estimates. These adjustments consisted primarily of net sales
adjustments of $17.7 million, principally for trade
promotion costs, along with a charge to cost of sales of
approximately $1 million for unresolved inventory disputes
and $1.1 million charged to selling, general and
administrative costs, principally associated with an
executives severance. The Company also recorded charges of
approximately $29.9 million in the second quarter of 2002
related to plant closure charges for the West Seneca facility
and charges of approximately $23.3 million in the fourth
quarter of 2002 related to plant closure charges for the West
Seneca and Yuba City facilities and impaired fixed assets, as
described in Note 14. As described in Note 7, the
Company recorded additional charges of approximately
$8.0 million in the fourth quarter for excess and obsolete
inventory
F-156
Note 26Condensed financial statements of
subsidiary
Sea Coast is the Companys only subsidiary
and is a guarantor of all of the Companys indebtedness,
except the senior unsecured promissory notes. As a result, the
condensed financial statements as of December 31, 2003 and
2002, and for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and
2001, are included below:
Sea Coast Foods, Inc.
F-157
Sea Coast Foods, Inc.
F-158
Sea Coast Foods, Inc.
Note 27Subsequent events
On January 8, 2004, the Company and CEH LLC
entered into an amendment to the Merger Agreement which, among
other things, clarified that the Sub Debt claims include accrued
interest on the Sub Debt through commencement of the
Debtors bankruptcy case.
At a hearing on January 9, 2004, the
disclosure statement relating to the reorganization of the
Company, as amended and supplemented since its original filing
on December 8, 2003, was approved by the Bankruptcy Court.
The disclosure statement includes the relevant information
necessary for all interested parties to make a decision on the
acceptability of the proposed Plan. The disclosure statement
includes information relating to the circumstances that gave
rise to the filing of the bankruptcy petition, certain risk
factors to be considered, a description of
F-159
On January 12 and 13, 2004, the Company
and its subsidiary Sea Coast, mailed to the holders of the
Companys Sub Debt a first amended joint reorganization
plan, dated January 9, 2004, in connection with the
Companys pending cases filed with the Bankruptcy Court.
On January 22, 2004, the Company announced
the integration plans for the combined operations of the Company
and Pinnacle following the Companys pending
Reorganization, which included the termination of approximately
220 employees primarily located in the Companys corporate
headquarters and the consolidation of corporate functions for
the reorganized company in New Jersey.
On February 20, 2004, the Bankruptcy Court
entered a confirmation order approving the Companys
previously announced Plan and overruled all objections to the
Plan. One of the prepetition lenders has appealed its overruled
objection, however the completion of the Restructuring has not
been stayed and the appeal will be heard by the United States
District Court for the District of Delaware at a future date to
be determined. In addition, one of the lenders commenced an
adversary proceeding relating to its objection to confirmation.
The Bankruptcy Court granted summary judgment in favor of the
Debtor in this adversary proceeding and such lender has also
appealed from that order.
The Companys engagement of J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. as financial advisor was terminated on
March 12, 2004 and its engagement of Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Corporated as financial advisor will be
terminated as of the date of closing of any specified
transaction involving J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. or any of its
affiliates, including the closing of the transactions under the
Merger Agreement.
On March 19, 2004, the Company announced
that the Plan became effective and the Company had completed its
previously announced merger with Pinnacle. The reorganized
company has been renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. In addition,
the Company terminated its registration under Section 12(g)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
F-160
Alternative cover for market making
prospectus
Subject to completion, dated
August 20, 2004
Prospectus
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
$394,000,000
Interest payable June 1 and December 1
The notes will mature on December 1, 2013.
Interest on the notes will accrue at a rate of
8 1/4% per annum from November 25, 2003 or
February 20, 2004, as applicable, or, if interest has
already been paid, from the most recent interest payment date.
We will make each interest payment to the Holders of record on
the immediately preceding May 15 and November 15.
We may redeem all or a portion of the notes prior
to December 1, 2008, at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the notes plus a make-whole
premium. On or after December 1, 2008, we may redeem some
or all of the notes at the redemption prices described on
page 144.
At any time prior to December 1, 2006, we
may redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount
of the notes with the net cash proceeds of certain equity
offerings at a redemption price equal to 108.250% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, so
long as (a) at least 65% of the original aggregate amount
of the notes remains outstanding after each such redemption and
(b) any such redemption by us is made within 90 days
of such equity offering.
If a change of control occurs, and unless we have
exercised our right to redeem all of the notes, you will have
the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of your
exchange notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the date of repurchase.
The notes are subordinated in right of payment to
all of our existing and future senior debt,
pari passu
in
right of payment with any future senior subordinated debt, and
rank senior in right of payment to any future subordinated debt.
The notes are guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by each
of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries on a
joint and several basis. If we fail to make payments on the
exchange notes, each of our subsidiaries that are guarantors
must make them instead.
We prepared this prospectus for use by
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. in connection with offers and
sales related to market making transactions in the notes.
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. may act as principal or agent
in these transactions. These sales will be made at prices
related to prevailing market prices at the time of sale. We will
not receive any of the proceeds of these sales.
See Risk factors beginning on
page 12 for a discussion of certain risks that you should
consider before making an investment decision in the
notes.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission
nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved
of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of
this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus
is ,
2004
Alternative sections for market making
prospectus.
You cannot be sure that an active trading
market will develop for the exchange notes.
Your cannot be sure that an active trading market
will develop for the notes. We do not intend to apply for a
listing of the exchange notes on a securities exchange or any
automated dealer quotation system. We have been advised by
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. that as of the date of this
prospectus J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. intends to make a
market in the exchange notes. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
is not obligated to do so, however, and any market making
activities with respect to the exchange notes may be
discontinued at any time without notice. In addition, such
market making activity will be subject to limits imposed by the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Because J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. is our affiliate, J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc. is required to deliver a current market making
prospectus and otherwise comply with the registration
requirements of the Securities Act in any secondary market sale
of the exchange notes. Accordingly, the ability of
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. to make a market in the
exchange notes may, in part, depend on our ability to maintain a
current market making prospectus.
In addition, the liquidity of the trading market
in the exchange notes, and the market price quoted for the
exchange notes, may be adversely affected by changes in the
overall market for high yield securities and by changes in our
financial performance or prospects or in the prospects for
companies in our industry generally.
Use of proceeds
This prospectus is delivered in connection with
the sale of the exchange notes by J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc. in market making transactions. We will not receive any of
the proceeds from these transactions.
Legal matters
The validity of the notes and the guarantees of
the notes have been passed upon for us by
OMelveny & Myers LLP, New York, New York.
Plan of distribution
This prospectus has been prepared for use by
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. in connection with offers and
sales of the exchange notes in market making transactions
effected from time to time. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. may
act as a principal or agent in these transactions. These sales
will be made at prevailing market prices at the time of sale. We
will not receive any of the proceeds of these sales. We have
agreed to indemnify J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act, and to contribute payments which J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. might be required to make in respect thereof.
As of July 31, 2004, J.P. Morgan
Partners, LLC, an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.,
beneficially owned approximately 24.8% of our outstanding
capital stock (on a fully diluted basis) and certain of our
directors are employed by an affiliate of J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. See Management, Security
ownership of certain beneficial owners and management,
Certain relationships and related transactions and
Description of senior credit facilities for a
summary of certain relationships between us and J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. and its affiliates.
We have been advised by J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. that, subject to applicable laws and
regulations, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. currently intends
to make a market in the exchange notes following completion of
the exchange offer. However, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. is
not obligated to do so and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. may
discontinue its market making activities at any time without
notice. In addition, such market making activity will be subject
to the limits imposed by the Securities Act and the Exchange
Act. There can be no assurance that an active trading market
will develop or be sustained. See Risk factors You
cannot be sure that an active trading market will develop for
the exchange notes.
PART II: INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE
PROSPECTUS
Item 20. Indemnification
of Directors and Officers
Registrant is a Delaware corporation.
Section 145(a) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the
DGCL) provides that a Delaware corporation may
indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to
be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, other than an action by or in the right of the
corporation, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is
or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director,
officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses
(including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts
paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the
person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the
person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the persons
conduct was unlawful.
Section 145(b) of the DGCL provides that a
Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the
fact that such person acted in any of the capacities set forth
above, against expenses (including attorneys fees)
actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection
with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the
person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in
respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person
shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless
and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court
in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon
application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in
view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly
and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the
court shall deem proper.
Further subsections of DGCL Section 145
provide that:
to the extent a present or former
director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the
merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of
Section 145 or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter
therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses,
including attorneys fees, actually and reasonably incurred
by such person in connection therewith;
the indemnification and advancement
of expenses provided for pursuant to Section 145 shall not
be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking
indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under
any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise; and
the corporation shall have the power
to purchase and maintain insurance of behalf of any person who
is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person
and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out
of such
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As used in this Item 20, the term
proceeding means any threatened, pending, or
completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether or not by or in
the right of Registrant, and whether civil, criminal,
administrative, investigative or otherwise.
Section 145 of the DGCL makes provision for
the indemnification of officers and directors in terms
sufficiently broad to indemnify officers and directors of
Registrant under certain circumstances from liabilities
(including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Act).
Registrant may, in its discretion, similarly indemnify its
employees and agents. Registrants Amended and Restated
Bylaws provide, in effect, that, to the fullest extent and under
the circumstances permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL,
Registrant will indemnify any and all of its officers,
directors, employees and agents. In addition, Registrants
Amended and Restated Certificate relieves its directors from
monetary damages to Registrant or its stockholders for breach of
such directors fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest
extent permitted by the DGCL. Under Section 102(b)(7) of
the DGCL, a corporation may relieve its directors from personal
liability to such corporation or its stockholders for monetary
damages for any breach of their fiduciary duty as directors
except (i) for a breach of the duty of loyalty,
(ii) for failure to act in good faith, (iii) for
intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law,
(iv) for willful or negligent violations of certain
provisions in the DGCL imposing certain requirements with
respect to stock repurchases, redemptions and dividends, or
(v) for any transactions from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit.
Registrant currently maintains an insurance
policy which, within the limits and subject to the terms and
conditions thereof, covers certain expenses and liabilities that
may be incurred by directors and officers in connection with
proceedings that may be brought against them as a result of an
act or omission committed or suffered while acting as a director
or officer of Registrant.
Item 21. Exhibits and
Financial Statement Schedules
The following exhibits are attached hereto:
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Item 22. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
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Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
arising under the Act may be permitted to directors, officers
and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the
registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey, on August 20, 2004.
Power of attorney
Each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints N. Michael Dion and Kevin G.
OBrien, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign
any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to
this Registration Statement, and any registration statement
relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement
and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to
be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or
substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on
the date indicated.
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II-8
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey, on August 20, 2004.
Power of attorney
Each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints N. Michael Dion and Kevin G.
OBrien, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign
any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to
this Registration Statement, and any registration statement
relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement
and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to
be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or
substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on
the date indicated.
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey, on August 20, 2004.
Power of attorney
Each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints N. Michael Dion and Kevin G.
OBrien, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign
any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to
this Registration Statement, and any registration statement
relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement
and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to
be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or
substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on
the date indicated.
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey, on August 20, 2004.
Power of attorney
Each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints N. Michael Dion and Kevin G.
OBrien, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign
any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to
this Registration Statement, and any registration statement
relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement
and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to
be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or
substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on
the date indicated.
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey, on August 20, 2004.
Power of attorney
Each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints N. Michael Dion and Kevin G.
OBrien, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign
any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to
this Registration Statement, and any registration statement
relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement
and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to
be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or
substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on
the date indicated.
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey, on August 20, 2004.
Power of attorney
Each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints N. Michael Dion and Kevin G.
OBrien, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign
any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to
this Registration Statement, and any registration statement
relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement
and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to
be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or
substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on
the date indicated.
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey, on August 20, 2004.
Power of attorney
Each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints N. Michael Dion and Kevin G.
OBrien, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign
any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to
this Registration Statement, and any registration statement
relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement
and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to
be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or
substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on
the date indicated.
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey, on August 20, 2004.
Power of attorney
Each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints N. Michael Dion and Kevin G.
OBrien, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign
any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to
this Registration Statement, and any registration statement
relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement
and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to
be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or
substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on
the date indicated.
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Cherry Hill, New
Jersey, on August 20, 2004.
Power of attorney
Each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints N. Michael Dion and Kevin G.
OBrien, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or
her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign
any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to
this Registration Statement, and any registration statement
relating to the offering covered by this Registration Statement
and filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to
be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might
or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or
substitutes may lawfully so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on
the date indicated.
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Exhibit index
Title of Each Class of
Amount to be
Proposed Maximum
Proposed Maximum
Amount of
Securities to be Registered
Registered
Offering Price Per Note
Aggregate Offering Price(1)
Registration Fee
$394,000,000
100%
$394,000,000
$49,919.80(2)
(3)
(1)
The registration fee has been calculated pursuant
to Rule 457(f)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. The proposed maximum offering price is estimated solely
for purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(2)
The second prospectus that is part of this
registration statement will only be used by J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc., which is an affiliate of Pinnacle Foods Group
Inc., in connection with offers and sales related to market
making transactions of an indeterminate amount of Pinnacle Foods
Group Inc.s 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due
2013. Pursuant to Rule 457(q) of the General Rules and
Regulations, no additional filing fee is required.
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State or Other Jurisdiction
I.R.S. Employer
Subsidiary Guarantor
of Incorporation or Organization
Identification Number
Delaware
22-3798975
Delaware
22-3800080
Connecticut
06-1621894
New Jersey
22-3805493
Delaware
22-3850671
Delaware
22-3805496
Delaware
22-3805495
Washington
91-1202782
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The information in this
prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not
complete the exchange offer and issue these securities until the
registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell
securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer is not permitted.
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The exchange offer
We are offering to exchange up to $394,000,000
aggregate principal amount of our 8 1/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2013, which have been registered under
the Securities Act, for up to $394,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of our 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due
2013, which were issued on November 25, 2003 and
February 20, 2004. Old notes may be exchanged only in
integral multiples of $1,000.
Resales
Based on an interpretation by the staff of the
SEC set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we
believe that the exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange
offer in exchange for old notes may be offered for resale,
resold and otherwise transferred by you (unless you are our
affiliate within the meaning of Rule 405 under
the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and
prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided
that you:
are acquiring the exchange notes in
the ordinary course of business; and
have not engaged in, do not intend to
engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any
person or entity, including any of our affiliates, to
participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes.
In addition, each participating broker-dealer
that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the
exchange offer in exchange for old notes that were acquired as a
result of market making or other trading activity must also
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with
any resale of the exchange notes. For more information, see
Plan of distribution.
Any holder of old notes, including any
broker-dealer, who
is our affiliate,
does not acquire the exchange notes
in the ordinary course of its business, or
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tenders in the exchange offer with
the intention to participate, or for the purpose of
participating, in a distribution of exchange notes,
cannot rely on the position of the staff of the
SEC expressed in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation, Morgan
Stanley & Co., Incorporated or similar no-action
letters and, in the absence of an exemption, must comply with
the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with the resale of the exchange
notes.
Expiration date; Withdrawal of
tenders
The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time,
on ,
2004, or such later date and time to which we extend it. We do
not currently intend to extend the expiration date. A tender of
old notes pursuant to the exchange offer may be withdrawn at any
time prior to the expiration date. Any old notes not accepted
for exchange for any reason will be returned without expense to
the tendering holder promptly after the expiration or
termination of the exchange offer.
Conditions to the exchange offer
The exchange offer is subject to customary
conditions, some of which we may waive. For more information,
see The exchange offerCertain conditions to the
exchange offer.
Procedures for tendering
old notes
If you wish to accept the exchange offer, you
must complete, sign and date the accompanying letter of
transmittal, or a copy of the letter of transmittal, according
to the instructions contained in this prospectus and the letter
of transmittal. You must also mail or otherwise deliver the
letter of transmittal, or the copy, together with the old notes
and any other required documents, to the exchange agent at the
address set forth on the cover of the letter of transmittal. If
you hold old notes through The Depository Trust Company, or the
DTC, and wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must
comply with the Automated Tender Offer Program procedures of
DTC, by which you will agree to be bound by the letter of
transmittal.
By signing or agreeing to be bound by the letter
of transmittal, you will represent to us that, among other
things:
any exchange notes that you receive
will be acquired in the ordinary course of your business;
you have no arrangement or
understanding with any person or entity, including any of our
affiliates, to participate in the distribution of the exchange
notes;
if you are a broker-dealer that will
receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for old
notes that were acquired as a result of market making
activities, that you will deliver a prospectus, as required by
law, in connection with any resale of the exchange
notes; and
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you are not our affiliate
as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, or, if you
are an affiliate, you will comply with any applicable
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act.
Guaranteed delivery procedures
If you wish to tender your old notes and your old
notes are not immediately available or you cannot deliver your
old notes, the letter of transmittal or any other documents
required by the letter of transmittal or comply with the
applicable procedures under DTCs Automated Tender Offer
Program prior to the expiration date, you must tender your old
notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth
in this prospectus under The exchange
offerGuaranteed delivery procedures.
Effect on holders of old notes
As a result of the making of, and upon acceptance
for exchange of all validly tendered old notes pursuant to the
terms of, the exchange offer, we will have fulfilled a covenant
contained in the exchange and registration rights agreements
and, accordingly, we will not be obligated to pay additional
interest as described in the exchange and registration rights
agreements. If you are a holder of old notes and do not tender
your old notes in the exchange offer, you will continue to hold
such old notes and you will be entitled to all the rights and
limitations applicable to the old notes in the indenture, except
for any rights under the exchange and registration rights
agreements that by their terms terminate upon the consummation
of the exchange offer.
Consequences of failure to exchange
All untendered old notes will continue to be
subject to the restrictions on transfer provided for in the old
notes and in the indenture. In general, the old notes may not be
offered or sold unless registered under the Securities Act,
except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not
subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities
laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offer, we do
not currently anticipate that we will register the old notes
under the Securities Act.
Material U.S. federal income tax
consequences
The exchange of old notes for exchange notes in
the exchange offer should not be a taxable event for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. For more information, see
Material U.S. federal income tax consequences.
Use of proceeds
We will not receive any cash proceeds from the
issuance of the exchange notes in the exchange offer.
Exchange agent
Wilmington Trust Company is the exchange agent
for the exchange offer. The address and telephone number of the
exchange agent are set forth in the section captioned The
exchange offerExchange agent.
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Issuer
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
Exchange notes offered
$394,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013.
Maturity
December 1, 2013.
Interest payment dates
June 1 and December 1 of each year.
Guarantees
The exchange notes, like the old notes, will be
fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior subordinated
basis, by each of our existing and future domestic restricted
subsidiaries on a joint and several basis. If we fail to make
payments on the exchange notes, each of our subsidiaries that
are guarantors must make them instead.
Ranking
The exchange notes, like the old notes, will be
our unsecured senior subordinated obligations and will:
rank junior to all of our existing
and future senior debt, which will include indebtedness under
our senior secured credit facilities;
rank equally with all of our existing
and future senior subordinated debt; and
rank senior to all of our future
subordinated debt.
Similarly, the guarantees of the exchange notes
by our subsidiaries will each be unsecured and:
rank junior to all of the existing
and future senior debt of such guarantor, which will include the
guarantees under our senior secured credit facilities;
rank equally with all of the existing
and future senior subordinated debt of such guarantors; and
rank senior to all of the future
subordinated debt of such guarantors.
As of April 30, 2004, we had:
$545.0 million of senior debt,
all of which is secured debt, which amount does not include
$118.5 million (after giving effect to outstanding letters
of credit of $11.5 million) of additional borrowing
capacity available under our revolving credit facility;
no senior subordinated indebtedness
other than the old notes.
Optional redemption
We may redeem all or a portion of the notes prior
to December 1, 2008, at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of the notes
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plus a make-whole premium. On or
after December 1, 2008, we may redeem some or all of the
notes at the redemption prices listed in the section entitled
Description of notesOptional redemption.
At any time prior to December 1, 2006, we
may redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount
of the notes with the net cash proceeds of certain equity
offerings at a redemption price equal to 108.250% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, so
long as (a) at least 65% of the original aggregate amount
of the notes remains outstanding after each such redemption and
(b) any such redemption by us is made within 90 days
of such equity offering.
Change of control
If a change of control occurs, and unless we have
exercised our right to redeem all of the notes as described in
Optional redemption above, you will have the
right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of your
exchange notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the date of repurchase. See Description of
notesRepurchase at the option of holdersChange of
control and Risk factors.
Certain covenants
The indenture governing the exchange notes, like
the old notes, contains covenants that limit our ability and the
ability of certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things:
borrow money;
make distributions or redeem equity
interests;
make investments;
sell assets;
guarantee other debt;
enter into agreements that restrict
dividends from subsidiaries;
sell capital stock of subsidiaries;
incur liens;
merge or consolidate; and
enter into transactions with
affiliates.
These covenants are subject to a number of
important exceptions and qualifications. For more details, see
Description of notesCertain covenants.
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setting forth the name and address of
the holder, the registered number(s) of such old notes and the
principal amount of old notes tendered;
stating that the tender is being made
thereby; and
guaranteeing that, within
three (3) New York Stock Exchange trading days after
the expiration date, the letter of transmittal or facsimile
thereof together with the old notes or a book-entry
confirmation, and any other documents required by the letter of
transmittal will be deposited by the eligible institution with
the exchange agent; and
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For Delivery by Hand, Overnight Delivery,
Registered or Certified Mail:
Wilmington Trust Company
1100 North Market Street
Rodney Square North
Wilmington, Delaware 19890
Attention: Mary St. Amand
By Facsimile Transmission
(for eligible institutions only):
(302) 636-4145
Attention: Mary St. Amand
To Confirm by Telephone or
for Information Call:
(302) 636-6436
Attention: Mary St. Amand
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Historical
(In thousands)
PFGI
Aurora
Adjustments
Pro forma total
$
574,482
$
740,631
$
4,266
(10)
$
1,319,379
447,527
463,617
2,062
(1)(2)
983,689
(6,311
)
(3)
76,794
(9)
57,915
56,374
(9)
115,984
1,695
(9)
32,878
34,070
(9)
64,489
(1,075
)
(3)
(1,461
)
(5)
77
(1)
3,040
3,537
(9)
6,577
98,614
(98,614
)
(9)
16,639
(16,639
)
(9)
55,522
(55,522
)
(9)
8,042
108,122
(5,951
)
(4)(6)
108,518
(1,695
)
(9)
549,402
742,514
(12,659
)
1,279,257
25,080
(1,883
)
16,925
40,122
11,592
91,230
(60,181
)
(7)
59,921
17,280
(9)
8,492
(8,492
)
(9)
(2,480
)
2,480
(9)
4,633
(4,633
)
(9)
6,635
(6,635
)
(9)
476
476
13,964
(110,393
)
77,106
(19,323
)
5,516
16,014
10,631
(8)
32,161
$
8,448
$
(126,407
)
$
66,475
$
(51,484
)
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(1) Represents the elimination of the
amortization of the net postretirement benefit unrecognized
actuarial gains as a result of purchase accounting applied in
the Pinnacle Transaction.
(2) As part of the purchase-price allocation
in the Pinnacle Transaction, inventories were stepped up to fair
value by $26,303, none of which remained in finished product
inventories as of April 30, 2004. As part of the purchase
price allocation in the Aurora Transaction, inventories were
stepped up to fair value by $13,185. All inventories will be
sold within one year. Therefore, no adjustment has been made in
this pro forma consolidated statement of operations.
(3) The application of purchase accounting
in the Aurora Transaction reduced recorded amounts of
Auroras property, plant and equipment by approximately
$16.7 million and, thereby, resulted in a decrease in pro
forma depreciation expense.
(4) As part of the purchase price allocation
in Aurora Transaction, intangible assets of Aurora will be
adjusted to fair value. The net adjustment results in a decrease
in pro forma amortization of intangible assets.
(5) The Aurora Transaction will result in a
reduction in rent expense, due to closure of an office as a
result of a lease being rejected as part of Auroras
bankruptcy confirmation plan.
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(6) Pro forma other expense (income)
consists of:
(7) Interest expense is based upon the
following pro forma amounts of debt giving effect to the
financing of the Pinnacle and Aurora Transactions:
The assumed interest rates for the term loans and
the revolving credit facility reflect the Eurodollar rate of
1.30%, the approximate average of the Eurodollar rate during all
relevant periods.
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Year ended
Nine months ended
(In thousands)
July 31, 2003
April 30, 2004
$
681
$
511
81
60
$
762
$
571
(8) Represents the income tax effect of the
pro forma adjustments recorded and the application of FASB 109
(Accounting for Income Taxes) as it applies to business
combinations. The tax position of the Company has been
determined as if the Aurora Transaction occurred as of
August 1, 2002. The provision for income taxes is a
deferred charge of $32,161 for the year ended July 31, 2003
and $12,999 for the nine months ended April 30, 2004. The
deferred income tax charges are related to the Companys
long-lived intangible assets that generate deferred tax
liabilities, and the establishment of a full valuation allowance
which has been recorded against the Companys deferred tax
assets. Under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, Aurora is
a loss corporation. Section 382 of the Code places
limitations on the ability of the Company to use Auroras
net operating loss carryforward to offset the income of the
Company. The annual net operating loss limitation is
approximately $12-15 million subject to other rules and
restrictions.
(9) To conform account classifications with
those of PFHC because Aurora did not categorize its costs and
expenses using the same line items as did PFHC. Also, this
adjustment combines all Aurora interest and financing expense
accounts into one line item.
(10) To conform the accounting practice of
Auroras slotting fees with that of PFHC, recognizing such
expenses when incurred.
(11) Included in Auroras
reorganization items are unamortized premium and financing costs
on its debt compromised pursuant to the bankruptcy proceedings.
This pro forma adjustment removes such expense.
(12) Pro forma depreciation and amortization
expense for PFGI was $43,802 and $30,257 for the year ended
July 31, 2003 and nine months ended April 30, 2004,
respectively.
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(13) Included in the pro forma results of
operations are the following material nonrecurring charges or
(credits):
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Frozen foods:
Shipments in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 were
$399.9 million, an increase of $56.0 million, or
16.3%; $53.4 million of the increase was related to the
Aurora Transaction. The balance of the change was driven by a
$17.5 million increase in our foodservice sales, partially
offset by an $8.8 million decrease in our Swanson product
line
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and a $6.1 million decrease in Kings
Hawaiian sales. Aggregate trade and consumer coupon redemption
expenses increased $16.4 million; $18.1 million of the
increase was related to the Aurora Transaction. As a result,
frozen foods net sales increased $39.4 million, or 14.8%,
of which $35.3 million was related to the Aurora
Transaction and net sales of the existing Swanson and
Kings Hawaiian businesses increased $4.2 million, or
1.6%, in the first nine months of fiscal 2004.
Dry foods:
Shipments
in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 were
$246.7 million, an increase of $51.1 million, or
26.1%; $45.6 million of the increase was related to the
Aurora Transaction. The balance of the increase was due to
increased case volume of 4.2% in our Vlasic product line.
Aggregate trade and consumer coupon redemption expenses
increased $18.8 million, of which $16.3 million was
related to the Aurora Transaction. As a result, dry foods net
sales increased $32.3 million, or 20.9%, of which
$29.3 million was related to the Aurora Transaction and net
sales of the existing Vlasic and Open Pit businesses increased
$3.0 million, or 1.9%, for the first nine months of fiscal
2004.
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Frozen foods:
Frozen
foods EBIT decreased by $11.8 million in the first nine
months of fiscal 2004; $5.7 million of the decline was
related to the Aurora Transaction, including additional costs of
products sold of $4.5 million related to post-acquisition
sales of inventories written up to fair value at the date of the
Aurora Transaction. The first nine months of fiscal 2004
includes additional costs of products sold of $3.9 million
related to post-merger sales of inventories written up to fair
value at the date of the Pinnacle Merger. In addition, in the
nine months of fiscal 2004, a non-cash impairment loss of
$1.3 million related to the Kings Hawaiian intangible
assets was recorded in the 16 weeks ended November 24,
2003. An additional restructuring and impairment charge of
$10.0 million was recorded for the announced closure of our
Omaha frozen food facility. Frozen foods EBIT increased
$7.4 million due to lower manufacturing costs and
$7.1 million due to lower slotting expense. Partially
offsetting these improvements was $4.6 million of increased
trade marketing expense, and $1.3 million of increased
advertising expense.
Dry foods:
Dry EBIT
decreased $31.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal
2004; $4.1 million of the decline was related to the Aurora
Transaction, including additional cost of products sold of
$6.8 million related to post-acquisition sales of
inventories written up fair value at the date of the Aurora
Transaction. The first nine months of fiscal 2004 also includes
additional cost of products sold of $22.4 million related
to post-Merger sales of
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inventories written up to fair value at the date
of the Pinnacle Merger. Dry foods EBIT also decreased
$3.9 million due to increased advertising expense,
$1.6 million due to increased slotting expense, and
$1.4 million due to increased trade expense. Partially
offsetting theses declines were margin improvement on a 2.8%
increase in dry foods sales volume.
Frozen foods.
Shipments increased $23.5 million in fiscal 2003, driven
primarily by a $20.7 million increase in our Swanson
product line, a $8.5 million increase in our foodservice
sales and a $4.2 million increase related to the full-year
effect of our acquisition of Kings Hawaiian in the second
quarter of 2002, partially offset by $9.9 million of lower
Campbell Soup Company co-pack sales as a result of the
termination of our contract with Campbell Soup Company in the
first quarter of fiscal 2002. This shipment increase of
$23.5 million was offset by a $10.6 million increase
in slotting expense (principally resulting from the accelerated
slotting discussed above) and a $10.4 million increase in
trade marketing expense resulting primarily from the support of
new products. As a result, frozen foods net sales increased
$2.5 million, or 0.7%, to $342.1 million in fiscal
2003.
Dry foods.
Shipments
of dry foods decreased $0.2 million in fiscal 2003 as
increases due to product mix changes to higher priced products
were offset by a decrease in case volume of 3.2%. Aggregate
trade and consumer marketing expenses increased
$2.3 million driven by increased coupon redemption. As a
result, dry foods net sales decreased $2.5 million, or
1.1%, to $232.4 million in fiscal 2003.
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Frozen foods.
Frozen
foods EBIT declined by $15.7 million in fiscal 2003
principally as a result of significant long-term investments we
made in our Swanson brand, including $8.6 million of
accelerated slotting for new products, $9.3 million of
increased advertising and $10.4 million of increased trade
marketing. Frozen foods EBIT was also adversely affected by the
$4.9 million non-cash goodwill and intangibles impairment
charge discussed above. These incremental expenses were
partially offset by higher shipments of Swanson products,
primarily Hungry-Man shipments and favorable manufacturing
costs, both in terms of purchase prices and manufacturing
efficiencies.
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Dry foods.
Dry foods
EBIT increased $11.6 million to $48.1 million in
fiscal 2003, compared to $36.5 million in fiscal 2002. The
increase in EBIT is primarily a result of reduced cost of
products sold, about half of which was related to improved
product mix and the balance of which was the result of improved
produce sourcing, purchasing savings and manufacturing plant
efficiencies. These improvements were partially offset by
increased consumer coupon redemptions in both Vlasic and Open
Pit where we increased our emphasis on consumer-focused
marketing efforts and reduced trade marketing expenses.
Frozen foods.
Shipments decreased $53.2 million in fiscal 2002, driven
primarily by a $51.5 million decrease in frozen foodservice
co-packing sales to Campbell Soup Company as a result of the
Campbell Soup Company contract termination and a
$16.0 million decrease in our Swanson product line. The
decrease in Swanson shipments was principally due to reduced
consumer demand, particularly in the first six months of the
fiscal year because we delayed our marketing initiatives until
we completed our product improvements. After introducing product
improvements and starting the related marketing initiatives, our
businesses improved significantly in the second half of fiscal
2002, with total volume up 7.2%. In particular, Swanson
Hungry-Man shipments increased 33.6% in the second half of
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fiscal 2002 compared with the same period in the
prior year. The overall decrease in frozen foods shipments was
partially offset by a $14.3 million increase related to our
acquisition of Kings Hawaiian in the second quarter of
2002. Aggregate trade and consumer marketing expenses increased
$2.6 million in fiscal 2002, principally driven by
increased slotting. As a result, frozen foods net sales
decreased $55.7 million, or 14.1%, to $339.6 million
in fiscal 2002.
Dry foods.
Shipments
increased $13.0 million in fiscal 2002, driven primarily by
an increase in shipments of Vlasic products of
$12.6 million. Trade marketing expenses declined
$13.7 million across all brands, especially in Vlasic
pickles. Slotting also declined $1.7 million. These trade
reductions were partially offset by an increase in redemption of
consumer coupons of $2.3 million. As a result, condiment
net sales increased $26.1 million, or 12.5%, to
$234.9 million in fiscal 2002.
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Frozen foods.
Frozen
foods EBIT increased $8.6 million in fiscal 2002. Fiscal
2001 included an impairment charge of $21.0 million and
idle asset write-offs of $3.0 million recorded by the
predecessor. Fiscal 2001 also included a charge of
$3.5 million related to the excess of fair value over
manufactured cost of inventories at the time we acquired the
business from the predecessor. Fiscal 2002 earnings were reduced
by the margin on the decreased shipments, the $6.7 million
lower overhead absorption as the result of the Campbell Soup
Company contract termination, and the costs and expenses of our
product improvement and marketing initiatives, such as higher
manufacturing costs related to product quality improvements and
increased slotting and advertising expenses. These were
partially offset by reduced trade and consumer marketing
spending, plant cost savings, improvements in shipping mix and
lower general and administrative overhead.
Dry foods.
Dry foods
EBIT was $36.5 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of
$41.4 million from the loss before interest and taxes of
$4.9 million in 2001. This increase in EBIT was principally
a result of a reduction of $13.7 million in trade spending,
the margin on increased shipments and improvements in
procurement costs and manufacturing plant efficiencies, as well
as reduced charges for obsolescence write-offs. Fiscal 2001
included a charge of $9.0 million related to the excess of
fair value over manufactured cost of inventories at the time we
acquired the business from the predecessor. Additionally, there
was $1.6 million in LIFO expense and $1.5 million in
amortization recorded by the predecessor, which were not
applicable after we acquired the business.
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Year
Percentage
104.125%
102.750%
101.375%
100.000%
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As of July 31, 2003
(In millions)
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Thereafter
$
1.4
$
5.5
$
5.5
$
5.5
$
5.5
$
915.6
$
2.5
$
2.1
$
1.6
$
1.1
$
0.9
$
2.6
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three were nominated by the members
affiliated with JPMP (the JPMP Directors), with one
of such JPMP Director being a person identified and approved by
the Bondholders Trust,
three were nominated by the members
affiliated with JWC (the JWC Directors), with one of
such JWC Director being a person identified and approved by the
Bondholders Trust,
one is C. Dean Metropoulos so long as
he is our Chief Executive Officer and
two were nominated by the Bondholders
Trust;
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one member of such committee will be
a JPMP Director for so long as the members affiliated with JPMP
hold 25% or more of the Class A Units owned by them at the
consummation of the Aurora Transaction,
one member of such committee will be
a JWC Director for so long as the members affiliated with JWC
hold 25% or more of the Class A Units owned by them at the
consummation of the Aurora Transaction and
C. Dean Metropoulos will have a seat
on the compensation committee for so long as he is a member of
Crunch Equity Holding, LLCs board of managers;
decisions in respect of compensation
of members of senior management, including terminating or
amending the employment agreements, issuance of options and
granting of bonuses,
approval or amendment of the
operating budget,
incurring indebtedness outside the
ordinary course of business that is not contemplated by the
operating budget,
acquiring or disposing of assets or
stock of another company in excess of $5 million that is
not contemplated by the operating budget,
making investments or capital
expenditures, in each case in excess of $3 million in any
one fiscal year not included in the operating budget,
entering into affiliate transactions,
changing the strategic direction of
lines of businesses not specified in the annual strategic plan,
authorizing, issuing or selling
membership interests or capital stock,
making distributions, paying
dividends or redeeming or repurchasing membership interests or
capital stock, subject to customary carve-outs and except as
otherwise provided in the members agreement,
amending the terms of the governance
documents,
reorganizations, share exchanges,
dissolutions, liquidations or similar organic transactions,
any change in the accounting year,
taxable year, accountants or accounting practices and
establishment of committees of the
board of managers or board of directors, as the case may be;
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(1) immediately after giving effect to that
transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and
(2) either:
(a) the Person acquiring the property in any
such sale or disposition or the Person formed by or surviving
any such consolidation or merger, if other than such Guarantor,
assumes all the obligations of that Guarantor under the
indenture, its guarantee and the Exchange and Registration
Rights Agreements pursuant to a supplemental indenture
satisfactory to the trustee and completes all other required
documentation; or
(b) in the case of a sale or disposition
constituting an Asset Sale, the Net Proceeds of such sale or
other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the indenture.
(1) in connection with any sale or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that
Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation or
otherwise) to a Person that is not (either before or after
giving effect to such transaction) a Subsidiary of the Company,
if the sale or other disposition complies with the Asset
Sale provisions of the indenture;
(2) in connection with any sale of all of
the Capital Stock of a Guarantor to a Person that is not (either
before or after giving effect to such transaction) a Subsidiary
of the Company, if the sale complies with the Asset
Sale provisions of the indenture;
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(3) if the Company designates any Restricted
Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the indenture;
(4) upon any legal defeasance in accordance
with the terms of the indenture;
(5) if such Guarantor is or becomes a
Receivables Subsidiary; or
(6) in the case of a Foreign Subsidiary that
is a subsidiary Guarantor, the obligation in respect of which
such guarantee arose is released.
(1) in a liquidation or dissolution of the
Company;
(2) in a bankruptcy, reorganization,
insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to the
Company or its property;
(3) in an assignment for the benefit of
creditors; or
(4) in any marshaling of the Companys
assets and liabilities.
(1) a payment default on Designated Senior
Debt occurs and is continuing; or
(2) any other default occurs and is
continuing on any series of Designated Senior Debt that permits
holders of that series of Designated Senior Debt to accelerate
its maturity, and the trustee receives a notice of such default
(a Payment Blockage Notice) from the Company or the
Representative of any Designated Senior Debt.
(1) in the case of a payment default on
Designated Senior Debt, upon the date on which such default is
cured or waived; and
(2) in the case of a nonpayment default on
Designated Senior Debt, upon the earlier of the date on which
such nonpayment default is cured or waived and 179 days
after the date
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on which the applicable Payment Blockage Notice
is received, unless the maturity of any Designated Senior Debt
has been accelerated.
(1) 365 days have elapsed since the
delivery of the immediately prior Payment Blockage
Notice; and
(2) all scheduled payments of principal,
interest and premium and additional interest, if any, on the
notes that have come due have been paid in full in cash.
(1) the payment is prohibited by these
subordination provisions; and
(2) the trustee or the Holder has received
written notice at least two Business Days prior to the relevant
payment date that the payment is prohibited;
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(1) at least 65% of the aggregate principal
amount of notes issued under the indenture (calculated after
giving effect to the issuance of additional notes) remains
outstanding immediately after the redemption (excluding any
notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries); and
(2) the redemption occurs within
90 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering.
Year
Percentage
104.125%
102.750%
101.375%
100.000%
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(1) accept for payment all notes or portions
of notes 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 properly tendered; and
(3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the
trustee the notes properly accepted together with an
Officers Certificate stating the aggregate principal
amount of notes or portions of notes being purchased by the
Company.
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(1) the Company (or the Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration
(including by way of relief from, or by any other person
assuming sole responsibility for, any liabilities, contingent or
otherwise) at the time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the
fair market value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or
sold or otherwise disposed of; and
(2) at least 75% of the consideration
received in the Asset Sale by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary is in the form of (A) cash or Cash Equivalents,
(B) all or substantially all of the assets of one or more
Permitted Business Units, (C) Capital Stock in one or more
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Persons engaged in a Permitted Business that are
or thereby become Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company or
(D) any combination of the items referred to in
clauses (A) through (C) above. For purposes of
this provision, each of the following will be deemed to be cash:
(a) any liabilities, as shown on the
Companys or such Restricted Subsidiarys most recent
balance sheet, of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
(other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to
the notes or any guarantee) that are assumed by the transferee
of any such assets;
(b) any securities, notes or other
obligations received by the Company or any such Restricted
Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash within
90 days after such Asset Sale, to the extent of the cash
received in that conversion; and
(c) any Designated Non-cash Consideration
received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in
the Asset Sale having an aggregate fair market value, taken
together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration
received pursuant to this clause (c) that is at the time
outstanding, not to exceed $5.0 million (with the fair
market value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration
being measured at the time received and without giving effect to
subsequent changes in value).
(1) to repay Senior Debt and, if the Senior
Debt repaid is revolving credit Indebtedness, to correspondingly
reduce commitments with respect thereto;
(2) to repay Indebtedness of a Restricted
Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor (other than Indebtedness owed
to the Company or an Affiliate of the Company or pari passu
Indebtedness);
(3) to acquire all or substantially all of
the assets of, or a majority of the Voting Stock of, another
Permitted Business;
(4) to acquire all or substantially all of
the assets of one or more Permitted Business Units; or
(5) to acquire other long-term assets that
are used or useful in a Permitted Business;
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(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
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(2) if the notes are not listed on any
national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by
such method as the trustee deems fair and appropriate.
(1) declare or pay any dividend on, or make
any other payment or distribution on account of, the
Companys or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any payment in
connection with any merger or consolidation involving the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) to the direct or
indirect holders of the Companys or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries Equity Interests in their capacity as such
(in each case, other than dividends or distributions payable
(a) in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of
the Company or (b) to the Company or another Restricted
Subsidiary (and, if such Restricted Subsidiary has shareholders
other than the Company or other Restricted Subsidiaries, to its
other shareholders on a pro rata basis);
(2) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or
retire for value (including, without limitation, in connection
with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) any
Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent
of the Company held by Persons other than the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(3) make any payment on or with respect to,
or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for
value any Indebtedness that is subordinated to the notes or the
guarantees, except a payment of interest or principal at the
Stated Maturity thereof (other than:
(A) the purchase, repurchase or other
acquisition of any such subordinated Indebtedness 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 acquisition, and
(B) intercompany Indebtedness described in
clause (6) of the second paragraph of the covenant
described under Incurrence of indebtedness and
issuance of preferred stock); or
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(4) make any Restricted Investment (all such
payments and other actions set forth in these clauses (1)
through (4) being collectively referred to as
Restricted Payments),
(1) no Default or Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing or would occur as a consequence of
such Restricted Payment;
(2) the Company would, at the time of such
Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto as
if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the
applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to incur at
least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of
the covenant described below under the caption
Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred
stock; and
(3) such Restricted Payment, together with
the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the date of
the indenture (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by
clauses (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (9), (10) and
(11) of the next succeeding paragraph), is less than the
sum, without duplication, of:
(a) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of
the Company for the period (taken as one accounting period) from
November 1, 2003 to the end of the Companys most
recently ended fiscal quarter for which consolidated financial
statements of the Company are available at the time of such
Restricted Payment (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such
period is a deficit, less 100% of such deficit),
plus
(b) 100% of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds
and the fair market value of any property (other than cash) used
or useful in a Permitted Business, in each case received by the
Company subsequent to the date of the indenture (i) as a
contribution to its common equity capital or (ii) from the
issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock) or (iii) as a result of the issue or
sale after the date of the indenture of convertible or
exchangeable Disqualified Stock or convertible or exchangeable
debt securities of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company that have been converted into or exchanged for such
Equity Interests (other than Equity Interests (or Disqualified
Stock or debt securities) sold to a Subsidiary of the Company),
except any Net Cash Proceeds that have been utilized for any
other purpose under this covenant (other than pursuant to
clause (12) below),
plus
(c) 100% of the fair market value of any
Permitted Business (including Capital Stock of a Permitted
Business that is or becomes a Restricted Subsidiary) received by
the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as
consideration for the issuance by the Company subsequent to the
date of the indenture of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified
Stock) of the Company or as a contribution to the common equity
capital of the Company,
plus
(d) to the extent that the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company receives cash in respect of
any Restricted Investment that was made subsequent to the date
of the indenture, the lesser of (i) the amount of cash
received with respect to such Restricted Investment (less the
cost of disposition, if any) and (ii) the initial amount of
such Restricted Investment,
plus
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(e) to the extent that, after the date of
the indenture, any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company is
redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary or has been merged,
consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or
conveys its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary, the lesser of (i) the fair market
value of the Companys Investment in such Subsidiary as of
the date of such redesignation and (ii) such fair market
value as of the date on which such Subsidiary was originally
designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary,
plus
(f) 100% of any dividends, interest on
Indebtedness, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers
of assets received by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries after the date of the indenture from an
Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company, the Investment in which
Unrestricted Subsidiary was made solely based on
clause (15) of the definition of Permitted
Investments, to the extent that such dividends, payments,
repayments or transfers were not otherwise included in the
Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such period.
(1) the payment of any dividend or other
distribution within 60 days after the date of declaration
thereof, if at the date of declaration the dividend payment or
other distribution would have complied with the provisions of
the indenture;
(2) the making of any Restricted Payment
with the Net Cash Proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale
(other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of Equity
Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or
contribution to the common equity capital of the Company to the
extent not previously utilized for any other purpose under this
covenant;
provided, however,
that the Net Cash Proceeds
from such sale or capital contribution applied in the manner set
forth in this clause (2) will be excluded from the
calculation of amounts under clause 3(b) of the paragraph above;
(3) the redemption, repurchase, defeasance
or other acquisition of subordinated Indebtedness of the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, in exchange for, or
with the net cash proceeds from a substantially concurrent
issuance or sale of, Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;
(4) the payment of any dividend by a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the holders of its
Equity Interests on a pro rata basis;
(5) the payment of dividends, other
distributions or amounts to Holdings in amounts equal to the
amounts expended by Holdings or CEH to purchase, repurchase,
retire or otherwise acquire for value Equity Interests of
Holdings owned by employees, former employees, directors, former
directors, consultants or former consultants of Holdings, the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or permitted transferees,
assigns, estates or heirs of such employees, former employees,
directors, former directors, consultants or former consultants);
provided, however,
that the aggregate amount paid, loaned
or advanced to Holdings pursuant to this clause (5) will
not, in the aggregate, exceed $5.0 million per fiscal year
of the Company (with amounts not used in any fiscal year carried
forward to the next two fiscal years and no further), plus the
net proceeds of any key-person life insurance received by the
Company after the date of the indenture, plus amounts
contributed by Holdings to the common equity capital of the
Company after the closing date as a result of the sale of
Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) to employees,
officers, directors and consultants to the extent not previously
utilized for any other purpose under this covenant;
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(6) the payment of any dividends,
distributions or other advances by the Company to Holdings to
permit Holdings and CEH to pay franchise taxes and other fees
and expenses required to maintain its existence and to provide
for all other actual operating costs of Holdings and CEH,
including, without limitation, in respect of director fees and
expenses, administrative, legal and accounting services, of up
to $1.5 million per fiscal year;
(7) the repurchase of Capital Stock deemed
to occur upon exercise of stock options, warrants or other
convertible securities to the extent the shares of such Capital
Stock represent a portion of the exercise price of such options,
warrants or convertible securities;
(8) the declaration and payment of dividends
or distributions to holders of any class or series of
Disqualified Stock of the Company or preferred stock of its
Restricted Subsidiaries issued after the date of the indenture
pursuant to the covenant described below under the caption
Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred
stock;
(9) any payments made, or the performance of
any of the transactions contemplated, in connection with the
Merger and the financing thereof and described in this
prospectus under the headings Management and
Certain relationships and related transactions;
(10) so long as no Default has occurred and
is continuing or would be caused thereby, any redemption,
repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition for
value of Disqualified Stock of the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary made by exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds
of the substantially concurrent sale of, Disqualified Stock of
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be;
provided that such new Disqualified Stock is issued pursuant to
the covenant described below under the caption
Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred
stock;
(11) payments, whether in the form of cash
dividends or other distributions on the Companys Capital
Stock or otherwise, used to fund the payment of fees and
expenses owed by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries to
Affiliates to the extent (a) permitted by the covenant
described under Transactions with affiliates
and (b) not covered in the last paragraph of this covenant;
(12) any purchase, redemption, defeasance or
other acquisition or retirement for value of subordinated
Indebtedness upon a Change of Control or an Asset Sale to the
extent required by the indentures or other agreements pursuant
to which such subordinated Indebtedness was issued, but only if
the Company (i) in the case of a Change of Control, has
made an offer to repurchase the notes as described under
Repurchase at the option of holders Change of
control or (ii) in the case of an Asset Sale, has
applied the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale in accordance with
the provisions described under Repurchase at the
option of holders Asset sales;
(13) payments pursuant to any tax allocation
agreement contemplated by clause (6) below under the
caption Transactions with affiliates;
(14) so long as no Default has occurred and
is continuing or would be caused thereby, the payment of
dividends on the Companys common stock (or dividends,
distributions or advances to Holdings or any other direct or
indirect parent of the Company to allow Holdings or such other
direct or indirect parent to pay dividends on its common stock),
following the first public offering of the Companys common
stock (or of Holdings or such other direct or indirect
parents common stock, as the case may be) after the date
of the indenture, of, whichever is earlier, (i) in the case
of the first public offering of the Companys common stock,
up to 6% per annum of the Net Cash Proceeds received by the
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Company in such public offering or (ii) in
the case of the first public offering of Holdings or such
other direct or indirect parents common stock, up to
6% per annum of the amount contributed by Holdings (or
contributed directly or indirectly by such other direct or
indirect parent, as the case may be) to the Company from the Net
Cash Proceeds received by Holdings or such other direct or
indirect parent in such public offering; or
(15) so long as no Default has occurred and
is continuing or would be caused thereby, other Restricted
Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $12.0 million
or, if the Aurora Acquisition has been consummated,
$25.0 million, in each case since the date of the indenture.
(1) the incurrence by the Company or any
Guarantor of Indebtedness and letters of credit under Credit
Facilities, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time
outstanding under this clause (1) (with letters of credit
being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount
thereof) not to exceed (a) $185.0 million or (b) if
the Aurora Acquisition has been consummated, $700.0 million
less,
in the case of clauses (a) and (b) above,
(a) the aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds
of Asset Sales applied by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries since the date of the indenture to repay term
Indebtedness under a Credit Facility or to repay revolving
credit Indebtedness and
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effect a corresponding commitment reduction
thereunder, in each case, pursuant to the covenant described
above under the caption Repurchase at the option of
holders Asset sales and
less
(b) the amount of Indebtedness incurred and
outstanding in connection with a Qualified Receivables
Transaction pursuant to clause (13) of this paragraph;
(2) the incurrence by the Company of
Existing Indebtedness;
(3) the incurrence by the Company of
Indebtedness represented by the notes to be issued on the date
of the indenture and the Exchange Notes to be issued pursuant to
the indenture and the registration rights agreements and the
incurrence by any Guarantor of Indebtedness represented by any
guarantee related to the notes or the Exchange Notes;
(4) the incurrence by the Company or any
Guarantor of Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease
Obligations, mortgage financings or purchase money obligations
(including borrowings under a Credit Facility) or Acquired Debt,
in each case, incurred for the purpose of financing all or any
part of the purchase price or cost of construction, development,
maintenance, upgrade or improvement of property, plant,
equipment or assets (in each case whether through the direct
purchase of assets or through the purchase of Capital Stock of
the Person owning such assets) used in the business of the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, in an aggregate principal
amount, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness
incurred to refund, refinance or replace any Indebtedness
incurred pursuant to this clause (4), not to exceed, at any
time outstanding, the greater of (a) $15.0 million and
(b) 2.0% of Total Assets;
(5) the incurrence by the Company or any
Guarantor of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for,
or the net proceeds of which are used to refund, refinance or
replace Indebtedness (other than intercompany Indebtedness) that
was permitted by the indenture to be incurred under the first
paragraph of this covenant or clause (2), (3), (4),
(5) or (15) of this paragraph;
(6) the incurrence by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries of intercompany Indebtedness between
or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
(other than a Receivables Subsidiary);
provided, however,
that:
(a) if the Company or any Guarantor is the
obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness must be
expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of
all Obligations with respect to the notes, in the case of the
Company, or the guarantee, in the case of a Guarantor; and
(b) (i) any subsequent issuance or
transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such
Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and (ii) any sale or
other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is not
either the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of
such Indebtedness by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be, that was not permitted by this
clause (6);
(7) shares of preferred stock of a
non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Company or
another Restricted Subsidiary;
provided
that any
subsequent transfer of any Equity Interests or any other event
which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a
Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any
such shares of preferred
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stock (except to the Company or any other
Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an
issuance of preferred stock;
(8) the incurrence by the Company or any
Guarantor of Hedging Obligations in the ordinary course of
business or as may be required in connection with any Senior
Debt and not for speculative purposes;
(9) the guarantee by the Company or any
Guarantor of Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor that was
permitted to be incurred by another provision of this covenant;
(10) Indebtedness of the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of workers
compensation claims, self-insurance obligations, indemnities,
performance bonds, bankers acceptances, letters of credit
and surety, appeal or similar bonds provided by the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of
business and, in any such case, any reimbursement obligations in
connection therewith;
(11) Indebtedness of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary to the extent the net proceeds thereof are
promptly deposited to defease all outstanding notes in full as
described below under the covenant Legal defeasance
and covenant defeasance;
(12) contingent liabilities arising out of
endorsements of checks and other negotiable instruments for
deposit or collection or overdraft protection in the ordinary
course of business;
(13) the incurrence by a Receivables
Subsidiary of Indebtedness in a Qualified Receivables
Transaction;
provided
that such Indebtedness is
non-recourse to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (except to the extent of customary representations,
warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into in connection
with a Qualified Receivables Transaction);
(14) obligations of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries arising from agreements of the Company
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 a Subsidiary of the Company in
accordance with the terms of the indenture, other than
Guarantees by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or
any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary of the
Company for the purpose of financing such acquisition;
provided, however,
that the maximum aggregate liability
in respect of all such obligations shall not exceed the gross
proceeds, including the fair market value as determined in good
faith by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company of
non-cash proceeds (the fair market value of such non-cash
proceeds being measured at the time it is received and without
giving effect to any subsequent changes in value), actually
received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in
connection with such disposition;
(15) the incurrence by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries of additional Indebtedness, the
issuance by the Company of Disqualified Stock or the issuance by
a Restricted Subsidiary of preferred stock in an aggregate
principal amount or liquidation preference at any time
outstanding, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness
incurred to refund, refinance or replace any Indebtedness,
Disqualified Stock or preferred stock incurred pursuant to this
clause (15), not to exceed $15.0 million or, if the
Aurora Acquisition has been consummated,
$30.0 million; and
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(16) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries
not to exceed $5.0 million or, if the Aurora Acquisition
has been consummated, $10.0 million.
(1) pay dividends or make any other
distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, or with respect to any other interest
or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or pay any
indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries;
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(2) make loans or advances to the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or
(3) transfer any of its properties or assets
to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
(1) agreements governing Existing
Indebtedness as in effect on the date of the indenture and any
amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases,
extensions, supplements, refundings, replacements or
refinancings of any of the foregoing,
provided
that the
amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases,
extensions, supplements, refundings, replacement or refinancings
of such instrument are not materially more restrictive, taken as
a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment
restrictions than those contained in such agreement on the date
of the indenture;
(2) Credit Facilities;
(3) the indenture, the notes and the
guarantees;
(4) applicable law or any applicable rule or
regulation;
(5) any instrument governing Indebtedness or
Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such
acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness or Capital
Stock was incurred in connection with or in contemplation of
such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not
applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any
Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the
Person, so acquired,
provided
that, in the case of
Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of
the indenture to be incurred;
(6) customary non-assignment provisions in
leases, licenses or similar contracts entered into in the
ordinary course of business or that restrict the subletting,
assignment or transfer of any property or asset that is subject
to a lease, license or similar contract;
(7) restrictions encumbering property at the
time such property was acquired by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, so long as such encumbrance or
restriction relates solely to the property so acquired;
(8) any agreement for the sale or other
disposition of a Restricted Subsidiary or the assets of a
Restricted Subsidiary pending the sale or other disposition of
such assets or Restricted Subsidiary;
(9) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness,
provided
that the restrictions contained in the
agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are
not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those
contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being
refinanced;
(10) Liens securing Indebtedness otherwise
permitted to be incurred under the provisions of the covenants
described above under the caption Liens and
Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred
stock that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of or
transfer the assets subject to such Liens;
(11) any transfer of, agreement to transfer,
or option or right with respect to, any property or assets of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise
prohibited by the indenture;
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(12) provisions with respect to the
disposition or distribution of assets or property and other
customary provisions in joint venture agreements, asset sale
agreements, stock sale agreements and other similar agreements
entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(13) restrictions on cash or other deposits
or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into
in the ordinary course of business;
(14) Indebtedness permitted to be incurred
pursuant to clause (4) of the second paragraph of the
covenant described under Incurrence of indebtedness
and issuance of preferred stock for property acquired in
the ordinary course of business that only imposes encumbrances
or restrictions on the property so acquired;
(15) net worth provisions in leases and
other agreements entered into by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;
(16) Indebtedness or other contractual
requirements of a Receivables Subsidiary in connection with a
Qualified Receivables Transaction,
provided
that such
restrictions apply only to such Receivables Subsidiary; and
(17) agreements governing Indebtedness
permitted to be incurred pursuant to the covenant described
under Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of
preferred stock, provided that the provisions relating to
such encumbrance or restriction contained in such Indebtedness,
taken as a whole, are not materially more restrictive to the
Company, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company
in their reasonable and good faith judgment, than the provisions
contained in the Credit Agreement or the indenture as in effect
on the date of the indenture.
(1) either:
(a) the Company is the surviving
corporation; or
(b) the Person formed by or surviving any
such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to
which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other
disposition has been made is either (i) a corporation
organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any
state of the United States or the District of Columbia or
(ii) a partnership or limited liability company organized
or existing under the laws of the United States, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia that has at least one
Restricted Subsidiary that is a corporation organized or
existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof
or the District of Columbia, which corporation becomes a
co-issuer of the notes pursuant to a supplemental indenture duly
and validly executed by the trustee;
(2) the Person formed by or surviving any
such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or the
Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or
other disposition has been made assumes all the obligations of
the Company under the notes, the
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indenture and the Exchange and Registration
Rights Agreements pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory
to the trustee;
(3) immediately after such transaction no
Default or Event of Default exists; and
(4) on the date of such transaction after
giving pro forma effect thereto and to any related financing
transactions as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the
applicable four-quarter period, either:
(a) the Company or the Person formed by or
surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the
Company), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer,
conveyance or other disposition has been made (the
Successor Company) would be permitted to incur at
least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of
the covenant described above under the caption
Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred
stock; or
(b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the
Company or the Successor Company would be greater than the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company prior to such transaction.
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(1) the Affiliate Transaction is on terms
that are not materially less favorable to the Company or the
relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been
obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person; and
(2) the Company delivers to the trustee:
(a) with respect to any Affiliate
Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions
involving aggregate consideration in excess of
$10.0 million, a resolution of the Board of Directors set
forth in an Officers Certificate certifying that such
Affiliate Transaction complies with this covenant and that such
Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the
disinterested members of the Board of Directors in good
faith; and
(b) with respect to any Affiliate
Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions
involving aggregate consideration in excess of
$20.0 million, an opinion as to the fairness to the Holders
of such Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view
issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of
national standing.
(1) any employment agreement entered into by
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the
ordinary course of business or approved by the Board of
Directors in good faith;
(2) transactions between or among the
Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(3) payment of reasonable directors fees to
Persons who are not employees of Holdings, the Company or its
Subsidiaries and other reasonable fees, compensation, benefits
and indemnities paid or entered into by the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business to or
with the officers, directors, consultants or employees of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(4) sales, grants, awards or issuances of
Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) that are
approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board
of Directors in good faith, including the exercise of options
and warrants, to Affiliates, officers, directors or employees of
the Company or any contribution to the common equity capital of
the Company by Affiliates of the Company;
(5) transactions involving the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and
JPMorgan Securities Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.,
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, General Electric Capital
Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citicorp North America, Inc.,
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce or Chase Lincoln First
Commercial Corporation on the other hand, in connection with
this offering, the Merger and transactions related thereto, the
Credit Agreement and any amendment, modification, supplement,
extension, refinancing, replacement, work-out, restructuring and
other transactions related thereto, or any management, financial
advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or any
other investment banking, banking or similar services, which
payments are approved by a majority of the disinterested members
of the Board of Directors in good faith;
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(6) as long as the Company is a member of a
consolidated (or combined) group filing a consolidated (or
combined) return of which Holdings is the parent, payments
pursuant to the tax allocation agreement as in effect on the
date of the indenture (or as the same may be amended, modified
or replaced from time to time so long as any such amendment,
modification or replacement, taken as a whole, is no less
favorable to the Holders than the contract or agreement as in
effect on the date of the indenture) to permit Holdings to pay
taxes that are then due and owing and are attributable to the
operations of the Company;
(7) Restricted Payments and Permitted
Investments (other than Permitted Investments contemplated by
clause (15) of the definition of Permitted
Investments) that are permitted by the provisions of the
indenture described above under the caption
Restricted payments;
(8) transactions effected as part of a
Qualified Securitization Transaction permitted under the
covenant described above under the caption
Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred
stock;
(9) the existence or performance by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of the provisions
of the Merger Agreement, the Credit Agreement, the Purchase
Agreement, the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreements, the
Members Agreement and any other agreements (other than the
Management and Fee Agreements, which are addressed in
clause (10) below) described under the caption
Management or Certain relationships and
related transactions or any amendment thereto or
replacement agreement therefor (including, without limitation,
in connection with the Aurora Acquisition) or any transaction
contemplated thereby so long as such amendment or replacement is
not more disadvantageous to the Holders of the notes in any
material respect than the original agreement as in effect on the
date of the indenture;
(10) so long as no Default has occurred and
is continuing or would be caused thereby, the existence or
performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
of the provisions of the Management and Fee Agreements described
under Certain relationships and related transactions
or any amendment thereto or replacement agreement therefor
(including, without limitation, in connection with the Aurora
Acquisition) or any transaction contemplated thereby so long as
such amendment or replacement is not more disadvantageous to the
Holders of the notes in any material respect than the original
agreement as in effect on the date of the indenture; and
(11) any agreement (other than with any
Permitted Holder) as in effect as of the Issue Date or any
amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not
disadvantageous to the Holders of the notes in any material
respect) or any transaction contemplated thereby.
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(1) all quarterly and annual financial
information that would be required to be contained in a filing
with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company were required
to file such Forms, including a Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and, with respect to the annual information
only, a report on the annual financial statements by the
Companys certified independent accountants; and
(2) all current reports that would be
required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the
Company were required to file such reports.
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(1) default for 30 days in the payment
when due of interest on, or additional interest with respect to,
the notes, whether or not prohibited by the subordination
provisions of the indenture;
(2) default in payment when due of the
principal of, or premium, if any, on the notes, including in
connection with an Asset Sale Offer or a Change of Control
Offer, whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions
of the indenture;
(3) failure by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions described
under the caption Certain covenants Merger,
consolidation or sale of assets;
(4) failure by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to comply for 30 days after written
notice (specifying the default and demanding that the same be
remedied) with any obligations under the covenants described
under Repurchase at option of holders Change
of control, Repurchase at option of
holders Asset sales (in each case, other than a
failure to purchase notes, which is covered by clause (2)
above), or Certain covenants Restricted
payments or Certain covenants Incurrence
of indebtedness and issuance of preferred stock above;
(5) failure by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries for 60 days after written notice
(specifying the default and demanding that the same be remedied)
to comply with any of the other agreements in the notes, the
indenture or the guarantees;
(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 Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries (or the
payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its
Significant Subsidiaries), whether such Indebtedness or
guarantee now exists or is created after the date of the
indenture, if that default:
(a) is caused by a failure to pay principal
of, or interest or premium, if any, on such Indebtedness within
any applicable grace period provided in such Indebtedness (a
Payment Default); or
(b) results in the acceleration of such
Indebtedness prior to its expressed maturity,
(7) failure by the Company or any of its
Significant Subsidiaries to pay final judgments aggregating in
excess of $15.0 million (net of any amounts covered by
insurance or pursuant to which the Company is indemnified or for
which payments are guaranteed in accordance with the Merger
Agreement, to the extent that the third party under such
agreement honors its obligations thereunder), which judgments
are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days;
(8) except as permitted by the indenture,
any guarantee of a Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary
shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or
invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and
effect or any Guarantor that is a
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Significant Subsidiary shall deny or disaffirm
its obligations under its guarantee and such default continues
for 10 days after receipt of the notice specified in the
indenture; and
(9) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency
or reorganization with respect to the Company or any of its
Significant Subsidiaries.
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(1) the rights of Holders of outstanding
notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, or
interest or premium and additional interest, if any, on such
notes when such payments are due from the trust referred to
below;
(2) the Companys obligations with
respect to the notes concerning issuing temporary notes,
registration of notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and
money for security payments held in trust;
(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and
immunities of the trustee, and the related obligations of the
Company and the Guarantors; and
(4) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the
indenture.
(1) the covenants described under
Certain covenants (other than
Merger, consolidation or sale of assets) and
Repurchase at option of holders; and
(2) the operation of the default provisions
specified in clauses (3) (with respect to an Asset Sale
Offer or a Change of Control Offer only), (4), (5), (6),
(7) and, with respect to Significant Subsidiaries only,
(9) described above under Events of defaults
and remedies and the limitations contained in
clause (4) under the first paragraph of Merger,
consolidation or sale of assets above (collectively,
Covenant Defeasance).
(1) the Company must irrevocably deposit
with the trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of
the notes, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government
Securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and
non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as will be
sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, or
interest and premium and additional interest, if any, on the
outstanding notes on the stated maturity or on the applicable
redemption date, as the case may be, and the Company must
specify whether the notes are being defeased to maturity or to a
particular redemption date;
(2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the
Company must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel
reasonably acceptable to the trustee confirming that
(a) the Company has received from, or there has been
published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or
(b) since the
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date of the indenture, there has been a change in
the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the
effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel will
confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding notes will not
recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes
as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to
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
Company must deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel
reasonably acceptable to the trustee to the effect that the
Holders of the outstanding notes will not recognize income, gain
or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such
Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to 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) no Default or Event of Default may have
occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other
than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing
of funds to be applied to such deposit);
(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or
constitute a default under any material agreement or instrument
(other than the indenture) to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is bound;
(6) the Company must deliver to the trustee
an Officers Certificate stating that the deposit was not
made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of
notes over the other creditors of the Company with the intent of
defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the
Company or others; and
(7) the Company must deliver to the trustee
an Officers Certificate and an opinion of counsel, each
stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal
Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
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(1) reduce the principal amount of notes
whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
(2) reduce the principal of or change the
fixed maturity of any note or alter or waive the provisions with
respect to the redemption of the notes (other than provisions
relating to the covenants described above under the caption
Repurchase at the option of holders);
(3) reduce the rate of or change the time
for payment of interest on any note;
(4) waive a Default or Event of Default in
the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, or
additional interest, if any, on the notes (except a rescission
of acceleration of the notes by the Holders of at least a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes and a waiver
of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
(5) make any note payable in money other
than that stated in the notes;
(6) make any change in the provisions of the
indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of
Holders of notes to receive payments of principal of, or
interest or premium or additional interest, if any, on the notes;
(7) waive a redemption payment with respect
to any note (other than a payment required by one of the
covenants described above under the caption
Repurchase at the option of holders);
(8) release any Guarantor from any of its
obligations under its guarantee or the indenture, except in
accordance with the terms of the indenture;
(9) impair the right of any Holder to
receive payment of principal of, and interest or any additional
interest on, such Holders notes on or after the due dates
therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment
on or with respect to such notes; or
(10) make any change in the preceding
amendment and waiver provisions.
(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or
inconsistency;
(2) to provide for uncertificated notes in
addition to or in place of certificated notes;
(3) to provide for the assumption of the
Companys or any Guarantors obligations to Holders of
notes in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or
substantially all of the Companys or a Guarantors
assets;
(4) to make any change that would provide
any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of notes or
that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the
indenture of any such Holder;
(5) to add a Guarantor;
(6) to comply with requirements of the SEC
in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the
indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
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(7) to make any change in the subordination
provisions of the indenture that would limit or terminate the
benefits available to any holder of Senior Debt of the Company
(or any representative thereof) under such subordination
provisions;
(8) to secure the notes and the
guarantees; or
(9) to provide for the issuance of
additional notes in accordance with the terms of the indenture.
(1) either:
(a) 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 Company, have been delivered
to the trustee for cancellation; or
(b) all notes that have not been delivered
to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by
reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or otherwise or
will become due and payable within one year and the Company or
any 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,
non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of cash in
U.S. dollars and non-callable Government Securities, in
amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any
reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire
indebtedness on the notes not delivered to the trustee for
cancellation for principal, premium and additional interest, if
any, and accrued and unpaid interest to the date of maturity or
redemption;
(2) 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 and the deposit will not result
in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any
other instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is a
party or by which the Company or any Guarantor is bound;
(3) the Company or any Guarantor has paid or
caused to be paid all sums payable by it under the
indenture; and
(4) the Company has delivered irrevocable
instructions to the trustee under the indenture to apply the
deposited money toward the payment of the notes at maturity or
the redemption date, as the case may be.
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(1) Indebtedness of any other Person
existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into,
or became a Subsidiary of, such specified Person, whether or not
such Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into, or
becoming a Subsidiary of, such specified Person; and
(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien
encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.
(1) 1.0% of the then outstanding principal
amount of the note; and
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(2) the excess of:
(a) the present value at such redemption
date of (i) the redemption price of the note at
December 1, 2008 (such redemption price being set forth in
the table appearing above under the caption Optional
redemption) plus (ii) all required interest payments
due on the note through December 1, 2008 (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 then outstanding principal amount of
the note, if greater.
(1) the sale, lease (other than an operating
lease entered into in the ordinary course of business),
conveyance or other disposition of any assets of the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary;
provided
that the sale,
conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken
as a whole will be governed by the provisions of the indenture
described above under the caption Repurchase at the
option of holdersChange of control and the
provisions described above under the caption Certain
covenantsMerger, consolidation or sale of assets and
not by the provisions of the Asset Sale covenant, as
applicable; and
(2) the issuance of Equity Interests in any
of the Companys Restricted Subsidiaries or the sale of
Equity Interests in any of its Subsidiaries (in each case other
than directors qualifying Equity Interests or Equity
Interests required by applicable law to be held by a Person
other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary).
(1) any single transaction or series of
related transactions that involves assets or rights having a
fair market value of less than $3.0 million;
(2) a transfer of assets between or among
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(3) an issuance of Equity Interests by a
Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or to another Restricted
Subsidiary (including any Person that becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary in connection with such transaction);
(4) the sale or lease of inventory or
accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business or
accounts receivable in connection with the compromise,
settlement or collection thereof;
(5) the sale or disposition of obsolete,
damaged or worn out equipment or property in the ordinary course
of business or any other property that is uneconomic or no
longer useful to the conduct of the Companys business;
(6) the sale or other disposition of cash or
Cash Equivalents;
(7) sales of accounts receivable and related
assets of the type specified in the definition of
Qualified Receivables Transaction to a Receivables
Subsidiary for the fair market value thereof, including cash in
an amount at least equal to 75% of the book value thereof as
determined in accordance with GAAP, it being understood that,
for the purposes of this clause (7), notes received in
exchange for the transfer of accounts receivable and related
assets will be deemed cash if the Receivables Subsidiary or
other payor is required to repay said notes as soon as
practicable from available cash collections less amounts
required to be
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established as reserves pursuant to contractual
agreements with entities that are not Affiliates of the Company
entered into as part of a Qualified Receivables Transaction;
(8) a Restricted Payment or Permitted
Investment that is permitted by the covenant described above
under the caption Certain covenants Restricted
payments; or
(9) the sale of Equity Interest in, or
Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
(1) with respect to a corporation, the board
of directors of the corporation;
(2) with respect to a partnership or limited
liability company, the managing general partner or partners or
the managing member or members or any controlling committee of
partners or members, as applicable; and
(3) with respect to any other Person, any
similar governing body.
(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate
stock;
(2) in the case of an association or
business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations,
rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate
stock;
(3) in the case of a partnership or limited
liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether
general or limited); and
(4) any other interest or participation that
confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits
and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.
(1) United States dollars;
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(2) securities issued or directly and fully
guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any
agency or instrumentality of the United States government
(
provided
that the full faith and credit of the United
States is pledged in support of those securities) 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 or any political subdivision of
any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing
within one year of the date of acquisition and at the time of
acquisition rated A or better from either of
Moodys Investors Service, Inc. or Standard &
Poors Rating Services;
(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits
and Eurodollar time deposits or bankers acceptances with
maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, and
overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any lender party to
the Credit Agreement or with any commercial bank having capital
at the time of acquisition and surplus in excess of
$500.0 million;
(5) repurchase obligations with a term of
not more than six months for underlying securities of the types
described in clauses (2), (3) and (4) above
entered into with any financial institution 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
by Moodys Investors Service, Inc. or at least
P-1 or the equivalent by Standard &
Poors Rating Services (or carrying an equivalent rating by
a nationally recognized rating agency if both the two named
agencies cease publishing ratings of investments) and in each
case maturing within one year after the date of
acquisition; and
(7) interests in investment companies or
money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which on the
date of acquisition constitute cash and Cash Equivalents of the
kinds described in clauses (1) through (6) of this
definition.
(1) (A) any person (as such
term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange
Act, including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring,
holding or disposing of securities within the meaning of
Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other than one or
more Permitted Holders, is or becomes the Beneficial Owner,
directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the total
voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company and (B) the
Permitted Holders Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, in
the aggregate a lesser percentage of the total voting power of
the Voting Stock of the Company than such other person and do
not have the right or ability by voting power, contract or
otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of the
Board of Directors of the Company (for the purposes of this
clause (1), such other person shall be deemed to
beneficially own any Voting Stock of an entity held by any other
entity (the parent entity) if such other person is
the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50%
of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent entity
and the Permitted Holders Beneficially Own, directly or
indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the voting
power of the Voting Stock of such parent entity and do not have
the right or ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to
elect or designate for election a majority of the Board of
Directors of such parent entity);
(2) the direct or indirect sale, 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
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all of the properties or assets of the Company
and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any
person (as defined in clause (1) above) other
than a Permitted Holder;
(3) the adoption of a plan relating to the
liquidation or dissolution of Holdings or the Company; or
(4) after the first public offering of
Capital Stock of either Holdings or the Company, (i) if
such public offering is of Holdings Capital Stock, the
first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors of Holdings are not Continuing Directors, or
(ii) if such public offering is of the Companys
Capital Stock, the first day on which a majority of the members
of the Board of Directors of the Company are not Continuing
Directors.
(1) provision for taxes based on income or
profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such
period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was deducted
in computing such Consolidated Net Income;
plus
(2) consolidated interest expense of such
Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether
paid or accrued and whether or not capitalized (including,
without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and
original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the
interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the
interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease
Obligations, imputed interest with respect to commissions,
discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of
letter of credit or bankers acceptance financings, and net
of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to
Hedging Obligations), to the extent that any such expense was
deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income;
plus
(3) depreciation, amortization (including
amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but excluding
amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior
period) and other non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash
expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of or
reserve for cash expenses in any future period or amortization
of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of
such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to
the extent that such depreciation, amortization and other
non-cash expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated
Net Income;
plus
(4) Securitization Fees to the extent
deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income for such period;
minus
(5) non-cash items increasing such
Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than the accrual
of revenue in the ordinary course of business, in each case, on
a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.
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(1) the Net Income of any Person that is not
a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity
method of accounting will be included only to the extent of the
amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the
specified Person or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Person (and
if such Net Income is a loss will be included only to the extent
that such loss has been funded with cash by the specified Person
or a Restricted Subsidiary of the specified Person);
(2) the Net Income of any Restricted
Subsidiary will be excluded to the extent that the declaration
or payment of dividends or similar distributions or the making
of loans or intercompany advances by that Restricted Subsidiary
of that Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted
without any prior governmental approval (that has not been
obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms
of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree,
order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to
that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders;
(3) any net gain or loss realized upon the
sale or other disposition of any asset of such Person or its
Restricted Subsidiaries (including pursuant to a Sale/ Leaseback
Transaction) that is not sold or otherwise disposed of in the
ordinary course of business and any net gain or loss realized
upon the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interest of any
Person will be excluded;
(4) any extraordinary gain or loss will be
excluded;
(5) any non-cash compensation charges or
other non-cash expenses or charges arising from the grant of or
issuance or repricing of stock, stock options or other
equity-based awards or any amendment, modification, substitution
or change of any such stock, stock options or other equity-based
awards will be excluded;
(6) any non-recurring fees, charges or other
expenses made or incurred in connection with the Merger and the
transactions contemplated thereby within 180 days of the
date of the indenture will be excluded;
(7) the cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principles will be excluded; and
(8) any non-cash goodwill impairment charges
subsequent to the date of the Indenture resulting from the
application of SFAS No. 142 or 144 will be excluded.
(1) was a member of such Board of Directors
on the date of the indenture; 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; or
(3) was nominated for election or appointed
to such Board of Directors by a Permitted Holder.
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(1) any Indebtedness outstanding under the
Credit Agreement; and
(2) any other Senior Debt permitted under
the indenture, the principal amount of which is
$25.0 million or more and that has been designated by the
Company as Designated Senior Debt.
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(1) the consolidated interest expense of
such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period,
whether paid or accrued, including, without limitation,
amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount,
non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any
deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all
payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed
interest with respect to commissions, discounts and other fees
and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or
bankers acceptance financings, and net of the effect of
all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations;
plus
(2) the consolidated interest of such Person
and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such
period;
plus
(3) any 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, whether or not
such Guarantee or Lien is called upon;
plus
(4) Securitization Fees;
plus
(5) all dividends, whether paid or accrued
and whether or not in cash, on any series of Disqualified Stock
of such Person or preferred stock of any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries that
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are not Guarantors, other than dividends on
Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the
Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or to the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company.
(1) Investments, acquisitions, mergers and
consolidations that have been made by the specified Person or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or
consolidations and including any related financing transactions,
during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such
reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date will be
given pro forma effect as if they had occurred on the first day
of the four-quarter reference period and Consolidated Cash Flow
for such reference period will be calculated on a pro forma
basis in accordance with Regulation S-X under the
Securities Act and may include operating expense reductions (net
of continuing associated expenses but excluding non-recurring
associated expenses) for such period resulting from the
acquisition which is being given pro forma effect to that either
(a) would be permitted pursuant to Rule 11-02 of
Regulation S-X under the Securities Act or (b) have
been realized or for which substantially all the steps necessary
for realization have been taken or at the time of determination
are reasonably expected to be taken within six months following
any such acquisition, including, but not limited to, the
execution or termination of any contracts, the termination of
any personnel or the closing of any facility, as applicable,
provided that such adjustments shall be calculated on an
annualized basis and will be set forth in an Officers
Certificate signed by the Companys chief financial officer
and another officer which states in detail (i) the amount
of such adjustment or adjustments, (ii) that such
adjustment or adjustments are based on the reasonable good faith
beliefs of the officers executing such Officers
Certificate at the time of such execution and (iii) that
such adjustment or adjustments and the plan or plans related
thereto have been reviewed and approved by the Board of
Directors. Any such Officers Certificate will be provided
to the trustee if the Company incurs any Indebtedness or takes
any other action under the indenture in reliance thereon;
(2) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable
to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with
GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the
Calculation Date, will be excluded; and
(3) the Fixed Charges attributable to
discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP,
and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the
Calculation Date, will be excluded, but only to the extent that
the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be
obligations of the specified Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date.
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(1) each of the Companys existing and
future Domestic Subsidiaries;
(2) any Foreign Subsidiary that in the
future guarantees any obligation under the Credit Facilities;
(3) any other Subsidiary that executes a
guarantee in accordance with the provisions of the indenture,
and their respective successors and assigns; and
(4) if Holdings executes a guarantee in
accordance with the provisions of the indenture, Holdings and
its successors and assigns.
(1) interest rate swap agreements, interest
rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements;
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(2) any Currency Agreement or Commodity
Price Protection Agreement; and
(3) other agreements or arrangements of a
similar character designed to protect such Person against
fluctuations in interest rates.
(1) in respect of borrowed money;
(2) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or
similar instruments or letters of credit (or, without
duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);
(3) in respect of bankers acceptances;
(4) representing Capital Lease Obligations;
(5) representing the deferred and unpaid
balance of the purchase price of any property, except any such
balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable;
(6) amounts outstanding and other
obligations of such Person in respect of a Qualified Receivables
Transaction;
(7) representing any Hedging
Obligations; or
(8) all Disqualified Stock issued by such
Person with the amount of Indebtedness represented by such
Disqualified Stock equal to the greater of its voluntary or
involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed
repurchase price, but excluding accrued dividends, if any,
(1) the accreted value of the Indebtedness,
in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue
discount; and
(2) the principal amount of the
Indebtedness, together with any interest on the Indebtedness
that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any
other Indebtedness.
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(1) Guarantees 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 double-counted;
(2) the principal amount of any preferred
stock of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company shall be the
greater of the maximum mandatory redemption or purchase price
(not including, in either case, any redemption or purchase
premium) or the maximum liquidation preference; and
(3) the principal amount of Indebtedness or
of preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
issued at a price less than the principal amount thereof,
maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price thereof or
liquidation preference thereof, as applicable, will be equal to
the amount of the liability or obligation in respect thereof
determined in accordance with GAAP.
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(1) legal, accounting and investment banking
fees and all other professionals and advisors fees;
(2) sales commissions, title and recording
expenses and any relocation expenses incurred as a result of the
Asset Sale;
(3) taxes paid or payable or required to be
accrued as a result of the Asset Sale, in each case, after
taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and
any tax sharing arrangements;
(4) amounts required to be applied to the
repayment of Indebtedness (including all interest, premium,
penalties, breakage, indemnities and fees in connection
therewith), other than Indebtedness under a Credit Facility,
secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject
of such Asset Sale;
(5) all distributions and other payments
required to be made to minority interest holders in Subsidiaries
or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Sale; and
(6) any appropriate amounts to be provided
by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any
liabilities associated with the property or other assets
disposed of in such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after such Asset Sale or as a
reserve established in accordance with GAAP, for adjustment in
the sales prices of the asset or assets but only for so long as
such reserve is required in accordance with GAAP.
(1) as to which neither the Company nor any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides credit support
of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument
that would constitute Indebtedness), (b) is directly or
indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise or
(c) constitutes the lender;
(2) no default with respect to which
(including any rights that the holders of the Indebtedness 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 Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other
Indebtedness or cause the payment of the Indebtedness to be
accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity; and
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(3) with respect to which there is no
recourse to the stock (other than the stock of an Unrestricted
Subsidiary pledged by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries) or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries.
(1) any Investment in the Company or in a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(2) any Investment in Cash Equivalents;
(3) any Investment by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a Person, if as a result
of such Investment:
(a) such Person becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company; or
(b) such Person is merged, consolidated or
amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially
all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(4) any Investment made as a result of the
receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was
made pursuant to and in compliance with the covenant described
above under the caption Repurchase at the option of
holders Asset sales;
(5) any acquisition of assets or Equity
Interests solely in exchange for the issuance of Equity
Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company;
(6) any Investments received in compromise
of obligations of such persons incurred in the ordinary course
of trade creditors or customers that were incurred in the
ordinary course of business, including pursuant to any plan of
reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or
insolvency of any trade creditor or customer;
(7) Hedging Obligations;
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(8) receivables owing to the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary and prepaid expenses if 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 Company or any such Restricted
Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances;
(9) advances, loans or extensions of credit
to suppliers and vendors in the ordinary course of business;
(10) deposits, bid bonds and performance
bonds with governmental authorities made in the ordinary course
of business;
(11) Investments existing on the date of the
indenture and Investments contributed to the common equity
capital of the Company subsequent to the date of the indenture;
(12) endorsements of negotiable instruments
and documents in the ordinary course of business;
(13) Investments of a Person or any of its
Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or at the time such Person
merges or consolidates with the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, in either case in compliance with the indenture,
provided that such Investments were not made by such Person in
connection with, or in anticipation or contemplation of, such
Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or such
merger or consolidation;
(14) the acquisition by a Receivables
Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Receivables
Transaction of Equity Interests of a trust or other Person
established by such Receivables Subsidiary to effect such
Qualified Receivables Transaction, and any other Investment by
the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a
Receivables Subsidiary or any Investment by a Receivables
Subsidiary in any other Person in connection with a Qualified
Receivables Transaction;
provided
that such other
Investment is in the form of a note or other instrument that the
Receivables Subsidiary or other Person is required to repay as
soon as practicable from available cash collections less amounts
required to be established as reserves pursuant to contractual
agreements with entities that are not Affiliates of the Company
entered into as part of a Qualified Receivables Transaction;
(15) other Investments in any Person having
an aggregate fair market value (measured on the date each such
Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent
changes in value), when taken together with all other
Investments made pursuant to this clause (15) since
the date of the indenture, not to exceed $12.0 million or,
if the Aurora Acquisition has been consummated, 2.0% of Total
Assets;
(16) repurchases of the notes as long as the
repurchased notes are cancelled promptly after purchase;
(17) any Investment acquired by the Company
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in exchange for any other
investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or any
such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of
a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the
issuer of such other investment or account receivable;
(18) loans and advances to officers,
directors and employees made in the ordinary course of business
of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; and
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(19) guarantees issued in accordance with
Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred
stock and Future guarantees.
(1) Equity Interests in the Company or any
Guarantor; or
(2) debt securities that are subordinated to
all Senior Debt (and any debt securities issued in exchange for
Senior Debt) to substantially the same extent as, or to a
greater extent than, the notes and the guarantees are
subordinated to Senior Debt under the indenture;
(1) Liens on assets of the Company or any
Guarantor securing Senior Debt that was permitted by the terms
of the indenture to be incurred;
(2) Liens in favor of the Company or the
Guarantors;
(3) Liens on property or assets of a Person
existing at the time such Person is merged with or into or
consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company,
provided
that such Liens were in existence prior to the
contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not extend
to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or
consolidated with the Company or the Subsidiary;
(4) Liens on property existing at the time
of acquisition of the property by the Company or any Subsidiary
of the Company,
provided
that such Liens were in
existence prior to the contemplation of such acquisition;
(5) Liens to secure the performance of
statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds, performance
bonds, supply bonds, construction bonds or other obligations of
a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(6) Liens to secure Indebtedness (including
Capital Lease Obligations) permitted by clause (4) of the
second paragraph of the covenant entitled Certain
covenants Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of
preferred stock covering only the assets acquired with
such Indebtedness;
(7) Liens existing on the date of the
indenture;
(8) Liens for taxes, assessments or
governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent or
that are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded,
provided
that any reserve or other appropriate provision
as is required in conformity with GAAP has been made therefor;
(9) Liens on assets of a Receivables
Subsidiary incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables
Transaction;
(10) Liens incurred in the ordinary course
of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company with respect to obligations that do not exceed
$2.5 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
(11) judgment Liens not giving rise to an
Event of Default so long as such Liens are adequately bonded and
any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly
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initiated for the review of such judgment have
not been finally terminated or the period within which such
proceedings may be initiated has not expired;
(12) Liens arising solely by virtue of any
statutory or common law provisions relating to bankers
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 Company in excess of those set forth by
regulations promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board, and
(b) such deposit account is not intended by
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to provide
collateral to the depository institution;
(13) Liens securing the notes and any note
guarantees;
(14) any interest or title of a lessor under
any Capital Lease Obligation or operating lease;
(15) Liens imposed by law, such as
carriers, warehousemens and mechanics Liens,
in each case for sums not yet due or being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings;
(16) minor survey exceptions, minor
encumbrances, 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 or
other restrictions as the use of real properties of Liens
incidental to the conduct of such Person or to the ownership of
its properties which were not incurred in connection with
Indebtedness and 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;
(17) Liens securing Indebtedness or other
obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Company or
another Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be incurred in
accordance with the covenant described under
Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred
stock; and
(18) Liens securing Hedging Obligations so
long as the related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be
under the indenture, secured by a Lien on the same property
securing such Hedging Obligations.
(1) the principal amount (or if issued with
original discount, the aggregate issue price) of such Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount
(or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness extended,
refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded (plus all
accrued interest on the Indebtedness and the amount of all
expenses, premiums and defeasance costs incurred in connection
therewith);
(2) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness
has a final maturity date no earlier than the final maturity
date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or
greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the
Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced,
defeased or refunded;
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(3) if the Indebtedness being extended,
refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is
subordinated in right of payment to the notes or the guarantees,
such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right
of payment to, the notes or the guarantees, as the case may be,
on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of notes as those
contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being
extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or
refunded; and
(4) such Indebtedness is incurred either by
the Company or by the Restricted Subsidiary who is the obligor
on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed,
replaced, defeased or refunded.
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(1) all Indebtedness of the Company or any
Guarantor outstanding under Credit Facilities (including
interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in
bankruptcy or for reorganization of the Company or any
Guarantor, regardless of whether or not a claim for post-filing
interest is allowed in such proceedings);
(2) all Hedging Obligations permitted to be
incurred under the terms of the indenture;
(3) any other Indebtedness of the Company or
any Guarantor permitted to be incurred under the terms of the
indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness
is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or
subordinated in right of payment to the notes or any
guarantee; and
(4) all Obligations with respect to the
items listed in the preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3).
(1) any liability for federal, state, local
or other taxes owed or owing by the Company;
(2) any intercompany Indebtedness of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the Company or any of its
Affiliates;
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(3) any trade payables; or
(4) the portion of any Indebtedness that is
incurred in violation of the indenture.
(1) any corporation, association,
partnership, limited liability company or other business entity
of which more than 50% of the total 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 of the corporation, association or other business
entity is at the time owned or controlled, directly or
indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other
Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof); and
(2) any partnership (a) the sole
general partner or the managing general partner of which is such
Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only
general partners of which are that Person or one or more
Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination thereof).
(1) has no Indebtedness other than
Non-Recourse Debt;
(2) is not party to any agreement, contract,
arrangement or understanding with the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company unless the terms of any such
agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less
favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than
those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are
not Affiliates of the Company;
(3) is a Person with respect to which
neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has
any direct or indirect obligation (a) to subscribe for
additional Equity
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Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve
such Persons financial condition or to cause such Person
to achieve any specified levels of operating results;
(4) has not guaranteed or otherwise directly
or indirectly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; and
(5) either (a) has at least one
director on its Board of Directors that is not a director or
executive officer of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries or (b) has at least one executive officer that
is not a director or executive officer of the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries.
(1) the sum of the products obtained by
multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining
installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required
payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in
respect of the Indebtedness, by (b) the number of years
(calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between
such date and the making of such payment; by
(2) the then outstanding principal amount of
such Indebtedness.
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a court within the United States is
able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of
the trust and
one or more U.S. fiduciaries
have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the
trust.
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F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-39
F-40
F-41
F-43
F-45
F-83
F-84
F-85
F-86
F-87
F-102
F-103
F-104
F-105
F-106
F-107
F-108
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Fiscal period ended July 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
2001
1
$
574,482
$
574,456
$
97,343
447,527
452,145
89,890
57,915
51,458
6,244
32,878
32,346
6,377
3,040
3,552
490
8,042
5,137
(30
)
549,402
544,638
102,971
25,080
29,818
(5,628
)
11,592
14,513
3,342
476
807
73
13,964
16,112
(8,897
)
5,516
4,190
(919
)
$
8,448
$
11,922
$
(7,978
)
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July 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2003
2002
$
72,128
$
64,971
33,324
32,327
82,591
80,144
6,790
6,463
7,243
9,016
202,076
192,921
149,639
163,194
96,424
102,258
17,982
19,615
$
466,121
$
477,988
$
15,000
$
15,009
30,908
37,893
19,567
21,273
25,345
24,491
501
-
91,321
98,666
160,000
175,000
33,121
34,445
3,192
429
287,634
308,540
-
-
1,626
1,622
164,322
163,914
147
(32
)
12,392
3,944
178,487
169,448
$
466,121
$
477,988
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Fiscal period ended July 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
2001
$
8,448
$
11,922
$
(7,978
)
22,948
21,231
3,191
1,630
1,630
300
4,941
-
-
(1,324
)
3,955
844
1,323
901
-
5,762
3,010
(4,889
)
(812
)
(2,738
)
14,757
(2,217
)
8,236
(1,802
)
(1,706
)
(1,244
)
2,339
(4,685
)
11,940
6,079
(1,357
)
5,652
8,582
32,951
64,495
21,423
(56
)
(7,360
)
(341,833
)
(8,787
)
(19,452
)
(1,686
)
48
-
-
(8,795
)
(26,812
)
(343,519
)
(2,419
)
7,799
-
-
-
2,000
-
-
(2,000
)
(9
)
(75
)
(15
)
-
-
190,000
(15,000
)
-
-
412
2,161
160,000
-
-
(10,467
)
(17,016
)
9,885
339,518
17
(19
)
-
7,157
47,549
17,422
64,971
17,422
-
$
72,128
$
64,971
$
17,422
$
10,001
$
12,672
$
2,607
$
476
$
807
$
68
$
(269
)
$
8,022
$
198
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Accumulated
Common stock
Additional
Retained
other
Total
paid in
earnings
comprehensive
shareholders
(In thousands)
Shares
Amount
capital
(deficit)
income (loss)
equity
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
160,000
1,600
158,400
160,000
2,925
2,925
(7,978
)
(7,978
)
(7,978
)
160,000
$
1,600
$
161,325
$
(7,978
)
$
-
$
154,947
11,922
11,922
(32
)
(32
)
11,890
450
450
2,187
22
2,139
2,161
162,187
$
1,622
$
163,914
$
3,944
$
(32
)
$
169,448
8,448
8,448
179
179
8,627
417
4
408
412
162,604
$
1,626
$
164,322
$
12,392
$
147
$
178,487
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$
334,050
3,375
7,283
$
344,708
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2003
2002
2001
35.0%
35.0%
35.0%
4.8%
1.3%
1.1%
-0.2%
0.9%
0.2%
0.0%
-12.1%
-22.8%
0.6%
0.9%
-3.2%
-0.7%
0.0%
0.0%
39.5%
26.0%
10.3%
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*
includes final purchase price allocation
adjustment related to the fair value of plan assets of $494.
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2003
2002
4.37%
5.16%
10 years
10 years
26.5%
26.5%
0%
0%
2003
2002
$
0.48
$
0.50
902
4,476
$
433
$
2,238
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July 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
$
33,624
$
30,887
(1,765
)
(1,568
)
31,859
29,319
1,465
3,008
$
33,324
$
32,327
July 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
$
19,480
$
24,613
63,111
55,531
$
82,591
$
80,144
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July 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
$
3,310
$
2,208
-
70
3,480
4,185
$
6,790
$
6,463
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July 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
$
17,982
$
19,615
July 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
$
25,528
$
30,094
5,380
7,799
$
30,908
$
37,893
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July 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
$
175,000
$
190,000
-
9
175,000
190,009
15,000
15,009
$
160,000
$
175,000
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(1) Consolidating balance sheets as of
July 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002 and the related
statements of operations and cash flows for the year ended
July 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002 and for the ten week
period ended July 31, 2001.
(2) Elimination entries necessary to
consolidate Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, with the
guarantor and nonguarantor subsidiary.
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Pinnacle Foods
(In thousands, except per share
Holding
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
amounts and where noted in millions)
Corporation
subsidiaries
subsidiary
Eliminations
total
$
-
$
71,535
$
593
-
$
72,128
-
31,651
1,673
-
33,324
-
1,685
-
(1,685
)
-
-
81,516
1,075
-
82,591
-
6,037
753
-
6,790
-
7,243
-
-
7,243
-
199,667
4,094
(1,685
)
202,076
-
149,615
24
-
149,639
178,487
1,056
-
(179,543
)
-
-
545
-
(545
)
-
-
96,424
-
-
96,424
-
17,647
335
-
17,982
178,487
464,954
4,453
(181,773
)
466,121
-
15,000
-
-
15,000
-
30,504
404
-
30,908
-
-
1,685
(1,685
)
-
-
19,147
420
-
19,567
-
25,149
196
-
25,345
-
501
-
-
501
-
90,301
2,705
(1,685
)
91,321
-
160,000
-
-
160,000
-
-
545
(545
)
-
-
33,121
-
-
33,121
-
3,192
-
-
3,192
-
286,614
3,250
(2,230
)
287,634
1,626
-
-
-
1,626
164,322
165,948
1,465
(167,413
)
164,322
147
-
147
(147
)
147
12,392
12,392
(409
)
(11,983
)
12,392
178,487
178,340
1,203
(179,543
)
178,487
$
178,487
$
464,954
$
4,453
$
(181,773
)
$
466,121
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Pinnacle
Foods
(In thousands, except per share
Holding
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
amounts and where noted in millions)
Corporation
subsidiaries
subsidiary
Eliminations
total
$
-
$
64,840
$
131
-
$
64,971
-
30,867
1,460
-
32,327
-
1,843
-
(1,843
)
-
-
78,335
1,809
-
80,144
-
5,823
640
-
6,463
-
9,016
-
-
9,016
-
190,724
4,040
(1,843
)
192,921
-
163,187
7
-
163,194
169,448
1,360
-
(170,808
)
-
-
542
-
(542
)
-
-
102,258
-
-
102,258
-
19,318
297
-
19,615
169,448
477,389
4,344
(173,193
)
477,988
-
15,009
-
-
15,009
-
37,633
260
-
37,893
-
-
1,843
(1,843
)
-
-
20,966
307
-
21,273
-
24,427
64
-
24,491
-
98,035
2,474
(1,843
)
98,666
-
175,000
-
-
175,000
-
-
542
(542
)
-
-
34,445
-
-
34,445
-
429
-
-
429
-
307,909
3,016
(2,385
)
308,540
1,622
-
-
-
1,622
163,914
165,536
1,465
(167,001
)
163,914
(32
)
-
(32
)
32
(32
)
3,944
3,944
(105
)
(3,839
)
3,944
169,448
169,480
1,328
(170,808
)
169,448
169,448
477,389
4,344
(173,193
)
477,988
Table of Contents
Pinnacle Foods
(In thousands, except per share
Holding
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
amounts and where noted in millions)
Corporation
subsidiaries
subsidiary
Eliminations
total
$
-
$
561,386
$
25,531
$
(12,435
)
$
574,482
-
436,843
22,170
(11,486
)
447,527
-
55,936
1,979
-
57,915
-
31,993
885
-
32,878
-
3,040
-
-
3,040
-
-
255
(255
)
-
-
-
694
(694
)
-
-
8,042
-
-
8,042
(8,448
)
304
-
8,144
-
(8,448
)
536,158
25,983
(4,291
)
549,402
8,448
25,228
(452
)
(8,144
)
25,080
-
(30
)
30
-
-
-
11,592
-
-
11,592
-
459
17
-
476
8,448
14,125
(465
)
(8,144
)
13,964
-
5,677
(161
)
-
5,516
$
8,448
$
8,448
$
(304
)
$
(8,144
)
$
8,448
Table of Contents
Pinnacle Foods
(In thousands, except per share
Holding
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
amounts and where noted in millions)
Corporation
subsidiaries
subsidiary
Eliminations
total
$
-
$
561,882
$
21,780
$
(9,206
)
$
574,456
-
442,727
17,834
(8,416
)
452,145
-
49,095
2,363
-
51,458
-
31,725
621
-
32,346
-
3,552
-
-
3,552
-
-
287
(287
)
-
-
-
503
(503
)
-
-
5,137
-
-
5,137
(11,922
)
-
-
11,922
-
(11,922
)
532,236
21,608
2,716
544,638
11,922
29,646
172
(11,922
)
29,818
-
(73
)
73
-
-
-
14,508
5
-
14,513
-
786
21
-
807
11,922
15,997
115
(11,922
)
16,112
-
4,075
115
-
4,190
$
11,922
$
11,922
$
-
$
(11,922
)
$
11,922
Table of Contents
Pinnacle Foods
(In thousands, except per share
Holding
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
amounts and where noted in millions)
Corporation
subsidiaries
subsidiary
Eliminations
total
$
-
$
94,688
$
3,167
$
(512
)
$
97,343
-
87,368
2,844
(312
)
89,890
-
6,030
214
-
6,244
-
6,295
82
-
6,377
-
490
-
-
490
-
-
115
(115
)
-
-
-
85
(85
)
-
-
(30
)
-
-
(30
)
7,978
105
-
(8,083
)
-
7,978
100,258
3,330
(8,595
)
102,971
(7,978
)
(5,570
)
(163
)
8,083
(5,628
)
-
(26
)
26
-
-
-
3,342
-
-
3,342
-
68
5
-
73
(7,978
)
(8,818
)
(184
)
8,083
(8,897
)
-
(840
)
(79
)
-
(919
)
$
(7,978
)
$
(7,978
)
$
(105
)
$
8,083
$
(7,978
)
Table of Contents
Pinnacle Foods
(In thousands, except per share
Holding
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
amounts and where noted in millions)
Corporation
subsidiaries
subsidiary
Eliminations
total
$
8,448
$
8,448
$
(304
)
$
(8,144
)
$
8,448
-
22,942
6
-
22,948
-
1,630
-
-
1,630
-
4,941
-
-
4,941
(8,448
)
304
-
8,144
-
-
(1,324
)
-
-
(1,324
)
-
1,323
-
-
1,323
-
5,712
50
-
5,762
-
(784
)
(28
)
-
(812
)
-
392
(392
)
-
-
-
(3,181
)
964
-
(2,217
)
-
(1,780
)
74
-
(1,706
)
-
(4,796
)
111
-
(4,685
)
-
(1,345
)
(12
)
-
(1,357
)
-
32,482
469
-
32,951
-
(56
)
-
-
(56
)
-
(8,763
)
(24
)
-
(8,787
)
-
48
-
-
48
-
(8,771
)
(24
)
-
(8,795
)
-
(2,419
)
-
-
(2,419
)
-
(9
)
-
-
(9
)
-
(15,000
)
-
-
(15,000
)
412
-
-
-
412
(412
)
412
-
-
-
-
(17,016
)
-
-
(17,016
)
-
-
17
-
17
-
6,695
462
-
7,157
-
64,840
131
-
64,971
$
-
$
71,535
$
593
$
-
$
72,128
$
-
$
10,001
$
26
$
(26
)
$
10,001
$
-
$
485
$
17
$
(26
)
$
476
$
-
$
(108
)
$
(161
)
$
-
$
(269
)
Table of Contents
Pinnacle Foods
(In thousands, except per share
Holding
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
amounts and where noted in millions)
Corporation
subsidiaries
subsidiary
Eliminations
total
$
11,922
$
11,922
$
-
$
(11,922
)
$
11,922
-
21,228
3
-
21,231
-
1,630
-
-
1,630
(11,922
)
-
-
11,922
-
-
3,955
-
-
3,955
-
901
-
-
901
-
3,016
(6
)
-
3,010
-
(2,621
)
(117
)
-
(2,738
)
-
5
(5
)
-
-
6,398
1,838
-
8,236
-
(1,180
)
(64
)
-
(1,244
)
-
12,156
(216
)
-
11,940
-
6,279
(627
)
-
5,652
-
63,689
806
-
64,495
-
(7,354
)
(6
)
-
(7,360
)
-
(19,452
)
-
-
(19,452
)
-
(26,806
)
(6
)
-
(26,812
)
-
7,799
-
-
7,799
-
1,275
(1,275
)
-
-
-
(75
)
-
-
(75
)
2,161
-
-
-
2,161
(2,161
)
2,161
-
-
-
-
11,160
(1,275
)
-
9,885
-
-
(19
)
-
(19
)
-
48,043
(494
)
-
47,549
-
16,797
625
-
17,422
$
-
$
64,840
$
131
$
-
$
64,971
$
-
$
12,667
$
5
$
-
$
12,672
$
-
$
786
$
21
$
-
$
807
$
-
$
7,140
$
882
$
-
$
8,022
Table of Contents
Pinnacle Foods
(In thousands, except per share
Holding
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
amounts and where noted in millions)
Corporation
subsidiaries
subsidiary
Eliminations
total
$
(7,978
)
$
(7,978
)
$
(105
)
$
7,978
$
(7,978
)
-
3,191
-
-
3,191
-
300
-
-
300
7,978
105
-
(7,978
)
-
-
844
-
-
844
-
(4,660
)
(229
)
-
(4,889
)
-
14,901
(144
)
-
14,757
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,095
)
(707
)
-
(1,802
)
-
2,263
76
-
2,339
-
6,350
(271
)
-
6,079
-
(1,907
)
1,907
-
-
-
8,484
98
-
8,582
-
20,798
625
-
21,423
-
(341,833
)
-
-
(341,833
)
-
(1,686
)
-
-
(1,686
)
-
(343,519
)
-
-
(343,519
)
-
2,000
-
-
2,000
-
(2,000
)
-
-
(2,000
)
-
(15
)
-
-
(15
)
-
190,000
-
-
190,000
160,000
-
-
-
160,000
(160,000
)
160,000
-
-
-
-
(10,467
)
-
-
(10,467
)
-
339,518
-
-
339,518
-
16,797
625
-
17,422
-
-
-
-
-
$
-
$
16,797
$
625
$
-
$
17,422
$
-
$
2,607
$
-
$
-
$
2,607
$
-
$
63
$
5
$
-
$
68
$
-
$
198
$
-
$
-
$
198
Table of Contents
2003
First
Second
Third
Fourth
$
130,240
$
145,315
$
145,684
$
153,243
104,553
111,095
111,083
120,796
1,065
730
6,001
652
2002
First
Second
Third
Fourth
$
147,416
$
132,118
$
143,124
$
151,798
116,296
106,170
110,959
118,720
5,646
2,332
1,585
2,359
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 includes
pre-tax expenses related to the unsuccessful Claussen
acquisition of $4,626.
the first quarter of fiscal 2003 includes pre-tax
expenses related to the unsuccessful Claussen acquisition of
$660.
the second quarter of fiscal 2003 includes
pre-tax expenses related to the contract termination of $2,000
and pre-tax credits related to the gain on insurance settlement
of $518. These items net to a pre-tax expense of $1,482.
the third quarter of fiscal 2003 includes pre-tax
credits related to the gain on insurance settlement of $259.
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 includes
pre-tax expenses related to the impairment of intangibles of
$4,941 and merger costs of $547, and pre-tax credits related to
the gain on insurance settlement of $6. These items net to a
pre-tax expense of $5,482.
Table of Contents
Three Months Ended
Successor
Predecessor
April 30,
April 30,
(In thousands)
2004
2003
$
210,626
$
145,684
185,838
111,083
21,596
13,464
13,815
8,123
689
795
18,532
(108
)
240,470
133,357
(29,844
)
12,327
6,152
2,793
37
94
(35,959
)
9,628
142
3,627
$
(36,101
)
$
6,001
Table of Contents
Successor
Predecessor
April 30,
July 31,
(In thousands except per share amounts)
2004
2003
$
67,840
$
72,128
67,179
33,324
143,537
82,591
9,607
6,790
-
7,243
288,163
202,076
261,510
149,639
812,963
96,424
419,610
17,982
$
1,782,246
$
466,121
$
5,380
$
15,000
80
-
47,484
30,908
39,874
19,567
109,215
25,345
1,299
501
203,332
91,321
932,447
160,000
7,920
-
4,319
33,121
188,956
3,192
1,336,974
287,634
-
-
-
1,626
519,871
164,322
(44
)
147
(17,542
)
-
(57,013
)
12,392
445,272
178,487
$
1,782,246
$
466,121
Table of Contents
First Nine Months
Successor
Predecessor
23 weeks ended
16 weeks ended
39 weeks ended
April 30,
November 24,
April 30,
(In thousands)
2004
2003
2003
$
(57,013
)
$
(3,074
)
$
7,796
11,016
6,136
16,622
7,400
1,262
-
2,625
-
-
1,454
6,907
1,221
(174
)
-
-
(6,200
)
-
-
18,400
4,935
-
(476
)
(527
)
(968
)
531
342
858
(6,542
)
(991
)
4,389
27,640
(9,297
)
(10,079
)
59,924
(25,288
)
2,957
(2,356
)
(4,815
)
(7,591
)
(3,042
)
1,284
(9,571
)
6,195
(313
)
(1,379
)
59,382
(23,439
)
4,255
-
-
(56
)
(3,667
)
(1,511
)
(6,087
)
(361,062
)
-
-
(7,666
)
-
-
(663,759
)
-
-
(12,895
)
-
-
-
-
48
(1,049,049
)
(1,511
)
(6,095
)
1,732
(262
)
(3,257
)
(16
)
-
-
-
-
412
275,526
-
-
(37,669
)
-
-
400,976
-
-
545,000
-
-
21,500
-
-
(21,500
)
-
-
(175,000
)
-
(7,509
)
1,010,549
(262
)
(10,354
)
-
42
13
20,882
(25,170
)
(12,181
)
46,958
72,128
64,971
$
67,840
$
46,958
$
52,790
Table of Contents
First Nine Months
Successor
Predecessor
23 weeks ended
16 weeks ended
39 weeks ended
April 30,
November 24,
April 30,
(In thousands)
2004
2003
2003
$
5,874
$
2,518
$
7,216
$
57
$
143
$
269
$
18
$
(3,308
)
$
(99
)
Table of Contents
Retained
Carryover of
Accumulated
Common Stock
Additional
earnings
Predecessor
other
Total
paid in
(accumulated
basis of net
comprehensive
shareholders
(in thousands)
Shares
Amount
capital
deficit)
assets
income (loss)
equity
162,604
$
1,626
$
164,322
$
12,392
$
$
147
$
178,487
4,935
4,935
(3,074
)
(3,074
)
78
78
(2,996
)
162,604
$
1,626
$
169,257
$
9,318
$
$
225
$
180,426
100
$
$
181,075
$
$
(17,496
)
$
$
163,579
95,276
95,276
225,120
225,120
18,400
18,400
(46
)
(46
)
(57,013
)
(57,013
)
(44
)
(44
)
(57,057
)
100
$
$
519,871
$
(57,013
)
$
(17,542
)
$
(44
)
$
445,272
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
$
485,000
10,009
7,666
$
502,675
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
$
7,400
2,200
425
$
10,025
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
April 30,
July 31,
2004
2003
$
34,677
$
19,480
108,860
63,111
$
143,537
$
82,591
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Successor
Predecessor
(In thousands, except where
April 30,
July 31,
noted in millions)
2004
2003
$
696,385
$
239,270
1,084,898
216,128
963
10,723
$
1,782,246
$
466,121
$
261,491
$
149,615
19
24
$
261,510
$
149,639
Table of Contents
7.
Related Party Transactions
Table of Contents
8.
Goodwill and Other Assets
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Successor
Predecessor
April 30, 2004
July 31, 2003
$
537,000
$
-
394,000
-
6,802
-
25
-
-
175,000
937,827
175,000
5,380
15,000
$
932,447
$
160,000
Table of Contents
Year
Percentage
104.125%
102.750%
101.375%
100.000%
In the case of base rate loans: 1.75% for the
term loan and 1.75% for the revolving credit facility.
In the case of Eurodollar loans: 2.75% for the
term loan and 2.75% for the revolving credit facility.
In the case of base rate loans: 1.25% to 1.75%.
In the case of Eurodollar loans: 2.25% to 2.75%.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
For all entities created before December 31,
2003, non-public entities will not be required to adopt
FIN 46 but will be required to adopt FIN 46R as of the
beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period
beginning after December 15, 2004.
For entities created after December 31,
2003, non-public entities will apply the provisions of
FIN 46R as of the date they first become involved with the
respective entities.
Table of Contents
(1) Consolidating (a) balance sheets as
of April 30, 2004 for the Successor and July 31, 2003
for the Predecessor and (b) the related statements of
operations for the three months ended and twenty-three weeks
ended April 30, 2004 for the Successor and the sixteen
weeks ended November 24, 2003 and the three and nine months
ended April 30, 2003 for the Predecessor and (c) and
cash flows for the twenty-three weeks ended April 30, 2004
for the Successor and for the sixteen weeks ended
November 24, 2003 and nine months ended April 30, 2003
for the Predecessor.
(2) Elimination entries necessary to
consolidate the Predecessor and Successor, with their respective
guarantor subsidiaries and nonguarantor subsidiary.
Table of Contents
Pinnacle
(In thousands, except where
Foods
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
noted in millions)
Group Inc.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary
Eliminations
Total
$
3,430
$
63,066
$
1,344
$
-
$
67,840
30,286
34,186
2,707
-
67,179
45,988
-
-
(45,988
)
-
52,174
89,823
1,540
-
143,537
3,809
5,763
35
-
9,607
135,687
192,838
5,626
(45,988
)
288,163
125,742
135,749
19
-
261,510
265,232
974
-
(266,206
)
-
181,889
545
-
(182,434
)
-
705,017
107,946
-
-
812,963
276,044
143,566
-
-
419,610
$
1,689,611
$
581,618
$
5,645
$
(494,628
)
$
1,782,246
$
5,380
-
-
-
$
5,380
80
-
-
-
80
15,595
30,867
1,022
-
47,484
-
44,405
1,583
(45,988
)
-
25,217
13,529
1,128
-
39,874
81,784
27,223
208
-
109,215
(19
)
1,133
185
-
1,299
128,037
117,157
4,126
(45,988
)
203,332
932,447
-
-
-
932,447
7,920
-
-
-
7,920
-
181,889
545
(182,434
)
-
807
3,512
-
-
4,319
175,128
13,828
-
-
188,956
1,244,339
316,386
4,671
(228,422
)
1,336,974
-
-
-
-
-
519,871
287,710
935
(288,645
)
519,871
(44
)
(44
)
(44
)
88
(44
)
(17,542
)
-
-
-
(17,542
)
(57,013
)
(22,434
)
83
22,351
(57,013
)
445,272
265,232
974
(266,206
)
445,272
$
1,689,611
$
581,618
$
5,645
$
(494,628
)
$
1,782,246
Table of Contents
Pinnacle
(In thousands, except where
Foods
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
noted in millions)
Group Inc.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary
Eliminations
Total
$
62,127
$
143,752
$
8,775
$
(4,028
)
$
210,626
58,948
123,567
7,087
(3,764
)
185,838
7,164
13,268
1,164
-
21,596
2,593
10,897
325
-
13,815
-
689
-
-
689
-
-
89
(89
)
-
-
-
175
(175
)
-
7,858
10,674
-
-
18,532
15,527
16
-
(15,543
)
-
92,090
159,111
8,840
(19,571
)
240,470
(29,963
)
(15,359
)
(65
)
15,543
(29,844
)
(1,260
)
1,253
7
-
-
5,474
678
-
-
6,152
32
1
4
-
37
(34,145
)
(17,289
)
(68
)
15,543
(35,959
)
1,956
(1,762
)
(52
)
-
142
$
(36,101
)
$
(15,527
)
$
(16
)
$
15,543
$
(36,101
)
Table of Contents
Pinnacle
(In thousands, except where
Foods
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
noted in millions)
Group Inc.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary
Eliminations
Total
$
62,127
$
240,846
$
14,630
$
(6,043
)
$
311,560
58,948
212,288
11,573
(5,598
)
277,211
7,164
24,349
1,944
-
33,457
2,593
16,788
505
-
19,886
-
1,244
-
-
1,244
-
-
138
(138
)
-
-
-
307
(307
)
-
18,858
12,339
-
-
31,197
22,434
(83
)
-
(22,351
)
-
109,997
266,925
14,467
(28,394
)
362,995
(47,870
)
(26,079
)
163
22,351
(51,435
)
(2,306
)
2,294
12
-
-
11,216
678
-
-
11,894
32
18
7
-
57
(56,748
)
(29,033
)
158
22,351
(63,272
)
265
(6,599
)
75
-
(6,259
)
$
(57,013
)
$
(22,434
)
$
83
$
22,351
$
(57,013
)
Table of Contents
Pinnacle
(In thousands, except where
Foods
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
noted in millions)
Group Inc.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary
Eliminations
Total
$
-
$
176,819
$
9,464
$
(4,904
)
$
181,379
-
130,954
7,862
(4,583
)
134,233
-
23,283
1,052
-
24,335
-
9,176
278
-
9,454
-
814
-
-
814
-
-
97
(97
)
-
-
-
224
(224
)
-
-
7,838
118
-
7,956
3,074
160
-
(3,234
)
-
3,074
172,225
9,631
(8,138
)
176,792
(3,074
)
4,594
(167
)
3,234
4,587
-
(8
)
8
-
-
-
9,310
-
-
9,310
-
137
6
-
143
(3,074
)
(4,571
)
(169
)
3,234
(4,580
)
-
(1,497
)
(9
)
-
(1,506
)
$
(3,074
)
$
(3,074
)
$
(160
)
$
3,234
$
(3,074
)
Table of Contents
Pinnacle
(In thousands, except where
Foods
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
noted in millions)
Group Inc.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary
Eliminations
Total
$
-
$
141,490
$
7,334
$
(3,140
)
$
145,684
-
108,013
5,981
(2,911
)
111,083
-
13,002
462
-
13,464
-
7,906
217
-
8,123
-
795
-
-
795
-
-
72
(72
)
-
-
-
157
(157
)
-
-
(108
)
-
-
(108
)
(6,001
)
(223
)
-
6,224
-
(6,001
)
129,385
6,889
3,084
133,357
6,001
12,105
445
(6,224
)
12,327
-
(7
)
7
-
-
-
2,793
-
-
2,793
-
90
4
-
94
6,001
9,409
442
(6,224
)
9,628
-
3,408
219
-
3,627
$
6,001
$
6,001
$
223
$
(6,224
)
$
6,001
Table of Contents
Pinnacle
(In thousands, except where
Foods
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
noted in millions)
Group Inc.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary
Eliminations
Total
$
-
$
411,777
$
19,411
$
(9,949
)
$
421,239
-
319,448
16,513
(9,230
)
326,731
-
43,429
1,579
-
45,008
-
23,152
556
-
23,708
-
2,387
-
-
2,387
-
-
196
(196
)
-
-
-
523
(523
)
-
-
2,390
-
-
2,390
(7,796
)
2
-
7,794
-
(7,796
)
390,808
19,367
(2,155
)
400,224
7,796
20,969
44
(7,794
)
21,015
-
(22
)
22
-
-
-
8,738
-
-
8,738
-
257
12
-
269
7,796
12,510
34
(7,794
)
12,546
-
4,714
36
-
4,750
$
7,796
$
7,796
$
(2
)
$
(7,794
)
$
7,796
Table of Contents
Pinnacle
Foods
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
(In thousands, except where noted in millions)
Group Inc.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary
Eliminations
Total
$
(57,013
)
$
(22,434
)
$
83
$
22,351
$
(57,013
)
2,463
8,550
3
11,016
-
7,400
7,400
-
2,625
2,625
1,454
-
1,454
(174
)
-
(174
)
(6,200
)
-
(6,200
)
18,400
-
18,400
22,434
(83
)
(22,351
)
-
-
(476
)
(476
)
-
531
531
265
(6,807
)
(6,542
)
20,037
7,834
(231
)
27,640
20,246
(20,863
)
617
-
11,414
48,246
264
59,924
(2,276
)
(112
)
32
(2,356
)
(214
)
(2,700
)
(128
)
(3,042
)
(7,244
)
12,735
704
6,195
23,592
34,446
1,344
-
59,382
(727
)
(2,940
)
(3,667
)
(361,062
)
-
(361,062
)
(7,666
)
-
(7,666
)
(663,759
)
-
(663,759
)
(12,895
)
-
(12,895
)
(1,046,109
)
(2,940
)
-
-
(1,049,049
)
-
1,732
1,732
(16
)
-
(16
)
275,526
-
275,526
(37,669
)
-
(37,669
)
400,976
-
400,976
545,000
-
545,000
21,500
-
21,500
(21,500
)
-
(21,500
)
-
(175,000
)
(175,000
)
(175,370
)
175,370
-
17,500
(17,500
)
-
1,025,947
(15,398
)
-
-
1,010,549
-
-
-
-
-
3,430
16,108
1,344
-
20,882
-
46,958
-
46,958
$
3,430
$
63,066
$
1,344
$
-
$
67,840
$
5,874
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
5,874
$
32
$
18
$
7
$
-
$
57
$
-
$
18
$
-
$
-
$
18
Table of Contents
Pinnacle
Foods
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
(In thousands, except where noted in millions)
Group Inc.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary
Eliminations
Total
$
(3,074
)
$
(3,074
)
$
(160
)
$
3,234
$
(3,074
)
-
-
6,131
5
-
6,136
-
1,262
-
-
1,262
-
6,907
-
-
6,907
-
4,935
-
-
4,935
3,074
160
-
(3,234
)
-
-
(527
)
-
-
(527
)
-
342
-
-
342
-
(991
)
-
-
(991
)
-
(8,513
)
(784
)
-
(9,297
)
-
848
(848
)
-
-
-
(24,561
)
(727
)
-
(25,288
)
-
(5,506
)
691
-
(4,815
)
-
519
765
-
1,284
-
(736
)
423
-
(313
)
-
(22,804
)
(635
)
-
(23,439
)
-
(1,511
)
-
(1,511
)
-
(1,511
)
-
-
(1,511
)
-
(262
)
-
-
(262
)
42,186
(42,186
)
-
-
-
42,186
(42,448
)
-
-
(262
)
-
-
42
-
42
42,186
(66,763
)
(593
)
-
(25,170
)
-
71,535
593
-
72,128
$
42,186
$
4,772
$
-
$
-
$
46,958
$
-
$
2,518
$
-
$
-
$
2,518
$
-
$
143
$
-
$
-
$
143
$
-
$
(2,856
)
$
(452
)
$
-
$
(3,308
)
Table of Contents
Pinnacle
Foods
Guarantor
Nonguarantor
Consolidated
(In thousands, except where noted in millions)
Group Inc.
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary
Eliminations
Total
$
7,796
$
7,796
$
(2
)
$
(7,794
)
$
7,796
-
16,619
3
-
16,622
-
1,221
-
-
1,221
(7,796
)
2
-
7,794
-
-
(968
)
-
-
(968
)
-
858
-
-
858
-
4,389
-
-
4,389
-
(9,109
)
(970
)
-
(10,079
)
-
11
(11
)
-
-
-
2,313
644
-
2,957
-
(8,075
)
484
-
(7,591
)
-
(9,684
)
113
-
(9,571
)
-
(1,647
)
268
-
(1,379
)
-
3,726
529
-
4,255
-
(56
)
-
-
(56
)
-
(6,063
)
(24
)
-
(6,087
)
-
48
-
-
48
-
(6,071
)
(24
)
-
(6,095
)
-
(3,257
)
-
-
(3,257
)
-
(7,509
)
-
-
(7,509
)
-
412
-
-
412
-
(10,354
)
-
-
(10,354
)
-
1
12
13
-
(12,698
)
517
-
(12,181
)
-
64,840
131
-
64,971
$
-
$
52,142
$
648
$
-
$
52,790
$
-
$
7,216
$
-
$
-
$
7,216
$
-
$
269
$
-
$
-
$
269
$
-
$
88
$
(187
)
$
-
$
(99
)
Table of Contents
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation:
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
(In thousands)
2001
$
21,000
(243
)
(633
)
$
20,124
Severance
(In thousands)
and Benefits
$ 487
(244
)
(243
)
$ -
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
(In thousands)
2001
$
20,840
(83
)
(633
)
$
20,124
(In thousands)
2001
$
20,124
-
$
20,124
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Other
Pension
Postretirement
Benefits
Benefits
(In thousands)
2001
2001
$
2,642
$
2,373
4,685
2,299
(6,307
)
-
(199
)
(2
)
125
-
(48
)
-
$
898
$
4,670
7.75%
7.75%
9.75%
-
4.25%
4.25%
-
5.00%
(In thousands)
2001
$
(170,207
)
$
(174,490
)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
(In thousands)
2001
$
42,234
71
$
42,163
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
(In thousands)
2001
$
33,528
$
1,453
$
262
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
December 31,
2003
2002
(As restated -
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
See Note 2)
Assets
$
38,175
$
12,904
47,718
34,944
67,647
94,680
6,828
2,984
160,368
145,512
157,538
171,570
339,171
559,684
335,439
344,186
10,420
30,470
$
1,002,936
$
1,251,422
Liabilities and stockholders
deficit
$
661,701
$
43,259
22,592
-
28,097
45,596
-
2,939
95,554
60,408
807,944
152,202
67,935
94,491
972
15,421
-
1,021,429
-
21,951
876,851
1,305,494
438,553
-
1,315,404
1,305,494
33
37
779
772
680,982
681,834
-
(56
)
(994,262
)
(736,659
)
(312,468
)
(54,072
)
$
1,002,936
$
1,251,422
Table of Contents
Year ended December 31,
2003
2002
2001
(As restated -
(As restated -
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
See Note 2)
See Note 2)
$
714,107
$
756,352
$
826,359
(439,187
)
(494,443
)
(494,698
)
274,920
261,909
331,661
(95,027
)
(101,533
)
(101,957
)
(12,818
)
(25,709
)
(37,213
)
(107,845
)
(127,242
)
(139,170
)
(12,544
)
(10,348
)
(44,670
)
(54,795
)
(58,991
)
(58,035
)
(7,913
)
-
-
(16,754
)
-
-
(220,513
)
(64,669
)
-
(2,422
)
-
3,037
(53,225
)
-
-
-
3,066
(417,327
)
(316,897
)
(238,809
)
(142,407
)
(54,988
)
92,852
(91,529
)
(92,531
)
(103,150
)
(35,110
)
-
-
(1,444
)
(12,050
)
(10,641
)
-
(1,779
)
-
(4,726
)
(7,667
)
(3,468
)
(132,809
)
(114,027
)
(117,259
)
(275,216
)
(169,015
)
(24,407
)
4
-
-
(1,187
)
-
-
(9,156
)
-
-
(10,339
)
-
-
(285,555
)
(169,015
)
(24,407
)
27,952
(115,918
)
(58,574
)
(257,603
)
(284,933
)
(82,981
)
-
(228,150
)
-
(257,603
)
(513,083
)
(82,981
)
(1,335
)
(1,353
)
(1,253
)
$
(258,938
)
$
(514,436
)
$
(84,234
)
$
(3.35
)
$
(3.90
)
$
(1.16
)
-
(3.10
)
-
$
(3.35
)
$
(7.00
)
$
(1.16
)
77,319
73,511
72,499
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Accumulated
Additional
Other
Preferred
Common
Paid-in
Promissory
Treasury
Accumulated
Comprehensive
(In thousands)
Stock
Stock
Capital
Notes
Stock
Deficit
Loss
Total
$
37
$
741
$
684,758
$
(227
)
$
-
$
(140,595
)
$
-
$
544,714
-
-
-
-
(15,653
)
-
-
(15,653
)
-
-
113
-
2,387
-
-
2,500
-
2
378
-
-
-
-
380
-
-
(1,253
)
-
-
-
-
(1,253
)
-
-
-
187
-
-
-
187
-
-
-
-
-
(82,981
)
-
(82,981
)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(2,277
)
(2,277
)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(2,527
)
(2,527
)
37
743
683,996
(40
)
(13,266
)
(223,576
)
(4,804
)
443,090
-
-
4,362
-
-
-
-
4,362
-
2
622
40
-
-
-
664
-
27
(5,793
)
-
13,266
-
-
7,500
-
-
(1,353
)
-
-
-
-
(1,353
)
-
-
-
-
-
(513,083
)
-
(513,083
)
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,748
4,748
37
772
681,834
-
-
(736,659
)
(56
)
(54,072
)
(4
)
7
483
-
-
-
-
486
-
-
(1,335
)
-
-
-
-
(1,335
)
-
-
-
-
-
(257,603
)
-
(257,603
)
-
-
-
-
-
-
56
56
$
33
$
779
$
680,982
$
-
$
-
$
(994,262
)
$
-
$
(312,468
)
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The Companys Prepetition Lenders will be
paid in full in cash in respect of principal and interest under
the Senior Secured Debt Facility and, assuming the Senior
Secured Debt Facility is paid in full in cash by March 31,
2004, the Prepetition Lenders will receive $15 million in
cash in full satisfaction of certain leverage and asset sale
fees under the Senior Secured Debt Facility.
The holders of the Companys 12% senior
unsecured notes due 2006 (the Senior Unsecured Promissory
Notes) will be paid in full in cash, in respect of
principal and interest, but will not receive approximately
$1.9 million of unamortized original issue discount.
The holders of the Companys Sub Debt will
receive either (i) cash in the amount of approximately
$0.462 for each dollar of their claim in respect of the
principal and accrued interest on Sub Debt (the Sub Debt
Claims), or (ii) (A) equity in CEH LLC (held
indirectly through a trust), which, after taking into account
dilution for certain equity allocations set forth in the
agreement, will be valued at approximately $0.454 for each
dollar of the Sub Debt Claims, subject to adjustment, plus
(B) certain
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subscription rights. Upon consummation of the
transaction, former holders of the Sub Debt Claims who elect or
are deemed to have elected to receive equity and exercise their
subscription rights in CEH LLC will indirectly own up to
approximately 41.9% of the equity of the reorganized company,
subject to adjustment.
Existing common and preferred stockholders will
not receive any distributions and the outstanding shares of
common and preferred stock will be cancelled.
All of the Companys trade creditors will be
paid in full.
All other claims against the Company will be
unimpaired except for certain leases which will be rejected.
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$
3,789
33,039
400,000
1,725
$
438,553
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3-5 years
2-8 years
3-15 years
5-10 years
20-30 years
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December 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
$
8,855
$
11,966
109
281
50,997
75,480
7,686
6,953
$
67,647
$
94,680
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December 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
$
3,294
$
3,518
29,719
31,061
216,054
230,283
3,901
3,932
2,027
1,972
4,462
4,466
4,194
1,852
263,651
277,084
(106,113
)
(105,514
)
$
157,538
$
171,570
December 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
$
339,171
$
559,684
323,080
325,747
12,359
18,439
$
674,610
$
903,870
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December 31,
(In thousands)
2003
2002
$
23,819
$
14,168
35,110
-
9,932
19,021
5,530
6,804
15,726
13,424
1,789
976
38
2,544
3,610
3,471
$
95,554
$
60,408
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December 31,
2003
2002
$
-
$
-
89,030
108,814
399,654
401,446
167,000
153,600
7,730
-
25,000
25,000
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$
1,086,018
-
-
-
-
-
$
1,086,018
Table of Contents
further amended the financial covenants for 2001;
increased the interest rate spread on borrowings
made pursuant to the facility by 0.25%;
affirmed the ability of the Company to continue
to sell accounts receivable up to a maximum of
$60 million; and
provided for a further increase in the interest
rate spread of 0.25% in the event that the Company did not
realize net cash proceeds of $90 million from the sale of
assets prior to June 30, 2001.
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Further amended the financial covenants for
periods through September 30, 2004, which amended or
established covenants related to operating performance and
certain expense levels, reduced the allowable capital
expenditures for 2003 to $20 million and eliminated the
financial covenants associated with interest and fixed charge
coverage and total and senior debt leverage;
waived certain existing defaults of financial
covenants;
affirmed the ability of the Company to continue
to sell accounts receivable up to a maximum of $30 million
through September 30, 2003;
increased the interest rate spread on borrowings
made pursuant to the facility by 0.75%, until such time as the
Company has received at least $275.0 million of net cash
proceeds from the sale of assets, at which time the increase
would be reduced to 0.50%;
provided for an excess leverage fee of 3.50% of
the aggregate amount of term loan and revolving credit facility
borrowings outstanding on the amendment date. Such fee is to be
paid out of net cash proceeds from the sale of assets and would
not be required if the Company receives net cash proceeds of at
least $100.0 million by June 30, 2003 and an
additional $125.0 million by September 30, 2003, or
failing to meet the June 30, 2003 requirement, if aggregate
net cash proceeds of $325.0 million are received by
September 30, 2003;
provided for an additional fee of 1.75% of the
average term loan and revolving credit facility borrowings from
the amendment date through February 10, 2004, if the
Company has not received an aggregate of $325.0 million
from the sale of assets by March 31, 2004;
provided for the exclusion of certain expenses,
not to exceed $18 million, recorded by the Company in the
fourth quarter of 2002 for purposes of the financial covenants
at December 31, 2002.
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NOL Expires
Loss Amount
$
2,430
10,227
13,432
94,293
103,406
166,463
52,394
174,742
129,424
$
746,811
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December 31,
2003
2002
(As restated -
(Dollars in thousands)
See Note 2)
$
1,934
$
1,845
5,738
13,764
7,672
15,609
1,415
-
5,333
8,000
108
168
$
14,528
$
23,777
Liabilities and stockholders
deficit
$
459
$
206
392
443
851
649
70,917
74,695
71,768
75,344
1
1
200
200
(57,441
)
(51,768
)
(57,240
)
(51,567
)
$
14,528
$
23,777
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Years ended December 31,
2003
2002
2001
(As restated -
(As restated -
(Dollars in thousands)
See Note 2)
See Note 2)
$
28,847
$
40,156
$
52,456
(21,554
)
(30,363
)
(39,616
)
7,293
9,793
12,840
(3,249
)
(4,573
)
(6,292
)
(398
)
(1,003
)
(612
)
(3,647
)
(5,576
)
(6,904
)
(2,821
)
-
(1,829
)
(1,801
)
(2,528
)
(3,156
)
-
(8,936
)
-
1,045
(1,045
)
-
(7,224
)
(18,085
)
(11,889
)
69
(8,292
)
951
(5,742
)
(6,099
)
(6,252
)
(5,673
)
(14,391
)
(5,301
)
-
(59
)
1,430
(5,673
)
(14,450
)
(3,871
)
-
(37,298
)
-
$
(5,673
)
$
(51,748
)
$
(3,871
)
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Years ended December 31,
2003
2002
2001
(As restated -
(As restated -
(Dollars in thousands)
See Note 2)
See Note 2)
$
(5,673
)
$
(51,748
)
$
(3,871
)
-
37,298
-
3,034
164
2,151
-
-
167
(1,045
)
1,045
-
-
8,936
-
(89
)
253
1,821
8,026
22
(3,371
)
-
1,323
16
253
(1,544
)
(366
)
(51
)
(781
)
(60
)
4,455
(5,032
)
(3,513
)
(94
)
(229
)
(1,107
)
(94
)
(229
)
(1,107
)
(4,361
)
5,261
4,620
(4,361
)
5,261
4,620
-
-
-
-
-
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
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The information in this
prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not
complete the exchange offer and issue these securities until the
registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell
securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer is not permitted.
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Exhibit
number
Description of exhibit
4
.1
Indenture dated November 25, 2003, among
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation; Pinnacle Foods Corporation;
PF Sales, LLC; PF Distribution, LLC; Pinnacle Foods Brands
Corporation; PF Standards Corporation; Pinnacle Foods Management
Corporation, PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp. and Wilmington
Trust Company.
4
.2
Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 19,
2004 among Aurora Foods Inc., Sea Coast Foods, Inc., Pinnacle
Foods Holding Corporation; Pinnacle Foods Corporation; PF Sales,
LLC; PF Distribution, LLC; Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation; PF
Standards Corporation; Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation, PF
Sales (N. Central Region) Corp. and Wilmington Trust Company.
4
.3
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated
as of November 25, 2003, between J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc.; Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.; Pinnacle Foods
Holding Corporation; Pinnacle Foods Corporation; PF Sales, LLC;
PF Distribution, LLC; Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation; PF
Standards Corporation; Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation and
PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp.
4
.4
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated
as of February 20, 2004, between J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc.; Citigroup Global Markets Inc., CIBC World
Markets Corp., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.; Pinnacle Foods
Holding Corporation; Pinnacle Foods Corporation; PF Sales, LLC;
PF Distribution, LLC; Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation; PF
Standards Corporation; Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation and
PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp.
5
.1
Opinion of OMelveny & Myers LLP
regarding the validity of the 8 1/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2013 being registered hereunder
9
.1
Voting Trust Agreement, dated as of
March 18, 2004, by and among the Voting Trustees party
thereto, Wilmington Trust Company, the signatories to the Trust
Accession Instruments listed on Schedule I thereto, Aurora
Foods Inc. and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC
10
.1
Credit Agreement, dated as of November 25,
2003 among Crunch Holding Corp., Pinnacle Foods Holding
Corporation, certain Lenders, Deutsche Bank Trust Company
Americas, General Electric Capital Corporation, JPMorgan Chase
Bank, Citicorp North America, Inc. and Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce.
10
.2
Assumption Agreement to the Credit Agreement,
dated as of March 19, 2004
10
.3
Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of
November 25, 2003
10
.4
Supplement No. 1 to the Collateral
Agreement, dated March 19, 2004, between Aurora Foods Inc.
and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.
10
.5
Supplement No. 2 to the Collateral
Agreement, dated March 19, 2004, between Sea Coast Foods,
Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.
10
.6
Amended and Restated Members Agreement of
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated March 19, 2004.
10
.7
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated March 19, 2004.
10
.8
Management Agreement, dated as of
November 25, 2003, by and among Pinnacle Foods Holding
Corporation, J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC and J.W. Childs
Associates, L.P.
10
.9
Amended and Restated Indemnity Agreement, dated
May 4, 2004, between Crunch Equity Holding LLC and the
Class 6 Claim holders party thereto.
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Exhibit
number
Description of exhibit
10
.10
Crunch Holding Corporation Registration Rights
Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2004, among Crunch Holding
Corp. and certain investors party thereto.
10
.11
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated
November 25, 2003 between PFHC and C. Dean Metropoulos
10
.12
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated
November 25, 2003 between PFHC and Evan Metropoulos
10
.13
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated
November 25, 2003 between PFHC and Michael Dion
10
.14
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated
November 25, 2003 between PFHC and Louis Pellicano
10
.15
Indemnification Agreement, dated May 22,
2001, between Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation and C. Dean
Metropoulos
10
.16
Amendment No. 1, dated November 25,
2003, to the Indemnification Agreement, dated May 22, 2001,
between Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation and C. Dean
Metropoulos
10
.17
Crunch Holding Corp. 2004 Stock Option Plan,
effective as of March 19, 2004
10
.18
Crunch Holding Corp. 2004 California Stock Option
Plan, effective as of March 19, 2004
10
.19
Crunch Holding Corp. 2004 Stock Purchase Plan,
effective as of March 19, 2004
10
.20
Crunch Holding Corp. 2004 California Stock
Purchase Plan, effective as of March 19, 2004
10
.21
Fee Agreement, dated as of September 12,
2003, by and between Crunch Acquisition Corp., J.P. Morgan
Partners, LLC and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.
10
.22
Fee Agreement, dated November 25, 2003, by
and among Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, CDM Capital LLC
and Crunch Holding Corp.
10
.23
Amendment No. 1, dated December 8,
2003, to the Fee Agreement, dated November 25, 2003, by and
among Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, CDM Capital LLC and
Crunch Holding Corp.
10
.24
Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of
November 25, 2003, by and among Crunch Holding Corp.,
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Corporation,
Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Brands
Corporation, PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp., PF Sales, LLC,
PF Distribution, LLC and PF Standards Corporation
10
.25
Lease, dated May 23, 2001, between
Brandywine Operating Partnership, L.P. and Pinnacle Foods
Corporation (Cherry Hill, New Jersey)
10
.26
Lease, dated August 10, 2001, between 485
Properties, LLC and Pinnacle Foods Corporation (Mountain Lakes,
New Jersey); Amendment No. 1, dated November 23, 2001;
Amendment No. 2, dated October 16, 2003.
10
.27
Swanson Trademark License Agreement (U.S.) by and
between CSC Brands, Inc. and Vlasic International Brands Inc.,
dated as of March 24, 1998
10
.28
Swanson Trademark License Agreement (Non-U.S.) by
and between Campbell Soup Company and Vlasic International
Brands Inc., dated as of March 26, 1998
10
.29
Technology Sharing Agreement by and between
Campbell Soup Company and Vlasic Foods International Inc., dated
as of March 26, 1998
12
.1
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
12
.2
Pro Forma Computation of Ratios of Earnings to
Fixed Charges
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Exhibit
number
Description of exhibit
21
.1
Subsidiaries of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
23
.1
Consent of OMelveny & Myers LLP
(included in Exhibit 5.1)
23
.2
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with
respect to Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation and Subsidiaries
23
.3
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with
respect to the Frozen Foods and Condiments Businesses of Vlasic
Foods International Inc.
23
.4
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with
respect to Aurora Foods Inc.
24
.1
Power of Attorney (included in signature pages)
25
.1
Form T-1 (Wilmington Trust Company)
99
.1
Letter of Transmittal
99
.2
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
99
.3
Letter to Brokers
99
.4
Letter to Clients
(a) (1) To file, during any period in
which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment
to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by
Section 10(a)(3) of the Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts
or events arising after the effective date of the registration
statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof)
which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
change in the information set forth in the registration
statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar
value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the
estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of
prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes
in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
Calculation of Registration Fee table in the
effective registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information
with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the registration statement or any material change
to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any
liability under the Act, each such post-effective amendment
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of
a post-effective amendment any of the securities being
registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering;
(b) To respond to requests for information
that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant
to Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one
business day of
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receipt of such request, and to send the
incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally
prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration
statement through the date of responding to the request; and
(c) To supply by means of a post-effective
amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the
subject of and included in the registration statement when it
became effective.
Table of Contents
PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.
By:
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
Name: N. Michael Dion
Title: Executive
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS
C. Dean Metropoulos
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
August 20, 2004
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
N. Michael Dion
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
August 20, 2004
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Signature
Title
Date
/s/ STEPHEN P. MURRAY
Stephen P. Murray
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ TERRY PEETS
Terry Peets
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ KEVIN G. OBRIEN
Kevin G. OBrien
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ JOHN W. CHILDS
John W. Childs
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ ADAM L. SUTTIN
Adam L. Suttin
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ RAYMOND B. RUDY
Raymond B. Rudy
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ DAVID R. JESSICK
David R. Jessick
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ BRETT G. WYARD
Brett G. Wyard
Director
August 20, 2004
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PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION
By:
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
Name: N. Michael Dion
Title: Executive
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS
C. Dean Metropoulos
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
August 20, 2004
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
N. Michael Dion
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
August 20, 2004
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Signature
Title
Date
/s/ STEPHEN P. MURRAY
Stephen P. Murray
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ TERRY PEETS
Terry Peets
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ KEVIN G. OBRIEN
Kevin G. OBrien
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ JOHN W. CHILDS
John W. Childs
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ ADAM L. SUTTIN
Adam L. Suttin
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ RAYMOND B. RUDY
Raymond B. Rudy
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ DAVID R. JESSICK
David R. Jessick
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ BRETT G. WYARD
Brett G. Wyard
Director
August 20, 2004
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PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS CORPORATION
By:
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
Name: N. Michael Dion
Title: Executive
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
N. Michael Dion
President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal
Executive Officer; Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
August 20, 2004
/s/ JACK F. KROEGER
Jack F. Kroeger
Director
August 20, 2004
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Signature
Title
Date
/s/ LANA TOWERS
Lana Towers
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ ANTHONY LOBUE
Anthony LoBue
Director
August 20, 2004
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PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION
By:
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
Name: N. Michael Dion
Title: Executive
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS
C. Dean Metropoulos
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
August 20, 2004
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Signature
Title
Date
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
N. Michael Dion
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
August 20, 2004
/s/ KEVIN G. OBRIEN
Kevin G. OBrien
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ ADAM L. SUTTIN
Adam L. Suttin
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ BRETT G. WYARD
Brett G. Wyard
Director
August 20, 2004
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PF STANDARDS CORPORATION
By:
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
Name: N. Michael Dion
Title: Executive
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS
C. Dean Metropoulos
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
August 20, 2004
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
N. Michael Dion
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
August 20, 2004
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Signature
Title
Date
/s/ KEVIN G. OBRIEN
Kevin G. OBrien
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ ADAM L. SUTTIN
Adam L. Suttin
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ BRETT G. WYARD
Brett G. Wyard
Director
August 20, 2004
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PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION) CORP.
By:
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
Name: N. Michael Dion
Title: Executive
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS
C. Dean Metropoulos
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
August 20, 2004
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
N. Michael Dion
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
August 20, 2004
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Signature
Title
Date
/s/ KEVIN G. OBRIEN
Kevin G. OBrien
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ ADAM L. SUTTIN
Adam L. Suttin
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ BRETT G. WYARD
Brett G. Wyard
Director
August 20, 2004
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PF SALES LLC
By:
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
Name: N. Michael Dion
Title: Executive
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS
C. Dean Metropoulos
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board
and Manager (Principal Executive Officer)
August 20, 2004
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
N. Michael Dion
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
August 20, 2004
/s/ KEVIN G. OBRIEN
Kevin G. OBrien
Manager
August 20, 2004
Table of Contents
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ ADAM L. SUTTIN
Adam L. Suttin
Manager
August 20, 2004
/s/ BRETT G. WYARD
Brett G. Wyard
Manager
August 20, 2004
Table of Contents
PF DISTRIBUTION LLC
By:
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
Name: N. Michael Dion
Title: Executive
Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS
C. Dean Metropoulos
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board
and Manager (Principal Executive Officer)
August 20, 2004
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
N. Michael Dion
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
August 20, 2004
Table of Contents
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ KEVIN G. OBRIEN
Kevin G. OBrien
Manager
August 20, 2004
/s/ ADAM L. SUTTIN
Adam L. Suttin
Manager
August 20, 2004
/s/ BRETT G. WYARD
Brett G. Wyard
Manager
August 20, 2004
Table of Contents
SEA COAST FOODS, INC.
By:
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
Name: N. Michael Dion
Title: Executive Vice President
and
Chief Financial Officer
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS
C. Dean Metropoulos
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
August 20, 2004
/s/ N. MICHAEL DION
N. Michael Dion
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
August 20, 2004
Table of Contents
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ KEVIN G. OBRIEN
Kevin G. OBrien
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ ADAM L. SUTTIN
Adam L. Suttin
Director
August 20, 2004
/s/ BRETT G. WYARD
Brett G. Wyard
Director
August 20, 2004
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
EXHIBIT 2.1
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF
REORGANIZATION AND MERGER
By and Between
AURORA FOODS INC.
and
CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC
Dated as of November 25, 2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- ARTICLE I RESTRUCTURING.......................................................................................... 2 Section 1.1 Restructuring............................................................ 2 ARTICLE II ALLOCATION OF EQUITY AMONG THE BONDHOLDERS............................................................ 4 Section 2.1 Equity Election Procedure................................................ 4 Section 2.2 Subscription Rights...................................................... 5 ARTICLE III THE MERGER........................................................................................... 7 Section 3.1 Merger; Surviving Corporation............................................ 7 Section 3.2 Effective Time........................................................... 7 Section 3.3 Effects of the Merger.................................................... 7 Section 3.4 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.................................. 8 Section 3.5 Directors and Officers................................................... 8 Section 3.6 Definitions Relating to the Merger and Adjustments....................... 8 Section 3.7 Rights in Respect of Sub Debt and Class A Units.......................... 12 Section 3.8 Payment.................................................................. 12 Section 3.9 Exchange of Certificates................................................. 14 Section 3.10 Tax Effects of Reorganization Transactions............................... 14 ARTICLE IV POST-CLOSING ADJUSTMENTS.............................................................................. 15 Section 4.1 Adjustment to Merger Consideration....................................... 15 Section 4.2 Post-Closing Adjustment.................................................. 16 ARTICLE V THE CLOSING 17 Section 5.1 The Closing.............................................................. 17 Section 5.2 Deliveries............................................................... 17 Section 5.3 Initial EBITDA Calculation............................................... 18 ARTICLE VI REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY......................................................... 19 Section 6.1 Organization; Subsidiaries............................................... 20 Section 6.2 Due Authorization........................................................ 21 Section 6.3 Capitalization........................................................... 21 Section 6.4 SEC Reports.............................................................. 22 Section 6.5 Financial Statements..................................................... 22 Section 6.6 Absence of Certain Changes............................................... 22 Section 6.7 Litigation............................................................... 23 Section 6.8 Consents and Approvals................................................... 23 Section 6.9 Noncontravention......................................................... 24 Section 6.10 Compliance with Laws..................................................... 24 Section 6.11 Company Material Contracts............................................... 24 Section 6.12 Financial Advisory, Legal and Other Fees................................. 26 Section 6.13 ERISA Compliance......................................................... 26 Section 6.14 Intellectual Property.................................................... 27 |
Page ---- Section 6.15 Taxes.................................................................... 28 Section 6.16 Properties............................................................... 30 Section 6.17 Environmental Matters.................................................... 31 Section 6.18 Affiliate Transactions................................................... 31 Section 6.19 Labor Relations.......................................................... 32 Section 6.20 Certain Business Practices............................................... 32 Section 6.21 Insurance................................................................ 32 Section 6.22 State Takeover Statutes.................................................. 32 Section 6.23 Product Recalls.......................................................... 33 ARTICLE VII REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING PINNACLE.................................................... 33 Section 7.1 Organization............................................................. 33 Section 7.2 Capitalization; Subsidiaries............................................. 34 Section 7.3 Financial Statements..................................................... 34 Section 7.4 Absence of Certain Changes............................................... 35 Section 7.5 Litigation............................................................... 35 Section 7.6 Consents and Approvals................................................... 35 Section 7.7 Noncontravention......................................................... 36 Section 7.8 Compliance with Laws..................................................... 36 Section 7.9 Pinnacle Material Contracts.............................................. 36 Section 7.10 ERISA Compliance; Labor.................................................. 38 Section 7.11 Intellectual Property.................................................... 39 Section 7.12 Taxes.................................................................... 40 Section 7.13 Properties............................................................... 42 Section 7.14 Environmental Matters.................................................... 43 Section 7.15 Affiliate Transactions................................................... 43 Section 7.16 Insurance................................................................ 43 Section 7.17 Product Recalls.......................................................... 44 ARTICLE VIII REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CEH LLC........................................................... 44 Section 8.1 Organization............................................................. 44 Section 8.2 Due Authorization........................................................ 44 Section 8.3 Non-Contravention........................................................ 44 Section 8.4 Litigation............................................................... 45 Section 8.5 Consents and Approvals................................................... 45 Section 8.6 Financing................................................................ 46 Section 8.7 Ownership of Holding and Pinnacle........................................ 46 Section 8.8 Financial Advisory, Legal and Other Fees................................. 46 Section 8.9 Beneficial Ownership..................................................... 46 Section 8.10 Capitalization; Subsidiaries............................................. 46 Section 8.11 No Preemptive Rights..................................................... 47 Section 8.12 No Activity.............................................................. 47 ARTICLE IX COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.............................................................................. 47 Section 9.1 Conduct of Business Pending Closing...................................... 47 |
Page ---- Section 9.2 Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance................... 50 Section 9.3 No Solicitation of Alternative Proposals................................. 51 Section 9.4 Access to Information.................................................... 52 Section 9.5 Consents................................................................. 53 Section 9.6 Agreements with Five Percent Holders..................................... 53 Section 9.7 Releases................................................................. 53 Section 9.8 Notification of Certain Matters.......................................... 53 Section 9.9 Assistance with the Financing............................................ 53 Section 9.10 Closing Fee; Expenses.................................................... 53 Section 9.11 Invoices for Professional Services....................................... 54 Section 9.12 Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement......................................... 54 Section 9.13 Voting Agent; Exchange Agent............................................. 54 ARTICLE X COVENANTS OF CEH LLC................................................................................... 54 Section 10.1 Conduct of Business Pending Closing...................................... 54 Section 10.2 Consents................................................................. 55 Section 10.3 Debt Commitment Letter................................................... 55 Section 10.4 Access to Information.................................................... 55 Section 10.5 Approval of Bankruptcy Plan.............................................. 56 Section 10.6 Notification of Certain Matters.......................................... 56 Section 10.7 Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement......................................... 57 Section 10.8 Equity Contribution...................................................... 57 Section 10.9 Financial Reports........................................................ 57 Section 10.10 No Activity.............................................................. 57 ARTICLE XI CONDITIONS............................................................................................ 57 Section 11.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligations................................... 57 Section 11.2 Conditions to the Obligations of CEH LLC................................. 58 Section 11.3 Conditions to the Obligations of the Company............................. 59 ARTICLE XII TERMINATION.......................................................................................... 60 Section 12.1 Termination.............................................................. 60 Section 12.2 Fees and Expenses........................................................ 61 ARTICLE XIII NO SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND CERTAIN COVENANTS; NATURE OF REMEDIES............. 62 ARTICLE XIV CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.................................................................................. 63 Section 14.1 Certain Definitions...................................................... 63 ARTICLE XV MISCELLANEOUS......................................................................................... 80 Section 15.1 Governing Law............................................................ 80 Section 15.2 Jurisdiction; Forum; Service of Process; Waiver of Jury.................. 80 Section 15.3 Successors and Assigns................................................... 81 Section 15.4 Entire Agreement; Amendment.............................................. 81 |
Page ---- Section 15.5 Notices.................................................................. 81 Section 15.6 Delays or Omissions...................................................... 84 Section 15.7 Counterparts............................................................. 84 Section 15.8 Severability............................................................. 84 Section 15.9 Titles and Subtitles..................................................... 84 Section 15.10 Acknowledgment........................................................... 84 Section 15.11 No Public Announcement................................................... 85 Section 15.12 Further Actions; Reasonable Best Efforts................................. 85 Section 15.13 Interpretation........................................................... 86 Section 15.14 Satisfaction with Bondholder Trust....................................... 86 Section 15.15 Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness of This Agreement.................. 86 Section 15.16 Notice Regarding Pinnacle Lenders........................................ 87 |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit A -- Break-Up Payment Order Exhibit B -- DIP Financing Commitment Letters Exhibit C -- Break-Up Payment Claim Order Exhibit D -- Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws Exhibit E -- Debt Commitment Letters Exhibit F -- Equity Commitment Letter Exhibit G -- Agreement Effectiveness Notice Exhibit H -- CEH LLC Members Agreement Exhibit I -- CEH LLC Operating Agreement Exhibit J -- Indemnity Agreement Exhibit K -- Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement Exhibit L -- Termination Agreement |
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER (this "Agreement"), dated as of November 25, 2003, is made by and between Aurora Foods Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Aurora"), and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CEH LLC"). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in Section 3.6 and Article XIV hereof.
WHEREAS, the Company and J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P. ("JWC") are party to that certain Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Original SPA"), dated as of July 11, 2003, pursuant to which the Company and JWC agreed to effect a series of transactions that would constitute a capital restructuring of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions contained therein;
WHEREAS, Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Holding"), is party to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Pinnacle Merger Agreement"), dated as of August 8, 2003, among Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation ("Pinnacle"), Holding and Crunch Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Holding ("Acquisition"), pursuant to which Acquisition will merge with and into Pinnacle (the "Pinnacle Merger") and Pinnacle will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holding, subject to the terms and conditions contained therein;
WHEREAS, on October 13, 2003, the Company, J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC ("JPMP"), JWC, C. Dean Metropoulos and Co. ("CDM") and the Informal Bondholder Committee of Aurora (the "Informal Committee") entered into a Letter of Intent (the "Letter of Intent") with regard to the capital restructuring of the Company, pursuant to which the parties agreed to negotiate in good faith with a view towards (i) amending and restating the Original SPA by entering into this Agreement and (ii) providing for a combination of the businesses of Pinnacle and Aurora;
WHEREAS, (a) CEH LLC was formed by JWC, JPMP and CDM for purposes of making their respective investments in Pinnacle and Aurora, (b) Holding is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEH LLC, and (c) upon consummation of the Pinnacle Merger, Pinnacle will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holding;
WHEREAS, as contemplated by the Letter of Intent, CEH LLC desires to cause its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Pinnacle to merge with and into Aurora (the "Merger") and to make a cash investment in the Company via the Merger, on the terms and conditions set forth herein;
WHEREAS, the parties desire to effectuate the capital restructuring and investment contemplated herein in the context of a voluntary case commenced by Aurora pursuant to Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, and pursuant to the Bankruptcy Plan and the Disclosure Statement (as each term is defined below) relating thereto; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to effectuate its capital restructuring on the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and pursuant to the Bankruptcy Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, subject to Section 15.15 of this Agreement, in consideration of the mutual covenants, agreements, representations and warranties contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
RESTRUCTURING
Section 1.1 Restructuring.
(a) The Company, Sea Coast and CEH LLC shall use their reasonable best efforts to effectuate the Restructuring. In furtherance of and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company and Sea Coast shall contemporaneously with the Agreement Effective Date commence a Bankruptcy Case and propose and file with the Bankruptcy Court the following:
(i) a plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in a form reasonably acceptable to CEH LLC and the Designated Representative (the "Bankruptcy Plan");
(ii) a disclosure statement in a form reasonably acceptable to CEH LLC and the Designated Representative (the "Disclosure Statement");
(iii) a motion (the "Break-Up Payment Motion") for approval of the Break-Up Payment as an Administrative Claim in the Bankruptcy Case together with all necessary supporting papers and the proposed order substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Break-Up Payment Order"); and
(iv) first day orders in a form reasonably acceptable to CEH LLC and the Designated Representative, which shall include an interim order approving the DIP Facility (the "First Day Orders" and together with the Break-Up Payment Order, the "Orders").
Upon commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, the Company and Sea Coast shall promptly seek to obtain the Confirmation Order with respect to the Bankruptcy Plan, the Other First Day Orders and the Break-Up Payment Order.
(b) Intent of the Restructuring. Subject to the specific terms and conditions of the Bankruptcy Plan, the parties hereto agree that the intent of the Restructuring is as follows:
(i) the Existing Credit Facility shall be paid in full, including the Bank Fees and any Paid Default Interest;
(ii) the Lenders shall have waived any right to the Asset Sale Fee and Excess Leverage Fee (each as defined in the Existing Credit Facility) payable
under the Existing Credit Facility in excess of $15 million (such $15 million, the "Bank Fees") and any default interest under the Existing Credit Facility other than Paid Default Interest, subject to consummation of the Restructuring on or prior to March 31, 2004, in accordance with the terms of the Existing Credit Facility, as amended on October 9, 2003;
(iii) the Receivables Facility shall be terminated in accordance with its terms;
(iv) the holders of the Senior Notes shall be repaid in full (less the original issue discount from the par value of such Senior Notes in the amount of $1.9 million);
(v) the debtor-in-possession facility (the "DIP Facility") described in the commitment letters attached hereto as Exhibit B shall be paid in full;
(vi) in exchange for its rights in the Sub Debt and other claims, each of the Bondholders shall be entitled to:
(A) the Cash Election which will be valued at $0.50 per each dollar of principal face amount of Sub Debt, or
(B) (i) the Equity Election, which will be valued at approximately $0.53 per each dollar of principal face amount of Sub Debt, subject to adjustment, (ii) the Cash-Out Subscription Right and (iii) the Make-Up Subscription Right.
Each Bondholder shall receive the Sub Debt Cash Consideration unless such Bondholder validly elects to receive Bondholder Trust Interests pursuant to an Equity Election in accordance with Section 2.1; provided, however, that pursuant to Section 2.1(d) hereof, no more than 50% of the aggregate principal face amount of the Sub Debt may be subject to Cash Elections;
(vii) all other claims against the Company shall be unimpaired (provided that, the Company shall reject the St. Louis Leases and, to the extent CEH LLC, the Company and the Designated Representative agree, the Bankruptcy Plan may impair Litigation claims);
(viii) all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and Series A Preferred, together with all rights relating to the purchase and sale thereof (including any options or warrants) will be cancelled with no further rights or obligations relating thereto; and
(ix) to the extent that the Company has cash balances in excess of $25 million after all distributions have been made and reserves, if any, funded pursuant to the Bankruptcy Plan (excluding any amounts received from Make-Up Subscription Amount, which shall be applied only towards the payment of the Bank Fees and Paid
Default Interest), the Company shall use the amount of such excess to further reduce the principal amount of the Pinnacle Senior Credit Facility.
(c) Prior to the consummation of the Merger, CEH LLC intends to cause Holding to adopt a management stock option plan (the "Holding Option Plan") providing for the issuance of up to 5% of the fully diluted equity of Holding, which shall be a time-based and/or performance-based management incentive plan upon customary terms and conditions.
(d) The Merger will be part of and will be consummated contemporaneously with the effectiveness of the Bankruptcy Plan.
(e) If this Agreement has been terminated prior to the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case under circumstances in which CEH LLC is entitled to the Break-Up Payment, a motion (the "Break-Up Payment Claim Motion") shall be filed by the Company seeking allowance as an Administrative Claim in the Bankruptcy Case of CEH LLC's claim for payment of the Break-Up Payment (the "Allowed Break-Up Payment Claim"), together with all necessary supporting papers and a proposed order in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the "Break-Up Payment Claim Order") within three (3) Business Days after the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case. The Company shall take all action reasonably necessary, including filing any motion, proposed order and supporting documents, to seek approval from the Bankruptcy Court of the Company's obligation to pay the Break-Up Payment to CEH LLC as an Administrative Claim in the Bankruptcy Case.
NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A TENDER OFFER FOR ANY SECURITIES, A SOLICITATION OF PROXIES OR A SOLICITATION OR OFFER TO SELL OR EXCHANGE SECURITIES TO ANY PERSON OTHER THAN CEH LLC.
ARTICLE II
ALLOCATION OF EQUITY AMONG THE BONDHOLDERS
Section 2.1 Equity Election Procedure.
(a) Each Bondholder who is, either directly or through a nominee, trustee or other Person acting in a representative capacity (a "Holder Representative"), a record holder of Sub Debt (a "Record Date Bondholder") on the record date (the "Record Date") established pursuant to Rule 3017(d) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and any applicable local rules of the Delaware bankruptcy court, shall receive the Sub Debt Cash Consideration (a "Cash Election") unless such holder makes an irrevocable election to receive the Sub Debt Equity Consideration (an "Equity Election") with respect to all of the Sub Debt then held by such Bondholder on the basis hereinafter set forth.
(b) The Company shall enclose an Election Form and a Trust Accession Instrument together with the Disclosure Statement and other solicitation materials distributed to the Record Date Bondholders or their Holder Representatives. The Election Form shall permit each Bondholder, or such Bondholder's Holder Representative acting on such Bondholder's behalf, to make an Equity Election. Except pursuant to Section 2.1(d), an Equity
Election will be properly made only if the Voting Agent shall have received at its designated office, by 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Plan Voting Date, a properly completed and signed Election Form and Trust Accession Instrument. A Holder Representative may submit a separate Election Form for each Record Date Bondholder for whom such Holder Representative acts as a nominee, trustee or in another representative capacity. Once made, an Equity Election shall be binding upon such Bondholder and all successors, transferees and assignees thereof, and may not be revoked, rescinded, amended or superceded by any Person.
(c) The determination of the Company, in its sole discretion, which it may delegate in whole or in part to the Voting Agent, shall be conclusive and binding as to whether or not Equity Elections have been timely and properly made pursuant to this Section 2.1. The Company may, in its sole discretion, which it may delegate in whole or in part to the Voting Agent, disregard immaterial defects in any Election Form. The decision of the Company or Voting Agent in such matters shall be conclusive and binding so long as it has acted in good faith. Neither the Company nor the Voting Agent shall be under any obligation to notify any person of any defect in any Election Form submitted to the Voting Agent.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.1, to the extent that the sum of (x) the aggregate principal face amount of Sub Debt for which Equity Elections are validly made pursuant to Section 2.1(b) plus (y) an amount equal to the aggregate amount of Cash-Out Class A Units validly subscribed for by the Eligible Bondholders divided by the Sub Debt Cash-Out Value, is less than $200 million (the amount of such difference, an "Equity Election Shortfall"), each Bondholder who validly made or is deemed to have made a Cash Election shall be deemed (for all purposes of this Agreement) to have made (i) an Equity Election with respect to a principal face amount of such Bondholder's Sub Debt equal to the product of (A) the Equity Election Shortfall and (B) the quotient of (I) the aggregate principal face amount of Sub Debt held of record as of the Record Date by such Bondholder (either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative) over (II) the aggregate principal face amount of Sub Debt held of record as of the Record Date by all Bondholders (either directly or through their Holder Representatives) who validly made or have been deemed to have made Cash Elections and (ii) a Cash Election with respect to a principal face amount of Sub Debt equal to the aggregate principal face amount of Sub Debt held of record as of the Record Date by such Bondholder (either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative) less the amount in (i).
Section 2.2 Subscription Rights. (a) Each Record Date Bondholder that validly makes an Equity Election, either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative (an "Eligible Bondholder"), shall have the right to subscribe for Bondholder Class A Units (expressed throughout this Agreement in dollar values) pursuant to a Cash-Out Subscription Right and a Make-Up Subscription Right, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 2.2
(b) The Company shall enclose a Subscription Election Form together with the Disclosure Statement and other solicitation materials distributed to the Record Date Bondholders or their Holder Representatives, which form shall include: (i) instructions (including examples) for calculating an Eligible Bondholder's Applicable Percentage; (ii) a good faith estimate of the amount of the Equity Deficiency; (iii) rights for each Eligible Bondholder to
subscribe for (A) an amount of Cash-Out Class A Units equal to the product of
(I) such Eligible Bondholder's Applicable Percentage, (II) the aggregate
principal face amount of the Cashed-Out Sub Debt and (III) the Sub Debt Cash-Out
Value (a "Cash-Out Subscription Right"), and (B) up to an aggregate amount of
Make-Up Class A Units equal to the Equity Deficiency (a "Make-Up Subscription
Right"). All subscriptions described in this Section 2.2(b) will be made
simultaneously with the Closing. The foregoing rights shall by their terms
remain open and exercisable until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Plan
Voting Date (the "Subscription Right Period").
(c) To the extent that the aggregate amount of the Make-Up Class A Units subscribed for by the Eligible Bondholders pursuant to the Make-Up Subscription Right exceeds the amount of the Equity Deficiency, each such Eligible Bondholder's subscription amount pursuant to the Make-Up Subscription Right shall be equal (for all purposes of this Agreement) to the product of (i) the amount of the Equity Deficiency and (ii) the quotient of (A) the aggregate amount of Sub Debt held of record by such Bondholder, either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative, as of the Record Date, over (B) the aggregate amount of Sub Debt held by Eligible Bondholders, either directly or through their Holder Representatives, as of the Record Date who elect to exercise the Make-Up Subscription Right.
(d) Each Eligible Bondholder shall have the option to exercise the Cash-Out Subscription Right and Make-Up Subscription Right by delivering an appropriately completed and signed Subscription Election Form to the Voting Agent prior to the expiration of the Subscription Right Period. A Holder Representative may submit a separate Subscription Election Form for each Eligible Bondholder for whom such holder acts as a nominee, trustee or in another representative capacity.
(e) The Company shall, by no later than fifteen (15) Business
Days prior to the Closing Date (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the
Company and the Designated Representative), mail a notice (a "Subscription
Payment Notice") to each Eligible Bondholder, or such Bondholder's Holder
Representative, from whom the Company has received a completed and signed
Subscription Election Form setting forth: (i) the anticipated Closing Date; (ii)
a statement of the amount of Cash-Out Class A Units subscribed for by such
Bondholder pursuant to the Cash-Out Subscription Right; and (iii) a statement of
(A) the amount of the Equity Deficiency and (B) the amount of Make-Up Class A
Units subscribed for by such Bondholder pursuant to the Make-Up Subscription
Right. Each applicable Eligible Bondholder shall, by no later than three (3)
Business Days prior to the Closing Date (the "Subscription Payment Deadline"),
(x) with respect to any exercised Make-Up Subscription Right, pay to the
Exchange Agent an amount equal to the amount of the Make-Up Class A Units
specified in the Subscription Payment Notice, and (y) with respect to an
exercised Cash-Out Subscription Right, pay to the Exchange Agent an amount equal
to the amount of the Cash-Out Class A Units specified in the Subscription
Payment Notice. In the event that an Eligible Bondholder's subscription payments
shall not have been received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Subscription
Payment Deadline, such Bondholder's Subscription Acceptance Notice shall be
deemed to have been revoked for all purposes of this Agreement.
(f) To the extent that less than all of the Bondholder Class A Units subject to subscription pursuant to this Section 2.2 are subscribed for by the Eligible
Bondholders, the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors shall subscribe for the remainder of such Bondholder Class A Units, which subscription shall be made simultaneously with the Closing and shall otherwise be on the same terms as the subscription rights provided to the Eligible Bondholders under this Section 2.2, except for the time of payment. At Closing, the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors shall, if applicable, (i) with respect to the amount by which the Equity Deficiency exceeds payments received by the Exchange Agent in respect of the Make-Up Class A Units pursuant to Section 2.2(e), invest the amount of such excess in Pinnacle (by way of CEH LLC and Holding), (ii) with respect to the amount by which the product of (A) the aggregate principal face amount of the Cashed Out Sub Debt and (B) the Sub Debt Cash-Out Value exceeds payments received by the Exchange Agent in respect of Cash-Out Class A Units pursuant to Section 2.2(e), invest the amount of such excess in Pinnacle (by way of CEH LLC and Holding) and (iii) execute and deliver to the Exchange Agent a Trust Accession Instrument with respect to such subscription.
ARTICLE III
THE MERGER
Section 3.1 Merger; Surviving Corporation. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Effective Time, CEH LLC shall cause Pinnacle to be merged with and into the Company in accordance with the terms of, and subject to the conditions set forth in, this Agreement, the Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement and the DGCL. Following the Merger, the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation in the Merger (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Reorganized Company") and shall continue its corporate existence under the laws of the State of Delaware, and the separate corporate existence of Pinnacle shall cease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CEH LLC may, upon written notice to the Company, request, which request shall be reasonably considered by the Company, that the Merger shall be accomplished via the merger of the Company with and into Pinnacle or Holding, and the Company and CEH LLC shall negotiate in good faith to amend this Agreement to the extent necessary to give effect to any agreed changes.
Section 3.2 Effective Time. As a part of the Closing, the Company and CEH LLC shall cause the Certificate of Merger to be properly executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the terms and conditions of the DGCL and shall take all such other and further actions as may be required by applicable Law to make the Merger effective as promptly as practicable. The Merger shall become effective at the time that the Certificate of Merger is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the DGCL or at such later date and time as is specified in the Certificate of Merger (such time and date being referred to herein as the "Effective Time").
Section 3.3 Effects of the Merger. The Merger shall have the effects set forth in this Agreement, the Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement, the Certificate of Merger and the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and subject thereto, by virtue of the Merger and without further act or deed and subject to the Bankruptcy Plan, at the Effective Time:
(a) the separate existence of Pinnacle shall cease and Pinnacle shall be merged with and into the Company, which shall be the Reorganized Company;
(b) each share of common stock of Pinnacle issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of newly issued common stock of the Reorganized Company;
(c) all shares of capital stock of the Company, together with all rights relating to the purchase and sale thereof (including any options and warrants) shall be canceled and retired with no further rights or obligations relating thereto and shall cease to exist, and no consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor; and
(d) all the property, rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises of the Company and Pinnacle shall vest in the Reorganized Company, and all debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of the Company and Pinnacle shall become the debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of the Reorganized Company.
Section 3.4 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company shall be amended and restated as of the Effective Time to be substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D hereto, giving effect to any amendments included in the Certificate of Merger, and shall be the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Reorganized Company as of the Effective Time, until altered, amended or repealed as provided therein or by applicable Laws.
Section 3.5 Directors and Officers. The initial directors of the Reorganized Company shall be identical to those of CEH LLC at the Effective Time (as provided in the CEH LLC Members Agreement), each to hold such office in accordance with the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the Reorganized Company, in each case until their death, resignation, removal or their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. The initial officers of the Reorganized Company shall consist of the officers of Pinnacle at the Effective Time, each to hold such office in accordance with the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the Reorganized Company, in each case until their death, resignation, removal or their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. The initial officers and directors shall be set forth in a notice filed with the Bankruptcy Court no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the first date set by the Bankruptcy Court for the hearing on confirmation of the Bankruptcy Plan.
Section 3.6 Definitions Relating to the Merger and Adjustments. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms relating to the Merger and adjustments shall have the meanings specified in this Section 3.6:
"Actual Aurora Adjusted Net Debt" equals (i) Actual Aurora Net Debt plus (ii) the lesser of (A) fifty percent (50%) of the difference of (I) the Actual Employee Expense Amount (up to a maximum of $25 million), minus (II) the Bonus Accrual Items reflected on the Final Aurora Balance Sheet, minus (III) any amounts paid prior to the Closing Date which were included in the Actual Employee Expense Amount, or (B) $10.25 million, minus (iii) Actual Aurora Working Capital.
"Actual Employee Expense Amount" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.1(c).
"Actual Cash-Out LLC Units" means with respect to any Person, a number of Class A Units equal to the quotient of (a) the product of (i) the amount of such Person's Cash-Out Class A Units and (ii) the quotient of (A) the Actual Sub Debt Equity Value Per Dollar over (B) the Sub Debt Cash-Out Value over (b) the Class A Per Unit Value.
"Actual LLC Units" means with respect to any Person, such Person's Actual Cash-Out LLC Units and Actual Sub Debt LLC Units.
"Actual Sub Debt Equity Value" equals (a) $225 million, minus (b) the Equity Deficiency, and (c):
(i) if Actual Aurora Adjusted Net Debt is greater than $609.9 million, minus the amount by which Actual Aurora Adjusted Net Debt exceeds $609.9 million; or
(ii) if Actual Aurora Adjusted Net Debt is less than $595.9 million, plus the amount by which $595.9 million exceeds Actual Aurora Adjusted Net Debt.
"Actual Sub Debt Equity Value Per Dollar" equals the quotient of (a) Actual Sub Debt Equity Value over (b) $400 million.
"Actual Sub Debt LLC Units" means with respect to any Bondholder, a number of Class A Units equal to the quotient of (a) the product of (i) the principal face amount of Sub Debt held by such Person (either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative) for which an Equity Election has been made and (ii) and the Actual Sub Debt Equity Value Per Dollar over (b) the Class A Per Unit Value.
"Aurora Net Debt" means, as of any day, the total Indebtedness of the Company and Sea Coast on such day, net of cash on hand on such day, in each case, as would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and Sea Coast as of such day prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided, that for purposes of calculating the Aurora Net Debt the Excluded Aurora Expenses shall be excluded.
"Aurora Working Capital" means (a) the sum of (i) net accounts receivable plus (ii) total inventories net of reserves plus (iii) prepaid expenses (other than in respect of premiums paid to maintain or procure the directors' and officers' insurance pursuant to Section 9.2(a) hereof), minus (b) the sum of (i) accounts payable plus (ii) accrued expenses excluding accrued interest, accrued dividends and plant shutdown reserves, in each case, of the Company and Sea Coast on a consolidated basis; provided, that Aurora Working Capital shall exclude the Excluded Aurora Expenses (for the avoidance of doubt, it is intended that Bonus Accrual Items will be included in the calculation of Aurora Working Capital (as a result of their exclusion from clause (ii) of the definition of "Excluded Aurora Expenses")).
"Bonus Accrual Items" means accruals made in respect of (i) any amount payable in respect of the Company's bonus plan as set forth as Items 3, 6, 8, and 9 of Section 6.13(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule; (ii) any bonuses payable to the individuals set forth in Items 39-54 (without duplication) of Section 6.13(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and (iii)
any increases in bonuses payable due to overtime pursuant to the Company's bonus plan set forth as Items 3 and 8 of Section 6.13(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule. For informational purposes only, as of November 11, 2003, the Bonus Accrual Items were estimated to amount to approximately $3.6 million as of December 31, 2003, it being acknowledged that the actual amount of such accruals may be different as of such date or as of any other date.
"Bondholder Class A Units" means the Cash-Out Class A Units and the Make-Up Class A Units.
"Cash-Out Class A Units" means the Class A Units distributed to Bondholder Trust for such Person's account in respect of the cash invested at Closing, in the case of any Eligible Bondholder, in the Company, and in the case of the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors, in Pinnacle (by way of CEH LLC and Holding), upon exercise of a Cash-Out Subscription Right pursuant to Section 2.2.
"Cashed-Out Sub Debt" means any Sub Debt for which no Equity
Elections shall have been made or deemed to have been made in accordance with
Section 2.1 of this Agreement.
"Cash-Out Subscription Right" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).
"Class A Per Unit Value" means $1,000.
"Employee Expense Amount" means the aggregate amount of any retention, stay-bonus, severance, bonus, termination or similar payments to officers, consultants, or employees of the Company for the period commencing on November 15, 2003 and ending on the Measurement Date (but without giving effect to any bonus amounts in respect of 2004) under any Plan or program or employment, severance or change in control agreement, which are paid by the Company or the Reorganized Company or which would be accrued on a balance sheet of the Reorganized Company in accordance with GAAP as of the Measurement Date.
"Equity Deficiency" means an amount equal to (a) $12.1 million plus
the Paid Default Interest paid or payable on or prior to October 31, 2003, minus
(b) the Equity Deficiency Reduction Amount.
"Equity Deficiency Reduction Amount" equals the sum of (a) the amount, if any, by which the MBLY Amount exceeds the amount payable to Miller Buckfire Lewis Ying & Co. under the MBLY Agreement as set forth in the Confirmation Order plus (b) the amount, if any, by which the Senior Note Amount exceeds the amount to be paid to the holders of the Senior Notes as set forth in the Confirmation Order.
"Estimated Aurora Adjusted Net Debt" equals (i) Estimated Aurora Net
Debt plus (ii) the lesser of (A) fifty percent (50%) of the difference of (I)
the Estimated Employee Expense Amount (up to a maximum of $25 million), minus
(II) the Bonus Accrual Items reflected on the Estimated Aurora Balance Sheet,
minus (III) any amounts paid prior to the Closing Date which were included in
the Estimated Employee Expense Amount, or (B) $10.25 million, minus (iii)
Estimated Aurora Working Capital.
"Estimated Cash-Out LLC Units" means with respect to any Person, a number of Class A Units equal to the quotient of (a) the product of (i) the amount of such Person's Cash-Out Class A Units and (ii) the quotient of (A) the Estimated Sub Debt Equity Value Per Dollar over (B) the Sub Debt Cash-Out Value over (b) the Class A Per Unit Value.
"Estimated Employee Expense Amount" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.1(b).
"Estimated LLC Units" means with respect to any Person, such Person's Estimated Cash-Out LLC Units and Estimated Sub Debt LLC Units.
"Estimated Sub Debt Equity Value" equals (a) $225 million, minus (b) the Equity Deficiency, and (c):
(i) if Estimated Aurora Adjusted Net Debt is greater than $609.9 million, minus the amount by which Estimated Aurora Adjusted Net Debt exceeds $609.9 million; or
(ii) if Estimated Aurora Adjusted Net Debt is less than $595.9 million, plus the amount by which $595.9 million exceeds Estimated Aurora Adjusted Net Debt.
"Estimated Sub Debt Equity Value Per Dollar" equals the quotient of
(a) Estimated Sub Debt Equity Value over (b) $400 million.
"Estimated Sub Debt LLC Units" means, with respect to any Bondholder, a number of Class A Units equal to the quotient of (a) the product of (i) the principal face amount of Sub Debt held by such Person (either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative) for which an Equity Election has been made (or deemed to have been made) and (ii) and the Estimated Sub Debt Equity Value Per Dollar over (b) the Class A Per Unit Value.
"Excluded Aurora Expenses" means (i) any amounts paid or payable to
Merrill Lynch & Co. pursuant to that certain Letter Agreement, dated June 11,
2002, between the Company and Merrill Lynch & Co., (ii) any amount included
within the Employee Expense Amount, other than the Bonus Accrual Items reflected
on the Estimated Aurora Balance Sheet or the Final Aurora Balance Sheet (as
applicable), (iii) the Derivative Amount, (iv) the Rejection Amount, (v)
premiums paid to maintain and/or procure directors' and officers' insurance
pursuant to Section 9.2(a) hereof up to a maximum of $2.7 million, (vi) the Bank
Fees, (vii) the Paid Default Interest accruing after October 31, 2003, (viii)
the Settlement Amount, (ix) amounts paid under the Management Retention Plan and
(x) the fee payable to the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors and the fees and expenses
payable to the Pinnacle Equity Investors pursuant to Section 9.10.
"Make-Up Class A Units" means the Class A Units distributed to Bondholder Trust for a Person's account in respect of the cash invested, in the case of any Eligible Bondholder, in the Company, and in the case of CEH LLC, in Pinnacle (by way of CEH LLC and Holding), upon exercise of a Make-Up Subscription Right pursuant to Section 2.2.
"Make-Up LLC Units" means with respect to any Person, a number of Class A Units Equal to the quotient of (a) the amount of such Person's Make-Up Class A Units and (b) the Class A Per Unit Value.
"Make-Up Subscription Right" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).
"Measurement Date" means the date which is ten (10) days prior to the date upon which the Reorganized Company delivers the Final Aurora Balance Sheet pursuant to Section 4.1(c).
"Sub-Debt Cash-Out Value" equals $0.50.
"Sub Debt Cash Consideration" means, with respect to any Bondholder, the product of (a) the principal face amount of Sub Debt held by such Bondholder (either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative) for which no Equity Election has been made (or deemed to have been made) and (b) the Sub Debt Cash-Out Value
"Sub Debt Equity Consideration" means, with respect to any Person , such Person's Actual Cash-Out LLC Units, Make-Up LLC Units and Actual Sub-Debt LLC Units.
Section 3.7 Rights in Respect of Sub Debt and Bondholder Class A Units. Subject to Section 3.8 and Article IV hereof, at the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of CEH LLC, Holding or the Company or the holders of any of the following securities, the following shall occur:
(a) in accordance with Section 2.1, the Sub Debt in respect of which Cash Elections have been made (or deemed to have been made) shall automatically be converted into and represent solely the right to receive, the Sub Debt Cash Consideration; and
(b) the Sub Debt in respect of which Equity Elections have been made (or deemed to have been made) shall be automatically converted into and represent solely the right to receive a number of Class A Units equal to the Sub Debt Equity Consideration and the Bondholders, prior to the exchange contemplated by Section 3.8, shall not be entitled to vote with respect to the Class A Units included in that consideration or any interest in Bondholder Trust.
Section 3.8 Payment.
(a) At the Closing, CEH LLC shall cause the Reorganized Company and the Exchange Agent to:
(i) with respect to each Bondholder holding Sub Debt in respect of which a Cash Election was made (or deemed to have been made), upon receipt by the Exchange Agent of a completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal, pay to such Bondholder an amount equal to such Bondholder's Sub Debt Cash Consideration; and
(ii) with respect to each Bondholder holding Sub Debt in respect of which an Equity Election was validly made (or deemed to have been made) and who has delivered to the Voting Agent (pursuant to Section 2.1(b)) or the Exchange Agent a duly executed Trust Accession Instrument, issue to Bondholder Trust, on behalf of such Bondholder, upon receipt by the Exchange Agent of a completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal, a number of Class A Units equal to such Bondholder's Estimated Sub Debt LLC Units (and promptly thereafter Bondholder Trust will issue a like number of units of beneficial interest in Bondholder Trust to such Bondholder); and
(iii) with respect to each Person who has validly subscribed for Cash-Out Class A Units and/or Make-Up Class A Units and who has delivered to the Voting Agent (pursuant to Section 2.1(b)) or the Exchange Agent a duly executed Trust Accession Instrument, issue to Bondholder Trust, on behalf of such Person a number of Class A Units equal to such Person's Estimated Cash-Out LLC Units and Make-Up LLC Units (and promptly thereafter Bondholder Trust will issue a like number of units of beneficial interest in Bondholder Trust to such Person).
(b) Promptly after the Closing, CEH LLC shall cause the Reorganized Company and the Exchange Agent to give notice of the Closing to the Bondholders (either directly or through their respective Holder Representatives). Such notice, which shall include a Letter of Transmittal, shall (i) inform the Bondholders that they may receive the consideration due to them with respect to the Equity Election or Cash Election previously made by them by delivering to the Exchange Agent (x) a completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal together with any certificates representing Sub Debt held by such Bondholder (to the extent any certificates representing Sub Debt have been issued) and (y) a Trust Accession Instrument (if not already provided to the Voting Agent or the Exchange Agent) with respect to any Equity Election or deemed Equity Election under Section 2.1(d) and (ii) in the event of a deemed Equity Election under Section 2.1(d), inform Bondholders making a Cash Election of the amount of Sub Debt with respect to which they have been deemed to have made an Equity Election and that in order to obtain the consideration due to them with respect to such deemed Equity Election they must deliver to the Exchange Agent a duly executed Trust Accession Instrument.
(c) With respect to dividends or other distributions declared by CEH LLC on Class A Units, the record date for which is at or after the Closing (an "Applicable Dividend"), all Class A Units to be issued pursuant to this Section 3.8 shall be deemed issued and outstanding as of the Closing and whenever such a dividend or other distribution is declared by CEH LLC, that declaration shall include dividends or other distributions in respect of Class A Units issuable pursuant to this Section 3.8; provided, that dividends or other distributions declared or made in respect of Class A Units issuable pursuant to this Section 3.8 shall not be paid to Bondholder Trust until such units have been issued to Bondholder Trust as specified in Section 3.8(a). With respect to any Applicable Dividend declared in respect of any Class A Units which are issued pursuant to Section 3.8 subsequent to the declared distribution date for such Applicable Dividend, CEH LLC shall pay such Applicable Dividend to Bondholder Trust on behalf of the Person for whose account such Class A Units were issued promptly following such issuance.
(d) Each of the Reorganized Company and CEH LLC shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the cash consideration otherwise payable to any Bondholder pursuant to this Article III any amounts as they are required to deduct and withhold with respect to payment under any provision of federal, state or local income Tax law. If the Reorganized Company or CEH LLC, as the case may be, so withholds amounts, such amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Bondholders in respect of which the Reorganized Company or CEH LLC, as the case may be, made such deduction or withholding. No interest shall accrue or be paid on any cash payable in respect of the Sub Debt.
(e) The Exchange Agent shall, within five Business Days after the date that is one year after the Closing Date, return to the Reorganized Company any portion of the cash and/or LLC Units remaining to be paid or distributed to Bondholders who have not yet delivered Letters of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent. Any Bondholders will thereafter be entitled to look only to the Reorganized Company for satisfaction of their claims for the consideration set forth in this Section 3.8, without interest.
Section 3.9 Exchange of Certificates. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, CEH LLC shall surrender Pinnacle's stock certificates in exchange for certificates representing the Reorganized Company's common stock. Upon surrender of a Pinnacle stock certificate to the Exchange Agent for exchange (1) CEH LLC shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a certificate of the Reorganized Company's common stock representing the number of shares that gives effect to an exchange on a one-to-one basis and (2) the Pinnacle stock certificate so surrendered shall be canceled. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 3.9, each Pinnacle stock certificate shall be deemed, from and after the Effective Time, to represent only the right to receive shares of the Reorganized Company's common stock as contemplated pursuant to this Section 3.9 and by the Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement.
Section 3.10 Tax Effects of Reorganization Transactions.
(a) The Merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code.
(b) The exchange by the electing Bondholders of their Sub Debt for equity of the Company is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code. The Bondholders who elect to receive equity interests in the Reorganized Company shall be deemed to have exchanged their Sub Debt for common stock of the Reorganized Company and then shall be deemed to have contributed such stock to the Bondholder Trust. Bondholder Trust shall be deemed to have then contributed such stock to CEH LLC and CEH LLC shall be deemed to have then contributed such stock to Holding.
(c) The parties hereto agree to treat the transactions
contemplated hereby consistent with the tax treatment specified in subsections
(a) and (b) above.
ARTICLE IV
POST-CLOSING ADJUSTMENTS
Section 4.1 Adjustment to Merger Consideration.
(a) On the fifth (5th) Business Day preceding the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to CEH LLC and the Designated Representative (i) an estimated balance sheet of the Company and Sea Coast (the "Estimated Aurora Balance Sheet") as of 11:59 p.m. on the day immediately prior to the Closing Date, (ii) a certificate which shall set forth (A) a good faith estimate of (I) the amount of Aurora Net Debt as of such time (the "Estimated Aurora Net Debt") and (II) Aurora Working Capital as of such time (the "Estimated Aurora Working Capital"), in each case prior to payment of Aurora Closing Expenses and (B) a good faith estimate of the Employee Expense Amount. The Estimated Aurora Balance Sheet shall be prepared by Aurora in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.
(b) On the second Business Day prior to the Closing Date, CEH LLC shall deliver to the Company and the Designated Representative a certificate which shall set forth a good faith estimate of the Employee Expense Amount (the "Estimated Employee Expense Amount").
(c) As soon as practicable, but no later than ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, the Reorganized Company shall prepare and deliver to CEH LLC and the Designated Representative a balance sheet of the Company and Sea Coast as of 11:59 p.m. on the date immediately prior to the Closing Date which shall be audited by Ernst & Young LLP, together with the related audit report of such firm (the "Final Aurora Balance Sheet"). The Reorganized Company shall also deliver a certificate setting forth (i) its calculation of (A) the amount of Aurora Net Debt as of such time (the "Actual Aurora Net Debt") and (B) the amount of Aurora Working Capital as of such time (the "Actual Aurora Working Capital"), in each case prior to payment of Aurora Closing Expenses and (ii) its calculation of the Employee Expense Amount (the "Actual Employment Expense Amount"). The Final Aurora Balance Sheet shall be prepared in accordance with this Agreement and GAAP consistently applied.
(d) If either CEH LLC or the Designated Representative has any objections to the Final Aurora Balance Sheet, or any calculations derived from the Final Aurora Balance Sheet or the Actual Employee Expense Amount, it shall deliver a written statement describing its objections in reasonable detail to the other not later than thirty (30) Business Days after its receipt thereof. CEH LLC and the Designated Representative shall use reasonable best efforts to resolve any such objections themselves. If a final resolution of such objections is not made within ten (10) Business Days after receipt by the other party of the objecting party's written objections, CEH LLC and the Designated Representative shall submit the issue to an auditor (the "Referee") for resolution. The Referee shall be the New York office of Deloitte & Touche; provided, that if, for any reason, at the time of such submission, Deloitte & Touche is unavailable to serve as the Referee or if Deloitte & Touche is not in a neutral and impartial position in relation to the parties as determined by Deloitte & Touche, CEH LLC and the Designated Representative shall have ten (10) Business Days from the time of such submission to agree on a substitute Referee. Failing timely agreement, on the request of either CEH LLC or
the Designated Representative, the American Arbitration Association shall designate a national accounting firm to serve as the Referee. If issues in dispute are submitted to the Referee for resolution, CEH LLC and the Designated Representative shall furnish to the Referee such work papers and other documents and information relating to the disputed issues as the Referee may request, and shall be afforded the opportunity to present to the Referee any material relating to the resolution of the disputed items and to discuss the resolution of the disputed items with the Referee. The Referee shall be instructed in performing the review that CEH LLC and the Designated Representative shall each be provided with copies of any and all correspondence and drafts exchanged between either of them and the Referee. CEH LLC and the Designated Representative shall be granted reasonable access to information contained in the documents made available to the Referee by the other, provided that any information contained in the documents shall be kept confidential by the recipient party.
(e) The Referee shall determine (and written notice thereof shall be given to CEH LLC and the Designated Representative) as promptly as practicable, but in any event within fifteen (15) Business Days of the date on which such dispute is referred to the Referee, based solely on presentations of CEH LLC and the Designated Representative and not by independent review, (i) whether the Final Aurora Balance Sheet (or any component thereof) and/or the Actual Employee Expense Amount was prepared in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and (ii) (only with respect to the disputed items submitted to the Referee) whether and to what extent (if any) the Actual Aurora Net Debt, Actual Aurora Working Capital or the Actual Employee Expense Amount requires adjustment. The Company shall bear the fees and expenses of the Referee. The determination of the Referee shall be final, conclusive and binding on the parties, and the Referee's determination of the Actual Aurora Net Debt, Actual Aurora Working Capital or the Actual Employee Expense Amount shall then be deemed to be the Actual Aurora Net Debt, Actual Aurora Working Capital and the Actual Employee Expense Amount for purposes of this Section 4.1.
(f) CEH LLC will cause the Reorganized Company to make the work papers and back-up materials used in preparing the Final Aurora Balance Sheet and in determining the Actual Employee Expense Amount, and the relevant books, records, and the financial staff of the Reorganized Company available to the Designated Representative and its Advisors during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice during (i) the review by the Designated Representative of the Final Aurora Balance Sheet and the determination of the Actual Employee Expense Amount and (ii) the resolution by the parties of any objections thereto.
Section 4.2 Post-Closing Adjustment.
(a) Following the determination of the Actual Sub Debt Equity Value Per Dollar, with respect to each Person holding Sub Debt in respect of which an Equity Election was made (or deemed to have been made), and, if applicable, who subscribed for Cash-Out Class A Units and/or Make-Up Class A Units:
(i) if such Person's Actual LLC Units are greater than such Person's Estimated LLC Units and if Bondholder Trust has previously received such Person's Estimated LLC Units in accordance with Section 3.8(a)(ii), CEH LLC shall
deliver to Bondholder Trust on behalf of such Person, a number of Class A Units equal to such Person's Actual LLC Units less such Person's Estimated LLC Units; or
(ii) if such Person's Estimated LLC Units are greater than such Person's Actual LLC Units and if Bondholder Trust has previously received such Person's Estimated LLC Units in accordance with Section 3.8(a)(ii), CEH shall cancel a number of Class A Units held by Bondholder Trust on the account of such Person equal to such Person's Estimated LLC Units less such Person's Actual LLC Units.
ARTICLE V
THE CLOSING
Section 5.1 The Closing. The closing of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, 4 Times Square, New York, New York 10036 at 10:00 a.m., local time, after the later of (i) five (5) Business Days after the date upon which all conditions set forth in Article XI hereof have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions which by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions) and (ii) in the event of timely objections to the Initial EBITDA Calculation, two (2) Business Days after the date upon which the Initial EBITDA Calculation is finalized pursuant to Sections 5.3(b) and (c) hereof, unless another date or place is agreed in writing by each of the parties hereto. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to in this Agreement as the "Closing Date".
Section 5.2 Deliveries.
(a) At the Closing, the Company shall deliver to CEH LLC:
(i) the officer's certificate contemplated in Section 11.2(h) hereof;
(ii) the Governmental Requirements;
(iii) the Third Party Consents;
(iv) a certified copy of the Confirmation Order;
(v) the resignations of Dale F. Morrison as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company and of each of the directors of the Company who is not appointed as a director of the Reorganized Company in accordance with Section 3.5;
(vi) the opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, contemplated in Section 11.2(k) hereof;
(vii) the Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement executed by the Company;
(viii) the Certificate of Merger executed by the Company;
(ix) the CEH LLC Members Agreement and the CEH LLC Operating Agreement, executed by Bondholder Trust; and
(x) such other instruments as are necessary to effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) At the Closing, CEH LLC shall deliver to the Company:
(i) the officer's certificate contemplated in Section 11.3(e) hereof;
(ii) the Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement executed by Pinnacle;
(iii) the Certificate of Merger executed by Pinnacle; and
(iv) the CEH LLC Members Agreement and the CEH LLC Operating Agreement, executed by the Pinnacle Equity Investors;
(v) such other instruments as are necessary to effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby.
(c) At the Closing, CEH LLC, Bondholder Trust and the Reorganized Company shall enter into the Indemnity Agreement.
Section 5.3 Initial EBITDA Calculation.
(a) No later than two (2) Business Days after the Condition Satisfaction Date, the Company shall prepare and deliver to CEH LLC a schedule setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the EBITDA Period (collectively, the "Initial EBITDA Calculation").
(b) If CEH LLC has any objections to the Initial EBITDA
Calculation (or any component thereof), it shall deliver a written statement
describing its objections in reasonable detail to the Company not later than two
(2) Business Days after its receipt of the Initial EBITDA Calculation. The
Company and CEH LLC shall use reasonable best efforts to resolve any such
objections themselves. If a final resolution of such objections is not made
within five (5) Business Days after receipt by the Company of CEH LLC's written
objections, CEH LLC and the Company shall submit the issue to an auditor (the
"Auditor") for resolution. The Auditor shall be the New York office of Deloitte
& Touche; provided, that if, for any reason, at the time of such submission,
Deloitte & Touche is unavailable to serve as the Auditor or if Deloitte & Touche
is not in a neutral and impartial position in relation to the parties as
determined by Deloitte & Touche, the parties shall have ten (10) Business Days
from the time of such submission to agree on a substitute Auditor. Failing
timely agreement, on the request of either party, the American Arbitration
Association shall designate a national accounting firm to serve as the Auditor.
If issues in dispute are submitted to the Auditor for resolution, each party
shall furnish to the Auditor such work papers and other documents and information relating to the disputed issues as the Auditor may request, and shall be afforded the opportunity to present to the Auditor any material relating to the resolution of the disputed items and to discuss the resolution of the disputed items with the Auditor. The Auditor shall be instructed in performing the review that CEH LLC and the Company shall each be provided with copies of any and all correspondence and drafts exchanged between any party and the Auditor. CEH LLC and the Company shall be granted reasonable access to information contained in the documents made available to the Auditor by the other party, provided that any information contained in the documents shall be subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement.
(c) The Auditor shall determine (and written notice thereof shall be given to the Company and CEH LLC) as promptly as practicable, but in any event within ten (10) Business Days of the date on which such dispute is referred to the Auditor, based solely on presentations of CEH LLC and the Company and not by independent review, (i) whether the Initial EBITDA Calculation (or any component thereof) was prepared in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and (ii) (only with respect to the disputed items submitted to the Auditor) whether and to what extent (if any) the Initial EBITDA Calculation (or any component thereof) requires adjustment. The parties shall share equally the fees and expenses of the Auditor. The determination of the Auditor shall be final, conclusive and binding on the parties, and the Auditor's determination of the amount of the Initial EBITDA Calculation (or any component thereof) shall then be deemed to be the Initial EBITDA Calculation (or the applicable component thereof) for purposes of this Section 5.3.
(d) The Company shall make the work papers and back-up materials used in preparing the Initial EBITDA Calculation, and the relevant books, records, and the financial staff of the Company available to CEH LLC and its Advisors during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice during (i) the review by CEH LLC of the Initial EBITDA Calculation and (ii) the resolution by the parties of any objections thereto.
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except as set forth in the disclosure schedule delivered by the Company (the "Company Disclosure Schedule") to CEH LLC simultaneously with the execution and delivery hereof or in the SEC Reports, the Company represents and warrants to CEH LLC as set forth below as of the date hereof. Disclosure of an item in response to one Section of this Agreement shall constitute disclosure in response to such other Sections of this Agreement as is reasonably apparent on the face of the disclosure notwithstanding the fact that no express cross-reference is made. Disclosure of any items not otherwise required to be disclosed shall not create any inference of materiality. In the event of any inconsistency between statements in the body of this Agreement and statements in the Company Disclosure Schedule (excluding exceptions expressly set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule with respect to a specifically identified representation or warranty), the statements in the body of this Agreement shall control.
EXCEPT FOR THE LIMITED REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY SET
FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE VI AND CEH LLC'S RELIANCE THEREON:
(A) THE COMPANY HEREBY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, ORAL OR WRITTEN, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE CONCERNING (i) THE NATURE AND CONDITION OF ANY ASSETS AND THE SUITABILITY OF ANY ASSETS FOR ANY AND ALL ACTIVITIES AND USES, (ii) THE MANNER, CONSTRUCTION, CONDITION AND STATE OF REPAIR OR LACK OF REPAIR OF ANY IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED ON ANY ASSETS, AND (iii) THE COMPLIANCE OF ANY ASSET OR ITS OPERATION WITH ANY LAWS, RULES, ORDINANCES, OR REGULATIONS OF ANY GOVERNMENT OR OTHER BODY; (B) THE COMPANY MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OR ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING, BUT IN NO WAY LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF QUANTITY, QUALITY, CONDITION, HABITABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS ASSETS; (C) CEH LLC IS ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT BASED SOLELY ON ITS OWN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS AND FINDINGS; AND (D) THE COMPANY MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY FORECASTS OR PROJECTIONS OF REVENUES, SALES, EXPENSES OR PROFITS.
Section 6.1 Organization; Subsidiaries.
(a) The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the requisite corporate power and corporate authority to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Except as set forth in Section 6.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company is, and as of the Closing Date will be, duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and in good standing in each jurisdiction where the character of its assets owned or held under lease or the nature of its business makes such qualification necessary, except in those jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Sea Coast is a Washington corporation and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company owns all of the capital stock of Sea Coast free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens, and there are no outstanding subscription rights, options, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities or other rights of any character whatsoever relating to issued or unissued capital stock of Sea Coast, or any Contracts to which the Company is a party relating to issued or unissued capital stock of Sea Coast or pursuant to which Sea Coast is or may become bound to issue or grant additional shares of its capital stock or other equity interests or related subscription rights, options, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities or other rights, or to grant preemptive rights. The Company does not own any direct or indirect equity interest in any entity other than Sea Coast.
(c) Sea Coast is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Washington and has the requisite corporate power and corporate authority to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Except as set forth in Section 6.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, Sea Coast is, and, as of the Closing Date will be, duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and in good standing in each jurisdiction where the character of its assets owned or held under lease or the nature of its
business makes such qualification necessary, except in those jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.2 Due Authorization. The Company has all necessary corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and, subject to approval of the Bankruptcy Court, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party is, and consummation of the Merger and the compliance by the Company with this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, upon the approval of the Bankruptcy Court, will have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action of the Company. This Agreement has been, and each of the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party when executed and delivered by the Company will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto or thereto) this Agreement constitutes, and each of such other Transaction Documents when executed and delivered by the Company will constitute, a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement is limited by bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency and other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and limitations imposed by general principles of equity.
Section 6.3 Capitalization.
(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
250,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"),
and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share ("Preferred
Stock"). As of June 30, 2003, there were (i) 77,155,022 shares of Common Stock
issued and outstanding, (ii) no shares of Common Stock held in the Company's
treasury, (iii) 9,639,031 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the
exercise of outstanding options to purchase shares of Common Stock ("Options"),
(iv) 2,400,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of
outstanding warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock ("Warrants"), (v)
5,758,176 shares of Common Stock were issuable upon conversion of Preferred
Stock, and (vi) 3,750,000 shares of Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company ("Series A Preferred") issued
and outstanding. All issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock and Series A
Preferred are, and all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
or conversion of the Series A Preferred, in accordance with the terms of the
instruments governing such exercise or conversion, shall be, when issued in
accordance with the respective terms thereof, duly authorized and validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and free of preemptive rights.
(b) Subject to the Exceptions, except as disclosed in Section 6.3(a) and except as set forth in Section 6.3(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding subscription rights, options, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities or other rights of any character whatsoever to which the Company is a party relating to issued or unissued capital stock of the Company, or any Contracts of any character whatsoever relating to issued or unissued capital stock of the Company or pursuant to which the Company or Sea Coast is or may
become bound to issue or grant additional shares of their capital stock or related subscription rights, options, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities or other rights, or to grant preemptive rights.
(c) Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in
Section 6.3(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) neither the Company nor
Sea Coast has agreed to register any securities under the Securities Act or
under any state securities law or granted registration rights to any Person and
(ii) there are no voting trusts, stockholder agreements, proxies or other
Contracts or understandings in effect to which the Company or Sea Coast is a
party with respect to the voting or transfer of any of the outstanding shares of
their capital stock. The Company has no "poison pill" rights plan pertaining to
its capital stock.
(d) All outstanding shares of the Company's and Sea Coast's capital stock, and all outstanding options, warrants and other securities of the Company and Sea Coast, have been issued and granted in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal securities laws.
Section 6.4 SEC Reports. Unless not required during the pendency of the Bankruptcy Case, and except as set forth in Section 6.4 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, since December 31, 2001, the Company has timely filed with the SEC all registration statements, proxy statements, reports, forms, certifications, schedules and other documents required to be filed by it under applicable federal securities laws. Except as set forth in Section 6.4 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, each SEC Report, on the date of its filing or as subsequently amended, complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of such laws and did not, on the date of filing or as subsequently amended, contain any untrue statement of material facts or omit to state material facts required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
Section 6.5 Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements of the Company (including notes thereto) included in the SEC Reports, as subsequently amended, comply in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, and have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") consistently applied throughout the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly present in all material respects in accordance with GAAP the consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders' equity of the Company and Sea Coast as of the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods then ended (subject to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of notes in the case of any unaudited interim financial statements).
Section 6.6 Absence of Certain Changes. Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in Section 6.6 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, since December 31, 2002:
(a) the Company and Sea Coast have in all material respects conducted their respective business in the Ordinary Course of Business;
(b) neither the Company nor Sea Coast has taken any actions, and no events have occurred that, individually or in the aggregate, have had or would have a Company Material Adverse Effect; and
(c) neither the Company nor Sea Coast has taken any action that, if taken after the date of this Agreement without CEH LLC's consent, would constitute a breach of any of the covenants set forth in Section 9.1 hereof.
Section 6.7 Litigation.
(a) Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in
Section 6.7(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there is no claim, action,
suit, investigation or proceeding ("Litigation") pending or, to the Knowledge of
the Company, threatened in writing against the Company or Sea Coast or involving
any of their respective properties or assets by or before any court, arbitrator
or other Governmental Entity which (i) is reasonably likely to prevent or
materially delay consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or any of the other Transaction Documents or (ii) if resolved adversely to the
Company or Sea Coast would have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in
Section 6.7(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor Sea
Coast is (i) in default under or in breach of any order, judgment or decree of
any court, arbitrator or other Governmental Entity, or (ii) a party or subject
to any order, judgment or decree of any court, arbitrator or other Governmental
Entity, except, in each case, where such default or breach, or such order,
judgment or decree, would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.8 Consents and Approvals. Except for (a) any required filings under (i) the HSR Act, (ii) the Exchange Act, (iii) any applicable state securities and blue sky laws and (iv) the DGCL (including, without limitation, the filing of Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State with State of Delaware), (b) the Regulatory Approvals set forth in Section 6.8 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (c) the Confirmation Order and the Disclosure Statement Order, (d) the Break-Up Payment Order or Allowed Break-Up Payment Claim, as the case may be, (e) the Creditor Consents set forth in Section 6.8 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (f) the Contract Consents set forth in Section 6.8 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and (g) the License Consents, no consent, approval, authorization of, declaration, filing, or registration with, any Governmental Entity or any third party is required to be made or obtained by the Company or Sea Coast in connection with the execution, delivery, and performance by the Company of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party, except for such consents, approvals, authorizations, declarations, filings, or registrations (x) which purport to be required to be made or obtained upon the occurrence of the Bankruptcy Case (other than in respect of Material Licenses) or (y) the failure of which to so file or obtain would not (A) materially impair the Company's ability to conduct its business after the Closing substantially as it was conducted immediately prior to the Closing or (B) materially adversely affect the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party.
Section 6.9 Noncontravention. Assuming that the Governmental
Requirements, the Third Party Consents and the License Consents will be
satisfied, made or obtained and will remain in full force and effect and the
conditions set forth in Article XI hereof will be satisfied, neither the
execution, delivery or performance by the Company of this Agreement or any of
the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party nor the
consummation of the Transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will: (a)
conflict with or result in any breach of the Fundamental Documents of the
Company or the Fundamental Documents of Sea Coast, (b) result in a violation or
breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a
default under, or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation,
suspension, modification or acceleration of any obligation under, or result in
the creation of a Lien (other than Permitted Liens) under, or otherwise require
the consent or waiver of, or notice to, any other party under, any Company
Material Contract, or (c) violate any Law applicable to the Company, Sea Coast
or any of their respective properties or assets, except in the case of clause
(b) or (c), for violations, breaches, defaults, rights or Liens (other than
Permitted Liens) which (i) purport to become effective upon the occurrence of
the Bankruptcy Case, or (ii) individually or in the aggregate, would not (x)
materially adversely affect the ability of the Company to perform its
obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents to
which it is a party or (y) materially impair the Company's ability to conduct
its business after the Closing substantially as it was conducted immediately
prior to the Closing.
Section 6.10 Compliance with Laws. Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in Section 6.10 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company and Sea Coast are in compliance in all material respects with all Laws applicable to their business, and neither the Company nor Sea Coast has received any written notice of any alleged material violation of Law, except where such non-compliance or violation (i) purports to become effective upon the occurrence of the Bankruptcy Case, or (ii) individually or in the aggregate, would not (x) materially adversely affect the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or (y) have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company holds all licenses, permits, consents, registrations, certificates, authorizations or approvals ("Permits"), required for the ownership of the assets and operation of the businesses of the Company and Sea Coast and, all such Permits are in full force and effect, except where the failure to hold or be in full force and effect (i) purports to become effective upon the occurrence of the Bankruptcy Case, or (ii) individually or in the aggregate, would not (x) materially adversely affect the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or (y) have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.11 Company Material Contracts. Except for Contracts filed as exhibits to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (the "Current 10-K"), Section 6.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists as of the date hereof each Contract of the following types to which the Company or Sea Coast is a party or by or to which the Company or Sea Coast or any of their properties may be bound or subject:
(i) Contracts containing covenants purporting to limit the freedom of the Company or Sea Coast to compete in any line of business in any geographic area or to hire any individual or group of individuals;
(ii) other than purchase orders entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business, Contracts which require payments to or by the Company or Sea Coast of at least $2.5 million annually and which, in either case, cannot be canceled by the Company without penalty on notice of ninety (90) days or less;
(iii) Contracts constituting indentures, mortgages, promissory notes, loan agreements, bonds, guarantees, letters of credit or other financing agreements or instruments of the Company or Sea Coast evidencing indebtedness in amounts in excess of $2.5 million;
(iv) Contracts providing for the acquisition or disposition of any business or the capital stock of any Person in each case having a purchase price in excess of $2.5 million that has not been consummated;
(v) Contracts in respect of any joint venture, partnership or other similar arrangement, in each case involving a contribution of future capital (whether such future capital is contributed in cash, goods or services) in excess of $2.5 million on the part of the Company or Sea Coast;
(vi) Contracts constituting manufacturer's representative, sales agency, supply, co-packaging, distribution or marketing Contracts (A) having a remaining term of one-year or more (from the date hereof) and which are not terminable by the Company or Sea Coast without penalty on notice of ninety (90) days or less and (B) which are material to the business, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and Sea Coast, taken as a whole;
(vii) other than capital expenditures reflected in the Company Plan, Contracts under which the Company or Sea Coast is committed for aggregate capital expenditures in excess of $2.5 million;
(viii) Contracts (other than Contracts which are Plans) providing for future payments in excess of $1 million individually that are conditioned, in whole or in part, on a change in control of the Company; and
(ix) each amendment, supplement, and modification in respect of any of the foregoing.
(b) "Company Material Contract" means (i) the Contracts filed
as exhibits to the Current 10-K, (ii) the Contracts disclosed in Section 6.11(a)
of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (iii) the Company Leases, and (iv) the Plans
which are Contracts. Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in
Section 6.11(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (x) each Company Material
Contract is a valid and binding obligation of the Company, and is in full force
and effect, (y) neither the Company nor Sea Coast, nor, to the Knowledge of the
Company, any other Person, is in breach of or default under any Company Material
Contract and (z) neither the Company nor Sea Coast has received any written
notice of a breach or default (which has not been cured) under any Company
Material Contract, except where the failure to be so valid and binding and in
full force and effect or such breach or default, would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.12 Financial Advisory, Legal and Other Fees. No agent, broker, accounting firm, investment bank, other financial advisor, commercial bank, other financial institution, law firm, public relations firm or any other Person is or will be entitled to any fee, commission, expense or other amount from the Company or Sea Coast in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents except for (a) the advisors identified in Section 6.12 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (b) other Persons whose fees, commissions, expenses and other amounts accrued through the date hereof and paid or payable do not in the aggregate total more than $1 million (taking into account any amount saved if any of the aforementioned advisors are replaced) and (c) other Persons hired by the Company after the date of this Agreement in connection with the Bankruptcy Case or required to be paid by the Company by the Bankruptcy Code or rules relating thereto or by an order of the Bankruptcy Court.
Section 6.13 ERISA Compliance.
(a) Section 6.13(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule contains a complete and correct list of each Plan. With respect to each Plan, the Company has heretofore delivered or made available to CEH LLC true and correct copies of the Plan and any amendments thereto (or if the Plan is not a written Plan, a description thereof) and the most recent determination letter received from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to each Plan intended to qualify under Section 401 of the Code. There has been no amendment to, written interpretation of or announcement (whether or not written) by the Company or Sea Coast relating to, or change in employee participation or coverage under, any Plan that would increase materially the expense of maintaining such Plan above the level or expense incurred in respect thereof for the most recent fiscal year ended prior to the date hereof.
(b) Each Plan has been administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms, and each of the Plans (and any related trust) has been operated and is in material compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and all other applicable Laws. Each Plan which is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified and has been determined by the IRS to be so qualified or an application for such qualification has been submitted to the IRS, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, nothing has occurred since the date of such determination that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect such qualified status. No Plan is primarily subject to the laws of a jurisdiction outside of the United States.
(c) None of the Company, Sea Coast nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any unsatisfied liability under Title IV of ERISA or Section 302 of ERISA in connection with any Plan and no condition exists that presents a material risk to the Company, Sea Coast or any ERISA Affiliate of incurring any such liability, other than liability for premiums due the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (which premiums have been paid when due).
(d) No Plan (i) is subject to Title IV of ERISA; (ii) is a
"multiemployer plan" within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA; (iii) is a
"multiple employer plan" within the meaning of Section 413(c) of the Code; or
(iv) is or at any time was funded through a "welfare benefit fund" within the
meaning of Section 419(e) of the Code and
no benefits under a Plan are or at any time have been provided through a voluntary employees' beneficiary association within the meaning of Section 501(c)(9) of the Code.
(e) Except as set forth in Schedule 6.13(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no Plan provides medical, surgical, hospitalization, death or similar benefits (whether or not insured) with respect to current or former employees for periods extending after retirement or other termination of service (other than (i) coverage mandated by statute or (ii) benefits the full cost of which is borne by the current or former employee (or his or her beneficiary)).
(f) Except as set forth on Schedule 6.13(f) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall not, either alone or in combination with another event, (i) entitle any current or former employee, agent, independent contractor or officer of the Company or Sea Coast to severance pay, (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or increase the amount of compensation due any such employee, agent, independent contractor or officer, (iii) constitute a "change in control" causing an increase or acceleration of benefits under any Plan, or (iv) result in any payment or benefit that will be characterized as an "excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code.
(g) To the Knowledge of the Company, there is no pending, threatened or anticipated assessment, complaint, proceeding, or investigation of any kind in any court or government agency with respect to any Plan (other than routine claims for benefits).
(h) There are no unpaid contributions due prior to the date hereof to any Plan that are required to have been made under the terms of the Plan or any applicable Laws.
(i) Neither the Company nor any other "disqualified person" or "party in interest" as defined in Section 4975 of the Code and Section 3(14) of ERISA, respectively, has engaged in a non-exempt "prohibited transaction" as defined in Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA with respect to any Plan.
Section 6.14 Intellectual Property.
(a) Set forth on Section 6.14(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule is a complete list of the material trademarks owned or used by the Company or Sea Coast in connection with the Company's branded consumer products, in each case identifying which are owned and which are licensed. Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in Section 6.14(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, with respect to each item of material Intellectual Property owned by the Company or Sea Coast: (i) the Company or Sea Coast is the sole owner and possesses all right, title, and interest in and to the item, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens; (ii) the item is not subject to any outstanding injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge of any Governmental Entity; and (iii) no action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation, charge, complaint, claim, or demand is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, is threatened that challenges the legality, validity, enforceability, registrations, use, or ownership of the item, which, in the case of subsection (iii) above, if resolved adversely to the Company or Sea Coast would have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in
Section 6.14(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, with respect to each item of
material Intellectual Property which is used but not owned by the Company or Sea
Coast: (i) the Company or Sea Coast has a valid right to use such items of
Intellectual Property; and (ii) except as would not have a Company Material
Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor Sea Coast is in material breach of any
license or sublicense with respect to such Intellectual Property (including the
Material Licenses), and no event has occurred that with notice or lapse of time
would constitute a material breach by the Company or Sea Coast thereunder.
(c) The Company and Sea Coast own or have the right to use, without payments to any other Person except pursuant to a license, settlement or similar agreement, all material Intellectual Property either (i) necessary for, or (ii) actually used in, the operation of the business (including, without limitation, in connection with the manufacture, marketing, sale or distribution of any of the Company's products) of the Company and Sea Coast as and where their business is currently conducted.
(d) Subject to the Exceptions, and except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect and except as set forth in Section 6.14(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule: (i) neither the Company nor Sea Coast has interfered with, infringed upon, misappropriated, or otherwise violated any intellectual property rights of third parties; (ii) neither the Company nor Sea Coast has received any charge, complaint, claim, demand, or notice during the past two (2) years, (or earlier, if not resolved) alleging any such interference, infringement, misappropriation, or violation (including any claim that the Company or Sea Coast must license or refrain from using any intellectual property rights of any third party); and (iii) to the Knowledge of the Company, no third party has interfered with, infringed upon, misappropriated, or otherwise violated any material Intellectual Property rights of the Company or Sea Coast during the past two (2) years (or earlier if not resolved).
(e) Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Intellectual Property owned by the Company and/or Sea Coast and for which confidentiality is required has been maintained in confidence in accordance with protection procedures believed by the Company and Sea Coast to be adequate for protection, and in accordance with procedures customarily used in the industry to protect rights of like importance.
Section 6.15 Taxes. Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in Section 6.15 of the Company Disclosure Schedule:
(a) The Company and Sea Coast have timely filed all Tax Returns required to be filed by them under applicable law, and all such Tax Returns were and are true, complete and correct in all material respects. Except to the extent adequately reserved for and reflected on the most recent balance sheets of the Company contained in the SEC Reports, all Taxes due and payable by the Company for all periods or portions thereof ending on or before the Closing Date have been timely paid or provided for.
(b) The Company and Sea Coast have complied with the provisions of the Code relating to the withholding of Taxes, as well as similar provisions under any other
Laws, and have, within the time and in the manner prescribed by Law, withheld, collected and paid over to the proper governmental authorities all amounts required.
(c) No audits or other administrative proceedings or court proceedings are presently pending with regard to any Taxes or Tax Returns of the Company or Sea Coast, except for any audits or other proceedings (i) that will not result in additional material Taxes, or (ii) with respect to which the Company has established adequate reserves for any resultant Taxes, which reserves are reflected on the most recent balance sheets of the Company contained in the SEC Reports.
(d) Neither the Company nor Sea Coast has requested any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return, which Tax Return has not prior to the expiration of the extension period been filed.
(e) Neither the Company nor Sea Coast has agreed to, nor is it required to make, any adjustment pursuant to Section 481(a) of the Code (or any predecessor provision) by reason of any change in any accounting method of the Company or Sea Coast that could affect any period or portion thereof beginning on or after the Closing Date, and there is no application pending with any taxing authority requesting permission for any changes in any accounting method of the Company or Sea Coast.
(f) The Company does not have any material liability for Taxes
of any Person other than Sea Coast (i) under Treasury Reg. Section 1.1502-6 (or
any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), (ii) by contract, or
(iii) otherwise.
(g) No material deficiencies for any Taxes have been proposed, asserted or assessed in writing against the Company which have not been paid, except for any deficiencies with respect to which the Company has established adequate reserves, which reserves are reflected on the most recent balance sheets of the Company contained in the SEC Reports, and there is no outstanding waiver of the statute of limitations with respect to any Taxes or Tax Returns of the Company or Sea Coast.
(h) Sea Coast does not have any liability for Taxes of any Person other than the Company (i) under Treasury Reg. Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law) (ii) by contract, or (iii) otherwise.
(i) Section 6.15 of the Company Disclosure Schedule describes all material adjustments to Tax Returns filed by, or on behalf of, the Company or Sea Coast, or any affiliated group of corporations of which the Company or Sea Coast is or was a member, for all taxable years since 1998, that have been proposed in writing by any representative of any Governmental Entity, and the resulting Taxes, if any, proposed to be assessed.
(j) There are no material liens with respect to Taxes upon any of the properties or assets, real or personal, tangible or intangible, of the Company or Sea Coast (except for Taxes not yet due).
(k) No property owned by the Company or Sea Coast is property that CEH LLC, the Company or Sea Coast is or will be required to treat as being owned by another
person pursuant to the provisions of Section 168(f)(8) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1954, as amended and in effect immediately before the enactment of the
Tax Reform Act of 1986, or is "tax-exempt use property" within the meaning of
Section 168(h) of the Code.
(l) Neither the Company nor Sea Coast, owns an interest in any
(i) domestic international sales corporation, (ii) foreign sales corporation,
(iii) controlled foreign corporation, or (iv) passive foreign investment
company.
(m) The Company is not a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code.
(n) To the Knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor Sea Coast is a party (other than as an investor) to any industrial development bond.
(o) To the Knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor Sea Coast was a party to any deferred intercompany transaction that will be restored (pursuant to the Section 1502 regulations) and will result in income or loss to the Company or Sea Coast due to the contemplated transaction.
(p) To the Knowledge of the Company, during the previous two years neither the Company nor Sea Coast has engaged in any exchange under which the gain realized on such exchange was not recognized due to Section 1031 of the Code.
(q) To the Knowledge of the Company, none of the property owned or used by the Company or Sea Coast is subject to a lease other than a "true" lease for federal income tax purposes.
Section 6.16 Properties.
(a) Section 6.16(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete list of (i) all real property owned in fee by the Company or Sea Coast (the "Company Owned Real Property") and (ii) all material real property leases and subleases (including the corresponding overleases) to which the Company or Sea Coast is a party (the "Company Leases").
(b) Subject to the Exceptions, and except as disclosed in
Section 6.16(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule:
(i) the Company and Sea Coast have good, marketable title to the Company Real Property free of all Liens including good, valid and enforceable leasehold interests in and to the Company Leased Real Property pursuant to the Company Leases, in each case subject to the Permitted Liens;
(ii) there are no outstanding consents which have not yet been obtained by the Company or Sea Coast, as applicable, in connection with the leasing of any of the Company Leased Real Property, except for consents the failure to obtain would not result in a Company Material Adverse Effect;
(iii) except for outstanding Third Party Consents, (x) the use and operation of the Company Real Property in the conduct of the business of the Company and Sea Coast does not violate any instrument of record or agreement affecting the Company Real Property and (y) there are no outstanding notices of default under any of the Company Leases which individually, or in the aggregate, would materially adversely affect the Company's or Sea Coast's use of the Company Leased Real Property;
(iv) valid policies or commitments of title insurance have been issued insuring the Company's or, if applicable, Sea Coast's fee simple title to the Company Owned Real Property, subject only to the matters set forth in such policies or commitments; and
(v) (x) each material certificate, permit or license from any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over any of the Company Owned Real Property or any agreement, easement or other right which is necessary to permit the lawful use and operation of the buildings and improvements on any of the Company Owned Real Property or which is necessary to permit the lawful use and operation of all driveways, roads and other means of egress and ingress to and from any of the Company Owned Real Property has been obtained and is in full force and effect, and (y) no written notice of any violation of any federal, state or municipal law, ordinance, order, regulation or requirement having a material adverse effect on the use thereof or the business or operations of the Company or Sea Coast has been issued by any Governmental Entity.
Section 6.17 Environmental Matters. Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in Section 6.17 of the Company Disclosure Schedule:
(a) the Company Real Property (the "Company Facilities") is in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws including, but not limited to, the possession of all permits and other governmental authorizations required under applicable Environmental Laws, where the failure to comply with such Environmental Laws would result in a Company Material Adverse Effect;
(b) there is no pending or threatened claim, lawsuit or administrative proceeding against the Company or Sea Coast under any Environmental Law, which would have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company has not received written notice from any person, including a Governmental Entity, alleging that the Company or Sea Coast is in violation of any applicable Environmental Law or otherwise may be liable under any applicable Environmental Law, which violation or liability is unresolved and would result in a Company Material Adverse Effect; and
(c) there have been no Releases, spills or discharges of Hazardous Materials on or underneath any of the Company Real Property, that would result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.18 Affiliate Transactions. Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in Section 6.18 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, none of the executive officers or
directors (or immediate family members thereof) of the Company or Sea Coast nor any Five Percent Holder is party to any Contract with the Company or Sea Coast or has any material interest in any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, owned by or used in the business of the Company or Sea Coast.
Section 6.19 Labor Relations. Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in Section 6.19 of the Company Disclosure Schedule:
(a) the Company and Sea Coast are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws respecting employment, employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, in each case, with respect to employees, except where such non-compliance would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect;
(b) neither the Company nor Sea Coast has received written notice of any charge or complaint against either the Company or Sea Coast pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, or any other Governmental Entity regarding any alleged unlawful employment practice which, if resolved adversely to the Company or Sea Coast, would have a Company Material Adverse Effect;
(c) neither the Company nor Sea Coast is a party to any collective bargaining agreement and there is no work stoppage or labor strike pending or threatened against the Company or Sea Coast; and
(d) neither the Company nor Sea Coast has received written notice that any representation petition respecting the employees of the Company or Sea Coast has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
Section 6.20 Certain Business Practices. Since January 1, 2002, neither the Company nor Sea Coast nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any directors, officers, agents or employees of the Company and/or Sea Coast acting on behalf of the Company or Sea Coast have (a) used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses related to political activity, or (b) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns or violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
Section 6.21 Insurance. The Company and Sea Coast maintain policies of insurance in amounts that the Company believes to be reasonably sufficient to insure against risks usually insured against by Persons operating similar businesses or properties of similar size in the localities where such businesses or properties are located and have been issued by insurers of recognized responsibility. The Company has received no written notice of default under any such policies and no written notice of cancellation of any such coverage.
Section 6.22 State Takeover Statutes. The Company has opted out of
Section 203 of the DGCL and, as a result, Section 203 of the DGCL is inoperable
as to the Merger. To the Knowledge of the Company, no other state takeover
statute applies to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
Section 6.23 Product Recalls. Except as set forth in Section 6.23 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, since January 1, 2002, the Company has not instituted any material recalls or withdrawals of products produced or sold by the Company or Sea Coast, and there has not been any similar action of any Governmental Entity with respect to such products.
ARTICLE VII
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING PINNACLE
Except as set forth in the disclosure schedule (the "Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule") to be delivered by CEH LLC to the Company pursuant to this Agreement as soon practicable, but no later than the tenth (10th) Business Day after the Pinnacle Ownership Date, CEH LLC represents and warrants to the Company as set forth below as of the Pinnacle Ownership Date (unless otherwise explicitly indicated). Disclosure of an item in response to one Section of this Agreement shall constitute disclosure in response to such other Sections of this Agreement as is reasonably apparent on the face of the disclosure notwithstanding the fact that no express cross-reference is made. Disclosure of any items not otherwise required to be disclosed shall not create any inference of materiality. In the event of any inconsistency between statements in the body of this Agreement and statements in the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule (excluding exceptions expressly set forth in the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule with respect to a specifically identified representation or warranty), the statements in the body of this Agreement shall control.
EXCEPT FOR THE LIMITED REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE VII AND THE COMPANY'S RELIANCE THEREON: (A) CEH LLC HEREBY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, ORAL OR WRITTEN, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE CONCERNING (i) THE NATURE AND CONDITION OF ANY ASSETS AND THE SUITABILITY OF ANY ASSETS FOR ANY AND ALL ACTIVITIES AND USES, (ii) THE MANNER, CONSTRUCTION, CONDITION AND STATE OF REPAIR OR LACK OF REPAIR OF ANY IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED ON ANY ASSETS, AND (iii) THE COMPLIANCE OF ANY ASSET OR ITS OPERATION WITH ANY LAWS, RULES, ORDINANCES, OR REGULATIONS OF ANY GOVERNMENT OR OTHER BODY; (B) CEH LLC MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OR ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING, BUT IN NO WAY LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTY OF QUANTITY, QUALITY, CONDITION, HABITABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF PINNACLE OR ANY OF ITS ASSETS; (C) THE COMPANY HAS CAUSED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS AGREEMENT BASED SOLELY ON ITS OWN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS; AND (D) CEH LLC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY FORECASTS OR PROJECTIONS OF REVENUES, SALES, EXPENSES OR PROFITS.
Section 7.1 Organization. Each of Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation, and has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Each of Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified or
licensed to transact business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the character of its assets owned or held under lease or the nature of its business makes such qualification necessary, except in those jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect.
Section 7.2 Capitalization; Subsidiaries.
(a) The authorized capital stock of Pinnacle consists solely of common stock (the "Pinnacle Common Stock"), which is issued and outstanding in such amounts as set forth on Schedule 7.2(a). All outstanding shares of Pinnacle Common Stock are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or other similar rights.
(b) Each of Pinnacle's Subsidiaries is listed in Section 7.2(b) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule. Except as set forth in Section 7.2(b) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, Pinnacle directly or indirectly is the beneficial and record owner of all issued and outstanding capital stock of each such Subsidiary and such ownership is free and clear of all Liens. Each outstanding share of capital stock of each such Subsidiary has been duly and validly authorized and issued and is fully paid and nonassessable.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 7.2(c) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding subscription rights, options, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities or other rights of any character whatsoever to which Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries is a party relating to issued or unissued capital stock of Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Contract of any character whatsoever relating to issued or unissued capital stock of Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries or pursuant to which Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to issue or grant additional shares of their capital stock or related subscription rights, options, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities or other rights, or to grant preemptive rights.
Section 7.3 Financial Statements.
Section 7.3(a) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule contains true, complete and correct copies of the audited consolidated balance sheets of Pinnacle and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of July 31, 2003, July 31, 2002 and July 31, 2001, and the related audited consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholders' equity of Pinnacle and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003 (the "Latest Pinnacle Balance Sheet Date"), July 31, 2002 and for the period from March 29, 2001 (Pinnacle's date of incorporation) to July 31, 2001 (Pinnacle had no operations until May 22, 2001, the date on which Pinnacle consummated the acquisition of certain assets and the assumption of certain liabilities of Vlasic Foods International Inc.'s North American business), and the related notes thereto (such audited financial statements collectively being referred to herein as the "Pinnacle Financial Statements"), accompanied by a true and correct copy of the reports thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants, and all letters from such auditors concerning internal control commentary resulting from the conducting of such audit. The Pinnacle Financial Statements, together with the notes thereto, have been prepared in accordance
with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby (except to the extent disclosed therein or required by changes in GAAP) and fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Pinnacle and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the respective dates thereof and for the respective periods covered thereby.
Section 7.4 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth in
Section 7.4 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule or as provided or contemplated
by the Transaction Documents, since the Latest Pinnacle Balance Sheet Date:
(i) Pinnacle and the Subsidiaries of Pinnacle have in all material respects conducted their respective business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(ii) neither Pinnacle nor any Subsidiary of Pinnacle have taken any actions, and no events have occurred that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect; and
(iii) neither Pinnacle nor any Subsidiary of Pinnacle has taken any action that, if taken after the Pinnacle Ownership Date without the Designated Representative's consent, would constitute a breach of any of the covenants set forth in Section 10.1 hereof.
Section 7.5 Litigation.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 7.5(a) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, there is no Litigation pending or, to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, threatened in writing against Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries or involving any of their respective properties or assets by or before any court, arbitrator or other Governmental Entity which (i) is reasonably likely to prevent or materially delay consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents or (ii) if resolved adversely to Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries would have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 7.5(b) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, neither Pinnacle nor any Subsidiary of Pinnacle is (i) in default under or in breach of any order, judgment or decree of any court, arbitrator or other Governmental Entity, or (ii) a party or subject to any order, judgment or decree of any court, arbitrator or other Governmental Entity, except, in each case, where such default or breach, or such order, judgment or decree, would not have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect.
Section 7.6 Consents and Approvals. Except as set forth in Section 7.6 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, no consent, registration, declaration, or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by CEH LLC of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or the consummation by CEH LLC of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except for (a) the filing of a pre-merger notification and report form by CEH LLC under the HSR Act, and the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period thereunder, (b) the filing, if applicable or advisable, of a request for an Advance
Ruling Certificate pursuant to Section 102 of the Competition Act (Canada) and/or the filing of a pre-merger notification by CEH LLC in accordance with Part IX of the Competition Act (Canada) and the expiration of the applicable waiting period thereunder, (c) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (d) such filings in connection with any state or local tax that is attributable to the beneficial ownership of the Pinnacle Real Property ("Gains and Transfer Taxes"), if any, (e) such other filings and consents as may be required under any environmental, health or safety law or regulation pertaining to any notification, disclosure or required approval necessitated by the Merger or the other transactions contemplated in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which CEH LLC is a party and (f) such other consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations, filings, notices or permits the failure of which to be obtained or made would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect.
Section 7.7 Noncontravention. The execution, delivery and
performance by CEH LLC of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party do
not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein
will not, subject to obtaining the consents, approvals, authorizations and
permits and making the filings described in Section 7.6 or as set forth in
Section 7.7 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, (a) conflict with or result in
any breach of Pinnacle's or its Subsidiaries' respective Fundamental Documents;
(b) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due
notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, or give rise to any right of
termination, cancellation, suspension, modification or acceleration of any
obligation under, or result in the creation of a Lien (other than Pinnacle
Permitted Encumbrances), or otherwise require the consent or waiver of, or
notice to, any other party under, any Pinnacle Material Contract; or (c) violate
any material Law applicable to Pinnacle, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective properties or assets except, with respect to each of clauses (b) and
(c), such violations, conflicts, breaches or defaults as would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect.
Section 7.8 Compliance with Laws. Except as set forth in Section 7.8 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, each of Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries (a) is in compliance in all material respects with all Laws applicable to its business, and neither Pinnacle nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of any alleged material violation of Law, except to the extent that any noncompliance or violation would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect, and (b) holds all Permits required for the ownership of its assets and operation of its business except where the failure to hold any such Permits would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect. All such Permits are in full force and effect, except for those the failure of which to be in full force and effect would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this Section 7.8, the term "Laws" as used in clause (a) above shall not include any Environmental Laws, any Laws relating to Taxes or the subject matters of Sections 7.10, 7.11 and 7.12.
Section 7.9 Pinnacle Material Contracts. Section 7.9 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule lists as of the Pinnacle Ownership Date each Contract of the following types to which Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by or to which Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their properties may be bound or subject:
(a) Contracts containing covenants purporting to limit the freedom of Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries to compete in any line of business in any geographic area or to hire any individual or group of individuals;
(b) Contracts which require payments to or by Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries of at least $2.5 million annually and which, in either case, cannot be canceled by Pinnacle or such Subsidiary without penalty on notice of ninety (90) days or less;
(c) Contracts constituting indentures, mortgages, promissory notes, loan agreements, bonds, guarantees, letters of credit or other financing agreements or instruments of Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries evidencing indebtedness in amounts in excess of $2.5 million;
(d) Contracts providing for the acquisition or disposition of any business or the capital stock of any Person in each case having a purchase price in excess of $2.5 million that has not been terminated or consummated;
(e) Contracts in respect of any joint venture, partnership or other similar arrangement, in each case involving a contribution of future capital (whether such future capital is contributed in cash, goods or services) in excess of $2.5 million on the part of Pinnacle;
(f) Contracts constituting manufacturer's representative, sales agency, supply, co-packaging, distribution or marketing Contracts (A) having a remaining term of one-year or more (from the Pinnacle Ownership Date) and which are not terminable by Pinnacle or a Subsidiary of Pinnacle without penalty on notice of ninety (90) days or less and (B) which are material to the business, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise) of Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and
(g) each amendment, supplement, and modification in respect of any of the foregoing.
"Pinnacle Material Contracts" means the Contracts disclosed in
Section 7.9 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule; provided, that no event shall a
Pinnacle Material Contract include a Pinnacle Ordinary Course of Business
Contract. Neither Pinnacle nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default in any
material respect under any such Pinnacle Material Contract. Each such Pinnacle
Material Contract is (a) a valid and binding obligation of Pinnacle or its
Subsidiaries and, to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, a valid and binding obligation
of each other party thereto, and (b) is in full force and effect. To the
Knowledge of Pinnacle, each other party thereto, has performed in all material
respects all obligations required to be performed by it and is not in default
under or in breach of, nor in receipt of any claim of default or breach under,
any such Pinnacle Material Contract. There has not occurred any event or events
that, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both, would constitute a
default by Pinnacle or any Subsidiary, or to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, any of
the other parties to any such Pinnacle Material Contracts, except as set forth
in Section 7.9 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule and except for those defaults
that would not have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect.
Section 7.10 ERISA Compliance; Labor.
(a) Section 7.10(a) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule
contains a complete and correct list of each Pinnacle Plan. With respect to each
Pinnacle Plan, CEH LLC has heretofore delivered or made available to the Company
true and correct copies of the Pinnacle Plan and any amendments thereto (or if
the Pinnacle Plan is not a written plan, a description thereof) and the most
recent determination letter received from the Internal Revenue Service with
respect to each Pinnacle Plan intended to qualify under Section 401 of the Code.
There has been no amendment to, written interpretation of or announcement
(whether or not written) by Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries relating to, or
change in employee participation or coverage under, any Pinnacle Plan that would
increase materially the expense of maintaining such Pinnacle Plan above the
level or expense incurred in respect thereof for the most recent fiscal year
ended prior to the date hereof. Except as set forth in Section 7.10(a) of the
Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, neither Pinnacle nor any other entity required to
be aggregated with Pinnacle under Section 414(b), 414(c) or 414(m) of the Code
(the "Pinnacle Aggregated Group") sponsors, and neither Pinnacle nor any member
of the Pinnacle Aggregated Group has sponsored since the inception of Pinnacle,
a "defined benefit plan" as such term is defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA (each
such defined benefit plan, a "Pinnacle Pension Plan"). Except as set forth in
Section 7.10(a) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, neither Pinnacle nor any
member of the Pinnacle Aggregated Group has contributed or been obligated to
contribute at any time to any "multi-employer plan" as such term is defined in
Section 3(37) or Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA. Neither Pinnacle nor any member of
the Pinnacle Aggregated Group has any liability under Title IV of ERISA, except
for the payment of premiums to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (which
premiums have been paid when due).
(b) Each Pinnacle Plan has been administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms, and each of the Pinnacle Plans (and its related trust) has been operated in material compliance with applicable Laws. Each Pinnacle Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has been operated in material compliance with Section 401(a) of the Code and ERISA. All contributions, premiums and other payments with respect to Pinnacle Plans that are due on or before the Pinnacle Ownership Date have been timely paid; and all contributions, premiums and payments with respect to each Pinnacle Plan due prior to the date hereof to any Pinnacle Plan have been timely paid. Except as set forth in Section 7.10(b) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, there are no actions, suits or claims pending (other than routine claims for benefits) or, to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, threatened against, or with respect to, any of the Pinnacle Plans. To the Knowledge of Pinnacle, there is no matter (including any audit, examination, investigation or other inquiry) pending with respect to any of the Pinnacle Plans before the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor or any other Governmental Entity other than as described in Section 7.10(b) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 7.10(c) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, there exists no condition that would subject Pinnacle or any member of the Pinnacle Aggregated Group to any material liability under the terms of the Pinnacle Plans or applicable Laws other than (i) any payment of benefits in the normal course of plan operation and (ii) the payment of contributions as required by the terms of such plan or applicable Law.
(d) No "prohibited transaction," as such term is described in
Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA, has occurred with respect to
any of the Pinnacle Plans that would subject Pinnacle, any of its Subsidiaries,
any officer of Pinnacle or any of such plans or any trust to any Tax or penalty
on prohibited transactions imposed by Section 4975 of the Code or to any
liability under ERISA.
(e) Except as set forth in Section 7.10(e) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, no employee or former employee of Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries will be entitled to any additional payment or benefit, or to the acceleration of any payment or benefit, by reason of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(f) Except as set forth in Section 7.10(f) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, Pinnacle has the requisite power and authority under ERISA and other applicable Laws to make all changes to retiree welfare benefits (including increases in premiums and cost-sharing for former employees and their dependents) that it has previously implemented and to make all changes to retiree welfare benefits that it has announced but not yet implemented.
(g) Except as set forth in Section 7.10(g) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, neither Pinnacle nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any collective bargaining agreement. Except as set forth in Section 7.10(g) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, (i) neither Pinnacle nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged in any unfair labor practices, has any unfair labor practice charges or complaints before the National Labor Relations Board pending or, to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, threatened against it, (ii) to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, there are currently no union organizing activities among the employees of Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) neither Pinnacle nor any of its Subsidiaries has closed any facility or implemented any new early retirement, separation or window program, nor have any such actions or programs been planned or announced for the future, (iv) there is no labor strike, walkout or other material work stoppage pending, or to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, threatened against Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries, and (v) no charges, complaints or proceedings have been asserted against Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor or any other Governmental Entity responsible for regulating employment practices.
Section 7.11 Intellectual Property. Section 7.11 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule sets forth all of the statutorily registered or issued Pinnacle Intellectual Property. Except as set forth in Section 7.11 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries own, or are licensed or otherwise have the right or license to use inventions that are the subject of the United States and foreign patents and applications thereto, registered trademarks, trademarks, registered service marks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, software and know-how currently used by Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries in their respective businesses (the "Pinnacle Intellectual Property") other than the trademarks Swanson and Vlasic (such trademarks not to include any other trademarks or terms used in association with the trademarks Swanson and Vlasic), except where the failure to so own, license or otherwise have the right to use such Pinnacle Intellectual Property would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect. Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries, own, or are licensed or otherwise have the right or license to use, the trademarks Swanson and Vlasic (such trademarks not to include any other trademarks or terms used in association with the trademarks Swanson
and Vlasic) as currently used by Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries in their
respective businesses. Except as set forth in Section 7.11 of the Pinnacle
Disclosure Schedule, (a) to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, the use of the Pinnacle
Intellectual Property by Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries does not interfere with,
infringe upon, misappropriate or otherwise come into conflict with any
intellectual property rights of any other person and Pinnacle has not received
any written demand, claim or notice from any person with respect to the Pinnacle
Intellectual Property which challenges the validity of any Pinnacle Intellectual
Property; (b) to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, no other person is interfering with,
infringing upon, misappropriating or otherwise coming into conflict with any
Pinnacle Intellectual Property; (c) no trademark or service mark owned, or to
the Knowledge of Pinnacle licensed, by Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries is involved
in the United States or Canada in any opposition, cancellation or equivalent
proceeding, and to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, no such action has been
threatened; (d) no patent owned by Pinnacle is involved in the United States or
Canada in any interference, reissue, reexamination or equivalent proceeding; and
(e) Pinnacle has not granted a license to any person to use any Pinnacle
Intellectual Property other than licenses granted in the ordinary course of
business or under any agreement set forth in Section 7.11 of the Pinnacle
Disclosure Schedule.
Section 7.12 Taxes.
(a) Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries have timely filed all Tax Returns required to be filed by them under applicable Law, and all such Tax Returns were and are true, complete and correct in all material respects. All Taxes due and payable by Pinnacle for all periods or portions thereof ending on or before the Closing Date have been timely paid or provided for.
(b) Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries have complied with the provisions of the Code relating to the withholding of Taxes, as well as similar provisions under any other Laws, and have, within the time and in the manner prescribed by Law, withheld, collected and paid over to the proper governmental authorities all amounts required.
(c) No audits or other administrative proceedings or court proceedings are presently pending with regard to any Taxes or Tax Returns of Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries, except for any audits or other proceedings (i) that will not result in additional material Taxes, or (ii) with respect to which Pinnacle has established adequate reserves for any resultant Taxes, which reserves are reflected on the most recent audited balance sheets of Pinnacle.
(d) Neither Pinnacle nor its Subsidiaries has requested any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return, which Tax Return has not prior to the expiration of the extension period been filed.
(e) Neither Pinnacle nor its Subsidiaries has agreed to, nor is it required to make, any adjustment pursuant to Section 481(a) of the Code (or any predecessor provision) by reason of any change in any accounting method of Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries that could affect any period or portion thereof beginning on or after the Closing Date, and there is no application pending with any taxing authority requesting permission for any changes in any accounting method of Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries.
(f) Pinnacle does not have any material liability for Taxes of
any Person other than its Subsidiaries (i) under Treasury Reg. Section 1.1502-6
(or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law), (ii) by contract, or
(iii) otherwise.
(g) No material deficiencies for any Taxes have been proposed, asserted or assessed in writing against Pinnacle which have not been paid, except for any deficiencies with respect to which Pinnacle has established adequate reserves, which reserves are reflected on the most recent audited balance sheet of Pinnacle, and there is no outstanding waiver of the statute of limitations with respect to any Taxes or Tax Returns of Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries.
(h) Pinnacle's Subsidiaries do not have any liability for
Taxes of any Person other than Pinnacle (i) under Treasury Reg. Section 1.1502-6
(or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law) (ii) by contract, or
(iii) otherwise.
(i) Section 7.12 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule describes all material adjustments to Tax Returns filed by, or on behalf of, Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries, or any affiliated group of corporations of which Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries is or was a member, for all taxable years since March 29, 2001, that have been proposed in writing by any representative of any Governmental Entity, and the resulting Taxes, if any, proposed to be assessed.
(j) There are no material liens with respect to Taxes upon any of the properties or assets, real or personal, tangible or intangible, Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries (except for Taxes not yet due).
(k) No property owned by Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries is property that CEH LLC, Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries is or will be required to treat as being owned by another person pursuant to the provisions of Section 168(f)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended and in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, or is "tax-exempt use property" within the meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code.
(l) Neither Pinnacle nor its Subsidiaries, owns an interest in any (i) domestic international sales corporation, (ii) foreign sales corporation, (iii) controlled foreign corporation, or (iv) passive foreign investment company.
(m) Pinnacle is not a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code.
(n) To the Knowledge of Pinnacle, neither Pinnacle nor its Subsidiaries is a party (other than as an investor) to any industrial development bond.
(o) To the Knowledge of Pinnacle, neither Pinnacle nor its Subsidiaries was a party to any deferred intercompany transaction that will be restored (pursuant to the Section 1502 regulations) and will result in income or loss to Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries due to the contemplated transaction.
(p) To the Knowledge of Pinnacle, during the previous two years neither Pinnacle nor its Subsidiaries has engaged in any exchange under which the gain realized on such exchange was not recognized due to Section 1031 of the Code.
(q) To the Knowledge of Pinnacle, none of the property owned or used by Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries is subject to a lease other than a "true" lease for federal income tax purposes.
Section 7.13 Properties.
(a) Owned Real Property. Section 7.13(a) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete list of all Pinnacle Owned Real Property. Except as set forth in Section 7.13(a) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule and in the real estate title reports for real estate owned by Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries, Pinnacle or a Subsidiary of Pinnacle has good, marketable title to the Pinnacle Owned Real Property, free and clear of all Liens other than Pinnacle Permitted Encumbrances. Pinnacle or a Subsidiary of Pinnacle has sufficient title to such easements, rights of way and other rights appurtenant to each of the Pinnacle Owned Real Properties as are necessary to permit ingress and egress to and from the Pinnacle Owned Real Property to a public way, except where the failure to have such title would not have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect. The material improvements on the Pinnacle Owned Real Property have access to such sewer, water, gas, electric, telephone and other utilities as are necessary to allow the business of Pinnacle and each of its Subsidiaries operated thereon to be operated in the ordinary course as currently operated, except where the failure to have such access would not have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in Section 7.13(a) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, the material improvements located on the Pinnacle Owned Real Property are in sufficiently good condition (except for ordinary wear and tear) to allow the business of Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries to be operated in the ordinary course as currently operated. The current use of the Pinnacle Owned Real Property by Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries does not violate in any material respect any restrictive covenants of record affecting any of the Pinnacle Owned Real Property.
(b) Leased Real Property. Section 7.13(b) of the Pinnacle
Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all material real property leases to
which Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries is a party. Each lease set forth in
Section 7.13(b) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule is a valid and binding
obligation of Pinnacle or a Subsidiary of Pinnacle and (subject to any of such
leases being terminated in the ordinary course of business and in accordance
with the terms thereof) is in full force and effect. With respect to each
Pinnacle Leased Real Property, except as otherwise set forth in Section 7.13(b)
of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, neither Pinnacle nor any of its
Subsidiaries, and to the Knowledge of Pinnacle, no other party, is in default in
any material respect under any lease set forth in Section 7.13(b) of the
Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule.
(c) Tangible Property. Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries have good title to, or hold pursuant to valid and enforceable leases, all the tangible properties and assets of Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries (excluding Pinnacle Real Property) that are material to the conduct of the businesses of Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries, with only such exceptions as constitute Pinnacle Permitted Encumbrances. Except as set forth in Section 7.13(c) of the Pinnacle Disclosure
Schedule, such tangible properties and assets of Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries are sufficient for the continued conduct of Pinnacle's businesses in substantially the same manner as previously conducted, except where the failure would not have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Liens and Encumbrances. All of the material assets of Pinnacle and each of its Subsidiaries are free and clear of all Liens, except Pinnacle Permitted Encumbrances and as set forth in Section 7.13(d) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule.
Section 7.14 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Section 7.14 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule:
(a) the Pinnacle Real Property is in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws including, but not limited to, the possession of all permits and other governmental authorizations required under applicable Environmental Laws, where the failure to comply with such Environmental Laws would not result in a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect;
(b) there is no pending or threatened claim, lawsuit or administrative proceeding against Pinnacle or any Subsidiary of Pinnacle under any Environmental Law, which would have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect. Pinnacle has not received written notice from any person, including a Governmental Entity, alleging that Pinnacle or any Subsidiary of Pinnacle is in violation of any applicable Environmental Law or otherwise may be liable under any applicable Environmental Law, which violation or liability is unresolved and would result in a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect; and
(c) there have been no Releases, spills or discharges of Hazardous Materials on or underneath any of the Pinnacle Real Property, that would result in a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect.
Section 7.15 Affiliate Transactions. Except as set forth in Section
7.15 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule and except for compensation and payment
of reimbursable expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business to regular
employees of Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries, no current or former Affiliate of
Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries, is presently, or since the Pinnacle
Ownership Date has been, (i) a party to any transaction or Pinnacle Material
Contract with Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) the direct or indirect
owner of an interest in any person which is a present or potential competitor,
supplier or customer of Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries (other than
non-affiliated holdings in publicly held companies). Except as set forth in
Section 7.15 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, no current or former Affiliate
of Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries is a guarantor or otherwise liable for
any actual or potential liability or obligation, whether direct or indirect, of
Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries
Section 7.16 Insurance. Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries maintain policies of insurance in amounts that Pinnacle believes to be reasonably sufficient to insure against risks usually insured against by Persons operating similar businesses or properties of similar size in the localities where such businesses or properties are located and have been issued by insurers of recognized responsibility. Pinnacle has received no written notice of default under any such policies and no written notice of cancellation of any such coverage.
Section 7.17 Product Recalls. Except as set forth in Section 7.17 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, since May 22, 2001, Pinnacle has not instituted any material recalls or withdrawals of products produced or sold by Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries, and there has not been any similar action of any Governmental Entity with respect to such products.
ARTICLE VIII
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CEH LLC
Except as set forth in the disclosure schedule delivered by CEH LLC (the "CEH LLC Disclosure Schedule") to the Company simultaneously with the execution and delivery hereof, CEH LLC hereby represents and warrants to the Company as set forth below as of the date hereof (unless otherwise explicitly indicated). Disclosure of an item in response to one Section of this Agreement shall constitute disclosure in response to such other Sections of this Agreement as is reasonably apparent on the face of the disclosure notwithstanding the fact that no express cross-reference is made. Disclosure of any items not otherwise required to be disclosed shall not create any inference of materiality. In the event of any inconsistency between statements in the body of this Agreement and statements in the CEH LLC Disclosure Schedule (excluding exceptions expressly set forth in the CEH LLC Disclosure Schedule with respect to a specifically identified representation or warranty), the statements in the body of this Agreement shall control.
Section 8.1 Organization. CEH LLC is a limited liability company duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as it is now being conducted.
Section 8.2 Due Authorization. CEH LLC has all necessary power and authority to enter into this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and, subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery by CEH LLC of this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party is, and the compliance by CEH LLC with this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, upon the approval of the Bankruptcy Court, will have been duly authorized by all requisite action of CEH LLC. This Agreement has been, and each of the other Transaction Documents to which CEH LLC is a party when executed and delivered by CEH LLC will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by CEH LLC, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto or thereto) this Agreement constitutes, and each of such other Transaction Documents when executed and delivered by CEH LLC will constitute, a valid and binding obligation of CEH LLC, enforceable against CEH LLC in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency and other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and limitations imposed by general principles of equity.
Section 8.3 Non-Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by CEH LLC of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and therein will not, subject to obtaining the consents, approvals, authorizations and permits and making the filings described in Section 8.5 hereof or
as set forth in Section 8.5 of the CEH Disclosure Schedule: (a) conflict with or result in any breach of CEH LLC's Fundamental Documents; (b) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, or give rise to any right of termination, cancellation, suspension, modification or acceleration of any obligation under, or result in the creation of a material Lien, or otherwise require the consent or waiver of, or notice to, any other party under, any material Contract to which CEH LLC is a party; or (c) violate any Law applicable to CEH LLC or any of its properties or assets except (in the case of clause (b) or (c)), for violations, breaches, defaults, rights or Liens which (i) purport to become effective upon the occurrence of the Bankruptcy Case, (ii) individually or in the aggregate, would not materially adversely affect the ability of CEH LLC to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party or (iii) would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 8.4 Litigation.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 8.4 of the CEH LLC Disclosure Schedule, there is no Litigation pending or, to the Knowledge of CEH LLC, threatened in writing against CEH LLC or involving any of its properties or assets by or before any court, arbitrator or other Governmental Entity which (i) is reasonably likely to prevent or materially delay consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, or (ii) if resolved adversely to CEH LLC would have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 8.4 of the CEH LLC Disclosure Schedule, CEH LLC is not (i) in default under or in breach of any order, judgment or decree of any court, arbitrator or other Governmental Entity, or (ii) a party or subject to any order, judgment or decree of any court, arbitrator or other Governmental Entity, except, in each case, where such default, or breach, or such order, judgment or decree, would not (x) prevent or materially delay consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, or (y) have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 8.5 Consents and Approvals. Except as set forth in Section
8.5 of the CEH LLC Disclosure Schedule, no consent, registration, declaration,
or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by CEH LLC in connection
with the execution, delivery and performance by CEH LLC of this Agreement and
the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party or the consummation by
CEH LLC of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except for (a) the
filing of a pre-merger notification and report form by CEH LLC under the HSR
Act, and the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period
thereunder, (b) the filing, if applicable or advisable, of a request for an
Advance Ruling Certificate pursuant to Section 102 of the Competition Act
(Canada) and/or the filing of a pre-merger notification by CEH LLC in accordance
with Part IX of the Competition Act (Canada) and the expiration of the
applicable waiting period thereunder, (c) the filing of the Certificate of
Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (d) such filings in
connection with any Gains and Transfer Taxes, if any, (e) such other filings and
consents as may be required under any environmental, health or safety law or
regulation pertaining to any notification, disclosure or required approval
necessitated by the Merger or the other transactions contemplated in this
Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which CEH LLC is a party and
(f) such other consents,
approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations, filings, notices or permits the failure of which to be obtained or made would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 8.6 Financing. A complete and correct copy of the Debt Commitment Letter is attached hereto as Exhibit E and complete and correct copies of the commitment letters relating to the provision of equity financing by the Pinnacle Equity Investors are attached hereto as Exhibit F (the "Equity Commitment Letters"). Assuming the successful consummation of the Pinnacle Merger and the issuance of up to $225 million of senior subordinated notes of the Reorganized Company at the Closing Date (the "High Yield Offering"), the funding commitments under the facilities described in the Debt Commitment Letter and the equity commitments described in the Equity Commitment Letters, taken together, are in amounts sufficient to enable CEH LLC and Pinnacle to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each of the Equity Commitment Letters is valid, binding and in full force and effect.
Section 8.7 Ownership of Holding and Pinnacle. CEH LLC is on the date hereof, and will be as of the Pinnacle Ownership Date, the Agreement Effective Date and the Closing Date, the lawful record and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities of Holding other than equity securities issued under the Holding Option Plan. As of the Pinnacle Ownership Date, the Agreement Effective Date and the Closing Date, Holding will be the lawful record and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities of Pinnacle.
Section 8.8 Financial Advisory, Legal and Other Fees. No agent, broker, accounting firm, investment bank, other financial advisor, commercial bank, other financial institution, law firm, public relations firm or any other Person is or will be entitled to any fee, commission, expense or other amount from CEH LLC in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents except for (a) the advisors identified in Section 8.8 of the CEH LLC Disclosure Schedule and (b) other Persons whose fees, commissions, expenses and other amounts accrued through the date hereof and paid or payable do not in the aggregate total more than $1 million (taking into account any amount saved if any of the aforementioned advisors are replaced).
Section 8.9 Beneficial Ownership. As of the date of this Agreement, CEH LLC has no record or beneficial ownership of, and does not hold investment authority over, any securities of the Company.
Section 8.10 Capitalization; Subsidiaries.
(a) The capitalization of CEH LLC shall be as set forth in
Section 7.2 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule as of the Pinnacle Ownership
Date.
(b) Each of CEH LLC's Subsidiaries is listed in Section 8.10 of the CEH LLC Disclosure Schedule. Except as set forth in Section 8.10 of the CEH LLC Disclosure Schedule, CEH LLC directly or indirectly is the beneficial and record owner of all issued and outstanding capital stock of each such Subsidiary and such ownership is free and clear of all
Liens. Each outstanding share of capital stock of each such Subsidiary has been duly and validly authorized and issued and is fully paid and nonassessable.
Section 8.11 No Preemptive Rights. None of the Class A Units or the Bondholder Trust Interests to be outstanding or subject to issuance upon completion of the Restructuring will be issued in violation of, or subject to, any preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for or purchase securities other than as set forth in the CEH LLC Members Agreement.
Section 8.12 No Activity. Holding was incorporated on July 28, 2003. Since its inception, Holding has not engaged in any activity, other than such actions in connection with (i) its organization, (ii) the purchase of all of the outstanding capital stock of Acquisition and (iii) the preparation, negotiation and execution of the Pinnacle Merger Agreement and the transaction documents under and relating to the Pinnacle Merger Agreement, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby. Holding does not have any operations, has not generated any revenues and does not have any liabilities other than those incurred (a) in connection with the foregoing, (b) in association with the Pinnacle Merger as provided by the Pinnacle Merger Agreement and (c) in connection with the financing under the Pinnacle Senior Credit Facility and the Debt Commitment Letter.
ARTICLE IX
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
Section 9.1 Conduct of Business Pending Closing. Subject to the Exceptions, and except as set forth in Section 9.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, or as consented to by CEH LLC (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), during the period from the date of this Agreement through and including the Closing Date, the Company shall not, and shall not permit Sea Coast to:
(a) conduct its business other than in the Ordinary Course of Business;
(b) other than dividends and distributions by Sea Coast to the Company, (i) declare, set aside or pay any dividends (payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise) on, or make any other distributions in respect of its capital stock, (ii) split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its capital stock, or (iii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any capital stock in the Company or Sea Coast or any other securities thereof or any rights, warrants or options to acquire any such shares or other securities;
(c) issue, deliver, sell, pledge or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien any of its shares of capital stock or any other voting securities or any securities convertible into, exercisable for or exchangeable with, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any such shares, voting securities or convertible securities, except for the issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant to (i) the exercise of Options and Warrants outstanding on the date hereof, (ii) any mandatory provisions of any Plan and (iii) the conversion of Series A Preferred outstanding on the date hereof;
(d) amend its Fundamental Documents other than in accordance with this Agreement;
(e) acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing a substantial equity interest in or a substantial portion of the assets of, or by any other manner, any "business" as defined in Rule 3-05(a)(2) of Regulation S-X;
(f) other than with respect to Permitted Liens, sell, exchange, lease, sublease or otherwise dispose of any of the Company Real Property or other assets of the Company or Sea Coast (other than Intellectual Property), except for dispositions in the Ordinary Course of Business of (x) inventory, (y) receivables pursuant to the Receivables Facility or (z) other property or assets that are not material to the operation of the business of the Company and Sea Coast taken as a whole;
(g) other than (x) with respect to Permitted Liens and (y) licenses in the Ordinary Course of Business, (i) sell, pledge, dispose of, transfer, license, encumber, abandon or fail to maintain, or (ii) authorize the sale, pledge, disposition, transfer, encumbrance, abandonment or failure to maintain of, any rights to items of material Intellectual Property;
(h) other than the Existing Credit Facility, the DIP Facility, the Financing, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any debt securities or options, warrants, calls or other rights to acquire any debt securities of the Company, or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise become responsible for, the obligations of any Person, in each case in excess of $1 million and up to an aggregate of $2.5 million, except under the Receivables Facility and for surety bonds issued in the Ordinary Course of Business;
(i) authorize or make aggregate commitments with respect to capital expenditures in excess of $2.5 million above the aggregate capital expenditures reflected in the Company Plan;
(j) increase the compensation payable or to become payable or the benefits provided to, or pay any bonus (other than a bonus paid or options required to be paid or issued pursuant to a Plan in effect as of the date hereof) to, any director, officer or employee of the Company or Sea Coast, or grant any severance or termination pay to, or enter into or modify any employment or severance agreement with, any director, officer or other employee of the Company or of Sea Coast, or establish, adopt, enter into or amend, except as required to comply with applicable law, any collective bargaining, bonus, profit-sharing, thrift, compensation, stock option, restricted stock, pension, retirement, deferred compensation, employment, termination, severance or other Plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or arrangement for the benefit of any director, officer, consultant or employee, other than (i) pursuant to the Key Employee Retention Plan, (ii) the Management Retention Plan, (iii) for payments to non-executive employees pursuant to existing Plans and policies of the Company or (iv) suspension of the Company's 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan;
(k) terminate the employment of any executive officer (other than by accepting the resignations of Dale F. Morrison or Paul Graven) of the Company other than for cause;
(l) pay, loan or advance any amount to, or sell, transfer or lease any properties or assets (real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible) to, or purchase any properties or assets from, or enter into any Contract with, any Five Percent Holder, or any of the Company's or Sea Coast's executive officers or directors (or immediate family members thereof), other than payment of compensation and benefits in the Ordinary Course of Business or as permitted under Section 9.1(j) hereof;
(m) other than (x) in the Ordinary Course of Business and (y) as required under the terms of any existing Contract or any other Contract entered into in accordance with this Section 9.1, pay, discharge or satisfy any claim, liability or obligation (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) (not otherwise subject to clause (o) below) in excess of $1 million;
(n) other than any Contract entered into with respect to the Financing or the DIP Facility, enter into any Contract that (i) is outside the Ordinary Course of Business and (ii) (x) presents a material risk of delaying the Closing, (y) requires the Company to make payments in excess of $1 million, or (z) subjects the Company or Sea Coast to any material non-compete or other similar material restriction on the conduct of their businesses that would be binding following the Closing;
(o) other than pursuant to the Bankruptcy Plan, effect any settlement or compromise of any pending or threatened Litigation in respect of which the Company or Sea Coast is or could have been a party, unless such individual settlement (i) includes an unconditional written release of the Company and Sea Coast, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and CEH LLC, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding, (ii) does not include any statement as to any admission of fault, culpability or failure to act by or on behalf of the Company and Sea Coast and (iii) involves the payment by the Company of less than $2 million (in excess of any payments made pursuant to or by insurance policies) individually and, when taken together with all other such individual settlements, involved payment by the Company of less than $5 million in the aggregate (in excess of any payments made pursuant to or by insurance policies);
(p) change its methods of accounting, except as required by changes in GAAP or SEC accounting; make or change any Tax election, change any annual Tax accounting period, adopt or change any method of Tax accounting, file any amended Tax Return, enter into any closing agreement, settle any Tax claim or assessment, surrender any right to claim a Tax refund, consent to the extension or waiver of the limitations period applicable to any Tax claim or assessment, or take or omit to take any other action if such action or omission would have the effect of materially increasing the Tax liability of the Company or Sea Coast, except as required by Law;
(q) modify, amend or otherwise alter the Bankruptcy Plan in a manner that is adverse to CEH LLC (other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement);
(r) make any voluntary pre-payments or other voluntary distributions on or in respect of the Senior Notes or the Sub Debt; or
(s) agree to take any of the foregoing actions.
Section 9.2 Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance.
(a) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall put in place and, thereafter, the Company shall maintain in effect for not less than six years after the Closing Date, the Company's current directors' and officers' insurance policies, if such insurance is obtainable (or policies equivalent in all material respects to those maintained by or on behalf of the Company and Sea Coast on the date hereof, and having at least the same coverage and containing terms and conditions no less advantageous to the current and all former directors and officers of the Company) with respect to acts or failures to act prior to the Closing Date; provided, however, that in order to maintain or procure such coverage, the Company shall not be required to maintain or obtain policies providing such coverage except to the extent such coverage can be provided at an annual cost of no greater than three (3) times the most recent premium paid by the Company for such coverage for the period from June 25, 2003 through June 25, 2004 (the "Cap"); provided, further, that if equivalent coverage cannot be obtained, or can be obtained only by paying an annual premium in excess of the Cap, the Company shall be required to only obtain as much coverage as can be obtained by paying an annual premium equal to the Cap.
(b) From and after the Closing Date, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law (including by any Governmental Entity), each person who is, or has been at any time prior to the date hereof or who becomes prior to the Closing Date, an officer or director of the Company or Sea Coast (each, an "Indemnified Party") against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any Litigation arising out of or pertaining to acts or omissions, or alleged acts or omissions, by them in their capacities as such, which acts or omissions occurred prior to the Closing Date, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Closing Date.
(c) The Company shall keep in effect for a period of not less than six years from the Closing Date (or, in the case of matters occurring prior to the Closing Date which have not been resolved prior to the sixth anniversary of the Closing Date, until such matters are finally resolved) all provisions in the Company's certificate of incorporation and bylaws that provide for exculpation of director and officer liability and indemnification (and advancement of expenses related thereto) of the past and present officers and directors of the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL and other applicable Laws (including by any Governmental Entity), and such provisions shall not be amended except as either required by applicable Law or to make changes permitted by Law that would enhance the rights of past or present officers and directors to indemnification or advancement of expenses.
(d) If the Company or any of its successors or assigns (i) shall consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or other entity and shall not be the surviving entity of the consolidation or merger or (ii) shall transfer all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any individual, corporation or other entity, then and in each such case, proper provisions shall be made so that the successors and assigns of the Company shall assume all of the obligations set forth in this Section 9.2.
(e) The provisions of this Section 9.2 are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each of the Indemnified Parties, their heirs and their representatives.
Section 9.3 No Solicitation of Alternative Proposals.
(a) Except as set forth in this Section 9.3, neither the Company nor Sea Coast shall, directly or indirectly through any of its officers, directors, employees, financial advisors, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants or other representatives or agents (collectively, "Representatives"), or otherwise, (i) solicit, initiate, facilitate (including by way of furnishing information), seek, assist or encourage the submission of any Alternative Proposal, or (ii) except as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith to be necessary to satisfy the fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors under applicable law, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors, in response to any bona fide written Alternative Proposal which did not result from a breach of Section 9.3(a)(i), participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any Person, any information (provided that, prior to furnishing such information, the Company enters into a customary confidentiality agreement on terms no less favorable to the Company than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement) with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with respect to, any bona fide written Alternative Proposal; provided, however, that pursuant to the Termination Agreement, following the Agreement Effective Date the Company may terminate various "standstill" agreements to which is has bound other parties, but may not otherwise take any of the actions prohibited by this Section 9.3 in respect of such Persons. The Company shall, and shall direct or cause its Representatives to, immediately cease and cause to be terminated any discussions or negotiations with any parties that may be ongoing with respect to any Alternative Proposal.
(b) Except as set forth in this Section 9.3(b), the Board of
Directors shall not (i) prior to commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, withhold,
withdraw, amend, change or modify, or publicly propose to withhold, withdraw,
amend, change or modify, in a manner adverse to CEH LLC, the approval or
recommendation by the Board of Directors of this Agreement, (ii) prior to
commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, approve or recommend, or publicly propose
to approve or recommend, any Alternative Proposal or (iii) cause or permit the
Company to enter into any letter of intent or any agreement, contract or
commitment with respect to any Alternative Proposal ("Alternative Agreement") or
seek Bankruptcy Court approval of an Alternative Agreement or Alternative
Proposal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may take any of
the actions referred to above in this Section 9.3(b) with regard to a Superior
Proposal in the event that the Board of Directors determines in good faith that
such action is necessary to satisfy its fiduciary duties under applicable law,
after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors; provided
that, prior to or contemporaneous with taking any action referred to in clause
(iii) above with regard to an Alternative Proposal, the Company has provided the
notice required by the last sentence of subparagraph (c) below and the Board of
Directors shall cause the Company to terminate this Agreement pursuant to
Section 12.1(f) hereof.
(c) The Company shall, within 24 hours of receipt thereof, advise CEH LLC of (i) any Alternative Proposal or written request for information with respect to any Alternative Proposal the material terms and conditions of such Alternative Proposal or request
and the identity of the Person making such Alternative Proposal or request and
(ii) any changes in any such Alternative Proposal or request. The Company shall
provide CEH LLC with at least two (2) Business Days written notice prior to
entering into any Alternative Agreement.
As used herein, (i) "Alternative Proposal" shall mean any proposal or offer from any Person other than CEH LLC or any Affiliate of CEH LLC relating to an Acquisition Transaction and (ii) "Superior Proposal" shall mean an Alternative Proposal with terms that the Board of Directors determines in good faith (after receiving advice of the Company's outside financial adviser), taking into account all relevant aspects of the proposal and the Person making the proposal, would, if consummated, result in a transaction that is (x) more favorable to the Company's stakeholders than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (y) reasonably capable of being completed.
Section 9.4 Access to Information.
(a) From the date hereof until the earlier of the Closing Date
or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Company
shall (i) afford to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel, financing
sources and other representatives (collectively, "Advisors") of CEH LLC,
reasonable access during normal business hours to the Company's and Sea Coast's
properties (including access to existing real property appraisals and existing
Phase I environmental reports), books, contracts, commitments and records; (ii)
furnish CEH LLC and its Advisors with copies of all such contracts, books and
records and other existing documents and data as CEH LLC and/or its Advisors may
reasonably request; (iii) make available during normal business hours to the
Advisors the appropriate individuals (including management personnel, attorneys,
accountants and other professionals) for discussion of the Company's and Sea
Coast's business, properties, prospects and personnel as CEH LLC may reasonably
request; and (iv) furnish CEH LLC and its Advisors with such additional
financial, operating and other data and information concerning the Company and
Sea Coast as CEH LLC and/or its Advisors may reasonably request and as may be
reasonably available to the Company; provided, however, that nothing in this
Section 9.4(a) or otherwise shall require the Company to furnish to CEH LLC or
its Advisors any materials prepared by the Company's financial advisors or legal
advisors.
(b) CEH LLC shall enter into a confidentiality agreement with terms substantially in the form of the Confidentiality Agreement and shall keep all information disclosed to the Persons identified in clause (a) above pursuant to this Agreement confidential in accordance with such terms. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Confidentiality Agreement, the parties hereto and each of their respective employees, representatives or other agents, are permitted to disclose to any and all Persons, without limitations of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions contemplated hereby and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are or have been provided to such parties related to such tax treatment and tax structure; provided, however, that the foregoing permission to disclose the tax treatment and tax structure does not permit the disclosure of any information that is not relevant to understanding the tax treatment or tax structure of the transactions contemplated hereby (including the identity of any party and the amounts paid in connection with the transactions); provided, further, however, that the
tax treatment and tax structure shall be kept confidential to the extent necessary to comply with federal or state securities laws.
Section 9.5 Consents. The Company shall cooperate with CEH LLC and, following the Pinnacle Ownership Date, Pinnacle and use its reasonable best efforts to (a) solicit and obtain all of the Governmental Requirements, all Third Party Consents and all License Consents as well as any other consents, waivers, approvals, authorizations or orders required for the consummation of transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (b) timely make all necessary filings under the HSR Act and seek to obtain early termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act. Without limiting the foregoing, within ten (10) Business Days after the date hereof, the Company and CEH LLC shall submit all necessary filings under the HSR Act with the United States Department of Justice and any other Governmental Entity to which such filings are required to be submitted under the HSR Act and shall deliver to each other draft copies of all such reports prior to the filing thereof.
Section 9.6 Agreements with Five Percent Holders. The Company shall
use reasonable best efforts to seek to obtain the consents referred to in
Section 11.2(l) hereof.
Section 9.7 Releases. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that the Confirmation Order shall provide, among other things, that the directors, officers, advisors, attorneys, investment bankers and agents of the Company and CEH LLC and their respective affiliates, members, managers, shareholders, partners, representatives, employees, attorneys and agents are released, to the extent permitted by applicable Laws (including by any Governmental Entity), from any and all Litigation related to the Restructuring or the Restructuring Transaction.
Section 9.8 Notification of Certain Matters. From the date hereof through the Closing, the Company shall give prompt notice to CEH LLC and the Designated Representative of the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event the occurrence or failure of which caused any of the Company's respective representations or warranties contained in this Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect; provided, however, that no such notification shall be deemed for any purpose under this Agreement to permit the Company to limit, alter or amend its representations and warranties contained herein.
Section 9.9 Assistance with the Financing. The Company and Sea Coast shall use their reasonable best efforts to assist CEH LLC in effecting the Financing, which assistance shall include providing CEH LLC with such information regarding the Company as may be requested by the lenders participating in the financing contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letter or as may be necessary or appropriate for conducting the High Yield Offering; provided, however, the use of any such information in an offering memorandum or any similar financing document shall be subject to the review and reasonable consent of the Company.
Section 9.10 Closing Fee; Expenses.
(a) At the Closing, the Company shall pay to the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors a fee of $2 million. The Company shall pay any and all reasonable fees and expenses incurred by it, and shall pay to the Pinnacle Equity Investors, the Informal Committee and
Bondholder Trust any and all reasonable fees and expenses incurred by them (to the extent such fees and expenses have not been paid by the Company, Pinnacle or CEH LLC in advance of Closing), in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Other Transaction Documents; provided, that the Aurora Closing Expenses shall be paid at Closing to the extent provided by an order of the Bankruptcy Court.
(b) From and after the Closing, the Reorganized Company shall reimburse Bondholder Trust for all reasonable fees and expenses incurred by it and each trustee thereof in connection with the maintenance and operations of Bondholder Trust, and shall pay such expenses on behalf of Bondholder Trust upon presentment to the Reorganized Company of invoices relating thereto; provided, however, that the Reorganized Company shall not be required to reimburse Bondholder Trust for (i) fees or expenses which would typically be borne by a securityholder of an entity, including, but not limited to, fees or expenses typically borne by a securityholder in respect of a transfer of securities (such as underwriters' discounts or commissions) or fees or expenses (such as transfer taxes) arising from any such transfers, (ii) any other fees related to transfers (except for fees and expenses of the trustee and other similar administrative fees and expenses), or (iii) any fees or expenses arising from activities which are not related to the Bondholder Trust's primary function as an interim holding entity for Class A Units for the benefit of the Bondholders.
Section 9.11 Invoices for Professional Services. The Company and Sea Coast shall request each of their respective Representatives to submit invoices to them no earlier than three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date in respect of any amounts payable by the Company and/or Sea Coast to such Representatives as of the date of such invoice. Such invoices shall include a reasonable estimate of the expected fees payable to such Representatives for the period from the date of such invoice through the Closing Date.
Section 9.12 Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement. The Company shall enter into the Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement.
Section 9.13 Voting Agent; Exchange Agent. The Company shall appoint a Voting Agent and an Exchange Agent within a reasonable period after the Agreement Effective Date.
ARTICLE X
COVENANTS OF CEH LLC
Section 10.1 Conduct of Business Pending Closing. Subject to any action, event, item, matter or circumstance that is required or permitted by this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or the Restructuring Transaction or that is required or contemplated by the Pinnacle Merger Agreement and the related financing and other Transaction Documents (as defined in the Pinnacle Merger Agreement), and except as set forth in Section 10.1 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, or as consented to by the Company and the Designated Representative (in each case, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), during the
period from the Pinnacle Ownership Date through and including the Closing Date, CEH LLC will cause Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries not to:
(a) conduct its business other than in the Ordinary Course of Business; and
(b) declare, set aside or pay any dividends (payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise) on, or make any other distributions in respect of its capital stock.
Section 10.2 Consents. CEH LLC shall cooperate with the Company and use its reasonable best efforts to (a) obtain all of the Governmental Requirements, all Third Party Consents and all License Consents, as well as any other consents, waivers, approvals, authorizations or orders required for the consummation of transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, and (b) timely make all necessary filings under the HSR Act and obtain early termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act. Without limiting the foregoing, within ten (10) Business Days after the date hereof, the Company and CEH LLC shall submit all necessary filings under the HSR Act with the United States Department of Justice and any other Governmental Entity to which such filings are required to be submitted under the HSR Act and shall deliver to each other draft copies of all such reports prior to the filing thereof.
Section 10.3 Debt Commitment Letter. CEH LLC shall (a) use reasonable best efforts to perform and comply with its obligations and actions required of it to satisfy the obligations and conditions under the Debt Commitment Letter until the consummation of the Pinnacle Merger; (b) use reasonable best efforts to perform and comply with its obligations and actions required of it to satisfy the obligations and conditions under the Pinnacle Senior Credit Facility from and after the consummation of the Pinnacle Merger until and as of the Closing; (c) deliver to the Company and the Designated Representative, a copy of the Pinnacle Senior Credit Facility upon consummation of the Pinnacle Merger; and (d) use its reasonable best efforts to effectuate the High Yield Offering prior to, at or as of the Closing.
Section 10.4 Access to Information.
(a) From and after the consummation of the Pinnacle Merger until the earlier of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, CEH LLC shall cause Pinnacle to (i) afford to the Company, the Designated Representative and their respective Advisors, reasonable access during normal business hours to Pinnacle's properties (including access to existing real property appraisals and existing Phase I environmental reports), books, contracts, commitments and records; (ii) furnish the Company, the Designated Representative and their respective Advisors with copies of all such contracts, books and records and other existing documents and data as the Company, the Designated Representative and/or their respective Advisors may reasonably request; (iii) make available during normal business hours to their respective Advisors the appropriate individuals (including management personnel, attorneys, accountants and other professionals) for discussion of Pinnacle's business, properties, prospects and personnel as the Company or the Designated Representative may reasonably request; and (iv) furnish the Company, the Designated Representative and their respective Advisors with such additional financial, operating and other
data and information concerning Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries as the Company, the Designated Representative and/or their respective Advisors may reasonably request and as may be reasonably available to Pinnacle; provided, however, that except as provided in Section 15.15, nothing in this Section 10.4(a) or otherwise shall require CEH LLC or Pinnacle to furnish to the Company or their respective Advisors any materials prepared by Pinnacle's or CEH LLC's financial advisors or legal advisors.
(b) The Company shall keep all information disclosed to the Persons identified in clause (a) above pursuant to this Agreement confidential in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Confidentiality Agreement, the parties hereto and each of their respective employees, representatives or other agents, are permitted to disclose to any and all Persons, without limitations of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions contemplated hereby and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are or have been provided to such parties related to such tax treatment and tax structure; provided, however, that the foregoing permission to disclose the tax treatment and tax structure does not permit the disclosure of any information that is not relevant to understanding the tax treatment or tax structure of the transactions contemplated hereby (including the identity of any party and the amounts paid in connection with the transactions); provided, further, however, that the tax treatment and tax structure shall be kept confidential to the extent necessary to comply with federal or state securities laws.
Section 10.5 Approval of Bankruptcy Plan. As long as this Agreement is in effect, CEH LLC agrees, on its behalf and on behalf of the Pinnacle Equity Investors, with respect to all of the Sub Debt, Common Stock, Preferred Stock and any other securities of the Company it may hold, if any, (a) to vote, or cause to be voted, timely in favor of the Bankruptcy Plan, (b) not to revoke or withdraw such vote, or permit such vote to be revoked or withdrawn, and (c) to forbear, or cause to be forborne, exercising its remedies under the indentures governing the Sub Debt. CEH LLC shall furnish such information as the Company may reasonably request in connection with any Bankruptcy Case and will otherwise reasonably support the Company's preparation and presentation of any motion, filing, disclosure statement or other pleading in the Bankruptcy Case consistent with the terms of this Agreement.
Section 10.6 Notification of Certain Matters.
(a) With respect to CEH LLC's representations and warranties set forth in Article VIII, from the date hereof through the Closing, CEH LLC shall give prompt notice to the Company of the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event the occurrence or failure of which caused any of the representations or warranties set forth in Article VIII to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect; provided, however, that no such notification shall be deemed for any purpose under this Agreement to permit CEH LLC to limit, alter or amend its representations and warranties set forth in Article VIII.
(b) With respect to CEH LLC's representations and warranties regarding Pinnacle set forth in Article VII, from the Pinnacle Ownership Date through the Closing, CEH LLC shall give prompt notice to the Company of the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event the occurrence or failure of which caused any of the representations or
warranties set forth in Article VII to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect; provided, however, that no such notification shall be deemed for any purpose under this Agreement to permit CEH LLC to limit, alter or amend its representations and warranties set forth in Article VII.
Section 10.7 Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement. After the Pinnacle Ownership Date and prior to the Closing Date, CEH LLC shall cause Pinnacle to enter into the Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement.
Section 10.8 Equity Contribution. On or prior to the Closing Date, CEH LLC shall contribute the amounts received by it pursuant to the investments contemplated by the Equity Commitment Letters to Holding and shall cause Holding to contribute such amounts to Pinnacle and cause Pinnacle to retain such amounts through the Closing.
Section 10.9 Financial Reports. Following the Pinnacle Ownership Date and prior to the Closing Date, CEH LLC shall cause Pinnacle to provide the Company with copies of any periodic financial reports which are required to be provided by Pinnacle to the lenders under the Pinnacle Senior Credit Facility contemporaneously with or promptly following the delivery of such reports to such lenders.
Section 10.10 No Activity. From and after the date hereof, Holding shall not conduct any operations, or incur any liabilities or obligations other than those described in Section 8.12 hereof.
ARTICLE XI
CONDITIONS
Section 11.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligations. The respective obligations of each party to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of each of the following conditions:
(a) HSR Approval. The applicable waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), relating to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents shall have been terminated or shall have expired.
(b) No Injunctions or Restraints. No temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any Governmental Entity (collectively, "Restraints") preventing consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents shall be in effect. No Law shall be in effect which prohibits the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
(c) Bankruptcy Case. The Bankruptcy Plan shall have been approved by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the Confirmation Order, and the Confirmation Order shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and CEH LLC and shall be final and non-appealable.
(d) Governmental Requirements. The Governmental Requirements shall have been satisfied, made or obtained and be in effect on the Closing Date.
(e) Pinnacle Merger. The Pinnacle Merger shall have been consummated.
Section 11.2 Conditions to the Obligations of CEH LLC. The obligations of CEH LLC to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions unless waived, in whole or in part, by CEH LLC:
(a) Representations and Warranties. As of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date, the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement (without giving effect to any materiality or Company Material Adverse Effect qualifications contained therein) shall be true and correct, except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct shall not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Performance of Obligations. The Company shall have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing.
(c) Company Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred any Company Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Intellectual Property Licenses. Either (i) the
Confirmation Order shall expressly provide that each Material License be (x) in
full force and effect following the Closing, (y) free and clear of any Liens
other than any Liens granted in connection with the Financing and (z) if
applicable, assumed by the Company or Sea Coast (as appropriate) pursuant to
Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code or (ii) the License Consents shall have been
obtained and shall be in effect on the Closing Date.
(e) Third Party Consents. The Company's Third Party Consents shall have been obtained and be in effect on the Closing Date, except where the failure to obtain such consents does not, individually or in the aggregate, constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(f) Bankruptcy Order Regarding Class A Units and Bondholder Trust Interests. The Bankruptcy Court shall have entered an order to the effect that all Class A Units and Bondholder Trust Interests to be outstanding or subject to issuance upon completion of the Restructuring shall at the time of their issuance be duly authorized and validly issued and outstanding, free and clear of any Liens, issued in compliance with all federal and state securities laws and not issued in violation of, or subject to, any preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for or purchase securities other than as set forth in the CEH LLC Members Agreement.
(g) Minimum EBITDA. Cumulative Actual EBITDA shall not have been less than the EBITDA Threshold.
(h) Officer's Certificate. The Company shall have furnished CEH LLC with a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, and signed on behalf of it by a duly authorized officer to the effect that, to such officer's knowledge, the conditions set forth in Sections 11.2(a), 11.2(b), 11.2(c) and 11.2(e) hereof have been satisfied.
(i) Financing. CEH LLC shall have received the Financing in such amount and substantially upon the terms and conditions set forth therein.
(j) Personnel. Dale F. Morrison shall have resigned as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective at or prior to the Effective Time.
(k) Opinion. CEH LLC shall have received the opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, addressed to CEH LLC and dated as of the Closing Date, that based solely upon its review of the docket in the Bankruptcy Case, the Confirmation Order is non-appealable.
(l) Five Percent Holder Agreements. Each of Fenway Partners, Inc., MDC Management Company III, L.P. and their respective Affiliates (other than portfolio companies) shall have consented to the termination of each agreement between them and the Company or Sea Coast, other than any securities of the Company, or such agreements shall otherwise be of no force and effect following the Closing.
Section 11.3 Conditions to the Obligations of the Company. The obligation of the Company to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated in this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing of each of the following conditions unless waived, in whole or in part, by the Company:
(a) Representations and Warranties of CEH LLC. As of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date, the representations and warranties of CEH LLC set forth in this Agreement (without giving effect to any materiality or material adverse effect qualifiers contained therein) shall be true and correct except where the failures of such representations and warranties to be true and correct shall not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a material adverse effect on their ability to fulfill their obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
(b) Representations and Warranties Regarding Pinnacle. As of the Pinnacle Ownership Date and as of the Closing Date, the representations and warranties made by CEH LLC regarding Pinnacle set forth in this Agreement (without giving effect to any materiality or Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect qualifiers contained therein) shall be true and correct except where the failures of such representations and warranties to be true and correct shall not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Performance of Obligations. CEH LLC shall have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing.
(d) Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect. Since the Pinnacle Ownership Date, there shall not have occurred any Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Third Party Consents. Pinnacle's Third Party Consents shall have been obtained and be in effect on the Closing Date, except where the failure to obtain such consents does not, individually or in the aggregate, constitute a Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect.
(f) CEH LLC Officer's Certificate. CEH LLC shall have furnished the Company with a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, and signed on behalf of it by a duly authorized officer to the effect that, to the best of such officer's knowledge, the conditions set forth in Sections 11.3(a), 11.3(b), 11.3(c), 11.3(d) and 11.3(e) hereof have been satisfied.
ARTICLE XII
TERMINATION
Section 12.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated in this Agreement may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date notwithstanding the fact that any requisite authorization and approval of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement shall have been received and no party hereto shall have any liability to any other party hereto (provided that any such termination shall not relieve any party from liability for any breach hereof prior to such termination nor shall it terminate the Company's obligations under Section 9.3(c) hereof or this Article XII):
(a) by the mutual written consent of CEH LLC and the Company;
(b) by CEH LLC or the Company, if the Closing has not occurred by March 31, 2004 (the "Expiration Date"); provided, that (i) the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 12.1(b) shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement shall have been the cause of, or shall have resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur by such date and (ii) in the event that, after commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, the Board of Directors withdraws or changes its recommendation of this Agreement in a manner materially adverse to CEH LLC (or recommends an Alternative Proposal) then the Company may not so terminate until September 30, 2004;
(c) by CEH LLC or the Company, if there shall be any Law that makes consummation of the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibited or if any Governmental Entity shall have issued an order, decree, ruling or taken any other action restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Merger and such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and non-appealable;
(d) by CEH LLC, if (i) the Board of Directors withdraws or changes its recommendation of this Agreement in a manner materially adverse to CEH LLC prior to commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, (ii) the Board of Directors recommends an Alternative Proposal prior to commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, or (iii) the Company enters into an Alternative Agreement prior to commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, or (iv) the Company enters into an Alternative Agreement after commencement of the Bankruptcy Case and such Alternative Agreement is approved by the Bankruptcy Court;
(e) (i) by CEH LLC, if any of the conditions to the obligations of CEH LLC set forth in Section 11.1 hereof or Section 11.2 hereof are not satisfied at or prior to the Closing, and such failure cannot be or has not been cured within thirty days after the giving of written notice to the Company; and (ii) by the Company, if any of the conditions to the obligations of the Company set forth in Section 11.1 hereof or Section 11.3 hereof are not satisfied at or prior to the Closing, and such failure cannot be or has not been cured within thirty days after the giving of written notice to CEH LLC; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 12.1(e) shall not be available to any party who at such time is in material breach of any of its obligations hereunder;
(f) by the Company, if (i) the Board of Directors determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel and financial advisors, that entering into an Alternative Agreement with regard to a Superior Proposal is necessary to satisfy the fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors under applicable law; provided that the Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this subparagraph (f) only if it has complied with the provisions of Section 9.3 hereof, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 12.2 hereof relating to any required payment (including the timing of any payment) of the Break-Up Payment or Allowed Break-Up Payment Claim, as the case may be, prior to termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 12.1(f);
(g) by CEH LLC, in the event that (i) the payment of the full amount of the Break-Up Payment as an Administrative Claim in the Bankruptcy Case is not approved by entry of an order (the "Payment Order") by the Bankruptcy Court on or prior to the date on which the Bankruptcy Court enters an order approving the Disclosure Statement, or (ii) the Payment Order is thereafter reversed, amended or modified in a manner adverse to CEH LLC, or the effectiveness thereof is stayed pending appeal.
Section 12.2 Fees and Expenses.
(a) CEH LLC shall be entitled to receive from the Company a payment in an aggregate amount equal to $10,000,000 (the "Termination Payment") if at the time of termination of this Agreement CEH LLC is not in material breach of any of its obligations hereunder, and:
(i) the Agreement is terminated by CEH LLC pursuant to
Section 12.1(b) hereof and the Company enters into an Alternative
Agreement in respect of a Superior Proposal within six months following
such termination,
(ii) the Agreement is terminated by CEH LLC pursuant to Sections 12.1(d)(i) or 12.1(d)(ii) hereof and the Company enters into an Alternative Agreement within nine months following such termination,
(iii) the Agreement is terminated by CEH LLC pursuant to Sections 12.1(d)(iii) or 12.1(d)(iv) hereof, or
(iv) the Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section 12.1(f) hereof.
Any Termination Payment due and owing to CEH LLC (x) pursuant to Sections 12.2(a)(i), 12.2(a)(ii) or 12.2(a)(iii) hereof shall be paid upon consummation of the transaction contemplated by the Alternative Agreement, and (y) pursuant to Section 12.2(a)(iv) hereof shall be paid within five (5) Business Days after the date of termination or such later date as the Bankruptcy Court may direct (but in no event later than the earlier of the consummation of the transaction contemplated by an Alternative Agreement and the effective date of a plan of reorganization for the Company).
(b) CEH LLC shall be entitled to reimbursement by the Company for all of CEH LLC's Reimbursable Expenses up to an aggregate of $7,500,000 if CEH LLC is entitled to a Termination Payment. Any Reimbursable Expenses due and owing to CEH LLC as a result of the termination of this Agreement (x) pursuant to section 12.2(a)(i) or 12.2(a)(ii) or 12.2(a)(iii) hereof shall be paid upon the earlier of the consummation of the transaction contemplated by an Alternative Agreement and the effective date of a plan of reorganization for the Company, and (y) pursuant to section 12.2(a)(iv) hereof shall be paid within five (5) Business Days after the date of termination or such later date as the Bankruptcy Court may direct (but in no event later than the earlier of the consummation of the transaction contemplated by an Alternative Agreement and the effective date of a plan of reorganization for the Company).
(c) If this Agreement is terminated and, prior to making any payment due to CEH LLC pursuant to Section 12.2(a) or 12.2(b) hereof, and the Company commences a case under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Company shall file the Break-Up Payment Claim Motion within three (3) Business Days after the commencement of such chapter 11 case seeking entry of the Break-Up Payment Claim Order.
(d) The Company acknowledges and agrees that (i) the payment of the Break-Up Payment or, if applicable, the allowance of the Allowed Break-Up Payment Claim and the Company's agreement to request Administrative Claim status therefore is an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) the Company is aware that prior to the date hereof CEH LLC and/or its unitholders have incurred approximately $5 million of actual and deferred financing fees and substantial legal and accounting fees in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and (iii) in the absence of the Company's obligations to make this payment and agree to request such status, CEH LLC would not have entered into this Agreement and (iv) time is of the essence with respect to the payment of the Break-Up Payment.
(e) Except as set forth above in Section 9.10 and this Section 12.2, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, whether or not the Restructuring is consummated.
ARTICLE XIII
NO SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND CERTAIN
COVENANTS; NATURE OF REMEDIES
None of the representations and warranties of the Company or CEH LLC contained in Articles VI, VII and VIII hereof, including the Company Disclosure Schedule, the
Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule and CEH LLC Disclosure Schedule, or any certificate
or instrument delivered in connection herewith at or prior to the Closing, and
none of the covenants contained in Articles IX and X hereof shall survive the
Closing. The parties' respective covenants and agreements set forth herein that
by their specific terms contemplate performance after Closing (including the
Company's obligations pursuant to Article XII hereof) shall survive the Closing
indefinitely unless otherwise set forth herein. CEH LLC's sole remedy for (x) a
breach of the Company's representations or warranties or (y) a failure of any of
the conditions to CEH LLC's obligation to consummate the transactions
contemplated in this Agreement to be satisfied other than by reason of fraud or
an intentional breach of an agreement of the Company contained in this Agreement
shall be to terminate this Agreement, subject to any rights it may have under
Section 12.2 hereof. The Company's sole remedy for (x) a breach of CEH LLC's
representations or warranties set forth in Articles VII and VIII or (y) a
failure of any of the conditions to the Company's obligation to consummate the
transactions contemplated in this Agreement to be satisfied other than by reason
of fraud or an intentional breach of an agreement of CEH LLC contained in this
Agreement shall be to terminate this Agreement.
ARTICLE XIV
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Section 14.1 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified in this Section 14.1.
"Acquisition Transaction" means any (i) refinancing, restructuring, or reorganization of the capital structure of the Company, (ii) acquisition of all or a substantial part of the assets of the Company or a majority of the voting securities of the Company, or (iii) merger, business combination, recapitalization, restructuring, liquidation or dissolution involving the Company, whether or not in the context of a case filed under the Bankruptcy Code.
"Actual Aurora Net Debt" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(c).
"Actual Aurora Working Capital" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(c).
"Adjusted EBITDA" means (a) EBITDA of the Company for the relevant period, as set forth in the Company Plan, less (b) amounts expended from July 1, 2003 through the end of the relevant period for marketing and other related expenses in respect of the introduction by a competitor of the Company of new products consistent with the marketing plan previously provided to CEH LLC which are in excess of the amount of marketing and other related expenses set forth in the Company Plan up to an aggregate amount of $2.9 million less (c) the Settlement Amount.
"Administrative Claim" means a claim entitled to administrative expense priority under Sections 503(b) and/or 507(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.
"Advisors" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.4(a).
"Affiliate" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
"Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement.
"Agreement Effective Date" means the date on which this Agreement
becomes binding and effective against all of the parties hereto pursuant to
Section 15.15 hereof.
"Agreement Effectiveness Notice" shall mean the notice substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereof.
"Allowed Break-Up Payment Claim" has the meaning set forth in
Section 1.1(e).
"Alternative Agreement" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3(b).
"Alternative Proposal" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3(d).
"Applicable Dividend" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(c).
"Applicable Percentage" equals, for any Eligible Bondholder, the quotient, as expressed as a percentage, of (a) the aggregate amount of Sub Debt held of record, either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative, by such Eligible Bondholder as of the Plan Voting Date over (b) $400 million.
"Auditor" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
"Aurora" has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement.
"Aurora Closing Expenses" means fees and expenses (including fees payable upon the Closing): (i) payable to the lending parties to the Debt Commitment Letter in connection with the Financing; (ii) payable to Miller Buckfire Lewis Ying & Co. pursuant to the MBLY Agreement; (iii) payable to Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin pursuant to the certain Letter Agreement, dated July 1, 2003, among Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin Capital, Debevoise & Plimpton and the Company; and (iv) incurred by the Informal Committee and any official creditor's committee in each case in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
"Bank Fees" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(b)(ii).
"Bankruptcy Case" means all legal proceedings, including without limitation a voluntary case under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, instituted in the Bankruptcy Court in connection with the Restructuring Transaction; provided, that for all purposes relating to the approval or payment of the Break-Up Payment to which CEH LLC becomes entitled prior to the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case hereunder, "Bankruptcy Case" shall mean all legal proceedings instituted in a United States Bankruptcy Court by the Company subsequent to the date of such termination in connection with the Company's restructuring of its financial circumstances and/or capitalization.
"Bankruptcy Code" means Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. Section 101, et seq., as now in effect or hereafter amended.
"Bankruptcy Court" means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, having jurisdiction over the Bankruptcy Case, or if such Court ceases to exercise jurisdiction over the Bankruptcy Case, such other court that exercises jurisdiction over the Bankruptcy Case.
"Bankruptcy Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(a)(i).
"Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
"Bondholder" means any beneficial owner of the Sub Debt.
"Bondholder Trust" means a Delaware business trust to be formed to hold the Class A Units received by the Bondholders and any such units that may be subscribed for by the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors pursuant to this Agreement.
"Bondholder Trust Interests" means units of beneficial interest in Bondholder Trust.
"Break-Up Payment" means, the Termination Payment and the Reimbursable Expenses described in Section 12.2(b).
"Break-Up Payment Claim Motion" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(e).
"Break-Up Payment Motion" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(a)(iii).
"Break-Up Payment Claim Order" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(e).
"Break-Up Payment Order" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(a)(iii) hereto.
"Business Day" shall have the meaning provided in the Bankruptcy Code.
"Cap" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a).
"Cash Election" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
"CDM" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement,
"CEH LLC" has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement.
"CEH LLC Disclosure Schedule" has the meaning set forth in Article
VIII.
"CEH LLC Members Agreement" means an amended and restated members' agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit H hereto, with such changes as may be agreed upon by the Pinnacle Equity Investors and Bondholder Trust.
"CEH LLC Operating Agreement" means an amended and restated operating agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit I hereto, with such changes as may be agreed upon by the Pinnacle Equity Investors and Bondholder Trust.
"Certificate of Merger" means a certificate of merger, in form and substance acceptable to CEH LLC, the Company and the Designated Representative, which (i) meets the requirements of Section 251 of the DGCL and (ii) effects any amendments to the Company's certificate of incorporation required under Section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code and (iii) includes the amendments to Pinnacle's certificate of incorporation set forth in Section 3.4 of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule.
"Claim" has the meaning set forth in Section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code, and includes, without limitation, any claim, demand, action, suit, lawsuit, litigation, hearing, arbitration, proceeding or appeal, whether civil or criminal, administrative or otherwise, by or before any Governmental Authority or arbitrator.
"Class A Units" means the Class A Units of CEH LLC.
"Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
"Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Common Stock" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
"Company" has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement.
"Company Disclosure Schedule" has the meaning set forth in Article VI.
"Company Facilities" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.17(a).
"Company Leased Real Property" means all interests in real property pursuant to the Company Leases.
"Company Leases" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.16(a).
"Company Material Adverse Effect" means any change, effect, event, occurrence or development that is, or is reasonably likely to be, materially adverse to the business, results of operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and Sea Coast, taken as a whole, other than any change, effect, event or occurrence relating to or arising out of (a) the economy or securities markets generally, (b) this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or the announcement thereof, (c) the filing of the Bankruptcy Case, (d) any actions taken, or announcements made, by CEH LLC or its Affiliates or Representatives, or (e) war, armed conflicts, terrorist acts or similar external events or the material escalation thereof.
"Company Material Contract" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.11(b).
"Company Owned Real Property" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.16(a).
"Company Plan" means the business plan of the Company, dated as of June 13, 2003, previously provided to CEH LLC.
"Company Real Property" means, collectively, the Company Owned Real Property and the Company Leased Real Property.
"Condition Satisfaction Date" means the date on which the conditions set forth in Sections 11.1(a) - (e), 11.2(c) - (f), 11.2(l) and 11.3(d)-(e) have been satisfied.
"Confidentiality Agreement" means the Confidentiality, Secrecy and Non-Disclosure Agreement between J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. and the Company dated March 25, 2003.
"Confirmation Order" means the order entered by the Bankruptcy Court in the Bankruptcy Case confirming the Bankruptcy Plan pursuant to Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, in form and substance acceptable to CEH LLC and the Designated Representative.
"Contract" means any agreement, contract or obligation (whether written or oral) that is legally binding.
"Contract Consents" means the consents of third parties required under Contracts to which the Company is a party or pursuant to which it or any of its assets or properties is subject.
"Creditor Consents" means such consents or agreements of creditors and security holders as shall be required to effectuate the Restructuring Transaction.
"Cumulative Actual EBITDA" means EBITDA for the EBITDA Period, as determined pursuant to Section 5.3 hereof.
"Cumulative Targeted EBITDA" means Adjusted EBITDA for the EBITDA Period.
"Current 10-K" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.11(a).
"Debt Commitment Letter" means that certain Letter Agreement, dated November 3, 2003, among JPMorgan Chase Bank, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Islands Branch, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Citicorp North America, Inc., Citicorp Global Markets Inc., General Electric Capital Corporation, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and CEH LLC.
"Derivative Agreement" means any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to hedge the Company or Sea Coast against fluctuations in interest rates.
"Derivative Amount" means the sum of (a) any amounts paid at or around the Closing by the Company under any Derivative Agreement in respect of the settlement and/or termination thereof and (b) $1,018,536.46.
"Designated Representative" means, until such time as Bondholder Trust has been formed, the designee of the Informal Committee, and thereafter the voting trustee of Bondholder
Trust as such voting trustee may be appointed from time to time in accordance with the Fundamental Documents of Bondholder Trust.
"DGCL" means the Delaware General Corporation Law.
"DIP Facility" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(b)(v).
"Disclosure Statement" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(a)(ii).
"Disclosure Statement Order" means an order entered by the Bankruptcy Court approving the Disclosure Statement.
"EBITDA" means, for any period, all as determined in accordance with
GAAP, the consolidated net income (or net loss) of the Company and Sea Coast for
such period adjusted (without duplication) as follows: plus (a) the sum of (i)
depreciation expense, (ii) amortization expense, (iii) non-cash expenses related
to writedowns of property, plant, equipment, intangible assets and other
non-current assets, (iv) net total federal, state and local income tax expense,
(v) gross interest expense for such period less gross interest income for such
period, (vi) extraordinary losses that would appear as such on an income
statement in accordance with GAAP, (vii) any non-recurring charge or
restructuring charge that has been deducted in the calculation of operating
income, (viii) the cumulative effect of any change in accounting principles, and
(ix) costs and expenses incurred by the Company or Sea Coast during such period
including any success fees which would be payable upon the Closing for the
financial advisors, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants or other
professionals retained by them in connection with the Restructuring, less (b)
extraordinary gains that would appear as such on an income statement in
accordance with GAAP.
"EBITDA Period" means the period from June 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003.
"EBITDA Threshold" means, with respect to the EBITDA Period, an amount equal to the sum of (a) 75% of Adjusted EBITDA for the month of June, 2003 plus (b) 85% of Adjusted EBITDA for subsequent months.
"Effective Time" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.
"Election" means either a Cash Election or an Equity Election.
"Election Form" means a section of the plan ballot, to be distributed to the Bondholders for purposes of making an Equity Election which shall be in a form reasonably agreed upon by the Company, CEH LLC and the Designated Representative.
"Eligible Bondholder" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).
"Employee Benefit Plan" means any "employee benefit plan" within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA and any bonus, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, stock ownership, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock, vacation, severance, retention, disability, death benefit, hospitalization or insurance plan, program or arrangement providing
benefits to any present or former employee or contractor of Pinnacle or any member of the Pinnacle Aggregated Group maintained by any such entity.
"Environmental Laws" means all federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment, including without limitation, laws relating to Releases or threatened Releases of Hazardous Materials or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, Release, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials and all laws and regulations with regard to recordkeeping, notification, disclosure and reporting requirements respecting Hazardous Materials.
"Equity Commitment Letter" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.
"Equity Election" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
"Equity Election Shortfall" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(d).
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
"ERISA Affiliate" means any trade or business, whether or not incorporated, that together with the Company, would be deemed a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 4001(b) of ERISA.
"Estimated Aurora Balance Sheet" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.1(a).
"Estimated Aurora Net Debt" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
"Estimated Aurora Working Capital" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.1(a).
"Exceptions" means any action, event, item, matter or circumstance that is (a) required or permitted by (i) this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or (ii) the Restructuring Transaction or (b) disclosed in the SEC Reports.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Exchange Agent" means a bank or trust company of national reputation designated by the Company and reasonably satisfactory to CEH LLC and the Designated Representative.
"Existing Credit Facility" means the Fifth Amended And Restated Credit Agreement among the Company, the lenders listed therein, JP Morgan Chase Bank (formerly known as The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Administrative Agent, and certain other agents, dated as of November 1, 1999, as amended at any time, and all documents (including without limitation any security agreements or guarantees) related thereto.
"Expiration Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1(b).
"FDA" means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and any successor Governmental Entity.
"Final Aurora Balance Sheet" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(c).
"Financing" means financing contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letter and the High Yield Offering, collectively.
"First Day Orders" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(a)(iv).
"Five Percent Holder" means any Person who "beneficially owns" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act, except that a Person shall be deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of all securities that any such Person has the right to acquire, whether or not such right is exercisable immediately), five percent (5%) or more of any class of the Company's capital stock, and shall include the officers, directors, employees, and partners of such Person.
"Five Percent Holder Agreements" means (a) the Securityholders Agreement, dated as of April 8, 1998, by and among Aurora/VDK LLC, MBW Investors LLC, VDK Foods LLC and the other parties signatory thereto, (b) the Advisory Agreement, dated as of April 8, 1998, between MDC Management Company III, L.P. and Aurora/VDK LLC, Van de Kamp's, Inc., VDK Holdings, Inc., the Company and Aurora Foods Holdings Inc. and (c) the Advisory Agreement, dated as of April 8, 1998, among Fenway Partners, Inc. and Aurora/VDK LLC, Van de Kamp's, Inc., VDK Holdings, Inc., the Company and Aurora Foods Holdings Inc.
"Fundamental Documents" means the documents by which any Person (other than an individual) establishes its legal existence or which govern its internal affairs. For example, the "Fundamental Documents" of a corporation would be its charter and by-laws and the "Fundamental Documents" of a limited liability company would be its operating agreement, members' agreement and by-laws.
"GAAP" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5.
"Gains and Transfer Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6.
"Governmental Entity" means any supernational, national, foreign, federal, state or local judicial, legislative, executive, administrative or regulatory body or authority.
"Governmental Requirements" means (a) with respect to the Company, the items referred to in clauses (a) through (d) of Section 6.8 and (b) with respect to Pinnacle, the items referred to in clauses (a) through (f) of Section 7.6.
"Hazardous Materials" means all substances defined as Hazardous Substances, Oils, Pollutants or Contaminants in the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, 40 C.F.R. Section 300.5, or defined as such by, or regulated as such under, any Environmental Law.
"High Yield Offering" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.
"Holder Representative" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
"Holding" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Holding Option Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(c).
"HSR Act" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(a).
"Indebtedness" means, as applied to any Person, (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money, (b) that portion of obligations with respect to capital leases that is properly classified as a liability on a balance sheet in conformity with GAAP, (c) notes payable and drafts accepted representing extensions of credit whether or not representing obligations for borrowed money (other than accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business), (d) any obligation owed for all or any part of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding any such obligations incurred under ERISA), which purchase price is (i) due more than six months from the date of incurrence of the obligation in respect thereof or (ii) evidenced by a note or similar written instrument, and (e) all indebtedness of the type described in clauses (a) through (d) above secured by any Lien on any property or asset owned or held by that Person regardless of whether the indebtedness secured thereby shall have been assumed by that Person or is nonrecourse to the credit of that Person; provided that obligations under the Derivative Agreements do not constitute Indebtedness.
"Indemnified Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(b).
"Indemnity Agreement" means an indemnity agreement among the Company, Bondholder Trust and CEH LLC, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit J hereto.
"Informal Committee" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Initial EBITDA Calculation" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).
"Intellectual Property" means all (a) patents and patent applications; (b) trademarks, trade names, service marks, designs, logos, slogans and general intangibles of like nature, and registrations and applications therefor and the goodwill related thereto; (c) Internet domain names (d) computer software programs (other than commercially available "off-the-shelf" software programs); (e) copyrights and registrations and applications therefor; and (f) trade secrets, know-how, inventions, processes, confidential information, formulae, algorithms, models and methodologies; in each case, owned by the Company or Sea Coast or used in their respective businesses as currently conducted.
"IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.
"JPMP" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"JWC" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Key Employee Retention Plan" means the plan being implemented by the Company to retain key employees providing for payments no greater than $200,000 individually or $1 million in the aggregate as more fully described in item 1 of Section 6.3(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.
"Knowledge of CEH LLC" means the actual knowledge of one or more of Stephen P. Murray, Jonathan R. Lynch, Kevin G. O'Brien, John W. Childs, Adam L. Suttin and Raymond B. Rudy.
"Knowledge of Pinnacle" means the actual knowledge of one or more of C. Dean Metropoulos, Michael Dion, Lynne Misericorda, M. Kelley Maggs and Jack Kroeger.
"Knowledge of the Company" means the actual knowledge of one or more of Dale F. Morrison, William R. McManaman, Richard A. Keffer, Eric Brenk, Michael J. Hojnacki, Ronald B. Hutchison, and John L. Currie.
"Latest Pinnacle Balance Sheet Date" has the meaning set forth in
Section 7.3.
"Laws" means all foreign, federal, state, and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, judgments, decrees and bodies of law.
"Lenders" means the lenders under the Existing Credit Facility.
"Letter of Intent" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Letter of Transmittal" means a letter of transmittal which shall be in a form reasonably agreed upon by the Company, CEH LLC and the Designated Representative.
"License Consents" means the consents of the licensors under the Material Licenses.
"Lien" means any mortgage, deed of trust, lien (statutory or other), pledge, hypothecation, assignment, claim, charge, security interest, conditional sale agreement, title, exception, or encumbrance, option, right of first offer or refusal, easement, servitude, voting or transfer restriction, or any other right of another to or adverse claim or any kind.
"Litigation" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(a).
"Management Retention Plan" means the Company's Management Retention Plan described in item 4 of Section 9.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule.
"Material Licenses" means the licenses granted pursuant to the agreements set forth in items 27 and 72-79 of Section 6.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.
"MBLY Agreement" means that certain Letter Agreement, dated April 2, 2003, between the Company and Miller Buckfire Lewis Ying & Co.
"MBLY Amount" means the amount payable to Miller Buckfire Lewis Ying & Co. upon the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the terms of the MBLY Agreement.
"Merger" has the meaning set forth in recitals to this Agreement.
"Non-U.S. Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.13(b).
"Options" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
"Orders" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1(a)(iv).
"Ordinary Course of Business" means, with respect to any Person, the ordinary course of business of such Person and such Person's Subsidiaries.
"Original SPA" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Paid Default Interest" means the default interest paid or payable by the Company in accordance with the terms of the Amendment and Forbearance, dated as of October 9, 2003, to the Existing Credit Facility.
"Payment Order" has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1(g).
"Permits" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10.
"Permitted Liens" means (a) any Lien permitted or required under the Existing Credit Facility; (b) any Lien permitted or required under the New Credit Facility; (c) any Lien approved by the Bankruptcy Court, including, Liens granted pursuant to a cash collateral and/or debtor-in-possession financing order and Liens granted as adequate protection; (d) any Lien granted pursuant to any forbearance agreements, or amendments thereto, entered into with respect to the Existing Credit Facility, including the Vendor Lien Program; (e) Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the Company's financial statements in accordance with GAAP; (f) with respect to Company Real Property, (i) any Liens or other title defects which are not in a liquidated amount and which do not, individually or in the aggregate, interfere materially with the current use or materially detract from the value or marketability of such property (assuming its continued use in the manner in which it is currently used) or (ii) Liens on Company Owned Real Property that are identified on title commitments or title policies (x) which do not, individually or in the aggregate, interfere materially with the current use or materially detract from the value or marketability of such property (assuming its continued use in the manner in which it is currently used) and (y) with respect to which no material breach exists; and (g) inchoate materialmen's, mechanics', carriers', workmen's, repairmen's and similar Liens arising in the Ordinary Course of Business and not past due and payable or the payment of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
"Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, company, trust or other entity, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.
"Pinnacle" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Pinnacle Aggregated Group" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.10(a).
"Pinnacle-Aurora Merger Agreement" means the Agreement and Plan of Merger to be entered into between Pinnacle and the Company substantially in the form of Exhibit K attached hereto.
"Pinnacle Common Stock" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).
"Pinnacle Covered Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.12(a).
"Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule" has the meaning set forth in Article
VII.
"Pinnacle Equity Investors" means the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors and
CDM.
"Pinnacle Equity Sponsors" means JPMP and JWC.
"Pinnacle Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.
"Pinnacle Information" shall mean: (i) any information relating to
Pinnacle provided to the Designated Representative or the Company pursuant to
Section 10.4; (ii) any items referred to on the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedules;
and (iii) any final due diligence memoranda or reports prepared by the Pinnacle
Equity Investors' Advisors and delivered to any Pinnacle Equity Investor
regarding Pinnacle.
"Pinnacle Intellectual Property" has the meaning set forth in
Section 7.11.
"Pinnacle Leased Real Property" means all of the real property leased pursuant to the leases identified in Section 4.13(b) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule.
"Pinnacle Material Adverse Effect" means any change, effect, event,
occurrence or development that is, or is reasonably likely to be, materially
adverse to the business, results of operations or conditions (financial or
otherwise) of Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided,
however, that none of the following shall be deemed (either alone or in
combination) to constitute, and none of the following shall be taken into
account in determining whether there has been or may be, a Pinnacle Material
Adverse Effect: (a) a general deterioration in the United States or Canadian
economy or in the economic conditions prevalent in the industry in which
Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries operate; (b) the outbreak or escalation of
hostilities involving the United States, the declaration by the United States of
a national emergency or war or the occurrence of any other calamity or crisis,
including an act of terrorism; (c) matters relating to, or arising out of, this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or the announcement thereof;
(d) any change in applicable Laws or the interpretation thereof other than such
pending changes of which CEH LLC has Knowledge of on the date hereof or of which
Pinnacle has Knowledge as of the Pinnacle Ownership Date; (e) any actions taken,
or announcements made, by the Company or its Affiliates or Representatives; or
(f) compliance with the terms of or the taking of any action required by, this
Agreement.
"Pinnacle Material Contracts" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.9.
"Pinnacle Merger" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Pinnacle Merger Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Pinnacle Ordinary Course of Business Contract" means (a) contracts or agreements for routine maintenance of the personal property or real property of Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries (b) any trade discount or rebate program implemented in the ordinary course of Pinnacle's or any of its Subsidiaries' business, (c) normal and routine open purchase orders or agreements for (i) the purchase of raw materials or supplies used in the manufacture of products of Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) services provided to Pinnacle or any of its Subsidiaries with an outstanding balance of less than $2,500,000 as of the Pinnacle Ownership Date and (d) agreements (on customer form documents), including, vendor agreements, continuing product guarantees, policy letters, promotional agreements, data access agreements and electronic data interchange agreements, with customers that purchase products from Pinnacle, which agreements were negotiated with and executed by the Pinnacle's predecessor entities, Vlasic Foods International, Inc. and certain of its Subsidiaries, and which, to the Knowledge of CEH LLC, Pinnacle does not have a copy thereof, but as to which Pinnacle has continued its business relationship with such customers.
"Pinnacle Owned Real Property" means those parcels of real property owned in fee and used or held for use by Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries as described in Section 7.13(a) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule, and all buildings, structures, improvements, and fixtures thereon, together with all rights of way, easements, privileges and appurtenances pertaining or belonging thereto, including any right, title and interest of Pinnacle or its Subsidiaries in and to any street or other property adjoining any portion of such property.
"Pinnacle Ownership Date" means the date upon which CEH LLC is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of all of the capital stock of Pinnacle.
"Pinnacle Pension Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.10(a).
"Pinnacle Permitted Encumbrances" means (a) statutory Liens for current Taxes not yet due and payable or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which there are adequate reserves on the books of a person; (b) mechanics', carriers', workers', repairers' and other similar liens imposed by law arising or incurred in the ordinary course of business for obligations that are (i) not overdue or (ii) being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which there are adequate reserves on the books of a person; (c) in the case of leases of vehicles, rolling stock and other personal property, encumbrances that do not materially impair the operation of the business at the facility at which such leased equipment or other personal property is located; (d) other immaterial Liens that were not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money or the advance of credit and that do not interfere with the conduct of the business conducted by Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries; (e) Liens on leases of real property arising from the provisions of such leases, including, in relation to Pinnacle Leased Real Property, any agreements and/or conditions imposed on the issuance of
land use permits, zoning, business licenses, use permits or other entitlements of various types issued by any Governmental Entity, necessary or beneficial to the continued use and occupancy of such Pinnacle Leased Real Property or the continuation of the business conducted by Pinnacle and its Subsidiaries; (f) pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security; (g) deposits to secure the performance of bids, contracts (other than for borrowed money), leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business; (h) zoning regulations and restrictive covenants and easements of record that do not detract in any material respect from the value of the Pinnacle Real Property and do not materially and adversely affect, impair or interfere with the use of any property affected thereby; (i) public utility easements of record, in customary form, to serve the Pinnacle Real Property; (j) Liens not otherwise included as Pinnacle Permitted Encumbrances that are of record and disclosed in the following owner's policies of title insurance, made available to the Company prior to the date hereof: Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation Policy Number 136-01-156390 (Millsboro, Delaware), Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation Policy Number 136-01-616260 (Omaha, Nebraska) (to specifically include, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the encroachments listed in item 13 of Schedule B thereto), Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company Policy Number PHI-00-11310HSE (Imlay City, Michigan), Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation Policy Number A75-0301221 (Fayetteville, Arkansas) (to specifically exclude, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the payment of 2000 real estate taxes listed in item 8 of Schedule B thereto); (k) Liens securing all or any portion of Pinnacle's senior credit facility or any Liens in connection with hedging and derivative agreements permitted thereunder; (l) landlords' Liens in favor of landlords under the leases with respect to the Pinnacle Leased Real Property; and (m) mortgages, deeds of trust and other security instruments, and ground leases or underlying leases covering the title, interest or estate of such landlords with respect to the Pinnacle Leased Real Property and to which the leases with respect to the Pinnacle Leased Real Property are subordinate.
"Pinnacle Real Property" means the Pinnacle Leased Real Property and the Pinnacle Owned Real Property.
"Pinnacle Senior Credit Facility" means a senior credit facility to be entered into by Pinnacle under the Debt Commitment Letter.
"Pinnacle Tax Group" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.12(a).
"Plan" means each deferred compensation and each bonus or other incentive compensation, stock purchase, stock option and other equity compensation plan, program, agreement or arrangement; each severance, retention or termination pay, medical, surgical, hospitalization, life insurance and other "welfare" plan, fund or program (within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA); each profit sharing, stock bonus or other "pension" plan, fund or program (within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA); each employment, termination, retention or severance agreement; and each other employee benefit plan, fund, program, agreement or arrangement, in each case, that is sponsored, maintained or contributed to or required to be contributed to by the Company or any ERISA Affiliate, or to which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate is party, whether written or oral, for the benefit of any current employees, officers, independent contractors, or directors of the Company or Sea Coast.
"Plan Voting Date" means the date established by the Bankruptcy Court by which ballots must be submitted to accept or reject the Bankruptcy Plan.
"Preferred Stock" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
"Proceeding" has the meaning set forth in Section 16.2.
"Receivables Facility" means the Receivables Facility, dated as of April 19, 2000 as amended, by and between the Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank (formerly known as The Chase Manhattan Bank) and all documents related thereto.
"Record Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
"Record Date Bondholder" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).
"Referee" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(c).
"Regulatory Approvals" means all approvals, consents, waivers, certificates, and other authorizations reasonably required to be obtained from, or any filings required to be made with, the FDA or any other federal, state, foreign or municipal regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the Company or CEH LLC in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
"Reimbursable Expenses" means the reasonable legal, accounting, consulting and other out-of-pocket fees and expenses, including financing commitment fees and/or expenses, which fees and expenses are supported by customary and appropriate documentation delivered to the Company, which documentation relates to the amount of the expense and which fees and expenses were incurred by CEH LLC or on its behalf in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and that have not previously been reimbursed.
"Rejection Amounts" means termination, settlement or other costs relating to rejection of leases pursuant to Section 1.1(b)(vii).
"Release" means any release, spill, emission, discharge, leaking, pumping, injection, deposit, disposal, dispersal, leaching or migration into the indoor or outdoor environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater and surface or subsurface strata) or into or out of any property, including the movement of Hazardous Materials through or in the air, soil, surface water, groundwater or property.
"Reorganized Company" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
"Reply Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 15.15.
"Representatives" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3(a).
"Restraints" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(b).
"Restructuring" means the restructuring of the combined capitalization of the Company and Sea Coast pursuant to the Bankruptcy Plan.
"Restructuring Transaction" means any or all of the following: (i) deferral by the Company of payments due on the Sub Debt, (ii) initiation and implementation of the Vendor Lien Program, (iii) discussions and negotiations with the Company's creditors in order to reduce or refinance outstanding senior and subordinated indebtedness of the Company, (iv) suspension of the Company's 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (v) negotiation and implementation of the DIP Facility, (vi) negotiations and implementation of the Financing, (vii) commencement of the Bankruptcy Case and adoption and implementation of the Bankruptcy Plan, (viii) adoption and implementation of the Management Retention Plan and (ix) any other transaction, filing, case, action or event, or other series of transactions, filings, cases, actions or events (including, without limitation, a consent solicitation, a prenegotiated plan or any other bankruptcy case), whereby the completion of which, as evidenced by a final order, if applicable, the Company, in all material respects, shall have effectuated the Restructuring.
"Sea Coast" means Sea Coast Foods, Inc., a Washington corporation.
"SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any successor Governmental Entity.
"SEC Reports" means all annual reports, quarterly reports, proxy statements and other reports filed by the Company with the SEC under the Exchange Act since December 31, 2001 and through the date of this Agreement.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time. Reference to a particular section of the Securities Act shall include reference to the comparable section, if any, of such successor federal statute.
"Selected Courts" has the meaning set forth in Section 15.2(a).
"Senior Note Amount" means the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes, excluding the amount of the original discount from par value for such Senior Notes.
"Senior Notes" means the 12% Senior Unsecured Notes of the Company, dated June 27, 2002 and July 2, 2002, respectively, and due October 1, 2006, in the aggregate principal amount of $25 million.
"Series A Preferred" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
"Settlement Amount" means any amounts paid by the Company in settlement of any pending Litigation.
"St. Louis Leases" means the (a) Office Lease Agreement, dated June 7, 2001 between the Company and Duke-Weeks Realty Limited Partnership for property located at 11432 Lackland Road, Suites 200 and 300, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63146, as amended April 24, 2002 and (b) Office Lease Agreement, dated June 7, 2001 between the Company and
Duke-Weeks Realty Limited Partnership, by its general partner, Duk-Weeks Realty Corporation for property located at 2067 Westport Center Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63146.
"Sub Debt" means the Company's 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, the Company's 9 7/8% Series C Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, and the Company's 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
"Subscription Acceptance Notice" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.2(c).
"Subscription Election Form" means a subscription election form and related subscription documents which shall be in a form reasonably agreed upon by the Company, CEH LLC and the Designated Representative.
"Subscription Right Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).
"Subscription Payment Deadline" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(d).
"Subsidiary" of any Person means another Person, an amount of the voting securities, other voting ownership or voting partnership interests of which is sufficient to elect at least a majority of its board of directors or other governing body (or, if there are no such voting interests, 50% or more of the equity interests of which) is owned directly or indirectly by such Person.
"Superior Proposal" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.3(d).
"Tax Returns" means any return, report, statement, information return or other document (including any related or supporting information) filed or required to be filed with any Governmental Entity in connection with the determination, assessment, collection or administration of any Taxes or the administration of any laws, regulations or administrative requirements relating to any Taxes.
"Taxes" means any federal, state, county, local or foreign taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, including all net income, gross income, sales and use, ad valorem, transfer, gains, profits, excise, franchise, real and personal property, gross receipt, capital stock, production, business and occupation, disability, employment, payroll, license, estimated, stamp, custom duties, severance, unemployment, social security, alternative minimum or withholding taxes or charges imposed by any Governmental Entity, and includes any interest and penalties (civil or criminal) on or additions to any such taxes.
"Termination Agreement" shall mean the agreement between J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P. and the Company in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit L, which Termination Agreement provides that, upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, (A) the Original SPA shall be terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(a) of the Original SPA and the Original SPA shall be of no further force or effect and (b) the Company shall be entitled to terminate the various "standstill" agreements to which it has bound other Persons.
"Termination Payment" has the meaning set forth in Section 12.2(a).
"Third Party Consents" means (a) with respect to the Company, the items referred to in clauses (e) through (f) of Section 6.8 hereof and (b) with respect to Pinnacle, the consents of each person that is a party to the Pinnacle Material Contracts identified in Section 7.2(c) of the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule.
"Transaction Documents" means this Agreement, the Debt Commitment Letter, the Pinnacle Aurora Merger Agreement and the Termination Agreement.
"Trust Accession Instrument" means an instrument, in form reasonably acceptable to the Designated Representative and the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors, pursuant to which the Record Date Bondholders and the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors shall, as a condition to receiving any Sub Debt Equity Consideration, agree (a) to the deposit in Bondholder Trust of their Sub Debt Equity Consideration for their respective accounts and (b) to be bound by the terms of the Fundamental Documents of Bondholder Trust.
"Vendor Lien Program" means the program initiated by the Company in connection with the Restructuring under which the Company is offering vendors the ability to obtain a junior secured lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company in return for making shipments after July 1, 2003 on customary terms.
"Voting Agent" means the voting agent designated by the Company, which is reasonably acceptable to CEH LLC and the Designated Representative.
"Warrants" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
ARTICLE XV
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 15.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to conflicts of law principles thereof.
Section 15.2 Jurisdiction; Forum; Service of Process; Waiver of Jury. With respect to any suit, action or proceeding ("Proceeding") arising out of or relating to this Agreement, each of the Company and CEH LLC hereby irrevocably:
(a) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the United States of America, in each case located in New Castle County, or any federal bankruptcy court where the Bankruptcy Case is pending (the "Selected Courts"), for any Litigation arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (and agrees not to commence any Litigation relating hereto or thereto except in such courts) and waives any objection to venue being laid in the Selected Courts whether based on the grounds of forum non conveniens or otherwise;
(b) consents to service of process in any Proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by recognized international
express carrier or delivery service, to the Company, the Reorganized Company or CEH LLC at their respective addresses referred to in Section 15.5 hereof; provided, however, that nothing herein shall affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by law; and
(c) WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS.
Section 15.3 Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise provided
herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding
upon, the successors by operation of law and permitted assigns of the parties
hereto. No assignment of this Agreement may be made by any party at any time,
whether or not by operation of law, without the other party's prior written
consent; provided, however, that CEH LLC may, without the consent of the other
parties hereto, assign any of its rights and interests under this Agreement (i)
as security to any lender or financial institution providing financing for the
transactions contemplated hereby or (ii) to an Affiliate of CEH LLC, which
assignment, in either case, will not relieve CEH LLC of any obligations
hereunder. Except as set forth in Section 9.2 and with respect to the Designated
Representative who will have rights on behalf of the Bondholders as a third
party beneficiary after the Closing solely with respect to Article III and any
covenant which by its terms is to be performed, or by its terms will apply to
periods after, the Closing, including without limitation Articles IV and XV and
Section 9.10 hereof, only the parties to this Agreement or their permitted
assigns shall have rights under this Agreement.
Section 15.4 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with regard to the subjects hereof and supercede all prior agreements relating to the subject matter hereof (specifically excluding the Confidentiality Agreement which remains in effect in accordance with its terms). Except as expressly provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived, discharged or terminated other than by a written instrument signed by the Company and by CEH LLC expressly stating that such instrument is intended to amend, modify, supplement, waive, discharge or terminate this Agreement or such term hereof. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar). No delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof.
Section 15.5 Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to any party shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument delivered in person or sent by telecopy (with receipt confirmed), nationally recognized overnight courier or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to such party at the address set forth below or such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing by such party to the other party:
(i) if to the Company prior to the Closing Date, to:
Aurora Foods Inc. 11432 Lackland Road St. Louis, MO 63146 Fax: (314) 801-2313 Attn: Richard A. Keffer, Esq.
with a copy to:
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP 4 Times Square New York, NY 10036-6522 Fax: (212) 735-2000 Attn: J. Gregory Milmoe, Esq.
Patricia Moran, Esq.
(ii) if to the Reorganized Company, to:
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation One Old Bloomfield Road Mountain Lake, New Jersey 07046 Fax: (973) 541-6691 Attn: C. Dean Metropoulos
with a copy to:
Kaye Scholer LLP 425 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022 Fax: (212) 836-8689 Attn: Stephen C. Koval, Esq. and O'Melveny & Myers LLP 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 Attn: Gregory A. Gilbert, Esq. Fax: (212) 408-2420 |
(iii) if to CEH LLC, to
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC c/o J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P.
111 Huntington Avenue - Suite 2900
Boston, MA 02199-7610
Fax: (617) 753-1101
Attn: John W. Childs
Adam L. Suttin
and
J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020-1080
Fax: (212) 899-3401
Attn: Official Notices Clerk
FBO: Jonathan Lynch
with a copy to:
Kaye Scholer LLP
425 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Fax: (212) 836-8689
Attn: Stephen C. Koval, Esq.
and
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
Attn: Gregory A. Gilbert, Esq.
Fax: (212) 408-2420
(iv) if to the Designated Representative, to:
c/o Oaktree Capital Management 333 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90071 Attn: Kenneth Liang Fax: (213) 830-8522
with a copy to:
Debevoise & Plimpton 919 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022 Attn: Steven R. Gross, Esq.
Fax: (212) 909-6836
All such notices, requests, consents and other communications shall be deemed to have been given or made if and when delivered personally or by overnight courier to the parties at the above addresses or sent by electronic transmission, with confirmation received, to the telecopy numbers specified above (or at such other address or telecopy number for a party as shall be specified by like notice).
Section 15.6 Delays or Omissions. Except as expressly provided herein, no delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to the Company or CEH LLC upon any breach or default of any party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of the Company or CEH LLC nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of the Company or CEH LLC of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any such party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law, in equity, or otherwise afforded to the Company or CEH LLC shall be cumulative and not alternative.
Section 15.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.
Section 15.8 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provisions; provided, that, no such severability shall be effective if it materially changes the economic benefit of this Agreement to any party. Any provision held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.
Section 15.9 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
Section 15.10 Acknowledgment. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Confidentiality Agreement, dated October 2, 2002, between JWC and Merrill Lynch & Co., as Agent for the Company, has been terminated and is no longer in force or effect.
Section 15.11 No Public Announcement. Neither the Company nor CEH LLC shall make any press release, public announcement or filing with any Governmental Entity concerning the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, except as and to the extent that any such party shall be obligated to make any such disclosure by this Agreement or by law or rule of the New York Stock Exchange, and then only after giving the other party hereto adequate time to review such disclosure and considering in good faith the comments of the other party hereto and consultation as to such comments with such party as to the content of such disclosure. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in the Confidentiality Agreement, the parties hereto and each of their respective employees, representatives or other agents, are permitted to disclose to any and all persons, without limitations of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are or have been provided to such parties related to such tax treatment and tax structure; provided, however, that the foregoing permission to disclose the tax treatment and tax structure does not permit the disclosure of any information that is not relevant to understanding the tax treatment or tax structure of the transactions (including the identity of any party and the amounts paid in connection with the transactions); provided, further, however, that the tax treatment and tax structure shall be kept confidential to the extent necessary to comply with federal or state securities laws.
Section 15.12 Further Actions; Reasonable Best Efforts.
(a) Upon effectiveness of this Agreement pursuant to Section 15.15 hereof, without waving any right to terminate this Agreement under Section 12.1 hereof, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, each of the parties agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, including without limitation (i) the obtaining of all necessary actions or nonactions, waivers, consents and approvals from Governmental Entities and the making of all necessary registrations and filings and the taking of all steps as may be necessary to obtain an approval or waiver from, or to avoid an action or proceeding by, any Governmental Entity, (ii) the obtaining of all necessary consents, approvals or waivers from third parties, (iii) the defending of any lawsuits or other legal proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging any of the Transaction Documents or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including seeking to have any stay or temporary restraining order entered by any court or other Governmental Entity or any Restraint vacated or reversed, and (iv) the execution and delivery of any additional instruments necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by, and to fully carry out the purposes of, the Transaction Documents.
(b) In connection with and without limiting the foregoing, the parties shall use reasonable best efforts (i) to take all action necessary to ensure that no state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation is or becomes applicable to the Transaction Documents or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby or thereby and (ii) if any state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation becomes applicable to the Transaction Documents or any other transaction contemplated thereby, to take all action necessary to ensure that the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents may be consummated as promptly as practicable on
the terms contemplated thereby and otherwise to minimize the effect of such statute or regulation on the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
Section 15.13 Interpretation.
(a) When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article,
Section or Exhibit, such reference shall be to an Article or Section of, or an
Exhibit to, this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. Whenever the words
"include", "includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be
deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation". The words "hereof",
"herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import when used in this Agreement
shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of
this Agreement. All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined
meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered
pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions contained in
this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of
such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of
such term. Any agreement, instrument or statute defined or referred to herein or
in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement,
instrument or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented,
including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and
(in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor statutes and
references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein.
References to a Person are also to its permitted successors and assigns.
(b) The parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provisions of this Agreement.
Section 15.14 Satisfaction with Bondholder Trust. The Designated Representative shall provide the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors with an opportunity to review and comment upon drafts of the Fundamental Documents of Bondholder Trust prior to effectiveness or implementation thereof and shall reasonably consider the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors' comments thereto. In the event that the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors and the Designated Representative are unable to reach agreement with respect to the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors' objection to any of the terms of the Fundamental Documents of Bondholder Trust, then notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Class A Units to be distributed to the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors pursuant to Sections 3.8 and 4.2 shall be distributed to them directly (and shall not be distributed to Bondholder Trust on their behalf); provided that in such case the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors and the Designated Representative shall agree upon a mechanism whereby the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors make suitable provision for any pro-rata obligations the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors may have under the Indemnity Agreement.
Section 15.15 Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness of This Agreement. Other than the terms and conditions of Sections 10.4 and 10.9 hereof and this Article XV hereof, which shall be binding and enforceable as of the date of this Agreement, no other provision of this Agreement shall be binding upon any party hereto or any other Person until the Agreement Effectiveness Notice is validly delivered by the Company and the Designated Representative to
CEH LLC as set forth below. As soon as practicable following the Pinnacle Ownership Date, but in any case within ten (10) Business Days of the Pinnacle Ownership Date, CEH LLC shall deliver to the Company and the Designated Representative the Pinnacle Information and the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedule. On or prior to later of (i) December 12, 2003 and (ii) the tenth Business Day following receipt of the Pinnacle Information and the Pinnacle Disclosure Schedules (such later date, the "Reply Date"), the Company and the Designated Representative shall, acting reasonably and in good faith, determine whether the Pinnacle Information and Pinnacle Disclosure Schedules are acceptable to the Company and the Designated Representative, and if the Company and the Designated Representative so determine, the Company and the Designated Representative shall deliver to CEH LLC a signed copy of the Agreement Effectiveness Notice in compliance with the terms of Section 15.5 hereof. This Agreement shall become binding and effective against the parties hereto, only in the event that the Agreement Effectiveness Notice has been validly delivered by the Company and the Designated Representative on or prior to the Reply Date and if such Agreement Effectiveness Notice is validly received on or prior to the Reply Date, the Termination Agreement shall become binding and effective on the Reply Date. To the extent that the Agreement Effectiveness Notice is not validly delivered by the Company and the Designated Representative on or prior to the Reply Date, then this Agreement and the Termination Agreement shall be treated as if each had not been executed or delivered by any Person or for any purpose whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Pinnacle Ownership Date does not occur within ten (10) Business Days of execution and delivery of this Agreement, then this Agreement and the Termination Agreement shall be treated as if each had not been executed or delivered by any Person or for any purpose whatsoever.
Section 15.16 Notice Regarding Pinnacle Lenders. CEH LLC agrees to promptly deliver to the Company a notice following the review by the lenders under the Pinnacle Senior Credit Facility of this Agreement (including the Exhibits and Schedules hereto) indicating whether such lenders are satisfied with the terms and conditions of this Agreement in satisfaction of the condition to that effect in the Pinnacle Senior Credit Facility.
[SIGNATURE PAGES TO FOLLOW]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.
AURORA FOODS INC.
By: /s/ DALE F. MORRISON -------------------------------------- Name: Dale F. Morrison Title: Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer |
CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC
By: /s/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
EXHIBIT 2.2
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF
REORGANIZATION AND MERGER
This AMENDMENT NO. 1 (this "Amendment"), dated as of January 8, 2004, by and between Aurora Foods Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Aurora"), and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CEH LLC" and together with Aurora, the "parties"), amends the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (the "Original Agreement"), dated as of November 25, 2003, between Aurora and CEH LLC. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Original Agreement, and all references to Articles and Sections herein are references to Articles and Sections of the Original Agreement.
The parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree to amend the Original Agreement as follows:
1. Amendments to Article I. Section 1.1(b) (vi) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
(vi) in exchange for its rights in the Sub Debt Claims and other claims, each of the Bondholders shall be entitled to:
(A) the Cash Election, which will be valued at approximately $0.462 for each dollar of Sub Debt Claims (approximately $0.50 per each dollar of principal amount of Sub Debt), or
(B) (i) the Equity Election, which (x) will be valued at approximately $0.488 for each dollar of Sub Debt Claims (approximately $0.53 per each dollar of principal amount of Sub Debt), subject to adjustment, and (y) after taking into account dilution for certain equity allocations set forth in the CEH LLC Members Agreement, will be valued at approximately $0.454 for each dollar of Sub Debt Claims, subject to adjustment, (ii) the Cash-Out Subscription Right and (iii) the Make-Up Subscription Right (the Cash-Out Subscription Right and Make-Up Subscription Right being referred to together herein as the "Subscription Rights").
Each Bondholder shall receive the Sub Debt Cash Consideration unless such Bondholder validly elects to receive Bondholder Trust Interests pursuant to an Equity Election in accordance with Section 2.1; provided, however, that pursuant to Section 2.1(d) hereof, if the aggregate amount of Sub Debt Claims for which Equity Elections are made plus the amount received from Eligible Bondholders in connection with exercises of the Cash-Out Subscription Right is less than $200
million, then Bondholders that make or are deemed to have made Cash Elections shall be deemed to have made Equity Elections with respect to an amount of their Sub Debt Claims equal to their pro rata portions of the shortfall as provided in Section 2.1(d);
2. Amendments to Article II. Article II is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
ARTICLE II
ALLOCATION OF EQUITY AMONG THE BONDHOLDERS
Section 2.1 Equity Election Procedure.
(a) Each Bondholder who is, either directly or through a nominee, trustee or other Person acting in a representative capacity (a "Holder Representative"), a record holder of Sub Debt (a "Record Date Bondholder") on the record date (the "Record Date") established pursuant to Rule 3017(d) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and any applicable local rules of the Delaware bankruptcy court, shall receive the Sub Debt Cash Consideration (a "Cash Election") unless such holder makes an irrevocable election to receive the Sub Debt Equity Consideration (an "Equity Election") with respect to all of the Sub Debt Claims then held by such Bondholder on the basis hereinafter set forth.
(b) The Company shall enclose an Election Form, a Trust Accession Instrument and a Form W-9 together with the Disclosure Statement, the related ballot and other solicitation materials distributed to the Record Date Bondholders or their Holder Representatives. The Election Form shall permit each Bondholder, or such Bondholder's Holder Representative acting on such Bondholder's behalf, to make an Equity Election. Except pursuant to Section 2.1(d), an Equity Election will be validly made only if the Voting Agent shall have received at its designated office, by 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Plan Voting Date (the "Plan Voting Deadline"), a properly completed and duly executed Election Form, a duly executed Trust Accession Instrument, and a duly executed Form W-9 and such Bondholder, or such Bondholder's Holder Representative, shall have made prior to the Plan Voting Deadline a valid book entry transfer reflecting the tender of all of such Bondholder's Sub Debt. A Holder Representative may submit a separate Election Form for each Record Date Bondholder for whom such Holder Representative acts as a nominee, trustee or in another representative capacity. Once made, an Equity Election shall be binding upon such Bondholder and all successors, transferees and assignees thereof, and may not be revoked, rescinded, amended or superceded by such Bondholder or any other Person.
(c) The determination of the Company, in its sole discretion, which it may delegate in whole or in part to the Voting Agent, shall be conclusive and binding as to whether or not Equity Elections have been timely and validly made pursuant to this Section 2.1. The Company may, in its sole discretion, which it may delegate in whole or in part to the Voting Agent, disregard immaterial defects in any Election Form or related document. The decision of the Company or Voting Agent in such matters shall be conclusive and binding so long as it has acted in good faith. Neither the Company nor the Voting Agent shall be under any obligation to notify any person of any defect in any Election Form or related documents submitted to the Voting Agent.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.1, to the extent that the sum of (x) the aggregate amount of Sub Debt Claims for which Equity Elections are validly made pursuant to Section 2.1(b) plus (y) an amount equal to the aggregate amount of Cash-Out Class A Units validly subscribed for by Eligible Bondholders divided by the Sub Debt Cash-Out Value, is less than $200 million (the amount of such difference, an "Equity Election Shortfall"), each Bondholder who validly made or is deemed to have made a Cash Election shall be deemed (for all purposes of this Agreement) to have made (i) an Equity Election with respect to an amount of such Bondholder's Sub Debt Claims equal to the product of (A) the Equity Election Shortfall and (B) the quotient of (I) the aggregate amount of Sub Debt Claims held of record as of the Record Date by such Bondholder (either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative) over (II) the aggregate amount of Sub Debt Claims held of record as of the Record Date by all Bondholders (either directly or through their Holder Representatives) who validly made or have been deemed to have made Cash Elections and (ii) a Cash Election with respect to an amount of Sub Debt Claims equal to the aggregate amount of Sub Debt Claims held of record as of the Record Date by such Bondholder (either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative) less the amount in clause (i).
Section 2.2 Subscription Rights. (a) Each Record Date Bondholder that
validly makes an Equity Election, either directly or through such Bondholder's
Holder Representative (an "Eligible Bondholder"), shall have the right to
subscribe for Bondholder Class A Units (expressed throughout this Agreement in
dollar values) pursuant to a Cash-Out Subscription Right and a Make-Up
Subscription Right, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Section 2.2
(b) In addition to providing for Equity Elections, the Election Form shall enable Eligible Bondholders to exercise their Subscription Rights and shall include: (i) instructions for calculating an Eligible Bondholder's Applicable Percentage; (ii) a good faith estimate of the amount of the Equity Deficiency; (iii) rights for each Eligible Bondholder to subscribe for (A) an amount of Cash-Out Class A Units equal to the product of (I) such Eligible Bondholder's Applicable Percentage, (II) the aggregate amount of the Cashed-Out Sub Debt and (III) the Sub Debt Cash-Out Value (a "Cash-Out
Subscription Right"), and (B) up to an aggregate amount of Make-Up Class A Units equal to the Equity Deficiency (a "Make-Up Subscription Right"). All subscriptions described in this Section 2.2(b) will be made simultaneously with the Closing. The foregoing rights shall by their terms remain open and exercisable until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Plan Voting Date (the "Subscription Right Period").
(c) To the extent that the aggregate amount of the Make-Up Class A Units subscribed for by the Eligible Bondholders pursuant to the Make-Up Subscription Right exceeds the amount of the Equity Deficiency, each such Eligible Bondholder's subscription amount pursuant to the Make-Up Subscription Right shall be equal (for all purposes of this Agreement) to the product of (i) the amount of the Equity Deficiency and (ii) the quotient of (A) the aggregate amount of Sub Debt Claims held of record by such Bondholder, either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative, as of the Record Date, over (B) the aggregate amount of Sub Debt Claims held by all Eligible Bondholders, either directly or through their Holder Representatives, as of the Record Date who elect to exercise the Make-Up Subscription Right.
(d) Each Eligible Bondholder shall have the option to exercise the Cash-Out Subscription Right and Make-Up Subscription Right by delivering a properly completed and duly executed Election Form to the Voting Agent at its designated office prior to the expiration of the Subscription Right Period. A Holder Representative may submit a separate Election Form for each Eligible Bondholder for whom such holder acts as a nominee, trustee or in another representative capacity.
(e) The Company shall, by no later than fifteen (15) Business Days
prior to the Closing Date (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the
Company and the Designated Representative), mail a notice (a "Subscription
Payment Notice") to each Eligible Bondholder, or such Bondholder's Holder
Representative, from whom the Company has received a properly completed and duly
executed Election Form exercising one or both Subscription Rights setting forth:
(i) the anticipated Closing Date; (ii) a statement of the amount, if any, of
Cash-Out Class A Units subscribed for by such Bondholder pursuant to the
Cash-Out Subscription Right; and (iii) a statement of (A) the amount of the
Equity Deficiency and (B) the amount, if any, of Make-Up Class A Units
subscribed for by such Bondholder pursuant to the Make-Up Subscription Right.
Each applicable Eligible Bondholder shall, by no later than three (3) Business
Days prior to the Closing Date (the "Subscription Payment Deadline"), (x) with
respect to any exercised Make-Up Subscription Right, pay to the Exchange Agent
an amount equal to the amount of the Make-Up Class A Units specified in the
Subscription Payment Notice, and (y) with respect to an exercised Cash-Out
Subscription Right, pay to the Exchange Agent an amount equal to the amount of
the Cash-Out Class A Units specified in the Subscription Payment Notice. In the
event that an Eligible Bondholder's subscription payments shall not have been
received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Subscription Payment
Deadline, such Bondholder's Subscription Payment Notice shall be deemed to have been revoked for all purposes of this Agreement.
(f) To the extent that less than all of the Bondholder Class A Units subject to subscription pursuant to this Section 2.2 are subscribed for by the Eligible Bondholders, the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors shall subscribe for the remainder of such Bondholder Class A Units, which subscription shall be made simultaneously with the Closing and shall otherwise be on the same terms as the subscription rights provided to the Eligible Bondholders under this Section 2.2, except for the time of payment. At Closing, the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors shall, if applicable, (i) with respect to the amount by which the Equity Deficiency exceeds payments received by the Exchange Agent in respect of the Make-Up Class A Units pursuant to Section 2.2(e), invest the amount of such excess in Pinnacle (by way of CEH LLC and Holding), (ii) with respect to the amount by which the product of (A) the aggregate amount of the Cashed Out Sub Debt and (B) the Sub Debt Cash-Out Value exceeds payments received by the Exchange Agent in respect of Cash-Out Class A Units pursuant to Section 2.2(e), invest the amount of such excess in Pinnacle (by way of CEH LLC and Holding) and (iii) execute and deliver to the Exchange Agent a Trust Accession Instrument with respect to such subscription.
3. Amendments to Article III.
(a) Section 3.6 is hereby amended to amend and restate in their entirety the following defined terms:
"Actual Sub Debt Equity Value Per Dollar" equals the quotient of (a) Actual Sub Debt Equity Value over (b) $400 million plus the aggregate amount of accrued but unpaid interest on the Sub Debt through and including December 7, 2003.
"Actual Sub Debt LLC Units" means with respect to any Bondholder, a number of Class A Units equal to the quotient of (a) the product of (i) the amount of Sub Debt Claims held by such Person (either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative) for which an Equity Election has been made and (ii) the Actual Sub Debt Equity Value Per Dollar over (b) the Class A Per Unit Value.
"Cashed-Out Sub Debt" means any Sub Debt Claims for which no Equity Elections shall have been made or deemed to have been made in accordance with Section 2.1 of this Agreement.
"Estimated Sub Debt Equity Value Per Dollar" equals the quotient of
(a) Estimated Sub Debt Equity Value over (b) $400 million plus the
aggregate
amount of accrued but unpaid interest on the Sub Debt through and including December 7, 2003.
"Estimated Sub Debt LLC Units" means, with respect to any Bondholder, a number of Class A Units equal to the quotient of (a) the product of (i) the amount of Sub Debt Claims held by such Person (either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative) for which an Equity Election has been made (or deemed to have been made) and (ii) and the Estimated Sub Debt Equity Value Per Dollar over (b) the Class A Per Unit Value.
"Excluded Aurora Expenses" means (i) any amounts paid or payable to Merrill Lynch & Co. pursuant to that certain Letter Agreement, dated June 11, 2002, between the Company and Merrill Lynch & Co., (ii) any amount included within the Employee Expense Amount, other than the Bonus Accrual Items reflected on the Estimated Aurora Balance Sheet or the Final Aurora Balance Sheet (as applicable), (iii) the Derivative Amount, (iv) the Rejection Amount, (v) premiums paid to maintain and/or procure directors' and officers' insurance pursuant to Section 9.2(a) hereof up to a maximum of $2.7 million, (vi) the Bank Fees, (vii) the Paid Default Interest accruing after October 31, 2003, (viii) the Settlement Amount, (ix) amounts paid under the Management Retention Plan, (x) the fee payable to the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors and the fees and expenses payable to the Pinnacle Equity Investors pursuant to Section 9.10 and (xi) Promotion Expenses.
"Sub-Debt Cash-Out Value" equals $0.462.
"Sub Debt Cash Consideration" means, with respect to any Bondholder,
the product of (a) the amount of Sub Debt Claims held by such Bondholder
(either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative) for
which no Equity Election has been made (or deemed to have been made) and
(b) the Sub Debt Cash-Out Value.
(b) Each of Sections 3.7 and 3.10 is hereby amended by replacing the defined term "Sub Debt" in each instance in which it appears within such section with the defined term "Sub Debt Claims".
(c) Section 3.8 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Section 3.8 Payment.
(a) At the Closing, CEH LLC shall cause the Reorganized Company and the Exchange Agent to:
(i) subject to Section 3.8(c), with respect to each Bondholder holding Sub Debt Claims in respect of which a Cash Election was made, upon receipt by the Voting Agent of a properly completed and duly executed Election Form and duly executed Form W-9 by the Plan Voting Deadline, and, with respect to each Bondholder holding Sub Debt Claims in respect of which a Cash Election was deemed to have been made, (x) upon receipt by the Voting Agent of a properly completed and duly executed Election Form and duly executed Form W-9 prior to the Closing or (y) upon receipt by the Exchange Agent of a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal and duly executed Form W-9, pay to such Bondholder an amount equal to such Bondholder's Sub Debt Cash Consideration; and
(ii) subject to Section 3.8(c), (x) with respect to each Bondholder holding Sub Debt Claims in respect of which an Equity Election was validly made, upon receipt by the Voting Agent of a properly completed and duly executed Election Form, a duly executed Trust Accession Instrument, and a duly executed Form W-9 by the Plan Voting Deadline, and (y) with respect to each Bondholder holding Sub Debt Claims in respect of which an Equity Election was deemed to have been made, upon, as applicable, (A) receipt by the Voting Agent of a properly completed and duly executed Election Form, a duly executed Trust Accession Instrument, and a duly executed Form W-9 or (B) to the extent not previously received by the Voting Agent, receipt by the Exchange Agent of a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal, a duly executed Trust Accession Instrument, and a duly executed Form W-9, issue to Bondholder Trust, on behalf of such Bondholder, a number of Class A Units equal to such Bondholder's Estimated Sub Debt LLC Units (and promptly thereafter Bondholder Trust will issue a like number of Bondholder Trust Interests to such Bondholder); and
(iii) subject to Section 3.8(c), with respect to each Person who has validly subscribed for Cash-Out Class A Units and/or Make-Up Class A Units and who has paid to the Exchange Agent the amounts required in connection therewith as set forth in Section 2.2(e), (x) if such Person is an Eligible Bondholder, upon receipt by the Voting Agent of a properly completed and duly executed Election Form, a duly executed Trust Accession Instrument, and a duly executed Form W-9, or (y) if such Person is a Pinnacle Equity Sponsor, upon receipt by the Exchange Agent of an executed Trust Accession Instrument, issue to Bondholder Trust, on behalf of such Person, a number of Class A Units equal to such Person's Estimated Cash-Out LLC Units and Make-Up LLC Units (and promptly thereafter Bondholder Trust will issue a like number of Bondholder Trust Interests to such Person).
(b) Promptly after the Closing, CEH LLC shall cause the Reorganized Company and the Exchange Agent to give notice of the Closing to each Bondholder (either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative) (i) that was deemed to have made an Equity Election under Section 2.1(d) and that did not deliver to the Voting Agent a duly executed Trust Accession Instrument, a duly executed Form W-9, and a properly completed and duly executed Election Form and/or (ii) that was deemed to have made a Cash Election and that did not deliver to the Exchange Agent a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal and duly executed Form W-9. Such notice shall (x) inform such Bondholders that were deemed to have made a Cash Election with respect to all or any portion of their Sub Debt Claims that, in order to obtain the funds payable in respect of such deemed Cash Election, they must deliver to the Exchange Agent a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal and duly executed Form W-9 and (y) inform such Bondholders that were deemed to have made an Equity Election with respect to any portion of their Sub Debt Claims of the amount of Sub Debt Claims with respect to which they have been deemed to have made an Equity Election and that, in order to obtain the Bondholder Trust Interests in respect of such deemed Equity Election, they must deliver to the Exchange Agent a duly executed Trust Accession Instrument, a duly executed Form W-9, and, if such Bondholder did not deliver to the Voting Agent a properly completed and duly executed Election Form, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, CEH LLC shall not be obligated to cause the Reorganized Company and the Exchange Agent to pay to any Bondholder any Sub Debt Cash Consideration or issue to Bondholder Trust in respect of any Bondholder any Estimated Sub Debt LLC Units unless the Voting Agent or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be, shall have received from DTC an Agent's Message as to such Bondholder.
(d) With respect to dividends or other
distributions declared by CEH LLC on Class A Units, the record date for
which is at or after the Closing (an "Applicable Dividend"), all Class A
Units to be issued pursuant to this Section 3.8 shall be deemed issued and
outstanding as of the Closing and whenever such a dividend or other
distribution is declared by CEH LLC, that declaration shall include
dividends or other distributions in respect of Class A Units issuable
pursuant to this Section 3.8; provided, that dividends or other
distributions declared or made in respect of Class A Units issuable
pursuant to this Section 3.8 shall not be paid to Bondholder Trust until
such units have been issued to Bondholder Trust as specified in Section
3.8(a). With respect to any Applicable Dividend declared in respect of any
Class A Units which are issued pursuant to Section 3.8 subsequent to the
declared distribution date for such Applicable Dividend, CEH LLC shall pay
such Applicable Dividend to
Bondholder Trust on behalf of the Person for whose account such Class A Units were issued promptly following such issuance.
(e) Each of the Reorganized Company and CEH LLC shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the cash consideration otherwise payable to any Bondholder pursuant to this Article III any amounts as they are required to deduct and withhold with respect to payment under any provision of federal, state or local income Tax law. If the Reorganized Company or CEH LLC, as the case may be, so withholds amounts, such amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Bondholders in respect of which the Reorganized Company or CEH LLC, as the case may be, made such deduction or withholding. No interest shall accrue or be paid on any cash payable in respect of the Sub Debt Claims.
(f) The Exchange Agent shall, within five Business Days after the date that is one year after the Closing Date, return to the Reorganized Company any portion of the cash and/or LLC Units remaining to be paid or distributed to Bondholders who have not yet delivered or caused to be delivered (i) Election Forms, the related Agent's Messages, Trust Accession Instruments and/or Form W-9's (as applicable) to the Voting Agent, or (ii) Letters of Transmittal, the related Agent's Messages, Trust Accession Instruments and/or Form W-9's (as applicable) to the Exchange Agent, as the case may be. Any Bondholders will thereafter be entitled to look only to the Reorganized Company for satisfaction of their claims for the consideration set forth in this Section 3.8, without interest.
4. Amendment to Article IV. Section 4.2 (a) is hereby amended by replacing in the first clause thereof the defined term "Sub Debt" with the defined term "Sub Debt Claims".
5. Amendment to Article V. Section 5.2 (c) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
(c) At the Closing, (i) CEH LLC, Bondholder Trust and the Reorganized Company shall enter into the Indemnity Agreement and (ii) Holding and the Investors specified in the Registration Rights Agreement shall enter into the Registration Rights Agreement.
6. Amendment to Article IX. The first paragraph of Section 9.1 is hereby amended to insert after the parenthetical phrase "(which consent shall not be
unreasonably withhold)" the following: "or in connection with the promotion activities underlying the Promotion Expenses."
7. Amendment to Article X. Section 10.10 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
Section 10.10 No Activity. From and after the date hereof, Holding shall not conduct any operations, or incur any liabilities or obligations other than those described in Section 8.12 hereof; provided, that Holding (a) may adopt an employee stock purchase plan providing for the issuance of up to $5,000,000 in value in the aggregate of Holding's common stock (i) on or about the Closing Date, to management employees of the Reorganized Company at a price per share based on a $500 million equity value of the Reorganized Company and (ii) thereafter to new management employees of the Reorganized Company, as determined by the Board of Directors of Holding or the Compensation Committee thereof, at a price per share equal to the fair market value of a share of Holding's common stock as determined by the Board of Directors of Holding, and (b) may amend its certificate of incorporation to increase the number of its authorized shares of common stock in connection therewith.
8. Amendments to Article XI.
(a) The following shall be inserted as a new Section 11.2(m):
(m) CEH LLC shall have received the Indemnity Agreement, executed by Bondholder Trust.
(b) The following shall be inserted as a new Section 11.3(g):
(g) The Designated Representative shall have received the Registration Rights Agreement, executed by Holding and the Investors specified therein (other than Bondholder Trust).
9. Registration Rights Agreement. A new Exhibit M is hereby added to the Original Agreement in the form of Exhibit M hereto and the Exhibit Index of the Original Agreement is hereby updated accordingly.
10. Certain Defined Terms. Section 14.1 is hereby amended to add or amend and restate in their entirety, as applicable, the following defined terms:
"Adjusted EBITDA" means (a) EBITDA of the Company for the relevant period, as set forth in the Company Plan, less (b) amounts expended from July 1, 2003 through the end of the relevant period for marketing and other related expenses in respect of the introduction by a competitor of the Company of new products consistent with the marketing plan previously provided to CEH LLC which are in excess of the amount of marketing and other related expenses set forth in the Company Plan up to an aggregate amount of $2.9 million, less (c) the Settlement Amount, less (d) Promotion Expenses.
"Agent's Message" means a message, transmitted by DTC to and received by the Voting Agent or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be, which states that DTC has made a book entry transfer reflecting the tender of all Sub Debt with respect to which the applicable Bondholder has made a Cash Election or Equity Election, or has been deemed to have made such an election. The Agent's Message must identify such Bondholder's account number at the DTC participant through which such Bondholder holds its Sub Debt, as well as the related transaction code number (if applicable).
"Applicable Dividend" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(d).
"Applicable Percentage" equals, for any Eligible Bondholder, the quotient, as expressed as a percentage, of (a) the aggregate amount of Sub Debt Claims in respect of Sub Debt held of record, either directly or through such Bondholder's Holder Representative, by such Eligible Bondholder as of the Record Date over (b) $400 million plus the aggregate amount of accrued but unpaid interest on the Sub Debt through and including December 7, 2003.
"Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which banks located in New York City are authorized or required to be closed.
"DTC" means the Depository Trust Company.
"Election Form" means an election form to be distributed to the Bondholders for purposes of (i) making an Equity Election and (ii) exercising Subscription Rights, which shall be in a form reasonably agreed upon by the Company, CEH LLC and the Designated Representative.
"Promotion Expenses" means any amounts (up to an aggregate amount of $5.4 million) paid with the approval of CDM in connection with the promotion of the Company's seafood and syrup brands.
"Registration Rights Agreement" means a registration rights agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit M hereto, among Holding, Bondholder Trust and the Investors specified therein.
"Sub Debt Claims" means, as to any Bondholder, the principal amount of Sub Debt held by such Bondholder, plus the aggregate amount of accrued but unpaid interest on such Sub Debt through and including December 7, 2003.
"Subscription Rights" has the meaning given in Section 1.1(b)(vi)(B).
11. Confirmation of Original Agreement. Except as expressly modified by this Amendment, all provisions of the Original Agreement remain unmodified and in full force and effect.
12. Governing Law. This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to conflicts of law principles thereof.
13. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other party.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Amendment to be executed as of the date first above written.
AURORA FOODS INC.
By: /s/ DALE F. MORRISON ----------------------------------- Name: Dale F. Morrison Title: Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer |
CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC
By: /s/ ADAM SUTTIN ---------------------------------- Name: Adam Suttin Title: Authorized Signatory |
Exhibit M
FORM OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT 2.3
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Plan"), dated March 19, 2004 entered into between Aurora Foods Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Pinnacle").
WHEREAS, the laws of the State of Delaware permit the merger of Pinnacle with and into the Company (the "Merger");
WHEREAS, the Company entered into the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of November 25, 2003 and as amended on January 8, 2004 (the "CEH Merger Agreement"), among the Company and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CEH LLC"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to enter into this Plan and CEH LLC agreed to cause Pinnacle to enter into this Plan;
WHEREAS, Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Holding"), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEH LLC, and Pinnacle is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holding;
WHEREAS, the parties desire to effectuate the capital restructuring and investment contemplated in the CEH Merger Agreement in the context of a voluntary case commenced by the Company pursuant to Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, and pursuant to the Bankruptcy Plan and the Disclosure Statement (as each term is defined in the CEH Merger Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Company desires to effectuate its capital restructuring on the terms and conditions contained in this Plan, the CEH Merger Agreement and pursuant to the Bankruptcy Plan;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company deem it desirable and in the best interests of the Company to merge Pinnacle with and into the Company, and have duly approved this Plan for that purpose; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors and the stockholders of Pinnacle deem it desirable and in the best interests of Pinnacle and its stockholders to merge Pinnacle with and into the Company, and have duly approved this Plan for that purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, in order to prescribe the terms and conditions of such merger and the mode of carrying such merger into effect, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the CEH Merger Agreement, the Merger shall be consummated in accordance with Article III of the CEH Merger Agreement which is set forth as Schedule I hereto.
2. General
a. All of the provisions of this Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the parties hereto and their respective successors, but this Plan and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall not be assigned.
b. This Plan may be amended, superseded or terminated, and any of the terms hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument specifically stating that it amends, terminates or cancels this Plan, or waives any of the terms hereof, executed by all parties or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance, and subject to any approval by the Board of Directors or stockholders of any of the parties that may be required by law.
[SIGNATURE PAGE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Plan of Merger on the date first above written.
AURORA FOODS INC., a Delaware corporation
By: /S/ RONALD B. HUTCHISON --------------------------- Name: Ronald B. Hutchison Title: Chief Restructuring Officer |
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING
CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
By: /S/ N. MICHAEL DION ----------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion Title: Senior Vice-President |
SCHEDULE I
ARTICLE III
EXHIBIT 3.1
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
AURORA FOODS INC.
(Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the Delaware General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware)
The original name of Aurora Foods Inc. was "A Foods Inc." and it was originally incorporated in the State of Delaware on June 19, 1998.
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of the corporation (herein called the "Corporation") is:
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
ARTICLE II
REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT
The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 9 East Loockerman Street, Suite 1B, City of Dover, County of Kent 19901. The name of the registered agent of the Corporation at such address is National Registered Agents, Inc.
ARTICLE III
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL").
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL STOCK
The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 100 shares, all of which shall be of one class, shall be designated Common Stock and shall have a par value of $0.01 per share. With respect to matters to be voted on by holders of shares of Common Stock, each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote.
Notwithstanding any other provisions contained herein to the contrary, the Corporation shall not issue non-voting equity securities. This prohibition on the issuance of non-voting equity securities is included in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in compliance with Section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Section 1123(a)(6)).
ARTICLE V
DIRECTORS
The number of directors of the Corporation shall be as from time to time fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the By-laws of the Corporation. The election of directors of the Corporation need not be by ballot unless the By-laws so require.
A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived any improper personal benefit. If the DGCL is amended after the date of incorporation of the Corporation to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended.
Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE VI
MANAGEMENT OF THE CORPORATION
For the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and in further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders, it is further provided:
(a) In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the "Board") is expressly authorized and empowered:
(i) to make, alter, amend or repeal the By-laws of the Corporation in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware or this Certificate of Incorporation;
(ii) without the assent or vote of the stockholders, to authorize and issue securities and obligations of the Corporation, secured or unsecured, and to include therein such provisions as to redemption, conversion or other terms thereof as the Board in its sole discretion may determine, and to authorize the mortgaging or pledging, as security therefor, of any property of the Corporation, real or personal, including after-acquired property;
(iii) to determine whether any, and if any, what part, of the net profits of the Corporation or of its surplus shall be declared in dividends and paid to the stockholders, and to direct and determine the use and disposition of any such net profits or such surplus; and
(iv) to fix from time to time the amount of net profits of the Corporation or of its surplus to be reserved as working capital or for any other lawful purpose.
In addition to the powers and authorities herein or by statute expressly conferred upon it, the Board may exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the laws of the State of Delaware, of this Certificate of Incorporation and of the By-laws of the Corporation.
(b) Any director or any officer elected or appointed by the stockholders or by the Board may be removed at any time in such manner as shall be provided in the By-laws of the Corporation.
(c) From time to time any of the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation may be altered, amended or repealed, and other provisions authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware at the time in force may be added or inserted, in the manner and at the time prescribed by said laws, and all rights at any time conferred upon the stockholders of the Corporation by this Certificate of Incorporation are granted subject to the provisions of this paragraph (c).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, the undersigned, being a Senior Vice President of Aurora Foods Inc., DO HEREBY CERTIFY, under penalties of perjury, that this is my act and deed and that the facts hereinabove stated are truly set forth and, accordingly, I have hereunto set my hand as of March 19, 2004.
/S/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ------------------------ Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
EXHIBIT 3.2
AURORA FOODS INC.
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
AMENDED AND RESTATED
BY-LAWS
AS ADOPTED ON MARCH 19, 2004
AMENDED AND RESTATED
BY-LAWS OF
AURORA FOODS INC.
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
1.1 REGISTERED OFFICE.
The registered office of Aurora Foods Inc. (the "Corporation") in the State of Delaware shall be at 9 East Loockerman Street, City of Dover, County of Kent 19901, and the registered agent in charge thereof shall be National Registered Agents, Inc.
1.2 OTHER OFFICES.
The Corporation may also have an office or offices at any other place or places within or outside the State of Delaware.
ARTICLE II
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS; STOCKHOLDERS'
CONSENT IN LIEU OF MEETING
2.1 ANNUAL MEETINGS.
The annual meeting of the stockholders for the election of directors, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such place, date and hour as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the "Board") and designated in the notice or waiver of notice thereof, except that no annual meeting need be held if all actions, including the election of directors, required by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL") to be taken at a stockholders' annual meeting are taken by written consent in lieu of meeting pursuant to Section 2.10 of this Article II.
2.2 SPECIAL MEETINGS.
A special meeting of the stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called by the Board, the Chairman, the President or at least a majority in voting interest of the stockholders, to
be held at such place, date and hour as shall be designated in the notice or waiver of notice thereof.
2.3 NOTICE OF MEETINGS.
Except as otherwise required by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended from time to time (the "Certificate"), or these Amended and Restated By-laws (these "By-laws"), notice of each annual or special meeting of the stockholders shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the day on which the meeting is to be held, by delivering written notice thereof to him personally, or by mailing a copy of such notice, postage prepaid, directly to him at his address as it appears in the records of the Corporation, or by transmitting such notice thereof to him at such address by telegraph, cable or other telephonic transmission. Every such notice shall state the place, the date and hour of the meeting, and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall not be required to be given to any stockholder who shall attend such meeting in person or by proxy, or who shall, in person or by attorney thereunto authorized, waive such notice in writing, either before or after such meeting. Except as otherwise provided in these By-laws, neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the stockholders need be specified in any such notice or waiver of notice. Notice of any adjourned meeting of stockholders shall not be required to be given, except when expressly required by law.
2.4 QUORUM.
At each meeting of the stockholders, except where otherwise provided by the Certificate or these By-laws, the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum, a majority in voting interest of the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote, or, in the absence of all the stockholders entitled to vote, any officer entitled to preside at, or act as secretary of, such meeting, shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, until stockholders holding the requisite amount of stock to constitute a quorum shall be present or represented. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.
2.5 ORGANIZATION.
Unless otherwise determined by the Board, at each meeting of the stockholders, one of the following shall act as chairman of the meeting and preside thereat, in the following order of precedence:
(a) the Chairman, if any;
(b) the President;
(c) the Vice President;
(d) any director, officer or stockholder of the Corporation designated by the Board to act as chairman of such meeting and to preside thereat if the Chairman, the President or the Vice President shall be absent from such meeting; or
(e) a stockholder of record who shall be chosen chairman of such meeting by a majority in voting interest of the stockholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereat.
The Secretary or, if he shall be presiding over such meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.5 or if he shall be absent from such meeting, the person (who shall be an Assistant Secretary, if an Assistant Secretary has been appointed and is present) whom the chairman of such meeting shall appoint, shall act as secretary of such meeting and keep the minutes thereof.
2.6 ORDER OF BUSINESS.
The order of business at each meeting of the stockholders shall be determined by the chairman of such meeting, but such order of business may be changed by a majority in voting interest of those present in person or by proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote thereat.
2.7 VOTING.
Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate or these By-laws, at each meeting of the stockholders, every stockholder of the Corporation shall be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy for each share of Common Stock of the Corporation held by him and registered in his name on the books of the Corporation on the date fixed pursuant to Section 6.7 of Article VI as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting. Persons holding stock in a fiduciary capacity shall be entitled to vote the shares so held. A person whose stock is pledged shall be entitled to vote, unless, in the transfer by the pledgor on the books of the Corporation, he has expressly empowered the pledgee to vote thereon, in which case only the pledgee or his proxy may represent such stock and vote thereon. If shares or other securities having voting power stand in the record of two or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety or otherwise, or if two or more persons have the same fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares, unless the Secretary shall be given written notice to the contrary and furnished with a copy of the instrument or order appointing them or creating the relationship wherein it is so provided, their acts with respect to voting shall have the following effect:
(a) if only one votes, his act binds all;
(b) if more than one votes, the act of the majority so voting binds all; and
(c) if more than one votes, but the vote is evenly split on any particular matter, such shares shall be voted in the manner provided by law.
If the instrument so filed shows that any such tenancy is held in unequal interests, a majority or even-split for the purposes of this Section 2.7 shall be a majority or even-split in interest. The Corporation shall not vote directly or indirectly any share of its own capital stock. Any vote of stock may be given by the stockholder entitled thereto in person or by his proxy appointed by an instrument in writing, subscribed by such stockholder or by his attorney thereunto authorized, delivered to the secretary of the meeting; provided, however, that no proxy shall be voted after three years from its date, unless said proxy provides for a longer period. At all meetings of the stockholders, all matters (except where other provision is made by law, the Certificate or these By-laws) shall be decided by the vote of a majority in interest of the stockholders present in person or by proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote thereon, a quorum being present. Unless demanded by a stockholder present in person or by proxy at any meeting and entitled to vote thereon, the vote on any question need not be by ballot. Upon a demand by any such stockholder for a vote by ballot upon any question, such vote by ballot shall be taken. On a vote by ballot, each ballot shall be signed by the stockholder voting, or by his proxy, if there be such proxy, and shall state the number of shares voted.
2.8 INSPECTION.
The chairman of the meeting may at any time appoint one or more inspectors to serve at any meeting of the stockholders. Any inspector may be removed, and a new inspector or inspectors appointed, by the Board at any time. Such inspectors shall decide upon the qualifications of voters, accept and count votes, declare the results of such vote, and subscribe and deliver to the secretary of the meeting a certificate stating the number of shares of stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereon and the number of shares voted for and against the question, respectively. The inspectors need not be stockholders of the Corporation, and any director or officer of the Corporation may be an inspector on any question other than a vote for or against his election to any position with the Corporation or on any other matter in which he may be directly interested. Before acting as herein provided, each inspector shall subscribe an oath faithfully to execute the duties of an inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his ability.
2.9 LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary or other officer of the Corporation who shall have charge of its stock ledger to prepare and make, at least 10 days before every meeting of the stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to any such meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least 10 days prior to such meeting, either at a place within the city where such meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting or, if not so specified, at the place
where the meeting is to be held. Such list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.
2.10 STOCKHOLDERS' CONSENT IN LIEU OF MEETING.
Any action required by the DGCL to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, by a consent in writing, as permitted by the DGCL.
ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
3.1 GENERAL POWERS.
The business, property and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board, which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law or by the Certificate directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
3.2 NUMBER AND TERM OF OFFICE.
Except as otherwise required by the Certificate, the number of directors shall be fixed from time to time by the Board. Directors need not be stockholders. Each director shall hold office until his successor is elected and qualified, or until his earlier death or resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided.
3.3 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.
At each meeting of the stockholders for the election of directors at which a quorum is present, the persons receiving the greatest number of votes, up to the number of directors to be elected, of the stockholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereon shall be the directors; provided, however, that for purposes of such vote no stockholder shall be allowed to cumulate his votes. Unless an election by ballot shall be demanded as provided in Section 2.7 of Article II, election of directors may be conducted in any manner approved at such meeting.
3.4 RESIGNATION, REMOVAL AND VACANCIES.
Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board, the Chairman, the President or the Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein or,
if the time be not specified, upon receipt thereof; unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Any director or the entire Board may be removed, with or without cause, at any time by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors or by written consent of the stockholders pursuant to Section 2.10 of Article II.
Vacancies occurring on the Board for any reason may be filled by vote of the stockholders or by the stockholders' written consent pursuant to Section 2.10 of Article II, or by vote of the Board or by the directors' written consent pursuant to Section 3.6 of this Article III. If the number of directors then in office is less than a quorum, such vacancies may be filled by a vote of a majority of the directors then in office.
3.5 MEETINGS.
(a) Annual Meetings. As soon as practicable after each annual election of directors, the Board shall meet for the purpose of organization and the transaction of other business, unless it shall have transacted all such business by written consent pursuant to Section 3.6 of this Article III.
(b) Other Meetings. Other meetings of the Board shall be held at such times and places as the Board, the Chairman, the President or any director shall from time to time determine.
(c) Notice of Meetings; Waiver of Notice.
(i) Notice of Meetings. Notice shall be given to each director of each meeting, including the time, place and purpose of such meeting. Notice of each such meeting shall be delivered to each director either (a) personally, (b) by telephone or (c) by first class mail, telegram, or facsimile (or similar electronic means) or by nationally recognized overnight courier, charges prepaid, addressed to each director at such director's address as it is shown on the records of the Corporation. If the notice is mailed, it shall be deposited in the United States mail at least ten Business Days before the time of the holding of the meeting. If the notice is delivered personally or by telephone or by telegram, facsimile (or similar electronic means) or overnight courier, it shall be given at least 48 hours before the time of the holding of the meeting. Any oral notice given personally or by telephone may be communicated either to the director or to a person designated by such director to receive such notice. For purposes of this Section 3.5(c)(i), "Business Days" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday or other day on which banks are required to be closed in New York, New York.
(ii) Waiver of Notice. Notice of any meeting need not be given to any director who either before or after the meeting signs a written waiver of notice, a consent to holding the meeting or an approval of the minutes. The waiver of notice or consent
shall specify the purpose of the meeting. All such waivers, consents, and approvals shall be filed with the records of the Corporation or made a part of the minutes of the meeting. Notice of a meeting shall also be deemed given to any director who attends the meeting without protesting at or prior to its commencement the lack of notice to that director.
(d) Place of Meetings. The Board may hold its meetings at such place or places within or outside the State of Delaware as the Board may from time to time determine, or as shall be designated in the respective notices or waivers of notice thereof.
(e) Quorum and Manner of Acting. A majority of the total number of directors then in office shall be present in person at any meeting of the Board in order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting, and the vote of a majority of those directors present at any such meeting at which a quorum is present shall be necessary for the passage of any resolution or act of the Board, except as otherwise expressly required by law or these By-laws. In the absence of a quorum for any such meeting, a majority of the directors present thereat may adjourn such meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present.
(f) Organization. At each meeting of the Board, one of the following shall act as chairman of the meeting and preside thereat, in the following order of precedence:
(i) the Chairman, if any;
(ii) the President (if a director);
(iii) the Vice President (if a director); or
(iv) any director designated by a majority of the directors present.
The Secretary or, in the case of his absence, an Assistant Secretary, if an Assistant Secretary has been appointed and is present, or any person whom the chairman of the meeting shall appoint shall act as secretary of such meeting and keep the minutes thereof.
3.6 DIRECTORS' CONSENT IN LIEU OF MEETING.
Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all the directors then in office and such consent is filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board.
3.7 ACTION BY MEANS OF CONFERENCE TELEPHONE OR SIMILAR COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT.
Any one or more members of the Board may participate in a meeting of the Board by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
3.8 COMMITTEES.
The Board may, by resolution or resolutions passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate one or more committees, such committee or committees to have such name or names as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board, and each such committee to consist of one or more directors of the Corporation, which to the extent provided in said resolution or resolutions shall have and may exercise the powers of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it. A majority of all the members of any such committee may determine its action and fix the time and place of its meetings, unless the Board shall otherwise provide. The Board shall have power to change the members of any such committee at any time, to fill vacancies and to discharge any such committee, either with or without cause, at any time.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
4.1 NUMBER, TITLES AND TERM OF OFFICE.
The officers of the Corporation shall be a President, one or more Vice Presidents (any one or more of whom may be designated Executive Vice President or Senior Vice President), a Secretary and, if the Board so elects, a Chairman, a Treasurer and such other officers as the Board may from time to time elect or appoint. Each officer shall hold office until his successor shall be duly elected and shall qualify or until his death or until he shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless the Certificate provides otherwise. Except for Chairman, if any, no officer need be a director.
4.2 AUTHORITY AND DUTIES.
All officers, as between themselves and the Corporation, shall have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the Corporation as may be provided in these By-laws or, to the extent so provided, by the Board.
4.3 VACANCIES.
Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation may be filled by the Board.
4.4 THE CHAIRMAN.
If elected, the Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board; and he shall have such other powers and duties as designated in these By-laws and as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board.
4.5 THE PRESIDENT.
Unless the Board otherwise determines, the President shall have the authority to agree upon and execute all leases, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and other obligations in the name of the Corporation; and, unless the Board otherwise determines, he shall, in the absence of the Chairman or if there be no Chairman, preside at all meetings of the stockholders and (should he be a director) of the Board; and he shall have such other powers and duties as designated in accordance with these By-laws and as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board.
4.6 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
Subject to the control of the Board and the executive committee (if any), the chief executive officer shall have general executive charge, management and control of the properties, business and operations of the Corporation with all such powers as may be reasonably incident to such responsibilities; he may agree upon and execute all leases, contracts, evidence of indebtedness and other obligations in the name of the Corporation and may sign all certificates for shares of capital stock of the Corporation; and shall have such other powers and duties as designated in accordance with these By-laws and as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board.
4.7 VICE PRESIDENTS.
In the absence of the President, or in the event of his inability or refusal to act, a Vice President designated by the Board shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. In the absence of a designation by the Board of a Vice President to perform the duties of the President, or in the event of his absence or inability or refusal to act, the Vice President who is present and who is senior in terms of time as a Vice President of the Corporation shall so act. The Vice Presidents shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board may from time to time prescribe.
4.8 THE SECRETARY.
The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meeting of the Board, committees of directors and the stockholders, in books provided for that purpose; he shall attend to the giving and serving of all notices; he may in the name of the Corporation affix the seal of the Corporation to all contracts of the Corporation and attest the affixation of the seal of the Corporation thereto; he may sign with the other appointed officers all certificates for shares of capital stock of the Corporation; he shall have charge of the certificate books, transfer books and stock ledgers, and such other books and papers as the Board may direct, all of which shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection of any director upon application at the office of the Corporation during business hours; he shall have such other powers and duties as designated in these By-laws and as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board; and he shall in general perform all acts
incident to the office of Secretary, subject to the control of the chief executive officer and the Board.
4.9 ASSISTANT SECRETARIES.
Each Assistant Secretary shall have the usual powers and duties pertaining to his office, together with such other powers and duties as designated in these By-laws and as from time to time may be assigned to him by the chief executive officer or the Board. The Assistant Secretaries shall exercise the powers of the Secretary during that officer's absence or inability or refusal to act.
4.10 THE TREASURER.
The Treasurer shall have responsibility for the custody and control of all the funds and securities of the Corporation, and he shall have such other powers and duties as designated in these By-laws and as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board. He shall perform all acts incident to the position of Treasurer, subject to the control of the chief executive officer and the Board; and he shall, if required by the Board, give such bond for the faithful discharge of his duties in such form as the Board may require.
4.11 ASSISTANT TREASURERS.
Each Assistant Treasurer shall have the usual powers and duties pertaining to his office, together with such other powers and duties as designated in these By-laws and as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board. The Assistant Treasurers shall exercise the power of the Treasurer during that officer's absence or inability or refusal to act.
ARTICLE V
CONTRACTS, CHECKS, DRAFTS, BANK ACCOUNTS, ETC.
5.1 EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS.
The Board shall designate, by either specific or general resolution, the officers, employees and agents of the Corporation who shall have the power to execute and deliver deeds, contracts, mortgages, bonds, debentures, checks, drafts and other orders for the payment of money and other documents for and in the name of the Corporation, and may authorize such officers, employees and agents to delegate such power (including authority to redelegate) by written instrument to other officers, employees or agents of the Corporation. Unless so designated or expressly authorized by these By-laws, no officer, employee or agent shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement, to pledge its credit or to render it liable pecuniarily for any purpose or amount.
5.2 DEPOSITS.
All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation or otherwise as the Board or Treasurer, or any other officer of the Corporation to whom power in this respect shall have been given by the Board, shall select.
5.3 PROXIES WITH RESPECT TO STOCK OR OTHER SECURITIES OF OTHER CORPORATIONS.
The Board shall designate the officers of the Corporation who shall have authority from time to time to appoint an agent or agents of the Corporation to exercise in the name and on behalf of the Corporation the powers and rights which the Corporation may have as the holder of stock or other securities in any other corporation, and to vote or consent with respect to such stock or securities. Such designated officers may instruct the person or persons so appointed as to the manner of exercising such powers and rights, and such designated officers may execute or cause to be executed in the name and on behalf of the Corporation and under its corporate seal or otherwise, such written proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments as they may deem necessary or proper in order that the Corporation may exercise its powers and rights.
ARTICLE VI
SHARES AND THEIR TRANSFER; FIXING RECORD DATE
6.1 CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES.
Every owner of stock of the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate certifying the number and class of shares owned by him in the Corporation, which shall be in such form as shall be prescribed by the Board. Certificates shall be numbered and issued in consecutive order and shall be signed by, or in the name of, the Corporation by the Chairman, the President or any Vice President, and by the Treasurer (or an Assistant Treasurer, if appointed) or the Secretary (or an Assistant Secretary, if appointed). In case any officer or officers who shall have signed any such certificate or certificates shall cease to be such officer or officers of the Corporation, whether because of death, resignation or otherwise, before such certificate or certificates shall have been delivered by the Corporation, such certificate or certificates may nevertheless be adopted by the Corporation and be issued and delivered as though the person or persons who signed such certificate had not ceased to be such officer or officers of the Corporation.
6.2 RECORD.
A record in one or more counterparts shall be kept of the name of the person, firm or corporation owning the shares represented by each certificate for stock of the Corporation issued, the number of shares represented by each such certificate, the date thereof and, in the case of cancellation, the date of cancellation. Except as otherwise expressly required by law, the person in whose name shares of stock stand on the stock record of the Corporation shall be deemed the owner thereof for all purposes regarding the Corporation.
6.3 TRANSFER AND REGISTRATION OF STOCK.
The transfer of stock and certificates which represent the stock of the Corporation shall be governed by Article 8 of Subtitle 1 of Title 6 of the Delaware Code (the Uniform Commercial Code), as amended from time to time.
Registration of transfers of shares of the Corporation shall be made only on the books of the Corporation upon request of the registered holder thereof, or of his attorney thereunto authorized by power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary of the Corporation, and upon the surrender of the certificate or certificates for such shares properly endorsed or accompanied by a stock power duly executed.
6.4 ADDRESSES OF STOCKHOLDERS.
Each stockholder shall designate to the Secretary an address at which notices of meetings and all other corporate notices may be served or mailed to him, and, if any stockholder shall fail to designate such address, corporate notices may be served upon him by mail directed to him at his post-office address, if any, as the same appears on the share record books of the Corporation or at his last known post-office address.
6.5 LOST, DESTROYED AND MUTILATED CERTIFICATES.
The holder of any shares of the Corporation shall immediately notify the Corporation of any loss, destruction or mutilation of the certificate therefor, and the Board may, in its discretion, cause to be issued to him a new certificate or certificates for such shares, upon the surrender of the mutilated certificates or, in the case of loss or destruction of the certificate, upon satisfactory proof of such loss or destruction, and the Board may, in its discretion, require the owner of the lost or destroyed certificate or his legal representative to give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as it may direct to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss or destruction of any such certificate.
6.6 REGULATIONS.
The Board may make such rules and regulations as it may deem expedient, not inconsistent with these By-laws, concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates for stock of the Corporation.
6.7 FIXING DATE FOR DETERMINATION OF STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD.
(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall be not more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders
shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which date shall be not more than 10 days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board. If no record date has been fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board is required by the DGCL, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation's registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. If no record date has been fixed by the Board and prior action by the Board is required by the DGCL, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution taking such prior action.
(c) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.
ARTICLE VII
SEAL
The Board may provide a corporate seal, which shall be in the form of a circle and shall bear the full name of the Corporation, the year of incorporation of the Corporation and the words and figures "Corporate Seal - Delaware."
ARTICLE VIII
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the calendar year unless otherwise determined by the Board.
ARTICLE IX
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
9.1 INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) As provided in the Certificate, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, a director of the Corporation shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.
(b) Without limitation of any right conferred by paragraph (a) of this Section 9.1, each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a "proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an "indemnitee"), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior thereto), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee's heirs, testators, intestates, executors and administrators; provided, however, (i) that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation, and with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; (ii) that no indemnification shall be made in the case of an action, suit or proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such director, officer, employee or agent is liable to the Corporation, unless a court having jurisdiction shall determine that, despite such adjudication, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification; and (iii) that, except as provided in Section 9.1(c) of this Article IX with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall
indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee was authorized by the Board. The right to indemnification conferred in this Article IX shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an "advancement of expenses"); provided, however, that, if the DGCL requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (hereinafter an "undertaking"), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter a "final adjudication") that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section or otherwise.
(c) If a claim under Section 9.1(b) of this Article IX is not paid in full by the Corporation with 60 days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be 20 days, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of any undertaking, the indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (i) any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) in any suit by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including the Board, independent legal counsel, or the stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including the Board, independent legal counsel or the stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Section or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.
(d) The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article IX shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter
acquire under any statute, the Certificate, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, from and after the Effective Time (as defined in the Pinnacle Merger Agreement), each person who has been a director, officer, employee or agent of PFHC or any of its subsidiaries at any time during the period beginning on May 22, 2001 and ending on the date of the Effective Time (as defined in the Pinnacle Merger Agreement), shall be deemed to be an "indemnitee" for purposes of this Article IX. For purposes of this Section 9(e), "Pinnacle Merger Agreement" means the Agreement and Plan of Merger, by and among Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation ("PFHC"), Crunch Holding Corp., Crunch Acquisition Corp. and HMTF PF, LLC.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, from and after the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement), each person who is, or has been at any time prior to the Closing Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement), an officer or director of the Corporation or Sea Coast Foods, Inc., shall be deemed to be an "indemnitee" for purposes of this Article IX with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to the Closing Date. For purposes of this Section 9.1(f), "Merger Agreement" means the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger by and between Aurora Foods Inc. and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated as of November 25, 2003 and as amended on January 8, 2004.
9.2 INSURANCE.
The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or any person who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employer or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.
ARTICLE X
AMENDMENT
Any by-law (including these By-laws) may be adopted, amended or repealed
by the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote or
by the stockholders' written consent pursuant to Section 2.10 of Article II, or
by the vote of the Board or by the directors' written consent pursuant to
Section 3.6 of Article III.
* * * * *
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
8-1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013
INDENTURE
Dated as of November 25, 2003
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
as Trustee
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- ARTICLE I Definitions and Incorporation by Reference Section 1.01. Definitions......................................... 1 Section 1.02. Other Definitions................................... 26 Section 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act... 27 Section 1.04. Rules of Construction............................... 28 ARTICLE II The Securities Section 2.01. Amount of Securities; Issuable in Series............ 28 Section 2.02. Form and Dating..................................... 29 Section 2.03. Execution and Authentication........................ 30 Section 2.04. Registrar and Paying Agent.......................... 30 Section 2.05. Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust................. 31 Section 2.06. Holder Lists........................................ 31 Section 2.07. Transfer and Exchange............................... 31 Section 2.08. Replacement Securities.............................. 32 Section 2.09. Outstanding Securities.............................. 33 Section 2.10. Temporary Securities................................ 33 Section 2.11. Cancelation......................................... 33 Section 2.12. Defaulted Interest.................................. 34 Section 2.13. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers.............................. 34 ARTICLE III Redemption Section 3.01. Notices to Trustee.................................. 34 Section 3.02. Selection of Securities To Be Redeemed.............. 34 Section 3.03. Notice of Redemption................................ 35 Section 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption...................... 36 Section 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price......................... 36 Section 3.06. Securities Redeemed in Part......................... 36 |
ARTICLE IV Covenants Section 4.01. Payment of Securities.................................................................... 36 Section 4.02. Reports.................................................................................. 37 Section 4.03. Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock................. 37 Section 4.04. Limitation on Restricted Payments........................................................ 41 Section 4.05. Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries.. 46 Section 4.06. Limitation on Asset Sales................................................................ 48 Section 4.07. Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates............................................... 51 Section 4.08. Change of Control........................................................................ 53 Section 4.09. Compliance Certificate................................................................... 55 Section 4.10. Further Instruments and Acts............................................................. 56 Section 4.11. Future Guarantees........................................................................ 56 Section 4.12. Limitation on Business Activities........................................................ 56 Section 4.13. Limitation on Liens...................................................................... 56 Section 4.14. No Senior Subordinated Debt.............................................................. 57 Section 4.15. Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.................................. 57 ARTICLE V Successor Company Section 5.01. When Company May Merge or Transfer Assets................................................ 57 ARTICLE VI Defaults and Remedies Section 6.01. Events of Default........................................................................ 59 Section 6.02. Acceleration............................................................................. 61 Section 6.03. Other Remedies........................................................................... 61 Section 6.04. Waiver of Past Defaults.................................................................. 61 Section 6.05. Control by Majority...................................................................... 62 Section 6.06. Limitation on Suits...................................................................... 62 Section 6.07. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment..................................................... 62 Section 6.08. Collection Suit by Trustee............................................................... 63 Section 6.09. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim......................................................... 63 Section 6.10. Priorities............................................................................... 63 Section 6.11. Undertaking for Costs.................................................................... 64 Section 6.12. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws......................................................... 64 |
ARTICLE VII Trustee Section 7.01. Duties of Trustee..................................... 64 Section 7.02. Rights of Trustee..................................... 65 Section 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee.......................... 66 Section 7.04. Trustee's Disclaimer.................................. 66 Section 7.05. Notice of Defaults.................................... 66 Section 7.06. Reports by Trustee to Holders......................... 67 Section 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity............................ 67 Section 7.08. Replacement of Trustee................................ 68 Section 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger........................... 69 Section 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification......................... 69 Section 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company..... 69 ARTICLE VIII Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance Section 8.01. Discharge of Liability on Securities; Defeasance...... 69 Section 8.02. Conditions to Defeasance.............................. 70 Section 8.03. Application of Trust Money............................ 72 Section 8.04. Repayment to Company.................................. 72 Section 8.05. Indemnity for Government Obligations.................. 72 Section 8.06. Reinstatement......................................... 72 ARTICLE IX Amendments Section 9.01. Without Consent of Holders............................ 73 Section 9.02. With Consent of Holders............................... 74 Section 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act................... 75 Section 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers......... 75 Section 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Securities................. 76 Section 9.06. Trustee to Sign Amendments............................ 76 Section 9.07. Payment for Consent................................... 76 ARTICLE X Subordination Section 10.01. Agreement To Subordinate.............................. 76 Section 10.02. Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy.................. 77 |
Section 10.03. Default on Designated Senior Debt......................................... 77 Section 10.04. Acceleration of Payment of Securities..................................... 79 Section 10.05. When Distribution Must Be Paid Over....................................... 79 Section 10.06. Subrogation............................................................... 79 Section 10.07. Relative Rights........................................................... 79 Section 10.08. Subordination May Not Be Impaired by Company.............................. 79 Section 10.09. Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent........................................ 79 Section 10.10. Distribution or Notice to Representative.................................. 80 Section 10.11. Article X Not To Prevent Events of Default or Limit Right To Accelerate... 80 Section 10.12. Trust Monies Not Subordinated............................................. 80 Section 10.13. Trustee Entitled To Rely.................................................. 80 Section 10.14. Trustee To Effectuate Subordination....................................... 81 Section 10.15. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Debt.......................... 81 Section 10.16. Reliance by Holders of Senior Debt on Subordination Provisions............ 81 ARTICLE XI Note Guarantees Section 11.01. Note Guarantees........................................................... 81 Section 11.02. Limitation on Liability................................................... 84 Section 11.03. Releases of Note Guarantees............................................... 84 Section 11.04. Successors and Assigns.................................................... 85 Section 11.05. No Waiver................................................................. 85 Section 11.06. Modification.............................................................. 85 Section 11.07. Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Future Note Guarantors............ 85 Section 11.08. Non-Impairment............................................................ 85 ARTICLE XII Subordination of the Note Guarantees Section 12.01. Agreement To Subordinate.................................................. 86 Section 12.02. Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy...................................... 86 Section 12.03. Default on Designated Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor..................... 86 Section 12.04. Demand for Payment........................................................ 88 Section 12.05. When Distribution Must Be Paid Over....................................... 88 Section 12.06. Subrogation............................................................... 88 Section 12.07. Relative Rights........................................................... 88 Section 12.08. Subordination May Not Be Impaired by a Note Guarantor..................... 89 Section 12.09. Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent........................................ 89 Section 12.10. Distribution or Notice to Representative.................................. 89 Section 12.11. Article XII Not To Prevent Events of Default or Limit Right To Accelerate. 89 |
Section 12.12. Trustee Entitled To Rely................................................................ 90 Section 12.13. Trustee To Effectuate Subordination..................................................... 90 Section 12.14. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor.................... 90 Section 12.15. Reliance by Holders of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor on Subordination Provisions...... 90 Section 12.16. Defeasance.............................................................................. 91 ARTICLE XIII Miscellaneous Section 13.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls............................................................ 91 Section 13.02. Notices................................................................................. 91 Section 13.03. Communication by Holders with Other Holders............................................. 92 Section 13.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent...................................... 92 Section 13.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion........................................... 92 Section 13.06. When Securities Disregarded............................................................. 93 Section 13.07. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar............................................ 93 Section 13.08. Legal Holidays.......................................................................... 93 Section 13.09. GOVERNING LAW........................................................................... 93 Section 13.10. No Recourse Against Others.............................................................. 93 Section 13.11. Successors.............................................................................. 93 Section 13.12. Counterparts............................................................................ 93 Section 13.13. Table of Contents; Headings............................................................. 94 |
Appendix A - Provisions Relating to Original Securities, Additional Securities and Exchange Securities Exhibit A - Form of Initial Security Exhibit B - Form of Exchange Security Exhibit C - Form of Supplemental Indenture Exhibit D - Form of Transferee Letter of Representation v |
INDENTURE dated as of November 25, 2003, among PINNACLE |
FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"); PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, PF SALES, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, PF DISTRIBUTION, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, PF STANDARDS CORPORATION, a New Jersey corporation, PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, a Connecticut corporation, and PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION) CORP., a Delaware corporation, as Note Guarantors; and WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, a Delaware banking corporation, as trustee (the "Trustee").
Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of (a) the Company's 8-1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued on the date hereof (the "Original Securities"), (b) any Additional Securities (as defined herein) that may be issued on any Issue Date (all such Securities in clauses (a) and (b) being referred to collectively as the "Initial Securities") and (c) if and when issued as provided in the Registration Agreement (as defined in Appendix A hereto (the "Appendix")), the Company's 8-1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued in the Registered Exchange Offer (as defined in the Appendix) in exchange for any Initial Securities (the "Exchange Securities" and, together with the Initial Securities, the "Securities"). The Company will issue Original Securities in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000 on the date hereof. Subject to the conditions and in compliance with the covenants set forth herein, the Company may issue an unlimited aggregate principal amount of Additional Securities from time to time.
ARTICLE I
Definitions and Incorporation by Reference
SECTION 1.01. Definitions.
"Acquired Debt" means, with respect to any specified Person, (1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into, or became a Subsidiary of, such specified Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into, or becoming a Subsidiary of, such specified Person and (2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.
"additional interest" means any additional interest payable under the Registration Agreement.
"Additional Securities" means any 8-1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued under the terms of this Indenture subsequent to the Closing Date (other than the Exchange Securities issued in exchange for Original Securities).
"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 purposes of this definition, "control," as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a Person will be deemed to be control. For purposes of this definition, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with" have correlative meanings. No Person (other than the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company) in whom a Receivables Subsidiary makes an Investment in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries solely by reason of such Investment.
"Asset Sale" means (1) the sale, lease (other than an operating
lease entered into in the ordinary course of business), conveyance or other
disposition of any assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided
that the sale, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole shall
be governed by Sections 4.08 and 5.01 of this Indenture and not by the
provisions of Section 4.06 hereof, as applicable, and (2) the issuance of Equity
Interests in any of the Company's Restricted Subsidiaries or the sale of Equity
Interests in any of its Subsidiaries (in each case other than directors'
qualifying Equity Interests or Equity Interests required by applicable law to be
held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary).
Notwithstanding the preceding, the following items shall not be deemed to be
Asset Sales: (1) any single transaction or series of related transactions that
involves assets or rights having a fair market value of less than $3.0 million,
(2) a transfer of assets between or among the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, (3) an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to
the Company or to another Restricted Subsidiary (including any Person that
becomes a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such transaction), (4) the
sale or lease of inventory or accounts receivable in the ordinary course of
business or accounts receivable in connection with the compromise, settlement or
collection thereof, (5) the sale or disposition of obsolete, damaged or worn out
equipment or property in the ordinary course of business or any other property
that is uneconomic or no longer useful to the conduct of the Company's business,
(6) the sale or other disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents, (7) sales of
accounts receivable and related assets of the type specified in the definition
of "Qualified Receivables Transaction" to a Receivables Subsidiary for the fair
market value thereof, including cash in an amount at least equal to 75% of the
book value thereof as determined in accordance with GAAP, it being understood
that, for the purposes of this clause (7), notes received in exchange for the
transfer of accounts receivable and related assets will be deemed cash if the
Receivables Subsidiary or other payor is required to repay said notes as soon as
practicable from available cash collections less amounts required to be
established as reserves pursuant to contractual
agreements with entities that are not Affiliates of the Company entered into as part of a Qualified Receivables Transaction, (8) a Restricted Payment permitted by Section 4.04 or Permitted Investment or (9) the sale of Equity Interest in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
"Aurora Acquisition" means the acquisition of Aurora Foods Inc., a Delaware corporation on substantially the terms described in the Offering Memorandum, provided that the consummation of the Aurora Acquisition shall be deemed to be on substantially the terms described in the Offering Memorandum, so long as any changes to such terms, taken as a whole, are not disadvantageous to the Holders of the Securities in any material respect.
"Beneficial Owner" has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular "person" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such "person" shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such "person" has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition. The term "Beneficially Owns" has a corresponding meaning.
"Board of Directors" means (1) with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation, (2) with respect to a partnership or limited liability company, the managing general partner or partners or the managing member or members or any controlling committee of partners or members, as applicable, and (3) with respect to any other Person, any similar governing body.
"Business Day" means each day that is not a Legal Holiday.
"Capital Lease Obligation" means, at the time any determination is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, and the stated maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be prepaid by the lessee without payment of a penalty.
"Capital Stock" means (1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock, (2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock, (3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited) and (4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.
"Cash Equivalents" means (1) United States dollars, (2) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States government (provided that the full faith
and credit of the United States is pledged in support of those securities)
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 or any
political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof
maturing within one year of the date of acquisition and at the time of
acquisition rated "A" or better from either of Moody's or S&P, (4) certificates
of deposit, time deposits and Eurodollar time deposits or bankers acceptances'
with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, and overnight
bank deposits, in each case, with any lender party to the Credit Agreement or
with any commercial bank having, at the time of acquisition, capital and surplus
in excess of $500.0 million, (5) repurchase obligations with a term of not more
than six months for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2),
(3) and (4) above entered into with any financial institution 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 by Moody's or at
least "P-1" or the equivalent by S&P (or carrying an equivalent rating by a
nationally recognized rating agency if both the two named agencies cease
publishing ratings of investments) and in each case maturing within one year
after the date of acquisition and (7) interests in investment companies or money
market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute, at the time of
acquisition, cash and Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (1)
through (6) of this definition.
"CEH" means Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
"Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) (A) any "person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other than one or more Permitted Holders, is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company and (B) the Permitted Holders Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company than such other person and do not have the right or ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company (for the purposes of this clause (1), such other person shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting Stock of an entity held by any other entity (the "parent entity") if such other person is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent entity and the Permitted Holders Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent entity and do not have the right or ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of the Board of Directors of such parent entity);
(2) the direct or indirect sale, 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 properties or assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any "person" (as defined in clause (1) above) other than a Permitted Holder;
(3) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of Holdings or the Company; or
(4) after the first public offering of Capital Stock of either Holdings or the Company, (A) if such public offering is of Holdings' Capital Stock, the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Holdings are not Continuing Directors or (B) if such public offering is of the Company's Capital Stock, the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company are not Continuing Directors.
"Closing Date" means the date of this Indenture.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Commodity Price Protection Agreement" means, with respect to any Person, any forward contract, commodity swap, commodity option or other similar agreement or arrangement relating to, or the value of which is dependent upon or which is designed to protect such Person against, fluctuations in commodity prices.
"Company" means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and, thereafter, means the successor and, for purposes of any provision contained herein and required by the TIA, each other obligor on the indenture securities.
"Consolidated Cash Flow" means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus:
(1) provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(2) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued and whether or not capitalized (including amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations), to the extent that any such expense was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(3) depreciation, amortization (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were
paid in a prior period) and other non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(4) Securitization Fees to the extent deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income for such period; minus
(5) non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than the accrual of revenue in the ordinary course of business, in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that:
(1) the Net Income of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the specified Person or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Person (and if such Net Income is a loss shall be included only to the extent that such loss has been funded with cash by the specified Person or a Restricted Subsidiary of the specified Person);
(2) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions or the making of loans or intercompany advances by that Restricted Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders;
(3) any net gain or loss realized upon the sale or other disposition of any asset of such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries (including pursuant to a Sale/Leaseback Transaction) that is not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business and any net gain or loss realized upon the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interest of any Person shall be excluded;
(4) any extraordinary gain or loss shall be excluded;
(5) any non-cash compensation charges or other non-cash expenses or charges arising from the grant of or issuance or repricing of stock, stock options or other equity-based awards or any amendment, modification, substitution or change of any such stock, stock options or other equity-based awards shall be excluded;
(6) any non-recurring fees, charges or other expenses made or incurred in connection with the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby within 180 days of the Closing Date shall be excluded;
(7) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded; and
(8) any non-cash goodwill impairment charges subsequent to the Closing Date resulting from the application of SFAS No. 142 or 144 shall be excluded.
"Continuing Directors" means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of CEH who was (1) a member of such Board of Directors on the Closing Date, (2) 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 or (3) nominated for election or appointed to such Board of Directors by a Permitted Holder.
"Credit Agreement" means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003 among Holdings, the Company, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, General Electric Capital Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citigroup North America, Inc., Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, JPMorgan Securities Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and the lenders from time to time thereunder, providing for up to $545.0 million of term loans and $130.0 million of revolving credit borrowings, including any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended, modified, supplemented, renewed, refunded, replaced, restructured, restated or refinanced from time to time (including any agreement extending the maturity thereof or increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder or adding Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder) whether with the original agents and lenders or otherwise and whether provided under the original credit agreement or other credit agreements or otherwise.
"Credit Facilities" means one or more debt facilities (including the Credit Agreement) or commercial paper facilities, in each case with banks or other institutional lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, 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, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, renewed, refunded, replaced, restructured or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time (including any agreement extending the maturity thereof or increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder or adding Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder).
"Currency Agreement" means, with respect to any Person, any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreements, futures contract, options contract, synthetic cap or other similar agreement or arrangement to which such Person is a party or of which it is a beneficiary for the purpose of hedging foreign currency risk.
"Default" means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.
"Designated Non-Cash Consideration" means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by the Company or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officers' Certificate setting forth the basis of valuation.
"Designated Senior Debt" means (1) any Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Agreement and (2) any other Senior Debt permitted under this Indenture, the principal amount of which is $25.0 million or more and that has been designated by the Company as "Designated Senior Debt."
"Disqualified Stock" means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable or exercisable, in each case at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock), or upon the happening of any event (other than an event solely within the control of the issuer thereof), matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the Securities mature; provided, however, that any class of Capital Stock that, by its terms, authorizes the issuer thereof to satisfy in full its obligations with respect to payment of dividends or upon maturity, redemption (pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise) or repurchase thereof or otherwise by delivery of Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock, and that is not convertible, puttable or exchangeable for Disqualified Stock or Indebtedness, shall not be deemed Disqualified Stock so long as such issuer satisfies its obligations with respect thereto solely by the delivery of Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders of the Capital Stock have the right to require the Company to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that the Company may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions unless the Company has first complied with the provisions described in Sections 4.06 and 4.08 of this Indenture.
"Domestic Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was formed under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia or that guarantees or otherwise provides direct credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company.
"Equity Interests" means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).
"Equity Offering" means a public or private sale for cash of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock).
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Existing Indebtedness" means the Indebtedness of the Company (other than Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement) in existence on the Closing Date.
"Existing Management Stockholders" means CDM Investor Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and the members thereof on the Closing Date.
"Fixed Charges" means, with respect to any specified Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:
(1) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued, including amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations; plus
(2) the consolidated interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period; plus
(3) any 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, whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon; plus
(4) Securitization Fees; plus
(5) all dividends, whether paid or accrued and whether or not in cash, on any series of Disqualified Stock of such Person or preferred stock of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Note Guarantors, other than dividends on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company.
In addition, for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:
(1) Investments, acquisitions, mergers and consolidations that have been made by the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations and including any related financing transactions, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be given pro forma effect as if they had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such reference period shall be calculated on a pro forma basis in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and may include operating expense reductions (net of continuing associated expenses but
excluding non-recurring associated expenses) for such period resulting
from the acquisition which is being given pro forma effect to that either
(a) would be permitted pursuant to Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X under the
Securities Act or (b) have been realized or for which substantially all
the steps necessary for realization have been taken or at the time of
determination are reasonably expected to be taken within six months
following any such acquisition, including, but not limited to, the
execution or termination of any contracts, the termination of any
personnel or the closing of any facility, as applicable, provided that
such adjustments shall be calculated on an annualized basis and shall be
set forth in an Officers' Certificate signed by the Company's chief
financial officer and another officer which states in detail (i) the
amount of such adjustment or adjustments, (ii) that such adjustment or
adjustments are based on the reasonable good faith beliefs of the officers
executing such Officers' Certificate at the time of such execution and
(iii) that such adjustment or adjustments and the plan or plans related
thereto have been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. Any
such Officers' Certificate shall be provided to the Trustee if the Company
incurs any Indebtedness or takes any other action under this Indenture in
reliance thereon;
(2) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded; and
(3) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date.
In addition, to the extent, if any, not covered by the foregoing, if the transactions have been consummated during the four-quarter period used to determine the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, then the Consolidated Cash Flow for such period shall reflect, to the extent incurred during such period, each item reflected in Adjusted EBITDA (but not in EBITDA) for the period ended July 31, 2003, as set forth in the Offering Memorandum under "PFHC summary and historical pro forma financial data."
If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest, the interest expense on such Indebtedness shall 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 Hedging Obligation applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term as at the date of determination in excess of 12 months).
"Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period. In the event that the specified Person or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, guarantees, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness (other than ordinary working capital borrowings) or issues, repurchases or redeems Disqualified Stock of such Person or preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the "Calculation Date"), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, Guarantee, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of preferred stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter reference period.
"Foreign Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles 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 have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are in effect from time to time.
"Guarantee" means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner including by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness.
"Hedging Obligations" means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such Person under (1) interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements, (2) any Currency Agreement or Commodity Price Protection Agreement and (3) other agreements or arrangements of a similar character designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates.
"Holder" means the Person in whose name a Security is registered on the Registrar's books.
"Holdings" means Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation.
"Indebtedness" means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent:
(1) in respect of borrowed money;
(2) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);
(3) in respect of banker's acceptances;
(4) representing Capital Lease Obligations;
(5) representing the deferred and unpaid balance of the purchase price of any property, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable;
(6) amounts outstanding and other obligations of such Person in respect of a Qualified Receivables Transaction;
(7) representing any Hedging Obligations; or
(8) all Disqualified Stock issued by such Person with the amount of Indebtedness represented by such Disqualified Stock equal to the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price, but excluding accrued dividends, if any,
if and to the extent any of the preceding items (other than amounts in respect of letters of credit, Hedging Obligations, Qualified Receivables Transactions and Disqualified Stock) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the term "Indebtedness" includes (i) all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by the specified Person); provided, however, that the amount of Indebtedness of such Person shall 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; and (ii) to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the specified Person of any indebtedness of any other Person.
The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be:
(1) the accreted value of the Indebtedness, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount; and
(2) the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with any interest on the Indebtedness that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.
In addition, for purposes of determining the outstanding principal amount of any particular Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the covenant described in Section 4.03:
(1) guarantees 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 double-counted;
(2) the principal amount of any preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company shall be the greater of the maximum mandatory redemption or purchase price (not including, in either case, any redemption or purchase premium) or the maximum liquidation preference; and
(3) the principal amount of Indebtedness or of preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company issued at a price less than the principal amount thereof, maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price thereof or liquidation preference thereof, as applicable, shall be equal to the amount of the liability or obligation in respect thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Indenture" means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time.
"Investments" means, with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans (including guarantees or other obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit and advances to customers and payroll, travel and similar advances to officers and employees 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), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Subsidiary of the Company, the Company shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in Section 4.04(c) hereof.
"Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and, except in connection with any Qualified Receivables Transaction, any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction.
"Merger" means the merger to occur on the Closing Date pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
"Merger Agreement" means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 8, 2003, by and among the Company, Holdings, Crunch Acquisition Corp. and HMTF PF, L.L.C.
"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.
"Net Cash Proceeds" with respect to any issuance or sale of Equity Interests, means the cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys' fees,
accountants' fees, underwriters or placement agents' fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees and expenses actually incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a result thereof.
"Net Income" means, with respect to any specified Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock dividends.
"Net Proceeds" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any Designated Non-cash Consideration or other non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of the direct costs, fees and expenses relating to such Asset Sale, including:
(1) legal, accounting and investment banking fees and all other professionals' and advisors' fees;
(2) sales commissions, title and recording expenses and any relocation expenses incurred as a result of the Asset Sale;
(3) taxes paid or payable or required to be accrued as a result of the Asset Sale, in each case, after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements;
(4) amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness (including all interest, premium, penalties, breakage, indemnities and fees in connection therewith), other than Indebtedness under a Credit Facility, secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale;
(5) all distributions and other payments required to be made to minority interest holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Sale; and
(6) any appropriate amounts to be provided by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the property or other assets disposed of in such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after such Asset Sale or as a reserve established in accordance with GAAP, for adjustment in the sales prices of the asset or assets but only for so long as such reserve is required in accordance with GAAP.
"Non-Recourse Debt" means Indebtedness (1) as to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (A) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness), (B) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise or (C) constitutes the lender; (2) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders of the Indebtedness 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 Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment of the Indebtedness to be accelerated or payable prior
to its stated maturity and (3) with respect to which there is no recourse to the stock (other than the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary pledged by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
"Note Guarantee" means each Guarantee of the obligations with respect to the Securities issued by a Person pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
"Note Guarantor" means (1) each of the Company's existing and future Domestic Subsidiaries, (2) any Foreign Subsidiary that in the future guarantees any obligation under the Credit Facilities, (3) any other Subsidiary that executes a guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, and their respective successors and assigns and (4) if Holdings executes a guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, Holdings and its successors and assigns.
"Obligations" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
"Officer" means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Company. "Officer" of a Note Guarantor has a correlative meaning.
"Offering Memorandum" means the offering memorandum dated November 20, 2003, relating to the Original Securities.
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by two Officers.
"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 Company, a Note Guarantor or the Trustee.
"Permitted Business" means any business that derives a majority of its revenues from the businesses engaged in by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of original issuance of the Securities and/or activities that are reasonably similar, ancillary, complementary or related to, or a reasonable extension, development or expansion of, the businesses in which the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are engaged on the date of original issuance of the Securities.
"Permitted Business Unit" means a store, branch, distribution center, region or other similar unit of a Permitted Business or the operations and assets of any of the foregoing.
"Permitted Holder" means JPMorgan Partners, LLC and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. or their Affiliates, the Existing Management Stockholders or their Related Parties or any Person acting in the capacity of underwriter in connection with a public or private offering of the Company's or Holdings' Equity Interests.
"Permitted Investments" means:
(1) any Investment in the Company or in a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(2) any Investment in Cash Equivalents;
(3) any Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a Person, if as a result of such Investment:
(A) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or
(B) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(4) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with Section 4.06 hereof;
(5) any acquisition of assets or Equity Interests solely in exchange for the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company;
(6) any Investments received in compromise of obligations of such persons incurred in the ordinary course of trade creditors or customers that were incurred in the ordinary course of business, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor or customer;
(7) Hedging Obligations;
(8) receivables owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and prepaid expenses if 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 Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances;
(9) advances, loans or extensions of credit to suppliers and vendors in the ordinary course of business;
(10) deposits, bid bonds and performance bonds with governmental authorities made in the ordinary course of business;
(11) Investments existing on the Closing Date and Investments contributed to the common equity capital of the Company subsequent to the Closing Date;
(12) endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents in the ordinary course of business;
(13) Investments of a Person or any of its Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or at the time such Person merges or consolidates with the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in either case in compliance with this Indenture, provided that such Investments were not made by such Person in connection with, or in anticipation or contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or such merger or consolidation;
(14) the acquisition by a Receivables Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction of Equity Interests of a trust or other Person established by such Receivables Subsidiary to effect such Qualified Receivables Transaction, and any other Investment by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a Receivables Subsidiary or any Investment by a Receivables Subsidiary in any other Person in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction; provided that such other Investment is in the form of a note or other instrument that the Receivables Subsidiary or other Person is required to repay as soon as practicable from available cash collections less amounts required to be established as reserves pursuant to contractual agreements with entities that are not Affiliates of the Company entered into as part of a Qualified Receivables Transaction;
(15) other Investments in any Person having an aggregate fair market value (measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (15) since the Closing Date, not to exceed $12.0 million or, if the Aurora Acquisition has been consummated, 2.0% of Total Assets;
(16) repurchases of the Securities as long as the repurchased Securities are cancelled promptly after purchase;
(17) any Investment acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in exchange for any other investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other investment or account receivable;
(18) loans and advances to officers, directors and employees made in the ordinary course of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; and
(19) guarantees issued in accordance with Sections 4.03 and 4.11.
"Permitted Junior Securities" means (1) Equity Interests in the Company or any Guarantor or (2) debt securities that are subordinated to all Senior Debt (and any debt securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt) to substantially the same extent as, or
to a greater extent than, the Securities and the guarantees are subordinated to Senior Debt under this Indenture; provided that the term "Permitted Junior Securities" shall not include any securities distributed pursuant to a plan of reorganization if the Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement is treated as part of the same class as the Securities for purposes of such plan of reorganization.
"Permitted Liens" means:
(1) Liens on assets of the Company or any Note Guarantor securing Senior Debt that was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be incurred;
(2) Liens in favor of the Company or the Note Guarantors;
(3) Liens on property or assets of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged with or into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with the Company or the Subsidiary;
(4) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition of the property by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such acquisition;
(5) Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds, supply bonds, construction bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(6) Liens to secure Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) permitted by Section 4.03(b)(iv) covering only the assets acquired with such Indebtedness;
(7) Liens existing on the Closing Date;
(8) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded, provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as is required in conformity with GAAP has been made therefor;
(9) Liens on assets of a Receivables Subsidiary incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction;
(10) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company with respect to obligations that do not exceed $2.5 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
(11) judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as such Liens are adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings which may
have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired;
(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 Company in excess of those set forth by regulations promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board, and
(B) such deposit account is not intended by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to provide collateral to the depository institution;
(13) Liens securing the Securities and any Guarantees;
(14) any interest or title of a lessor under any Capital Lease Obligation or operating lease;
(15) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers', warehousemen's and mechanics' Liens, in each case for sums not yet due or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;
(16) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, 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 or other restrictions as the use of real properties of Liens incidental to the conduct of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and 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;
(17) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be incurred under Section 4.03; and
(18) 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 Obligations.
"Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund other
Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than intercompany Indebtedness); provided that:
(1) the principal amount (or if issued with original discount, the aggregate issue price) of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded (plus all accrued interest on the Indebtedness and the amount of all expenses, premiums and defeasance costs incurred in connection therewith);
(2) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date no earlier than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded;
(3) if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the Securities or the guarantees, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to, the Securities or the guarantees, as the case may be, on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of Securities as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and
(4) such Indebtedness is incurred either by the Company or by its Restricted Subsidiary who is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or other entity.
"Preferred Stock," as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) that 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 Person, over Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.
"Qualified Receivables Transaction" means any transaction or series of transactions entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries sells, conveys or otherwise transfers to (A) a Receivables Subsidiary (in the case of a transfer by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) and (B) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Receivables Subsidiary), or grants a security interest in, any accounts receivable (whether now existing or arising in the future) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto including all collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such
accounts receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving accounts receivable.
"Receivables Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Company which engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of accounts receivable and which is designated by the Board of Directors of the Company (as provided below) as a Receivables Subsidiary (1) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other Obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which (A) is guaranteed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (excluding guarantees of Obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into in the ordinary course of business in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction), (B) is recourse to or obligates the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any way other than pursuant to customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction or (C) subjects any property or asset of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than accounts receivable and related assets as provided in the definition of "Qualified Receivables Transaction"), directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into in the ordinary course of business in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction, (2) with which neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Company, other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business in connection with servicing accounts receivable and (3) with which neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company has any obligation to maintain or preserve such Subsidiary's financial condition or cause such Subsidiary to achieve certain levels of operating results. Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company giving effect to such designation and an Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions.
"Related Parties" means with respect to a Person (1) that is a natural person (A) any spouse, parent or lineal descendant (including adopted children) of such Person or (B) the estate of such Person during any period in which such estate holds Capital Stock of the Company for the benefit of any person referred to in clause (1)(A) and (2) any trust, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners, owners or Persons beneficially owning an interest of more than 50% of which consist of such Person and/or such other Persons referred to in the immediately preceding clause (a).
"Representative" means the trustee, agent or representative (if any) for an issuer of Senior Debt.
"Restricted Investment" means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
"Restricted Subsidiary" of a Person means any Subsidiary of such Person that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
"Sale/Leaseback Transaction" means an arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary whereby the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person, other than leases between the Company and a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or between Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries.
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities" means the Securities issued under this Indenture.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Securitization Fees" means reasonable distributions, payments or other fees made or paid directly or by means of discounts (i) to a Person that is not a Receivables Subsidiary and (ii) with respect to any participation interest issued or sold in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction.
"Senior Debt" means:
(1) all Indebtedness of the Company or any Note Guarantor outstanding under Credit Facilities (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization of the Company or any Note Guarantor, regardless of whether or not a claim for post-filing interest is allowed in such proceedings);
(2) all Hedging Obligations permitted to be incurred under the terms of this Indenture;
(3) any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Note Guarantor permitted to be incurred under the terms of this Indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the Securities or any guarantee; and
(4) all Obligations with respect to the items listed in the preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding, Senior Debt shall not include:
(1) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by the Company;
(2) any intercompany Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to the Company or any of its Affiliates;
(3) any trade payables; or
(4) the portion of any Indebtedness that is incurred in violation of this Indenture.
"Senior Subordinated Debt" of the Company means the Securities and any other Indebtedness of the Company that specifically provides that such Indebtedness is to rank equally with the Securities in right of payment and is not subordinated by its terms in right of payment to any Indebtedness or other obligation of the Company that is not Senior Debt. "Senior Subordinated Debt" of a Note Guarantor has a correlative meaning.
"Significant Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary that would be a "significant subsidiary" as defined in Article I, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the Closing Date.
"Stated Maturity" means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the original documentation governing such Indebtedness, and will not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any specified Person, (1) any corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total 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 of the corporation, association or other business entity is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof) and (2) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only general partners of which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination thereof).
"Temporary Cash Investments" means any of the following: (1) any investment in direct obligations of the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof or obligations Guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof, (2) investments in checking accounts, savings accounts, time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and money market deposits maturing within 360 days of the date of acquisition thereof issued by a bank or trust company that is organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or any foreign country recognized by the United States of
America having capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating in excess of
$250,000,000 (or the foreign currency equivalent thereof) and whose long-term
debt is rated "A" (or such similar equivalent rating) or higher by at least one
nationally recognized statistical rating organization (as defined in Rule 436
under the Securities Act), (3) repurchase obligations with a term of not more
than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (1)
above entered into with a bank meeting the qualifications described in clause
(2) above, (4) investments in commercial paper, maturing not more than 360 days
after the date of acquisition, issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate
of the Company) organized and in existence under the laws of the United States
of America or any foreign country recognized by the United States of America
with a rating at the time as of which any investment therein is made of "P-1"
(or higher) according to Moody's or "A-1" (or higher) according to "S&P", (5)
investments in securities with maturities of six months or less from the date of
acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory
of the United States of America, or by any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof, and rated at least "A" by S&P or "A" by Moody's and (6)
investments in money market funds that invest substantially all of their assets
in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (5) above.
"TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the Closing Date.
"Total Assets" means the total consolidated assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown on the most recent quarterly balance sheet of the Company and determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that, in the case of any Investment made or Indebtedness incurred in reliance on the provisions based on Total Assets, if such Investment or Indebtedness was permitted when made or incurred, the Company shall not be deemed to have violated such provisions solely due to any subsequent decline in Total Assets.
"Trustee" means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor.
"Trust Officer" means any officer or assistant officer within the Corporate Trust Administration of the Trustee or any other officer performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above-designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of, and familiarity with, the particular subject assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters.
"Uniform Commercial Code" means the New York Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time.
"Unrestricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company that shall be designated by the Board of Directors as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Board Resolution, but only to the extent that such Subsidiary:
(1) has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;
(2) is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Company;
(3) is a Person with respect to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (a) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve such Person's financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results;
(4) has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; and
(5) either (a) has at least one director on its Board of Directors that is not a director or executive officer of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (b) has at least one executive officer that is not a director or executive officer of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary
shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of
the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers'
Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the preceding
conditions and was permitted by Section 4.04. If, at any time, any Unrestricted
Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding 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 by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as of such date
and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date under
Section 4.03, the Company shall be in default of such covenant. The Board of
Directors of the Company may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary
to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such designation shall be deemed to
be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of
any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such
designation shall only be permitted if (1) such Indebtedness is permitted under
Section 4.03, calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had
occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter reference period, and (2) no
Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation.
"U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of the United States of America (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged and which are not callable or redeemable at the issuer's option.
"Voting Stock" of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time, entitled generally to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency).
"Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:
(1) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect of the Indebtedness, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment;
by:
(2) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
"Wholly Owned Subsidiary" of any Person means a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors' qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person.
SECTION 1.02. Other Definitions.
Defined in Term Section -------------------------------------------------- ----------- "Affiliate Transaction"........................... 4.07(a) "Appendix"........................................ Preamble "Asset Sale Offer"................................ 4.06(d) "Bankruptcy Law".................................. 6.01 "Change of Control Offer"......................... 4.08(b) "Change of Control Payment"....................... 4.08(a) "Covenant Defeasance"............................. 8.01(b) "Custodian"....................................... 6.01 "Definitive Securities"........................... Appendix A "Event of Default"................................ 6.01 "Excess Proceeds"................................. 4.06(d) "Exchange Securities"............................. Preamble "Global Securities"............................... Appendix A "Guarantee Blockage Notice"....................... 12.03(b) "Guaranteed Obligations".......................... 11.01(a) "incorporated provision".......................... 13.01 "incur"........................................... 4.03(a) "Initial Securities".............................. Preamble |
Defined in Term Section -------------------------------------------------- -------------- "Issue Date"...................................... Appendix A "Legal Defeasance"................................ 8.01(b) "Legal Holiday"................................... 13.08 "Notice of Default"............................... 6.01 "Offer Amount".................................... 4.06(e)(ii) "Offer Period".................................... 4.06(e)(ii) "Original Securities"............................. Preamble "pay its Note Guarantee".......................... 12.03 "pay the Securities".............................. 10.03(a) "Paying Agent".................................... 2.04(a) "Payment Blockage Notice"......................... 10.03(a)(ii) "Payment Default"................................. 6.01(f)(i) "Permitted Debt".................................. 4.03(b) "protected purchaser"............................. 2.08 "Purchase Agreement".............................. Appendix A "Purchase Date"................................... 4.06(e) "Registered Exchange Offer"....................... Appendix A "Registrar"....................................... 2.04(a) "Registration Agreement".......................... Appendix A "Restricted Payments"............................. 4.04(a)(iv) "Securities"...................................... Preamble "Securities Custodian"............................ Appendix A "Successor Company"............................... 5.01(a)(iv)(A) "Transfer-Restricted Security".................... Appendix A |
SECTION 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. This Indenture is subject to the mandatory provisions of the TIA, which are incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following TIA terms have the following meanings:
"Commission" means the SEC.
"indenture securities" means the Securities and the Guarantees.
"indenture security holder" means a Holder.
"indenture to be qualified" means this Indenture.
"indenture trustee" or "institutional trustee" means the Trustee.
"obligor" on the indenture securities means the Company, the Note Guarantors and any other obligor on the indenture securities.
All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule have the meanings assigned to them by such definitions.
SECTION 1.04. Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
(b) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;
(c) "or" is not exclusive;
(d) the words "including," "includes" and similar words shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation";
(e) words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;
(f) unsecured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinate or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely by virtue of its nature as unsecured Indebtedness;
(g) the principal amount of any non-interest-bearing or other discount security at any date shall be the principal amount thereof that would be shown on a balance sheet of the issuer dated such date prepared in accordance with GAAP; and
(h) the principal amount of any Preferred Stock shall be (i) the maximum liquidation value of such Preferred Stock or (ii) the maximum mandatory redemption or mandatory repurchase price (not including, in either case, any redemption or repurchase premium) with respect to such Preferred Stock, whichever is greater.
ARTICLE II
The Securities
SECTION 2.01. Amount of Securities; Issuable in Series. The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series. All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination.
With respect to any Additional Securities issued after the Closing
Date (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of
transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities pursuant to
Section 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 2.10 or 3.06 or the Appendix), there shall be (a)
established in or pursuant to a resolution of the
Board of Directors of the Company and (b)(i) set forth or determined in the manner provided in an Officers' Certificate prior to the issuance of such Additional Securities or (ii) established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of such Additional Securities:
(1) whether such Additional Securities shall be issued as part of a new or existing series of Securities and the title of such Additional Securities (which shall distinguish the Additional Securities of the series from Securities of any other series);
(2) the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, which may be in an unlimited aggregate principal amount;
(3) the issue price and issuance date of such Additional Securities, including the date from which interest on such Additional Securities shall accrue; provided, however, that Additional Securities may be issued only if they are fungible with the other Securities issued under this Indenture for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
(4) if applicable, that such Additional Securities shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such case, the respective depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by such Global Securities in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Exhibit A hereto and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Section 2.3 of the Appendix in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Additional Securities registered, or any transfer of such Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof; and
(5) if applicable, that such Additional Securities shall not be issued in the form of Original Securities as set forth in Exhibit A, but shall be issued in the form of Exchange Securities as set forth in Exhibit B.
If any of the terms of any Additional Securities are established by action taken pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers' Certificate or the indenture supplemental hereto setting forth the terms of the Additional Securities.
SECTION 2.02. Form and Dating. Provisions relating to the Original Securities, the Additional Securities and the Exchange Securities are set forth in the Appendix, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. The (a) Original Securities and the Trustee's certificate of authentication and (b) Additional Securities (if issued as Transfer-Restricted Securities), if any, 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
Exchange Securities and the Additional Securities issued other than as Transfer-Restricted Securities, if any, and the Trustee's certificate of authentication shall each be substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. The Securities may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule, agreements to which the Company or any Note Guarantor is subject, if any, or usage (provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Company and is furnished to the Trustee in writing). Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Securities shall be issuable only in registered form without interest coupons and only in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
The Initial Securities and the Exchange Securities shall vote and consent together on all matters (as to which any of the Securities may vote or consent) as one class and shall be treated as a single class of Securities issued under this Indenture.
SECTION 2.03. Execution and Authentication. One Officer shall sign the Securities for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Security, the Security shall be valid nevertheless.
A Security shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Security. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture.
The Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery Securities as set forth in the Appendix.
The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to, and at the expense of, the Company to authenticate the Securities. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by an instrument signed by a Trust Officer, a copy of which shall be furnished to the Company. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate Securities 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 any Registrar, Paying Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.
SECTION 2.04. Registrar and Paying Agent. (a) The Company shall maintain an office or agency where Securities may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the "Registrar") and an office or agency where Securities may be presented for payment (the "Paying Agent"). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Securities and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may have one or more additional Paying Agents. The term "Paying Agent" includes any additional Paying Agent. The Company initially appoints the Trustee as (i) Registrar and Paying Agent in connection with the Securities and (ii) the Securities Custodian with respect to the Global Securities.
(b) The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture, which shall incorporate the terms of the TIA. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent. If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 7.07. The Company or any of its domestically organized Wholly Owned Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.
(c) The Company may remove any Registrar or Paying Agent upon written notice to such Registrar or Paying Agent and to the Trustee; provided, however, that no such removal shall become effective until (i) acceptance of an appointment by a successor as evidenced by an appropriate agreement entered into by the Company and such successor Registrar or Paying Agent, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee or (ii) notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall serve as Registrar or Paying Agent until the appointment of a successor in accordance with clause (i) above. The Registrar or any Paying Agent may resign at any time upon written notice to the Company and the Trustee.
SECTION 2.05. Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust. Prior to each due date of the principal of and interest, including additional interest, if any, on any Security, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or if the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary is acting as Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto) a sum sufficient to pay such principal, interest, including additional interest and premium, if any, when so becoming due. The Company shall require each Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of and interest and premium, including additional interest, if any, on the Securities, and shall notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment. If the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate trust fund. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed by the Paying Agent. Upon complying with this Section 2.05, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee.
SECTION 2.06. 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 Holders. If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish, or cause the Registrar to furnish, to the Trustee, in writing at least five 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 Holders.
SECTION 2.07. Transfer and Exchange. The Securities shall be issued in registered form and shall be transferable only upon the surrender of a Security for registration of transfer and in compliance with the Appendix. When a Security is
presented to the Registrar with a request to register a transfer, the Registrar shall register the transfer as requested if its requirements therefor are met. When Securities are presented to the Registrar with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Securities of other denominations, the Registrar shall make the exchange as requested. Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company, the Trustee and the Registrar and duly executed by the Holder thereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing. To permit registration of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Securities at the Registrar's request. The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to pay all taxes, assessments or other governmental charges in connection with any transfer or exchange pursuant to this Section 2.07. The Company shall not be required to make and the Registrar need not register transfers or exchanges of Securities selected for redemption (except, in the case of Securities to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed) or any Securities for a period of 15 days before a selection of Securities to be redeemed or between a record date and the next succeeding interest payment date.
Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Security, the Company, the Note Guarantors, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name a Security is registered as the absolute owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and (subject to paragraph 2 of the Securities) interest, if any, and premium and additional interest, if any, on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security is overdue, and none of the Company, any Note Guarantor, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
Any Holder of a Global Security shall, by acceptance of such Global Security, agree that transfers of beneficial interest in such Global Security may be effected only through a book-entry system maintained by (a) the Holder of such Global Security (or its agent) or (b) any Holder of a beneficial interest in such Global Security, and that ownership of a beneficial interest in such Global Security shall be required to be reflected in a book entry.
All Securities 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 Securities surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
SECTION 2.08. Replacement Securities. If a mutilated Security is
surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder of a Security claims that the
Security has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Company shall issue
and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Security if the requirements of
Section 8-405 of the Uniform Commercial Code are met, such that the Holder (a)
notifies the Company or the Trustee in writing within a reasonable time after
such Holder has notice of such loss, destruction or wrongful taking and the
Registrar does not register a transfer prior to receiving such notification and
(b) makes such request to the Company or the Trustee prior to the Security being
acquired by a protected purchaser as defined in Section 8-303 of the
Uniform Commercial Code (a "protected purchaser"). Such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond or other security as may be required by the Company and the Trustee to protect the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Security is replaced. The Company and the Trustee may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Security (including the reasonable fees and expenses of their counsel). In the event any such mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may pay such Security instead of issuing a new Security in replacement thereof.
Every replacement Security is an additional obligation of the Company.
The provisions of this Section 2.08 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Securities.
SECTION 2.09. Outstanding Securities. Securities outstanding at any time are all Securities authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancelation and those described in this Section 2.09 as not outstanding. Subject to Section 13.06, a Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Security.
If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Company receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Security is held by a protected purchaser.
If the Paying Agent segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, on a redemption date or maturity date money sufficient to pay all principal, interest, including additional interest and premium, if any, payable on that date with respect to the Securities (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, then on and after that date such Securities (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.
SECTION 2.10. Temporary Securities. In the event that Definitive Securities are to be issued under the terms of this Indenture, until such Definitive Securities are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Securities. Temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form of Definitive Securities but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate Definitive Securities and deliver them in exchange for temporary Securities upon surrender of such temporary Securities at the office or agency of the Company, without charge to the Holder.
SECTION 2.11. Cancelation. The Company at any time may deliver Securities to the Trustee for cancelation. The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Securities surrendered
for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancelation and shall dispose of canceled Securities in accordance with its customary procedures or deliver canceled Securities to the Company pursuant to written direction by an Officer. The Company may not issue new Securities to replace Securities it has redeemed, paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancelation. The Trustee shall not authenticate Securities in place of canceled Securities other than pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
SECTION 2.12. Defaulted Interest. If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Securities, the Company shall pay the defaulted interest (plus interest on such defaulted interest to the extent lawful) in any lawful manner. The Company may pay the defaulted interest to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date. The Company shall fix or cause to be fixed any such special record date and payment date and shall promptly mail or cause to be mailed to each Holder a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest to be paid.
SECTION 2.13. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers. The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" and "ISIN" numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use "CUSIP" and "ISIN" numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided, however, that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the CUSIP number.
ARTICLE III
Redemption
SECTION 3.01. Notices to Trustee. If the Company elects to redeem Securities pursuant to paragraph 5 of the Securities, it shall notify the Trustee in writing of the redemption date and the principal amount of Securities to be redeemed.
The Company shall give each notice to the Trustee provided for in this Section 3.01 at least 45 days before the redemption date unless the Trustee consents to a shorter period. Such notice shall be accompanied by an Officers' Certificate from the Company to the effect that such redemption will comply with the conditions herein. Any such notice may be canceled at any time prior to notice of such redemption being mailed to any Holder and shall thereby be void and of no effect.
SECTION 3.02. Selection of Securities To Be Redeemed. If fewer than all the Securities are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select the Securities (or portions thereof) for redemption as follows: (a) if the Securities are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Securities are listed or (b) if the Securities are not listed on any national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the
Trustee deems fair and appropriate. The Trustee shall make the selection from outstanding Securities not previously called for redemption. The Trustee may select for redemption portions of the principal of Securities that have denominations larger than $1,000. Securities and portions of them the Trustee selects shall be in amounts of $1,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000. Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities called for redemption. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of the method it has chosen for the selection of Securities or portions of Securities to be called for redemption.
SECTION 3.03. Notice of Redemption. (a) At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a date for redemption of Securities, the Company shall mail a notice of redemption by first-class mail to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed at such Holder's registered address.
The notice shall identify the Securities to be redeemed and shall state:
(i) the redemption date;
(ii) the redemption price (including any premium) and the amount of accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, to the redemption date;
(iii) the name and address of the Paying Agent;
(iv) that Securities called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;
(v) if fewer than all the outstanding Securities are to be redeemed, the certificate numbers and principal amounts of the particular Securities to be redeemed;
(vi) that, unless the Company 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 Securities (or portion thereof) called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;
(vii) the CUSIP or ISIN number, if any, printed on the Securities being redeemed; and
(viii) 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 Securities.
(b) At the Company's request, the Trustee shall give the notice of
redemption in the Company's name and at the Company's expense. In such event,
the Company shall provide the Trustee with the information required by this
Section 3.03 in the Officers' delivered pursuant to Section 3.01.
SECTION 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption. Once notice of redemption is mailed, Securities called for redemption become due and payable on the redemption date and at the redemption price stated in the notice. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Securities shall be paid at the redemption price stated in the notice, plus accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, to the redemption date; provided, however, that if the redemption date is after a regular record date and on or prior to the interest payment date, the accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, shall be payable to the Holder of the redeemed Securities registered on the relevant record date. Failure to give notice or any defect in the notice to any Holder shall not affect the validity of the notice to any other Holder.
SECTION 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price. Prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the redemption date, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or, if the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary is the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust) money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, on all Securities or portions thereof to be redeemed on that date other than Securities or portions of Securities called for redemption that have been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancelation. Concurrently with such deposit, the Company shall deliver an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the redemption complies with the conditions contained in this Indenture. On and after the redemption date, interest, including additional interest, if any, shall cease to accrue on Securities or portions thereof called for redemption so long as the Company has deposited with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the principal of, plus accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, on, the Securities to be redeemed, unless the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
SECTION 3.06. Securities Redeemed in Part. Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder (at the Company's expense) a new Security equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Security surrendered.
ARTICLE IV
Covenants
SECTION 4.01. Payment of Securities. The Company shall promptly pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, including additional interest, if any, on the Securities on the dates and in the manner provided in the Securities and in this Indenture. Principal, interest and premium and additional interest, if any, shall be considered paid on the date due if on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds in accordance with this Indenture money sufficient to pay all principal and interest then due and the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified therefor in the Securities, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.
SECTION 4.02. Reports. (a) Whether or not required by the SEC, so long as any Original Securities are outstanding, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee and Holders, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and regulations, (i) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company were required to file such forms, including a "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and, with respect to the annual information only, a report on the annual financial statements by the Company's certified independent accountants and (ii) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such reports. In addition, if at any time Holdings becomes a Note Guarantor of the Securities and complies with the requirements of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC (or any successor provision), the reports, information and other documents required to be filed and furnished to Holders pursuant to this Section 4.02 may, at the option of the Company, be filed by and be those of Holdings rather than the Company until such time as Holdings ceases to be a Guarantor.
Following the consummation of the exchange offer contemplated by the
Registration Agreement, the Company shall, whether or not required by the SEC,
file a copy of all of the information and reports referred to in clauses (i) and
(ii) above with the SEC for public availability within the time periods
specified in the SEC's rules and regulations (unless the SEC will not accept
such a filing) and make such information available to securities analysts and
prospective investors upon request.
(b) The Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall, for so long as any Original Securities remain outstanding, furnish to the Trustee, Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
(c) The Company shall comply with the other provisions of Section 314(a) of the TIA.
SECTION 4.03. Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock. (a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively, "incur") any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Note Guarantors to issue any shares of preferred stock; provided, however, that the Company or any Note Guarantor may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and any Restricted Subsidiary may issue preferred stock and incur Acquired Debt, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company's most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which consolidated financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such preferred stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to
1, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred or the preferred stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 4.03(a), the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries may incur the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, "Permitted Debt"):
(i) the incurrence by the Company or any Note Guarantor of
Indebtedness and letters of credit under Credit Facilities, in an
aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding under this clause
(i) (with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal amount equal
to the face amount thereof) not to exceed (x) $185.0 million or (y) if the
Aurora Acquisition has been consummated, $700.0 million less, in the case
of clauses (x) and (y),
(A) the aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the Closing Date to repay term Indebtedness under a Credit Facility or to repay revolving credit Indebtedness and effect a corresponding commitment reduction thereunder, in each case, pursuant to Section 4.06 and less
(B) the amount of Indebtedness incurred and outstanding in
connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction pursuant to
Section 4.03(b)(xiii);
(ii) the incurrence by the Company of Existing Indebtedness;
(iii) the incurrence by the Company of Indebtedness represented by the Securities to be issued on the Closing Date and the Exchange Securities to be issued pursuant to this Indenture and the Registration Agreement and the incurrence by any Note Guarantor of Indebtedness represented by any Guarantee related to the Securities or the Exchange Securities;
(iv) the incurrence by the Company or any Note Guarantor of Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings or purchase money obligations (including borrowings under a Credit Facility) or Acquired Debt, in each case, incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction, development, maintenance, upgrade or improvement of property, plant, equipment or assets (in each case whether through the direct purchase of assets or through the purchase of Capital Stock of the Person owning such assets) used in the business of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, in an aggregate principal amount, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refund, refinance or replace any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (iv), not to exceed, at any time outstanding, the greater of (x) $15.0 million and (y) 2.0% of Total Assets;
(v) the incurrence by the Company or any Note Guarantor of Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are
used to refund, refinance or replace Indebtedness (other than intercompany
Indebtedness) that was permitted by Section 4.03(a) or clause (ii), (iii),
(iv), (v) or (xv) of this Section 4.03(b);
(vi) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary); provided, however, that:
(A) if the Company or any Note Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness must be expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Securities, in the case of the Company, or the guarantee, in the case of a Note Guarantor; and
(B) (i) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and (ii) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is not either the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this clause (vi);
(vii) shares of preferred stock of a non-Note Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent transfer of any Equity Interests or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of preferred stock (except to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an issuance of preferred stock;
(viii) the incurrence by the Company or any Note Guarantor of Hedging Obligations in the ordinary course of business or as may be required in connection with any Senior Debt and not for speculative purposes;
(ix) the guarantee by the Company or any Note Guarantor of Indebtedness of the Company or a Note Guarantor that was permitted to be incurred by another provision of this Section 4.03;
(x) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of workers' compensation claims, self-insurance obligations, indemnities, performance bonds, bankers' acceptances, letters of credit and surety, appeal or similar bonds provided by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in
the ordinary course of business and, in any such case, any reimbursement obligations in connection therewith;
(xi) Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent the net proceeds thereof are promptly deposited to defease all outstanding Securities in full as described in Sections 8.01 and 8.02;
(xii) contingent liabilities arising out of endorsements of checks and other negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or overdraft protection in the ordinary course of business;
(xiii) the incurrence by a Receivables Subsidiary of Indebtedness in a Qualified Receivables Transaction; provided that such Indebtedness is non-recourse to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent of customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction);
(xiv) obligations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries arising from agreements of the Company 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 a Subsidiary of the Company in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, other than Guarantees by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of financing such acquisition; provided, however, that the maximum aggregate liability in respect of all such obligations shall not exceed the gross proceeds, including the fair market value as determined in good faith by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company of non-cash proceeds (the fair market value of such non-cash proceeds being measured at the time it is received and without giving effect to any subsequent changes in value), actually received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition;
(xv) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of additional Indebtedness, the issuance by the Company of Disqualified Stock or the issuance by a Restricted Subsidiary of preferred stock in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference at any time outstanding, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refund, refinance or replace any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock incurred pursuant to this clause (xv), not to exceed $15.0 million or, if the Aurora Acquisition has been consummated, $30.0 million; and
(xvi) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries not to exceed $5.0 million or, if the Aurora Acquisition has been consummated, $10.0 million.
(c) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.03, in the event that an item of proposed Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the
categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (i) through (xvi) above, or is
entitled to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(a) hereof, the Company will be
permitted to classify such item of Indebtedness on the date of its incurrence,
or later reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness, in any manner
that complies with this Section 4.03. Indebtedness under Credit Facilities
outstanding on the date on which Securities are first issued and authenticated
under this Indenture shall initially be deemed to have been incurred pursuant to
clause (i) of the definition of Permitted Debt. Indebtedness permitted by this
Section 4.03 need not be permitted 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 Section 4.03 permitting such Indebtedness.
(d) The accrual of interest, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest and dividends on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the payment or accrual of dividends on Disqualified Stock or preferred stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock or preferred stock shall not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock or preferred stock for purposes of this Section 4.03.
SECTION 4.04. Limitation on Restricted Payments. (a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:
(i) declare or pay any dividend on, or make any other payment or distribution on account of, the Company's or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries' Equity Interests (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) to the direct or indirect holders of the Company's or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries' Equity Interests in their capacity as such (in each case, other than dividends or distributions payable (a) in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or (b) to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary (and, if such Restricted Subsidiary has shareholders other than the Company or other Restricted Subsidiaries, to its other shareholders on a pro rata basis);
(ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company held by Persons other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(iii) make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness that is subordinated to the Securities or the Guarantees, except a payment of interest or principal at the Stated Maturity thereof (other than:
(A) the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of any such subordinated Indebtedness 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 acquisition, and
(B) intercompany Indebtedness described in Section 4.03(b)(vi)); or
(iv) make any Restricted Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in these clauses (i) through (iv) being collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments"),
unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:
(A) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a consequence of such Restricted Payment;
(B) the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.03(a); and
(C) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of
all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries after the Closing Date (excluding Restricted Payments
permitted by clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), (vi), (vii), (ix), (x) and (xi) of
Section 4.04(b)), is less than the sum, without duplication, of:
(1) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one accounting period) from November 1, 2003 to the end of the Company's most recently ended fiscal quarter for which consolidated financial statements of the Company are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of such deficit), plus
(2) 100% of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds and the fair
market value of any property (other than cash) used or useful in a
Permitted Business, in each case received by the Company subsequent
to the Closing Date (i) as a contribution to its common equity
capital or (ii) from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the
Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or (iii) as a result of the
issue or sale after the Closing Date of convertible or exchangeable
Disqualified Stock or convertible or exchangeable debt securities of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that have
been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests (other
than Equity Interests (or Disqualified Stock or debt securities)
sold to a Subsidiary of the Company), except any Net Cash Proceeds
that have been utilized for any other purpose under this Section
4.04 (other than pursuant to clause (xii) below), plus
(3) 100% of the fair market value of any Permitted Business (including Capital Stock of a Permitted Business that is or becomes a Restricted Subsidiary) received by the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company as consideration for the issuance by the Company subsequent to the Closing Date of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or as a contribution to the common equity capital of the Company, plus
(4) to the extent that the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company receives cash in respect of any Restricted Investment that was made subsequent to the Closing Date, the lesser of (i) the amount of cash received with respect to such Restricted Investment (less the cost of disposition, if any) and (ii) the initial amount of such Restricted Investment, plus
(5) to the extent that, after the Closing Date, any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company is redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary or has been merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, the lesser of (x) the fair market value of the Company's Investment in such Subsidiary as of the date of such redesignation and (y) such fair market value as of the date on which such Subsidiary was originally designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, plus
(6) 100% of any dividends, interest on Indebtedness, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Closing Date from an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company, the Investment in which Unrestricted Subsidiary was made solely based on clause (15) of the definition of "Permitted Investments," to the extent that such dividends, payments, repayments or transfers were not otherwise included in the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such period.
(b) The provisions of Section 4.04(a) shall not prohibit:
(i) the payment of any dividend or other distribution within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration the dividend payment or other distribution would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;
(ii) the making of any Restricted Payment with the Net Cash Proceeds
of a substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company) of Equity Interests of the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock) or contribution to the common equity capital of the
Company to the extent not previously utilized for any other purpose under
this Section 4.04; provided, however, that the Net Cash Proceeds from such
sale or capital contribution applied in the manner set forth in this
clause (ii) shall be excluded from the calculation of amounts under
Section 4.04 (a)(iii)(B) above;
(iii) the redemption, repurchase, defeasance or other acquisition of subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
the
Company, in exchange for, or with the net cash proceeds from a substantially concurrent issuance or sale of, Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;
(iv) the payment of any dividend by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis;
(v) the payment of dividends, other distributions or amounts to Holdings in amounts equal to the amounts expended by Holdings or CEH to purchase, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire for value Equity Interests of Holdings owned by employees, former employees, directors, former directors, consultants or former consultants of Holdings, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or permitted transferees, assigns, estates or heirs of such employees, former employees, directors, former directors, consultants or former consultants); provided, however, that the aggregate amount paid, loaned or advanced to Holdings pursuant to this clause (v) shall not, in the aggregate, exceed $5.0 million per fiscal year of the Company (with amounts not used in any fiscal year carried forward to the next two fiscal years and no further), plus the net proceeds of any key-person life insurance received by the Company after the Closing Date, plus amounts contributed by Holdings to the common equity capital of the Company after the closing date as a result of the sale of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) to employees, officers, directors and consultants to the extent not previously utilized for any other purpose under this Section 4.04;
(vi) the payment of any dividends, distributions or other advances by the Company to Holdings to permit Holdings and CEH to pay franchise taxes and other fees and expenses required to maintain its existence and to provide for all other actual operating costs of Holdings and CEH, including in respect of director fees and expenses, administrative, legal and accounting services, of up to $1.5 million per fiscal year;
(vii) the repurchase of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options, warrants or other convertible securities to the extent the shares of such Capital Stock represent a portion of the exercise price of such options, warrants or convertible securities;
(viii) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or preferred stock of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 4.03;
(ix) any payments made, or the performance of any of the transactions contemplated, in connection with the Merger and the financing thereof and described in the Offering Memorandum under the headings "Management" and "Certain relationships and related transactions";
(x) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, any redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition for value of Disqualified Stock of the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary made by exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Disqualified Stock of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be; provided that such new Disqualified Stock is issued pursuant to Section 4.03;
(xi) payments, whether in the form of cash dividends or other distributions on the Company's Capital Stock or otherwise, used to fund the payment of fees and expenses owed by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries to Affiliates to the extent (A) permitted by Section 4.07 and (B) not covered in the last paragraph of this Section 4.04;
(xii) any purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of subordinated Indebtedness upon a Change of Control or an Asset Sale to the extent required by the indentures or other agreements pursuant to which such subordinated Indebtedness was issued, but only if the Company (A) in the case of a Change of Control, has made an offer to repurchase the Securities pursuant to Section 4.08 hereof or (B) in the case of an Asset Sale, has applied the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale pursuant to Section 4.06 hereof;
(xiii) payments pursuant to any tax allocation agreement contemplated by Section 4.07(b)(vi);
(xiv) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, the payment of dividends on the Company's common stock (or dividends, distributions or advances to Holdings or any other direct or indirect parent of the Company to allow Holdings or such other direct or indirect parent to pay dividends on its common stock), following the first public offering of the Company's common stock (or of Holdings' or such other direct or indirect parent's common stock, as the case may be) after the Closing Date, of, whichever is earlier, (A) in the case of the first public offering of the Company's common stock, up to 6% per annum of the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company in such public offering or (B) in the case of the first public offering of Holdings' or such other direct or indirect parent's common stock, up to 6% per annum of the amount contributed by Holdings (or contributed directly or indirectly by such other direct or indirect parent, as the case may be) to the Company from the Net Cash Proceeds received by Holdings or such other direct or indirect parent in such public offering; or
(xv) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $12.0 million or, if the Aurora Acquisition has been consummated, $25.0 million, in each case since the Closing Date.
(c) The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair market value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any assets or
securities that are required to be valued by this Section 4.04 shall be determined by the Company's Board of Directors, whose determination with respect thereto shall be conclusive, and evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company to be delivered to the Trustee. For the avoidance of doubt, the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Credit Agreement, the Purchase Agreement, the Registration Agreement and the members' agreement and the management and fee agreements described in the Offering Memorandum are addressed in Section 4.07 and shall not be considered to be Restricted Payments.
SECTION 4.05. Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries. (a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
(i) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or pay any indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(ii) make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or
(iii) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
(b) The preceding restrictions shall not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:
(i) agreements governing Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the Closing Date and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, extensions, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of any of the foregoing, provided that the amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, extensions, supplements, refundings, replacement or refinancings of such instrument are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in such agreement on the Closing Date;
(ii) Credit Facilities;
(iii) this Indenture, the Securities and the Guarantees;
(iv) applicable law or any applicable rule or regulation;
(v) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness or Capital Stock was incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which
encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired, provided that, in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be incurred;
(vi) customary non-assignment provisions in leases, licenses or similar contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business or that restrict the subletting, assignment or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license or similar contract;
(vii) restrictions encumbering property at the time such property was acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, so long as such encumbrance or restriction relates solely to the property so acquired;
(viii) any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Restricted Subsidiary or the assets of a Restricted Subsidiary pending the sale or other disposition of such assets or Restricted Subsidiary;
(ix) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, provided that the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced;
(x) Liens securing Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to Sections 4.13 and 4.03 that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of or transfer the assets subject to such Liens;
(xi) any transfer of, agreement to transfer, or option or right with respect to, any property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture;
(xii) provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of assets or property and other customary provisions in joint venture agreements, asset sale agreements, stock sale agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(xiii) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(xiv) Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(iv) for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that only imposes encumbrances or restrictions on the property so acquired;
(xv) net worth provisions in leases and other agreements entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;
(xvi) Indebtedness or other contractual requirements of a Receivables Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction, provided that such restrictions apply only to such Receivables Subsidiary; and
(xvii) agreements governing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.03, provided that the provisions relating to such encumbrance or restriction contained in such Indebtedness, taken as a whole, are not materially more restrictive to the Company, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in their reasonable and good faith judgment, than the provisions contained in the Credit Agreement or this Indenture as in effect on the Closing Date.
SECTION 4.06. Limitation on Asset Sales. (a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:
(i) the Company (or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration (including by way of relief from, or by any other person assuming sole responsibility for, any liabilities, contingent or otherwise) at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and
(ii) at least 75% of the consideration received in such Asset Sale by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of (A) cash or Cash Equivalents, (B) all or substantially all of the assets of one or more Permitted Business Units, (C) Capital Stock in one or more Persons engaged in a Permitted Business that are or thereby become Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company or (D) any combination of the items referred to in clauses (A) through (C) above.
(b) For purposes of Section 4.06(a), each of the following is deemed to be cash:
(i) any liabilities, as shown on the Company's or such Restricted Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet, of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Securities or any guarantee) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets;
(ii) any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash within 90 days after such Asset Sale, to the extent of the cash received in that conversion; and
(iii) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Asset Sale having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (iii) that is at the time outstanding, not to exceed $5.0 million (with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-cash
Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value).
(c) Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an
Asset Sale, the Company (or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) may,
at its option, apply such Net Proceeds (i) to repay Senior Debt and, if the
Senior Debt repaid is revolving credit Indebtedness, to correspondingly reduce
commitments with respect thereto, (ii) to repay Indebtedness of a Restricted
Subsidiary that is not a Note Guarantor (other than Indebtedness owed to the
Company or an Affiliate of the Company or pari passu Indebtedness), (iii) to
acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or a majority of the Voting
Stock of, another Permitted Business, (iv) to acquire all or substantially all
of the assets of one or more Permitted Business Units or (v) to acquire other
long-term assets that are used or useful in a Permitted Business (it being
understood that (1) the Company may apply Net Proceeds received by any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries in any of the foregoing manners and any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company may apply Net Proceeds received by the Company or
another Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any of the foregoing manners and
(2) pending the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary may temporarily reduce revolving credit borrowings or
otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by this
Indenture).
(d) If the aggregate amount of any Net Proceeds not applied or invested as provided in Section 4.06(a)(ii)(A) (the "Excess Proceeds") exceeds $15.0 million, the Company shall, on the 366th day after an Asset Sale, make an Asset Sale to all Holders and all holders of any other Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Securities containing provisions similar to those set forth in this Indenture with respect to offers to purchase or redeem such Indebtedness with the proceeds of sales of assets to purchase the maximum principal amount of Securities and such other pari passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds (an "Asset Sale Offer"). The Company shall be required to complete the Asset Sale Offer no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days after notice of the Asset Sale Offer is provided to the Holders, or such later date as may be required under applicable law. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer shall be equal to 100% of principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the date of purchase, and shall be payable in cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company may use those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.
(e) (i) Promptly, and in any event within 10 days after the Company becomes obligated to make an Asset Sale Offer, the Company shall be obligated to deliver to the Trustee and send, by first-class mail to each Holder, a written notice stating that the Holder may elect to have his Securities purchased by the Company either in whole or in part (subject to proration as hereinafter described in the event the Asset Sale Offer is oversubscribed), in integral multiples of $1,000 of principal amount, at the applicable purchase price. The notice shall specify a purchase date not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days after the date of such notice (the "Purchase Date") and shall
contain such information concerning the business of the Company which the Company in good faith believes will enable such Holders to make an informed decision (which at a minimum shall include (in the case of clauses (A) and (B) only, if not otherwise publicly available) (A) all annual and subsequent quarterly financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-K and 10-Q if the Company were required to file such forms, including a "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and, with respect to the annual information only, a report on the annual financial statements by the Company's certified independent accountants, (B) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K subsequent to the most recent filing of such forms that clause (A) describes if the Company were required to file such reports, other than current reports describing Asset Sales otherwise described in the offering materials (or corresponding successor reports), (C) a description of material developments in the Company's business subsequent to the date of the latest of such reports and (D) if material, appropriate pro forma financial information) and all instructions and materials necessary to tender Securities pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, together with the address referred to in clause (e) (iii).
(ii) Not later than the date upon which written notice of an Asset Sale Offer is delivered to the Trustee as provided above, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate as to (A) the amount of the Asset Sale Offer (the "Offer Amount"), (B) the allocation of the Net Proceeds from the Asset Sales pursuant to which such Asset Sale Offer is being made and (C) the compliance of such allocation with the provisions of Sections 4.06(a) and (c). On such date, the Company shall also irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust) an amount equal to the Offer Amount to be invested in Temporary Cash Investments and to be held for payment in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.06. Upon the expiration of the period for which the Asset Sale Offer remains open (the "Offer Period"), the Company shall deliver to the Trustee for cancelation the Securities or portions thereof that have been properly tendered to and are to be accepted by the Company. The Trustee (or the Paying Agent, if not the Trustee) shall, on the Purchase Date, mail or deliver payment to each tendering Holder in the amount of the purchase price.
(iii) Holders electing to have a Security purchased shall be required to surrender the Security, with an appropriate form duly completed, to the Company at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days prior to the Purchase Date. Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Trustee or the Company receives, not later than one Business Day prior to the Purchase Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Security that was delivered by the Holder for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Security purchased. If at the expiration of the Offer Period, the aggregate principal amount of Securities and any other pari passu Indebtedness included in the Asset Sale Offer surrendered by holders thereof exceeds the Offer Amount, the Trustee shall select the Securities and such other pari passu Indebtedness to
be purchased on a pro rata basis on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of tendered Securities and pari passu Indebtedness (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only Securities and pari passu Indebtedness in denominations of $1,000, or integral multiples thereof, shall be purchased). Holders whose Securities are purchased only in part shall be issued new Securities equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Securities surrendered.
(iv) At the time the Company delivers Securities to the Trustee that
are to be accepted for purchase, the Company shall also deliver an
Officers' Certificate stating that such Securities are to be accepted by
the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Section
4.06. A Security shall be deemed to have been accepted for purchase at the
time the Trustee, directly or through an agent, mails or delivers payment
therefor to the surrendering Holder.
(f) The Company shall comply with the requirements of Section 14(e) of and Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with each repurchase of Securities pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Asset Sale provisions of this Section 4.06, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.06 by virtue thereof.
SECTION 4.07. Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates. (a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate (each, an "Affiliate Transaction") if such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involves aggregate consideration in excess of $2.5 million and unless:
(i) the Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person; and
(ii) the Company delivers to the Trustee:
(A) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $10.0 million, a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company set forth in an Officers' Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with this Section 4.07 and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith; and
(B) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $20.0 million, an opinion as to the fairness to the Holders of such Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing.
(b) The following items shall not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 4.07(a):
(i) any employment agreement entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith;
(ii) transactions between or among the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(iii) payment of reasonable directors fees to Persons who are not employees of Holdings, the Company or its Subsidiaries and other reasonable fees, compensation, benefits and indemnities paid or entered into by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business to or with the officers, directors, consultants or employees of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(iv) sales, grants, awards or issuances of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) that are approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith, including the exercise of options and warrants, to Affiliates, officers, directors or employees of the Company or any contribution to the common equity capital of the Company by Affiliates of the Company;
(v) transactions involving the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, General Electric Capital Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citicorp North America, Inc., Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce or Chase Lincoln First Commercial Corporation on the other hand, in connection with this offering, the Merger and transactions related thereto, the Credit Agreement and any amendment, modification, supplement, extension, refinancing, replacement, work-out, restructuring and other transactions related thereto, or any management, financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or any other investment banking, banking or similar services, which payments are approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith;
(vi) as long as the Company is a member of a consolidated (or combined) group filing a consolidated (or combined) return of which Holdings is the parent, payments pursuant to the tax allocation agreement as in effect on the Closing Date
(or as the same may be amended, modified or replaced from time to time so long as any such amendment, modification or replacement, taken as a whole, is no less favorable to the Holders than the contract or agreement as in effect on the Closing Date) to permit Holdings to pay taxes that are then due and owing and are attributable to the operations of the Company;
(vii) Restricted Payments and Permitted Investments (other than Permitted Investments contemplated by clause (15) of the definition of "Permitted Investments") that are permitted by the provisions of Section 4.04;
(viii) transactions effected as part of a Qualified Receivables Transaction permitted under Section 4.03;
(ix) the existence or performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of the provisions of the Merger Agreement, the Credit Agreement, the Purchase Agreement, the Registration Agreement, the members' agreement and any other agreements (other than the management and fee agreements, which are addressed in clause (x) below) described under the caption "Management" or "Certain relationships and related transactions" in the Offering Memorandum or any amendment thereto or replacement agreement therefor (including in connection with the Aurora Acquisition) or any transaction contemplated thereby so long as such amendment or replacement is not more disadvantageous to the Holders of the Securities in any material respect than the original agreement as in effect on the Closing Date;
(x) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, the existence or performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of the provisions of the management and fee agreements described under the caption "Certain relationships and related transactions" in the Offering Memorandum or any amendment thereto or replacement agreement therefor (including in connection with the Aurora Acquisition) or any transaction contemplated thereby so long as such amendment or replacement is not more disadvantageous to the Holders of the Securities in any material respect than the original agreement as in effect on the Closing Date; and
(xi) any agreement (other than with any Permitted Holder) as in effect as of the Issue Date or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not disadvantageous to the Holders of the Securities in any material respect) or any transaction contemplated thereby.
SECTION 4.08. Change of Control. (a) Upon a Change of Control, each Holder shall have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part of such Holder's Securities at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, including additional interest, if any, to the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date) (a "Change of Control Payment") in accordance with the terms contemplated in Section 4.08(b); provided,
however, that notwithstanding the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company shall not be obligated to repurchase the Securities pursuant to this Section 4.08 in the event that it has exercised its right to redeem all the Securities under paragraph 5 of the Securities. In the event that at the time of such Change of Control the terms of any agreement governing Senior Debt of the Company or its Subsidiaries restrict or prohibit the repurchase of Securities pursuant to this Section 4.08, then prior to the mailing of the notice to Holders provided for in Section 4.08(b) below but in any event within 60 days following such Change of Control, the Company shall (i) repay in full all outstanding Senior Debt or offer to repay all such Senior Debt and repay the Indebtedness of each lender who has accepted such offer or (ii) obtain the requisite consent of the lenders under such agreements to permit the repurchase of the Securities as provided for in Section 4.08(b).
(b) Within 30 days following any Change of Control (except as provided in the proviso to the first sentence of Section 4.08(a)), the Company shall mail a notice to each Holder with a copy to the Trustee (the "Change of Control Offer") stating:
(i) that a Change of Control has occurred and that such Holder has the right to require the Company to purchase all or a portion (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) of such Holder's Securities for the Change of Control Payment;
(ii) a description of the transaction or transactions that constitute such Change of Control;
(iii) the Change of Control Payment date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed); and
(iv) the instructions determined by the Company, consistent with this Section 4.08, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Securities purchased.
(c) Holders electing to have a Security purchased shall be required to surrender the Security, with an appropriate form duly completed, to the Company at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days prior to the purchase date. Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Trustee or the Company receives not later than one Business Day prior to the purchase date a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Security which was delivered for purchase by the Holder and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Security purchased. Holders whose Securities are purchased only in part shall be issued new Securities equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Securities surrendered.
(d) On the Change of Control Payment date, the Company shall, to the extent lawful:
(i) accept for payment all Securities or portions of Securities properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;
(ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Securities or portions of Securities properly tendered; and
(iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Securities properly accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Securities or portions of Securities being purchased by the Company.
(e) The Paying Agent will promptly mail to each Holder of Securities properly tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Securities, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Security equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Securities surrendered, if any; provided that each new Security will be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000.
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.08, the Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if 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 Section 4.08(b) applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Securities properly tendered and not withdrawn under the Change of Control Offer.
(g) At the time the Company delivers, or causes to be delivered, Securities to the Trustee that are to be accepted for purchase, the Company shall also deliver an Officers' Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Securities or portions of Securities being purchased by the Company and that such Securities are to be accepted by the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Section 4.08. A Security shall be deemed to have been accepted for purchase at the time the Trustee, directly or through an agent, mails or delivers payment therefor to the surrendering Holder.
(h) Prior to any Change of Control Offer, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that all conditions precedent contained herein to the right of the Company to make such offer have been complied with.
(i) The Company shall comply with the requirements of Section 14(e) of and Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Securities as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with this Section 4.08, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.08 by virtue of such conflict.
SECTION 4.09. Compliance Certificate. The Company shall deliver to
the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company an
Officers' Certificate (which certificate may be the same certificate required by
Section 314(a)(4) of
the TIA stating that in the course of the performance by the signers of their duties as Officers of the Company they would normally have knowledge of any Default and whether or not the signers know of any Default that occurred during such period. If they do, the certificate shall describe the Default, its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto. The Company also shall comply with Section 314(a)(4) of the TIA.
SECTION 4.10. Further Instruments and Acts. Upon request of the Trustee, the Company shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.
SECTION 4.11. Future Guarantees. (a) If (i) the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries acquires or creates another Domestic Subsidiary or if any Restricted Subsidiary becomes a Domestic Subsidiary after the Closing Date or (ii) any Foreign Subsidiary Guarantees any obligation under the Credit Facilities, then that newly acquired or created Domestic Subsidiary or the Foreign Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) shall become a Note Guarantor, execute a supplemental indenture and deliver an Opinion of Counsel that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered and is a valid and legally binding obligation of such Subsidiary enforceable against such Subsidiary in accordance with its terms; provided, however, that all Subsidiaries that have properly been designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries in accordance with this Indenture for so long as they continue to constitute Unrestricted Subsidiaries shall not have to comply with the requirements of this Section 4.11. Each Note Guarantee shall be limited to an amount not to exceed the maximum amount that can be guaranteed without rendering the Note Guarantee void or voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.
(b) If Holdings guarantees Indebtedness of the Company other than the Credit Agreement, then Holdings shall become a Note Guarantor, execute a supplemental indenture and deliver an Opinion of Counsel that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered and is a valid and legally binding obligation of Holdings enforceable against Holdings in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 4.12. Limitation on Business Activities. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than Permitted Businesses, except to such extent as would not be material to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
SECTION 4.13. Limitation on Liens. The Company shall not and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind securing Indebtedness (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of their property or assets, now owned or hereafter acquired, unless all payments due under this Indenture and the Securities are secured on an equal and ratable basis (or on a senior basis in the case of obligations subordinated in
right of payment to the Securities) with the obligations so secured until such time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien.
SECTION 4.14. No Senior Subordinated Debt. The Company shall not incur, create, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any Senior Debt of the Company and senior in right of payment to the Securities. No Note Guarantor shall incur, create, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable for any Indebtedness that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor and senior in right of payment to such Note Guarantor's guarantee.
SECTION 4.15. Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted
Subsidiaries. The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Restricted
Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if no Default has occurred and is
continuing at the time of the designation and if that designation would not
cause a Default. If a Restricted Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary, the aggregate fair market value of all outstanding Investments owned
by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary properly
designated shall be deemed to be an Investment made as of the time of the
designation and shall reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under
Section 4.04(a) or Permitted Investments, as determined by the Company. That
designation shall only be permitted if the Investment would be permitted at that
time and if the Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an
Unrestricted Subsidiary. In addition, no such designation may be made unless the
proposed Unrestricted Subsidiary does not own any Capital Stock in any
Restricted Subsidiary that is not simultaneously subject to designation as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the Company may redesignate
any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary if the redesignation
would not cause a Default.
ARTICLE V
Successor Company
SECTION 5.01. When Company May Merge or Transfer Assets. (a) The Company may not, directly or indirectly, (x) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation) or (y) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another Person unless, in the case of clauses (x) and (y) above:
(i) either:
(A) the Company is the surviving corporation; or
(B) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made is either (1) a corporation organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any
state of the United States or the District of Columbia or (2) a partnership or limited liability company organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia that has at least one Restricted Subsidiary that is a corporation organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, which corporation becomes a co-issuer of the Securities pursuant to a supplemental indenture duly and validly executed by the Trustee;
(ii) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Securities, this Indenture and the Registration Agreement pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;
(iii) immediately after such transaction no Default or Event of Default exists; and
(iv) on the date of such transaction after giving pro forma effect thereto and to any related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, either:
(A) the Company or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made (the "Successor Company") would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.03(a); or
(B) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company or the Successor Company would be greater than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company prior to such transaction.
(b) Notwithstanding Sections 5.01(a)(iii) and (iv), the Company may merge or consolidate with a Restricted Subsidiary incorporated solely for the purpose of organizing the Company in another jurisdiction.
(c) The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any other Person.
(d) This Section 5.01 shall not apply to a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of assets between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
ARTICLE VI
Defaults and Remedies
SECTION 6.01. Events of Default. Each of the following is an "Event of Default":
(a) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or additional interest with respect to, the Securities, whether or not prohibited by Article X or XII;
(b) default in payment when due of the principal of, or premium, if any, on the Securities, including in connection with an Asset Sale Offer or a Change of Control Offer, whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions of this Indenture;
(c) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with Section 5.01;
(d) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply for 30 days after written notice (specifying the default and demanding that the same be remedied) with any obligations under Sections 4.06 or 4.08 (in each case, other than a failure to purchase Securities, which is covered by clause (b) above) or Sections 4.03 or 4.04 hereof;
(e) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries for 60 days after written notice (specifying the default and demanding that the same be remedied) to comply with any of the other agreements in the Securities, this Indenture or the Guarantees;
(f) 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 Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries), whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the Closing Date, if that default:
(i) is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on such Indebtedness within any applicable grace period provided in such Indebtedness (a "Payment Default"); or
(ii) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its expressed maturity,
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together
with the principal amount of any other Indebtedness contemplated by clause
(i) or (ii) above, aggregates $15.0 million or more and such default
continues for 10 days after receipt of the written notice (specifying the
default and demanding that the
same be remedied) referred to below;
(g) failure by the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $15.0 million (net of any amounts covered by insurance or pursuant to which the Company is indemnified or for which payments are guaranteed in accordance with the Merger Agreement, to the extent that the third party under such agreement honors its obligations thereunder), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days;
(h) except as permitted by this Indenture, any guarantee of a Note Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Note Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its guarantee and such default continues for 10 days after receipt of the notice specified in this Indenture;
(i) the Company or any Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(i) commences a voluntary case;
(ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case;
(iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property; or
(iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
or takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency; and
(j) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(i) is for relief against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case;
(ii) appoints a Custodian of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for any substantial part of its property; or
(iii) orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary;
or any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days.
The foregoing shall constitute Events of Default whatever the reason for any such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.
The term "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, United States Code, or any similar Federal or state law for the relief of debtors. The term "Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
A Default under clause (d), (e), (f) or (h) will not constitute an
Event of Default until the Trustee notifies the Company or the Holders of at
least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities notify the
Company and the Trustee of the Default and the Company or its Subsidiary, as
applicable, does not cure such default within the time specified in clause (d),
(e), (f) or (h) after receipt of such notice. Such notice must specify the
Default, demand that it be remedied and state that such notice is a "Notice of
Default." The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, upon becoming aware of any
Default or Event of Default, written notice in the form of an Officers'
Certificate of any event that is, or with the giving of notice or the lapse of
time or both would become, an Event of Default, its status and what action the
Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
SECTION 6.02. Acceleration. If an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(i) or (j) occurs, all outstanding Securities shall become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Securities may declare all the Securities to be due and payable immediately; provided that so long as any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement shall be outstanding, such acceleration shall not be effective until the earlier of (1) the acceleration of any Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement and (2) five Business Days after receipt by the Company of written notice of such acceleration.
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 of or interest on the Securities or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Securities or this Indenture.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Securities or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder 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. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative.
SECTION 6.04. Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities by notice to the Trustee may waive an existing Default
and its consequences except (a) a Default in the payment of the principal of, or interest, premium or additional interest on, a Security, (b) a Default arising from the failure to redeem or purchase any Security when required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or (c) a Default in respect of a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be amended without the consent of each Holder affected. When a Default is waived, it is deemed cured, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any consequent right.
SECTION 6.05. Control by Majority. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for 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, subject to Section 7.01, that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders or would involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided, however, that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. Prior to taking any action hereunder, the Trustee shall be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.
SECTION 6.06. Limitation on Suits. (a) Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Securities unless:
(i) the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice stating that an Event of Default is continuing;
(ii) the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Securities make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
(iii) such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense;
(iv) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request, offer and, if requested, provision of security or indemnity; and
(v) the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request during such 60-day period.
(b) 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, and premium and interest, including additional interest, if any, on, the Securities held by such Holder, on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided
for in the Securities, 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) or (b) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company or any other obligor on the Securities for the whole amount then due and owing (together with interest on overdue principal and (to the extent lawful) on any unpaid interest at the rate provided for in the Securities) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.07.
SECTION 6.09. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. The Trustee is authorized to file such 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 and disbursements of the Trustee and its agents and counsel) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company, any Subsidiary or Note Guarantor, their creditors or their property and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the Holders in any election of a trustee in bankruptcy or other Person performing similar functions, and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make 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 it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07.
SECTION 6.10. Priorities. If the Trustee collects any money, property or other consideration pursuant to this Article VI, it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:
FIRST: to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.07, including the costs and expenses of collection;
SECOND: to holders of Senior Debt of the Company to the extent required by Article X and to holders of Senior Debt of the Note Guarantors to the extent required by Article XII;
THIRD: to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Securities for principal and interest, ratably, and any premium or additional interest, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Securities for principal and interest, including any additional interest, respectively; and
FOURTH: to the Company.
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.10. At least 15 days before such record date, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder and the Company a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.
SECTION 6.11. 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 Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the 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 and expenses, 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 6.11 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 principal amount then outstanding of the Securities.
SECTION 6.12. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. Neither the Company nor any Note Guarantor (to the extent it may lawfully do so) shall at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company and each Note Guarantor (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and shall not 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 had been enacted.
ARTICLE VII
Trustee
SECTION 7.01. Duties of Trustee. (a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their 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:
(i) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(ii) 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, 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 liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own wilful misconduct, except that:
(i) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;
(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Trust Officer unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(iii) 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; and
(iv) no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability 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 to believe that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights and powers under this Indenture at the request of any Holder(s) unless such Holder(s) shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
(d) 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) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company.
(f) Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
(g) Every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 7.01 and to the provisions of the TIA.
SECTION 7.02. Rights of Trustee. (a) The Trustee may conclusively rely on 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.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers' Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on the Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
(c) The Trustee may act through attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any attorney or agent appointed with due care.
(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers; provided, however, that the Trustee's conduct does not constitute wilful misconduct or negligence.
(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel and the advice or opinion of counsel with respect to legal matters relating to this Indenture and the Securities shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.
(f) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document unless requested in writing to do so by the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time outstanding, subject to Section 7.01(c)(iv) hereof, but the Trustee may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney.
SECTION 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee. The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Paying Agent or Registrar may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee must comply with 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, any Note Guarantee or the Securities, it shall not be accountable for the Company's use of the proceeds from the Securities, and it shall not be responsible for any statement of the Company or any Note Guarantor in this Indenture or in any document issued in connection with the sale of the Securities or in the Securities other than the Trustee's certificate of authentication. The Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Default or Event of Default under Sections 6.01(c), (d), (e), (f), (g) or (h) or of the identity of any Significant Subsidiary unless either (a) a Trust Officer shall have actual knowledge thereof or (b) the Trustee shall have received notice thereof in accordance with Section 13.02 hereof from the Company, any Note Guarantor or any Holder.
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 notice of the Default within the earlier of 90 days after it occurs or 30 days after it is known to a trust officer. Except in the case of a Default in payment of principal of or interest on any Security (including payments pursuant to the mandatory redemption provisions of such Security, if any), the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Trust Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders.
SECTION 7.06. Reports by Trustee to Holders. As promptly as practicable after each May 15 beginning with May 15, 2004, and in any event prior to July 15 in each year, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder a brief report dated as of such May 15 that complies with Section 313(a) of the TIA if and to the extent required thereby. The Trustee shall also comply with Sections 313(b) and (c) of the TIA.
A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Holders shall be filed with the SEC and each stock exchange (if any) on which the Securities are listed. The Company agrees to notify promptly the Trustee whenever the Securities become listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.
SECTION 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity. The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time such reasonable compensation for its services as shall be agreed to in writing from time to time by the Company and the Trustee. The Trustee's compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company shall reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it, including costs of collection, in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee's agents, counsel, accountants and experts. The Company and each Note Guarantor, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Trustee against any and all loss, liability or expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees, expenses and disbursements) incurred by or in connection with (a) the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder and the administration of this trust and (b) defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its duties hereunder. The Trustee shall notify the Company of any claim for which it may seek indemnity promptly upon obtaining actual knowledge thereof; provided, however, that any failure so to notify the Company shall not relieve the Company or any Note Guarantor of its indemnity obligations hereunder. The Company shall defend the claim and the indemnified party shall provide reasonable cooperation at the Company's expense in the defense. Such indemnified parties may have separate counsel and the Company and the Note Guarantors, as applicable shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay such fees and expenses if it assumes such indemnified parties' defense and, in such indemnified parties' reasonable judgment, there is no conflict of interest between the Company and the Note Guarantors, as applicable, and such parties in connection with such defense. The Company need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by an indemnified party through such party's own wilful misconduct, negligence or bad faith.
To secure the Company's payment obligations in this Section 7.07, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee other than money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest and additional interest, if any, on particular Securities.
The Company's payment obligations pursuant to this Section 7.07 shall survive the satisfaction or discharge of this Indenture, any rejection or termination of this Indenture under any bankruptcy law or the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, when the Trustee incurs expenses after the occurrence of a Default specified in Sections 6.01(i) or (j) with respect to the Company, the expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under bankruptcy law.
SECTION 7.08. Replacement of Trustee. (a) The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Company. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Company shall remove the Trustee if:
(i) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;
(ii) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
(iii) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
(iv) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.
(b) If the Trustee resigns, is removed by the Company or by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities and such Holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.
(c) A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its
appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. 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 subject to the Lien provided for in
Section 7.07.
(d) If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of 10% in principal amount of the Securities then outstanding may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(e) If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, unless the Trustee's duty to resign is stayed as provided in Section 310(b) of the TIA, any Holder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security for at least six months may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(f) Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this
Section 7.08, the Company's obligations under Section 7.07 shall continue for
the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
SECTION 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger. If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.
In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Securities so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.
SECTION 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification. The Trustee shall at
all times satisfy the requirements of Section 310(a) of the TIA. The Trustee
shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000 as set forth
in its most recent published annual report of condition. The Trustee shall
comply with Section 310(b) of the TIA; subject to its right to apply for a stay
of its duty to resign under the penultimate paragraph of Section 310(b) of the
TIA; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from the operation of
Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA any indenture or indentures under which other
securities or certificates of interest or participation in other securities of
the Company are outstanding if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in
Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA are met.
SECTION 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company. The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the TIA, excluding any creditor relationship listed in Section 311(b) of the TIA. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the TIA to the extent indicated.
ARTICLE VIII
Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance
SECTION 8.01. Discharge of Liability on Securities; Defeasance. (a) When (i) all outstanding Securities (other than Securities replaced or paid pursuant to Section 2.08) have been canceled or delivered to the Trustee for cancelation or (ii) all outstanding Securities have become due and payable, whether at maturity or as a result of the mailing of a notice of redemption pursuant to Article III hereof, and the Company irrevocably deposits with the Trustee funds in an amount sufficient or U.S. Government Obligations, the principal of and interest on which will be sufficient, or a combination thereof sufficient, in the written opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants delivered to the Trustee (which delivery shall only be required if U.S. Government Obligations have been so deposited), to pay the principal of, premium (if any) and interest and additional interest, if any, on the outstanding Securities when due at
maturity or upon redemption of, including interest thereon to maturity or such
redemption date (other than Securities replaced or paid pursuant to Section
2.08) and additional interest, if any, and if in the case of both clause (i) and
(ii) the Company pays all other sums payable hereunder by the Company, then this
Indenture shall, subject to Section 8.01(c), cease to be of further effect. The
Trustee, upon payment of all sums then due and owing to it pursuant to section
7.07, shall acknowledge satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture on written
demand of the Company accompanied by an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel and at the cost and expense of the Company.
(b) Subject to Sections 8.01(c) and 8.02, the Company may, at its
option and at any time, elect to have all of its obligations discharged with
respect to the outstanding Securities and all obligations of the Note Guarantors
discharged with respect to their Guarantees ("Legal Defeasance"), including (i)
pursuant to Sections 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13,
4.14, 4.15 and 5.01(a)(iv) and (ii) the operation of the default provisions
specified in Sections 6.01(b) (with respect to an Asset Sale Offer or a Change
of Control Offer only), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and, with respect to Significant
Subsidiaries only, 6.01(i) and (j) and the limitations contained in Section
5.01(a)(iii) (collectively, "Covenant Defeasance").
The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding
its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. If the Company exercises
its legal defeasance option, payment of the Securities may not be accelerated
because of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities. If the Company
exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the Securities may not be
accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(b), (c),
(d), (e), (f), (g) or (i) and (j) (with respect to Significant Subsidiaries or a
group which constitutes a Significant Subsidiary only) or because of the failure
of the Company to comply with Section 5.01(a)(iii).
Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Company, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Company terminates.
(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, the Company's obligations in Sections 2.04, 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 7.07, 7.08 and in this Article VIII shall survive until the Securities have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Company's obligations in Sections 7.07, 8.04, 8.05 and 8.06 shall survive.
SECTION 8.02. Conditions to Defeasance. (a) In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:
(i) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable U.S. Government Obligations, in amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, and interest and premium and additional interest, if any, on, the outstanding
Securities on the stated maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Company must specify whether the Securities are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;
(ii) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the Closing Date, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to 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;
(iii) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee to the effect that the Holders of the outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to 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;
(iv) no Default or Event of Default may have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit);
(v) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under any material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;
(vi) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of Securities over the other creditors of the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Company or others; and
(vii) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by clause (ii) above with respect to a Legal Defeasance need not be delivered if all Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable or (ii) will become due and payable on the maturity date 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 Company.
SECTION 8.03. Application of Trust Money. The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to this Article VIII. It shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of, and interest and premium and additional interest, if any, on, the Securities. Money and Securities so held in trust are not subject to Article X or XII.
SECTION 8.04. Repayment to Company. The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly turn over to the Company upon written request any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in this Article VIII which, in the written opinion of nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants delivered to the Trustee (which delivery shall only be required if U.S. Government Obligations have been so deposited), are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent discharge or defeasance in accordance with this Article VIII.
Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Company upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal, interest or additional interest (if any) that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general creditors, and the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.
SECTION 8.05. Indemnity for Government Obligations. The Company shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal and interest received on such U.S. Government Obligations.
SECTION 8.06. Reinstatement. If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII 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 Company's obligations under this Indenture and the Securities shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article VIII until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII; provided, however, that, if the Company has made any payment of principal of or interest or additional interest, if any, on, any Securities because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE IX
Amendments
SECTION 9.01. Without Consent of Holders. (a) The Company, the Note Guarantors and the Trustee may amend this Indenture, the Securities or the Note Guarantees without notice to or consent of any Holder:
(i) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;
(ii) to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in
place of certificated Securities; provided, however, that the
uncertificated Securities are issued in registered form for purposes of
Section 163(f) of the Code or in a manner such that the uncertificated
Securities are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code;
(iii) to provide for the assumption of the Company's or any Note Guarantor's obligations to Holders of Securities in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's or a Note Guarantor's assets;
(iv) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of Securities or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under this Indenture of any such Holder or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company;
(v) to add a Note Guarantor;
(vi) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA, as amended;
(vii) to make any change in Article X or XII that would limit or terminate the benefits available to any holder of Senior Debt of the Company or a Note Guarantor (or any Representative thereof) under Article X or XII, respectively;
(viii) to secure the Securities and the Note Guarantees; or
(ix) to provide for the issuance, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, of Exchange Securities or Additional Securities, which shall have terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Original Securities (except that the transfer restrictions contained in the Original Securities shall be modified or eliminated, as appropriate) and which shall be treated, together with any outstanding Original Securities, as a single issue of securities.
(b) An amendment under this Section 9.01 may not make any change that adversely affects the rights under Article X or XII of any holder of Senior Debt of the Company or a Note Guarantor then outstanding unless the holders of such Senior Debt
(or any group or Representative thereof authorized to give a consent) consent to such change.
(c) After an amendment under this Section 9.01 becomes effective, the Company shall mail to Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment. The failure to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section 9.01.
SECTION 9.02. With Consent of Holders. (a) This Indenture, the Securities and the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented without notice to any Holder but with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Securities (including Additional Securities, if any) then outstanding voting as a single class (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Securities), and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Securities or the Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities voting as a single class (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Securities). However, without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any Securities held by a non-consenting Holder):
(i) reduce the principal amount of Securities whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
(ii) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Security or alter or waive the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Securities (other than provisions relating to Sections 4.06 and 4.08);
(iii) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Security;
(iv) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, or additional interest, if any, on the Securities (except a rescission of acceleration of the Securities by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
(v) make any Security payable in money other than that stated in the Securities;
(vi) make any change in Section 6.04 or 6.07 or the rights of Holders of Securities to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium or additional interest, if any, on the Securities;
(vii) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Security (other than a payment required by Section 4.06 or 4.08);
(viii) release any Note Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Note Guarantee of the Securities or this Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;
(ix) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, and interest or any premium or additional interest on, such Holder's Securities 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 Securities; or
(x) make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions.
(b) An amendment under this Section 9.02 may not make any change that adversely affects the rights under Article X or XII of any holder of Senior Debt then outstanding unless the holders of such Senior Debt (or any group or Representative thereof authorized to give a consent) consent to such change.
(c) After an amendment under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Company shall mail to Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment. The failure to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section 9.02.
SECTION 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act. Every amendment to this Indenture or the Securities shall comply with the TIA as then in effect.
SECTION 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers. (a) A consent to an amendment or a waiver by a Holder of a Security shall bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of that Security or portion of the Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder's Security, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on the Security. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent or waiver as to such Holder's Security or portion of the Security if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date on which the Trustee receives an Officers' Certificate from the Company certifying that the requisite number of consents have been received. After an amendment or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder. An amendment or waiver becomes effective upon the (i) receipt by the Company or the Trustee of the requisite number of consents, (ii) satisfaction of conditions to effectiveness as set forth in this Indenture and any indenture supplemental hereto containing such amendment or waiver and (iii) execution of such amendment or waiver (or supplemental indenture) by the Company and the Trustee.
(b) The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to give their consent or take any other action described above or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be
Holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date.
SECTION 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Securities. If an amendment changes the terms of a Security, the Trustee may require the Holder of the Security to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Security regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder. Alternatively, if the Company or the Trustee so determines, the Company in exchange for the Security shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Security that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Security shall not affect the validity of such amendment.
SECTION 9.06. Trustee to Sign Amendments. The Trustee shall sign any amendment authorized pursuant to this Article IX if the amendment does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. If it does, the Trustee may but need not sign it. In signing any such amendment, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it and to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such amendment is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company and the Note Guarantors enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions, and complies with the provisions hereof (including Section 9.03).
SECTION 9.07. Payment for Consent. Neither the Company nor any Affiliate of the Company shall, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Securities unless such consideration is offered to be paid to all Holders that so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
ARTICLE X
Subordination
SECTION 10.01. Agreement To Subordinate. The Company agrees, and each Holder by accepting a Security agrees, that the Indebtedness evidenced by the Securities is subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Article X, to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt, including Senior Debt incurred after the Closing Date, of the Company, and that the subordination is for the benefit of and enforceable by the holders of such Senior Debt. The Securities shall in all respects rank pari passu with all other Senior Subordinated Debt of the Company and only Indebtedness of the Company that is Senior Debt of the Company shall rank senior to the Securities in accordance with the provisions set forth herein. For purposes of this Article X, the Indebtedness evidenced by the Securities shall be deemed to include any additional interest payable pursuant to the provisions set forth in the Securities and the
Registration Agreement. All provisions of this Article X shall be subject to
Section 10.12.
SECTION 10.02. Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy. Upon any payment or distribution of the assets of the Company to creditors of the Company in a liquidation or dissolution of the Company; in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to the Company or its property; in an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or in any marshaling of the Company's assets and liabilities:
(a) holders of Senior Debt shall be entitled to receive payment in
full of all Obligations due in respect of such Senior Debt (including
interest after the commencement of any bankruptcy proceeding at the rate
specified in the applicable Senior Debt whether or not such interest is an
allowed claim in any such proceeding) before the Holders shall be entitled
to receive any payment or distribution with respect to the Securities
(except that Holders may receive and retain Permitted Junior Securities
and payments made from the trust, if any, created pursuant to Article
VIII); and
(b) until all Obligations with respect to Senior Debt (as provided in clause (a) above) are paid in full, any payment or distribution to which Holders would be entitled but for this Article X shall be made to holders of such Senior Debt as their interests may appear, except that Holders may receive and retain Permitted Junior Securities and payments made from the trust, if any, created pursuant to Article VIII.
SECTION 10.03. Default on Designated Senior Debt. (a) The Company
may not make any payment or distribution to the Trustee or any Holder in respect
of Obligations with respect to the Securities, may not make any deposits with
the Trustee pursuant to Section 8.01 hereof and may not acquire from the Trustee
or any Holder any Securities for cash or property (other than Permitted Junior
Securities and payments made from the trust, if any, created pursuant to Article
VIII) (collectively, "pay the Securities") until all principal and other
Obligations with respect to the Senior Debt have been paid in full if:
(i) a payment default on Designated Senior Debt occurs and is continuing; or
(ii) any other default occurs and is continuing on any series of Designated Senior Debt that permits holders of that series of Designated Senior Debt to accelerate its maturity, and the Trustee receives a notice of such default (a "Payment Blockage Notice") from the Company or the holders of, or the Representative of, any Designated Senior Debt. If the Trustee receives such Payment Blockage Notice, no subsequent Payment Blockage Notice will be effective for purposes of this Section 10.03 unless and until (A) at least 365 days have elapsed since the delivery of the immediately prior Payment Blockage Notice and (B) all scheduled payments of principal, premium and additional
interest, if any, and interest on the Securities that have come due have been paid in full in cash.
Not more than one Payment Blockage Notice may be given in any consecutive 365-day period, irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to all Designated Senior Debt during such period; provided, however, that if any Payment Blockage Notice within such 365-day period is delivered to the Trustee by or on behalf of the Representative of the Designated Senior Debt of the Company (other than the holders of Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement), a Representative of holders of Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement may give another Payment Blockage Notice within such period; provided further, however, that in no event may the total number of days during which any payment blockage period or periods on the Securities is in effect exceed 179 days in the aggregate during any consecutive 365-day period, and there must be at least 186 days during any consecutive 365-day period during which no payment blockage period is in effect.
The failure to make any payment on the Securities by reason of this Article X or Article XII shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities by reason of such failure to make a required payment. Upon termination of any period of payment blockage, the Company shall be required to resume making any and all required payments under the Securities, including any missed payments. No nonpayment default that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any Payment Blockage Notice to the Trustee shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent Payment Blockage Notice.
(b) The Company may and shall resume payments on and distributions in respect of the Securities and may acquire them upon the earlier of:
(i) in the case of a payment default on Designated Senior Debt, upon the date upon which such default is cured or waived; or
(ii) in the case of a nonpayment default on Designated Senior Debt, upon the earlier of the date on which such nonpayment default is cured or waived and 179 days after the date on which the applicable Payment Blockage Notice is received, unless the maturity of any Designated Senior Debt has been accelerated,
if this Article X otherwise permits the payment, distribution or acquisition at the time of such payment or acquisition. The Company shall promptly notify the Representative of Designated Senior Debt if payment of the Securities is accelerated because of an Event of Default. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may make payment on the Securities if the Company and the Trustee receive written notice approving such payment from the Representative of the Designated Senior Debt with respect to which either of the events set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) of this paragraph has occurred and is continuing.
SECTION 10.04. Acceleration of Payment of Securities. If payment of the Securities is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the Company or the Trustee (provided that the Trustee shall have received written notice from the Company, on which notice the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely) shall promptly notify the Representative of the Designated Senior Debt of the Company of the acceleration.
SECTION 10.05. When Distribution Must Be Paid Over. If a distribution is made to the Trustee or any Holder in respect of the Securities (except in Permitted Junior Securities or from the trust, if any, created pursuant to Article VIII) when the payment is prohibited by this Article X and the Trustee or the Holder has received written notice at least two Business Days prior to the relevant payment date that the payment is prohibited, the Trustee or the Holder, as the case may be, who received the distribution shall hold the payment in trust for the benefit of the holders of Senior Debt of the Company. Upon the proper written request of the holders of Senior Debt, the Trustee or the Holder, as the case may be, shall deliver the amounts in trust to the holders of Senior Debt or their proper representative.
SECTION 10.06. Subrogation. After all Senior Debt of the Company is paid in full and until the Securities are paid in full, Holders shall be subrogated to the rights of holders of such Senior Debt to receive distributions applicable to Senior Debt. A distribution made under this Article X to holders of such Senior Debt that otherwise would have been made to Holders is not, as between the Company and Holders, a payment by the Company on such Senior Debt.
SECTION 10.07. Relative Rights. This Article X defines the relative rights of Holders and holders of Senior Debt of the Company. Nothing in this Indenture shall:
(a) impair, as between the Company and Holders, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal of and interest and additional interest, if any, on the Securities in accordance with their terms; or
(b) prevent the Trustee or any Holder from exercising its available remedies upon a Default or Event of Default, subject to the rights of holders of Senior Debt of the Company to receive distributions otherwise payable to Holders.
SECTION 10.08. Subordination May Not Be Impaired by Company. No right of any holder of Senior Debt of the Company to enforce the subordination of the Indebtedness evidenced by the Securities shall be impaired by any act or failure to act by the Company or by its failure to comply with this Indenture.
SECTION 10.09. Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent. Notwithstanding
Section 10.03 or any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee or Paying
Agent may continue to make payments on the Securities and shall not be charged
with knowledge of the existence of facts that would prohibit the making of any
such payments or distributions by the Trustee unless, not less than two Business
Days prior to the date of
such payment, a Trust Officer of the Trustee receives notice satisfactory to it that payments may not be made under this Article X. The Company, the Registrar, the Paying Agent, a Representative or a holder of Senior Debt of the Company may give the notice; provided, however, that, if an issue of Senior Debt of the Company has a Representative, only the Representative may give the notice.
The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may hold Senior Debt of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. The Registrar and the Paying Agent may do the same with like rights. The Trustee shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article X with respect to any Senior Debt of the Company that may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of such Senior Debt, and nothing in Article VII shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder. Nothing in this Article X shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.07 or any other Section of this Indenture.
SECTION 10.10. Distribution or Notice to Representative. Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of Senior Debt of the Company, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their Representative (if any).
SECTION 10.11. Article X Not To Prevent Events of Default or Limit Right To Accelerate. The failure to make a payment pursuant to the Securities by reason of any provision in this Article X shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of a Default. Nothing in this Article X shall have any effect on the right of the Holders or the Trustee to accelerate the maturity of the Securities.
SECTION 10.12. Trust Monies Not Subordinated. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, payments from money or the proceeds of U.S. Government Obligations held in trust under Article VIII by the Trustee for the payment of principal of and interest and additional interest, if any, on the Securities shall not be subordinated to the prior payment of any Senior Debt of the Company or subject to the restrictions set forth in this Article X, and none of the Holders shall be obligated to pay over any such amount to the Company or any holder of Senior Debt of the Company or any other creditor of the Company.
SECTION 10.13. Trustee Entitled To Rely. Upon any payment or
distribution pursuant to this Article X, the Trustee and the Holders shall be
entitled to rely (a) upon any order or decree of a court of competent
jurisdiction in which any proceedings of the nature referred to in Section 10.02
are pending, (b) upon a certificate of the liquidating trustee or agent or other
Person making such payment or distribution to the Trustee or to the Holders or
(c) upon the Representatives for the holders of Senior Debt of the Company for
the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment
or distribution, the holders of such Senior Debt and other Indebtedness of the
Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or
distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article X.
In the event that the Trustee determines, in good faith, that evidence is
required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Debt of
the Company to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this
Article X, the Trustee may request such Person to
furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of such Senior Debt held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article X, and, if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment. The Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a person representing itself to be a holder of Senior Debt or a Representative (or a trustee, fiduciary or agent therefor) to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior Debt or a Representative (or a trustee, fiduciary or agent therefor). The provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02 shall be applicable to all actions or omissions of actions by the Trustee pursuant to this Article X.
SECTION 10.14. Trustee To Effectuate Subordination. Each Holder by accepting a Security authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination between the Holders and the holders of Senior Debt of the Company as provided in this Article X and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.
SECTION 10.15. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Debt. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt of the Company and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall mistakenly pay over or distribute, to Holders or the Company or any other Person, money or assets to which any holders of Senior Debt of the Company shall be entitled by virtue of this Article X or otherwise.
SECTION 10.16. Reliance by Holders of Senior Debt on Subordination Provisions. Each Holder by accepting a Security acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing subordination provisions are, and are intended to be, an inducement and a consideration to each holder of any Senior Debt of the Company, whether such Senior Debt was created or acquired before or after the issuance of the Securities, to acquire and continue to hold, or to continue to hold, such Senior Debt, and such holder of such Senior Debt shall be deemed conclusively to have relied on such subordination provisions in acquiring and continuing to hold, or in continuing to hold, such Senior Debt.
ARTICLE XI
Note Guarantees
SECTION 11.01. Note Guarantees. (a) Each Note Guarantor hereby jointly and severally and unconditionally guarantees, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, to each Holder and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns (i) the full and punctual payment when due, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, of all obligations of the Company under this Indenture (including obligations to the Trustee) and the Securities, whether for payment of principal of, interest on or additional interest, if any, in respect of the Securities and all other monetary obligations (to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law) of the Company under this Indenture and the Securities and (ii) the full and punctual performance within
applicable grace periods of all other obligations of the Company whether for fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise under this Indenture and the Securities (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the "Guaranteed Obligations"). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Note Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from each such Note Guarantor, and that each such Note Guarantor shall remain bound under this Article XI notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.
(b) Each Note Guarantor waives presentation to, demand of payment from and protest to the Company of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and also waives notice of protest for nonpayment. Each Note Guarantor waives notice of any default under the Securities or the Guaranteed Obligations. The obligations of each Note Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (i) the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Company or any other Person under this Indenture, the Securities or any other agreement or otherwise; (ii) any extension or renewal of any thereof; (iii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the Securities or any other agreement; (iv) the release of any security held by any Holder or the Trustee for the Guaranteed Obligations or any of them; (v) the failure of any Holder or Trustee to exercise any right or remedy against any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (vi) any change in the ownership of such Note Guarantor, except as provided in Section 11.02(b).
(c) Each Note Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have its obligations hereunder divided among the Note Guarantors, such that such Note Guarantor's obligations would be less than the full amount claimed. Each Note Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have the assets of the Company first be used and depleted as payment of the Company's or such Note Guarantor's obligations hereunder prior to any amounts being claimed from or paid by such Note Guarantor hereunder. Each Note Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to require that the Company be sued prior to an action being initiated against such Note Guarantor.
(d) Each Note Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein constitutes a guarantee of payment, performance and compliance when due (and not a guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any Holder or the Trustee to any security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations.
(e) The Guarantee of each Note Guarantor is, to the extent and in the manner set forth in Article XII, subordinated and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all Senior Debt of the relevant Note Guarantor and is made subject to such provisions of this Indenture.
(f) Except as expressly set forth in Sections 8.01(b), 11.02 and 11.07, the obligations of each Note Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver,
release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Note Guarantor herein shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under this Indenture, the Securities or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any thereof, by any default, failure or delay, wilful or otherwise, in the performance of the obligations, or by any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Note Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Note Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.
(g) Each Note Guarantor agrees that its Note Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all the Guaranteed Obligations or such Note Guarantee is released in compliance with Section 11.03 or upon the merger or the sale of all the Capital Stock or assets of the Note Guarantor in compliance with Section 4.06 or Article V. Each Note Guarantor further agrees that its Note Guarantee herein shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of or interest or additional interest, if any, on any Guaranteed Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Holder or the Trustee upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or otherwise.
(h) In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any Holder or the Trustee has at law or in equity against any Note Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Company to pay the principal of or interest or additional interest, if any, on any Guaranteed Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, or to perform or comply with any other Guaranteed Obligation, each Note Guarantor hereby promises to and shall, upon receipt of written demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Holders or the Trustee an amount equal to the sum of (i) the unpaid principal amount of such Guaranteed Obligations, (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations (but only to the extent not prohibited by law) and (iii) all other monetary obligations of the Company to the Holders and the Trustee.
(i) Each Note Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations and all obligations to which the Guaranteed Obligations are subordinated as provided in Article XII. Each Note Guarantor further agrees that, as between it, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, (i) the maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article VI for the purposes of any Note Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby, and (ii) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Guaranteed Obligations as provided in Article VI, such Guaranteed
Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by such Note Guarantor for the purposes of this Section 11.01.
(j) Each Note Guarantor, jointly and severally, also agrees 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 11.01.
(k) Upon request of the Trustee, each Note Guarantor shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.
SECTION 11.02. Limitation on Liability. Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereunder by any Note Guarantor shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be hereby guaranteed without rendering this Indenture, as it relates to such Note Guarantor, void or voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.
SECTION 11.03. Releases of Note Guarantees. A Note Guarantee shall
be released without any action required on the part of the Trustee or any Holder
(a) if (i) all of the Capital Stock of, or all or substantially all of the
assets of, such Note Guarantor is sold or otherwise disposed of (including by
way of merger or consolidation), in each case in compliance with Sections 4.06
and 5.01, to a Person other than (either before or after giving effect to such
transaction) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) such Note Guarantor
ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary, and the Company otherwise complies, to the
extent applicable, with Section 4.15, (b) upon any legal defeasance in
accordance with Article VIII, (c) if the Company designates such Note Guarantor
as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, (d) if such Note Guarantor is or becomes a
Receivables Subsidiary, (e) if such Note Guarantor is a Foreign Subsidiary, the
obligation in respect of which such Guarantee arose is released or (f) in the
case of any Note Guarantee made by Holdings pursuant to Section 4.11(b), if the
guarantee in respect of which such Note Guarantee arose is no longer
outstanding. A Note Guarantor may also be released from its obligations under
its Note Guarantee in connection with an amendment permitted by Article IX.
Upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such release was made by the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee will execute any documents prepared by the Company reasonably required in order to evidence the release of any Note Guarantor from its obligations under its Note Guarantee.
Any Note Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Note Guarantee will remain liable for the full amount of principal of and interest on the Securities and for the other obligations of any Note Guarantor under this Indenture as provided in this Article XI.
SECTION 11.04. Successors and Assigns. This Article XI shall be binding upon each Note Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in this Indenture and in the Securities shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.
SECTION 11.05. No Waiver. Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of either the Trustee or the Holders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article XI shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee and the Holders herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which either may have under this Article XI at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.
SECTION 11.06. Modification. No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article XI, nor the consent to any departure by any Note Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Trustee, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice to or demand on any Note Guarantor in any case shall entitle such Note Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.
SECTION 11.07. Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Future Note Guarantors. Each Subsidiary which is required to become a Note Guarantor pursuant to Section 4.11 shall promptly execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture in the form of Exhibit C hereto pursuant to which such Subsidiary shall become a Note Guarantor under this Article XI and shall guarantee the Guaranteed Obligations. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers' Certificate to the effect that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Subsidiary and that, subject to the application of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer and other similar laws relating to creditors' rights generally and to the principles of equity, whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity, the Note Guarantee of such Note Guarantor is a valid and binding obligation of such Note Guarantor, enforceable against such Note Guarantor in accordance with its terms and or to such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request.
SECTION 11.08. Non-Impairment. The failure to endorse a Note Guarantee on any Security shall not affect or impair the validity thereof.
ARTICLE XII
Subordination of the Note Guarantees
SECTION 12.01. Agreement To Subordinate. Each Note Guarantor agrees, and each Holder by accepting a Security agrees, that the obligations of a Note Guarantor hereunder are subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Article XII, to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt, including Senior Debt incurred after the Closing Date, of such Note Guarantor and that the subordination is for the benefit of and enforceable by the holders of such Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor. The obligations hereunder with respect to a Note Guarantor shall in all respects rank pari passu with any future Senior Subordinated Debt of such Note Guarantor and shall rank senior in right of payment to any future subordinated Indebtedness of such Note Guarantor; and only Indebtedness of such Note Guarantor that is Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor shall rank senior to the obligations of such Note Guarantor in accordance with the provisions set forth herein.
SECTION 12.02. Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy. Upon any payment or distribution of the assets of a Note Guarantor to creditors of such Note Guarantor in a liquidation or dissolution of such Note Guarantor; in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to such Note Guarantor or its property; in an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or in any marshaling of such Note Guarantor's assets and liabilities:
(a) holders of Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all Obligations due in respect of such Senior Debt (including interest after the commencement of any bankruptcy proceeding at the rate specified in the applicable Senior Debt whether or not such interest is an allowed claim in any such proceeding) before the Holders shall be entitled to receive any payment or distribution with respect to the Securities (except that Holders may receive and retain Permitted Junior Securities and payments made from the trust, if any, created pursuant to Article VIII); and
(b) until all Obligations with respect to Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor (as provided in clause (a) above) are paid in full, any payment or distribution to which Holders would be entitled but for this Article X shall be made to holders of such Senior Debt as their interests may appear, except that Holders may receive and retain Permitted Junior Securities and payments made from the trust, if any, created pursuant to Article VIII.
SECTION 12.03. Default on Designated Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor. A Note Guarantor may not make any payment pursuant to any of the Guaranteed Obligations or purchase, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Securities (collectively, "pay its Note Guarantee") unless such Designated Senior Debt has been paid in full if:
(a) a payment default on any Designated Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor occurs and is continuing; or
(b) any other default on Designated Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor occurs and is continuing on any series of Designated Senior Debt that permits holders of that series of Designated Senior Debt to accelerate its maturity, and the Trustee receives a notice of such default (a "Guarantee Blockage Notice") from the Representative of the holders of the Designated Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor. If the Trustee receives such Guarantee Blockage Notice, no subsequent Guarantee Blockage Notice will be effective for purposes of this Section 12.03 unless and until (A) at least 365 days have elapsed since the delivery of the immediately prior Guarantee Blockage Notice and (B) all Designated Senior Debt has been repaid in full in cash.
Not more than one Guarantee Blockage Notice may be given in any consecutive 365-day period, irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to Designated Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor during such period; provided, however, that if any Guarantee Blockage Notice within such 365-day period is delivered to the Trustee by or on behalf of the Representative of the Designated Senior Debt of the of such Note Guarantor (other than the holders of Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement), a Representative of holders of Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement may give another Guarantee Blockage Notice within such period; provided further, however, that in no event may the total number of days during which any guarantee blockage period or periods on the Securities is in effect exceed 179 days in the aggregate during any consecutive 365-day period, and there must be at least 186 days during any consecutive 365-day period during which no guarantee blockage period is in effect.
The failure to make any payment on the Guaranteed Obligations by reason of the subordination provisions of this Indenture shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities by reason of such failure to make a required payment. Upon termination of any period of guarantee blockage, the Company shall be required to resume making any and all required payments under the Securities, including any missed payments. No nonpayment default that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any Guarantee Blockage Notice to the Trustee shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent Guarantee Blockage Notice.
(c) Such Note Guarantor may and shall resume payments in respect of the Securities and may acquire them upon the earlier of:
(i) in the case of a payment default on Designated Senior Debt, upon the date upon which such default is cured or waived; or
(ii) in the case of a nonpayment default on Designated Senior Debt, upon the earlier of the date on which such nonpayment default is cured or waived and 179 days after the date on which the applicable Guarantee
Blockage Notice is received, unless the maturity of any Designated Senior Debt has been accelerated,
if this Article XII otherwise permits the payment or acquisition at the time of such payment or acquisition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such Note Guarantor may make payment on the Securities if such Note Guarantor and the Trustee receive written notice approving such payment from the Representative of the Designated Senior Debt with respect to which either of the events set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) of this paragraph has occurred and is continuing.
SECTION 12.04. Demand for Payment. If payment of the Securities is accelerated because of an Event of Default and a demand for payment is made on a Note Guarantor pursuant to Article XI, the Company or the Trustee (provided that the Trustee shall have received written notice from the Company or such Note Guarantor, on which notice the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely) shall promptly notify the Representative of the Designated Senior Debt of the Company of such demand. If any Designated Senior Indebtedness of such Note Guarantor is outstanding, such Note Guarantor may not pay its Note Guarantee until five Business Days after such holders or the Representative of the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness of such Note Guarantor receive notice of such demand and, thereafter, may pay its Note Guarantee only if this Article XII otherwise permits payment at that time.
SECTION 12.05. When Distribution Must Be Paid Over. If a payment or distribution is made to the Trustee or any Holder in respect of the Securities (except in Permitted Junior Securities or from the trust, if any, created pursuant to Article VIII) when the payment is prohibited by this Article XII and the Trustee or the Holder has received written notice at least two Business Days prior to the relevant payment date that the payment is prohibited, the Trustee or the Holder, as the case may be, who received the payment or distribution shall hold such payment or distribution in trust for the benefit of the holders of Senior Debt of the relevant Note Guarantor. Upon the proper written request of the holders of Senior Debt, the Trustee or the Holder, as the case may be, shall deliver the amounts in trust to the holders of Senior Debt or their proper representative.
SECTION 12.06. Subrogation. After all Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor is paid in full and until the Securities are paid in full in cash, Holders shall be subrogated (equally and ratably with all other Indebtedness pari passu with the Securities) to the rights of holders of Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor to receive distributions applicable to Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor. A distribution made under this Article XII to holders of Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor that otherwise would have been made to Holders is not, as between such Note Guarantor and Holders, a payment by such Note Guarantor on Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor.
SECTION 12.07. Relative Rights. This Article XII defines the relative rights of Holders and holders of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor. Nothing in this Indenture shall:
(a) impair, as between a Note Guarantor and Holders, the obligation of a Note Guarantor which is absolute and unconditional, to make payments with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations to the extent set forth in Article XI; or
(b) prevent the Trustee or any Holder from exercising its available remedies upon a default by a Note Guarantor under its obligations with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations, subject to the rights of holders of Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor to receive distributions otherwise payable to Holders.
SECTION 12.08. Subordination May Not Be Impaired by a Note Guarantor. No right of any holder of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor to enforce the subordination of the obligations of such Note Guarantor hereunder shall be impaired by any act or failure to act by such Note Guarantor or by its failure to comply with this Indenture.
SECTION 12.09. Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent. Notwithstanding
Section 12.03 or any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee or the
Paying Agent may continue to make payments on the Securities and shall not be
charged with knowledge of the existence of facts that would prohibit the making
of any such payments or distributions by the Trustee unless, not less than two
Business Days prior to the date of such payment, a Trust Officer of the Trustee
receives notice satisfactory to it that payments may not be made under this
Article XII. A Note Guarantor, the Registrar or co-registrar, the Paying Agent,
a Representative or a holder of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor may give the
notice; provided, however, that, if an issue of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor
has a Representative, only the Representative may give the notice.
The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may hold
Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor with the same rights it would have if it were
not Trustee. The Registrar and co-registrar and the Paying Agent may do the same
with like rights. The Trustee shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in
this Article XII with respect to any Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor that may at
any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Debt of
such Note Guarantor, and nothing in Article VII shall deprive the Trustee of any
of its rights as such holder. Nothing in this Article XII shall apply to claims
of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.07 or any other
Section of this Indenture.
SECTION 12.10. Distribution or Notice to Representative. Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their Representative (if any).
SECTION 12.11. Article XII Not To Prevent Events of Default or Limit Right To Accelerate. The failure of a Note Guarantor to make a payment on any of its obligations by reason of any provision in this Article XII shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of a default by such Note Guarantor under such obligations. Nothing in this Article XII shall have any effect on the right of the Holders or the Trustee to make a demand for payment on a Note Guarantor pursuant to Article XI.
SECTION 12.12. Trustee Entitled To Rely. Upon any payment or
distribution pursuant to this Article XII, the Trustee and the Holders shall be
entitled to rely (a) upon any order or decree of a court of competent
jurisdiction in which any proceedings of the nature referred to in Section 12.02
are pending, (b) upon a certificate of the liquidating trustee or agent or other
Person making such payment or distribution to the Trustee or to the Holders or
(c) upon the Representatives for the holders of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor
for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such
payment or distribution, the holders of such Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor
and other Indebtedness of such Note Guarantor, the amount thereof or payable
thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts
pertinent thereto or to this Article XII. In the event that the Trustee
determines, in good faith, that evidence is required with respect to the right
of any Person as a holder of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor to participate in
any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article XII, the Trustee may
request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Trustee as to the amount of such Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor held by such
Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such
payment or distribution and other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person
under this Article XII, and, if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may
defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right
of such Person to receive such payment. The Trustee shall be entitled to
conclusively rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a person
representing itself to be a holder of Senior Debt or a Representative (or a
trustee, fiduciary or agent therefor) to establish that such notice has been
given by a holder of Senior Debt or a Representative (or a trustee, fiduciary or
agent therefor). The provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02 shall be applicable to
all actions or omissions of actions by the Trustee pursuant to this Article XII.
SECTION 12.13. Trustee To Effectuate Subordination. Each Holder by accepting a Security authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination between the Holders and the holders of Senior Debt of each of the Note Guarantors as provided in this Article XII and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.
SECTION 12.14. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall mistakenly pay over or distribute, to Holders or the relevant Note Guarantor or any other Person, money or assets to which any holders of Senior Debt of such Note Guarantor shall be entitled by virtue of this Article XII or otherwise.
SECTION 12.15. Reliance by Holders of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor on Subordination Provisions. Each Holder by accepting a Security acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing subordination provisions are, and are intended to be, an inducement and a consideration to each holder of any Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor, whether such Senior Debt was created or acquired before or after the issuance of the Securities, to acquire and continue to hold, or to continue to hold, such Senior Debt, and such holder of such Senior Debt shall be deemed conclusively to have
relied on such subordination provisions in acquiring and continuing to hold, or in continuing to hold, such Senior Debt.
SECTION 12.16. Defeasance. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, payments from money or the proceeds of U.S. Government Obligations held in trust under Article VIII by the Trustee for the payment of principal of, and interest and additional interest on, the Securities shall not be subordinated to the prior payment of any Senior Debt of any Note Guarantor or subject to the restrictions set forth in this Article XII, and none of the Holders shall be obligated to pay over any such amount to a Note Guarantor or any holder of Senior Debt of a Note Guarantor or any other creditor of a Note Guarantor.
ARTICLE XIII
Miscellaneous
SECTION 13.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls. If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by, or with another provision (an "incorporated provision") included in this Indenture by operation of, Sections 310 to 318 of the TIA, inclusive, such imposed duties or incorporated provision shall control.
SECTION 13.02. Notices. Any notice or communication shall be in writing (which may be a facsimile with the original to follow) and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail addressed as follows:
if to the Company(1):
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
6 Executive Campus
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002
Attention of:
M. Kelley Maggs
if to the Trustee:
Wilmington Trust Company
Rodney Square North
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19890-0001
Attention of:
Corporate Trust Administration
The Company or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
Any notice or communication mailed to a Holder shall be mailed, first class mail, to the Holder at the Holder's address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar and shall be sufficiently given if so mailed within the time prescribed.
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. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
SECTION 13.03. Communication by Holders with Other Holders. Holders may communicate pursuant to Sections 312(b) of the TIA with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities. The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of Section 312(c) of the TIA.
SECTION 13.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:
(a) an Officers' Certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and
(b) an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.
SECTION 13.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture (other than pursuant to Section 4.09) shall include:
(a) a statement that the individual making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(b) 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;
(c) a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such individual, such covenant or condition has been complied with.
SECTION 13.06. When Securities Disregarded. In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Securities owned by the Company, any Note Guarantor or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company or any Note Guarantor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that, for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Securities which the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Subject to the foregoing, only Securities outstanding at the time shall be considered in any such determination.
SECTION 13.07. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Holders. The Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.
SECTION 13.08. Legal Holidays. A "Legal Holiday" is a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which banking institutions are not required by law or regulation to be open in the State of New York or the State of Delaware. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record date shall not be affected.
SECTION 13.09. GOVERNING LAW. THIS INDENTURE AND THE SECURITIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BUT WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.
SECTION 13.10. No Recourse Against Others. A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the Company or any of the Note Guarantors, shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any of the Note Guarantors under the Securities or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. By accepting a Security, each Holder shall waive and release all such liability. The waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
SECTION 13.11. Successors. All agreements of the Company and each Note Guarantor in this Indenture and the Securities shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.
SECTION 13.12. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture (which may include counterparts delivered by any standard form of telecommunication with the originals to follow), each of which shall be an original and
all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. One signed copy is enough to prove this Indenture.
SECTION 13.13. Table of Contents; Headings. The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the articles and sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION,
By: /s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS -------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel |
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION,
PF SALES, LLC,
PF DISTRIBUTION, LLC,
PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS CORPORATION,
PF STANDARDS CORPORATION,
PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION and
PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION) CORP.,
as Note Guarantors
By: /s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS -------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel |
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
as Trustee,
By: /s/ JAMES J. MCGINLEY -------------------------------- Name: James J. McGinley Title: Authorized Signer |
APPENDIX A
PROVISIONS RELATING TO ORIGINAL SECURITIES,
ADDITIONAL SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE SECURITIES
1. Definitions
1.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this Appendix A the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
"Applicable Procedures" means, with respect to any transfer or transaction involving a Regulation S Global Security or beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of the Depositary for such Global Security, Euroclear and Clearstream, in each case to the extent applicable to such transaction and as in effect from time to time.
"Clearstream" means Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme, or any successor securities clearing agency.
"Definitive Security" means a certificated Initial Security or Exchange Security (bearing the Restricted Securities Legend if the transfer of such Security is restricted by applicable law) that does not include the Global Securities Legend.
"Depositary" means The Depository Trust Company, its nominees and their respective successors.
"Distribution Compliance Period," with respect to any Securities,
means the period of 40 consecutive days beginning on and including the later of
(a) the day on which such Securities are first offered to persons other than
distributors (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) in reliance
on Regulation S, notice of which day shall be promptly given by the Company to
the Trustee, and (b) the Issue Date with respect to such Securities.
"Euroclear" means the Euroclear Clearance System or any successor securities clearing agency.
"Global Securities Legend" means the legend set forth under that caption in Exhibit A to this Indenture.
"IAI" means an institutional "accredited investor" as described in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act.
"Initial Purchasers" means J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
"Issue Date" means, with respect to any Initial Securities, the date on which such Initial Securities are originally issued.
"Purchase Agreement" means (a) (i) the Purchase Agreement dated November 20, 2003, among Crunch Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation, and the Initial Purchasers and (ii) the Joinder to the Purchase Agreement dated November 25, 2003, among the Company, the Note Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers and (b) any other similar Purchase Agreement relating to Additional Securities.
"QIB" means a "qualified institutional buyer" as defined in Rule 144A.
"Registered Exchange Offer" means an offer by the Company, pursuant to the Registration Agreement, to certain Holders of Initial Securities, to issue and deliver to such Holders, in exchange for their Initial Securities, a like aggregate principal amount of Exchange Securities registered under the Securities Act.
"Registration Agreement" means (a) the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated November 25, 2003, among the Company, the Note Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers and (b) any other similar Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement relating to Additional Securities.
"Regulation S" means Regulation S under the Securities Act.
"Regulation S Securities" means all Initial Securities offered and sold outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S.
"Restricted Securities Legend" means the legend set forth in Section 2.3(e)(i) herein.
"Rule 501" means Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act.
"Rule 144A" means Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
"Rule 144A Securities" means all Initial Securities offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Securities Custodian" means the custodian with respect to a Global Security (as appointed by the Depositary) or any successor person thereto, who shall initially be the Trustee.
"Shelf Registration Statement" means a registration statement filed by the Company in connection with the offer and sale of Initial Securities pursuant to the Registration Agreement.
"Transfer-Restricted Securities" means Definitive Securities and any other Securities that bear or are required to bear the Restricted Securities Legend.
1.2 Other Definitions
Defined Term: in Section: ---------- "Agent Members"............................. 2.1(c) "IAI Global Security"....................... 2.1(b) "Global Security"........................... 2.1(b) "Regulation S Global Security".............. 2.1(b) "Rule 144A Global Security"................. 2.1(b) |
2. The Securities
2.1 Form and Dating
(a) The Original Securities issued on the date hereof will be (i) offered and sold by the Company pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and (ii) resold, initially only to (1) QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A and (2) Persons other than U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S) in reliance on Regulation S. Such Original Securities 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. Additional Securities offered after the date hereof may be offered and sold by the Company from time to time pursuant to one or more Purchase Agreements in accordance with applicable law.
(b) Global Securities. Rule 144A Securities shall be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global Securities in definitive, fully registered form (collectively, the "Rule 144A Global Security") and Regulation S Securities shall be issued initially in the form of one or more global Securities (collectively, the "Regulation S Global Security"), in each case without interest coupons and bearing the Global Securities Legend and Restricted Securities Legend, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Securities represented thereby with the Securities Custodian, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as provided in this Indenture. One or more global securities in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons and bearing the Global Securities Legend and the Restricted Securities Legend (collectively, the "IAI Global Security") shall also be issued on the Closing Date, deposited with the Securities Custodian, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as provided in this Indenture to accommodate transfers of beneficial interests in the Securities to IAIs subsequent to the initial distribution. Beneficial ownership interests in the Regulation S Global Security shall not be exchangeable for interests in the Rule 144A Global Security, the IAI Global Security or any other Security without a Restricted Securities Legend until the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period. The Rule 144A Global Security, the IAI Global Security and the Regulation S Global Security are each referred to herein as a "Global Security" and are collectively referred to herein as "Global Securities," provided, that the term "Global Security" when used in Sections 2.1(b), 2.1(c), 2.3(g)(i), 2.3(h)(i) and 2.4 of this Appendix shall also include any Security in global form issued in
connection with a Registered Exchange Offer. The aggregate principal amount of the Global Securities may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee and the Depositary or its nominee.
(c) Book-Entry Provisions. This Section 2.1(c) shall apply only to a Global Security deposited with or on behalf of the Depositary.
The Company shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with this Section 2.1(c) and Section 2.2 and pursuant to an order of the Company signed by an Officer, authenticate and deliver initially one or more Global Securities that (i) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Global Security or Global Securities 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 Securities Custodian.
Members of, or participants in, the Depositary ("Agent Members") shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Security held on their behalf by the Depositary or by the Trustee as Securities Custodian or under such Global Security, and the Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the absolute owner of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company 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 Security.
(d) Definitive Securities. Except as provided in Section 2.3 or 2.4, owners of beneficial interests in Global Securities will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated Securities.
2.2 Authentication. The Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery upon a written order of the Company signed by one Officer (a) Original Securities for original issue on the date hereof in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000, (b) subject to the terms of this Indenture, Additional Securities in an unlimited aggregate principal amount and (c) the Exchange Securities for issue only in a Registered Exchange Offer, in the case of (c) pursuant to the Registration Agreement and for a like principal amount of Initial Securities exchanged pursuant thereto. Such order shall specify the amount of the Securities to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Securities is to be authenticated and whether the Securities are to be Original Securities, Additional Securities or Exchange Securities. The aggregate principal amount of Securities outstanding at any time is unlimited. In the case of the authentication of Exchange Securities, the Company shall deliver an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers' Certificate certifying as to the effectiveness of a registration statement and absence of a stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement and authorizing the cancelation of Initial Securities in exchange for Exchange Securities.
2.3 Transfer and Exchange. (a) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Securities. When Definitive Securities are presented to the Registrar with a request:
(i) to register the transfer of such Definitive Securities; or
(ii) to exchange such Definitive Securities for an equal principal amount of Definitive Securities 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 Securities surrendered for transfer or exchange:
(1) shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing; and
(2) in the case of Definitive Securities which are Transfer-Restricted Securities, are accompanied by the following additional information and documents, as applicable:
(A) if such Definitive Securities 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 Security); or
(B) if such Definitive Securities are being transferred to the Company, a certification to that effect (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Initial Security); or
(C) if such Definitive Securities are being transferred pursuant to an exemption from registration in accordance with 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 Security) and (y) if the Company so requests, an opinion of counsel or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to it as to the compliance with the restrictions set forth in the legend set forth in Section 2.3(d)(i) and (z) in the case of a transfer to an IAI, a signed letter substantially in the form of Exhibit D.
(b) Restrictions on Transfer of a Definitive Security for a Beneficial Interest in a Global Security. A Definitive Security may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in a Global Security except upon satisfaction of the requirements set forth below. Upon receipt by the Trustee of a Definitive Security, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the Registrar, together with:
(i) certification (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Initial Security) that such Definitive Security is being transferred (1) to a QIB in
accordance with Rule 144A, (2) to an IAI that has furnished to the Trustee a signed letter substantially in the form of Exhibit D, and in the case of clause (2), an opinion of counsel as to the compliance with the restrictions set forth in the legend set forth in Section 2.3(d)(i) or (3) outside the United States in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S and in compliance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act; and
(ii) written instructions directing the Trustee to make, or to direct the Securities Custodian to make, an adjustment on its books and records with respect to such Global Security to reflect an increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Securities represented by the Global Security, such instructions to contain information regarding the Depositary account to be credited with such increase,
then the Trustee shall cancel such Definitive Security and cause, or direct the Securities Custodian to cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between the Depositary and the Securities Custodian, the aggregate principal amount of Securities represented by the Global Security to be increased by the aggregate principal amount of the Definitive Security 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 Security equal to the principal amount of the Definitive Security so canceled. If no Global Securities are then outstanding and the Global Security has not been previously exchanged for certificated securities pursuant to Section 2.4, the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate, upon written order of the Company in the form of an Officers' Certificate, a new Global Security in the appropriate principal amount.
(c) Transfer and Exchange of Global Securities. (i) The transfer and exchange of Global Securities or beneficial interests therein shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with this 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 Security shall deliver 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 Security or another Global Security and such account shall be credited in accordance with such order with a beneficial interest in the applicable Global Security and the account of the Person making the transfer shall be debited by an amount equal to the beneficial interest in the Global Security being transferred. Transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security or the IAI Global Security to a transferee who takes delivery of such interest through the Regulation S Global Security, 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 of the Initial Securities from the transferor to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Regulation S or (if available) Rule 144 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 the Rule 144A Global Security for an interest in the IAI Global Security, the transferee must furnish a signed letter substantially in the form of Exhibit D to the Trustee and an opinion
of counsel or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee as to the compliance with the restrictions set forth in the legend set forth in Section 2.3(d)(i).
(ii) If the proposed transfer is a transfer of a beneficial interest in one Global Security to a beneficial interest in another Global Security, the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and an increase in the principal amount of the Global Security 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 Global Security from which such interest is being transferred.
(iii) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Appendix (other than the provisions set forth in Section 2.4), a Global Security may not be transferred as a whole except 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.
(iv) In the event that a Global Security is exchanged for Definitive Securities pursuant to Section 2.4 prior to the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Securities, such Securities may be exchanged only in accordance with such procedures as are substantially consistent with the provisions of this Section 2.3 (including the certification requirements set forth on the reverse of the Initial Securities intended to ensure that such transfers comply with Rule 144A or such other applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act, as the case may be) and such other procedures as may from time to time be adopted by the Company.
(d) Restrictions on Transfer of Regulation S Global Security. (i)
Prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, interests in the
Regulation S Global Security may only be held through Euroclear or Clearstream.
During the Distribution Compliance Period, beneficial ownership interests in the
Regulation S Global Security may only be sold, pledged or transferred through
Euroclear or Clearstream in accordance with the Applicable Procedures and only
(1) to the Company, (2) so long as such security 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 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) under the Securities Act, (5) to an IAI purchasing for
its own account, or for the account of such an IAI, in a minimum principal
amount of Securities of $250,000 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. Prior to the
expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, transfers by an owner of a
beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Security to a transferee who
takes delivery of such interest through the Rule 144A Global Security or the IAI
Global Security shall be made only in accordance with 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 of the Initial
Security to the effect that such transfer is being made to (1) 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 Securities 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 Security for an interest in the IAI Global
Security, the transferee must furnish a signed letter substantially in the form
of Exhibit D to the Trustee.
(ii) Upon the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, beneficial ownership interests in the Regulation S Global Security shall be transferable in accordance with applicable law and the other terms of this Indenture.
(e) Legend.
(i) Except as permitted by the following paragraphs (ii), (iii) or
(iv), each Security certificate evidencing the Global Securities and the
Definitive Securities (and all Securities 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):
"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 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 [IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A NOTES: TWO YEARS] [IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S NOTES: 40 DAYS] AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY), ONLY (A) TO THE COMPANY, (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, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A "QUALIFIED
INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT 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 THAT OCCUR
OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT, (E) TO AN "ACCREDITED INVESTOR" WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE
501(a)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT IS AN
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR ACQUIRING THE SECURITY FOR ITS OWN
ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR,
IN EACH CASE IN A MINIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE SECURITIES 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 ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY'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."
Each Definitive Security shall bear the following additional legend:
"IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE INDENTURE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS."
(ii) Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer-Restricted Security that is a Definitive Security, the Registrar shall permit the Holder thereof to exchange such Transfer-Restricted Security for a Definitive Security that does not bear the legends set forth above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer-Restricted Security 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 of the Initial Security).
(iii) After a transfer of any Initial Securities during the period of the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Initial Securities, all requirements pertaining to the Restricted Securities Legend on such Initial Securities shall cease to apply and the requirements that any such Initial Securities be issued in global form shall continue to apply.
(iv) Upon the consummation of a Registered Exchange Offer with respect to the Initial Securities pursuant to which Holders of such Initial Securities are offered Exchange Securities in exchange for their Initial Securities, all requirements pertaining to Initial Securities that Initial Securities be issued in global form shall continue to apply, and Exchange Securities in global form without the Restricted Securities Legend shall be available to Holders that exchange such Initial Securities in such Registered Exchange Offer.
(v) Upon a sale or transfer after the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period of any Initial Security acquired pursuant to Regulation S, all requirements that such Initial Security bear the Restricted Securities Legend shall cease to apply and the requirements requiring any such Initial Security be issued in global form shall continue to apply.
(vi) Any Additional Securities sold in a registered offering shall not be required to bear the Restricted Securities Legend.
(f) Cancelation or Adjustment of Global Security. At such time as all beneficial interests in a Global Security have either been exchanged for Definitive Securities, transferred, redeemed, repurchased or canceled, such Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee. At any time prior to such cancelation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Security is exchanged for Definitive Securities, transferred in exchange for an interest in another Global Security, redeemed, repurchased or canceled, the principal amount of Securities represented by such Global Security shall be reduced or increased, as the case may be, and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the Trustee to reflect such reduction or increase, as the case may be.
(g) Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Securities.
(i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate, Definitive Securities and Global Securities at the Registrar's request.
(ii) No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company 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 2.06, 3.06, 4.06, 4.08 and 9.05 of this Indenture).
(iii) Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Security, the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name a Security is registered as the absolute owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security is overdue, and none of the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
(iv) All Securities 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 Securities 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 Security, 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 Securities 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 Securities. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Securities shall be given or made only to the registered Holders (which shall be the Depositary or its nominee in the case of a Global Security). The rights of Beneficial Owners in any Global Security 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.
(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 Security (including any transfers between or among Depositary participants, members or Beneficial Owners in any Global Security) 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.
2.4 Definitive Securities
(a) A Global Security deposited with the Depositary or with the Trustee as Securities Custodian pursuant to Section 2.1 or issued in connection with a Registered Exchange Offer shall be transferred to the Beneficial Owners thereof in the form of Definitive Securities in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Security, in exchange for such Global Security, only if such transfer complies with Section 2.3 and (i) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a Depositary for such Global Security or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a "clearing agency" registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days of such notice or after the Company becomes aware of such cessation, or (ii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (iii) the Company, in its sole discretion, notifies the Trustee
in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of certificated Securities under this Indenture.
(b) Any Global Security 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 Security, an equal aggregate principal amount of Definitive Securities of authorized denominations. Any portion of a Global Security transferred pursuant to this Section shall be executed, authenticated and delivered only in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof and registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct. Any certificated Initial Security in the form of a Definitive Security delivered in exchange for an interest in the Global Security shall, except as otherwise provided by Section 2.3(d), bear the Restricted Securities Legend.
(c) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.4(b), the registered Holder of a Global Security 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 Securities.
(d) In the event of the occurrence of any of the events specified in
Section 2.4(a)(i), (ii) or (iii), the Company will promptly make available to
the Trustee a reasonable supply of Definitive Securities in fully registered
form without interest coupons.
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF FACE OF INITIAL SECURITY]
[Global Securities 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 COMPANY 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.
[Restricted Securities 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 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 [IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A NOTES: TWO YEARS] [IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S NOTES: 40 DAYS] AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY), ONLY (A) TO THE COMPANY, (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, TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT 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 THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (E) TO AN "ACCREDITED INVESTOR" WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT IS AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR ACQUIRING THE SECURITY FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR, IN EACH CASE IN A MINIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE SECURITIES 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 TO THE COMPANY'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.
Each Definitive Security shall bear the following additional legend:
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
No. $__________
8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Note due 2013
CUSIP No. ____________
ISIN No. ____________
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of $_____, as such sum may be increased or reduced as reflected on the records of the Trustee in accordance with the Indenture, on December 1, 2013.
Interest Payment Dates: June 1 and December 1.
Record Dates: May 15 and November 15.
EXHIBIT A
Additional provisions of this Security are set forth on the other side of this Security.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this instrument to be duly executed.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION,
Title:
Dated:
TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF
AUTHENTICATION
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
as Trustee, certifies
that this is one of
the Securities referred
to in the Indenture.
By:_________________________
Authorized Signatory
[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF INITIAL SECURITY]
8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Note due 2013
1. Interest
(a) PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (such corporation, and its successors and assigns under the Indenture hereinafter referred to, being herein called the "Company"), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Security at the rate per annum shown above. The Company shall pay interest semiannually on June 1 and December 1 of each year. Interest on the Securities shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from November 25, 2003 until the principal hereof is due. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
(b) Additional Interest. The Holder of this Security is entitled to the benefits of an Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003, among the Company, each of Pinnacle Foods Corporation, PF Sales, LLC, PF Distribution, LLC, Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation, PF Standards Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation and PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp. (collectively, the "Note Guarantors") and the Initial Purchasers named therein (the "Registration Agreement"). Capitalized terms used in this paragraph (b) but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Registration Agreement. If (i) the Shelf Registration Statement or Exchange Offer Registration Statement, as applicable under the Registration Agreement, is not filed with the Commission on or prior to 270 days after the Issue Date, (ii) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, is not declared effective within 330 days after the Issue Date, (iii) the Registered Exchange Offer is not consummated on or prior to 360 days after the Issue Date, or (iv) the Shelf Registration Statement is filed and declared effective within 360 days after the Issue Date but shall thereafter cease to be effective (at any time that the Company is obligated to maintain the effectiveness thereof) without being succeeded within 60 days by an additional Registration Statement filed and declared effective (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iv), a "Registration Default"), the Company shall pay additional interest to each Holder of Transfer-Restricted Securities during the period of such Registration Default in an amount equal to 1% per annum of the principal amount of the Securities constituting Transfer-Restricted Securities held by such Holder until the applicable Registration Statement is filed or declared effective, the Registered Exchange Offer is consummated or the Shelf Registration Statement again becomes effective, as the case may be; provided that that the Company shall not be required to pay additional interest for more than one Registration Default at any given time. All accrued additional interest shall be paid to Holders in the same manner as interest payments on the Securities on semiannual payment dates that correspond to interest payment dates for the Securities. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults, the accrual of additional interest shall cease. The Trustee shall have no responsibility with respect to the determination of the amount of
any such additional interest. For purposes of the foregoing, "Transfer-Restricted Securities" means (i) each Initial Security until the date on which such Initial Security has been exchanged for a freely transferable Exchange Security in the Registered Exchange Offer (it being understood that the requirement that an Exchange Dealer deliver a prospectus in connection with sales of Exchange Securities acquired in the Registered Exchange Offer shall not mean that the Exchange Security is not freely transferable), (ii) each Initial Security until the date on which such Initial Security has been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with a Shelf Registration Statement or (iii) each Initial Security until the date on which such Initial Security is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or is saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act.
2. Method of Payment
The Company shall pay interest on the Securities (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on the May 15 or November 15 next preceding the interest payment date even if Securities are canceled after the record date and on or before the interest payment date. Holders must surrender Securities to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Company shall pay principal, premium, if any, additional interest, if any, and interest in money of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments in respect of the Securities represented by a Global Security (including principal, premium, if any, additional interest, if any, and interest) shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by The Depository Trust Company or any successor depositary. The Company shall make all payments in respect of a certificated Security (including principal, premium, if any, interest and additional interest, if any), at the office of the Paying Agent, except that, at the option of the Company, payment of interest or additional interest may be made by mailing a check to the registered address of each Holder thereof; provided, however, that payments on the Securities may also be made, in the case of a Holder of at least $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Securities, by wire transfer 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 no later than 15 days immediately preceding the relevant due date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion).
3. Paying Agent and Registrar
Initially, WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, a Delaware banking corporation (the "Trustee"), will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may appoint and change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice. The Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.
4. Indenture
The Company issued the Securities under an Indenture dated as of November 25, 2003 (the "Indenture"), among the Company, the Note Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Securities include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of the Indenture (the "TIA"). Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture. The Securities are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and Holders (as defined in the Indenture) are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of such terms and provisions.
The Securities are senior subordinated obligations of the Company. This Security is one of the [Original Securities] [Additional Securities] referred to in the Indenture. The Securities include the Original Securities, the Additional Securities and any Exchange Securities issued in exchange for Initial Securities pursuant to the Indenture. The Original Securities, the Additional Securities and any Exchange Securities are treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture. The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries to, among other things, make certain Investments and other Restricted Payments, pay dividends and other distributions, incur Indebtedness and issue Preferred Stock, enter into consensual restrictions upon the payment of certain dividends and distributions by such Restricted Subsidiaries, enter into or permit certain transactions with Affiliates, make Asset Sales, incur Liens and incur Senior Subordinated Debt. The Indenture also imposes limitations on the ability of the Company and each Note Guarantor to consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or the Company to convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its property.
To guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal, interest and additional interest, if any, on the Securities and all other amounts payable by the Company under the Indenture and the Securities when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, according to the terms of the Securities and the Indenture, the Note Guarantors have jointly and severally unconditionally guaranteed the Guaranteed Obligations on a senior subordinated basis pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
5. Optional Redemption
Except as set forth in the following paragraph, the Securities shall not be redeemable at the option of the Company prior to December 1, 2008. The Securities may
be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to December 1, 2008, at the option of the Company upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice mailed by first-class mail to each Holder's registered address, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, 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). Any such redemption shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.
"Applicable Premium" means, with respect to any note on any applicable redemption date, the greater of (1) 1.0% of the then outstanding principal amount of the Security and (2) the excess of (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of the Security at December 1, 2008 (such redemption price being described below) plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the Security through December 1, 2008 (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 then outstanding principal amount of the Security, if greater.
"Treasury Rate" means, as of the applicable redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such redemption date of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such redemption date to December 1, 2008; provided, however, that if the period from such redemption date to December 1, 2008 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.
On or after December 1, 2008, the Securities shall be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional 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), if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on December 1 of the years set forth below:
REDEMPTION YEAR PRICE ---- ----- 2008 104.125% 2009 102.750% 2010 101.375% 2011 and thereafter 100.000% |
In addition, at any time prior to December 1, 2006, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities issued under the Indenture (calculated after giving effect to the issuance of Additional Securities) at a redemption price of 108.250% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional 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), with the Net Cash Proceeds from one or more Equity Offerings by the Company, Holdings or CEH (so long as such Net Cash Proceeds are contributed to the Company as common equity); provided, however, that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Securities issued under the Indenture (calculated after giving effect to the issuance of Additional Securities) remains outstanding immediately after the redemption (excluding any Securities held by the Company and its Subsidiaries). Any such redemption shall be made within 90 days of such Equity Offering upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice mailed to each Holder of Securities being redeemed and otherwise in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.
6. Sinking Fund
The Securities are not subject to any sinking fund.
7. Notice of Redemption
Notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed at his or her registered address. Securities in denominations larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000. If money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest and premium, if any, on all Securities (or portions thereof) to be redeemed on the redemption date is deposited with the Paying Agent on or before the redemption date and certain other conditions are satisfied, on and after such date interest (and, if applicable, additional interest) ceases to accrue on such Securities (or such portions thereof) called for redemption.
8. Repurchase of Securities at the Option of Holders upon Change of Control and Asset Dispositions
Upon a Change of Control, any Holder of Securities will have the right, subject to certain conditions specified in the Indenture, to cause the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) of the Securities of such Holder at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, on the Securities repurchased, to the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date) as provided in, and subject to the terms of, the Indenture.
In accordance with Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Company will be required to offer to purchase Securities upon the occurrence of certain events.
9. Subordination
The Securities and Note Guarantees are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness, as defined in the Indenture. To the extent provided in the Indenture, Senior Indebtedness must be paid before the Securities and Note Guarantees may be paid. The Company and each Note Guarantor agrees, and each Holder by accepting a Security agrees, to the subordination provisions contained in the Indenture and authorizes the Trustee to give it effect and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for such purpose.
10. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange
The Securities are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and whole multiples of $1,000. A Holder may transfer or exchange Securities in accordance with, and subject to the restrictions on transfer and exchange set forth in, the Indenture. Upon any transfer or exchange, the Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay all taxes or similar government charges due on transfer or exchange. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Security selected for redemption except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Security for a period of 15 days before a selection of Securities to be redeemed or between a record date and its related interest payment date.
11. Persons Deemed Owners
Except as provided in paragraph 2 hereof, the registered Holder of this Security may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
12. Unclaimed Money
If money for the payment principal, interest or additional interest, if any, remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay the money back to the Company at its written request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person. After any such payment, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general creditors and the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.
13. Discharge and Defeasance
Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any time may terminate some of or all its obligations under the Securities and the Indenture if the Company deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal of, and interest and liquidated damages, if any, on, the Securities to redemption or maturity, as the case may be. In addition, the Company 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.
14. Amendment, Waiver
Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, the Securities
and the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the
Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Securities ((including
any Additional Securities, if any) then outstanding voting as a single class
(including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase
of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Securities), and any existing default
or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the
Securities or the Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders
of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities voting as a
single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection
with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Securities). Subject
to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, without the consent of any
Holder, the Company, the Note Guarantors and the Trustee may amend the Indenture
or the Securities (i) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, (ii) to
provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated
Securities, (iii) to provide for the assumption of the Company's or any Note
Guarantor's obligations to Holders in the case of a merger or consolidation or
sale of all or substantially all of the Company's or a Note Guarantor's assets,
(iv) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to
the Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the
Indenture of any such Holder, (v) to add a Note Guarantor, (vi) to comply with
requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the
Indenture under the TIA, (vii) to make any change in the subordination
provisions of the Indenture that would limit or terminate the benefits available
to any holder of Senior Debt of the Company (or any representative thereof)
under such subordination provisions, (viii) to secure the Securities and the
Note Guarantees or (ix) to provide for the issuance of Additional Securities in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
15. Defaults and Remedies
If an Event of Default occurs (other than an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary) and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Securities may declare all the Securities to be due and payable immediately; provided that so long as any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement shall be outstanding, such acceleration shall not be effective until the earlier of (i) the acceleration of any Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement and (ii) five Business Days after receipt by the Company of written notice of such acceleration. Certain Defaults shall not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee notifies the Company or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities notify the Company and the Trustee of the Default and the Company or its Subsidiary, as applicable, does not cure such Default within the time specified in the Indenture after receipt of such notice. If an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
with respect to the Company or any Significant Subsidiary occurs, all outstanding Securities shall become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest, except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest or additional interest.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Securities waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or premium and additional interest, if any, on, or the principal of, the Securities.
The Company shall deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture. Upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
16. Trustee Dealings with the Company
Subject to certain limitations imposed by the TIA, the Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Company or its Affiliates and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.
17. No Recourse Against Others
A director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder, as such, of the Company or any Note Guarantor shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Note Guarantors under the Securities, the Indenture or the Note Guarantees, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. By accepting a Security, each Holder waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
18. Authentication
This Security shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Security.
19. Abbreviations
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the
entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors Act).
20. Governing Law
THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BUT WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.
21. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers
The Company has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Securities and has directed the Trustee to 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 Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH TO ANY HOLDER OF SECURITIES UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE HOLDER A COPY OF THE INDENTURE WHICH HAS IN IT THE TEXT OF THIS SECURITY.
ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Security, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this Security to
and irrevocably appoint agent to transfer this Security on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
Date: ________________ Your Signature: _____________________
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Security.
CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR REGISTRATION OF
TRANSFER RESTRICTED SECURITIES
This certificate relates to $_________ principal amount of Securities held in (check applicable space) ____ book-entry or _____ definitive form by the undersigned.
The undersigned (check one box below):
[ ] has requested the Trustee by written order to deliver in exchange for its beneficial interest in the Global Security held by the Depositary a Security or Securities in definitive, registered form of authorized denominations and an aggregate principal amount equal to its beneficial interest in such Global Security (or the portion thereof indicated above);
[ ] has requested the Trustee by written order to exchange or register the transfer of a Security or Securities.
In connection with any transfer of any of the Securities evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the expiration of the period referred to in Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act, the undersigned confirms that such Securities are being transferred in accordance with its terms:
CHECK ONE BOX BELOW
(1) [ ] to the Company; or
(2) [ ] to the Registrar for registration in the name of the Holder, without transfer; or
(3) [ ] pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933; or
(4) [ ] inside the United States to a "qualified institutional buyer" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933) that purchases for its own account or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer 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 under the Securities Act of 1933; or
(5) [ ] outside the United States 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 such Security shall be held immediately after the transfer through Euroclear or Clearstream until the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period (as defined in the Indenture); or
(6) [ ] 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) [ ] pursuant to another available exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933.
Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Securities evidenced by this certificate in the name of any Person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (5), (6) or (7) is checked, the Trustee may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Securities, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Company 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.
___________________________ Your Signature Signature Guarantee: Date: ___________________ __________________________ Signature must be guaranteed Signature of Signature by a participant in a Guarantee recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee |
TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (4) ABOVE IS CHECKED.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Security 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 under the Securities Act of 1933, 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 Company 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 |
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
IF YOU WANT TO ELECT TO HAVE THIS SECURITY PURCHASED BY THE COMPANY PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.06 (ASSET SALES) OR 4.08 (CHANGE OF CONTROL) OF THE INDENTURE, CHECK THE BOX:
ASSET SALES [ ] CHANGE OF CONTROL [ ]
IF YOU WANT TO ELECT TO HAVE ONLY PART OF THIS SECURITY PURCHASED BY THE COMPANY PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.06 OR 4.08 OF THE INDENTURE, STATE THE AMOUNT ($1,000 OR AN INTEGRAL MULTIPLE THEREOF):
$ DATE: __________________ YOUR SIGNATURE: __________________
(SIGN EXACTLY AS YOUR NAME APPEARS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SECURITY)
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE: _______________________________________
SIGNATURE MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A PARTICIPANT IN A RECOGNIZED SIGNATURE GUARANTY MEDALLION PROGRAM OR OTHER SIGNATURE GUARANTOR ACCEPTABLE TO THE TRUSTEE
EXHIBIT C
[FORM OF FACE OF EXCHANGE SECURITY]
[Global Securities 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 COMPANY 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.
No. $__________
8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Note due 2013
CUSIP No. __________
ISIN No. __________
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of $______, as such sum may be increased or reduced as reflected on the records of the Trustee in accordance with the Indenture, on December 1, 2013.
Interest Payment Dates: June 1 and December 1.
Record Dates: May 15 and November 15.
Additional provisions of this Security are set forth on the other side of this Security.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this instrument to be duly executed.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING
CORPORATION,
By
Title:
Dated:
TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF
AUTHENTICATION
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
as Trustee, certifies
that this is one of
the Securities referred
to in the Indenture.
by
[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF EXCHANGE SECURITY]
8 1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTE DUE 2013
1. Interest
(a) PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (such corporation, and its successors and assigns under the Indenture hereinafter referred to, being herein called the "Company"), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Security at the rate per annum shown above. The Company shall pay interest semiannually on June 1 and December 1 of each year. Interest on the Securities shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from November 25, 2003 until the principal hereof is due. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
[(b) Additional Interest. The Holder of this Security is entitled to the benefits of an [Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003, among the Company, each of Pinnacle Foods Corporation, PF Sales, LLC, PF Distribution, LLC, Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation, PF Standards Corporation, Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation and PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp. (collectively, the "Note Guarantors") and the Initial Purchasers named therein (the "Registration Agreement"). Capitalized terms used in this paragraph (b) but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Registration Agreement. If (i) the Shelf Registration Statement or Exchange Offer Registration Statement, as applicable under the Registration Agreement, is not filed with the Commission on or prior to 270 days after the Issue Date, (ii) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, is not declared effective within 330 days after the Issue Date, (iii) the Registered Exchange Offer is not consummated on or prior to 360 days after the Issue Date, or (iv) the Shelf Registration Statement is filed and declared effective within 360 days after the Issue Date but shall thereafter cease to be effective (at any time that the Company is obligated to maintain the effectiveness thereof) without being succeeded within 60 days by an additional Registration Statement filed and declared effective (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iv), a "Registration Default"), the Company shall pay additional interest to each Holder of Transfer-Restricted Securities during the period of such Registration Default in an amount equal to 1% per annum of the principal amount of the Securities constituting Transfer-Restricted Securities held by such Holder until the applicable Registration Statement is filed or declared effective, the Registered Exchange Offer is consummated or the Shelf Registration Statement again becomes effective, as the case may be; provided that that the Company shall not be required to pay additional interest for more than one Registration Default at any given time. All accrued additional interest shall be paid to Holders in the same manner as interest payments on the Securities on semiannual payment dates that correspond to interest payment dates for the Securities. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults, the accrual of additional interest shall cease. The Trustee shall have no responsibility with respect to the determination of the amount of
any such additional interest. For purposes of the foregoing, "Transfer-Restricted Securities" means (i) each Initial Security until the date on which such Initial Security has been exchanged for a freely transferable Exchange Security in the Registered Exchange Offer (it being understood that the requirement that an Exchange Dealer deliver a prospectus in connection with sales of Exchange Securities acquired in the Registered Exchange Offer shall not mean that the Exchange Security is not freely transferable), (ii) each Initial Security until the date on which such Initial Security has been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with a Shelf Registration Statement or (iii) each Initial Security until the date on which such Initial Security is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or is saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act.]
2. Method of Payment
The Company shall pay interest on the Securities (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on the May 15 or November 15 next preceding the interest payment date even if Securities are canceled after the record date and on or before the interest payment date. Holders must surrender Securities to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Company shall pay principal, premium, if any, additional interest, if any, and interest in money of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments in respect of the Securities represented by a Global Security (including principal, premium, if any, additional interest, if any, and interest) shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by The Depository Trust Company or any successor depositary. The Company shall make all payments in respect of a certificated Security (including principal, premium, if any, interest and additional interest, if any), at the office of the Paying Agent, except that, at the option of the Company, payment of interest or additional interest may be made by mailing a check to the registered address of each Holder thereof; provided, however, that payments on the Securities may also be made, in the case of a Holder of at least $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Securities, by wire transfer 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 no later than 15 days immediately preceding the relevant due date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion).
3. Paying Agent and Registrar
Initially, WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, a Delaware banking corporation (the "Trustee"), will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may appoint and change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice. The Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.
4. Indenture
The Company issued the Securities under an Indenture dated as of November 25, 2003 (the "Indenture"), among the Company, the Note Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Securities include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of the Indenture (the "TIA"). Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture. The Securities are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and Holders (as defined in the Indenture) are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of such terms and provisions.
The Securities are senior subordinated obligations of the Company. This Security is one of the Exchange Securities referred to in the Indenture. The Securities include the Original Securities, the Additional Securities and any Exchange Securities issued in exchange for Initial Securities pursuant to the Indenture. The Original Securities, the Additional Securities and the Exchange Securities are treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture. The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries to, among other things, make certain Investments and other Restricted Payments, pay dividends and other distributions, incur Indebtedness and issue Preferred Stock, enter into consensual restrictions upon the payment of certain dividends and distributions by such Restricted Subsidiaries, enter into or permit certain transactions with Affiliates, make Asset Sales, incur Liens and incur Senior Subordinated Debt. The Indenture also imposes limitations on the ability of the Company and each Note Guarantor to consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or the Company to convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its property.
To guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal, interest and additional interest, if any, on the Securities and all other amounts payable by the Company under the Indenture and the Securities when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, according to the terms of the Securities and the Indenture, the Note Guarantors have, jointly and severally, unconditionally guaranteed the Guaranteed Obligations on a senior basis pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
5. Optional Redemption
Except as set forth in the following paragraph, the Securities shall not be redeemable at the option of the Company prior to December 1, 2008. The Securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to December 1, 2008, at the option of
the Company upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice mailed by first-class mail to each Holder's registered address, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Securities redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, 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). Any such redemption shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.
"Applicable Premium" means, with respect to any note on any applicable redemption date, the greater of (1) 1.0% of the then outstanding principal amount of the Security and (2) the excess of (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of the Security at December 1, 2008 (such redemption price being described below) plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the Security through December 1, 2008 (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 then outstanding principal amount of the Security, if greater.
"Treasury Rate" means, as of the applicable redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such redemption date of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such redemption date to December 1, 2008; provided, however, that if the period from such redemption date to December 1, 2008 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.
On or after December 1, 2008, the Securities shall be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional 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), if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on December 1 of the years set forth below:
REDEMPTION YEAR PRICE ---- ----- 2008 104.125% 2009 102.750% 2010 101.375% 2011 and thereafter 100.000% |
In addition, at any time prior to December 1, 2006, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities issued under the Indenture (calculated after giving effect to the issuance of Additional Securities) at a redemption price of 108.250% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional 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), with the Net Cash Proceeds from one or more Equity Offerings by the Company, Holdings or CEH (so long as such Net Cash Proceeds are contributed to the Company as common equity); provided, however, that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Securities issued under the Indenture (calculated after giving effect to the issuance of Additional Securities) remains outstanding immediately after the redemption (excluding any Securities held by the Company and its Subsidiaries). Any such redemption shall be made within 90 days of such Equity Offering upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice mailed to each Holder of Securities being redeemed and otherwise in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture.
6. Sinking Fund
The Securities are not subject to any sinking fund.
7. Notice of Redemption
Notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed at his or her registered address. Securities in denominations larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000. If money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, on all Securities (or portions thereof) to be redeemed on the redemption date is deposited with the Paying Agent on or before the redemption date and certain other conditions are satisfied, on and after such date interest (and, if applicable, additional interest) ceases to accrue on such Securities (or such portions thereof) called for redemption.
8. Repurchase of Securities at the Option of Holders upon Change of Control and Asset Dispositions
Upon a Change of Control, any Holder of Securities will have the right, subject to certain conditions specified in the Indenture, to cause the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) of the Securities of such Holder at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, on the Securities repurchased, to the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date) as provided in, and subject to the terms of, the Indenture.
In accordance with Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Company will be required to offer to purchase Securities upon the occurrence of certain events.
9. Subordination
The Securities and Note Guarantees are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness, as defined in the Indenture. To the extent provided in the Indenture, Senior Indebtedness must be paid before the Securities and Note Guarantees may be paid. The Company and each Note Guarantor agrees, and each Holder by accepting a Security agrees, to the subordination provisions contained in the Indenture and authorizes the Trustee to give it effect and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for such purpose.
10. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange
The Securities are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and whole multiples of $1,000. A Holder may transfer or exchange Securities in accordance with, and subject to the restrictions on transfer and exchange set forth in, the Indenture. Upon any transfer or exchange, the Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay all taxes or similar government charges due on transfer or exchange. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Security selected for redemption except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Security for a period of 15 days before a selection of Securities to be redeemed or between a record date and its related interest payment date.
11. Persons Deemed Owners
Except as provided in paragraph 2 hereof, the registered Holder of this Security may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
12. Unclaimed Money
If money for the payment principal, interest or additional interest, if any, remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay the money back to the Company at its written request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person. After any such payment, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general creditors and the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.
13. Discharge and Defeasance
Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any time may terminate some of or all its obligations under the Securities and the Indenture if the Company deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal of, and interest and liquidated damages, if any, on, the Securities to redemption or maturity, as the case may be. In addition, the Company 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.
14. Amendment, Waiver
Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, the Securities
and the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the
Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Securities ((including
any Additional Securities, if any) then outstanding voting as a single class
(including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase
of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Securities), and any existing default
or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the
Securities or the Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders
of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities voting as a
single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection
with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Securities). Subject
to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, without the consent of any
Holder, the Company, the Note Guarantors and the Trustee may amend the Indenture
or the Securities (i) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, (ii) to
provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated
Securities, (iii) to provide for the assumption of the Company's or any Note
Guarantor's obligations to Holders in the case of a merger or consolidation or
sale of all or substantially all of the Company's or a Note Guarantor's assets,
(iv) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to
the Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the
Indenture of any such Holder, (v) to add a Note Guarantor, (vi) to comply with
requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the
Indenture under the TIA, (vii) to make any change in the subordination
provisions of the Indenture that would limit or terminate the benefits available
to any holder of Senior Debt of the Company (or any representative thereof)
under such subordination provisions, (viii) to secure the Securities and the
Note Guarantees or (ix) to provide for the issuance of Additional Securities in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
15. Defaults and Remedies
If an Event of Default occurs (other than an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary) and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Securities may declare all the Securities to be due and payable immediately; provided that so long as any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement shall be outstanding, such acceleration shall not be effective until the earlier of (i) the acceleration of any Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement and (ii) five Business Days after receipt by the Company of written notice of such acceleration. Certain Defaults shall not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee notifies the Company or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities notify the Company and the Trustee of the Default and the Company or its Subsidiary, as applicable, does not cure such Default within the time specified in the Indenture after receipt of such notice. If an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization
with respect to the Company or any Significant Subsidiary occurs, all outstanding Securities shall become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest, except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest or additional interest.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Securities waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or premium and additional interest, if any, on, or the principal of, the Securities.
The Company shall deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture. Upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
16. Trustee Dealings with the Company
Subject to certain limitations imposed by the TIA, the Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Company or its Affiliates and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.
17. No Recourse Against Others
A director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder, as such, of the Company or any Note Guarantor shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Note Guarantors under the Securities, the Indenture or the Note Guarantees, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. By accepting a Security, each Holder waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
18. Authentication
This Security shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Security.
19. Abbreviations
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the
entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors Act).
20. Governing Law
THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BUT WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.
21. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers
The Company has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Securities and has directed the Trustee to 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 Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH TO ANY HOLDER OF SECURITIES UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE HOLDER A COPY OF THE INDENTURE WHICH HAS IN IT THE TEXT OF THIS SECURITY.
ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Security, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this Security to
and irrevocably appoint agent to transfer this Security on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
Date: ________________ Your Signature: _____________________
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Security. Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee.
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
IF YOU WANT TO ELECT TO HAVE THIS SECURITY PURCHASED BY THE COMPANY PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.06 (ASSET SALES) OR 4.08 (CHANGE OF CONTROL) OF THE INDENTURE, CHECK THE BOX:
ASSET SALES [ ] CHANGE OF CONTROL [ ]
IF YOU WANT TO ELECT TO HAVE ONLY PART OF THIS SECURITY PURCHASED BY THE COMPANY PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.06 OR 4.08 OF THE INDENTURE, STATE THE AMOUNT ($1,000 OR AN INTEGRAL MULTIPLE THEREOF):
$ DATE: __________________ YOUR SIGNATURE: __________________
(SIGN EXACTLY AS YOUR NAME APPEARS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SECURITY)
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE: _______________________________________
SIGNATURE MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A PARTICIPANT IN A RECOGNIZED SIGNATURE GUARANTY MEDALLION PROGRAM OR OTHER SIGNATURE GUARANTOR ACCEPTABLE TO THE TRUSTEE
FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this "Supplemental "Indenture") dated as of , 20[ ] among [GUARANTOR] (the "New Guarantor"), a subsidiary of PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION (or its successor), a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), [EXISTING GUARANTORS] and WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, a Delaware banking corporation, as trustee under the indenture referred to below (the "Trustee").
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS the Company and [OLD GUARANTORS] (the "Existing Guarantors") has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an Indenture (the "Indenture") dated as of November 25, 2003, providing for the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000 of 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "Securities");
WHEREAS Section 4.11 of the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Company is required to cause the New Guarantor to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the New Guarantor shall unconditionally guarantee all the Company's obligations under the Securities pursuant to a Guarantee on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS pursuant to Section 11.07 of the Indenture, the Trustee, the Company and the Existing Guarantors are 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 New Guarantor, the Company, the Existing Guarantors and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of the Securities as follows:
1. Agreement to Guarantee. The New Guarantor hereby agrees, jointly and severally with all the Existing Guarantors, to unconditionally guarantee the Company's obligations under the Securities on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Articles XI and XII the Indenture and to be bound by all other applicable provisions of the Indenture and the Securities.
2. Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indentures Part of Indenture. Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all
purposes, and every holder of Securities heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.
3. Governing Law. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BUT WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.
4. Trustee Makes No Representation. The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture.
5. 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.
6. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not effect the construction thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
[NEW GUARANTOR],
By
Title:
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING
CORPORATION,
By
Title:
[EXISTING GUARANTORS],
By
Title:
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as
Trustee,
By
Title:
EXHIBIT D
Form of
Transferee Letter of Representation
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
6 Executive Campus
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002
In care of
[ ]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This certificate is delivered to request a transfer of $ principal amount of the 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "Securities") of Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation (the "Issuer").
Upon transfer, the Securities 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
Securities, and we are acquiring the Securities 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 Securities,
and we invest in or purchase securities similar to the Securities 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.
2. We understand that the Securities 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 Securities to offer, sell or otherwise transfer such Securities prior to the date that is two years after the later of the date of original issue and the last date on which the Company or any affiliate of the Company was the owner of such Securities (or any predecessor thereto) (the "Resale Restriction Termination Date") only (a) to the
Company, (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 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 Securities of $250,000, 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 Securities 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 Company 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 Securities for investment purposes and not for distribution in violation of
the Securities Act. Each purchaser acknowledges that the Company and the Trustee
reserve the right prior to the offer, sale or other transfer prior to the Resale
Restriction Termination Date of the Securities pursuant to clause (d), (e) or
(f) above to require the delivery of an opinion of counsel, certifications or
other information satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee.
TRANSFEREE:_________________,
by:________________________
Exhibit 4.2
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this "Supplemental "Indenture") dated as of March 19, 2004 among AURORA FOODS INC., a Delaware corporation ("Aurora"); SEA COAST FOODS, INC., a Washington corporation (the "New Guarantor") and a subsidiary of Aurora; PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"); PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, PF SALES, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, PF DISTRIBUTION, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, PF STANDARDS CORPORATION, a New Jersey corporation, PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, a Connecticut corporation, and PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION) CORP., a Delaware corporation (together, the "Existing Guarantors" and, together with the New Guarantor, the "Note Guarantors"); and WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, a Delaware banking corporation, as trustee under the indenture referred to below (the "Trustee").
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS the Company and the Existing Guarantors have heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an Indenture (the "Indenture") dated as of November 25, 2003, providing for the issuance of an unlimited amount of 8-1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "Securities");
WHEREAS, pursuant to an agreement and plan of reorganization and merger dated as of November 25, 2003, as amended as of January 8, 2004, the Company is merging with and into Aurora on even date herewith, with Aurora continuing as the surviving corporation;
WHEREAS a condition to the release of the escrow property described in the escrow agreement between the Company and the Trustee dated as of February 20, 2004, is Aurora's assumption of all obligations under the Indenture;
WHEREAS Section 4.11 of the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Company is required to cause the New Guarantor to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the New Guarantor shall unconditionally guarantee all the Company's obligations under the Securities pursuant to a Guarantee on the terms and conditions set forth herein;
WHEREAS Section 9.01(a)(iv) of the Indenture provides that the Company, the Note Guarantors and the Trustee may amend the Indenture to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to holders of Securities or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such holder; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11.07 of the Indenture, the Trustee, the Company and the Existing Guarantors are 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, Aurora, the New Guarantor, the Company, the Existing Guarantors and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of the Securities as follows:
1. Assumption of Obligations. Aurora hereby assumes all the Company's obligations under the Indenture.
2. Agreement to Guarantee. The New Guarantor hereby agrees, jointly and severally with all the Existing Guarantors, to unconditionally guarantee the obligations of the Company and Aurora under the Securities on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Articles XI and XII of the Indenture and to be bound by all other applicable provisions of the Indenture and the Securities.
3. Amendment of Section 5.01. Section 5.01 of the Indenture is amended by adding the following provisions:
(e) A Note Guarantor may not directly or indirectly, (x) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not such Note Guarantor is the surviving Person) or (y) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets unless, in the case of clauses (x) and (y) above:
(i) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and
(ii) either:
(A) the Person acquiring the property in any such sale or disposition of the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger, if other than such Note Guarantor, assumes all the obligations of that Note Guarantor under this Indenture, its Guarantee and the Registration Agreement pursuant to a supplemental indenture satisfactory to the Trustee and completes all other required documentation; or
(B) in the case of a sale or disposition constituting an Asset Sale, the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with Section 4.06.
(f) Notwithstanding Section 5.01(e), a Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its assets and properties to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company that is a Note Guarantor.
4. Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indenture Part of Indenture. Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every holder of Securities heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.
5. Governing Law. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BUT WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.
6. Trustee Makes No Representation. The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture.
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. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not effect the construction thereof.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
AURORA FOODS INC.
By: /s/ M. Kelley Maggs ------------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
SEA COAST FOODS, INC.
By: /s/ M. Kelley Maggs ------------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
By: /s/ M. Kelley Maggs ------------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION,
PF SALES, LLC,
PF DISTRIBUTION, LLC,
PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS CORPORATION,
PF STANDARDS CORPORATION,
PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION and
PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION) CORP.,
as Note Guarantors
By: /s/ M. Kelley Maggs ------------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee
By: /s/ Mary St. Amand ------------------------------------- Name: Mary St. Amand Title: Assistant Vice President |
EXHIBIT 4.3
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
$200,000,000
8 1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013
EXCHANGE AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
November 25, 2003
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
270 Park Avenue, 5th floor
New York, New York 10017
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("the Company") proposes to issue and sell to J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ("JPMorgan") and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (together with JPMorgan, the "Initial Purchasers"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in a purchase agreement dated November 20, 2003, and the joinder thereto dated November 25, 2003 (together, the "Purchase Agreement"), $200,000,000 principal amount of the Company's 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "Notes") to be guaranteed on an unsecured senior subordinated basis by each of the subsidiaries of the Company listed on Schedule I hereto (the "Note Guarantors"). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.
As an inducement to the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement and in satisfaction of a condition to the obligations of the Initial Purchasers thereunder, the Company and the Note Guarantors agree with the Initial Purchasers, for the benefit of the holders (including the Initial Purchasers and the Market-Maker (as defined herein)) of the Notes and the Exchange Notes (as defined herein) (collectively, the "Holders"), as follows:
1. Registered Exchange Offer. Unless, because of any change in law or applicable interpretations thereof by the Commission's staff, the Company and the Note Guarantors determine in good faith after consultation with counsel that they are not permitted to effect the Registered Exchange Offer (as defined herein), the Company and the Note Guarantors shall (i) prepare and, not later than 270 days following the date of original issuance of the Notes (the "Issue Date"), file with the Commission a registration
statement (the "Exchange Offer Registration Statement") on an appropriate form under the Securities Act with respect to a proposed offer to the Holders of the Notes (the "Registered Exchange Offer") to issue and deliver to such Holders, in exchange for the Notes, a like aggregate principal amount of debt securities of the Company (the "Exchange Notes") that are identical in all material respects to the Notes, except for the transfer restrictions relating to the Notes, (ii) use reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act no later than 330 days after the Issue Date and the Registered Exchange Offer to be consummated no later than 360 days after the Issue Date and (iii) keep the Registered Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 business days (or longer, if required by applicable law) after the date on which notice of the Registered Exchange Offer is mailed to the Holders (such period being called the "Exchange Offer Registration Period"). The Exchange Notes will be issued under the Indenture or an indenture (the "Exchange Notes Indenture") among the Company, the Note Guarantors and the Trustee or such other bank or trust company that is reasonably satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers, as trustee (the "Exchange Notes Trustee"), such indenture to be identical in all material respects to the Indenture, except for the transfer restrictions relating to the Notes (as described above). All references in this Agreement to "prospectus" shall, except where the context otherwise requires, include any prospectus (or amendment or supplement thereto) filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement.
Upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the Company shall promptly commence the Registered Exchange Offer, it being the objective of such Registered Exchange Offer to enable each Holder electing to exchange Notes for Exchange Notes (assuming that such Holder (a) is not an affiliate (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Company or an Exchanging Dealer (as defined herein) not complying with the requirements of the next sentence, (b) is not an Initial Purchaser holding Notes that have, or that are reasonably likely to have, the status of an unsold allotment in an initial distribution, (c) acquires the Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of such Holder's business, (d) has no arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Notes and (e) if such Holder is not an Exchanging Dealer (as defined below), it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of the Exchange Notes) and to trade such Exchange Notes from and after their receipt without any limitations or restrictions under the Securities Act and without material restrictions under the securities laws of the several states of the United States. The Company, the Note Guarantors, the Initial Purchasers and each Exchanging Dealer acknowledge that, pursuant to current interpretations by the Commission's staff of Section 5 of the Securities Act, each Holder that is a broker-dealer electing to exchange Notes, acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, for Exchange Notes (an "Exchanging Dealer"), is required to deliver a prospectus containing substantially the information set forth in Annex A hereto on the cover, in Annex B hereto in the "Exchange Offer Procedures" section and the "Purpose of the Exchange Offer" section (if any) and in Annex C hereto in the "Plan of Distribution" section of such prospectus in connection with a sale of any
such Exchange Notes received by such Exchanging Dealer pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer.
In connection with the Registered Exchange Offer, the Company shall:
(a) mail to each Holder a copy of the prospectus forming part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, together with an appropriate letter of transmittal and related documents;
(b) keep the Registered Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 business days (or longer, if required by applicable law) after the date on which notice of the Registered Exchange Offer is mailed to the Holders;
(c) utilize the services of a depositary for the Registered Exchange Offer with an address in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York;
(d) permit Holders to withdraw tendered Notes at any time prior to the close of business, New York City time, on the last business day on which the Registered Exchange Offer shall remain open; and
(e) otherwise comply in all respects with all laws that are applicable to the Registered Exchange Offer.
As soon as practicable after the close of the Registered Exchange Offer, the Company shall:
(a) accept for exchange all Notes tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer;
(b) deliver to the Trustee for cancelation all Notes so accepted for exchange; and
(c) cause the Trustee or the Exchange Notes Trustee, as the case may be, promptly to authenticate and deliver to each Holder, Exchange Notes equal in principal amount to the Notes of such Holder so accepted for exchange.
The Company and the Note Guarantors shall use reasonable best efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement effective and to amend and supplement the prospectus contained therein in order to permit such prospectus to be used by all persons (including Exchanging Dealers) subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act for 180 days after the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer (such 180 days, the "Applicable Period").
The Indenture or the Exchange Notes Indenture, as the case may be, shall provide that the Notes and the Exchange Notes shall vote and consent together on all
matters as one class and that neither the Notes nor the Exchange Notes will have the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter; provided that, whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Notes and Exchange Notes is required, any Notes or Exchange Notes owned directly or indirectly by the Company or any of its affiliates (other than JPMorgan, its subsidiaries or its broker-dealer affiliates) shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage or amount; provided further that, if the Company shall issue any additional Notes under the Indenture prior to consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of any Shelf Registration Statement, such additional Notes and the Notes 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 Notes has been obtained.
Interest on each Exchange Note issued pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer will accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Notes surrendered in exchange therefor or, if no interest has been paid on the Notes, from the Issue Date.
Each Holder participating in the Registered Exchange Offer shall be
required to represent to the Company and the Note Guarantors in writing (which
may be contained in the applicable letter of transmittal) that at the time of
the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer (i) any Exchange Notes
received by such Holder will be acquired in the ordinary course of business,
(ii) such Holder will have no arrangements or understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution of the Notes or the Exchange Notes within the
meaning of the Securities Act, (iii) such Holder is not an affiliate (within the
meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Company or, if it is such
an affiliate, such Holder will comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable and (iv) if
such Holder is a broker-dealer, that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of such Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period.
Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, the Company and the Note Guarantors will ensure that (i) any Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and any prospectus forming part thereof and any supplement thereto complies in all material respects with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, (ii) any Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment thereto does not, when it becomes effective, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (iii) any prospectus forming part of any Exchange Offer Registration Statement, and any supplement to such prospectus, does not, as of the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer, include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
2. Shelf Registration. If (i) because of any change in law or applicable interpretations thereof by the Commission's staff the Company and the Note Guarantors determine in good faith after consultation with counsel that they are not permitted to effect the Registered Exchange Offer as contemplated by Section 1 hereof, or (ii) any Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer are not exchanged for Exchange Notes within 360 days after the Issue Date, or (iii) the Initial Purchasers so request with respect to Notes not eligible to be exchanged for Exchange Notes in the Registered Exchange Offer and held by them following the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer, or (iv) any applicable law or interpretations do not permit any Holder to participate in the Registered Exchange Offer (other than because such Holder has an understanding or arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Notes), (v) any Holder that participates in the Registered Exchange Offer notifies the Company in writing within 30 days following the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer that such Holder may not resell the Exchange Notes acquired by it in the Registered Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not legally available for such resales by such Holder or (vi) the Company so elects, then the following provisions shall apply:
(a) The Company and the Note Guarantors shall use reasonable best
efforts to file as promptly as practicable (but in no event more than 60
days after so required or requested pursuant to this Section 2; provided
that in the case of any filing in response to clause (i), (iii) or (iv) of
the preceding paragraph, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall not be
required to make any such filing earlier than 270 days following the Issue
Date (the date of such filing, the "Shelf Filing Date")) with the
Commission, and thereafter shall use reasonable best efforts to cause to
be declared effective on or prior to 90 days after the Shelf Filing Date
(but, in the case of any filing in response to clause (i), (iii), (iv) or
(vi) of the preceding paragraph, in no event earlier than the 360th day
after the Issue Date), a shelf registration statement on an appropriate
form under the Securities Act relating to the offer and sale of the
Transfer-Restricted Notes (as defined below) by the Holders thereof from
time to time in accordance with the methods of distribution set forth in
such registration statement (hereafter, a "Shelf Registration Statement"
and, together with any Exchange Offer Registration Statement, a
"Registration Statement").
(b) The Company and the Note Guarantors shall use reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective in order to permit the prospectus forming part thereof to be used by Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes for a period ending on the earlier of (i) two years from the Issue Date or such shorter period that will terminate when all the Transfer-Restricted Notes covered by the Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant thereto and (ii) the date on which the Notes become eligible for resale without volume restrictions pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act
(in any such case, such period being called the "Shelf Registration Period"). The Company and the Note Guarantors shall be deemed not to have used reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective during the requisite period if any of them voluntarily take any action that would result in Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes covered thereby not being able to offer and sell such Transfer-Restricted Notes during that period, unless (A) such action is required by applicable law or (B) such action was permitted by Section 2(c).
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2(b) (but subject to the provisions of Section 3(b)), the Company and the Note Guarantors may for valid business reasons, including without limitation, a potential acquisition, divestiture of assets or other material corporate transaction, issue a notice that the Shelf Registration Statement is no longer effective or the prospectus included therein is no longer usable for offers and sales of Transfer-Restricted Notes and may issue any notice suspending use of the Shelf Registration Statement required under applicable securities laws to be issued. The provisions of this Section 2(c) shall also be applicable to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement during the Applicable Period; provided that the Applicable Period shall be extended for the number of days (which shall not exceed 60) that the use of the Shelf Registration Statement is suspended.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall ensure that (i) any Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and any prospectus forming part thereof and any supplement thereto complies in all material respects with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, (ii) any Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment thereto (in either case, other than with respect to information included therein in reliance upon or in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any Holder specifically for use therein (the "Holders' Information")) does not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (iii) any prospectus forming part of any Shelf Registration Statement, and any supplement to such prospectus (in either case, other than with respect to Holders' Information), does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
3. Additional Interest. (a) The parties hereto agree that the Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes will suffer damages if the Company and the Note Guarantors fail to fulfill their obligations under Section 1 or Section 2, as applicable, and that it would not be feasible to ascertain the extent of such damages. Accordingly, if (i) the applicable Registration Statement is not filed with the Commission on or prior to the date specified in this Agreement, (ii) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf
Registration Statement, as the case may be, is not declared effective on or
prior to the date specified in this Agreement, (iii) the Registered Exchange
Offer is not consummated on or prior to 360 days after the Issue Date (other
than in the event the Company is requested or required or elected to file a
Shelf Registration Statement) or (iv) the Shelf Registration Statement is filed
and declared effective on or prior to the date specified in this Agreement but
shall thereafter cease to be effective (at any time that the Company and the
Note Guarantors are obligated to maintain the effectiveness thereof) without
being succeeded within 60 days by an additional Registration Statement or a
post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement filed and declared
effective (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iv), a
"Registration Default"), the interest rate on the Transfer-Restricted Notes will
be increased by 1.00% per annum (the amount paid as a result of such increase,
"additional interest"), until (i) the applicable Registration Statement is
filed, (ii) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective and
the Registered Exchange Offer is consummated, (iii) the Shelf Registration
Statement is declared effective or (iv) the Shelf Registration Statement again
becomes effective, an additional Registration Statement becomes effective or a
post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement becomes effective,
as the case may be; provided that that the Company shall not be required to pay
additional interest for more than one Registration Default at any given time.
Following the cure of all Registration Defaults, the accrual of additional
interest will cease. As used herein, the term "Transfer-Restricted Notes" means
(i) each Note until the date on which such Note has been exchanged for a freely
transferable Exchange Note in the Registered Exchange Offer (it being understood
that the requirement that an Exchanging Dealer deliver a prospectus in
connection with sales of Exchange Notes acquired in the Registered Exchange
Offer shall not mean that the Exchange Note is not freely transferable for
purposes of this Section 3), (ii) each Note until the date on which it has been
effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance
with the Shelf Registration Statement or (iii) each Note until the date on which
it is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or
is saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Section 3(a), the Company shall not be required
to pay additional interest to a Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes if such
Holder failed to comply with its obligations to make the representations set
forth in the second to last paragraph of Section 1 or failed to provide the
information required to be provided by it, if any, pursuant to Section 4(o).
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Section 3(a), the Company and the Note Guarantors may for valid business reasons, including without limitation, a potential acquisition, divestiture of assets or other material corporate transaction, issue a notice that the Shelf Registration Statement is no longer effective or the prospectus included therein is no longer usable for offers and sales of Transfer-Restricted Notes and may issue any notice suspending use of the Shelf Registration Statement required under applicable securities laws to be issued and, in the event that the aggregate number of days in any consecutive twelve-month period for which all such notices are issued and effective exceeds
60 days in the aggregate, then the interest rate on the Transfer-Restricted Notes covered by the Shelf Registration Statement will be increased by 1.00% per annum (the amount paid as a result of such increase, "additional interest"). Upon the Company and the Note Guarantors declaring that the Shelf Registration Statement is useable after the period of time described in the preceding sentence, accrual of additional interest shall cease; provided, however, that if after any such cessation of the accrual of additional interest the Shelf Registration Statement again ceases to be useable beyond the period permitted above, additional interest will again accrue pursuant to the foregoing provisions.
(c) The Company shall notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent under the Indenture immediately upon the happening of each and every Registration Default. The Company and the Note Guarantors shall pay the additional interest due on the Transfer-Restricted Notes by depositing with the Paying Agent (which may not be the Company for these purposes), in trust, for the benefit of the Holders thereof, prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next interest payment date specified by the Indenture and the Notes, sums sufficient to pay the additional interest then due. The additional interest due shall be payable on each interest payment date specified by the Indenture and the Notes to the record holder entitled to receive the interest payment to be made on such date. Each obligation to pay additional interest shall be deemed to accrue from and including the date of the applicable Registration Default.
(d) The parties hereto agree that the additional interest provided for in this Section 3 constitute a reasonable estimate of and are intended to constitute the sole damages that will be suffered by Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes by reason of the failure of (i) the Shelf Registration Statement or the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be filed, (ii) the Shelf Registration Statement to remain effective or (iii) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be declared effective and the Registered Exchange Offer to be consummated, in each case to the extent required by this Agreement.
4. Registration Procedures. In connection with any Registration Statement, the following provisions shall apply:
(a) The Company shall (i) furnish to the Initial Purchasers, prior to the filing thereof with the Commission, a copy of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and each amendment thereof and each supplement, if any, to the prospectus included therein and shall use reasonable best efforts to reflect in each such document, when so filed with the Commission, such comments as the Initial Purchasers may reasonably propose, (ii) include information substantially as set forth in Annex A hereto on the cover, in Annex B hereto in the "Exchange Offer Procedures" section and the "Purpose of the Exchange Offer" section (if any) and in Annex C hereto in the "Plan of Distribution" section of the prospectus forming
a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, and include information substantially as set forth in Annex D hereto in the Letter of Transmittal delivered pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer and (iii) if requested in writing by any Initial Purchaser, include the information required by Items 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K, as applicable, in the prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.
(b) The Company shall advise the Initial Purchasers, each Exchanging
Dealer and the Holders (if applicable) and, if requested by any such
person, confirm such advice in writing (which advice pursuant to clauses
(ii) through (v) hereof shall be accompanied by an instruction to suspend
the use of the prospectus until the requisite changes have been made):
(i) when any Registration Statement and any amendment thereto has been filed with the Commission and when such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has become effective;
(ii) of any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to any Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or for additional information;
(iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose;
(iv) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Notes or the Exchange Notes for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and
(v) of the happening of any event that requires the making of any changes in any Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein in order that the statements therein are not misleading and do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(c) The Company and the Note Guarantors will make every reasonable effort to obtain the withdrawal at the earliest possible time of any order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement.
(d) The Company will furnish to each Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes included within the coverage of any Shelf Registration Statement, without charge, at least one conformed copy of such Shelf Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules
and, if any such Holder so requests in writing, all exhibits thereto (including those, if any, incorporated by reference).
(e) The Company will, during the Shelf Registration Period, promptly deliver to each Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes included within the coverage of any Shelf Registration Statement, without charge, as many copies of the prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus) included in such Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Holder may reasonably request; and the Company consents to the use of such prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes in connection with the offer and sale of the Transfer-Restricted Notes covered by such prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto.
(f) The Company will furnish to the Initial Purchasers, each Exchanging Dealer who so requests in writing, and to any other Holder who so requests in writing, without charge, at least one conformed copy of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules and, if the Initial Purchasers or Exchanging Dealer or any such Holder so requests in writing, all exhibits thereto (including those, if any, incorporated by reference).
(g) The Company will, during the Exchange Offer Registration Period or the Shelf Registration Period, as applicable, promptly deliver to the Initial Purchasers, each Exchanging Dealer and such other persons that are required to deliver a prospectus following the Registered Exchange Offer, without charge, as many copies of the final prospectus included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto as the Initial Purchasers, such Exchanging Dealer or other persons may reasonably request in writing; and the Company and the Note Guarantors consent to the use of such prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by the Initial Purchasers, such Exchanging Dealer or other persons, as applicable, as aforesaid.
(h) Prior to the effective date of any Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors will use reasonable best efforts to register or qualify, or cooperate with the Holders of Notes or Exchange Notes included therein and their respective counsel in connection with the registration or qualification of, such Notes or Exchange Notes for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any such Holder reasonably requests in writing and do any and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the offer and sale in such jurisdictions of the Notes or Exchange Notes covered by such Registration Statement; provided that the Company and the Note Guarantors will not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where they are not
then so qualified or to take any action which would subject them to general service of process or to taxation in any such jurisdiction where they are not then so subject.
(i) The Company and the Note Guarantors will cooperate with the Holders of Notes or Exchange Notes to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Notes or Exchange Notes to be sold pursuant to any Registration Statement free of any restrictive legends and in such denominations and registered in such names as the Holders thereof may request in writing prior to sales of Notes or Exchange Notes pursuant to such Registration Statement.
(j) If any event contemplated by Sections 4(b)(ii) through (v) occurs during the period for which the Company and the Note Guarantors are required to maintain an effective Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors will promptly prepare and file with the Commission a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Notes or Exchange Notes from a Holder, the prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(k) If any event contemplated by Section 2(c) or 3(b) occurs during the period for which the Company and the Note Guarantors are required to maintain an effective Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors will, to the extent required after the end of the applicable periods referred to in Sections 2(c) and 3(b), promptly prepare and file with the Commission a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Notes or Exchange Notes from a Holder, the prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(l) Not later than the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement, the Company will provide a CUSIP number for the Notes and the Exchange Notes, as the case may be, and provide the applicable trustee with certificates for the Notes or the Exchange Notes, as the case may be, in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company.
(m) The Company and the Note Guarantors will comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and the Company and the Note Guarantors will make generally available to their security holders as soon as practicable after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement an earning statement of the Company satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of
the Securities Act; provided that in no event shall such earning statement be delivered later than 45 days after the end of a 12-month period (or 90 days, if such period is a fiscal year) beginning with the first month of the Company's first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement, which statement shall cover such 12-month period.
(n) The Company and the Note Guarantors will cause the Indenture or the Exchange Notes Indenture, as the case may be, to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act as required by applicable law in a timely manner.
(o) The Company may require each Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes to be registered pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement to furnish to the Company such information concerning the Holder and the distribution of such Transfer-Restricted Notes as the Company may from time to time reasonably require for inclusion in such Shelf Registration Statement, and the Company may exclude from such registration the Transfer-Restricted Notes of any Holder that fails to furnish such information within a reasonable time after receiving such request. Each Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes as to which a Shelf Registration Statement is being effected, by its participation in the Shelf Registration Statement, shall be deemed to agree to furnish the Company and the Note Guarantors all information concerning such Holder required to be described in order to make the information previously furnished by such Holder to the Company and the Note Guarantors not materially misleading.
(p) In the case of (i) a Shelf Registration Statement, each Holder
of Transfer-Restricted Notes to be registered pursuant thereto agrees by
acquisition of such Transfer-Restricted Notes that, and (ii) the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement during the Applicable Period only, each
Holder of Exchange Notes subject to the prospectus delivery requirements
of the Securities Act agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the
Company pursuant to Sections 2(c), 3(b) or 4(b)(ii) through (v), such
Holder will discontinue disposition of such Transfer-Restricted Notes or
Exchange Notes, as applicable, until such Holder's receipt of copies of
the supplemental or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 4(j) or
4(k), as the case may be, or until advised in writing by the Company that
the use of the applicable prospectus may be resumed (the "Advice"). If the
Company shall give any notice under Section 2(c), 3(b) or 4(b)(ii) through
(v) during the period that the Company is required to maintain an
effective Registration Statement (the "Effectiveness Period"), such
Effectiveness Period shall be extended by the number of days during such
period from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and
including the date when each seller of Transfer-Restricted Notes or
Exchange Notes, as applicable, covered by such Registration Statement
shall have received (x) the copies of the supplemental or amended
prospectus contemplated by Section 4(j) or 4(k), as the
case may be, (if an amended or supplemental prospectus is required) or (y) the Advice (if no amended or supplemental prospectus is required).
(q) In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall enter into such customary agreements (including, if requested by Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and Exchange Notes (the "Majority Holders"), an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take all such other action, if any, as Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and Exchange Notes covered by the Shelf Registration Statement or the managing underwriters (if any) shall reasonably request in order to facilitate any disposition of Notes or Exchange Notes pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall not be required to engage in more than one underwritten offering pursuant to this Agreement.
(r) In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company shall
(i) make reasonably available for inspection by a representative of, and
Special Counsel (as defined below) acting for, Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes and Exchange Notes covered by the
Shelf Registration Statement and any underwriter participating in any
disposition of Notes or Exchange Notes pursuant to such Shelf Registration
Statement, all relevant financial and other records, pertinent corporate
documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries and (ii) use
reasonable best efforts to have its officers, directors, employees,
accountants and counsel supply all relevant information reasonably
requested by such representative, Special Counsel or any such underwriter
(an "Inspector") in connection with such Shelf Registration Statement.
(s) In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company
shall, if requested by Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the Notes and Exchange Notes covered by the Shelf Registration
Statement, their Special Counsel or the managing underwriters (if any) in
connection with such Shelf Registration Statement, use reasonable best
efforts to cause (i) its counsel to deliver an opinion relating to the
Shelf Registration Statement and the Notes or Exchange Notes, as
applicable, in customary form, (ii) its officers to execute and deliver
all customary documents and certificates requested by Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and Exchange Notes
being sold, its Special Counsel or the managing underwriters (if any) and
(iii) its independent public accountants to provide a comfort letter or
letters in customary form, subject to receipt of appropriate documentation
as contemplated, and only if permitted, by Statement of Auditing Standards
No. 72.
5. Registration Expenses. The Company and the Note Guarantors will jointly and severally bear all expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their obligations under Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 and the Company will reimburse the Initial Purchasers or the Holders, as applicable, for the reasonable fees and disbursements of one firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) chosen by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and the Exchange Notes covered by each Registration Statement (the "Special Counsel") acting for the Initial Purchasers or Holders in connection therewith. The Company and the Note Guarantors are not required to pay any commissions or concessions of any broker-dealers.
6. Market-Making. (a) For so long as any of the Notes or Exchange Notes are outstanding and JPMorgan (in such capacity, the "Market-Maker") or any of its affiliates (as defined in the rules and regulations of the Commission) owns any equity securities of the Company, the Note Guarantors or any of their affiliates and proposes to make a market in the Notes or Exchange Notes as part of its business in the ordinary course, the following provisions shall apply for the sole benefit of the Market-Maker:
(i) The Company and the Note Guarantors shall (A) on the date
that the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is filed with the
Commission, file a registration statement (the "Market-Making
Registration Statement") (which may be the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement if
permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission) and use
commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Market-Making
Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission on
or prior to the consummation of the Exchange Offer, (B) periodically
amend such Market-Making Registration Statement so that the
information contained therein complies with the requirements of
Section 10(a) under the Securities Act, (C) if reasonably requested
in writing by the Market-Maker, within 45 days following the end of
each of the Company's fiscal quarters (other than the fourth
quarter), file a supplement to the prospectus contained in the
Market-Making Registration Statement that sets forth the financial
results of the Company for such quarter, (D) amend the Market-Making
Registration Statement or amend or supplement the related prospectus
when necessary to reflect any material changes in the information
provided therein and (E) amend the Market-Making Registration
Statement when required to do so in order to comply with Section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; provided, however, that (1) prior to
filing the Market-Making Registration Statement, any amendment
thereto or any amendment or supplement to the related prospectus
(other than a supplement filed pursuant to clause (C) of this
paragraph unless the Market-Maker reasonably requests), the Company
will furnish to the Market-Maker copies of all such documents
proposed to be filed, which documents will be subject to the review
of the Market-Maker and its
counsel, (2) the Company and the Note Guarantors will not file the Market-Making Registration Statement, any amendment thereto or any amendment or supplement to the related prospectus (other than a supplement filed pursuant to clause (C) of this paragraph unless the Market-Maker reasonably requests) to which the Market-Maker and its counsel shall reasonably object unless the Company and the Note Guarantors are advised by counsel that such Market-Making Registration Statement, amendment or supplement is required to be filed and (3) the Company will provide the Market-Maker and its counsel with copies of the Market-Making Registration Statement and each amendment and supplement filed.
(ii) The Company shall notify the Market-Maker and, if requested by the Market-Maker, confirm such advice in writing, (A) when any post-effective amendment to the Market-Making Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the related prospectus has been filed, and, with respect to any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (B) of any request by the Commission for any post-effective amendment to the Market-Making Registration Statement, any supplement or amendment to the related prospectus or for additional information, (C) the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (D) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Notes or Exchange Notes for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for such purpose and (E) of the happening of any event that makes any statement made in the Market-Making Registration Statement, the related prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto untrue or that requires the making of any changes in the Market-Making Registration Statement, such prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, in order to make the statements therein not misleading.
(iii) If any event contemplated by Sections 6(a)(ii)(B) through (E) occurs during the period for which the Company and the Note Guarantors are required to maintain an effective Market-Making Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall promptly prepare and file with the Commission a post-effective amendment to the Market-Making Registration Statement or an amendment or supplement to the related prospectus or file any other required document so that the prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(iv) In the event of the issuance of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement or of any order suspending the qualification of the Notes or Exchange Notes for sale in any jurisdiction, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall use promptly reasonable best efforts to obtain its withdrawal.
(v) The Company shall furnish to the Market-Maker, without
charge, (i) at least one conformed copy of the Market-Making
Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto and
(ii) as many copies of the related prospectus and any amendment or
supplement thereto as the Market-Maker may reasonably request.
(vi) The Company and the Note Guarantors shall consent to the use of the prospectus contained in the Market-Making Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto by the Market-Maker in connection with its market making activities.
(vii) For so long as the Notes or Exchange Notes shall be
outstanding, the Company shall furnish to the Market-Maker (A) as
soon as practicable after the end of each of the Company's fiscal
years, the number of copies reasonably requested by the Market-Maker
of the Company's annual report for such year, (B) as soon as
available, the number of copies reasonably requested by the
Market-Maker of each report (including, without limitation, reports
on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K) or definitive proxy statements of the
Company filed under the Exchange Act or mailed to stockholders and
(C) all public reports and all reports and financial statements
furnished by the Company to the Nasdaq National Market System or any
U.S. national securities exchange or quotation service upon which
the Notes or Exchange Notes may be listed pursuant to requirements
of or agreements with such exchange or quotation service or to the
Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act or any rule or regulation of
the Commission thereunder.
(viii) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
Section 6, the Company and the Note Guarantors may for valid
business reasons, including without limitation, a potential
acquisition, divestiture of assets or other material corporate
transaction, issue a notice that the Market-Making Registration
Statement is no longer effective or the prospectus included therein
is no longer usable for offers and sales of Notes or Exchange Notes
and may issue any notice suspending use of the Market-Making
Registration Statement required under applicable securities laws to
be issued; provided that the use of the Market-Making Registration
Statement shall not be suspended for more than 60 days in the
aggregate in any consecutive 12-month period. The Market-Maker
agrees
that upon receipt of any notice from the Company pursuant to Sections 6(a)(ii)(B) through (E) or this Section 6(a)(viii), it will discontinue use of the Market-Making Registration Statement until receipt of copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus relating thereto or until advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Market-Making Registration Statement may be resumed.
(b) In connection with the Market-Making Registration Statement, the Company shall (i) make reasonably available for inspection by a representative of, and counsel acting for, the Market-Maker all relevant financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to have its officers, directors, employees, accountants and counsel supply all relevant information reasonably requested by such representative or counsel or the Market-Maker.
(c) Prior to the effective date of the Market-Making Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors will use reasonable best efforts to register or qualify, or cooperate with the Market-Maker and its counsel in connection with the registration or qualification of, the Notes or Exchange Notes for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Market-Maker reasonably requests in writing and do any and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the offer and sale in such jurisdictions of the Notes or Exchange Notes covered by the Market-Making Registration Statement; provided that the Company and the Note Guarantors will not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where they are not then so qualified or to take any action which would subject them to general service of process or to taxation in any such jurisdiction where they are not then so subject.
(d) The Company represents and agrees that the Market-Making Registration Statement, any post-effective amendments thereto, any amendments or supplements to the related prospectus and any documents filed by them under the Exchange Act will, when they become effective or are filed with the Commission, as the case may be, conform in all respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and will not, as of the effective date of such Market-Making Registration Statement or post-effective amendments and as of the filing date of amendments or supplements to such prospectus or filings under the Exchange Act, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that no representation or warranty is made as to information contained in or omitted from the Market-Making Registration Statement or the related prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished to the Company by the Market-Maker specifically for inclusion therein, which information the parties hereto agree will be limited to the statements concerning the market-making activities of the Market-Maker to be set forth on the cover page and in the "Plan of Distribution" section of the prospectus (the "Market-Maker's Information").
(i) At the time of effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement and concurrently with each time the Market-Making Registration Statement or the related prospectus shall be amended or such prospectus shall be supplemented, the Company shall (if requested in writing by the Market-Maker) furnish the Market-Maker and its counsel with a certificate of its Chairman of the Board of Directors or its President and Chief Financial Officer to the effect that:
(ii) the Market-Making Registration Statement has been declared effective, (ii) in the case of an amendment to the Market-Making Registration Statement, such amendment has become effective under the Securities Act as of the date and time specified in such certificate, if applicable; in the case of an amendment or supplement to the related prospectus, such amendment or supplement to the prospectus was filed with the Commission pursuant to the subparagraph of Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act specified in such certificate on the date specified therein, (iii) to the knowledge of such officers, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose is pending or threatened by the Commission and (iv) such officers have carefully examined the Market-Making Registration Statement and the prospectus (and, in the case of an amendment or supplement, such amendment or supplement) and as of the date of such Market-Making Registration Statement, amendment or supplement, as applicable, the Market-Making Registration Statement and the prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(e) At the time of effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement and concurrently with each time the Market-Making Registration Statement or the related prospectus shall be amended or such prospectus shall be supplemented, the Company shall (if requested in writing by the Market-Maker) furnish the Market-Maker and its counsel with the written opinion of counsel for the Company satisfactory to the Market-Maker to the effect that (i) the Market-Making Registration Statement has been declared effective, (ii) in the case of an amendment to the Market-Making Registration Statement, such amendment has become effective under the Securities Act as of the date and time
specified in such opinion, if applicable; in the case of an amendment or supplement to the related prospectus, such amendment or supplement to the prospectus was filed with the Commission pursuant to the subparagraph of Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act specified in such opinion on the date specified therein, (iii) to the knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose is pending or threatened by the Commission and (iv) such counsel has reviewed the Market-Making Registration Statement and the prospectus (and, in the case of an amendment or supplement, such amendment or supplement) and participated with officers of the Company and independent public accountants for the Company in the preparation of such Market-Making Registration Statement and prospectus (and, in the case of an amendment or supplement, such amendment or supplement) and has no reason to believe that (except for the financial statements and other financial and statistical data contained therein as to which no belief is required) as of the date of such Market-Making Registration Statement, amendment or supplement, as applicable, the Market-Making Registration Statement and the prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(f) At the time of effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement and concurrently with each time the Market-Making Registration Statement or the related prospectus shall be amended or such prospectus shall be supplemented to include audited annual financial information, the Company shall (if requested by the Market-Maker) furnish the Market-Maker and its counsel with a letter of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (or other independent public accountants for the Company or the Note Guarantors of nationally recognized standing) in form satisfactory to the Market-Maker, addressed to the Market-Maker and dated the date of delivery of such letter, (i) confirming that they are independent public accountants within the meaning of the Securities Act and are in compliance with the applicable requirements relating to the qualification of accountants under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X of the Commission and, (ii) in all other respects, substantially in the form of the letter delivered to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to Section 5(g) of the Purchase Agreement, with, in the case of an amendment or supplement to include audited financial information, such changes as may be necessary to reflect the amended or supplemented financial information.
(g) The Company and the Note Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Market-Maker, on the other hand, hereby agree to indemnify each other, and, if applicable, contribute to the other, in accordance with Sections 7 and 8 of this Agreement.
(h) The Company will comply with the provisions of this Section 6 at its own expense and will reimburse the Market-Maker for its expenses associated with this Section 6 (including reasonable fees of counsel).
(i) The agreements contained in this Section 6 and the representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement shall survive all offers and sales of the Notes and Exchange Notes and shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any termination or cancelation of this Agreement or any investigation made by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
(j) For purposes of this Section 6, (i) any reference to the terms "amend," "amendment" or "supplement" with respect to the Market-Making Registration Statement or the prospectus contained therein shall be deemed to refer to and include the filing under the Exchange Act of any document deemed to be incorporated therein by reference and (ii) any reference to the terms "Notes" or "Exchange Notes" shall be deemed to refer to and include any securities issued in exchange for or with respect to such Notes or Exchange Notes.
7. Indemnification. (a) In the event of a Shelf Registration Statement or in connection with any prospectus delivery pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement by the Initial Purchasers or Exchanging Dealer, as applicable, or in connection with the Market-Making Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless each Holder (including, without limitation, each of the Initial Purchasers, the Market-Maker or such Exchanging Dealer), its affiliates, its respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents, and each person, if any, who controls such Holder within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively referred to for purposes of this Section 7 and Section 8 as a Holder) from and against any loss, claim, damage or liability, joint or several, or any action in respect thereof (including, without limitation, any loss, claim, damage, liability or action relating to purchases and sales of Notes or Exchange Notes), to which that Holder may become subject, whether commenced or threatened, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any such Registration Statement or Market-Making Registration Statement or any prospectus forming part thereof or in any amendment or supplement thereto, (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (iii) in the case of the Market-Maker, any material breach by the Company of the representations, warranties and agreements contained in Section 6, and shall reimburse each Holder (including, without limitation, each of the Initial Purchasers, the Market-Maker or such Exchanging Dealer) promptly upon demand for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by that Holder in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend against
or appearing as a third party witness in connection with any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the Company and the Note Guarantors shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement in or omission or alleged omission from any of such documents in reliance upon and in conformity with any Holders' Information or Market-Maker's Information, respectively; and provided further that with respect to any such untrue statement in or omission from any related preliminary prospectus, the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 7(a) shall not inure to the benefit of any Holder from whom the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action received Notes or Exchange Notes to the extent that such loss, claim, damage, liability or action of or with respect to such Holder results from the fact that both (A) a copy of the final prospectus was not sent or given to such person at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of such Notes or Exchange Notes to such person and (B) the untrue statement in or omission from the related preliminary prospectus was corrected in the final prospectus unless, in either case, such failure to deliver the final prospectus was a result of non-compliance by the Company with Section 4(d), 4(e), 4(f), 4(g) or 6(a)(v), as applicable.
(b) In (i) the event of a Shelf Registration Statement, each Holder or (ii) connection with the Market-Making Registration Statement, the Market-Maker, as applicable, shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its affiliates, its respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively referred to for purposes of this Section 7(b) and Section 8 as the Company), from and against any loss, claim, damage or liability, joint or several, or any action in respect thereof, to which the Company may become subject, whether commenced or threatened, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any such Registration Statement or Market-Making Registration Statement, respectively, or any prospectus forming part thereof or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, but in each case only to the extent that the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with any Holders' Information or Market-Maker's Information, respectively, furnished to the Company by such Holder or the Market-Maker, and shall reimburse the Company for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend against or appearing as a third party witness in connection with any such loss, claim,
damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that no such Holder or the Market-Maker shall be liable for any indemnity claims hereunder in excess of the amount of net proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of Notes or Exchange Notes pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement or prospectus.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
Section 7 of notice of any claim or the commencement of any action, the
indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made
against the indemnifying party pursuant to Section 7(a) or 7(b), notify
the indemnifying party in writing of the claim or the commencement of that
action; provided, however, that the failure to notify the indemnifying
party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have under this
Section 7 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
party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to an
indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 7. If any such claim
or action shall be brought against an indemnified party, and it shall
notify the indemnifying party thereof, the indemnifying party shall be
entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it wishes, jointly
with any other similarly notified indemnifying party, to assume the
defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified
party. After notice from the indemnifying party to the indemnified party
of its election to assume the defense of such claim or action, the
indemnifying party shall not be liable to the indemnified party under this
Section 7 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the
indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than the
reasonable costs of investigation; provided, however, that an indemnified
party shall have the right to employ its own counsel in any such action,
but the fees, expenses and other charges of such counsel for the
indemnified party will be at the expense of such indemnified party unless
(1) the employment of counsel by the indemnified party has been authorized
in writing by the indemnifying party, (2) the indemnified party has
reasonably concluded (based upon advice of counsel to the indemnified
party) that there may be legal defenses available to it or other
indemnified parties that are different from or in addition to those
available to the indemnifying party, (3) a conflict or potential conflict
exists (based upon advice of counsel to the indemnified party) between the
indemnified party and the indemnifying party (in which case the
indemnifying party will not have the right to direct the defense of such
action on behalf of the indemnified party) or (4) the indemnifying party
has not in fact employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the
indemnified party to assume the defense of such action within a reasonable
time after receiving notice of the commencement of the action, in each of
which cases the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of
counsel will be at the expense of the indemnifying party or parties. It is
understood that the indemnifying party or parties shall not, in connection
with any proceeding or
related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) at any one time for all such indemnified party or parties. Each indemnified party, as a condition of the indemnity agreements contained in Sections 7(a) and 7(b), shall use all reasonable efforts to cooperate with the indemnifying party in the defense of any such action or claim. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any such action effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), but if settled with its written consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such action, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding.
8. Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Section 7 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section 7(a) or 7(b), then each indemnifying party shall, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, (a) in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company from the initial offering and sale of the Notes, on the one hand, and by a Holder from receiving Notes or Exchange Notes, as applicable, registered under the Securities Act or, if applicable, by the Market-Maker from the filing and effectiveness of a Market-Making Registration Statement, on the other, or (b) if the allocation provided by clause (a) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (a) above but also the relative fault of the Company and the Note Guarantors, on the one hand, and such Holder, on the other, with respect to the statements or omissions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault 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 the Company and the Note Guarantors or information supplied by the Company and the Note Guarantors, on the one hand, or to any Holders' Information or Market-Maker's Information, respectively, supplied by such Holder, on the other, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 8 were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable
by an indemnified party as a result of the loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, referred to above in this Section 8 shall be deemed to include, for purposes of this Section 8, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, an indemnifying party that is a Holder of Notes or Exchange Notes or the Market-Maker shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Notes or Exchange Notes sold by such indemnifying party to any purchaser exceeds the amount of any damages which such indemnifying party has otherwise paid or become liable to pay by reason of any 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.
9. Rules 144 and 144A. The Company and the Note Guarantors shall use
reasonable best efforts to file the reports required to be filed by them under
the Securities Act and the Exchange Act in a timely manner and, if at any time
the Company and the Note Guarantors are not required to file such reports, they
will, upon the written request of any Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes or the
Market-Maker, make publicly available other information so long as necessary to
permit sales of such Holder's or the Market-Maker's securities pursuant to Rules
144 and 144A. The Company and the Note Guarantors covenant that they will take
such further action as any Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes or the
Market-Maker may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to
time to enable such Holder or the Market-Maker to sell Transfer-Restricted Notes
without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the
exemptions provided by Rules 144 and 144A (including, without limitation, the
requirements of Rule 144A(d)(4)). Upon the written request of any Holder of
Transfer-Restricted Notes, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall deliver to
such Holder or the Market-Maker a written statement as to whether they have
complied with such requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this
Section 9 shall be deemed to require the Company to register any of its
securities pursuant to the Exchange Act.
10. Underwritten Registrations. If any of the Transfer-Restricted Notes covered by any Shelf Registration Statement are to be sold in an underwritten offering, the investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers that will administer the offering will be selected by the Majority Holders included in such offering, subject to the consent of the Company and the Note Guarantors (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and such Holders shall be responsible for all underwriting commissions and discounts in connection therewith.
No person may participate in any underwritten registration hereunder unless such person (i) agrees to sell such person's Transfer-Restricted Notes on the basis
reasonably provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.
11. Miscellaneous. (a) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement 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 a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and the Exchange Notes, taken as a single class (and, with respect to the provisions of Section 6, the written consent of the Market-Maker). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders whose Notes or Exchange Notes are being sold pursuant to a Registration Statement and that does not directly or indirectly affect the rights of other Holders may be given by Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and the Exchange Notes being sold by such Holders pursuant to such Registration Statement whose rights are so affected.
(b) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail, telecopier or air courier guaranteeing next-day delivery:
(i) if to a Holder, at the most current address given by such
Holder to the Company in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 11(b), which address initially is, with respect to each
Holder, the address of such Holder maintained by the registrar under
the Indenture, with a copy in like manner to each Initial Purchaser;
(ii) if to the Initial Purchasers or the Market-Maker, initially at their addresses set forth in the Purchase Agreement; and
(iii) if to the Company or the Note Guarantors, initially at the address of the Company set forth in the Purchase Agreement.
All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; one business day after being delivered to a next-day air courier; five business days after being deposited in the mail; and when receipt is acknowledged by the recipient's telecopier machine, if sent by telecopier.
The Company and the Note Guarantors or the Initial Purchasers may, by written notice to the other, designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
(c) Successors And Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
(d) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (which may be delivered in original form or by telecopier) 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.
(e) Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, (i) the term "business day" means any day on which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. is open for trading, (ii) the term "subsidiary" has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act and (iii) except where otherwise expressly provided, the term "affiliate" has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
(f) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
(g) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(h) Remedies. In the event of a breach by the Company, the Note
Guarantors or by any Holder of any of their obligations under this
Agreement, each Holder, the Company or the Note Guarantors, as the case
may be, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by
law, including recovery of damages (other than the recovery of damages for
a breach by the Company or the Note Guarantors of their obligations under
Section 1 or 2 hereof for which additional interest has been paid pursuant
to Section 3 hereof), will be entitled to specific performance of its
rights under this Agreement. The Company, the Note Guarantors and each
Holder agree that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for
any loss incurred by reason of a breach by each such person of any of the
provisions of this Agreement and hereby further agree that, in the event
of any action for specific performance in respect of such breach, each
such person shall waive the defense that a remedy at law would be
adequate.
(i) No Inconsistent Agreements. Each of the Company and the Note Guarantors represents, warrants and agrees with the Initial Purchasers that (i) it has not entered into, and shall not, on or after the date of this Agreement, enter into any agreement that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof, (ii) it has not previously entered into any agreement which remains in effect granting any registration rights with respect to any of its debt securities to any person and (iii) (with respect to the Company) without limiting the generality of the foregoing, without the written consent of the Majority Holders and the
Market-Maker, it shall not grant to any person the right to request the Company to register any debt securities of the Company under the Securities Act unless the rights so granted are not in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement.
(j) No Piggyback on Registrations. Neither the Company nor any of its security holders (other than the Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes in such capacity) shall have the right to include any securities of the Company in any Shelf Registration or Registered Exchange Offer other than Transfer-Restricted Notes.
(k) Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use reasonable best efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.
Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement among the Company, the Note Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION,
By
/s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ------------------------------ Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel |
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION,
PF SALES, LLC,
PF DISTRIBUTION, LLC,
PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS CORPORATION,
PF STANDARDS CORPORATION,
PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION and
PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION) CORP.,
as Note Guarantors,
By
/s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS -------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel |
Accepted:
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
For itself and on behalf of the
Initial Purchasers
By:
/s/ MICHAEL K. RYAN --------------------------- Authorized Signatory |
ANNEX A
Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Notes where such Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date (as defined herein), it will make this Prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution."
ANNEX B
Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Notes, where such Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. See "Plan of Distribution."
ANNEX C
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Notes where such Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date, it will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale.
The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Exchange Notes by broker-dealers. Exchange Notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the Exchange Notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such Exchange Notes. Any broker-dealer that resells Exchange Notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such Exchange Notes may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of Exchange Notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
For a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date the Company will promptly send additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this Prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the Letter of Transmittal. The Company has agreed to pay all expenses incident to the Registered Exchange Offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the Holders of the Notes) other than commissions or concessions of any broker-dealers and will indemnify the Holders of the Notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
ANNEX D
[ ] CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO
RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10
COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.
Name:
Address:
If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of Exchange Notes. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
SCHEDULE I
Pinnacle Foods Corporation
Pf Sales, LLC
PF Distribution, LLC
Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation
PF Standards Corporation
Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation
PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp.
EXHIBIT 4.4
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
$194,000,000
8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013
EXCHANGE AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
February 20, 2004
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
CIBC WORLD MARKETS CORP.
DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
270 Park Avenue, 5th floor
New York, New York 10017
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("the Company") proposes to issue and sell to J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ("JPMorgan"), Citigroup Global Markets Inc. ("CGMI"), CIBC World Markets Corp. ("CIBC World Markets") and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (together with JPMorgan, CGMI and CIBC World Markets, the "Initial Purchasers"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in a purchase agreement dated February 5, 2004 (the "Purchase Agreement"), $194,000,000 principal amount of the Company's 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "Notes") to be guaranteed on an unsecured senior subordinated basis by each of the subsidiaries of the Company listed on Schedule I hereto (the "Note Guarantors"). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.
As an inducement to the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement and in satisfaction of a condition to the obligations of the Initial Purchasers thereunder, the Company and the Note Guarantors agree with the Initial Purchasers, for the benefit of the holders (including the Initial Purchasers and the Market-Maker (as defined herein)) of the Notes and the Exchange Notes (as defined herein) (collectively, the "Holders"), as follows:
1. Registered Exchange Offer. Unless, because of any change in law or applicable interpretations thereof by the Commission's staff, the Company and the Note Guarantors determine in good faith after consultation with counsel that they are not
permitted to effect the Registered Exchange Offer (as defined herein), the Company and the Note Guarantors shall (i) prepare and, not later than August 21, 2003 (the "Issue Date"), file with the Commission a registration statement (the "Exchange Offer Registration Statement") on an appropriate form under the Securities Act with respect to a proposed offer to the Holders of the Notes (the "Registered Exchange Offer") to issue and deliver to such Holders, in exchange for the Notes, a like aggregate principal amount of debt securities of the Company (the "Exchange Notes") that are identical in all material respects to the Notes, except for the transfer restrictions relating to the Notes, (ii) use reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act no later than October 20, 2004, and the Registered Exchange Offer to be consummated no later than November 19, 2004, and (iii) keep the Registered Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 business days (or longer, if required by applicable law) after the date on which notice of the Registered Exchange Offer is mailed to the Holders (such period being called the "Exchange Offer Registration Period"). The Exchange Notes will be issued under the Indenture or an indenture (the "Exchange Notes Indenture") among the Company, the Note Guarantors and the Trustee or such other bank or trust company that is reasonably satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers, as trustee (the "Exchange Notes Trustee"), such indenture to be identical in all material respects to the Indenture, except for the transfer restrictions relating to the Notes (as described above). All references in this Agreement to "prospectus" shall, except where the context otherwise requires, include any prospectus (or amendment or supplement thereto) filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement.
Upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the Company shall promptly commence the Registered Exchange Offer, it being the objective of such Registered Exchange Offer to enable each Holder electing to exchange Notes for Exchange Notes (assuming that such Holder (a) is not an affiliate (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Company or an Exchanging Dealer (as defined herein) not complying with the requirements of the next sentence, (b) is not an Initial Purchaser holding Notes that have, or that are reasonably likely to have, the status of an unsold allotment in an initial distribution, (c) acquires the Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of such Holder's business, (d) has no arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Notes and (e) if such Holder is not an Exchanging Dealer (as defined below), it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of the Exchange Notes) and to trade such Exchange Notes from and after their receipt without any limitations or restrictions under the Securities Act and without material restrictions under the securities laws of the several states of the United States. The Company, the Note Guarantors, the Initial Purchasers and each Exchanging Dealer acknowledge that, pursuant to current interpretations by the Commission's staff of Section 5 of the Securities Act, each Holder that is a broker-dealer electing to exchange Notes, acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, for Exchange Notes (an "Exchanging Dealer"), is required to deliver a prospectus containing substantially the information set forth in
Annex A hereto on the cover, in Annex B hereto in the "Exchange Offer Procedures" section and the "Purpose of the Exchange Offer" section (if any) and in Annex C hereto in the "Plan of Distribution" section of such prospectus in connection with a sale of any such Exchange Notes received by such Exchanging Dealer pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer.
In connection with the Registered Exchange Offer, the Company shall:
(a) mail to each Holder a copy of the prospectus forming part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, together with an appropriate letter of transmittal and related documents;
(b) keep the Registered Exchange Offer open for not less than 20 business days (or longer, if required by applicable law) after the date on which notice of the Registered Exchange Offer is mailed to the Holders;
(c) utilize the services of a depositary for the Registered Exchange Offer with an address in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York;
(d) permit Holders to withdraw tendered Notes at any time prior to the close of business, New York City time, on the last business day on which the Registered Exchange Offer shall remain open; and
(e) otherwise comply in all respects with all laws that are applicable to the Registered Exchange Offer.
As soon as practicable after the close of the Registered Exchange Offer, the Company shall:
(a) accept for exchange all Notes tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer;
(b) deliver to the Trustee for cancelation all Notes so accepted for exchange; and
(c) cause the Trustee or the Exchange Notes Trustee, as the case may be, promptly to authenticate and deliver to each Holder, Exchange Notes equal in principal amount to the Notes of such Holder so accepted for exchange.
The Company and the Note Guarantors shall use reasonable best efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement effective and to amend and supplement the prospectus contained therein in order to permit such prospectus to be used by all persons (including Exchanging Dealers) subject to the prospectus-delivery requirements of the Securities Act for 180 days after the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer (such 180 days, the "Applicable Period").
The Indenture or the Exchange Notes Indenture, as the case may be, shall provide that the Notes and the Exchange Notes shall vote and consent together on all matters as one class and that neither the Notes nor the Exchange Notes will have the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter; provided that, whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Notes and Exchange Notes is required, any Notes or Exchange Notes owned directly or indirectly by the Company or any of its affiliates (other than JPMorgan, its subsidiaries or its broker-dealer affiliates) shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage or amount; provided further that, if the Company shall issue any additional Notes under the Indenture prior to consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of any Shelf Registration Statement, such additional Notes and the Notes 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 Notes has been obtained.
Interest on each Exchange Note issued pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer will accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the Notes surrendered in exchange therefor or, if no interest has been paid on the Notes, from the Issue Date.
Each Holder participating in the Registered Exchange Offer shall be
required to represent to the Company and the Note Guarantors in writing (which
may be contained in the applicable letter of transmittal) that at the time of
the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer (i) any Exchange Notes
received by such Holder will be acquired in the ordinary course of business,
(ii) such Holder will have no arrangements or understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution of the Notes or the Exchange Notes within the
meaning of the Securities Act, (iii) such Holder is not an affiliate (within the
meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Company or, if it is such
an affiliate, such Holder will comply with the registration and
prospectus-delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable
and (iv) if such Holder is a broker-dealer, that it will deliver a prospectus in
connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period.
Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, the Company and the Note Guarantors will ensure that (i) any Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and any prospectus forming part thereof and any supplement thereto complies in all material respects with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, (ii) any Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment thereto does not, when it becomes effective, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (iii) any prospectus forming part of any Exchange Offer Registration Statement, and any supplement to such prospectus, does not, as of the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer, include an untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
2. Shelf Registration. If (i) because of any change in law or applicable interpretations thereof by the Commission's staff the Company and the Note Guarantors determine in good faith after consultation with counsel that they are not permitted to effect the Registered Exchange Offer as contemplated by Section 1 hereof, (ii) any Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer are not exchanged for Exchange Notes on or prior to November 19, 2004, (iii) the Initial Purchasers so request with respect to Notes not eligible to be exchanged for Exchange Notes in the Registered Exchange Offer and held by them following the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer, (iv) any applicable law or interpretations do not permit any Holder to participate in the Registered Exchange Offer (other than because such Holder has an understanding or arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Notes), (v) any Holder that participates in the Registered Exchange Offer notifies the Company in writing within 30 days following the consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer that such Holder may not resell the Exchange Notes acquired by it in the Registered Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not legally available for such resales by such Holder or (vi) the Company so elects, then the following provisions shall apply:
(a) The Company and the Note Guarantors shall use reasonable best efforts to file as promptly as practicable (but in no event more than 60 days after so required or requested pursuant to this Section 2; provided that in the case of any filing in response to clause (i), (iii) or (iv) of the preceding paragraph, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall not be required to make any such filing earlier than August 21, 2004 (the date of such filing, the "Shelf Filing Date")) with the Commission, and thereafter shall use reasonable best efforts to cause to be declared effective on or prior to 90 days after the Shelf Filing Date (but, in the case of any filing in response to clause (i), (iii), (iv) or (vi) of the preceding paragraph, in no event earlier than November 19, 2004), a shelf registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act relating to the offer and sale of the Transfer-Restricted Notes (as defined below) by the Holders thereof from time to time in accordance with the methods of distribution set forth in such registration statement (hereafter, a "Shelf Registration Statement" and, together with any Exchange Offer Registration Statement, a "Registration Statement").
(b) The Company and the Note Guarantors shall use reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective in order to permit the prospectus forming part thereof to be used by Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes for a period ending on the earlier of (i) two years from the Issue Date or such shorter period that will terminate when all the Transfer-Restricted Notes covered by the Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant
thereto and (ii) the date on which the Notes become eligible for resale without volume restrictions pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (in any such case, such period being called the "Shelf Registration Period"). The Company and the Note Guarantors shall be deemed not to have used reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective during the requisite period if any of them voluntarily take any action that would result in Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes covered thereby not being able to offer and sell such Transfer-Restricted Notes during that period, unless (A) such action is required by applicable law or (B) such action was permitted by Section 2(c).
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2(b) (but subject to the provisions of Section 3(b)), the Company and the Note Guarantors may for valid business reasons, including without limitation, a potential acquisition, divestiture of assets or other material corporate transaction, issue a notice that the Shelf Registration Statement is no longer effective or the prospectus included therein is no longer usable for offers and sales of Transfer-Restricted Notes and may issue any notice suspending use of the Shelf Registration Statement required under applicable securities laws to be issued. The provisions of this Section 2(c) shall also be applicable to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement during the Applicable Period; provided that the Applicable Period shall be extended for the number of days (which shall not exceed 60) that the use of the Shelf Registration Statement is suspended.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall ensure that (i) any Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and any prospectus forming part thereof and any supplement thereto complies in all material respects with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, (ii) any Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment thereto (in either case, other than with respect to information included therein in reliance upon or in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any Holder specifically for use therein (the "Holders' Information")) does not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (iii) any prospectus forming part of any Shelf Registration Statement, and any supplement to such prospectus (in either case, other than with respect to Holders' Information), does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
3. Additional Interest. (a) The parties hereto agree that the Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes will suffer damages if the Company and the Note Guarantors fail to fulfill their obligations under Section 1 or Section 2, as applicable, and that it would not be feasible to ascertain the extent of such damages. Accordingly, if (i) the
applicable Registration Statement is not filed with the Commission on or prior
to the date specified in this Agreement, (ii) the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, is not
declared effective on or prior to the later of (A) the date specified in this
Agreement and (B) 60 days after the release to the Company of the funds held in
escrow pursuant to the Escrow Agreement (as defined in the Purchase Agreement),
(iii) the Registered Exchange Offer is not consummated on or prior to November
19, 2004 (other than in the event the Company is requested or required or
elected to file a Shelf Registration Statement) or (iv) the Shelf Registration
Statement is filed and declared effective on or prior to the date specified in
this Agreement but shall thereafter cease to be effective (at any time that the
Company and the Note Guarantors are obligated to maintain the effectiveness
thereof) without being succeeded within 60 days by an additional Registration
Statement or a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement
filed and declared effective (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through
(iv), a "Registration Default"), the interest rate on the Transfer-Restricted
Notes will be increased by 1.00% per annum (the amount paid as a result of such
increase, "additional interest"), until (i) the applicable Registration
Statement is filed, (ii) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared
effective and the Registered Exchange Offer is consummated, (iii) the Shelf
Registration Statement is declared effective or (iv) the Shelf Registration
Statement again becomes effective, an additional Registration Statement becomes
effective or a post-effective amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement
becomes effective, as the case may be; provided that that the Company shall not
be required to pay additional interest for more than one Registration Default at
any given time. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults, the accrual of
additional interest will cease. As used herein, the term "Transfer-Restricted
Notes" means (i) each Note until the date on which such Note has been exchanged
for a freely transferable Exchange Note in the Registered Exchange Offer (it
being understood that the requirement that an Exchanging Dealer deliver a
prospectus in connection with sales of Exchange Notes acquired in the Registered
Exchange Offer shall not mean that the Exchange Note is not freely transferable
for purposes of this Section 3), (ii) each Note until the date on which it has
been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in
accordance with the Shelf Registration Statement or (iii) each Note until the
date on which it is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under the
Securities Act or is saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3(a), the Company shall
not be required to pay additional interest to a Holder of Transfer-Restricted
Notes if such Holder failed to comply with its obligations to make the
representations set forth in the second to last paragraph of Section 1 or failed
to provide the information required to be provided by it, if any, pursuant to
Section 4(o).
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Section 3(a), the Company and the Note Guarantors may for valid business reasons, including without limitation, a potential acquisition, divestiture of assets or other material corporate transaction, issue a notice that the Shelf Registration Statement is no longer effective or the prospectus included therein is no longer usable for offers and sales of Transfer-
Restricted Notes and may issue any notice suspending use of the Shelf Registration Statement required under applicable securities laws to be issued and, in the event that the aggregate number of days in any consecutive twelve-month period for which all such notices are issued and effective exceeds 60 days in the aggregate, then the interest rate on the Transfer-Restricted Notes covered by the Shelf Registration Statement will be increased by 1.00% per annum (the amount paid as a result of such increase, "additional interest"). Upon the Company and the Note Guarantors declaring that the Shelf Registration Statement is useable after the period of time described in the preceding sentence, accrual of additional interest shall cease; provided, however, that if after any such cessation of the accrual of additional interest the Shelf Registration Statement again ceases to be useable beyond the period permitted above, additional interest will again accrue pursuant to the foregoing provisions.
(c) The Company shall notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent under the Indenture immediately upon the happening of each and every Registration Default. The Company and the Note Guarantors shall pay the additional interest due on the Transfer-Restricted Notes by depositing with the Paying Agent (which may not be the Company for these purposes), in trust, for the benefit of the Holders thereof, prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next interest payment date specified by the Indenture and the Notes, sums sufficient to pay the additional interest then due. The additional interest due shall be payable on each interest payment date specified by the Indenture and the Notes to the record holder entitled to receive the interest payment to be made on such date. Each obligation to pay additional interest shall be deemed to accrue from and including the date of the applicable Registration Default.
(d) The parties hereto agree that the additional interest provided for in this Section 3 constitute a reasonable estimate of and are intended to constitute the sole damages that will be suffered by Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes by reason of the failure of (i) the Shelf Registration Statement or the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be filed, (ii) the Shelf Registration Statement to remain effective or (iii) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be declared effective and the Registered Exchange Offer to be consummated, in each case to the extent required by this Agreement.
4. Registration Procedures. In connection with any Registration Statement, the following provisions shall apply:
(a) The Company shall (i) furnish to the Initial Purchasers, prior to the filing thereof with the Commission, a copy of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and each amendment thereof and each supplement, if any, to the prospectus included therein and shall use reasonable best efforts to reflect in each such document, when so filed with the Commission, such comments as the Initial Purchasers may reasonably propose, (ii) include information substantially as set forth in Annex A hereto on the cover, in Annex B hereto in the "Exchange Offer
Procedures" section and the "Purpose of the Exchange Offer" section (if any) and in Annex C hereto in the "Plan of Distribution" section of the prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, and include information substantially as set forth in Annex D hereto in the Letter of Transmittal delivered pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer and (iii) if requested in writing by any Initial Purchaser, include the information required by Item 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K, as applicable, in the prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.
(b) The Company shall advise the Initial Purchasers, each Exchanging
Dealer and the Holders (if applicable) and, if requested by any such
person, confirm such advice in writing (which advice pursuant to clauses
(ii) through (v) hereof shall be accompanied by an instruction to suspend
the use of the prospectus until the requisite changes have been made):
(i) when any Registration Statement and any amendment thereto has been filed with the Commission and when such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has become effective;
(ii)of any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to any Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or for additional information;
(iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose;
(iv)of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Notes or the Exchange Notes for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose; and
(v) of the happening of any event that requires the making of any changes in any Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein in order that the statements therein are not misleading and do not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(c) The Company and the Note Guarantors will make every reasonable effort to obtain the withdrawal at the earliest possible time of any order suspending the effectiveness of any Registration Statement.
(d) The Company will furnish to each Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes included within the coverage of any Shelf Registration Statement, without charge, at least one conformed copy of such Shelf Registration Statement and any post-
effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules and, if any such Holder so requests in writing, all exhibits thereto (including those, if any, incorporated by reference).
(e) The Company will, during the Shelf Registration Period, promptly deliver to each Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes included within the coverage of any Shelf Registration Statement, without charge, as many copies of the prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus) included in such Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Holder may reasonably request; and the Company consents to the use of such prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes in connection with the offer and sale of the Transfer-Restricted Notes covered by such prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto.
(f) The Company will furnish to the Initial Purchasers, each Exchanging Dealer who so requests in writing, and to any other Holder who so requests in writing, without charge, at least one conformed copy of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules and, if the Initial Purchasers or Exchanging Dealer or any such Holder so requests in writing, all exhibits thereto (including those, if any, incorporated by reference).
(g) The Company will, during the Exchange Offer Registration Period or the Shelf Registration Period, as applicable, promptly deliver to the Initial Purchasers, each Exchanging Dealer and such other persons that are required to deliver a prospectus following the Registered Exchange Offer, without charge, as many copies of the final prospectus included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto as the Initial Purchasers, such Exchanging Dealer or other persons may reasonably request in writing; and the Company and the Note Guarantors consent to the use of such prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by the Initial Purchasers, such Exchanging Dealer or other persons, as applicable, as aforesaid.
(h) Prior to the effective date of any Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors will use reasonable best efforts to register or qualify, or cooperate with the Holders of Notes or Exchange Notes included therein and their respective counsel in connection with the registration or qualification of, such Notes or Exchange Notes for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any such Holder reasonably requests in writing and do any and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the offer and sale in such jurisdictions of the Notes or Exchange Notes covered by such Registration Statement; provided that the Company and the Note Guarantors will not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where they are not
then so qualified or to take any action which would subject them to general service of process or to taxation in any such jurisdiction where they are not then so subject.
(i) The Company and the Note Guarantors will cooperate with the Holders of Notes or Exchange Notes to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Notes or Exchange Notes to be sold pursuant to any Registration Statement free of any restrictive legends and in such denominations and registered in such names as the Holders thereof may request in writing prior to sales of Notes or Exchange Notes pursuant to such Registration Statement.
(j) If any event contemplated by Sections 4(b)(ii) through (v) occurs during the period for which the Company and the Note Guarantors are required to maintain an effective Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors will promptly prepare and file with the Commission a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Notes or Exchange Notes from a Holder, the prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(k) If any event contemplated by Section 2(c) or 3(b) occurs during the period for which the Company and the Note Guarantors are required to maintain an effective Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors will, to the extent required after the end of the applicable periods referred to in Sections 2(c) and 3(b), promptly prepare and file with the Commission a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of the Notes or Exchange Notes from a Holder, the prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(l) Not later than the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement, the Company will provide a CUSIP number for the Notes and the Exchange Notes, as the case may be, and provide the applicable trustee with certificates for the Notes or the Exchange Notes, as the case may be, in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company.
(m) The Company and the Note Guarantors will comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and the Company and the Note Guarantors will make generally available to their security holders as soon as practicable after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement an
earning statement of the Company satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act; provided that in no event shall such earning statement be delivered later than 45 days after the end of a 12-month period (or 90 days, if such period is a fiscal year) beginning with the first month of the Company's first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement, which statement shall cover such 12-month period.
(n) The Company and the Note Guarantors will cause the Indenture or the Exchange Notes Indenture, as the case may be, to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act as required by applicable law in a timely manner.
(o) The Company may require each Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes to be registered pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement to furnish to the Company such information concerning the Holder and the distribution of such Transfer-Restricted Notes as the Company may from time to time reasonably require for inclusion in such Shelf Registration Statement, and the Company may exclude from such registration the Transfer-Restricted Notes of any Holder that fails to furnish such information within a reasonable time after receiving such request. Each Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes as to which a Shelf Registration Statement is being effected, by its participation in the Shelf Registration Statement, shall be deemed to agree to furnish the Company and the Note Guarantors all information concerning such Holder required to be described in order to make the information previously furnished by such Holder to the Company and the Note Guarantors not materially misleading.
(p) In the case of (i) a Shelf Registration Statement, each Holder
of Transfer-Restricted Notes to be registered pursuant thereto agrees by
acquisition of such Transfer-Restricted Notes that, and (ii) the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement during the Applicable Period only, each
Holder of Exchange Notes subject to the prospectus-delivery requirements
of the Securities Act agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the
Company pursuant to Sections 2(c), 3(b) or 4(b)(ii) through (v), such
Holder will discontinue disposition of such Transfer-Restricted Notes or
Exchange Notes, as applicable, until such Holder's receipt of copies of
the supplemental or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 4(j) or
4(k), as the case may be, or until advised in writing by the Company that
the use of the applicable prospectus may be resumed (the "Advice"). If the
Company shall give any notice under Section 2(c), 3(b) or 4(b)(ii) through
(v) during the period that the Company is required to maintain an
effective Registration Statement (the "Effectiveness Period"), such
Effectiveness Period shall be extended by the number of days during such
period from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and
including the date when each seller of Transfer-Restricted Notes or
Exchange Notes, as applicable, covered by such Registration Statement
shall have received (x) the copies of the supplemental or amended
prospectus contemplated by Section 4(j) or 4(k), as the case may be, (if
an
amended or supplemental prospectus is required) or (y) the Advice (if no amended or supplemental prospectus is required).
(q) In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company and
the Note Guarantors shall enter into such customary agreements (including,
if requested by Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of (i)
the Company's 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 previously issued
under the Indenture, (ii) the Notes, (iii) the Exchange Notes and (iv) any
additional notes issued under the Indenture that, in each of clauses (i),
(ii), (iii) and (iv), are intended to be covered by the Shelf Registration
Statement (the "Majority Holders"), an underwriting agreement in customary
form) and take all such other action, if any, as Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes and Exchange Notes or the managing
underwriters (if any) shall reasonably request in order to facilitate any
disposition of Notes or Exchange Notes pursuant to such Shelf Registration
Statement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall not be required to
engage in more than one underwritten offering pursuant to this Agreement.
(r) In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company shall
(i) make reasonably available for inspection by a representative of, and
Special Counsel (as defined below) acting for, the Majority Holders and
any underwriter participating in any disposition of Notes or Exchange
Notes pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement, all relevant
financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties
of the Company and its subsidiaries and (ii) use reasonable best efforts
to have its officers, directors, employees, accountants and counsel supply
all relevant information reasonably requested by such representative,
Special Counsel or any such underwriter (an "Inspector") in connection
with such Shelf Registration Statement.
(s) In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company
shall, if requested by the Majority Holders, their Special Counsel or the
managing underwriters (if any) in connection with such Shelf Registration
Statement, use reasonable best efforts to cause (i) its counsel to deliver
an opinion in customary form and relating to the Shelf Registration
Statement and the notes covered thereby, (ii) its officers to execute and
deliver all customary documents and certificates requested by the Majority
Holders, its Special Counsel or the managing underwriters (if any) and
(iii) its independent public accountants to provide a comfort letter or
letters in customary form, subject to receipt of appropriate documentation
as contemplated, and only if permitted, by Statement of Auditing Standards
No. 72.
5. Registration Expenses. The Company and the Note Guarantors will jointly and severally bear all expenses incurred in connection with the performance of
their obligations under Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 and the Company will reimburse the Initial Purchasers or the Holders, as applicable, for the reasonable fees and disbursements of one firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) chosen by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and the Exchange Notes covered by each Registration Statement (the "Special Counsel") acting for the Initial Purchasers or Holders in connection therewith. The Company and the Note Guarantors are not required to pay any commissions or concessions of any broker-dealers.
6. Market-Making. (a) For so long as any of the Notes or Exchange Notes are outstanding and JPMorgan (in such capacity, the "Market-Maker") or any of its affiliates (as defined in the rules and regulations of the Commission) owns any equity securities of the Company, the Note Guarantors or any of their affiliates and proposes to make a market in the Notes or Exchange Notes as part of its business in the ordinary course, the following provisions shall apply for the sole benefit of the Market-Maker:
(i) The Company and the Note Guarantors shall (A) on the date that the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or, if required hereby, the Shelf Registration Statement, is filed with the Commission, file a registration statement (the "Market-Making Registration Statement") (which may be the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement if permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission) and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Market-Making Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the consummation of the Exchange Offer, (B) periodically amend such Market-Making Registration Statement so that the information contained therein complies with the requirements of Section 10(a) under the Securities Act, (C) if reasonably requested in writing by the Market-Maker, within 45 days following the end of each of the Company's fiscal quarters (other than the fourth quarter), file a supplement to the prospectus contained in the Market-Making Registration Statement that sets forth the financial results of the Company for such quarter, (D) amend the Market-Making Registration Statement or amend or supplement the related prospectus when necessary to reflect any material changes in the information provided therein and (E) amend the Market-Making Registration Statement when required to do so in order to comply with Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; provided, however, that (1) prior to filing the Market-Making Registration Statement, any amendment thereto or any amendment or supplement to the related prospectus (other than a supplement filed pursuant to clause (C) of this paragraph unless the Market-Maker reasonably requests), the Company will furnish to the Market-Maker copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which documents will be subject to the review of the Market-Maker and its counsel and (2) the Company and the Note Guarantors will not file the Market-Making Registration Statement, any amendment thereto or any amendment or supplement to the related prospectus (other than a supplement filed pursuant to clause (C) of this paragraph unless the Market-Maker reasonably requests) to which the Market-Maker and its counsel shall
reasonably object unless the Company and the Note Guarantors are advised by counsel that such Market-Making Registration Statement, amendment or supplement is required to be filed under applicable securities laws, and the Company will provide the Market-Maker and its counsel with copies of the Market-Making Registration Statement and each amendment and supplement filed.
(ii) The Company shall notify the Market-Maker and, if requested by the Market-Maker, confirm such advice in writing, (A) when any Market-Making Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment to the Market-Making Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the related prospectus has been filed, and, with respect to any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (B) of any request by the Commission for any post-effective amendment to the Market-Making Registration Statement, any supplement or amendment to the related prospectus or for additional information, (C) the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (D) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Notes or Exchange Notes for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for such purpose and (E) of the happening of any event that makes any statement made in the Market-Making Registration Statement, the related prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto untrue or that requires the making of any changes in the Market-Making Registration Statement, such prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, in order to make the statements therein not misleading.
(iii) If any event contemplated by Sections 6(a)(ii)(B) through (E) occurs during the period for which the Company and the Note Guarantors are required to maintain an effective Market-Making Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall promptly prepare and file with the Commission a post-effective amendment to the Market-Making Registration Statement or an amendment or supplement to the related prospectus or file any other required document so that the prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(iv) In the event of the issuance of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement or of any order suspending the qualification of the Notes or Exchange Notes for sale in any jurisdiction, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall promptly use reasonable best efforts to obtain its withdrawal.
(v) The Company shall furnish to the Market-Maker, without charge,
(i) at least one conformed copy of the Market-Making Registration
Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto and (ii) as many copies
of the related prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto as the
Market-Maker may reasonably request.
(vi) The Company and the Note Guarantors shall consent to the use of the prospectus contained in the Market-Making Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto by the Market-Maker in connection with its market making activities.
(vii) For so long as the Notes or Exchange Notes shall be outstanding, the Company shall furnish to the Market-Maker (A) as soon as practicable after the end of each of the Company's fiscal years, the number of copies reasonably requested by the Market-Maker of the Company's annual report for such year, (B) as soon as available, the number of copies reasonably requested by the Market-Maker of each report (including, without limitation, reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K) or definitive proxy statements of the Company filed under the Exchange Act or mailed to stockholders and (C) all public reports and all reports and financial statements furnished by the Company to the Nasdaq National Market System or any U.S. national securities exchange or quotation service upon which the Notes or Exchange Notes may be listed pursuant to requirements of or agreements with such exchange or quotation service or to the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act or any rule or regulation of the Commission thereunder.
(viii) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6, the Company and the Note Guarantors may for valid business reasons, including without limitation, a potential material acquisition, divestiture of assets or other material corporate transaction, notify the Market-Maker in writing that the Market-Making Registration Statement is no longer effective or the prospectus included therein is no longer usable for offers and sales of Notes or Exchange Notes; provided that the use of the Market-Making Registration Statement or the prospectus contained therein shall not be suspended for more than 60 days in the aggregate in any consecutive 12-month period. The Market-Maker agrees that upon receipt of any notice from the Company pursuant to Sections 6(a)(ii)(B) through (E) or this Section 6(a)(viii), it will discontinue use of the prospectus contained in the Market-Making Registration Statement until receipt of copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus relating thereto or until advised in writing by the Company that the use of the prospectus contained in the Market-Making Registration Statement may be resumed.
(b) In connection with the Market-Making Registration Statement, the Company shall (i) make reasonably available for inspection by a representative of, and
counsel acting for, the Market-Maker all relevant financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to have its officers, directors, employees, accountants and counsel supply all relevant information reasonably requested by such representative or counsel or the Market-Maker.
(c) Prior to the effective date of the Market-Making Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors will use reasonable best efforts to register or qualify, or cooperate with the Market-Maker and its counsel in connection with the registration or qualification of, the Notes or Exchange Notes for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Market-Maker reasonably requests in writing and do any and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the offer and sale in such jurisdictions of the Notes or Exchange Notes covered by the Market-Making Registration Statement; provided that the Company and the Note Guarantors will not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where they are not then so qualified or to take any action which would subject them to general service of process or to taxation in any such jurisdiction where they are not then so subject.
(d) The Company and the Note Guarantors represent and agree that the Market-Making Registration Statement, any post-effective amendments thereto, any amendments or supplements to the related prospectus and any documents filed by them under the Exchange Act will, when they become effective or are filed with the Commission, as the case may be, conform in all respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and will not, as of the effective date of such Market-Making Registration Statement or post-effective amendments and as of the filing date of amendments or supplements to such prospectus or filings under the Exchange Act, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that no representation or warranty is made as to information contained in or omitted from the Market-Making Registration Statement or the related prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Market-Maker specifically for inclusion therein, which information the parties hereto agree will be limited to the statements concerning the market-making activities of the Market-Maker to be set forth on the cover page and in the "Plan of Distribution" section of the prospectus (the "Market-Maker's Information").
(e) At the time of effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement and concurrently with each time the Market-Making Registration Statement or the related prospectus shall be amended or such prospectus shall be supplemented, the Company shall (if requested in writing by the Market-Maker) furnish the Market-Maker and its counsel with a certificate of its Chairman of the Board of Directors or its President and Chief Financial Officer to the effect that:
(i) the Market-Making Registration Statement has been declared effective, (ii) in the case of an amendment to the Market-Making Registration Statement, such amendment has become effective under the Securities Act as of the date and time specified in such certificate, if applicable; in the case of an amendment or supplement to the related prospectus, such amendment or supplement to the prospectus was filed with the Commission pursuant to the subparagraph of Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act specified in such certificate on the date specified therein, (iii) to the knowledge of such officers, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose is pending or threatened by the Commission and (iv) such officers have carefully examined the Market-Making Registration Statement and the prospectus (and, in the case of an amendment or supplement, such amendment or supplement) and as of the date of such Market-Making Registration Statement, amendment or supplement, as applicable, the Market-Making Registration Statement and the prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(f) At the time of effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement and concurrently with each time the Market-Making Registration Statement or the related prospectus shall be amended or such prospectus shall be supplemented, the Company shall (if requested in writing by the Market-Maker) furnish the Market-Maker and its counsel with the written opinion of counsel for the Company satisfactory to the Market-Maker to the effect that:
(i) the Market-Making Registration Statement has been declared
effective, (ii) in the case of an amendment to the Market-Making
Registration Statement, such amendment has become effective under the
Securities Act as of the date and time specified in such opinion, if
applicable; in the case of an amendment or supplement to the related
prospectus, such amendment or supplement to the prospectus was filed with
the Commission pursuant to the subparagraph of Rule 424(b) under the
Securities Act specified in such opinion on the date specified therein,
(iii) to the knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement has been issued
and no proceeding for that purpose is pending or threatened by the
Commission and (iv) such counsel has reviewed the Market-Making
Registration Statement and the prospectus (and, in the case of an
amendment or supplement, such amendment or supplement) and participated
with officers of the Company and independent public accountants for the
Company in the preparation of such Market-Making Registration Statement
and prospectus (and, in the case of an amendment or supplement, such
amendment or supplement) and has no reason to believe that (except for the
financial statements and other financial and statistical data contained
therein as to which no belief is required) as of the date of such
Market-Making Registration Statement, amendment or supplement, as applicable, the Market-Making Registration Statement and the prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(g) At the time of effectiveness of the Market-Making Registration Statement and concurrently with each time the Market-Making Registration Statement or the related prospectus shall be amended or such prospectus shall be supplemented to include audited annual financial information, the Company shall (if requested by the Market-Maker) furnish the Market-Maker and its counsel with a letter of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (or other independent public accountants for the Company or the Note Guarantors of nationally recognized standing) in form satisfactory to the Market-Maker, addressed to the Market-Maker and dated the date of delivery of such letter, (i) confirming that they are independent public accountants within the meaning of the Securities Act and are in compliance with the applicable requirements relating to the qualification of accountants under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X of the Commission and, (ii) in all other respects, substantially in the form of the letter delivered to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to Section 5(g) of the Purchase Agreement, with, in the case of an amendment or supplement to include audited financial information, such changes as may be necessary to reflect the amended or supplemented financial information.
(h) The Company and the Note Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Market-Maker, on the other hand, hereby agree to indemnify each other, and, if applicable, contribute to the other, in accordance with Sections 7 and 8 of this Agreement.
(i) The Company will comply with the provisions of this Section 6 at its own expense and will reimburse the Market-Maker for its expenses associated with this Section 6 (including reasonable fees of counsel for the Market-Maker).
(j) The agreements contained in this Section 6 and the representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement shall survive all offers and sales of the Notes and Exchange Notes and shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any termination or cancelation of this Agreement or any investigation made by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
(k) For purposes of this Section 6, (i) any reference to the terms "amend," "amendment" or "supplement" with respect to the Market-Making Registration Statement or the prospectus contained therein shall be deemed to refer to and include the filing under the Exchange Act of any document deemed to be incorporated therein by reference and (ii) any reference to the terms "Notes" or "Exchange Notes" shall be deemed to refer to and include any securities issued in exchange for or with respect to such Notes or Exchange Notes.
7. Indemnification. (a) In the event of a Shelf Registration Statement or in connection with any prospectus delivery pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement by the Initial Purchasers or Exchanging Dealer, as applicable, or in connection with the Market-Making Registration Statement, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless each Holder (including, without limitation, each of the Initial Purchasers, the Market-Maker or such Exchanging Dealer), its affiliates, its respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents, and each person, if any, who controls such Holder within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively referred to for purposes of this Section 7 and Section 8 as a Holder) from and against any loss, claim, damage or liability, joint or several, or any action in respect thereof (including, without limitation, any loss, claim, damage, liability or action relating to purchases and sales of Notes or Exchange Notes), to which that Holder may become subject, whether commenced or threatened, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any such Registration Statement or Market-Making Registration Statement or any prospectus forming part thereof or in any amendment or supplement thereto, (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (iii) in the case of the Market-Maker, any material breach by the Company of the representations, warranties and agreements contained in Section 6, and shall reimburse each Holder (including, without limitation, each of the Initial Purchasers, the Market-Maker or such Exchanging Dealer) promptly upon demand for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by that Holder in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend against or appearing as a third party witness in connection with any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the Company and the Note Guarantors shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement in or omission or alleged omission from any of such documents in reliance upon and in conformity with any Holders' Information or Market-Maker's Information, respectively; and provided further that with respect to any such untrue statement in or omission from any related preliminary prospectus, the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 7(a) shall not inure to the benefit of any Holder from whom the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action received Notes or Exchange Notes to the extent that such loss, claim, damage, liability or action of or with respect to such Holder results from the fact that both (A) a copy of the final prospectus was not sent or given to such person at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of such Notes or Exchange Notes to such person and (B) the untrue statement in or omission from the related preliminary prospectus was corrected in the final prospectus unless, in either case, such failure to deliver the final prospectus was a result of non-compliance by the Company with Section 4(d), 4(e), 4(f), 4(g) or 6(a)(v), as applicable.
(b) In (i) the event of a Shelf Registration Statement, each Holder
or (ii) connection with the Market-Making Registration Statement, the
Market-Maker, as applicable, shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its
affiliates, its respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and
agents, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of
the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively referred to for purposes of
this Section 7(b) and Section 8 as the Company), from and against any loss,
claim, damage or liability, joint or several, or any action in respect thereof,
to which the Company may become subject, whether commenced or threatened, under
the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other federal or state statutory law
or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action arises out of, or is based upon, (i) any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any such Registration
Statement or Market-Making Registration Statement, respectively, or any
prospectus forming part thereof or in any amendment or supplement thereto or
(ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, but
in each case only to the extent that the untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in
conformity with any Holders' Information or Market-Maker's Information,
respectively, furnished to the Company by such Holder or the Market-Maker, and
shall reimburse the Company for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred
by the Company in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to
defend against or appearing as a third party witness in connection with any such
loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred;
provided, however, that no such Holder or the Market-Maker shall be liable for
any indemnity claims hereunder in excess of the amount of net proceeds received
by such Holder from the sale of Notes or Exchange Notes pursuant to such Shelf
Registration Statement or prospectus.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
Section 7 of notice of any claim or the commencement of any action, the
indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the
indemnifying party pursuant to Section 7(a) or 7(b), notify the indemnifying
party in writing of the claim or the commencement of that action; provided,
however, that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it
from any liability which it may have under this Section 7 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 party shall not relieve it from any liability which it
may have to an indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 7. If any
such claim or action shall be brought against an indemnified party, and it shall
notify the indemnifying party thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled
to participate therein and, to the extent that it wishes, jointly with any other
similarly notified indemnifying party, to assume the defense thereof with
counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. After notice from the
indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the
defense of such claim or action, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to
the indemnified party under this Section 7 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than the reasonable costs of investigation; provided, however, that an indemnified party shall have the right to employ its own counsel in any such action, but the fees, expenses and other charges of such counsel for the indemnified party will be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (1) the employment of counsel by the indemnified party has been authorized in writing by the indemnifying party, (2) the indemnified party has reasonably concluded (based upon advice of counsel to the indemnified party) that there may be legal defenses available to it or other indemnified parties that are different from or in addition to those available to the indemnifying party, (3) a conflict or potential conflict exists (based upon advice of counsel to the indemnified party) between the indemnified party and the indemnifying party (in which case the indemnifying party will not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the indemnified party) or (4) the indemnifying party has not in fact employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to assume the defense of such action within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the commencement of the action, in each of which cases the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel will be at the expense of the indemnifying party or parties. It is understood that the indemnifying party or parties shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) at any one time for all such indemnified party or parties. Each indemnified party, as a condition of the indemnity agreements contained in Sections 7(a) and 7(b), shall use all reasonable efforts to cooperate with the indemnifying party in the defense of any such action or claim. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any such action effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), but if settled with its written consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such action, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding.
8. Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Section 7 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section 7(a) or 7(b), then each indemnifying party shall, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, (a) in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company from the initial offering and sale of the Notes, on the one hand, and by a Holder from receiving Notes or Exchange Notes, as applicable, registered under the Securities Act or, if applicable, by
the Market-Maker from the filing and effectiveness of a Market-Making Registration Statement, on the other, or (b) if the allocation provided by clause (a) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (a) above but also the relative fault of the Company and the Note Guarantors, on the one hand, and such Holder, on the other, with respect to the statements or omissions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault 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 the Company and the Note Guarantors or information supplied by the Company and the Note Guarantors, on the one hand, or to any Holders' Information or Market-Maker's Information, respectively, supplied by such Holder, on the other, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 8 were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, referred to above in this Section 8 shall be deemed to include, for purposes of this Section 8, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, an indemnifying party that is a Holder of Notes or Exchange Notes or the Market-Maker shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Notes or Exchange Notes sold by such indemnifying party to any purchaser exceeds the amount of any damages which such indemnifying party has otherwise paid or become liable to pay by reason of any 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.
9. Rules 144 and 144A. The Company and the Note Guarantors shall use reasonable best efforts to file the reports required to be filed by them under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act in a timely manner and, if at any time the Company and the Note Guarantors are not required to file such reports, they will, upon the written request of any Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes or the Market-Maker, make publicly available other information so long as necessary to permit sales of such Holder's or the Market-Maker's securities pursuant to Rules 144 and 144A. The Company and the Note Guarantors covenant that they will take such further action as any Holder of Transfer-Restricted Notes or the Market-Maker may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder or the Market-Maker to sell Transfer-Restricted Notes without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rules 144 and 144A (including, without limitation, the
requirements of Rule 144A(d)(4)). Upon the written request of any Holder of
Transfer-Restricted Notes, the Company and the Note Guarantors shall deliver to
such Holder or the Market-Maker a written statement as to whether they have
complied with such requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this
Section 9 shall be deemed to require the Company to register any of its
securities pursuant to the Exchange Act.
10. Underwritten Registrations. If any of the Transfer-Restricted Notes covered by any Shelf Registration Statement are to be sold in an underwritten offering, the investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers that will administer the offering will be selected by the Majority Holders included in such offering, subject to the consent of the Company and the Note Guarantors (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and such Holders shall be responsible for all underwriting commissions and discounts in connection therewith.
No person may participate in any underwritten registration hereunder unless such person (i) agrees to sell such person's Transfer-Restricted Notes on the basis reasonably provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.
11. Miscellaneous. (a) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement 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 a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and the Exchange Notes, taken as a single class (and, with respect to the provisions of Section 6, the written consent of the Market-Maker). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders whose Notes or Exchange Notes are being sold pursuant to a Registration Statement and that does not directly or indirectly affect the rights of other Holders may be given by Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and the Exchange Notes being sold by such Holders pursuant to such Registration Statement whose rights are so affected.
(b) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail, telecopier or air courier guaranteeing next-day delivery:
(i) if to a Holder, at the most current address given by such Holder to the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Section 11(b), which address initially is, with respect to each Holder, the address of such Holder maintained by the registrar under the Indenture, with a copy in like manner to each Initial Purchaser;
(ii) if to the Initial Purchasers or the Market-Maker, initially at their addresses set forth in the Purchase Agreement; and
(iii) if to the Company or the Note Guarantors, initially at the address of the Company set forth in the Purchase Agreement.
All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; one business day after being delivered to a next-day air courier; five business days after being deposited in the mail; and when receipt is acknowledged by the recipient's telecopier machine, if sent by telecopier.
The Company and the Note Guarantors or the Initial Purchasers may, by written notice to the other, designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
(c) Successors And Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
(d) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (which may be delivered in original form or by telecopier) 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.
(e) Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, (i) the term "business day" means any day on which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. is open for trading, (ii) the term "subsidiary" has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act and (iii) except where otherwise expressly provided, the term "affiliate" has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.
(f) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
(g) Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(h) Remedies. In the event of a breach by the Company, the Note Guarantors or by any Holder of any of their obligations under this Agreement, each Holder, the Company or the Note Guarantors, as the case may be, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages (other than the recovery of damages for a breach by the Company or the Note Guarantors of their obligations under Section 1 or 2 hereof for which additional interest has been paid pursuant to Section 3 hereof), will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Company, the Note Guarantors and each Holder agree that
monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by each such person of any of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby further agree that, in the event of any action for specific performance in respect of such breach, each such person shall waive the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.
(i) No Inconsistent Agreements. Each of the Company and the Note
Guarantors represents, warrants and agrees with the Initial Purchasers that (i)
it has not entered into, and shall not, on or after the date of this Agreement,
enter into any agreement that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the
Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof,
(ii) it has not previously entered into any agreement which remains in effect
granting any registration rights with respect to any of its debt securities to
any person and (iii) (with respect to the Company) without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, without the written consent of the Majority Holders
and the Market-Maker, it shall not grant to any person the right to request the
Company to register any debt securities of the Company under the Securities Act
unless the rights so granted are not in conflict or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Agreement.
(j) No Piggyback on Registrations. Neither the Company nor any of its security holders (other than the Holders of Transfer-Restricted Notes in such capacity) shall have the right to include any securities of the Company in any Shelf Registration or Registered Exchange Offer other than Transfer-Restricted Notes.
(k) Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use reasonable best efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.
Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement among the Company, the Note Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION,
By
/s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ------------------------------------ Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel |
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION,
PF SALES, LLC,
PF DISTRIBUTION, LLC,
PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS CORPORATION,
PF STANDARDS CORPORATION,
PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION and
PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION) CORP.,
as Note Guarantors,
By
/s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ------------------------------------ Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel |
Accepted:
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
For itself and on behalf of the
Initial Purchasers
By:
/s/ MICHAEL K. RYAN ---------------------------- Authorized Signatory |
ANNEX A
Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Notes where such Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date (as defined herein), it will make this Prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution."
ANNEX B
Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Notes, where such Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. See "Plan of Distribution."
ANNEX C
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Notes where such Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date, it will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale.
The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Exchange Notes by broker-dealers. Exchange Notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the Exchange Notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such Exchange Notes. Any broker-dealer that resells Exchange Notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such Exchange Notes may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of Exchange Notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
For a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date the Company will promptly send additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this Prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the Letter of Transmittal. The Company has agreed to pay all expenses incident to the Registered Exchange Offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the Holders of the Notes) other than commissions or concessions of any broker-dealers and will indemnify the Holders of the Notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
ANNEX D
[ ] CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO
RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10
COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.
Name:
Address:
If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of Exchange Notes. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
Schedule I
Pinnacle Foods Corporation
PF Sales, LLC
PF Distribution, LLC
Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation
PF Standards Corporation
Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation
PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp.
EXHIBIT 5.1
[Letterhead of O'Melveny & Myers LLP]
August 20, 2004
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
6 Executive Campus
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002
Re: Exchange Offer for $394,000,000 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 for up to $394,000,000 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013
Ladies and Gentlemen:
At your request, we have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (such registration statement, as amended or supplemented, the "Registration Statement") of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the proposed offer (the "Exchange Offer") to exchange any and all of the Company's outstanding 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "Old Notes"), for the Company's 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "Exchange Notes"), that are being registered pursuant to the Registration Statement, which Exchange Notes will be guaranteed (the "Exchange Guarantees") by each of the parties listed on Schedule I hereto (the "Delaware Corporate Guarantors" and each a "Delaware Corporate Guarantor"), each of the parties listed on Schedule II hereto (the "Delaware LLC Guarantors" and each a "Delaware LLC Guarantor" and, together with the Delaware Corporate Guarantors, the "Delaware Guarantors") and each of the parties listed on Schedule III hereto (the "Other Guarantors" and, together with the Delaware Guarantors, the "Guarantors").
We have examined originals or copies of those corporate and other records and documents we considered appropriate. We have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity with originals of all documents submitted to us as copies.
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
Page 2 -- August 20, 2004
Upon the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Exchange Notes have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company and, when the Exchange Notes are executed, authenticated and delivered by or on behalf of the Company against the due tender and delivery of the Old Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Notes, such Exchange Notes will be legally valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally (including, without limitation, fraudulent conveyance laws) and by general principles of equity, including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
2. The Exchange Guarantees have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action, as applicable, on the part of the Delaware Guarantors and, when the Exchange Notes are executed, authenticated and delivered by or on behalf of the Company against the due tender and delivery of the Old Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Notes (and assuming due authorization of the Exchange Guarantees by the Other Guarantors), the Guarantee of each Guarantor will be a legally valid and binding obligation of such Guarantor, enforceable against such Guarantor in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally (including, without limitation, fraudulent conveyance laws) and by general principles of equity, including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or law.
For purposes of our opinion in paragraph 2 above, we have assumed that each
of the Other Guarantors (i) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization, (ii) has the
corporate power and authority to authorize the Exchange Guarantees, (iii) has
taken all requisite corporate action to authorize the Exchange Guarantees and
(iv) has duly authorized the Exchange Guarantees.
The law covered by this opinion is limited to the present law of the State of New York and the present Delaware General Corporation Law and the present Delaware Limited Liability Company Act. We express no opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction and no opinion regarding the statutes, administrative decisions, rules, regulations or requirements of any county, municipality, subdivision or local authority of any jurisdiction.
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
Page 3 -- August 20, 2004
We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the heading "Legal Matters" in the prospectus included as part of the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Respectfully submitted,
/S/ O'MELVENY & MYERS LLP ----------------------------- |
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
Page 4 -- August 20, 2004
SCHEDULE I
DELAWARE CORPORATE GUARANTORS
Pinnacle Foods Corporation
Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation
PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp.
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
Page 5 -- August 20, 2004
SCHEDULE II
DELAWARE LLC GUARANTORS
PF Sales, LLC
PF Distribution, LLC
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
Page 6 -- August 20, 2004
SCHEDULE III
OTHER GUARANTORS
Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation, a Connecticut corporation PF Standards Corporation, a New Jersey corporation Sea Coast Foods Inc., a Washington corporation
EXHIBIT 9.1
CRUNCH EQUITY VOTING TRUST
VOTING TRUST AGREEMENT
This VOTING TRUST AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of March 18, 2004, by and among Kenneth Liang, Robert Webster and Soo Kim (in their respective capacities as voting trustees, each a "Voting Trustee", and collectively the "Voting Trustees"), Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware banking corporation (the "Resident Trustee"), the signatories to the Trust Accession Instruments listed on Schedule I, as the same may be amended from time to time (each a "Trust Holder" and collectively, the "Trust Holders"), Aurora Foods Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Aurora") and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CEH LLC"),
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, CEH LLC and Aurora are party to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of November 25, 2003, as amended (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Pinnacle Foods Corporation, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CEH LLC, will merge with and into Aurora (the "Merger");
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger Agreement and in connection with the Merger, any Bondholder (such term and other capitalized terms used and not defined being used as defined in Article I) electing to receive equity in CEH LLC or subscribing for such equity, and any Pinnacle Equity Sponsor subscribing for such equity pursuant to Section 2.3(f) of the Merger Agreement, is required to execute an instrument (a "Trust Accession Instrument") agreeing (i) to deposit in the Delaware statutory trust created pursuant to this Agreement and the Certificate of Trust (the "Trust") any Class A Units of CEH LLC that such Person is or may become entitled to receive pursuant to Sections 3.8(a)(ii), 3.8(a)(iii), 3.8(c) or 4.2(a)(i) of the Merger Agreement and (ii) to be a party to and bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms;
WHEREAS, at the Closing (as defined in the Merger Agreement), CEH LLC, the Trust, the Pinnacle Equity Investors and/or their affiliates will enter into (i) an Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of CEH LLC (as may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the "Operating Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit I to the Merger Agreement, (ii) an Amended and Restated Members' Agreement of CEH LLC (as may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the "Members Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit H to the Merger Agreement, and (iii) a Registration Rights Agreement (as may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the "Registration Rights Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit M to the Merger Agreement; and
WHEREAS, at the Closing (as defined in the Merger Agreement), Aurora, the Trust and CEH LLC will enter into an Indemnity Agreement (as may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the "Indemnity Agreement") substantially in the form of Exhibit J to the Merger Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, a Delaware statutory trust is hereby created and established with respect to the Voting Trust CEH Units, subject to the following terms and conditions, to which each of the parties hereto expressly agrees as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified in this Article I:
"Account" has the meaning given in Section 3.01(a) of this Agreement.
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, (a) a director or executive officer of such Person, (b) any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person, and (c) any Family Vehicle or Family Member of such Person or of any of the Persons described in clause (a) or (b). For the purposes of this definition, the term "controls", "is controlled by" or "under common control with" means (i) the direct or indirect ownership of in excess of 50% of the equity interests (or interests convertible into or otherwise exchangeable for equity interests) in a Person, or (ii) possession of the Securities carrying the direct or indirect right to vote in excess of 50% of the voting Securities or elect in excess of 50% of the Board of Directors or other governing body of a Person (whether by Securities ownership, contract or otherwise).
"Aurora" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Board" has the meaning given in Section 4.01(a) of this Agreement.
"Bondholder" means, immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger, any beneficial owner of Aurora's 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, Aurora's 9 7/8% Series C Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 and Aurora's 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.
"Capital Call" has the meaning given in Section 9.01 of this Agreement.
"Cash Payment" has the meaning given in Section 4.03(c)(i) of this Agreement.
"Certificate of Trust" has the meaning given in Section 2.01(a) of this Agreement.
"Chairman" has the meaning given in Section 4.01 of this Agreement.
"Claim" has the meaning given in the Indemnity Agreement.
"Class A Units" means the Class A Units of CEH LLC.
"Code" means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
"Confidential Information" has the meaning given in Section 4.06(b) of this Agreement.
"Control" means, including, with correlative meaning, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with", with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management, policies or investment decisions of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
"Controlled Affiliates" means, with respect to any Person, any (i) director, officer, limited or general partner, member or stockholder holding 5% or more of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of such Person, and (ii) any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, is Controlled by such Person.
"Correct Recipient" has the meaning given in Section 10.04 of this Agreement.
"Correction Requesting Trust Holder" has the meaning given in Section 10.04 of this Agreement.
"Co-Sale Notice" has the meaning given in Section 3.4 of the Members Agreement.
"Co-Sale Rights" means the rights of the Trust pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Members Agreement.
"Default Trust Units" has the meaning given in Section 9.02(b) of this Agreement.
"Defaulting Holder" has the meaning given in Section 9.02(b) of this Agreement.
"Electing Trust Holders" has the meaning given in Section 4.03(c)(ii) of this Agreement.
"Expiration Date" has the meaning given in the Indemnity Agreement.
"Family Member" means, with respect to any individual, each of such individual's spouse, former spouse(s), siblings, ancestors and lineal descendants and the lineal descendants of such individual's spouse, former spouse(s) or siblings (in each case, whether natural or adopted).
"Family Vehicle" means, with respect to any individual, a partnership, trust or other estate planning vehicle established for the exclusive benefit of such individual and/or one or more of such individual's Family Members.
"Forfeited Trust Units" has the meaning given in Section 9.06 of this Agreement.
"Form K-1" has the meaning given in Section 4.08(b) of this Agreement.
"High Offer" has the meaning given in Section 10.02(b) of this Agreement.
"Indemnified Liabilities" has the meaning given in Section 7.03(b) of this Agreement.
"Indemnitees" has the meaning given in Section 7.03(b) of this Agreement.
"Indemnity Agreement" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Indemnity Subscription Date" has the meaning given in Section 4.03(c)(ii) of this Agreement.
"Indemnity Subscription Right" has the meaning given in Section 4.03(c)(ii) of this Agreement.
"Indirect Offer" has the meaning given in Section 10.02 of this Agreement.
"Indirect Offer Acceptance" has the meaning given in Section 10.02(b) of this Agreement.
"Indirect Offer Period" has the meaning given in Section 10.02(a) of this Agreement.
"Indirect Offered Units" has the meaning given in Section 10.02(a) of this Agreement.
"Indirect Offer Request" has the meaning given in Section 10.02(a) of this Agreement.
"Indirect Offerees" has the meaning given in Section 10.02(a) of this Agreement.
"Investors" means the Persons designated on the signatures pages of the Members Agreement as "Investors" and any Transferee of such Persons.
"LIBOR" means, as of the date on which any Trust Holder Loan is made, the London inter-bank offering rate for deposits in U.S dollars for a twelve-month period provided by the Telerate Service or any other service that displays such rate and published by the British Bankers' Association at 11:00 AM (London time), which rate shall be adjusted annually with respect to any Trust Holder Loan on the anniversary of the date on which such loan was made or the first business day thereafter.
"Managers" has the meaning given in Section 4.06(a) of this Agreement.
"Member" has the meaning given in Section 4.06(a) of this Agreement.
"Members Agreement" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Merger" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Merger Agreement" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Non-Electing Trust Holders" has the meaning given in Section 4.03(c)(ii) of this Agreement.
"Notional Trust Unit Value" has the meaning given in Section 9.02(a) of this Agreement.
"Objection Notice" has the meaning given in the Indemnity Agreement.
"Operating Agreement" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Payment Date" has the meaning given in Section 9.02(a) of this Agreement.
"Permitted Excluded Transfer" means (a) in the case of any Trust Holder who is an individual, (x) a Transfer of Trust Units to a trust for the benefit of such Trust Holder's estate (including the executor or personal representative of such estate, as applicable), or (y) a Transfer of Trust Units made for no consideration to any Affiliate of such Trust Holder; (b) in the case of any Trust Holder that is a partnership, (x) a Transfer of Trust Units to its limited, special and general partners as a bona fide pro rata distribution by such partnership to all of its partners based on the equity holdings of each and made in accordance with the organizational documents of such partnership as in effect on the date hereof, (y) a Transfer of Trust Units made for no consideration to any Affiliate of such Trust Holder or for no consideration (other than for bona fide services rendered or to be rendered) to any employee or consultant of such Trust Holder or any of its Affiliates or (z) a Transfer of Trust Units made to a controlled Affiliate (other than any
portfolio company of any pooled investment vehicle) in connection with a bona
fide reallocation or transfer of Trust Units to a fund managed by such Trust
Holder's Affiliates, including by means of participation, and in each case not
for purposes of circumventing the provisions of Section 10.02 with respect to
such Transfer; (c) in the case of any Trust Holder that is a corporation or a
limited liability company, (x) a Transfer of Trust Units to its stockholders or
members, as the case may be, as a bona fide pro rata distribution by such
corporation or limited liability company to all of its stockholders or members,
as the case may be, based on the equity holdings of each and made in accordance
with the organizational documents of such corporation or limited liability
company as in effect on the date hereof, (y) a Transfer made for no
consideration to any Affiliate of such Trust Holder or for no consideration
(other than for bona fide services rendered or to be rendered) to any employee
or consultant of such Trust Holder or its Affiliates or (z) a Transfer of Trust
Units made to a controlled Affiliate (other than any portfolio company of any
pooled investment vehicle) in connection with a bona fide reallocation or
transfer of Trust Units to a fund managed by such Trust Holder's Affiliates,
including by means of participation, and in each case not for purposes of
circumventing the provisions of Section 10.02 with respect to such Transfer; (d)
a Transfer of Trust Units that may be deemed to have occurred pursuant to
Section 4.03(c), Section 9.03(c) or Section 9.06 of this Agreement; (e) a
Transfer of Units held by Bondholder Trust from the account of a Trust Holder to
the account of any other Trust Holder pursuant to Section 4.03(c), Section
9.03(c) or Section 9.06 of this Agreement; or (f) a Transfer of Trust Units
pursuant to Section 10.04 of this Agreement.
"Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, company, trust or other entity, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.
"Pinnacle Equity Investors" means the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors and CDM Investor Group LLC.
"Pinnacle Equity Sponsors" means the JPMP Holder and the JWC Holder, as each such term is defined in the Members Agreement.
"Preemptive Rights" means the rights of the Trust pursuant to Section 3.5 of the Members Agreement.
"Preemptive Rights Offer" has the meaning given in Section 3.5 of the Members Agreement.
"Purchase Units" has the meaning given in Section 9.03(c) of this Agreement.
"Registration Rights Agreement" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Representatives" has the meaning given in Section 4.06(a) of this Agreement.
"Resident Trustee" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Retained Units" has the meaning given in the Indemnity Agreement.
"Securities" means any form of common or preferred equity of any Person, including the Units (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choices in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, and interests in personal property of all kinds, tangible or intangible (including cash and bank deposits).
"Statutory Trust Act" has the meaning given in Section 2.01(a) of this Agreement.
"Supplemental Subscription Amount" has the meaning given in Section 9.03(b) of this Agreement.
"Supplemental Subscription Notice" has the meaning given in Section 9.03(a) of this Agreement.
"Transfer" means, as to any Security or asset (the "Subject Property"), to sell, directly or indirectly, or in any other way, directly or indirectly transfer, assign, gift, pledge, grant a security interest in, distribute, encumber or otherwise dispose of (including, without limitation, the foreclosure or other acquisition by any lender with respect to Subject Property pledged to such lender by the holder of the Subject Property), whether directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by means of a Transfer of any Security issued by a Person that holds, directly or indirectly, an interest in the Subject Property), such Subject Property, either voluntarily or involuntarily and with or without consideration.
"Transferee" means any Person to whom a Member shall Transfer Units in accordance with the terms of the Members Agreement.
"Transferor" has the meaning given in Section 10.02(a).
"Treasury Regulations" means the regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department issued pursuant to the Code.
"Trust" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Trust Accession Instrument" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Trust Holder" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
"Trust Holder Loan" has the meaning given in Section 7.01 of this Agreement.
"Trust Holder Obligation" has the meaning given in Section 4.03(c)(i) of this Agreement.
"Trust Unit" has the meaning given in Section 3.01(a) of this Agreement.
"Units" means all Units issued by CEH LLC held at any time during the term of the Members Agreement by an Investor or any party to the Members Agreement other than an Investor or CEH LLC, and shall also include any equity security issued in respect of or in exchange for Units, whether by way of dividend or other distribution, split, recapitalization, merger, rollup transaction, consolidation, conversion or reorganization.
"Unpaid Indemnity Amount" has the meaning given in Section 4.03(c)(ii) of this Agreement.
"Voting Trust CEH Units" shall mean any Class A Units held by the Trust.
"Voting Trustee" has the meaning given in the Recitals to this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
THE TRUST
Section 2.01 Purpose; Appointment of Trustees; Name.
(a) The purpose of the Trust is to hold the Voting Trust CEH Units pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Trust's assets shall consist exclusively of securities of CEH LLC, and the Trust shall not engage in any trading, investment or similar activity with respect to Class A Units or other securities or conduct any other business except as expressly provided for herein. The parties hereto intend that the Trust constitute a Delaware statutory trust formed under the provisions of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, 12 Del. C. Sections 3801 et seq., as amended from time to time (the "Statutory Trust Act"), and the Resident Trustee and the Voting Trustees are hereby directed to execute and file the Certificate of Trust attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Certificate of Trust").
(b) The parties hereby appoint Kenneth Liang, Robert Webster and Soo Kim as Voting Trustees of the Trust, effective as of the date hereof, to have all the rights, powers and duties set forth herein. The Voting Trustees accept the Trust on the terms set forth herein and agree that they shall act only in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and shall not engage in any activity or perform any act except in pursuit of the
foregoing purpose and any activity that is necessary or incidental to the foregoing purpose.
(c) The parties hereby appoint Wilmington Trust Company as Resident Trustee of the Trust, effective as of the date hereof. The Resident Trustee shall be a trustee of the Trust for the sole and exclusive purpose of satisfying the requirements of Section 3807 of the Statutory Trust Act and shall have no powers or duties hereunder other than to execute the Certificate of Trust on the date hereof, to deliver promptly to the Voting Trustees any notices that the Resident Trustee may receive in connection with this Agreement or the Trust, and such other duties as may be provided for by agreement with the Resident Trustee.
(d) The name of the Trust shall be the Crunch Equity Voting Trust, in which name the Voting Trustees may carry out the purposes of the Trust, execute instruments, and sue and be sued.
Section 2.02 Filing. The Board shall file a copy of this Agreement (and any amendments hereto) in the registered office of CEH LLC in the State of Delaware, which copy shall be open for inspection to any Trust Holder.
ARTICLE III
TRUST UNITS
Section 3.01 Trust Accounts and Trust Units.
(a) The Board shall establish and maintain for each Trust Holder an account (each, an "Account") recording the number of Voting Trust CEH Units held by the Trust on behalf of such Trust Holder. Each Trust Holder shall hold one unit of beneficial interest in the Trust (a "Trust Unit") for each Voting Trust CEH Unit held by the Trust on behalf of such Trust Holder.
(b) Until such time as the first Class A Units of CEH LLC are deposited into the Trust, Kenneth Liang shall be deemed to be the sole beneficial owner of the Trust (within the meaning of the Statutory Trust Act). At such time as the first Class A Units are deposited into the Trust, Kenneth Liang shall immediately cease to be a beneficial owner of the Trust (within the meaning of the Statutory Trust Act) and shall be deemed withdrawn from the Trust in exchange for no consideration. Thereafter, as and when Class A Units are deposited into the Trust, the applicable Trust Holder shall be deemed admitted to the Trust in respect of the number of Trust Units calculated in accordance with Section 3.01(a). To the extent adjustments are made to a Trust Holder's Account from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, such Trust Holder shall be deemed admitted to the Trust in respect of any additional Trust Units acquired and shall be
deemed withdrawn from the Trust in respect of any Trust Units Transferred, surrendered or forfeited, all with no further act being required on the part of any Person (other than the adjustment to such Trust Holder's Account by the Board). For the avoidance of doubt, each Trust Holder is a beneficial owner of the Trust for purposes of the Statutory Trust Act.
Section 3.02 Delivery and Cancellation of Voting Trust CEH Units Pursuant to Merger Agreement.
(a) CEH LLC shall deliver to the Trust the Voting Trust CEH Units that the Trust Holders are or become entitled to receive pursuant to Sections 3.8(a)(ii), 3.8(a)(iii), 3.8(d) or 4.2(a)(i) of the Merger Agreement, which the Board shall record as having been received for such Trust Holder's Account.
(b) In the event any Voting Trust CEH Units held by the Trust on behalf of a Trust Holder are cancelled pursuant Section 4.2(a)(ii) of the Merger Agreement, (i) the Board shall cancel an equal number of the Trust Units held by such Trust Holder and (ii) the Board shall make appropriate entries on the Trust's books and records to cause such Trust Holder's Account to reflect the cancellation of such Voting Trust CEH Units.
ARTICLE IV
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Section 4.01 Voting Trustees.
(a) Board of Trustees. The Trust shall have a board of trustees (the "Board"), the members of which shall be the Voting Trustees. The signatures of a majority of the Voting Trustees then holding such position shall be necessary to bind the Trust; provided that the Board may authorize a single Voting Trustee pursuant to Section 4.01(b) hereof to execute agreements, certificates and other instruments on behalf of the Trust.
(b) Board Actions. The Board may act at a meeting held either in person, telephonically, or by other electronic means by which all of the participating Voting Trustees can hear each other. A meeting of the Board may be convened by any Voting Trustee on twenty-four hours' notice if notice is given to each Voting Trustee personally or by telephone or other electronic means, including a voice messaging system or e-mail, or on five days' notice if notice is mailed to each Voting Trustee at his or her usual place of business or such other address as any Voting Trustee may request by notice to the other Voting Trustees. A majority of the Voting Trustees then holding such position shall be considered a quorum for the conduct of business at any meeting of the Board. Any action or determination of the Board hereunder shall be made if authorized by a majority of the Voting Trustees then holding such position at any meeting at which a
quorum is present, or by the unanimous consent of the Voting Trustees expressed in writing or by electronic transmission. The Board may delegate to any Voting Trustee any or all of the powers and authorities of the Board hereunder, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion.
(c) Chairman. Kenneth Liang shall initially be the chairman of the Voting Trustees (the "Chairman"). The Chairman shall preside over meetings of the Board at which he or she is present, and shall have no other duties except as may be delegated by the Board. The Chairman may be removed and a successor appointed, and in the event of the Chairman's death or resignation a successor shall be appointed, from among the Voting Trustees by means of a writing executed by at least a majority of all issued and outstanding Trust Units.
Section 4.02 Management of the Trust. The Board shall, in its sole discretion and without the requirement of any prior instruction from or consultation with the Trust Holders, exercise all rights and cause the Trust to perform all obligations of the Trust and shall take all such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate to fulfill the purposes of the Trust, including, without limitation, (a) the exercise, enforcement or waiver of the rights and the performance of the duties and obligations of the Designated Representative under the Merger Agreement (including pursuant to Article IV thereof), (b) the exercise, enforcement or waiver of the rights and the performance of the duties and obligations of the Trust under the Indemnity Agreement (including causing the Trust to defend or settle any claims arising out of or in relation to the Indemnity Agreement) and (c) the exercise, enforcement or waiver of the rights and the performance of the duties and obligations of the Trust under the Members Agreement and the Operating Agreement; provided, however, that, with respect to the matters set forth in Section 4.03 of this Agreement, the Board shall act in accordance with applicable instructions received from the Trust Holders except to the extent such section otherwise permits or requires. Except as expressly required by Section 4.03 of this Agreement, the Board shall have no obligation to obtain the approval of or instructions from the Trust Holders in carrying out its duties under this Agreement.
Section 4.03 Trust Holder Instructions.
(a) Co-Sale Rights.
(i) If the Trust receives a Co-Sale Notice pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Members Agreement, the Board shall seek instructions by notice to the Trust Holders as to whether any Trust Holder wishes to participate in the contemplated sale and the number of eligible Voting Trust CEH Units held by the Trust on behalf of each Trust Holder to be included in such sale. If the Board has not received instructions from a Trust Holder by the date specified by the Board in
such notice, such Trust Holder shall be deemed to have instructed the Board that it does not wish to participate in the proposed sale.
(ii) The Board shall take such steps as may be necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the Board to enforce the timely received instructions of the Trust Holders with respect to any Co-Sale Notice; provided, that the Board may waive (including before seeking instructions from the Trust Holders pursuant to Section 4.03(a)(i)) the Co-Sale Rights of the Trust with respect to all (but not less than all) of the Voting Trust CEH Units held by the Trust on behalf of the Trust Holders (other than the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors and their affiliates) electing to participate in such sale if the Board determines, acting in its sole discretion, that such action is in the best interests of the Trust Holders, collectively, or the Trust.
(iii) The Board shall promptly remit the proceeds of any sale of Voting Trust CEH Units pursuant to this Section 4.03(a) to the applicable Trust Holder, and shall cancel that number of Trust Units held by such Trust Holder equal to the number of Voting Trust CEH Units sold that were held by the Trust on behalf of such Trust Holder.
(b) Preemptive Rights.
(i) If the Trust receives a Preemptive Rights Offer pursuant to
Section 3.5 of the Members Agreement, the Board shall seek instructions by
notice to the Trust Holders as to whether any Trust Holder wishes to
participate in the contemplated offering and the number of Voting Trust
CEH Units for which such Trust Holder wishes to have the Trust subscribe
on behalf of such Trust Holder. If the Board has not received instructions
from a Trust Holder by the date specified by the Board in such notice,
such Trust Holder shall be deemed to have instructed the Board that it
does not wish to participate in the proposed offering.
(ii) The Board shall take such steps as may be necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the Board to enforce the timely received instructions of the Trust Holders with respect to any Preemptive Rights Offer; provided, that the Board may waive (including before seeking instructions from the Trust Holders pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(i)) the Preemptive Rights of the Trust with respect to any or all of the Voting Trust CEH Units held by the Trust on behalf of the Trust Holders (other than the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors and their affiliates) electing to participate in such offering if (x) the Board determines, acting in its sole discretion, that such action is necessary or appropriate to ensure compliance with federal and state securities laws and regulations, or (y) the Board determines, acting in its sole discretion, and CEH LLC agrees, that such action is in the best interests of the Trust Holders, collectively, or the Trust and CEH LLC.
(iii) Each Trust Holder opting to participate in a Preemptive Rights Offer shall remit, to an account designated by the Trust, the payment due from such Trust Holder in connection with such offering by a date, prior to closing of the issuance of the New Units (as defined in the Members Agreement), specified by the Board by notice to the participating Trust Holders. The Trust shall issue to each Trust Holder participating in such offering one new Trust Unit for each Voting Trust CEH Unit received from CEH LLC on behalf of such Trust Holder in connection with the Preemptive Rights Offer.
(iv) If consented to in writing by Trust Holders representing at least a majority of the issued and outstanding Trust Units, the Board may waive (including before seeking instructions from the Trust Holders pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(i)) the Preemptive Rights of the Trust with respect to all of the Voting Trust CEH Units held by the Trust on behalf of the Trust Holders electing to participate in such offering.
(c) Indemnification.
(i) If an obligation arises pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv) or 4(c) of the Indemnity Agreement for the Trust to transfer Class A Units to CEH LLC for cancellation, the Board shall promptly seek instructions by notice to the Trust Holders as to whether any Trust Holder wishes to elect instead to fund all or a portion of such Trust Holder's pro rata share of such obligation by making a cash payment consistent with Section 4(b) of the Indemnity Agreement (a "Cash Payment"). Such notice shall specify (w) the total amount of the obligation, (x) the amount of such Trust Holder's pro rata portion of such obligation based on the number of Trust Units held by such Trust Holder (the "Trust Holder Obligation"), (y) the number of Voting Trust CEH Units held by the Trust on behalf of such Trust Holder (valued at $1,000 per unit) that are subject to cancellation in connection with such obligation pursuant to the Indemnity Agreement and (z) the date by which any Cash Payment must be remitted to an account designated by the Trust. If a Trust Holder fails to remit any Cash Payment by the deadline specified by the Board, such Trust Holder shall be deemed to have instructed the Board that it does not wish to elect to make any Cash Payment.
(ii) If any Trust Holders do not elect, or are deemed not to have elected, to make a Cash Payment with respect to the entire amount of their Trust Holder Obligation (the "Non-Electing Trust Holders"), the other Trust Holders (the "Electing Trust Holders"), if any, shall have the right (the "Indemnity Subscription Right") to subscribe for Trust Units equal in value (valued at $1,000 per Trust Unit) to the aggregate amount of Trust Holder Obligations with respect to which Cash Payment has not been elected or has been deemed not to have been
elected (the "Unpaid Indemnity Amount"). The Board shall, in such event, give notice to the Electing Trust Holders specifying (x) the Unpaid Indemnity Amount and the number of Trust Units available for subscription in connection therewith and (y) the date by which Electing Trust Holders must respond (the "Indemnity Subscription Date"). If the Board receives timely requests from the Electing Trust Holders to subscribe for a greater number of Trust Units under the Indemnity Subscription Right than are available, the Board shall allocate the Trust Units available for subscription among the Electing Trust Holders electing to participate proportionately in accordance with the number of Trust Units held by each of them.
(iii) Following the Indemnity Subscription Date, the Board shall give notice to each participating Electing Trust Holder of (x) the number of Trust Units subscribed for by such Trust Holder pursuant to the Indemnity Subscription Right, (y) the amount due to the Trust from such Trust Holder in respect of such subscription and (z) the date by which payment must be made to an account designated by the Board.
(iv) Upon timely receipt of payment in connection with the Indemnity Subscription Right, the Trust shall (x) issue to each applicable Electing Trust Holder the number of Trust Units subscribed for in connection with the Indemnity Subscription Right, (y) cancel an equal number of the Trust Units held by the applicable Non-Electing Trust Holders, and (z) transfer to the Account of such applicable Trust Holder from the Account of the applicable Non-Electing Trust Holder or holders an equal number of Voting Trust CEH Units.
(v) If, following the date by which payment must be made to an
account designated by the Trust in connection with the Indemnity
Subscription Right (or, in the event the Board determines pursuant to
Section 4.03(c)(vi) that there shall be no Indemnity Subscription Right,
following the date by which Cash Payment must be remitted to the Trust
pursuant to Section 4.03(c)(i)), the Trust Holders have not paid to the
account designated by the Board cash equal to the total amount of the Cash
Payment due to CEH LLC in respect of the obligation incurred pursuant to
the Indemnity Agreement, the Board shall (x) cause the Trust to comply
with its obligations pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv) or 4(c) of the Indemnity
Agreement by transferring the applicable number of Voting Trust CEH Units
from the respective Accounts of the Non-Electing Trust Holders and (y)
cancel an equal number of the Trust Units held by such Non-Electing Trust
Holders.
(vi) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.03(c), the Board may, in its sole discretion, elect to modify the procedures set forth herein so that either (A) (x) the initial notice to Trust Holders pursuant to Section
4.03(c)(i) includes an offer to subscribe for all or any portion of any Unpaid Indemnity Amount and (y) the procedures set forth in Section 4.03(c)(ii)-(iv) are commensurately modified or (B) Electing Trust Holders do not have the opportunity to exercise an Indemnity Subscription Right.
(d) Actions Requiring Trust Holder Consent. The Board shall not take or consent to any of the following actions without first receiving the written consent of Trust Holders representing at least a majority of the issued and outstanding Trust Units:
(i) any material amendment to the Members Agreement, the Operating Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement or the Indemnity Agreement;
(ii) the delivery of a written notice to CEH LLC requiring CEH LLC
to commence using its best efforts to consummate an IPO, pursuant to
Section 3.13 of the Members Agreement;
(iii) the exercise of the Call Option (as defined in the Members Agreement) pursuant to Section 3.7 of the Members Agreement;
(iv) the nomination or removal of any Bondholder Manager (as defined in the Members Agreement), following the appointment of the initial Bondholder Managers, provided, however, that the Board may, in its sole discretion, designate one or more persons to serve as Bondholder Managers on an interim basis pending the receipt of consent from the Trust Holders pursuant to this Section 4.03(d); and
(v) the approval of any JPMP Manager or JWC Manager (as such terms are defined in the Members Agreement) pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(v) of the Members Agreement, following the approval of the initial JPMP Manager and JWC Manager pursuant to such section.
Section 4.04 No Action Except Under Agreement or Instructions. The Board agrees that it will not manage, control, use, sell, pledge, encumber, dispose of or otherwise take any action with respect to the Voting Trust CEH Units, except as permitted or required by the terms of this Agreement.
Section 4.05 Power and Authority. The Board shall have all requisite power, authority and discretion as shall be necessary or appropriate to enable it to take all such actions as it may be required to take pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 4.06 Information Rights; Confidentiality. The Board shall transmit to the Trust Holders all information received pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Members Agreement, it being understood and agreed by each Trust Holder that any such
information that is Confidential Information will be provided subject to the following confidentiality provisions in accordance with Section 21 of the Operating Agreement:
(a) Each of the Trust Holders shall, and shall direct those of its directors, officers, partners, members, employees, attorneys, accountants, trustees, consultants, affiliates and advisors (the "Representatives") who have access to Confidential Information to, keep confidential and not disclose any Confidential Information without the express consent, in the case of Confidential Information acquired from CEH LLC, of the Board of Managers of CEH LLC (the "Managers"), or, in the case of Confidential Information which concerns a Member of CEH LLC (a "Member"), such Member, unless:
(i) such disclosure shall be required by applicable law, governmental rule or regulation, court order, administrative or arbitral proceeding or by any bank or insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over such Trust Holder;
(ii) such disclosure is reasonably required in connection with any tax audit involving CEH LLC or any Member or Trust Holder;
(iii) such disclosure is reasonably required in connection with any litigation against or involving CEH LLC or any Member or Trust Holder;
(iv) such disclosure is reasonably required in connection with any proposed Transfer of all or any part of a Trust Holder's interest or a participation in the Trust; provided, that with respect to the use of any Confidential Information in any proposed Transfer, any proposed transferee shall have entered into a confidentiality agreement with terms substantially similar to the terms of this Section 4.06.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) any Trust Holder may disclose to other Persons the amount of its investment in the Trust and (ii) any Trust Holder may disclose Confidential Information to its financial or investment advisors; provided, that any such advisor shall have entered into a confidentiality agreement with terms substantially similar to the terms of this Section 4.06. Confidential Information may be used by a Trust Holder and its Representatives only in connection with CEH LLC and Trust matters and in connection with the maintenance of the Trust Holder's interest in the Trust.
(b) For purposes of this Section 4.06, "Confidential Information" shall mean any information related to the activities of CEH LLC, the Managers or any Member and their respective Affiliates that a Trust Holder may acquire from the Trust, CEH LLC, the Managers, any entity in which CEH LLC invests or any Member, other than information that (i) is already available through publicly available sources of information (other than as a result of disclosure by such Trust Holder in violation of this Section 4.06), (ii) was
available to a Trust Holder on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to such Trust Holder by CEH LLC or the Trust; or (iii) becomes available to a Trust Holder on a non-confidential basis from a third party; provided, that such third party is not known by such Trust Holder to be bound by this Agreement or another confidentiality agreement with CEH LLC or any entity in which CEH LLC invests. Such Confidential Information may include, without limitation, information that pertains or relates to (A) the business and affairs of any Member, (B) any investment or proposed investment of CEH LLC or (C) any other CEH LLC matters.
(c) If any Trust Holder or any Representative of such Trust Holder is required to disclose any of the Confidential Information pursuant to Sections 4.06(a)(i)-(iv) hereof, such Trust Holder will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide CEH LLC with prompt written notice so that CEH LLC may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy and/or waive compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, and such Trust Holder will use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with CEH LLC, at the expense of Aurora, in any effort any such Person undertakes to obtain a protective order or other remedy. If such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, or CEH LLC waives compliance with the provisions of this Section 4.06, such Trust Holder and its Representatives will furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information which is required and will exercise all reasonable efforts to obtain reasonably reliable assurance that the Confidential Information will be accorded confidential treatment.
(d) CEH LLC may agree to waive, with the prior approval of the Managers, any or all of the provisions of this Section 4.06. For avoidance of doubt, CEH LLC may enforce the terms of this Section 4.06 without the consent of any other party.
Section 4.07 Board Notice. The Board shall maintain with the books and records of the Trust copies of any material notices it receives under this Agreement.
Section 4.08 Tax Matters.
(a) Partnership for Tax Purposes. The Trust shall be classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and shall not elect to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal, state or local income tax purposes under Treasury Regulations section 301.7701-3(a) or under any corresponding provision of state or local law. The Trust shall not participate in the establishment of an "established securities market" (within the meaning of section 1.7704-1(b) of the Treasury Regulations) or a "secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof" (within the meaning of section 1.7704-1(c) of the Treasury Regulations) or, in either case, the inclusion of interests in the Trust thereon. The Board shall be authorized to take all actions that may be necessary or advisable for the continuation of the Trust's classification as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
(b) Tax Information. CEH LLC shall provide to the Board a U.S. Internal Revenue Service Schedule K-1, "Partner's Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, Etc.", or the applicable successor schedule or form (a "Form K-1") with respect to the Class A Units held by the Trust (i) for each calendar year for which CEH LLC has no taxable income to report, by no later than March 1 of the following calendar year (ii) for each calendar year for which CEH LLC has taxable income to report, by no later than March 1 of the following calendar year if practicable and, if not practicable, then as soon as practicable thereafter; provided that if CEH LLC shall not have provided a Form K-1 to the Board by March 1 of any calendar year, CEH LLC shall provide the Trust's accountants with access to such information as may be necessary for the Board to cause Form K-1's for the Trust Holders to be prepared simultaneously with the preparation of the Form K-1's to be provided to the Investors (as defined in the Members Agreement). The Resident Trustee shall, at the instruction of the Board, distribute to each Trust Holder a Form K-1 with respect to such Trust Holder's ownership of Trust Units. The Board shall cause all necessary tax returns and filings to be prepared and filed in respect of the Trust.
(c) Tax Matters Partner. OCM Opportunities Fund III, L.P., a Trust Holder, is hereby designated as the tax matters partner of the Trust (the "Tax Matters Partner"), in accordance with the Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to section 6231 of the Code and any similar provisions under any other state or local or non-U.S. tax laws. Each Trust Holder hereby consents to such designation and agrees that, upon the request of the Tax Matters Partner, it will execute, certify, acknowledge, deliver, swear to, file and record at the appropriate public offices such documents as may be necessary or appropriate to evidence such consent. The Tax Matters Partner may be removed and a successor appointed, and in the event of the Tax Matters Partner's resignation a successor shall be appointed, by means of a writing executed by at least a majority of all issued and outstanding Trust Units. The Tax Matters Partner, including any successor appointed pursuant to this Section 4.08(c), shall at all times be a Trust Holder, and the Tax Matters Partner shall immediately resign from such position if such Person ceases to be a Trust Holder.
ARTICLE V
TERMINATION OF TRUST AGREEMENT
This Agreement and the trust created hereby shall terminate solely upon the occurrence of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of CEH LLC or at such time (following the deposit of the first Class A Units into the Trust) as the Trust ceases to hold any Class A Units. The bankruptcy or incapacity of one or more than one Trust Holder or Voting Trustee or the Resident Trustee shall not operate to terminate this Agreement, or entitle the Trust Holders to take any action or
proceeding in any court for a partition or winding up of the Trust, or otherwise affect the rights, obligations and liabilities of the parties hereto. Upon the termination of the Trust, the Board shall comply with Section 3808(e) of the Statutory Trust Act (giving first priority to the repayment of any Trust Holder Loan, with any valuation required to effect such priority to be determined in the sole discretion of the Board) and thereafter shall cause the remaining Voting Trust CEH Units held by the Trust to be distributed to the Trust Holders pro rata based on their respective holdings of Trust Units, and this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect.
ARTICLE VI
TRUSTEE SUCCESSION
Section 6.01 Resignation of Trustees; Appointment of Successor.
(a) A Voting Trustee and/or the Resident Trustee may resign at any time without cause by giving at least 60 days' prior written notice to the Trust Holders, such resignation to be effective on the acceptance of appointment by a successor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee, as the case may be, under Section 6.01(b) hereof. In the case of the resignation or death of a Voting Trustee, the remaining two Voting Trustees shall appoint a successor Voting Trustee. In the event the remaining two Voting Trustees cannot agree on a successor or there is more than one vacant Voting Trustee position, a successor Voting Trustee or Voting Trustees shall be appointed by means of a writing executed by at least a majority of all issued and outstanding Trust Units. In case of a resignation of the Resident Trustee, the Board shall appoint a successor Resident Trustee. In the event the Trust Holders, the Voting Trustees or the Board, as applicable, fail to appoint a successor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee (under either this Section 6.01(a) or Section 6.02), the Voting Trustee or the Resident Trustee, as the case may be, seeking to resign from such position may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor (meeting, in the case of a successor Resident Trustee, the standards set forth in Section 6.01(c)) to act until such time, if any, as a successor shall have been appointed by the Trust Holders, the Voting Trustees or the Board, as applicable.
(b) Any successor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee shall execute and deliver to their respective predecessor an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon such successor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee, as applicable, without further act, shall become vested with all the estates, properties, rights, powers and duties of the predecessor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee in the Trust hereunder with like effect as if originally named a Voting Trustee or the Resident Trustee herein; but nevertheless, upon the written request of such successor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee, such predecessor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee shall execute and deliver
an instrument transferring to such successor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee, upon the Trust herein expressed, all the estates, properties, rights, powers and duties of such predecessor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee, and such predecessor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee shall duly assign, transfer, deliver and pay over to such successor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee all other property then held or subsequently received by such predecessor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee upon the Trust herein expressed.
(c) Any successor Resident Trustee (i) shall be a bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, having a combined capital and surplus of at least US$50,000,000, and rated at least "A-3" (or the then equivalent grade) by Moody's Investor Service, Inc. or "A-" (or the then equivalent grade) by Standard & Poor's Rating Group, in each case at the time of appointment and (ii) shall satisfy the requirements of Section 3807 of the Statutory Trust Act.
(d) Any corporation into which a Voting Trustee or the Resident Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which a Voting Trustee or the Resident Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation to which all or substantially all the corporate trust business of a Voting Trustee or the Resident Trustee may be transferred, shall be a Voting Trustee or the Resident Trustee, as the case may be, under this Agreement without further act; provided, however, that, with respect to the Resident Trustee, if such resulting corporation does not conform to the requirements of Section 6.01(c), such Resident Trustee, shall give notice of resignation pursuant to Section 6.01(a) effective upon such merger, conversion or consolidation.
Section 6.02 Removal of Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee. Trust Holders holding a majority of the Trust Units may, acting by written consent, remove a Voting Trustee for any reason, with or without cause, and appoint a successor Voting Trustee. The Resident Trustee may be removed by the Board upon the sole discretion of the Board. Any removal of a Voting Trustee or the Resident Trustee shall be effective on the acceptance of appointment by a successor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee under Section 6.01(b). Upon acceptance in writing by a successor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee of the appointment as Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee hereunder, such successor Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee, as the case may be, shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the removed Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee, as the case may be. Upon such acceptance, the removed Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee shall be discharged from further responsibilities under this Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
EXPENSES; LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF THE TRUSTEES
Section 7.01 Trust Expenses. Aurora shall reimburse the Trust or pay on its behalf all reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the Trust, the Voting Trustees, the Board or the Resident Trustee hereunder (upon presentment by the Trust of applicable invoices or, in the case of fees or expenses to be paid in advance, upon presentment of an estimate of such charges), including, without limitation, the reasonable compensation, expenses and disbursements of such agents, representatives, experts and counsel as the Voting Trustees, the Board or the Resident Trustee may employ in connection with the exercise and performance of their respective rights and duties under this Agreement and any interest expenses incurred in connection with a Trust Holder Loan (so long as the fees or expenses of the Trust with respect to which such loan was made are otherwise reimbursable by Aurora hereunder); provided, however, that Aurora shall not be required to reimburse the Trust for (a) fees or expenses which would typically be borne by a securityholder of any entity, including, but not limited to, fees or expenses typically borne by a securityholder in respect of a transfer of securities (such as underwriters' discounts or commissions) or fees or expenses (such as transfer taxes) arising from any such transfers, (b) any other fees related to transfers of securities (except for fees and expenses of the Board, the Voting Trustees, the Resident Trustee or other similar administrative fees or expenses), (c) any fees or expenses arising from activities which are not related to the Trust's primary function as an interim holding entity for Class A Units for the benefit of the Trust Holders or (d) any fees or expenses of the Trust arising out of a dispute between Aurora and the Trust as to the validity of a Claim with respect to which an Objection Notice has been given to Aurora pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) of the Indemnity Agreement. A Trust Holder may, if requested by the Board, loan funds to the Trust in respect of the Trust's fees and expenses on reasonable market terms agreed between the Board, in its sole discretion, and such Trust Holder (a "Trust Holder Loan"); provided that the interest due to a Trust Holder pursuant to any Trust Holder Loan shall not exceed LIBOR plus 7%, compounded annually. The repayment of any Trust Holder Loan shall have priority in the event of any distribution by or liquidation of the Trust. No Trust Holder shall be obligated, in the absence of any separate agreement with respect to a Trust Holder Loan, to make a Trust Holder Loan.
Section 7.02 Compensation.
(a) The following fees shall be paid in advance by Aurora to the applicable recipient, the fees for services to be rendered in the first year after the date hereof to be paid on the Closing Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and fees for services to be rendered in the following years to be paid on each subsequent anniversary of the Closing:
(i) the Chairman shall receive compensation for services rendered hereunder an annual fee of $193,500 for the first year and $45,000 for each year thereafter;
(ii) each of the other two Voting Trustees shall receive as compensation for services rendered hereunder an annual fee of $50,000 for the first year and $25,000 for each year thereafter; and
(iii) the Resident Trustee shall receive compensation for rendering those services specifically enumerated herein and any other services specified in a separate agreement to be concluded between the Trust and the Resident Trustee, including, with respect to its services specified herein or in such agreement as those of the Resident Trustee, an annual fee of $6,500 for the first year and $5,000 for each year thereafter, or such other fee as may be agreed from time to time by the Resident Trustee, CEH LLC and the Trust; provided that the cost of any administrative or other services rendered by Wilmington Trust Company not as Resident Trustee or another service provider to the Trust (including, without limitation, for communications with Trust Holders and other administrative services in connection with the duties of the Board pursuant to Sections 3.01, 4.03, 4.06 and 11.01 and Articles V, VIII, IX and X hereof and the attorney fees and disbursements of any service provider), shall be expenses of the Trust to be reimbursed by Aurora pursuant to Section 7.01 hereof.
Section 7.03 Liability and Indemnification.
(a) Limitation of Liability.
(i) The Voting Trustees and the Resident Trustee shall have no liability to the Trust, the Trust Holders, CEH LLC, Aurora or any other Person for or in respect of any action taken or omitted to be taken as Voting Trustee or Resident Trustee, respectively, or as required or permitted by this Agreement, provided that such action was taken or omitted to be taken in good faith.
(ii) The Voting Trustees and the Resident Trustee shall incur no liability to the Trust, the Trust Holders, CEH LLC, Aurora or any other Person for or in respect of any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance upon any notice, direction, consent, certificate, affidavit, statement or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been presented or signed by or on behalf of any of the parties hereto.
(iii) The Voting Trustees, the Board and the Resident Trustee shall be obligated to perform such duties and only such duties as are herein specifically set forth, and no implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement. The
Voting Trustees, the Board and the Resident Trustee shall not be under any obligation to take any action hereunder which may tend to involve the Trust in any expense or liability the payment of which within a reasonable time is not, in the Voting Trustees', the Board's or the Resident Trustee's reasonable opinion, as applicable, assured to the Trust.
(iv) The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent they restrict or extend the duties and liabilities of a Voting Trustee and the Resident Trustee under any applicable law or in equity are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such other duties and liabilities of such Voting Trustee and the Resident Trustee.
(b) Indemnification. Aurora and CEH LLC hereby agree jointly and severally to indemnify, defend, exonerate and hold each Voting Trustee and the Resident Trustee and each of their Controlled Affiliates, directors, officers, fiduciaries, employees, attorneys and agents and each of the partners, shareholders, directors, officers, fiduciaries, employees, attorneys and agents of each of the foregoing (collectively, the "Indemnitees") free and harmless from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, losses, liabilities and damages, taxes, expenses and disbursements, including, without limitation, reasonably attorneys' fees and expenses (collectively, the "Indemnified Liabilities"), incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or existence of this Agreement, the administration of the Trust or the action or inaction of any Voting Trustee or the Resident Trustee hereunder (including, without limitation, any indemnification assumed or incurred by any Indemnitee to or on behalf of any Voting Trustee or the Resident Trustee, or their respective accountants or other representatives, agents or Controlled Affiliates) except for any such Indemnified Liability arising due to such Indemnitee's failure to act in good faith, and if and to the extent that the foregoing undertaking may be unenforceable for any reason, Aurora and CEH LLC shall jointly and severally make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities which is permissible under applicable law.
ARTICLE VIII
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 8.01 Ordinary Distributions. Following the repayment first of any Trust Holder Loan and then the payment of any unpaid expenses or other obligations of the Trust, the Board shall distribute to the Trust Holders:
(a) any dividends or other distributions made by CEH LLC with respect to CEH Voting Trust Units to Trust Holders pro rata based on their respective holdings of Trust Units; provided, however, that any dividends of Class A Units shall be retained by
the Trust and credited pro rata to the Accounts of the Trust Holders, and an equivalent number of Trust Units shall be issued to the respective Trust Holders; and
(b) any excess funds raised pursuant to a Capital Call proportionately among the Trust Holders who were not Defaulting Holders in such Capital Call, based on such Trust Holders' respective holdings of Trust Units.
Section 8.02 Special Distribution. On the Expiration Date, the Trust shall distribute to each of the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors and each of their respective affiliates that is a Trust Holder that number of Class A Units held by the Trust equal to the number of Trust Units held by such Person, and the Trust shall cancel all of the Trust Units held by such Person in redemption of such Trust Holder's Trust Units; provided, however, that if on the Expiration Date any Retained Units remain subject to the terms of the Indemnity Agreement pursuant to Section 4(c) thereof, then (x) the Trust shall distribute to each of the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors and each of their respective affiliates that is a Trust Holder that number of Class A Units held by the Trust equal to the number of Trust Units held by such Person less such Person's proportionate share of the Retained Units (based on such Person's percentage holding of the total number of issued and outstanding Trust Units immediately prior to the distribution pursuant to this clause (x)), and the Trust shall cancel a number of the Trust Units held by such Person equal to the number of Class A Units that were distributed to such Person pursuant to this clause (x) in redemption of such Trust Holder's Trust Units and (y) on the date on which there are no Retained Units subject to the terms of the Indemnity Agreement pursuant to Section 4(c) thereof, the Trust shall distribute to each of the Pinnacle Equity Sponsors and their respective affiliates that is a Trust Holder that number of Class A Units held by the Trust equal to the number of Trust Units held by such Person, and the Trust shall cancel all of the Trust Units held by such Person in redemption of such Trust Holder's Trust Units.
Section 8.03 Distribution Instructions. Trust Holders shall provide the Board, upon request, with written instructions designating the account to which such dividends, distributions or special distributions shall be transferred.
ARTICLE IX
CAPITAL CALLS
Section 9.01 Capital Calls. In the event any claim, expense or any other financial obligation should arise in connection with or in relation to the Trust which is not reimbursed or paid by Aurora pursuant to Section 7.01 of this Agreement or by a third party, the Board may, at its sole discretion, determine that it is necessary or appropriate to raise additional capital in order to meet such claim, expense or obligation by way of a capital call to all Trust Holders (a "Capital Call").
Section 9.02 Capital Call Notices; Defaulting Holders.
(a) In the event of a Capital Call, the Board shall give notice (the "Capital Call Notice") to each Trust Holder of (i) the reasons such Capital Call is being made, (ii) the total amount of required capital and how such amount is calculated, (iii) the amount of such Trust Holder's pro rata portion of such Capital Call based on the number of Trust Units held by such Trust Holder, (iv) the notional value of one Voting Trust Unit (the "Notional Trust Unit Value") for purposes of such Capital Call and (v) the date payment is due in connection with such Capital Call (the "Payment Date") and instructions for payment. The Notional Trust Unit Value shall be the lower of (x) $1,000 per Trust Unit or (y) the fair market value of one Trust Unit as determined by a third party appraiser appointed by the Board at Aurora's expense.
(b) Each Trust Holder that does not make payment by the Payment Date of all or any portion of such Trust Holder's pro rata share of such Capital Call shall be deemed to be in default (a "Defaulting Holder") with respect to that number of Trust Units held by such Trust Holder equal in value (valued at the Notional Trust Unit Value) to the amount of such Trust Holder's pro rata portion of such Capital Call not funded by such Trust Holder (the "Default Trust Units").
Section 9.03 Supplemental Subscription.
(a) If there shall have been any Defaulting Holders in response to a Capital Call Notice, the Board shall give notice (the "Supplemental Subscription Notice") to each Trust Holder other than the Defaulting Holders that (i) the Default Trust Units are available for subscription and (ii) the date by which such Trust Holders must specify the number of such units for which they wish to subscribe. If, in response to a Supplemental Subscription Notice, the Board receives subscription requests for a number of Trust Units greater than the number of Default Trust Units, the Board shall allocate the Default Trust Units proportionately among the Trust Holders electing to participate in such supplemental subscription in accordance with the number of Trust Units held by each of them.
(b) Promptly following the receipt of subscription requests pursuant to a Supplemental Subscription Notice, the Board shall give notice to each participating Trust Holder of (i) the number of Default Trust Units for which such holder has subscribed, (ii) the payment owed with respect to such subscription (the "Supplemental Subscription Amount") and (iii) the date payment is due and instructions for payment.
(c) Upon receipt of the Supplemental Subscription Amount from a participating Trust Holder, the Trust shall (i) issue to such Trust Holder the number of Trust Units subscribed for in response to the Supplemental Subscription Notice and cancel an equal number of Trust Units held by the applicable Defaulting Holder or
holders and (ii) transfer to the Account of such Trust Holder from the Account of the applicable Defaulting Holder or holders an equal number of Voting Trust CEH Units (the "Purchased Units").
Section 9.04 Modified Procedures. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions
of this Article IX, the Board may, in its sole discretion, elect to modify the
procedures set forth herein so that either (a) (i) the Capital Call Notice
includes an offer to subscribe for all or any portion of any Default Trust Units
and (ii) the procedures set forth in Section 9.03 are commensurately modified or
(b) Trust Holders do not have the opportunity to subscribe for any Default Trust
Units.
Section 9.05 Payment Obligations in Case of a Defaulting Holder.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article IX, each Trust Holder shall have an obligation to pay such Trust Holder's pro rata share of any Capital Call. The Board shall have the right to pursue, on behalf of the Trust, all remedies at law or in equity available to it with respect to any Defaulting Holder. Each Defaulting Holder shall pay on demand all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by or on behalf of the Trust in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement against such Defaulting Holder sustained as a result of such default by such Trust Holder, and any such payment shall not constitute a capital contribution to the Trust.
(b) If there is a Defaulting Holder in any Capital Call, the Board may by notice to the other Trust Holders increase the capital contributions that are required from the other Trust Holders, any such increase to be allocated among the Trust Holders that are not Defaulting Holders proportionately in accordance with the number of Trust Units held by each of them.
Section 9.06 Forfeiture of Trust Units. Each Defaulting Holder shall, for each Capital Call Notice with respect to which such Defaulting Holder does not make full payment of such Trust Holder's pro rata portion of the Capital Call by the Payment Date, forfeit that number of Trust Units (the "Forfeited Trust Units") equal to the greater of (a) 50% of such Defaulting Holder's Trust Units prior to such Capital Call Notice and (b) that number of Trust Units (valued at the Notional Trust Unit Value) equal to 125% of such Defaulting Holder's pro rata portion of such Capital Call specified in the Capital Call Notice, in each case less the number of any Purchased Units already transferred to other Trust Holders pursuant to Section 9.03(c). The Trust shall cancel such Forfeited Trust Units. The Trust shall transfer to the Accounts of the non-defaulting Trust Holders from the Accounts of the Defaulting Holders a number of Voting Trust CEH Units equal to the number of Forfeited Trust Units, allocating such number of Voting Trust CEH Units proportionately among the non-defaulting Trust Holders based on their respective
holdings of Trust Units, and the Trust shall issue to each such non-defaulting Trust Holder an equivalent number of Trust Units.
Section 9.07 No Interest or Withdrawal. No Trust Holder shall be entitled to receive any interest on any funding made to the Trust in relation to a Capital Call, nor shall any Trust Holder be entitled to withdraw any funding or portion thereof in relation to a Capital Call by the Trust.
Section 9.08 No Third Party Beneficiary. The provisions of this Article IX are intended solely to benefit the Trust and the Trust Holders and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, shall not be construed as conferring any benefit upon any creditor of the Trust (and no such creditor shall be a third party beneficiary of this Agreement), and no Trust Holder shall have any duty or obligation to any creditor of the Trust to make any contributions to the Trust pursuant to this Article IX or any other provision of this Agreement.
ARTICLE X
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF TRUST UNITS
Section 10.01 General. No Trust Holder shall Transfer any Trust Units except (a) in connection with a Permitted Excluded Transfer, (b) pursuant to the Co-Sale Rights set forth in Section 3.4 of the Members Agreement, (c) after complying with the right of first offer provisions set forth in Section 10.02 below, (d) in accordance with the terms of the Indemnity Agreement and Section 4.03(c) hereof, (e) in respect of Forfeited Trust Units or Default Trust Units in accordance with the terms of Article IX hereof, (f) in respect of the Indemnity Subscription Right in accordance with the terms of Section 4.03(c) hereof or (g) in connection with a request from a Correction Requesting Trust Holder pursuant to Section 10.04 hereof. Each Trust Holder hereby acknowledges that such Trust Holder has been informed of the transfer restrictions placed on Trust Units by this Agreement and the Members Agreement, and each Trust Holder hereby agrees that such holder will comply with such restrictions in all respects. Each Trust Holder shall prohibit, and agrees not to recognize on its books, any Transfers of Trust Units, including, without limitation, any indirect Transfers of Trust Units, in violation of the provisions of this Agreement. Any attempted Transfer of Trust Units not in accordance with this Section 10.01 shall not be effective and shall be void.
Section 10.02 Right of First Offer. If any Trust Holder (each such Trust
Holder, an "Indirect Offeror") proposes to Transfer Trust Units to any Person
other than (u) in connection with a Permitted Excluded Transfer, (v) pursuant to
the exercise of the Co-Sale Rights set forth in Section 3.4 of the Members
Agreement, (w) in accordance with the terms of the Indemnity Agreement and
Section 4.03(c) hereof, (x) in respect of
Forfeited Trust Units or Default Trust Units in accordance with the terms of Article IX hereof, (y) in respect of the Indemnity Subscription Right in accordance with the terms of Section 4.03(c) hereof or (z) in connection with a request from a Correction Requesting Trust Holder pursuant to Section 10.04 hereof, then the following procedures shall be followed in accordance with this Agreement and the Members Agreement:
(a) The Indirect Offeror shall, before such Transfer, deliver to CEH LLC and the Investors (other than the Trust) (the "Indirect Offerees") a written request for an offer (the "Indirect Offer Request") to purchase the Trust Units that the Indirect Offeror proposes to Transfer (the "Indirect Offered Units"). Each Indirect Offeree shall have the right and option to notify the Indirect Offeror, in a writing (the "Indirect Offer") delivered within three (3) Business Days after the date of its receipt of the Indirect Offer, of its offer to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Indirect Offered Units at the cash purchase price and on the terms and conditions stated in the Indirect Offer. Each Indirect Offer shall remain open and irrevocable for a period of five (5) Business Days from the date of its receipt by the Indirect Offeror (the "Indirect Offer Period").
(b) If one or more Indirect Offers have been timely received, then the Indirect Offeror shall have the right and option to accept the Indirect Offer containing the highest offered purchase price and/or most favorable other terms and conditions, as determined by the Indirect Offeror in good faith (the "High Offer"), which may reflect discussions between the Indirect Offeree and the Indirect Offeror, by so notifying the applicable Indirect Offeree in a writing (the "Indirect Offer Acceptance"), with copies to CEH LLC and the Trust, delivered prior to the expiration of the Indirect Offer Period; provided, that if more than one Indirect Offer offers the same purchase price and other terms and conditions and each such offer is a High Offer, then the Indirect Offeror, if choosing to accept any Indirect Offer, shall accept any High Offer made by CEH LLC, and, if no High Offer has been made by CEH LLC, shall have the right and option to accept any of the High Offers.
(c) Within 15 days of receipt by the Trust of the copy of the Indirect Offer Acceptance and in lieu of the Indirect Offeror Transferring the Indirect Offered Units, the Trust shall Transfer to CEH LLC or the other Indirect Offeree, as the case may be, against receipt of payment therefor, Class A Units of CEH LLC in an amount corresponding to the Indirect Offered Units that CEH LLC or the other Indirect Offeree agreed to purchase. Delivery of certificates or other instruments evidencing Class A Units of CEH LLC in an amount corresponding to the Indirect Offered Units duly endorsed for transfer and free and clear of all liens, claims and other encumbrances (other than those arising hereunder and those attributable to actions by the purchasers thereof) shall be made on such date against payment in cash of the purchase price therefor. At such closing, all of the parties to the transaction shall execute such additional documents as are otherwise necessary or appropriate. The Trust shall promptly use the proceeds received by it at such closing to redeem the Indirect Offered Units.
(d) If an Indirect Offer has not been timely delivered, or if an Indirect Offer Acceptance has not been timely delivered, then the Indirect Offeror may Transfer to any Person all, but not less than all, of the Trust Units that were subject to the Indirect Offer Request on terms and conditions no more favorable to such Person than are described in a timely received Indirect Offer (or, if more than one, in the High Offer), for a period of 60 days after expiration of the Indirect Offer Period. If such Transfer is not made within such 60-day period, the provisions of this Section 10.02 shall again become effective with respect to the proposed Transfer.
Section 10.03 Additional Transfer Restrictions.
(a) A Trust Holder wishing to Transfer its Trust Units (the
"Transferor") shall bear all costs and expenses incurred by the Trust in
connection with such Transfer not reimbursed or paid by Aurora pursuant to
Section 7.01 hereof, and such Trust Holder shall remit appropriate funds to the
Trust at the request of the Board.
(b) No Transfer of Trust Units by any Trust Holder shall become effective (i) unless prior written notice thereof has been delivered to the Trust, (ii) unless such Transfer complies with this Article X and (iii) unless and until the proposed transferee (unless already a party to this Agreement) executes and delivers a Trust Accession Instrument and agrees to be treated as a Trust Holder hereunder, whereupon the Board shall cause Schedule I hereto to be amended to reflect such Transfer.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, and except as provided in Section 10.04 hereof, Trust Units may not be Transferred:
(i) unless such Transfer (w) would not be effected on or through any
established securities market in the U.S., (x) would not be effected on or
through a secondary market in the U.S. or the substantial equivalent
thereof or such transfer is a "block transfer" within the meaning of
Section 1.7704-1(e)(2) of the Treasury Regulations, (y) would not result
in the Trust at any time during its taxable year having more than 100
Trust Holders and (z) would not cause the Trust to be subject to Section
12(g) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
(ii) if, in the sole judgment of the Board, such Transfer would increase the risk that (x) the Trust would be treated as a publicly traded partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (y) the Trust would be subject to Section 12(g) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(iii) unless each Transferor provides (x) representations to the Trust to the effect that none of the events listed in Section 10.03(c)(i) will occur as a result of the proposed Transfer, and (y) if requested by the Board in its sole discretion,
an opinion of counsel, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Board, that such transaction would be consistent with such representations.
Section 10.04 Erroneous Issuances. If a Trust Holder (a "Correction Requesting Trust Holder") gives notice to the Trust that all or a portion of the Trust Units issued to such Trust Holder pursuant to the Merger were incorrectly issued to such Trust Holder rather than to another Person (a "Correct Recipient") (i) as a result of an improperly recorded or unrecorded transfer occurring prior to the close of business on February 20, 2004 of Aurora's 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007, Aurora's 9 7/8% Series C Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 or Aurora's 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 or (ii) for any other reason acceptable to CEH LLC, the Board shall have the authority, after reviewing such documentation as the Board may deem proper and which shall be reasonably satisfactory to CEH LLC, to cancel the applicable number of Trust Units held by the Correction Requesting Trust Holder, issue an equal number of Trust Units to the Correct Recipient and transfer from the Account of the Correction Requesting Trust Holder to the Account of the Correct Recipient an equal number of Voting Trust CEH Units.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 11.01 Amendments. Ministerial modifications to this Agreement that do not materially alter its terms may be made by the Board without the consent of any other party hereto, so long as such modifications do not adversely affect in any material respect any Trust Holder's rights under this Agreement. Except as specifically set forth herein, any other amendments, waivers or other modifications to this Agreement shall not be valid unless consented to in writing by the Voting Trustees, CEH LLC and Trust Holders representing a majority of the Trust Units then issued and outstanding; provided, that the written consent of the Resident Trustee shall be required for any amendment adversely affecting the Resident Trustee's rights, powers and duties hereunder.
Section 11.02 No Legal Title to Trust Estate in the Voting Trust CEH Units. The Trust Holders shall not have legal title to any part of the trust estate of the Voting Trust CEH Units.
Section 11.03 Notices. Unless otherwise stated herein all notices, demands, requests and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand or mail with return receipt requested or when sent by telecopier (with receipt confirmed); provided a copy is also sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed as follows (or to such other address as a party may designate by written notice to all other parties to this
Agreement or, in the case of a Trust Holder, to such other address as such Trust Holder may designate by written notice to the Board (which shall promptly notify Aurora and the Resident Trustee of any such change)):
If to the Trust Holders, to the respective addresses given next to each Trust Holder's name as listed in Schedule I.
If to the Resident Trustee, to:
Wilmington Trust Company
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19890
Facsimile: (302) 636-4143
Attn: Rosemary Kennard
If to the Voting Trustees or the Board, to:
Kenneth Liang
c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Floor
Los Angeles, CA. 90071
Facsimile: (213) 830-8522
Robert B. Webster
c/o Pequot Capital Management, Inc.
11111 Santa Monica Blvd, Ste 1210
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Facsimile: 310-689-5199
Soo Kim
c/o Och Ziff Capital Management
Och Ziff Freidheim Capital Management
9 West 57th Street, 39th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Facsimile: (212) 790-0044
with a copy to:
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Attn: Steven R. Gross, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 909-6836
Pequot Capital Management, Inc.
500 Nyala Farm Road
Westport, CT 06880
Attn: Rich Joslin/Aryeh Davis
Facsimile: (203) 557-5548
If to CEH LLC, to:
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC
c/o Aurora Foods Inc. (to be renamed Pinnacle Foods Group, Inc.)
One Old Bloomfield Road
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Facsimile: (973) 541-6691
with a copy to:
J.P. Morgan Partners
1221 Avenue of the Americas
40th Floor
New York, NY 10020
Attention: Official Notices Clerk
FBO: Stephen P. Murray
Facsimile: (212) 899-3762
O'Melveny & Meyers LLP
7 Times Square
New York, NY 10036
Attention: Gregory Gilbert, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 408-2420
J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P.
111 Huntington Avenue - Suite 2900
Boston, MA 02199-7610
Attention: Adam L. Smith
Facsimile: (617) 753-1101
Kaye Scholer LLP
425 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention: Steven C. Koval, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 836-8689
If to Aurora, to:
Aurora Foods Inc.
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
One Old Bloomfield Road
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Facsimile: (973) 541-6691
Section 11.04 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Section 11.05 Separate Counterparts; Delivery. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement by telecopier or other electronic means shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement.
Section 11.06 Successors. All covenants and agreements contained herein shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, Aurora, CEH LLC, the Resident Trustee, the Voting Trustees and the Trust Holders and their respective successors. Any request, notice, direction, consent, waiver or other instrument or action by any party shall bind the successors of such party.
Section 11.07 Headings. The headings of the various Articles and Sections herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not define or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 11.08 Governing Law. This Agreement shall in all respects be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, including all matters of construction, validity and performance; provided, however, that there shall not be applicable to the parties hereunder or this Agreement any provision of the laws (common or statutory) of the State of Delaware pertaining to trusts that relate to or
regulate, in a manner inconsistent with the terms hereof, (a) the filing with any court or governmental body or agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges, (b) affirmative requirements to post bonds for trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust, (c) the necessity for obtaining court or other governmental approval concerning the acquisition, holding or disposition of real or personal property, (d) fees or other sums payable to trustees, officers, agents or employees of a trust, (e) the allocation of receipts and expenditures to income or principal, (f) restrictions or limitations on the permissible nature, amount or concentration of trust investments or requirements relating to the titling, storage or other manner of holding or investing trust assets or (g) the establishment of fiduciary or other standards of responsibility or limitations on the acts or powers of trustees that are inconsistent with the limitations or authorities and powers of the trustees hereunder as set forth or referenced in this Agreement. Section 3540 of title 12 of the Delaware Code shall not apply to the Trust.
Section 11.09 Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect hereof brought by the other party hereto or its successors or assigns may be brought and determined in the Chancery or other Courts of the State of Delaware, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for itself and in respect to its property, generally and unconditionally, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, (i) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts for any reason other than the failure to lawfully serve process, (ii) that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) and (iii) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that (x) the suit, action or proceeding in any such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (y) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper and (z) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such courts.
(b) Each party hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby. Each party (i) 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 (ii) acknowledges that it and the other parties have been induced to enter into the Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this Section 11.09(b).
Section 11.10 Further Assurances. The Trust Holders shall execute and deliver all such instruments, documents or certificates as the Board may deem necessary or advisable in connection with the performance of its responsibilities hereunder.
Section 11.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Merger Agreement, the Operating Agreement, the Members Agreement, the Indemnity Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement, embodies the final, entire agreement of the Trust Holders, Aurora, CEH LLC, the Resident Trustee and the Voting Trustees with respect to the Trust 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 oral agreements among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective officers hereunto duly authorized, as of the day and year first above written.
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
as Resident Trustee
By: /S/ ROSEMARY KENNARD -------------------- Name: Rosemary Kennard Title: Assistant Vice President |
KENNETH LIANG,
as Voting Trustee
/s/ KENNETH LIANG ----------------- ROBERT WEBSTER, as Voting Trustee /s/ ROBERT WEBSTER ------------------ SOO KIM, as Voting Trustee /S/ SOO KIM ----------- |
AURORA FOODS INC.
By: /s/ N. MICHAEL DION ------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC
By: /s/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------ Name: Jonathan Lynch |
EXHIBIT A
Form of Certificate of Trust
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
OF
CRUNCH EQUITY VOTING TRUST
This Certificate of Trust is being duly executed and filed on behalf of the statutory trust formed hereby by the undersigned, being the initial trustees of the Trust, to form a statutory trust pursuant to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (12 Del. C. Sections 3801, et seq.).
1. Name. The name of the statutory trust formed hereby is Crunch Equity Voting Trust (the "Trust").
2. Delaware Trustee. The name and business address of the trustee of the Trust having its principal place of business in the State of Delaware is Wilmington Trust Company, Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington Delaware, 19890-1600, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration.
3. Effective Date. This Certificate of Trust shall become effective upon filing in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, as initial trustees, have executed this Certificate of Trust as of this ______ day of ________, 2004.
WILMINGTON TRUST
COMPANY, not in its
individual capacity but solely as
Resident Trustee
By:_______________________________
Name:__________________________
Title:_________________________
KENNETH LIANG,
not in his individual capacity
but solely as Voting Trustee
EXHIBIT A
ROBERT WEBSTER,
not in his individual capacity
but solely as Voting Trustee
SOO KIM,
not in his individual capacity
but solely as Voting Trustee
Exh. A-2
SCHEDULE I
TRUST HOLDERS
Name Address for Notices Wire Transfer Instructions ---- ------------------- -------------------------- |
Sched. I-1
EXHIBIT 10.1
CREDIT AGREEMENT
dated as of
November 25, 2003
among
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.,
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION,
as Borrower
The Lenders Party Hereto,
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
as Administrative Agent
GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION,
as Syndication Agent
and
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK,
CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC. and
CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE,
as Co-Documentation Agents
J.P.MORGAN SECURITIES INC. and DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.,
as Joint Lead Arrangers
J.P.MORGAN SECURITIES INC. and CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.,
as Joint Bookrunners
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- ARTICLE I Definitions SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms..................................................................................... 3 SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings............................................................ 36 SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally................................................................................... 36 SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP............................................................................ 36 SECTION 1.05. Interpretation.................................................................................... 37 ARTICLE II The Credits SECTION 2.01. Commitments ...................................................................................... 37 SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings.............................................................................. 38 SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings........................................................................... 38 SECTION 2.04. Swingline Loans................................................................................... 39 SECTION 2.05. Letters of Credit................................................................................. 40 SECTION 2.06. Funding of Borrowings............................................................................. 45 SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections................................................................................ 46 SECTION 2.08. Termination and Reduction of Commitments.......................................................... 47 SECTION 2.09. Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt.............................................................. 48 SECTION 2.10. Amortization of Term Loans........................................................................ 49 SECTION 2.11. Prepayment of Loans............................................................................... 50 SECTION 2.12. Fees ............................................................................................. 52 SECTION 2.13. Interest ......................................................................................... 53 SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rate of Interest........................................................................ 54 SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs................................................................................... 55 SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments............................................................................ 56 SECTION 2.17. Taxes ............................................................................................ 56 SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs....................................... 58 SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.................................................... 59 SECTION 2.20. Incremental Extensions of Credit.................................................................. 60 ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers.............................................................................. 62 |
SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability..................................................................... 62 SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts.............................................................. 62 SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change................................................... 62 SECTION 3.05. Properties ....................................................................................... 64 SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters.............................................................. 65 SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements............................................................... 65 SECTION 3.08. Investment and Holding Company Status............................................................. 65 SECTION 3.09. Taxes ............................................................................................ 65 SECTION 3.10. ERISA ............................................................................................ 65 SECTION 3.11. Disclosure ....................................................................................... 66 SECTION 3.12. Subsidiaries...................................................................................... 66 SECTION 3.13. Insurance ........................................................................................ 66 SECTION 3.14. Labor Matters..................................................................................... 67 SECTION 3.15. Solvency ......................................................................................... 67 SECTION 3.16. Senior Indebtedness............................................................................... 67 ARTICLE IV Conditions SECTION 4.01. Effective Date.................................................................................... 67 SECTION 4.02. Aurora Effective Date............................................................................. 71 SECTION 4.03. Each Credit Event................................................................................. 75 ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements and Other Information........................................................ 75 SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events........................................................................ 77 SECTION 5.03. Information Regarding Collateral.................................................................. 78 SECTION 5.04. Existence; Conduct of Business.................................................................... 78 SECTION 5.05. Payment of Obligations............................................................................ 79 SECTION 5.06. Maintenance of Properties......................................................................... 79 SECTION 5.07. Insurance ........................................................................................ 79 SECTION 5.08. Casualty and Condemnation......................................................................... 79 SECTION 5.09. Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights.................................................... 80 SECTION 5.10. Compliance with Laws.............................................................................. 80 SECTION 5.11. Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit............................................................. 80 SECTION 5.12. Additional Subsidiaries........................................................................... 81 SECTION 5.13. Further Assurances................................................................................ 81 SECTION 5.14. Interest Rate Protection.......................................................................... 82 SECTION 5.15. End of Fiscal Year................................................................................ 82 |
ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness; Certain Equity Securities........................................................... 82 SECTION 6.02. Liens ............................................................................................ 85 SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes............................................................................... 87 SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions......................................... 87 SECTION 6.05. Asset Sales ...................................................................................... 90 SECTION 6.06. Sale and Leaseback Transactions................................................................... 91 SECTION 6.07. Swap Agreements................................................................................... 91 SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness............................................. 92 SECTION 6.09. Transactions with Affiliates...................................................................... 93 SECTION 6.10. Restrictive Agreements............................................................................ 94 SECTION 6.11. Amendment of Material Documents................................................................... 95 SECTION 6.12. Interest Expense Coverage Ratio................................................................... 95 SECTION 6.13. Leverage Ratio.................................................................................... 97 SECTION 6.14. Maximum Capital Expenditures...................................................................... 98 ARTICLE VII Events of Default SECTION 7.01. Events of Default................................................................................. 98 SECTION 7.02. Exclusion of Immaterial Subsidiaries.............................................................. 101 ARTICLE VIII The Administrative Agent ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous SECTION 9.01. Notices .......................................................................................... 104 SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments............................................................................... 104 SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver................................................................ 107 SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns............................................................................ 108 SECTION 9.05. Survival ......................................................................................... 112 SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.......................................................... 112 SECTION 9.07. Severability...................................................................................... 112 SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff................................................................................... 112 SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process........................................ 113 SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.............................................................................. 113 |
SECTION 9.11. Headings ......................................................................................... 114 SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality................................................................................... 114 SECTION 9.13. Interest Rate Limitation.......................................................................... 115 SECTION 9.14. Press Releases and Public Offering Materials...................................................... 115 |
SCHEDULES:
Schedule 1.01(a) Adjusted EBITDA Schedule 1.01(b) Mortgaged Property Schedule 2.01 Commitments Schedule 2.05 Existing Letters of Credit Schedule 3.05 Real Property Schedule 3.06 Disclosed Matters Schedule 3.11 Disclosure Schedule 3.12 Subsidiaries Schedule 3.13 Insurance Schedule 4.01(j) Sources and Uses of the Pinnacle Acquisition Schedule 4.02(n) Sources and Uses of the Aurora Acquisition Schedule 6.01 Existing Indebtedness Schedule 6.02 Existing Liens Schedule 6.04 Existing Investments Schedule 6.09 Existing Transactions with Affiliates Schedule 6.10 Existing Restrictions EXHIBITS: Exhibit A Form of Assignment and Assumption Exhibit B-1 Form of Borrowing Request Exhibit B-2 Form of Letter of Credit Request Exhibit C Form of Interest Election Request Exhibit D-1 Form of Opinion of O'Melveny & Myers LLP Exhibit D-2 Form of Opinion of Stikeman Elliott LLP Exhibit E Form of Collateral Agreement Exhibit F Form of Perfection Certificate Exhibit G-1 Form of Pinnacle Intercompany Loan Note Exhibit G-2 Form of Global Intercompany Loan Note Exhibit G-3 Form of Intercompany Loan Note Exhibit G-4 Form of Intercompany Loan Note Exhibit H Form of Deposit Account Control Agreement -v- |
CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of November 25, 2003, among CRUNCH HOLDING CORP., a Delaware corporation, PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, the LENDERS party hereto, DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Administrative Agent, GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, as Syndication Agent, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC. and CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE, as Co-Documentation Agents. |
Pursuant to and in connection with the Merger Agreement (with such term and each other capitalized term used but not defined in this preamble having the meaning assigned thereto in Article I) and the transactions contemplated thereby, (a) the Equity Contribution will be made, (b) the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes will be issued by the Borrower, (c) the Merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, (d) the Existing Pinnacle Credit Agreement will be terminated and all principal, interest, fees and other amounts outstanding thereunder will be paid in full and all commitments, obligations and security interests thereunder will be terminated, (e) the Borrower will make the Pinnacle Intercompany Loan and (f) the Transaction Costs will be paid.
The Borrower intends, after the consummation of the Pinnacle Acquisition, to consummate the Aurora Acquisition. Aurora and its subsidiaries intend to commence a voluntary case (the "Case") under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the "Court") and to propose a reorganization (the "Reorganization") of Aurora and its subsidiaries pursuant to a pre-negotiated plan of reorganization (the "Plan of Reorganization") under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization and upon the emergence of Aurora and its debtor subsidiaries from the Case on the Aurora Effective Date, (a) the Borrower will merge (the "Aurora Merger") with and into Aurora, with Aurora surviving the Aurora Merger, in accordance with the Aurora Acquisition Agreement, and Aurora will become the Borrower under this Agreement, (b) the holders of claims in respect of the Existing Aurora Credit Agreement will receive an amount of cash to be specified in the Plan of Reorganization, all such claims will be discharged and all commitments, obligations (including in respect of penalty fees) and security interests thereunder will be terminated, (c) the holders of claims in respect of the Existing Aurora Receivables Facility will receive an amount of cash to be specified in the Plan of Reorganization, all such claims will be discharged and all commitments, obligations and security interests thereunder will be terminated, (d) the holders of claims in respect of the Existing Aurora Senior Notes will receive an amount of cash to be specified in the Plan of Reorganization and all such claims will be discharged, (e) the Aurora Subordinated Noteholders will receive an amount of cash to be specified in the Plan of Reorganization or, at the election of the Aurora Subordinated Noteholders, newly issued equity of Crunch LLC representing up to approximately 42% of the outstanding equity of Crunch LLC (subject to adjustment as described in the Aurora Acquisition Agreement) and all claims of the Aurora Subordinated Noteholders shall be discharged, (f) all amounts outstanding under
any debtor-in-possession financing (the "DIP Facility") incurred in connection with the Case will be repaid in cash and all commitments, obligations and security interests thereunder will be terminated, (g) certain capital lease obligations of Aurora may remain outstanding after the Aurora Merger, (h) fees and expenses (the "Aurora Fees and Expenses") incurred in connection with the Aurora Acquisition will be paid and (i) other cash costs (the "Other Aurora Closing Costs" and, together with the Aurora Fees and Expenses, the "Aurora Transaction Costs") incurred in connection with the Aurora Acquisition (to the extent described to the Agents prior to the Effective Date) will be paid.
In connection with the foregoing, (a)(i) pursuant to the LLC
Agreement, the Sponsors will contribute a minimum aggregate cash amount of
approximately $84,000,000, and CDM Investor Group LLC will contribute or be
deemed to contribute an aggregate amount of approximately $1,000,000, (ii)
either the Sponsors or the Aurora Subordinated Noteholders will contribute an
aggregate cash amount of not less than the amount required to fund the cash
payments to the Aurora Subordinated Noteholders who elect to receive cash
pursuant to clause (e) of the preceding paragraph and (iii) either the Aurora
Subordinated Noteholders or the Sponsors will contribute an additional aggregate
cash amount of approximately $12,100,000, subject to modification pursuant to
the Aurora Acquisition Agreement, in the case of each of clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii), to Crunch LLC in exchange for equity, the cash proceeds of which will be
contributed consecutively by Crunch LLC to Holdings as common equity and by
Holdings to the Borrower as common equity (the equity contributions described in
clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 4.02(n),
the "Aurora Equity Contribution") and (b) the Borrower or Holdings, as
applicable, will issue the Additional Aurora Securities. After giving effect to
the Aurora Acquisition (assuming that all Aurora Subordinated Noteholders elect
to receive equity of Crunch LLC), it is expected that the Permitted Investors
and the Aurora Subordinated Noteholders will own, directly or indirectly,
approximately 58% and 42%, respectively, of the outstanding equity interests of
Crunch LLC (subject to adjustment as described in the Aurora Acquisition
Agreement).
The Borrower has requested that the Lenders extend credit in the form of (a)(i) Initial Term Loans on the Effective Date in an aggregate principal amount not in excess $120,000,000 and (ii) Delayed Draw Term Loans on the Aurora Effective Date in an aggregate principal amount not in excess of $425,000,000, (b) Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans at any time and from time during the Revolving Availability Period, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not in excess of $65,000,000 and, if the Aurora Acquisition is consummated, at any time and from time to time on or after the Aurora Effective Date during the Revolving Availability Period, in an additional aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not in excess of $65,000,000, and (c) Letters of Credit, in an aggregate stated amount at any time outstanding not in excess of $20,000,000 and, if the Aurora Acquisition is consummated, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, in an additional aggregate stated amount at any time outstanding not in excess of $40,000,000.
The Lenders are willing to extend such credit to the Borrower and the Issuing Banks are willing to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower on the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein. Accordingly, 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.
"Additional Debt Securities" means (a) the Additional Senior Subordinated Notes and (b) to the extent the Borrower has not issued $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Additional Senior Subordinated Notes on or prior to the Aurora Effective Date, cash-pay, pay-in-kind, discount or other debt securities of Holdings with terms reasonably satisfactory to the Agents (which shall include, among other things, no guarantees of such debt by the Borrower or any Subsidiary) issued on or prior to the Aurora Effective Date in a public offering or in a Rule 144A or other private placement.
"Additional Aurora Securities" means (a) the Additional Debt Securities and (b) to the extent Holdings or the Borrower has not issued $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Additional Debt Securities on or prior to the Aurora Effective Date, Junior Capital issued in connection with the Aurora Acquisition, provided that any increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Additional Aurora Securities above $200,000,000 shall reduce, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the amount of Revolving Loans that may be made on the Aurora Effective Date.
"Additional Senior Subordinated Notes" means Senior Subordinated Notes, if any, to be issued by the Borrower on or about the Aurora Effective Date, which may (but are not required to) take the form of add-on notes to the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes, and the Indebtedness represented thereby, provided that such Additional Senior Subordinated Notes shall have terms (including covenants, events of default, redemption, amortization and sinking fund provisions, but excluding price, interest rate and redemption premiums) that are no less favorable to the Lenders or the Borrower than the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes.
"Adjusted EBITDA" means the net income of the Borrower and its subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP and as reported in or derived from the audited historical statement of operations of the Borrower for such period, which includes all adjustments required to be made in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, plus, to the extent deducted in determining such net
income (as reflected in the applicable line items or notes to the audited historical financial statements), (a) consolidated income tax expense of the Borrower and its subsidiaries for such period, (b) consolidated interest expense, net of any interest income, of the Borrower and its subsidiaries for such period, (c) total depreciation expense for such period, (d) total amortization expense, excluding the amortization of debt issue costs to the extent included in total interest expense for such period and (e) those adjustments set forth on Schedule 1.01(a).
"Adjusted LIBO Rate" means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.
"Administrative Agent" means Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.
"Administrative Questionnaire" means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.
"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.
"Agents" means the Administrative Agent, the Syndication Agent and the Co-Documentation Agents.
"Agreement" means this Credit Agreement, as the same may be renewed, extended, modified, supplemented or amended from time to time.
"Alternate Base Rate" means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus -1/2 of 1%. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate, respectively.
"Applicable Percentage" means, with respect to any Revolving Lender, the percentage of the total Revolving Commitments represented by such Lender's Revolving Commitment. If any portion of the Revolving Commitments has 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 (a) with respect to any Term Loan, (i) 1.75% per annum, in the case of an ABR Loan, or (ii) 2.75% per annum, in the case of a Eurodollar Loan, and (b) with respect to any ABR Loan or Eurodollar Loan that is a Revolving Loan, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption "ABR Spread" or "Eurodollar Spread", as the case may be, based upon the Leverage Ratio as of the most recent determination date, provided that until the delivery
of financial statements pursuant to Section 5.01(b) for the Borrower's fiscal
quarter ending January 31, 2004, the "Applicable Rate" for purposes of clause
(b) shall be the applicable rate per annum set forth below in Category 1:
ABR EURODOLLAR LEVERAGE RATIO: SPREAD SPREAD ------ ---------- Category 1 Ratio is greater than 4.50 to 1.00 1.75% 2.75% Category 2 Ratio is less than or equal to 4.50 to 1.00 but greater than 4.00 to 1.00 1.50% 2.50% Category 3 Ratio is less than or equal to 4.00 to 1.00 1.25% 2.25% |
For purposes of the foregoing, (i) the Leverage 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 Leverage Ratio shall be effective during the period
commencing on and including the date that is three Business Days after 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 Leverage 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) 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 the third Business Day after such consolidated financial
statements are delivered.
"Approved Fund" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04.
"Asset Swap" means any substantially concurrent purchase and sale, or exchange, of assets used or usable in the business of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries.
"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 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
"Aurora" means Aurora Foods Inc., a Delaware corporation.
"Aurora Acquisition" means the Aurora Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Aurora Acquisition Agreement (including the Reorganization) and the other Aurora Acquisition Documents.
"Aurora Acquisition Agreement" means an agreement and plan of reorganization and merger between Aurora and Crunch LLC relating to the Aurora Acquisition.
"Aurora Acquisition Documents" means the Aurora Acquisition Agreement, the other agreements to be entered into in connection with the Aurora Acquisition and all schedules, exhibits and annexes to each of the foregoing and all side letters and agreements affecting the terms of the foregoing or entered into in connection therewith.
"Aurora Effective Date" means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.02 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).
"Aurora Equity Contribution" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
"Aurora Fees and Expenses" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
"Aurora Merger" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
"Aurora Subordinated Noteholders" means holders of claims in respect of the Existing Aurora Subordinated Notes.
"Aurora Transaction Costs" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
"Average Revolving Availability" means, as of any date of determination, the excess of (a) the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments in effect as of such date over (b) the average of the aggregate amount of the Revolving Exposures of all Lenders outstanding on the last day of each of the twelve fiscal months of the Borrower immediately preceding such date, provided that, with respect to any date of determination that occurs prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the calculation described in clause (b) shall be performed assuming that no Revolving Exposures were outstanding on the last day of each of the months ended prior to the Effective Date.
"Average Senior Debt" means, as of any date of determination, (a) Average Total Debt as of such date minus (b) the portion of Average Total Debt as of such date represented by the Subordinated Debt.
"Average Total Debt" means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to (a) Total Indebtedness outstanding on such date (excluding Indebtedness in respect of the Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans) plus (b) the average of the aggregate amount of the Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans outstanding on the last day of each of the twelve fiscal months of the Borrower immediately preceding such date, provided that, with respect to any date of determination that occurs prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the calculation described in clause (b) shall be performed assuming that no Revolving Exposures were outstanding on the last day of each of the months ended prior to the Effective Date.
"Bankruptcy Code" means Title 11 of the United States Code.
"Board" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.
"Borrower" means Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and, after giving effect to the Pinnacle Merger, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Holdings. Upon the consummation of the Aurora Merger, Aurora, as the surviving corporation in the Aurora Merger, will become the Borrower.
"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 and substantially in the form of Exhibit B-1, or such other form as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent.
"Business Day" means 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, 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, without duplication,
(a) the additions to property, plant and equipment and other capital
expenditures of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, that
are (or would be) set forth in a consolidated statement of cash flows of the
Borrower for such period prepared in accordance with GAAP (including
expenditures for maintenance and repairs which should be capitalized in
accordance with GAAP) and (b) Capital Lease Obligations incurred by the Borrower
and the Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, during such period, provided that
Capital Expenditures shall not include (i) expenditures of proceeds of insurance
settlements, condemnation awards and other settlements in respect of lost,
destroyed, damaged or condemned assets, equipment or other property to the
extent such expenditures are made to replace or repair such lost, destroyed,
damaged or condemned assets, equipment or other property or otherwise to
acquire, maintain, develop, construct, improve or repair assets or properties
useful in the business of the Borrower, (ii) expenditures that constitute the
Aurora Acquisition or a Permitted Acquisition permitted pursuant to Section
6.04(a), (iii) expenditures to the extent they are financed with the proceeds of
an issuance of Junior Capital not later than six months after the receipt of
such proceeds by Holdings or the Borrower, (iv) expenditures to the extent they
are financed with the Retained Mandatory Prepayment Amount not otherwise applied
pursuant to Section 6.04(r) or 6.08(b)(iii), (v) expenditures made pursuant to
an Asset Swap (subject to compliance with the restrictions set forth in Section
6.05), (vi) expenditures to the extent they are financed with the proceeds of an
issuance of Equity Interests not later than six months after the receipt of such
proceeds by Holdings or the Borrower, (vii) expenditures to the extent they are
financed with the proceeds of a Prepayment Event described in clauses (a) or (b)
of the definition of "Prepayment Event", so long as such proceeds are reinvested
in the business of the Borrower and the
Subsidiaries pursuant to the requirements of the proviso contained in Section
2.11(c), (viii) expenditures to the extent they are financed with the proceeds
of a Disposition of used, obsolete, worn out or surplus equipment or property in
the ordinary course of business or a Disposition that would constitute a
Prepayment Event but for the threshold set forth in clause (b) of the definition
of "Prepayment Event", (ix) expenditures made in connection with the
construction of any fixed or capital asset if the Borrower or any of the
Subsidiaries intends to consummate a sale and leaseback permitted by Section
6.06(a) with respect to such fixed or capital asset within 120 days after
completion of such construction, provided that, with respect to this clause
(ix), (A) if the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries fails to consummate such a
sale and leaseback with respect to such fixed or capital asset within such
120-day period, the entire amount of such expenditures shall be deemed to be a
Capital Expenditure as of the expiration of such 120-day period and (B) if the
amount of such expenditures exceeds the proceeds of such sale and leaseback, the
entire amount of such excess shall be deemed to be a Capital Expenditure as of
the date of receipt of such proceeds.
"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.
"Case" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
"Change in Control" means (a) the acquisition of record ownership by
any Person other than Holdings of any Equity Interests in the Borrower, (b)
prior to an IPO, (i) the failure by the Permitted Investors to beneficially own,
directly or indirectly Equity Interests in Holdings representing at least 30% of
the aggregate voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity
Interests in Holdings or (ii) the failure by the Sponsors to beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, Equity Interests in Holdings representing at least 25%
of the aggregate voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity
Interests in Holdings, (c) after an IPO, (i) 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, as amended, and the
rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) of Equity Interests
representing more than 35% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by
the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in Holdings and (ii) the ownership,
directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by the Permitted Investors of
Equity Interests in Holdings representing in the aggregate a lesser percentage
of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding
Equity Interests in Holdings than such Person or group, (d) occupation of a
majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of
Holdings by Persons who were not nominated or appointed by the board of
directors of Holdings or by the Permitted Investors, directly or indirectly, or
(e) the occurrence of a "Change of Control", as defined in the Subordinated Debt
Documents.
"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 Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender's or 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.
"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 Loan Commitment.
"CLO" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
"Co-Documentation Agents" means JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citicorp North America, Inc. and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
"Collateral" means any and all "Collateral", as defined in any applicable Security Document.
"Collateral Agent" means the Administrative Agent or other Person acting as collateral agent for the Secured Parties (as defined in the Collateral Agreement) under the Security Documents.
"Collateral Agreement" means the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement among Holdings, the Borrower, the Subsidiary Loan Parties and the Collateral Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit E.
"Collateral and Guarantee Requirement" means the requirement that:
(a) the Administrative Agent shall have received from each Loan Party either (i) a counterpart of the Collateral Agreement duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Loan Party or (ii) in the case of any Person that becomes a Loan Party after the Effective Date, a supplement to the Collateral Agreement, substantially in the form specified therein, duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Loan Party;
(b) all outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower and each Subsidiary owned by or on behalf of any Loan Party shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement (except that the Loan Parties shall not be required to pledge (i) more than 65% of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is owned directly by a Loan Party, (ii) any Equity
Interests of a Foreign Subsidiary that is not owned directly by a Loan Party or (iii) any Equity Interests in a Joint Venture to the extent such a pledge is prohibited pursuant to the constitutive documents or agreements of such Joint Venture), and the Administrative Agent shall have received certificates or other instruments representing all such Equity Interests (or, with respect to Equity Interests of Persons that (A) are not controlled by a Loan Party or (B) are Foreign Subsidiaries organized in a jurisdiction where issuance of such certificates is not permitted by applicable law, such certificates only to the extent issued), together with undated stock powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;
(c) all Indebtedness of Holdings, the Borrower and each Subsidiary that is owing to any Loan Party shall be evidenced by a promissory note, substantially in the form of Exhibits G-2 or G-4, as applicable, and shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement, and the Administrative Agent shall have received all such promissory notes, together with undated instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;
(d) 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 the Liens intended to be created by the Collateral Agreement and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, the Collateral Agreement, shall have been filed, registered or recorded or delivered to the Administrative Agent for filing, registration or recording;
(e) the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to each Mortgaged Property duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such Mortgaged Property, (ii) a policy or policies of title insurance issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company insuring the Lien of each such Mortgage as a valid first-priority Lien on the Mortgaged Property described therein, free of any other Liens except as expressly permitted by Section 6.02, together with such endorsements, coinsurance and reinsurance as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, and (iii) such surveys, abstracts, appraisals, legal opinions and other documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request with respect to any such Mortgage or Mortgaged Property; and
(f) each Loan Party shall have obtained all consents and approvals required to be obtained by it on the date the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement is required to be satisfied in connection with the execution and delivery of all Security Documents to which it is a party, the performance of its obligations thereunder and the granting by it of the Liens thereunder.
"Commitment" means a Revolving Commitment or Term Loan Commitment, or any combination thereof (as the context requires).
"Consolidated Cash Interest Expense" means, for any period, the excess of (a) the sum of (i) the interest expense (including imputed interest expense in respect of Capital Lease Obligations) of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, (ii) any interest accrued during such period in respect of Indebtedness of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is required to be capitalized rather than included in consolidated interest expense for such period in accordance with GAAP, plus (iii) any cash payments made during such period in respect of obligations referred to in clause (b)(ii) below that were amortized or accrued in a previous period, minus (b) the sum of (i) to the extent included in such consolidated interest expense for such period, non-cash amounts attributable to amortization of financing costs paid in a previous period, (ii) to the extent included in such consolidated interest expense for such period, non-cash amounts attributable to amortization of debt discounts or to accrued interest payable in kind or added to principal for such period, (iii) interest income for such period and (iv) to the extent included in such consolidated interest expense for such period, waiver, amendment, consent or prepayment fees, provided that Consolidated Cash Interest Expense shall be deemed to be (A) prior to the Aurora Effective Date, (1) for the four fiscal quarter period ended April 30, 2004, the Consolidated Cash Interest Expense for the period from the Effective Date to and including April 30, 2004, multiplied by a fraction equal to (x) 365 divided by (y) the number of days actually elapsed from the Effective Date to April 30, 2004, and (2) for the four fiscal quarter period ended July 31, 2004, the Consolidated Cash Interest Expense for the period from the Effective Date to and including July 31, 2004, multiplied by a fraction equal to (x) 365 divided by (y) the number of days actually elapsed from the Effective Date to July 31, 2004, and (B) on or after the Aurora Effective Date, (1) for the four fiscal quarter period ended July 31, 2004, the Cash Interest Expense from the Aurora Effective Date to and including July 31, 2004, multiplied by a fraction equal to (x) 365 divided by (y) the number of days actually elapsed from the Aurora Effective Date to July 31, 2004, (2) for the four fiscal quarter period ended October 31, 2004, the Consolidated Cash Interest Expense for the period from the Aurora Effective Date to and including October 31, 2004, multiplied by a fraction equal to (x) 365 divided by (y) the number of days actually elapsed from the Aurora Effective Date to October 31, 2004, and (3) for the four fiscal quarter period ended December 31, 2004, the Consolidated Cash Interest Expense for the period from the Aurora Effective Date to and including December 31, 2004, multiplied by a fraction equal to (x) 365 divided by (y) the number of days actually elapsed from the Aurora Effective Date to December 31, 2004.
"Consolidated EBITDA" means, for any period, Consolidated Net Income
for such period plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted in
determining such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of (i) consolidated interest
expense, amortization or write-off of debt discount and debt issuance costs and
commissions, discounts and other fees and charges associated with Indebtedness
(including the Loans, Letters of Credit and Swap Agreements constituting
Indebtedness) of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries for such period, (ii)
consolidated income tax expense of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries for such
period, (iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization for such
period, (iv) amortization or write-down of intangibles (including goodwill) for
such period, (v) any non-cash charges or losses of the Borrower and the
Subsidiaries for such period, (vi) all extraordinary cash expenses or losses,
(vii) any cash
received during such period in respect of non-cash income described in clause
(b)(iii) below (solely to the extent that, if such non-cash income had initially
been realized as cash income, it would not have been included in clause (b)(i)
below) subsequent to the fiscal quarter in which the relevant non-cash income
was deducted from Consolidated Net Income, (viii) charges relating to the
Pinnacle Acquisition in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000, (ix)
charges relating to the Aurora Acquisition in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$50,000,000, (x) non-recurring cash charges relating to any Permitted
Acquisition and (xi) other non-recurring cash charges (provided that (A) such
charges shall be set forth in a certificate signed by a Financial Officer and
provided to the Administrative Agent stating (1) the amount of such charges, (2)
information and calculations supporting in reasonable detail such charges and
(3) that such charges are non-recurring based on the reasonable good faith
belief of the Financial Officer executing such certificate at the time of such
execution and (B) such charges shall not constitute more than 5% of the
Consolidated EBITDA for the applicable period determined after giving effect to
clauses (a) (other than this clause (a)(xi)) and (b) of this definition) minus
(b) without duplication and to the extent included in determining such
Consolidated Net Income, (i) any extraordinary gains of the Borrower and the
Subsidiaries for such period, (ii) write-up of intangibles (including goodwill)
for such period, (iii) any other non-cash income for such period and (iv) any
cash payments made during such period in respect of non-cash charges or losses
described in clause (a)(v) above (solely to the extent that, if such non-cash
charge or loss had initially been incurred as a cash charge or loss, it would
not have been included in clause (a)(vi) above) subsequent to the fiscal quarter
in which the relevant non-cash charges or losses were reflected as a charge in
the statement of Consolidated Net Income, all determined on a consolidated basis
in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, (a) prior to the Aurora Effective Date, Consolidated EBITDA shall be
deemed to be $11,280,000, $18,844,000 and $23,912,000, respectively, for the
fiscal quarters ended January 31, 2003, April 30, 2003 and July 31, 2003 and (b)
in the event the Aurora Acquisition is consummated, Consolidated EBITDA for any
period ending prior to the Aurora Effective Date shall be the sum of (i)
Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries (without giving effect
to the Aurora Acquisition) for such period and (ii) Consolidated EBITDA of
Aurora and its subsidiaries determined in accordance with the previous sentence
(and for such purpose, Consolidated EBITDA generated by Aurora and its
subsidiaries shall be deemed to be $30,481,000, $32,408,000 and $36,035, 000,
respectively, for the fiscal quarters ended March 30, 2003, June 30, 2003 and
September 30, 2003) and (c) Consolidated EBITDA shall be calculated by combining
the applicable fiscal period of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries with the
fiscal period of Aurora and its subsidiaries ending on the date that is closest
to the date on which such period of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries ends.
"Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, the net income or loss of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, provided that there shall be excluded (a) the income or loss of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which any other Person (other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any director holding qualifying shares in compliance with applicable law) owns an Equity Interest, except to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the Borrower
or any of the Subsidiaries during such period, (b) the income or loss of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or the date that such Person's assets are acquired by the Borrower or any Subsidiary and (c) the undistributed earnings of any Subsidiary to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary is not at the time permitted by the terms of any Contractual Obligation (other than under any Loan Document) or Requirement of Law applicable to such Subsidiary.
"Contractual Obligation" means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other legally binding 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. The terms "Controlling" and "Controlled" have meanings correlative thereto.
"Court" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
"Crunch LLC" means Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
"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.
"Delayed Draw Expiration Date" means the earliest to occur of (a) the date that is 180 days after the Effective Date, (b) the date on which the Aurora Acquisition Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms and (c) the date on which the unused Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments shall be terminated pursuant to this Agreement.
"Delayed Draw Term Loan" means a Loan made pursuant to clause
(a)(ii) of Section 2.01.
"Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment" means, with respect to each
Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make a Delayed Draw Term Loan
hereunder on the Aurora Effective Date, expressed as an amount representing the
maximum principal amount of the Delayed Draw Term Loan to be made by such Lender
hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to
Section 2.08 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to
assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of
each Lender's Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01,
or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have
assumed its Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment, as applicable. The initial
aggregate amount of the Lenders' Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments is
$425,000,000.
"Deposit Account" has the meaning assigned to such term in the Collateral Agreement.
"DIP Facility" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
"Disclosed Matters" means the actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental matters disclosed in Schedule 3.06.
"Disposition" means, with respect to any property, any sale, lease, sale and lease back, assignment, conveyance, transfer or other disposition thereof. The terms "Dispose" and "Disposed of" shall have correlative meanings.
"dollars" or "$" refers to lawful money of the United States of America.
"Effective Date" means the date on which the conditions specified in
Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).
"Environmental Laws" means all laws, rules, statutes, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material or health and safety matters.
"Environmental Liability" means all liabilities, obligations, damages, claims, actions, suits, judgments, orders, fines, penalties, fees, expenses and costs, (including administrative oversight costs, natural resource damages and remediation costs), whether contingent or otherwise, arising out of or relating to: (a) compliance or non-compliance with any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
"Equity Contribution" means the equity contribution to be made by the Permitted Investors and other investors reasonably acceptable to the Agents to Crunch LLC prior to the Merger in an aggregate amount of not less than $181,100,000 (less the amount, if any, by which the Transaction Costs are less than $22,600,000).
"Equity Interests" means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such equity interest.
"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.
"ERISA Event" means (a) any "reportable event", as defined in
Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a
Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the
existence with respect to any Plan of an "accumulated funding deficiency" (as
defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not
waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d)
of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with
respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA
Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the
termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate
from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to
terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan if
the Borrower could reasonably be expected to incur any liability under Title IV
of ERISA with respect to such termination; (f) the incurrence by the Borrower or
any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or
partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (g) the receipt by the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any
Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower 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 or in reorganization,
within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA or (h) the existence of any event or
condition that could reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under ERISA
for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan.
"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.
"Event of Default" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.01.
"Excess Cash Flow" means, for any fiscal year, the sum (without duplication) of:
(a) the Consolidated Net Income for such fiscal year, adjusted to exclude any gains or losses attributable to Prepayment Events (or dispositions that would constitute Prepayment Events but for clauses (a) and (b) of the definition of the term "Prepayment Event"); plus
(b) the depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges or losses deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such fiscal year; plus
(c) any cash received during such fiscal year in respect of non-cash gains, income or credits subsequent to the fiscal year in which the relevant non-cash gains, income or credits reduced Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year pursuant
to clause (e) below; plus
(d) the amount, if any, by which Net Working Capital decreased during such fiscal year; minus
(e) the sum of (i) any non-cash gains, income and credits included in determining such Consolidated Net Income for such fiscal year plus (ii) the amount, if any, by which Net Working Capital increased during such fiscal year; minus
(f) the sum of (i) Capital Expenditures for such fiscal year (except to the extent attributable to the incurrence of Capital Lease Obligations or otherwise financed by incurring Long-Term Indebtedness other than Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit that are not subsequently refinanced by the incurrence of Capital Lease Obligations) plus (ii) any consideration paid during such fiscal year to make Permitted Acquisitions or the Aurora Acquisition or other capital investments, in each case to the extent paid using cash generated in the ordinary course of the Borrower's business; minus
(g) the aggregate principal amount of Long-Term Indebtedness repaid or prepaid by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, during such fiscal year, excluding (i) Indebtedness in respect of Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit (unless and to the extent that there is a corresponding reduction in the Revolving Commitments), (ii) Term Loans prepaid pursuant to Section 2.11(c) or (d), and (iii) repayments or prepayments of Long-Term Indebtedness financed by incurring other Long-Term Indebtedness (other than Revolving Loans if and to the extent such Revolving Loans are repaid prior to the delivery of financial statements for such fiscal year pursuant to Section 5.01 other than with the proceeds of Long-Term Indebtedness and the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate signed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower certifying that such repayment has been made); minus
(h) any cash payments made during such fiscal year in respect of non-cash charges or losses subsequent to the fiscal year in which the relevant non-cash charges or losses increased Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year pursuant to clause (b) above; minus
(i) the aggregate amount of payments permitted to be made in respect of such fiscal year by the Borrower to Holdings pursuant to Section 6.08(a)(v).
"Excluded Taxes" means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) income or franchise 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 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 described in clause (a) above and
(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 withholding tax that (i) is
in effect and would apply to amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the time
such Foreign Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new
lending office), 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 any
withholding tax pursuant to Section 2.17(a), or (ii) is attributable to such
Foreign Lender's failure to comply with Section 2.17(e).
"Existing Aurora Credit Agreement" means the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 1, 1999, among Aurora, the lenders listed therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, as administrative agent, National Westminster Bank PLC, as syndication agent, and UBS AG, Stamford branch, as documentation agent.
"Existing Aurora Letter of Credit" means each letter of credit previously issued for the account of, or guaranteed by, Aurora or its subsidiaries pursuant to the Existing Aurora Credit Agreement (i) that is outstanding on the Aurora Effective Date and (ii) details and copies of which (including the applicable letter of credit number and such other information as shall be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Banks) shall have been provided to the Administrative Agent not less than three Business Days prior to the Aurora Effective Date.
"Existing Aurora Receivables Facility" means the receivables facility pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 19, 2000, by and between Aurora and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as purchaser.
"Existing Aurora Senior Notes" means 12% Senior Notes due October 1, 2006 issued by Aurora pursuant to a note purchase agreement dated June 27, 2002, among Aurora and the purchasers party thereto.
"Existing Aurora Subordinated Notes" means the 9-7/8% Senior Subordinated Noted Notes due 2007, 9-7/8% Series C Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 and 8-3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 issued by Aurora.
"Existing Pinnacle Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of May 22, 2001, by and among the Borrower, PFC, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company), as administrative agent, and the other financial institutions named therein as lenders, as amended prior to the date hereof.
"Existing Pinnacle Letter of Credit" means each letter of credit previously issued for the account of, or guaranteed by, the Borrower or a Subsidiary pursuant to the Existing Pinnacle Credit Agreement that (a) is outstanding on the Effective Date and (b) is listed on Schedule 2.05.
"Federal Funds Effective Rate" means, for any day, the weighted average 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 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, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of Holdings.
"Financing Transactions" means (a) 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, the use of the proceeds thereof as contemplated by this Agreement and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder, (b) the execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of the Senior Subordinated Debt Documents to which it is to be a party, the issuance of the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes and Junior Capital, if any, issued on or about the Effective Date, and the use of the proceeds thereof and (c) the Equity Contribution.
"Foreign Lender" means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is located. For purposes of this definition, the United States of America, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.
"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.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
"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.
"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 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 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 or applicant 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.
"Hazardous Materials" means (a) petroleum products and byproducts, asbestos, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, chlorofluorocarbons and all other ozone-depleting substances; or (b) any chemical, material, substance, waste, pollutant or contaminant that is prohibited, limited or regulated by or pursuant to any Environmental Law.
"Holdings" means Crunch Holding Corp, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Crunch LLC.
"Incremental Facility Amendment" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20.
"Incremental Extensions of Credit" has the meaning assigned to such term in 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 upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business that are due within a year of the creation of such accounts payable and that do not accrue interest unless past due), (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (h) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party or applicant in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty and (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers' acceptances. 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.
"Indemnified Taxes" means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.
"Information Memorandum" means the Confidential Information Memorandum dated November 2003 relating to Holdings, the Borrower, the Transactions and the Aurora Acquisition.
"Initial Plan of Reorganization" means a preliminary plan of organization filed with the Court on or prior to the date hereof.
"Initial Senior Subordinated Notes" means the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 to be issued by the Borrower prior to or on the Effective Date, in accordance with the terms of the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture, in the aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000, and the Indebtedness represented thereby.
"Initial Term Loan" means a Loan made pursuant to clause (a)(i) of
Section 2.01.
"Initial Term Loan Commitment" means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make an Initial Term Loan hereunder on the Effective Date, expressed as an amount representing the maximum principal amount of the Initial Term Loan to be made by such Lender hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.08 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender's Initial Term Loan Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01, or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Initial Term Loan Commitment, as applicable. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders' Initial Term Loan Commitments is $120,000,000.
"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 and substantially in the form of Exhibit C, or such other form as
shall be approved by the Administrative Agent.
"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.
"Interest Period" means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing, except as provided in Section 2.07(a)(ii), 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 thereafter (or nine or twelve months thereafter if, at the time of the relevant Borrowing, all Lenders participating therein agree to make an interest period of such duration available), as the Borrower may elect, provided that (a) if any Interest Period referred to above 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 next preceding Business Day and (b) any Interest Period referred to above 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.
"IPO" means a bona fide underwritten initial public offering of Equity Interests of Holdings after the Effective Date.
"Issuing Bank" means, as the context may require, (a) Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it, (b) JPMorgan Chase Bank, with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it, and (c) any other Revolving Lender that becomes an Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.05(i), with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it, and in each case, its successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.05(i). An Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of such Issuing Bank, in which case the term "Issuing Bank" shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate.
"Joint Venture" means any joint venture arrangement (whether structured as a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity or arrangement), which is not a Subsidiary but in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary owns or controls any Equity Interests.
"JPMP" means J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC.
"Junior Capital" means any Qualified Capital Stock of Holdings issued to the Permitted Investors and any Junior Indebtedness issued to the Permitted Investors.
"Junior Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of Holdings or the Borrower that (a) is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of the Obligations (and the related Guarantees) on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of Junior Indebtedness issued in connection with the Aurora Acquisition, on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Agents), (b) provides that interest in respect of such Indebtedness shall be payable solely in kind, (c) has a final maturity date that is not earlier than the date that is 91 days after the Term Loan Maturity Date and has no scheduled payments of principal thereon (including pursuant to a sinking fund obligation) or mandatory redemption obligations prior to such final maturity date and (d) is not subject to covenants, events of default and remedies that are less favorable to Holdings or the Borrower, as the case may be, than the terms of the Senior Subordinated Debt Documents as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.
"JWC" means J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.
"LC Disbursement" means a payment made by an 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 the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01 and any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or an Incremental Facility Amendment, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term "Lenders" includes each Swingline Lender.
"Letter of Credit" means any (a) Standby Letter of Credit or (b) Trade Letter of Credit issued pursuant to this Agreement (including, in each case, each Existing Pinnacle Letter of Credit and each Existing Aurora Letter of Credit).
"Letter of Credit Request" means a request by the Borrower for a Letter of Credit in accordance with Section 2.05, in the form of Exhibit B-2, or such other form as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank.
"Leverage Ratio" means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Average Total Debt as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower ended on such date (or, if such date is not the last day of a fiscal quarter, ended on the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Borrower most recently ended prior to such date), provided that to the extent the Aurora Acquisition or any Permitted Acquisition, Disposition outside the ordinary course of business or discontinuation of operations has occurred during the relevant period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, such ratio shall be determined for such period on a Pro Forma Basis for such occurrences.
"LIBO Rate" means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, by reference to the British Bankers' Association Interest Settlement Rates (as set forth by any service selected by the Administrative Agent that has been nominated by the British Bankers' Association as an authorized information vendor for the purpose of displaying such rates) 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 $5,000,000 and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of the bank serving as 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.
"Lien" means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital
lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.
"LLC Agreement" means, collectively, (a) the Operating Agreement dated as of November 25, 2003, among Crunch LLC, certain Permitted Investors and the other parties thereto, (b) the Members Agreement dated as of November 25, 2003, among Crunch LLC, certain Permitted Investors and the other parties thereto and (c) the Bylaws of Crunch LLC as in effect on November 25, 2003, as each may be amended, modified and supplemented from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
"Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the promissory notes, if any, executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2.09(e), any Incremental Facility Amendment, the Collateral Agreement and the other Security Documents.
"Loan Parties" means Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties.
"Loans" means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement or an Incremental Facility Amendment.
"Long-Term Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness that, in accordance with GAAP, constitutes (or, when incurred, constituted) a long-term liability.
"Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, operations, performance, properties, condition (financial or otherwise) of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, to perform any of their obligations under any Loan Document or (c) the rights of or benefits available to the Lenders under any Loan Document.
"Material Indebtedness" means Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding (x) prior to the Aurora Effective Date, $5,000,000 and (y) on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $15,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the "principal amount" of the obligations of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that Holdings, the Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.
"Merger" means the merger of MergerCo with and into the Borrower, with the Borrower as the surviving corporation, pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
"MergerCo" means Crunch Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings.
"Merger Agreement" means the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 8, 2003, by and among Holdings, MergerCo, the Borrower and HMTF PF, LLC, as representative.
"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
"Mortgage" means a mortgage, deed of trust, assignment of leases and rents, leasehold mortgage or other security document granting a Lien on any Mortgaged Property to secure the Obligations. Each Mortgage shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Collateral Agent.
"Mortgaged Property" means, initially, each parcel of real property and the improvements thereon owned by a Loan Party and identified on Schedule 1.01(b), and includes each other parcel of real property and improvements thereon with respect to which a Mortgage is granted pursuant to Section 5.12 or 5.13.
"Multiemployer Plan" means a multiemployer plan as defined in
Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
"Net Proceeds" means, with respect to any event (a) the cash proceeds received by Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in respect of such event including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but excluding any interest payments), 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 attorney's fees, accountants' fees, investment banking fees and other professional and advisory fees and all other reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid by Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries to third parties (other than Affiliates) in connection with such event and reasonable fees paid by Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries to Affiliates in connection with such event, (ii) in the case of a sale, transfer or other disposition of an asset (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction or a casualty or a condemnation or similar proceeding), (A) the amount of all payments required to be made by Holdings, the Borrower and the 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 (including in order to obtain any consent required therefor), (B) the amount of all sales commissions paid by Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries to third parties (other than Affiliates) and all reasonable sales commissions paid by Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries to Affiliates and (C) the amount of title and recording expenses incurred as a result of such sale, transfer or disposition by Holdings, the Borrower or the Subsidiaries, (iii) the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) by Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, and the amount of any reserves established by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable, in each case during the year that such event occurred or the next succeeding year and that are directly attributable to such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by the
chief financial officer of the Borrower), provided that upon the date upon which such reserve is no longer required to be maintained, the remaining amount of such reserve shall then be deemed to be Net Proceeds and (iv) the amount of all payments required to be paid by Holdings, the Borrower or the Subsidiaries to Persons owning minority interests in Subsidiaries or other Persons.
"Net Working Capital" means, at any date, (a) the consolidated current assets of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, as of such date (excluding cash and Permitted Investments) minus (b) the consolidated current liabilities of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as of such date (excluding current liabilities in respect of Indebtedness) minus (c) without duplication, accrued interest expense, accrued income taxes payable and deferred taxes. Net Working Capital at any date may be a positive or negative number. Net Working Capital increases when it becomes more positive or less negative and decreases when it becomes less positive or more negative.
"Non-Consenting Lender" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 9.02.
"Obligations" has the meaning assigned to such term in the Collateral Agreement.
"Omaha Property" means the real property located at 1116 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska, together with improvements thereon.
"Open Pit Assets" means any assets relating to the Borrower's business of developing, manufacturing, selling, licensing, marketing and distributing barbecue sauce and grilling sauce products under the Open Pit trademark.
"Order" shall mean the order or orders of the Court confirming the Plan of Reorganization and approving the Aurora Acquisition and all other transactions contemplated thereby.
"Other Aurora Closing Costs" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
"Other Taxes" means any and all present or future recording, stamp, documentary, excise, transfer, sales, property or similar taxes, charges or 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.
"Participant" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.
"PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.
"Perfection Certificate" means a certificate in the form of Exhibit F or such other form as shall be approved by the Collateral Agent.
"Permitted Acquisition" means any acquisition by the Borrower or a
Subsidiary (it being understood that an acquisition by the Borrower or a
Subsidiary Loan Party of an entity that, following such acquisition, will not be
a Subsidiary Loan Party shall be deemed to be an investment in a Subsidiary that
is not a Loan Party for purposes of, and to be subject to the limitations in,
Section 6.04(d)(ii) or Section 6.04(u)) of all the outstanding Equity Interests
in, all or substantially all the assets of, or all or substantially all the
assets constituting a division or line of business of, a Person if (a) such
acquisition was not preceded by, or consummated pursuant to, a hostile offer,
(b) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, (c) all
transactions related thereto are consummated in all material respects in
accordance with applicable laws, (d) all actions required to be taken with
respect to such acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or assets under Sections
5.12 and 5.13 shall have been taken, (e) the Borrower and the Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, are in compliance, on a Pro Forma Basis, with the covenants
contained in Sections 6.12, 6.13 and 6.14 recomputed as of the last day of the
most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower for which financial
statements are available, (f) prior to the end of the Standstill Period, (i) the
aggregate amount of Indebtedness incurred or assumed in connection with all such
acquisitions does not exceed $10,000,000 or, if the Aurora Acquisition has
occurred, $25,000,000 and (ii) the Leverage Ratio, on a Pro Forma Basis, as of
the end of the most recently ended period of four fiscal quarters for which
financial statements are available is less than or equal to the lesser of (A)
5.00 to 1.00 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, 4.75 to 1.00) and (B)
the Leverage Ratio immediately prior to giving effect to such acquisition, (g)
after the end of the Standstill Period, either (i) the Leverage Ratio, on a Pro
Forma Basis, as of the end of the most recently ended period of four fiscal
quarters for which financial statements are available is less than 4.50 to 1.00
or (ii) (A) the aggregate amount of Indebtedness incurred or assumed in
connection with all such acquisitions does not exceed $10,000,000 or, if the
Aurora Acquisition has occurred, $25,000,000 and (B) the Leverage Ratio, on a
Pro Forma Basis, as of the end of the most recently ended period of four fiscal
quarters for which financial statements are available is less than or equal to
the lesser of (1) 5.00 to 1.00 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, 4.75
to 1.00) and (2) the Leverage Ratio immediately prior to giving effect to such
acquisition, (h) on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such acquisition,
the Average Revolving Availability shall not be less than (i) prior to the
Aurora Effective Date, $30,000,000 and (ii) on or after the Aurora Effective
Date, $45,000,000, (i) the business of such Person or such assets, as the case
may be, constitute a business permitted by Section 6.03(b), and (j) the Borrower
has delivered to the Administrative Agent an officers' certificate to the effect
set forth in clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) above,
together with all relevant financial information for the Person or assets to be
acquired.
"Permitted Encumbrances" means:
(a) Liens imposed by law for taxes and other charges of a Governmental Authority that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.05;
(b) carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', materialmen's, repairmen'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 90 days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.05;
(c) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;
(d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;
(e) judgment liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII;
(f) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way, minor defects or irregularities of title and other similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary; and
(g) landlords' and lessors' and other like Liens in respect of rent not in default,
provided that the term "Permitted Encumbrances" shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness.
"Permitted Investments" means:
(a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;
(b) investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, a rating of at least A1 by S&P or P-1 by Moody's;
(c) investments in certificates of deposit, banker's acceptances and time deposits maturing within 360 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof that has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $250,000,000;
(d) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 180 days for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a
financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above;
(e) securities maturing within 360 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or fully guaranteed by any State, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by a political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or by any foreign government, and rated at least A by S&P or A by Moody's;
(f) securities maturing within 360 days from the date of acquisition thereof backed by standby letters of credit issued by any Lender or any commercial bank satisfying the provisions of clause (c) above;
(g) shares of mutual funds whose investment guidelines restrict 95%
of such funds' investments to those satisfying the provisions of clauses
(a) through (f) above; and
(h) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth
in SEC Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
(ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody's and (iii) have portfolio
assets of at least $5,000,000,000.
"Permitted Investors" means JPMP, JWC, CDM Investor Group LLC and any Affiliate of the foregoing.
"Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness" means subordinated
Indebtedness of the Borrower that (a) bears interest at a fixed rate, which rate
shall be, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower's board of directors,
consistent with the market at the time for issuances of similar Indebtedness,
(b) is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of the
Obligations (and the related Guarantees) on terms no less favorable to the
Lenders than the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes, (c) has a final maturity
date at least 180 days after the Term Loan Maturity Date at the time such
Indebtedness is incurred and has no scheduled payments of principal thereon
(including pursuant to a sinking fund obligation) prior to such Term Loan
Maturity Date, (d) does not require prepayments or mandatory redemptions in a
manner more extensive than the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes and (e) is not
subject to covenants, events of default or remedies that are less favorable to
the Borrower than the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes, in each case with
appropriate regard for then-current market conventions.
"Person" means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
"PFC" means Pinnacle Foods Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned direct subsidiary of the Borrower.
"Pinnacle Acquisition" means the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the other Pinnacle Acquisition Documents.
"Pinnacle Acquisition Documents" means the Merger Agreement, the other agreements to be entered into in connection with the Merger (including the LLC Agreement) and all schedules, exhibits and annexes to each of the foregoing and all side letters and agreements affecting the terms of the foregoing or entered into in connection therewith.
"Pinnacle Intercompany Loan" means the intercompany loan or loans from the Borrower to PFC on the Effective Date out of the proceeds of the Loans made to the Borrower on the Effective Date, which loan shall be evidenced by a note in the form of Exhibit G-1.
"Plan" means any employee pension benefit 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, and in respect of which the Borrower
has any liability or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated,
would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an "employer" as defined in
Section 3(5) of ERISA.
"Plan of Reorganization" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
"Prepayment Event" means (without duplication):
(a) any sale, transfer or other disposition (including pursuant to a
sale and leaseback transaction) of any property or asset of the Borrower
or any Subsidiary, other than dispositions described in clauses (a), (b),
(c) and (f) of Section 6.05; or
(b) any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, with a fair value immediately prior to such event equal to or greater than $1,000,000; or
(c) the issuance by Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Equity Interests (other than Qualified Capital Stock issued by Holdings to the Permitted Investors) in a bona fide underwritten public offering at any time when (i) the Leverage Ratio, on a Pro Forma Basis, as of the end of the most recently ended period of four consecutive fiscal quarters for which financial statements are available is greater than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00 or (ii) a Default has occurred and is continuing; or
(d) the incurrence by Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 or permitted by the Required Lenders pursuant to Section 9.02.
"Prime Rate" means the rate of interest per annum determined from time to time by the Administrative Agent as its prime rate in effect for dollars 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.
"Pro Forma Basis" means for any event described in clause (a) or (b) below that occurs subsequent to the commencement of a period for which the financial effect of such event is being calculated, or whose financial effect is being determined prospectively, that such calculation shall give pro forma effect to such event as if it occurred on the first day of the four consecutive fiscal quarter period (the "Reference Period") for which such calculation is being made and that:
(a) in making any determination of Consolidated EBITDA, pro forma
effect shall be given to the Aurora Acquisition or any Permitted
Acquisition, Disposition outside the ordinary course of business or
discontinuation of operations, in each case that occurred during the
Reference Period (or, in the case of any determination made pursuant to
the definition of the term "Permitted Acquisition", clause (c) of the
definition of the term "Prepayment Event", Section 2.20, Section 6.01(ix),
Section 6.05(j) or Section 6.08(b)(iii), occurring during the Reference
Period or thereafter and through and including the date upon which such
event is expected to be consummated), and such pro forma effect shall
include cost savings (net of continuing associated expenses but excluding
non-recurring associated expenses) to the extent such cost savings either
(i) would be permitted to be reflected in pro forma financial information
complying with the requirements of Article 11 of Regulation S-X under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or (ii) have been realized or
for which substantially all the steps necessary for realization have been
taken or at the time of determination are reasonably expected to be taken
within six months following the Aurora Acquisition or any such Permitted
Acquisition, Disposition or discontinuation of operations, provided that
(A) such cost savings shall be calculated on an annualized basis and will
be set forth in a certificate signed by a Financial Officer and provided
to the Administrative Agent stating (1) the amount of cost savings and the
costs to achieve such cost savings, (2) information and calculations
supporting in reasonable detail such estimated cost savings and the costs
to achieve such cost savings, (3) that such cost savings are based on the
reasonable good faith beliefs of the Financial Officer executing such
certificate at the time of such execution and (4) that such cost savings
and the plan or plans related thereto have been reviewed and approved by
the board of directors of the Borrower and (B) such cost savings plus the
non-recurring cash charges described in clause (a)(xi) of the definition
of the term "Consolidated EBITDA" shall not constitute more than 5% of the
Consolidated EBITDA for the applicable period determined after giving
effect to the Aurora Acquisition or such Permitted Acquisition,
Disposition or discontinuation of operations including cost savings
described in clause (i) but not clause (ii) of this clause (a); and
(b) in making any determination on a Pro Forma Basis, (i) all
Indebtedness (including Indebtedness incurred or assumed and for which the
financial effect is being calculated, whether incurred under this
Agreement or otherwise) incurred or repaid during the Reference Period
(or, in the case of any determination made pursuant to the definition of
the term "Permitted Acquisition", clause (c) of the definition of the term
"Prepayment Event", Section 2.20, Section 6.01(ix), Section 6.05(j) or
Section 6.08(b)(iii), occurring during the Reference Period or thereafter
and through and including the date upon which such event is expected to be consummated) shall be deemed to have been incurred or repaid at the beginning of such period and (ii) Consolidated Cash Interest Expense attributable to interest on any Indebtedness, for which pro forma effect is being given as provided in preceding clause (i), bearing floating interest rates shall be computed as if the rates that would have been in effect during the period for which pro forma effect is being given had been actually in effect during such periods.
"Proposed Change" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02.
"Qualified Capital Stock" means any Equity Interests of any Person
that does not by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is
convertible or for which it is exchangeable or exercisable) or upon the
happening of any event (a) provide for scheduled payments of dividends in cash,
(b) become mandatorily redeemable (other than pursuant to customary provisions
relating to redemption upon a change of control or sale of assets) pursuant to a
sinking fund obligation or otherwise prior to the date that is 91 days after the
Term Loan Maturity Date, (c) become convertible or exchangeable at the option of
the holder thereof for Indebtedness or Equity Interests that are not Qualified
Capital Stock, or (d) contain any maintenance covenants, other covenants adverse
to the Lenders or remedies (other than voting rights and increases in
dividends).
"Register" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.
"Related Parties" means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person's Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and such Person's Affiliates.
"Release" means any release, spill, emission, leaking, dumping, injection, pouring, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching or migration into or through the environment or within or upon any building, structure, facility or fixture.
"Reorganization" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
"Required Lenders" means, at any time, Lenders having Revolving Exposures, Term Loans, Loans in respect of Incremental Extensions of Credit, if any, and unused Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total Revolving Exposures, outstanding Term Loans, outstanding Loans in respect of Incremental Extensions of Credit, if any, and unused Commitments at such time.
"Requirement of Law" means, as to any Person, the certificate of incorporation and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation or legally binding determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.
"Restricted Payment" means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in Holdings, the Borrower or any 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, cancelation or termination of any Equity Interests in Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary.
"Retained Mandatory Prepayment Amount" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.11.
"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 all 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 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender's Revolving Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01, or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, as applicable. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Commitments is $130,000,000, $65,000,000 aggregate amount of which shall expire on the Delayed Draw Expiration Date if the Aurora Effective Date has not occurred.
"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 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.
"Revolving Maturity Date" means November 25, 2009.
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, Inc.
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
"Security Documents" means the Collateral Agreement, the Mortgages and each other security agreement or other instrument or document executed and delivered pursuant to Section 5.12 or 5.13 to secure any of the Obligations.
"Senior Leverage Ratio" means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Average Senior Debt as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower ended on such date (or, if such date is not the last day of a fiscal quarter, ended on the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Borrower most recently ended prior to such date for which financial statements are available), provided that to the extent the Aurora Acquisition or any Permitted Acquisition, Disposition outside the ordinary course of business or discontinuation of operations has occurred during the relevant period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, such ratio shall be determined for such period on a Pro Forma Basis for such occurrences.
"Senior Subordinated Debt Documents" means the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture and all other instruments, agreements and other documents evidencing or governing the Senior Subordinated Notes or providing for any Guarantee or other right in respect thereof.
"Senior Subordinated Notes" means (a) the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes and (b) the Additional Senior Subordinated Notes, if any.
"Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of November 25, 2003, among the Borrower, the Subsidiaries listed therein and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, in respect of (a) the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes and (b) to the extent they are issued pursuant to the aforementioned Indenture, the Additional Senior Subordinated Notes.
"Sponsors" means JPMP, JWC and their respective Controlled Affiliates.
"Standby Letter of Credit" means any irrevocable standby letter of credit in support of certain obligations of the Borrower available against sight drafts and payable at sight, issued by an Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.05.
"Standstill Period" means the period from and including the Effective Date to (a) if the Aurora Acquisition has been consummated, the date that is six months after the Aurora Effective Date and (b) if the Aurora Acquisition has not been consummated, the Delayed Draw Expiration Date.
"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 bank serving as the Administrative Agent is subject with respect to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, 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.
"Subordinated Debt" means (a) the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes,
(b) Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness, (c) Junior Indebtedness and (d) the
Additional Debt Securities.
"Subordinated Debt Documents" means all instruments, agreements and other documents (including the Senior Subordinated Debt Documents) evidencing or governing the Subordinated Debt or providing for any Guarantee or other right in respect thereof.
"subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person (the "parent") at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent's consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or 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.
"Subsidiary" means any subsidiary of the Borrower.
"Subsidiary Loan Party" means any wholly owned Subsidiary that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.
"Supermajority Lenders" means, at any time, Lenders having Revolving Exposures, Term Loans, Loans in respect of Incremental Extensions of Credit, if any, and unused Commitments representing more than 66.67% of the sum of the total Revolving Exposures, outstanding Term Loans, outstanding Loans in respect of Incremental Extensions of Credit, if any, and unused Commitments at such time.
"Swap Agreement" means any agreement with respect to any swap,
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
(a) no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of
services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or
consultants of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries and (b) no commercial supply
agreement relating to the purchase of commodities shall be a Swap Agreement.
"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, as the context may require, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and JPMorgan Chase Bank, each in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder.
"Swingline Loan" means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.04.
"Syndication Agent" means General Electric Capital Corporation.
"Taxes" means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority.
"Term Loan" means an Initial Term Loan or a Delayed Draw Term Loan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, upon the initial borrowing of the Delayed Draw Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.01(a)(ii), the Initial Term Loans and the Delayed Draw Term Loans shall constitute the same Term Loans.
"Term Loan Commitment" means an Initial Term Loan Commitment or a Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment.
"Term Loan Lender" means a Lender with a Term Loan Commitment or an outstanding Term Loan.
"Term Loan Maturity Date" means November 25, 2010.
"Total Indebtedness" means, as of any date, the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries outstanding as of such date, in the amount that would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, plus (b) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries outstanding as of such date that is not required to be reflected on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, determined on a consolidated basis, provided that, for purposes of clause (b) above, the term "Indebtedness" shall not include contingent obligations of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty unless such letter of credit or letter of guaranty supports an obligation that constitutes Indebtedness.
"Trade Letter of Credit" means any irrevocable trade letter of credit available against sight drafts and payable at sight, issued by an Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.05.
"Transaction Costs" means fees and expenses payable or otherwise borne by Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions occurring on or about the Effective Date.
"Transactions" means the Pinnacle Acquisition and the Financing Transactions.
"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.
"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 Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.
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 herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements 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, (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 and (f) without limiting its generality, the phrase "general corporate purposes" shall be construed to include Permitted Acquisitions.
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 in 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 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.
SECTION 1.05. Interpretation. On or after to the Aurora Effective Date (including for purposes of determining satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02), as used in this Agreement, all references to (a) "Holdings and its subsidiaries" or to "Holdings, the Borrower or the Subsidiaries" shall be to Holdings and its subsidiaries after giving effect to the Aurora Acquisition and (b) Loan Parties shall be to Holdings, the Borrower, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Aurora and its subsidiaries that shall become Loan Parties after giving effect to the Aurora Acquisition.
ARTICLE II
The Credits
SECTION 2.01. Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set
forth herein, each Lender agrees (a)(i) to make an Initial Term Loan to the
Borrower on the Effective Date in a principal amount not exceeding its Initial
Term Loan Commitment and (ii) to make a Delayed Draw Term Loan to the Borrower
on the Aurora Effective Date in a principal amount not exceeding its Delayed
Draw Term Loan Commitment, (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 (i) the aggregate amount of
Revolving Loans made on the Effective Date may not exceed $25,000,000, (ii) the
aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans outstanding prior to the Aurora
Effective Date may not exceed the amount that would result in the aggregate
amount of the Lenders' Revolving Exposures being equal to $65,000,000 and (iii)
the aggregate amount of Revolving Loans made on the Aurora Effective Date in
connection with the Aurora Acquisition may not exceed the sum of (A) subject to
Section 2.20, $7,500,000 (net of cash on hand of Aurora and its subsidiaries)
(provided that the aggregate principal amount of such Revolving Loans may be
increased, up to $32,500,000 (net of cash on hand of Aurora and its
subsidiaries), by the amount by which the aggregate principal amount of
Incremental Extensions of Credit incurred on the Aurora Effective Date as
contemplated by Section 2.20 is less than $25,000,000) plus (B) an amount (not
to exceed $15,000,000) equal to the amount of working capital purchase price
adjustments as set forth in the Aurora Acquisition Agreement (it being agreed
that any such Revolving Loans are in addition to the Revolving Loans that the
Borrower is otherwise permitted to borrow on or prior to the Aurora Effective
Date in accordance with the preceding clause (ii)); provided further that any
increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Additional Aurora Securities
above $200,000,000 shall reduce, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the amount of
Revolving Loans that may be made on the Aurora Effective Date. 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.
SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings. (a) 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.
(a) 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.
(b) 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 $500,000 and not less than $2,000,000. At the time that each ABR Revolving Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $500,000 and not less than $1,000,000. Each Swingline Loan shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $250,000. 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 fifteen Eurodollar Borrowings outstanding. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.02(c), an ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan may be in an aggregate amount that is (i) equal to the entire unused balance of the total Revolving Commitments or (ii) required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.05(e).
(c) 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 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 12:00 noon, New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City 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., New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request signed by the Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) whether the requested Borrowing is to be a Revolving Borrowing or 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 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, 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) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each 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 (x) prior to the Aurora Effective Date, $20,000,000 and (y) on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $60,000,000, (ii) prior to the Aurora Effective Date, the aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Exposures exceeding $65,000,000 or (iii) the aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Exposures exceeding the aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Commitments, provided that the Swingline Lenders 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) To request a Swingline Loan, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (confirmed by telecopy), not later than 3:00 p.m., New York City 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), amount of the requested Swingline Loan and the wire transfer instructions for the account of the Borrower to which the proceeds of the Swingline Loan are to be disbursed. The Administrative Agent will promptly advise the Swingline Lenders of any such notice received from the Borrower. The Swingline Lenders shall make each Swingline Loan available to the Borrower by means of a credit to the account of the
Borrower specified in the notice (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 applicable Issuing Bank) by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.
(c) The applicable Swingline Lender may by written notice given to
the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 noon, New York City 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 applicable 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 applicable 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 applicable Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by the applicable
Swingline Lender from the Borrower (or other party on behalf of the Borrower) in
respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by such 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
applicable Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear, provided that any
such payment so remitted shall be repaid to the applicable Swingline Lender or
to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is
required to be refunded to the Borrower 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.
SECTION 2.05. Letters of Credit. (a) General. Upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 4.01 on the Effective Date, each Existing Pinnacle Letter of Credit will, automatically without any action on the part of any Person, be deemed to be a Letter of Credit issued hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 4.02 on the
Aurora Effective Date, each Existing Aurora Letter of Credit will, automatically without any action on the part of any Person, be deemed to be a Letter of Credit issued hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. In addition, 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 Subsidiary Loan Party, at any time and from time to time on and after the Effective Date and prior to the date which is 30 days prior to the Revolving Maturity Date. Each Letter of Credit shall be denominated in dollars and shall be payable at sight. 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, any 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, the Borrower shall hand deliver or telecopy (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the applicable Issuing Bank) to the applicable Issuing Bank (which may be any Issuing Bank selected by the Borrower if there is more than one Issuing Bank, except that (i) the Issuing Bank in respect of Existing Pinnacle Letters of Credit shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit or renew or extend an Existing Pinnacle Letter of Credit unless agreed by it and (ii) the Issuing Bank in respect of Existing Aurora Letters of Credit shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit or renew or extend an Existing Aurora Letter of Credit unless agreed by it) and the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance which shall be a Business Day) a Letter of Credit Request requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit. If requested by the applicable Issuing Bank, the Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on such Issuing Bank's standard form in connection with any request for the issuance of a Letter of Credit. To request the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall hand deliver or telecopy (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the applicable Issuing Bank) to the applicable Issuing Bank a request to amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit, identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended with the applicable Letter of Credit number, and specifying the date of amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day) and such other information as shall be necessary to amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit. 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 (x) prior to the Aurora Effective Date, $20,000,000 and (y) on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $40,000,000, (ii) prior to the Aurora Effective Date, the aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Exposures shall not exceed $65,000,000 or (iii) the aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Exposures shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Commitments. Promptly after the issuance or amendment of a Standby Letter of Credit, the applicable Issuing Bank shall notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, in writing, of such issuance or amendment and such notice shall be accompanied by a copy of such issuance or amendment. Promptly upon receipt of
such notice, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender, in writing, of such issuance or amendment and if so requested by a Revolving Lender, the Administrative Agent shall provide such Revolving Lender with copies of such issuance or amendment. With respect to Trade Letters of Credit, the applicable Issuing Bank shall provide the Administrative Agent on the first Business Day of each week by facsimile with a report detailing the aggregate daily outstandings for such Issuing Bank for the previous week.
(c) Expiration Date. Each Standby Letter of Credit shall expire at
or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after
the date of the issuance of such Standby Letter of Credit (or, in the case of
any renewal or extension thereof, one year after such renewal or extension) and
(ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Revolving Maturity Date,
provided that any Standby Letter of Credit may contain customary automatic
renewal provisions agreed upon by the Borrower and the applicable Issuing Bank
pursuant to which the expiration date is automatically extended by a specific
time period (but not to a date later than the date set forth in clause (ii)
above) unless the applicable Issuing Bank gives notice to the beneficiary of
such Standby Letter of Credit prior to the expiration date of such Standby
Letter of Credit. Each Trade Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the
close of business on the earlier of (i) 180 days after the date of the issuance
of such Trade Letter of Credit and (ii) the date that is 30 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 applicable Issuing Bank or the Lenders, the applicable Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Revolving Lender, and each Revolving Lender hereby acquires from such 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 applicable Issuing Bank, such Lender's Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by such Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrower on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason. Each Revolving 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 an 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 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date that such LC Disbursement is made, if the Borrower shall have received notice of such LC Disbursement prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on such date, or, if such notice has not been received by the
Borrower prior to such time on such date, then not later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on (i) the Business Day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is received prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is not received prior to such time on the day of receipt, provided that, the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 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 applicable 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 applicable Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse such applicable Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and the applicable Issuing Bank as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the applicable 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.
(f) Obligations Absolute. The Borrower's obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section 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 this Agreement, 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 an 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, 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 any 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 any Issuing Bank, provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the applicable Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential or punitive 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 such Issuing Bank's 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 wilful misconduct on the part of an Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), such 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 applicable 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. An Issuing Bank shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit. The applicable Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of such demand for payment and whether such 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 applicable Issuing Bank and the Revolving Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement in accordance with Section 2.05(e).
(h) Interim Interest. If an 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, then Section 2.13(c) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the applicable Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Revolving Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse such Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.
(i) Issuing Banks. Any Issuing Bank may be terminated, and any existing Revolving Lender may become an Issuing Bank, in each case at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the terminated Issuing Bank or additional Issuing Bank (as applicable). The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such additional Issuing Bank. At the time any such termination shall
become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the terminated Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(b). From and after the effective date of any such addition of an Issuing Bank, the additional Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it. After the termination of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the terminated 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 termination, 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 (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Revolving Lenders with LC Exposures representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposures) 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 Exposures 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 Article VII. The Borrower also shall deposit cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph as and to the extent required by Section 2.11(b). Each such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement. 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. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the applicable 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 Exposures at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Revolving Lenders with LC Exposures representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposures), 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, together with interest or profits (in each case, to the extent not applied as aforesaid), shall be returned to the Borrower within three Business Days after all Events of Default have been cured or waived.
SECTION 2.06. Funding of Borrowings. (a) 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, New York City 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 designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request, provided that ABR Revolving Loans and Swingline 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 applicable Issuing Bank.
(a) 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
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 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 as of the date of such Borrowing.
SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections. (a) 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, provided that (i) the Eurodollar Borrowings made on the Effective Date shall have an Interest Period of one month's duration and (ii) the Eurodollar Borrowings made on the Aurora Effective Date shall have Interest Periods that are coterminous with the then-outstanding Eurodollar Borrowings of the same Class in amounts that are proportionate to then-outstanding Eurodollar Borrowings. 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) To make an election pursuant to this Section, 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 hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request signed by the Borrower.
(c) Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall
specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02 and paragraph
(e) of this Section:
(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);
(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) 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) 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. 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, 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) Unless
previously terminated, (i) the Initial Term Loan Commitments shall terminate at
5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Effective Date, (ii) the Delayed Draw Term
Loan Commitments shall terminate at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
earlier of the Aurora Effective Date and the Delayed Draw Expiration Date and
(iii) the Revolving Commitments shall terminate on the Revolving Maturity Date,
provided that if the
Aurora Effective Date shall not have occurred, Revolving Commitments in an aggregate amount of $65,000,000 shall expire on the Delayed Draw Expiration Date.
(b) 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 $1,000,000 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 aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Exposures would exceed the aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Commitments.
(c) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any
election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this
Section 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 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 borrowings or
the completion of the sale or issuance of Equity Interests of Holdings or the
sale of assets of the Borrower (to the extent permitted by Article VI), 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.
SECTION 2.09. Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt. (a) The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each 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 Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Term Loan of such Lender as provided in Section 2.10 and (iii) to each Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan made by such Swingline Lender on the earlier of the Revolving Maturity Date and the first date after such Swingline Loan is made that is the 15th or last day of a calendar month and is at least two 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 that were outstanding on the date such Borrowing was requested.
(b) 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) 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) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein, 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.
(e) Any Lender may request that Loans of any Class made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. 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 and the Borrower. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) 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. (a) Subject to adjustment pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section, the Borrower shall repay Term Borrowings on each date set forth below in the aggregate principal amount equal to the product of (i) the percentage set forth below opposite such date and (ii) the sum of (A) the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Term Loans made on the Effective Date and (B) if the Aurora Effective Date shall occur, the aggregate principal amount of Delayed Draw Term Loans made on the Aurora Effective Date:
Date Amount ------------------ ------ June 30, 2004 0.25% September 30, 2004 0.25% December 31, 2004 0.25% March 31, 2005 0.25% June 30, 2005 0.25% September 30, 2005 0.25% December 31, 2005 0.25% March 31, 2006 0.25% June 30, 2006 0.25% September 30, 2006 0.25% December 31, 2006 0.25% March 31, 2007 0.25% June 30, 2007 0.25% September 30, 2007 0.25% December 31, 2007 0.25% |
Date Amount ------------------ ------ March 31, 2008 0.25% June 30, 2008 0.25% September 30, 2008 0.25% December 31, 2008 0.25% March 31, 2009 0.25% June 30, 2009 0.25% September 30, 2009 0.25% December 31, 2009 0.25% March 31, 2010 23.50% June 30, 2010 23.50% September 30, 2010 23.50% November 25, 2010 23.75% |
(b) To the extent not previously paid, all Term Loans shall be due and payable on the Term Loan Maturity Date.
(c) Any prepayment of a Term Borrowing shall be applied (i) in the
case of prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.11(a), to reduce the remaining
subsequent scheduled repayments of the Term Borrowings pursuant to this Section
as directed by the Borrower and (ii) in the case of prepayments made pursuant to
Section 2.11(c) or Section 2.11(d), to reduce the subsequent scheduled
repayments of the Term Borrowings to be made pursuant to this Section ratably.
(d) Prior to any repayment of any Term Borrowings hereunder, 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 11:00 a.m., New York City time, (i) three Business Days before
the scheduled date of such repayment in the case of Eurodollar Borrowings or
(ii) one Business Day before the scheduled date of repayment in the case of ABR
Borrowings. 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) The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to the requirements of this Section.
(b) In the event and on such occasion that the aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Exposures exceeds the aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Commitments, the Borrower shall prepay Revolving Borrowings or Swingline Borrowings (or, if no such Borrowings are outstanding, deposit cash collateral in an account with the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.05(j)) in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.
(c) In the event and on each occasion that any Net Proceeds are received by or on behalf of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any
Prepayment Event, the Borrower shall, within three Business Days after such Net Proceeds are received, prepay Term Borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to (x) in the case of a prepayment event described in clause (c) of the definition of the term "Prepayment Event", 50% of such Net Proceeds and (y) in the case of all other Prepayment Events, 100% of such Net Proceeds, provided that, 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 (or a portion thereof specified in such certificate), within 360 days after receipt of such Net Proceeds, to acquire real property, equipment, other tangible assets (excluding inventory) or intellectual property to be used in the business of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, and certifying that no Default has occurred and is continuing, then no prepayment shall be required pursuant to this paragraph in respect of the Net Proceeds in respect of such event (or the portion of such Net Proceeds specified in such certificate, if applicable) except to the extent of any such Net Proceeds therefrom that have not been so applied by the end of such 360-day period, at which time a prepayment shall be required in an amount equal to such Net Proceeds that have not been so applied.
(d) Following the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, commencing with the fiscal year ending July 31, 2004 (or, if prior to the date on which financial statements are delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 for such period, the Borrower delivers a certificate of a Financial Officer stating that Holdings and the Borrower intend to change their and the Subsidiaries' fiscal year end for fiscal reporting purposes to December 31, then commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004), the Borrower shall prepay Term Borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to (i) the excess of (A) 75% of Excess Cash Flow over (B) prepayments of Term Loans under Section 2.11(a) during such fiscal year, for any fiscal year for which the Leverage Ratio at the end of such fiscal year is greater than or equal to 4.00 to 1.00, (ii) the excess of (A) 50% of Excess Cash Flow over (B) prepayments of Term Loans under Section 2.11(a) during such fiscal year, for any fiscal year for which the Leverage Ratio at the end of such fiscal year is less than 4.00 to 1.00 and greater than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00 and (iii) 0% of Excess Cash Flow for any fiscal year for which the Leverage Ratio at the end of such fiscal year is less than 2.50 to 1.00. Each prepayment pursuant to this paragraph shall be made on or before the date that is five days after the date on which financial statements are delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 with respect to the fiscal year for which Excess Cash Flow is being calculated (and in any event within 95 days after the end of such fiscal year).
(e) Prior to any optional or mandatory prepayment of Borrowings hereunder, the Borrower shall select the Borrowing or Borrowings to be prepaid and shall specify such selection in the notice of such prepayment pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Section. In the event of any prepayment of Term Borrowings pursuant to Section 2.11(c) or 2.11(d), any Term Loan Lender may elect, by notice to the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) at least one Business Day prior to the prepayment date not to have such prepayment applied to such Lender's Term Loans, in which case (i) so long as Revolving Borrowings are outstanding, the aggregate amount of the prepayment not so applied to prepay the Term Loans shall be applied to prepay Revolving Borrowings (without a concurrent reduction of the Revolving Commitments) and
(ii) once all Revolving Borrowings have been paid in full, the amount not so applied (the "Retained Mandatory Prepayment Amount") shall be retained by the Borrower and used for general corporate purposes.
(f) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, the applicable Swingline Lender) by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment, (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, 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, New York City time, 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, if a notice of optional prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Revolving Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.08, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.08. 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.
SECTION 2.12. Fees. (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at a rate equal to 0.50% per annum 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 the Revolving Commitments terminate. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and on the date on which such 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). For purposes of computing commitment fees with respect to Revolving Commitments, 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) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Term Loan Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at a rate equal to 1.25% per annum, on the average daily unused amount of the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment of such Term Loan Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Aurora Effective Date and the Delayed
Draw Expiration Date, payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and on the date on which such Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof.
(c) The Borrower agrees to pay (i) 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 same Applicable Rate used to determine the interest rate applicable to Eurodollar Revolving Loans on the actual 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, and (ii) to the applicable Issuing Bank a fronting fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.25% per annum on the actual daily amount of the 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 of termination of the Revolving Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure, as well as the applicable 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 fronting fees shall be payable in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date, provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to any Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within 10 days after demand. All participation fees and 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).
(d) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agents, for their respective accounts, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon among the Borrower and the Agents .
(e) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to the applicable 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) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing (including each Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
(b) 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) 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 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.
(d) 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 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) 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
(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 of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;
then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone or telecopy 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 (which notice the Administrative Agent agrees to give promptly after such circumstances cease to 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 (ii) if any Borrowing
Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing.
SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs. (a) 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 any Issuing Bank; or
(ii) impose on any Lender or any 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 any 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 Issuing Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
(b) If any Lender or any 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 Issuing Bank's capital or on the capital of such Lender's or 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 such Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lender's or Issuing Bank's holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender's or Issuing Bank's policies and the policies of such Lender's or Issuing Bank's holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lender's or Issuing Bank's holding company for any such reduction suffered.
(c) A certificate of a Lender or Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or an Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender's or Issuing Bank's right to demand such compensation, provided that the
Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender or 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 Issuing Bank's intention to claim compensation therefor, and 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,
continue or prepay any Revolving Loan or Term Loan on the date specified in any
notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be
revoked under Section 2.11(f) and is revoked in accordance therewith), or (d)
the assignment 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, then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender
for the loss (other than loss of margin or anticipated profit), cost and expense
attributable to such event. In the case of a Eurodollar Loan, 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 10 days after receipt thereof.
SECTION 2.17. Taxes. (a) Any and all payments by or on account of
any obligation of the Borrower 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 Borrower shall be required to deduct any
Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable
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, a Lender or an Issuing Bank (as the case may be)
receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such
deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) the
Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental
Authority in accordance with applicable law.
(b) In addition, the Borrower shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
(c) The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and each Issuing Bank, within 10 days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent, such Lender or such 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) 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 an Issuing Bank, or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(d) As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent 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) Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments under this Agreement shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate.
(f) If the Administrative Agent or a Lender determines, in its sole good faith discretion, that it has received a refund of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17, it shall upon such determination pay over such refund to the Borrower (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower under this Section 2.17 with respect to the Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all reasonable 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 the Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Borrower (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 the Borrower or any other Person.
SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs. (a) 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 12:00 noon, New York City 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 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005 except payments to be made directly to an Issuing Bank or a Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 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. If any payment under any Loan Document shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment 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. All payments under each Loan Document shall be made in dollars.
(b) 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.
(c) If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or by taking a credit against the purchase price payable in respect of Collateral pursuant to Section 5.01 of the Collateral Agreement 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 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, other than to
the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions
of this paragraph shall apply). The Borrower consents to the foregoing and
agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, 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) 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 any 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 applicable 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 each 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) 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(d) or 9.03(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.
SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders. (a) 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.
(b) 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,
or if any Lender defaults in its obligation to fund Loans hereunder, 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 9.04), all its interests, rights and obligations 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 (and
if a Revolving Commitment is being assigned, each Issuing Bank and each
Swingline Lender), 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 and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline
Loans, 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 material 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.
SECTION 2.20. Incremental Extensions of Credit. After the end of the Standstill Period, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may at any time and from time to time, request to add additional term loans or additional revolving commitments (together, the "Incremental Extensions of Credit") in minimum principal amounts of $5,000,000, provided that (a) immediately prior to and after giving effect to any Incremental Facility Amendment, no Default has occurred or is continuing or shall result therefrom and the Borrower shall be in compliance with Sections 6.12, 6.13 and 6.14, (b) immediately after giving effect to the Incremental Facility Amendment, the Borrower shall have a Senior Leverage Ratio, on a Pro Forma Basis, of less than 2.50 to 1.00, and (c) the Incremental Extensions of Credit shall rank pari passu or junior in right of payment and right of security in respect of the Collateral with the Revolving Loans and the Term Loans. The Incremental Extensions of Credit (a) shall be in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $125,000,000 and (b) other than amortization, pricing or maturity date, shall have the same terms as the Term Loans or Revolving Commitments, as applicable, existing immediately prior to the effectiveness of an Incremental Facility Amendment (the "Existing Extensions of Credit"), provided that (i) if the Applicable Rate (which, for such purposes only, shall be deemed to include all upfront or similar fees or original issue discount payable to all Lenders providing such Incremental Extensions of Credit) relating to the Incremental Extensions of Credit
exceeds the Applicable Rate (which, for such purposes only, shall be deemed to
include all upfront or similar fees or original issue discount payable to all
Lenders providing such Existing Extensions of Credit) relating to the analogous
Existing Extensions of Credit by more than 0.25%, the Applicable Rate relating
to the Existing Extensions of Credit shall be adjusted to be equal to the
Applicable Rate (which, for such purposes only, shall be deemed to include all
upfront or similar fees or original issue discount payable to all Lenders
providing such Incremental Extensions of Credit) relating to the analogous
Incremental Extensions of Credit minus 0.25%, (ii) the Incremental Extensions of
Credit in the form of Term Loans shall not have a final maturity date earlier
than the Term Loan Maturity Date and the maturity date of the Incremental
Extensions of Credit in the form of Revolving Commitments shall not be earlier
than the Revolving Maturity Date and (iii) Incremental Extensions of Credit in
the form of Term Loans shall not have a weighted average life that is shorter
than that of the then-remaining weighted average life of the Existing Extensions
of Credit that are Term Loans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) the Borrower
may obtain Incremental Extensions of Credit during the Standstill Period in an
aggregate principal amount of up to (i) prior to the Aurora Effective Date,
$10,000,000 and (ii) on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $25,000,000, in each
case to the extent used to finance Permitted Acquisitions satisfying the
conditions in clause (f) of the definition thereof, provided that (A) no Default
has occurred or is continuing or shall result therefrom and (B) the Borrower
shall be in compliance with Sections 6.12, 6.13 and 6.14 on a Pro Forma Basis
and (b) on the Aurora Effective Date, the Borrower may obtain Incremental
Extensions of Credit in the form of term loans in an aggregate principal amount
of up to $25,000,000 in connection with the Aurora Acquisition, provided that
the aggregate principal amount of such loans shall be reduced by the amount by
which the aggregate principal amount of the Additional Aurora Securities exceeds
$175,000,000. Any additional bank, financial institution, existing Lender or
other Person that elects to extend commitments to provide Incremental Extensions
of Credit shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent (any such bank, financial institution, existing Lender or
other Person being called an "Additional Lender") and shall become a Lender
under this Agreement, pursuant to an amendment (an "Incremental Facility
Amendment") to this Agreement, giving effect to the modifications permitted by
this Section 2.20, and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by
the Borrower, each existing Lender agreeing to provide a commitment in respect
of the Incremental Extensions of Credit, if any, each Additional Lender, if any,
and the Administrative Agent. Commitments in respect of Incremental Extensions
of Credit shall become Commitments under this Agreement. An Incremental Facility
Amendment may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments
to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or
appropriate, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the
provisions of this Section. The effectiveness of any Incremental Facility
Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof (each, an
"Incremental Facility Closing Date") of each of the conditions set forth in
Section 4.03 (it being understood that all references to "the date of such
Borrowing" in such Section 4.03 shall be deemed to refer to the Incremental
Facility Closing Date). No more than five Incremental Facility Closing Dates may
be selected by the Borrower. Except as set forth above, the proceeds of the
Incremental Extensions of Credit shall be used for general corporate purposes.
ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties
Each of Holdings and the Borrower represents and warrants to the Lenders that:
SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and, where applicable, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to own or lease its properties and to carry on its business as currently conducted and, 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 in, every 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 powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or company and, if required, stockholder or member action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of Holdings and 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 Holdings, the Borrower or such 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 Transactions
(a) do not require any material consent or approval of, registration or filing
with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have
been obtained or made and are in full force and effect and except filings
necessary to perfect Liens created under the Loan Documents, (b) will not
violate (i) in any material respect any applicable law or regulation or any
order of any Governmental Authority or (ii) the charter, by-laws or other
organizational documents of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (c) will
not violate or result in a default under any material indenture, agreement or
other instrument binding upon Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or its
assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by
Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries, and (d) will not result in
the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of Holdings, the Borrower or
any of the Subsidiaries, except Liens created under the Loan Documents.
SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change. (a) The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders (i)(A) the Borrower's consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2003, July 31, 2002 and July 31, 2001 and the statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002 and for the period from March 29, 2001 to July 31, 2001, and the related notes thereto, accompanied by a true and correct copy of the reports
thereon by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants, and (B) audited consolidated statements of operations, changes in investment (deficit) in net assets, and cash flows of the Frozen Foods and Condiments Businesses of Vlasic Foods International Inc. (the Borrower's predecessor) for the forty-two weeks ended May 22, 2001, and the related notes thereto, accompanied by a true and correct copy of the report thereon by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants, and (ii) PFC's unaudited consolidated balance sheet, together with related interim unaudited consolidated statement of operations and cash flows as of and for the fiscal months and the portions of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 and September 30, 2003, certified by the Borrower's chief financial officer. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries (or PFC and its subsidiaries, as the case may be), on a consolidated basis, as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of the statements referred to in clause (ii) above.
(b) Holdings has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its (i) pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of July 31, 2003, prepared giving effect to the Transactions as if the Transactions had occurred on such date and (ii) pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of July 31, 2003, prepared giving effect to the Transactions and the Aurora Acquisition as if the Transactions and the Aurora Acquisition had occurred on such date. Each such pro forma consolidated balance sheet (i) has been prepared in good faith based on the same assumptions used to prepare the pro forma financial statements included in the Information Memorandum (which assumptions are believed by Holdings and the Borrower to be reasonable), (ii) is based on the best information available to Holdings and the Borrower after due inquiry, (iii) accurately reflects all material adjustments necessary to give effect to the Transactions or the Transactions occurring on or about the Effective Date and the Aurora Acquisition, as applicable, and (iv) presents fairly, in all material respects, the pro forma financial position of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, as of July 31, 2003, as if such events had occurred on such date.
(c) Holdings has heretofore furnished to the Agents reasonably detailed consolidated budgets for the Borrower, (i) after giving effect to the Transactions, for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2004 and (ii) after giving effect to the Transactions and the Aurora Acquisition, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004, in each case, organized on a quarterly basis (including a quarterly breakout of slotting and trade promotion expenses).
(d) Except as disclosed in the financial statements referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) above or the notes thereto or in the Information Memorandum and except for the Disclosed Matters, after giving effect to the Transactions occurring on or about the Effective Date, none of Holdings, the Borrower or the Subsidiaries has, as of the Effective Date, any material contingent liabilities, unusual long-term commitments or unrealized losses.
(e) Since July 31, 2003, there has been no material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, operations or business of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, provided that, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, neither the commencement of the Case nor any material adverse change disclosed in Aurora's periodic reports (including current reports on Form 8-K) that are filed prior to the Effective Date with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 shall constitute by itself such a material adverse change.
(f) As of the Aurora Effective Date, since December 31, 2002, there has been no condition or circumstance that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on the business, operations, performance, properties, condition (financial or otherwise) or liabilities (including contingent liabilities) of or applicable to Aurora and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, provided that neither the commencement of the Case nor any material adverse change disclosed in Aurora's periodic reports (including current reports on Form 8-K) that are filed prior to the Effective Date with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 shall constitute by itself such a material adverse change. As of the Aurora Effective Date, the financial statements delivered pursuant Section 4.01(k) and 4.02(o) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of Aurora and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, as of the dates and for the periods referenced in such financial statements in accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end adjustments and absence of footnotes, in the case of interim financial statements.
SECTION 3.05. Properties. (a) Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all the real and personal property material to its business (including its Mortgaged Properties), except for Liens permitted by Section 6.02 and minor 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.
(b) Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed or otherwise permitted to use, all trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property material to the business of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, the use thereof by Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Schedule 3.05 sets forth the address of each real property that is owned or leased by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date after giving effect to the Transactions occurring on or about the Effective Date.
(d) As of the Effective Date, neither Holdings or the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiaries has received notice of, or has knowledge of, any pending or contemplated condemnation proceeding affecting any Mortgaged Property or any sale or disposition thereof in lieu of condemnation. Neither any Mortgaged Property nor any interest of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries therein is subject to any
right of first refusal, option or other contractual right to purchase such Mortgaged Property or such interest therein.
SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters. (a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary, threatened against Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Matters) or (ii) that involve any of the Loan Documents or the Transactions.
(b) Except for the Disclosed Matters and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, none of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries (i) has failed to comply with any 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 notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.
SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries 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. No Default has occurred and is continuing.
SECTION 3.08. Investment and Holding Company Status. None of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries is (a) an "investment company" as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940 or (b) a "holding company" as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.
SECTION 3.09. Taxes. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the 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) any Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which Holdings, the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves in conformity with GAAP (or, in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary, generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in its jurisdiction of organization) 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 result, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $5,000,000 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $15,000,000). The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed the fair market value of the assets of such Plan or, if such present value did exceed such fair market value, then such circumstances could not reasonably be expected to result in any effort by the PBGC to terminate such Plan. The minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan have been satisfied.
SECTION 3.11. Disclosure. Holdings and the Borrower have disclosed to the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries is subject, and all other matters known to any of them, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.11, neither the Information Memorandum nor any of the other reports, financial statements, certificates or other written information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party to any Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or delivered hereunder or thereunder or oral information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party to any Lender as part of the syndication of the Loans (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), taken as a whole, as of the date thereof and as of the date such information was made available to the Agents contains (and in the case of the Information Memorandum, contains as of the Effective Date) 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 misleading, provided that, with respect to projected financial information, Holdings and the Borrower represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by it to be reasonable at the time of preparation and at the time such information is initially made available to the Administrative Agent or Lenders (and, in the case of the projected financial information included in the Information Memorandum, as of the Effective Date).
SECTION 3.12. Subsidiaries. Before giving effect to the Pinnacle Acquisition, Holdings does not have any subsidiaries other than MergerCo. After giving effect to the Pinnacle Acquisition, Holdings does not have any subsidiaries other than the Borrower and the Subsidiaries. Schedule 3.12 sets forth the name of, and the ownership interest of the Borrower in, each Subsidiary and identifies each Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary Loan Party, in each case as of the Effective Date.
SECTION 3.13. Insurance. Schedule 3.13 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date. As of the Effective Date, all premiums in respect of such insurance have been paid. Holdings and the Borrower believe that the insurance maintained by or on behalf of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries is adequate.
SECTION 3.14. Labor Matters. As of the Effective Date, there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened. As of the Effective Date, no claims have been asserted against Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary concerning the hours worked by and payments made to employees of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries for violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters. All material payments due from Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of Holdings, the Borrower or such Subsidiary. The consummation of the Transactions will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement by which Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary is bound. As of the Aurora Effective Date, the consummation of the Aurora Acquisition will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement by which Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary is bound.
SECTION 3.15. Solvency. Immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date and immediately following the making of each Loan made on the Effective Date and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Loans, (a) the fair value of the assets of each Loan Party, at a fair valuation, will exceed its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of each Loan Party will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of its debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (c) each Loan Party will be able to pay its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (d) each Loan Party will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is currently conducted and is proposed to be conducted following the Effective Date.
SECTION 3.16. Senior Indebtedness. The Obligations constitute "Senior Debt" and "Designated Senior Debt" under and as defined in the Senior Subordinated Debt Documents.
ARTICLE IV
Conditions
SECTION 4.01. Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make the Loans and of an Issuing Bank to issue 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 9.02):
(a) 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 satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement.
(b) The Agents shall have received a favorable written opinion (addressed to the Agents and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date) of each of (i) O'Melveny & Myers LLP, counsel for the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit D-1, and (ii) Stikeman Elliott LLP, substantially in the form of Exhibit D-2. Each of Holdings and the Borrower hereby requests such counsel to deliver such opinions.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received 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, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by the President or a Vice President of the Borrower or a Financial Officer, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.03.
(e) The Agents 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 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) The Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall have been
satisfied, and the Administrative Agent shall have received a completed
Perfection Certificate dated the Effective Date and signed by an executive
officer or Financial Officer, together with all attachments contemplated
thereby, including the results of a search of the Uniform Commercial Code (or
equivalent) filings made with respect to the Loan Parties in the jurisdictions
contemplated by the Perfection Certificate and copies of the financing
statements (or similar documents) disclosed by such search and evidence
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the Liens indicated by
such financing statements (or similar documents) are permitted by Section 6.02
or have been released, provided that evidence that the deposit account control
arrangements contemplated by the Collateral Agreement have been established may
be delivered after the Effective Date by the Loan Parties in accordance with
Section 5.13(c).
(g) The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence that the insurance required by Section 5.07 and the Security Documents is in effect.
(h) Crunch LLC shall have received gross proceeds of not less than $181,100,000 (less the amount, if any, by which Transaction Costs are less than $22,600,000) from the Equity Contribution. Crunch LLC shall have contributed all net cash proceeds of the Equity Contribution to Holdings and Holdings shall have contributed all such cash proceeds of the Equity Contribution to MergerCo as a capital contribution.
(i) The Borrower shall have received gross cash proceeds of not less than $200,000,000 from the issuance of the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes. The Administrative Agent shall have received copies of the Senior Subordinated Debt Documents, certified by a Financial Officer as complete and correct.
(j) All material governmental and third-party approvals necessary in connection with the Transactions and the other transactions contemplated thereby (including shareholder approvals, if any) shall have been obtained and be in full force and effect; all applicable waiting or appeal periods (including any extensions thereof) shall have expired and there shall be no governmental or judicial action, actual or threatened, that could reasonably be expected to restrain, prevent or impose burdensome conditions on the Transactions or the other transactions contemplated thereby. The Pinnacle Acquisition shall have been consummated or shall be consummated substantially simultaneously with the initial funding of Loans on the Effective Date in accordance with applicable law and the Pinnacle Acquisition Documents (without giving effect to any amendments or waivers to or of such documents not approved by the Agents, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld). The Transactions occurring on or about the Effective Date shall be consummated in a manner consistent with the sources and uses set forth on Schedule 4.01(j). The Agents shall be reasonably satisfied with the terms of the LLC Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall have received copies of the Pinnacle Acquisition Documents and all certificates, opinions and other documents delivered thereunder, certified by a Financial Officer as complete and correct.
(k) The Lenders shall have received (i) audited consolidated balance sheets of Aurora and the related statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for Aurora and its subsidiaries as of the end of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2002, December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, and the related notes thereto, accompanied by a true and correct copy of the reports thereon by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants, and (ii) unaudited consolidated balance sheets, together with related interim unaudited consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for Aurora and its subsidiaries as of and for the fiscal quarters and the portions of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003, June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2003, in each case prepared in accordance with GAAP (which shall be subject to year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes, in the case of the statements referred to in clause (ii)).
(l) The Lenders shall have received the pro forma consolidated balance sheets of Holdings described in Section 3.04(b), and such pro forma consolidated balance sheets shall not be materially inconsistent with the forecasts previously provided to the Lenders. After giving effect to the Transactions to occur on or about the Effective Date,
none of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries shall have outstanding any shares of preferred stock or any Indebtedness, other than (i) Indebtedness incurred under the Loan Documents, (ii) the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes and (iii) Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(iii). The terms and conditions of the Indebtedness of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries to remain outstanding immediately after the Effective Date (including terms and conditions relating to interest rates, fees, amortization, maturity, redemption, subordination, covenants, events of default and remedies) shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders. The Transaction Costs shall not exceed $25,000,000, unless the amount in excess thereof is funded with proceeds from Junior Capital.
(m) The Existing Pinnacle Credit Agreement shall have been terminated, and all loans, interest, fees and other amounts accrued or owing thereunder shall have been repaid in full, the commitments thereunder shall have been terminated and all guarantees and security interests granted in respect thereof shall have been released, and the terms and conditions of any such termination and release shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall have received a payoff and release letter in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent from Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, in its capacity as administrative agent under the Existing Pinnacle Credit Agreement.
(n) The Agents shall have received a solvency letter (addressed to the Agents and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date), in form and substance satisfactory to the Agents, from Corporate Valuation Advisors, Inc., confirming the solvency of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis after giving effect to the Transactions and the other transactions contemplated thereby (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall exclude the Aurora Acquisition).
(o) The Lenders shall have received a certificate of a Financial Officer certifying that Adjusted EBITDA is not less than $63,935,000, resulting in a ratio of Total Indebtedness (not including any Revolving Loans borrowed on the Effective Date) to Adjusted EBITDA of no greater than 5.0 to 1.0.
(p) The Borrower shall have received ratings of at least (i) B+, with a stable outlook, or better by S&P and B1, with a stable outlook, or better by Moody's, with respect to its senior secured debt and (ii) B-, with a stable outlook, or better by S&P and B3, with a stable outlook, or better by Moody's, with respect to the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes.
(q) There shall be no litigation, arbitration, administrative proceeding or consent decree that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (i) the business, operations, performance, properties, condition (financial or otherwise) or liabilities (including contingent liabilities) of or applicable to Holdings and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, after giving effect to the Transactions occurring on or about the Effective Date and the other transactions contemplated hereby, or (ii) the ability of the parties to consummate the Transactions or the other transactions contemplated hereby.
(r) The Lenders shall be reasonably satisfied in all respects with the tax position and the contingent tax and other liabilities of, and with any tax sharing agreements among, Holdings and its subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Transactions occurring on or about the Effective Date and the other transactions contemplated hereby, and with the plans of Holdings with respect thereto.
(s) The consummation of the Transactions and the other transactions contemplated hereby shall not (a) violate in any material respect any applicable law, statute, rule or regulation or (b) conflict with, or result in a prepayment event, default, event of default or creation of liens under, any material agreement of Holdings and the Borrower or any of their respective subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Transactions.
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 of an 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 9.02) at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 31, 2003 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments shall terminate at such time).
SECTION 4.02. Aurora Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders
to make the Delayed Draw Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.01(a)(ii) and to
permit the Revolving Exposures to exceed $65,000,000 and of the Issuing Banks to
permit the LC Exposure to exceed $20,000,000 hereunder shall not become
effective until (x) the Effective Date has occurred and (y) the date on which
each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with
Section 9.02):
(a) The Supermajority Lenders shall be satisfied in all respects with the terms of the Aurora Acquisition Documents. The Supermajority Lenders shall be reasonably satisfied with the structure, terms and provisions of the Initial Plan of Reorganization, and the Required Lenders shall be reasonably satisfied with any differences that would be materially adverse to the Borrower or to the Lenders between (i) the Plan of Reorganization in the form confirmed by the Court or any aspect of the Aurora Acquisition as approved by the Court and (ii) the Initial Plan of Reorganization.
(b) The Agents shall have received a favorable written opinion (addressed to the Agents and the Lenders and dated the Aurora Effective Date) of each of (i) O'Melveny & Myers LLP, counsel for the Borrower, and (ii) other counsel, in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents. Each of Holdings and the Borrower hereby requests such counsel to deliver such opinions.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received 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 Aurora Acquisition and any other legal matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Aurora Acquisition, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Aurora Effective Date and signed by the President or a Vice President of the Borrower or a Financial Officer, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.03.
(e) The Agents shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Aurora Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all 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) The Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall have been satisfied with respect to Aurora and its subsidiaries, and the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) a completed Perfection Certificate dated the Aurora Effective Date and signed by an executive officer or Financial Officer, together with all attachments contemplated thereby, including the results of a search of the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent) filings made with respect to the Loan Parties in the jurisdictions contemplated by the Perfection Certificate and copies of the financing statements (or similar documents) disclosed by such search and evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the Liens indicated by such financing statements (or similar documents) are permitted by Section 6.02 or have been released and (ii) evidence that the deposit account control arrangements contemplated by the Collateral Agreement shall have been established, provided that the Administrative Agent may, in its reasonable discretion, permit such Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be satisfied within a reasonable period after the Aurora Effective Date.
(g) The Court shall have entered the Order, which shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Agents, confirming the Plan of Reorganization and approving the terms of all exhibits thereto and (i) the Order shall be in full force and effect, (ii) the Order shall not be subject to any stay and there shall not have been entered by the Court any reversal, modification or vacatur, in whole or in part, of the Order not approved by the Required Lenders the effect of which would result in a modification to the Plan of Reorganization that is materially adverse to the Borrower or to the Lenders and (iii) all the conditions set forth in the Plan of Reorganization to the effectiveness of the Plan of Reorganization and to the Aurora Effective Date shall have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the Plan of Reorganization.
(h) Simultaneously with or prior to the Aurora Effective Date, Aurora and its debtor subsidiaries shall have emerged from the Chapter 11 proceedings and "substantial consummation" of the Plan of Reorganization (within the meaning of Section 1101(2) of the Bankruptcy Code) shall have occurred (without giving effect to any waivers, amendments or other modifications to the Plan of Reorganization that would be materially adverse to the Borrower or the Lenders not approved by the Required Lenders).
(i) The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence that the insurance required by Section 5.07 and the Security Documents is in effect.
(j) Crunch LLC shall have contributed all net cash proceeds of the Aurora Equity Contribution to Holdings, and Holdings shall have contributed all such cash proceeds to the Borrower.
(k) The Administrative Agent shall have received copies of the Subordinated Debt Documents and other instruments, agreements or documents relating to the Additional Aurora Securities, certified by a Financial Officer as complete and correct.
(l) All obligations under or relating to the Existing Aurora Credit Agreement, the Existing Aurora Receivables Facility, the Existing Aurora Senior Notes, the Existing Aurora Subordinated Notes and the DIP Facility (other than customary indemnification obligations) and all liens, guarantees and security interests granted in respect thereof (including all adequate protection obligations related thereto) shall have been discharged.
(m) All material governmental and third-party approvals necessary in connection with the Aurora Acquisition and the other transactions contemplated thereby (including shareholder approvals, if any) shall have been obtained and be in full force and effect; all applicable waiting periods (including any extensions thereof) shall have expired and there shall be no governmental or judicial action, actual or threatened, that could reasonably be expected to restrain, prevent or impose materially burdensome conditions on the Aurora Acquisition or the other transactions contemplated thereby.
(n) The Aurora Merger shall have been consummated or shall be consummated substantially simultaneously with the funding of Delayed Draw Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.01(a)(ii) on the Aurora Effective Date in accordance with applicable law and the Aurora Acquisition Documents (without giving effect to any amendments or waivers to or of such documents that would be materially adverse to the Borrower or to the Lenders not approved by the Required Lenders). The Aurora Acquisition shall be consummated in all material respects in a manner consistent with the sources and uses set forth on Schedule 4.02(n). The terms of any equity interests of Crunch LLC issued in respect of the Aurora Equity Contribution shall be in accordance with the LLC Agreement and any differences between (a) the terms of the LLC Agreement, as amended on or prior to the Aurora Effective Date, and (b) the terms of the LLC Agreement on the Pinnacle Effective Date shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agents and Crunch LLC. The Aurora Fees and Expenses shall not exceed $32,400,000 and the Other Aurora Closing Costs shall not exceed $33,200,000, unless, in each case, the amount in excess thereof is funded with proceeds from Junior Capital issued by Holdings or proceeds of Revolving Loans described in Section 2.01(b)(iii). The Administrative Agent shall have received copies of the Aurora Acquisition Documents and all certificates, opinions and other documents delivered thereunder, certified by a Financial Officer as complete and correct.
(o) To the extent not previously received, the Lenders shall have received audited consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for Aurora and its subsidiaries for (i) the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2000, December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2002 and (ii) each fiscal quarter subsequent to the date of the latest annual financial statements referred to in clause (i) above and ended at least 45 days prior to the Aurora Effective Date.
(p) The Lenders shall have received a pro forma consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent twelve-month period ending at least 30 days prior to the Aurora Effective Date, after giving pro forma effect to the Transactions and the Aurora Acquisition, and such pro forma consolidated balance sheet shall not be materially and adversely inconsistent with the forecasts previously provided to the Lenders unless otherwise approved by the Required Lenders. After giving effect to the Aurora Acquisition, none of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries shall have outstanding any shares of preferred stock or any Indebtedness other than preferred stock or Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 6.01. The terms and conditions of the Indebtedness of Holdings and its subsidiaries to remain outstanding immediately after the Aurora Effective Date (including terms and conditions relating to interest rates, fees, amortization, maturity, redemption, subordination, covenants, events of default and remedies) shall be permitted by this Agreement.
(q) The Lenders shall have received a certificate of a Financial
Officer certifying that after giving pro forma effect to the Transactions and
the Aurora Acquisition, (i) the Leverage Ratio (it being agreed that solely for
purposes of this Section, Average Total Debt shall be deemed to exclude any
Revolving Borrowings made on the Aurora Effective Date in connection with the
Aurora Acquisition, other than any Revolving Borrowings made pursuant to clause
(b)(iii)(A) of Section 2.01 in excess of $7,500,000 (net of cash on hand of
Aurora and its subsidiaries)) as of the end of the most recent twelve-month
period ending at least 30 days prior to the Aurora Effective Date does not
exceed 4.75 to 1.00 and (ii) the Senior Leverage Ratio as of the end of the most
recent twelve-month period ending at least 30 days prior to the Aurora Effective
Date does not exceed 3.00 to 1.00.
(r) The Borrower shall have ratings of at least B+, with a stable outlook, or better by S&P and B1, with a stable outlook, or better by Moody's, with respect to its senior secured debt.
(s) The Required Lenders shall be reasonably satisfied in all respects with any differences that would be materially adverse to the Borrower or to the Lenders between (i) the tax position and the contingent tax and other liabilities of, and with any tax sharing agreements among, Holdings and its subsidiaries, after giving effect to the Aurora Acquisition and the other transactions contemplated thereby, and with the plans of Holdings with respect thereto and (ii) such matters as described in the Information Memorandum or other information provided to the Lenders by or on behalf of the Borrower, Aurora or the Sponsors prior to the Effective Date.
The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Aurora Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Lenders to make the Delayed Draw Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.01(a)(ii) and to permit the Revolving Exposures to exceed
$65,000,000 and of the Issuing Banks to permit the LC Exposure to exceed
$20,000,000 hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing
conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 9.02) at or prior to 5:00
p.m., New York City time, on May 24, 2004 (and, in the event such conditions are
not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments relating thereto shall terminate at
such time).
SECTION 4.03. Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of any Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to receipt of the request therefor in accordance herewith and to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) The representations and warranties of each Loan Party set forth in the Loan Documents, (i) to the extent any such representation or warranty is modified or qualified based on the terms "materially" or "material" or by reference to the term "Material Adverse Effect", shall be true and correct in all respects and (ii) to the extent such representation or warranty is not so modified or qualified, shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case, on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date), as applicable.
(b) 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 Holdings
and the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs
(a) and (b) of this Section.
ARTICLE V
Affirmative Covenants
Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, each of Holdings and 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 and each Lender through the Administrative Agent:
(a) within 90 days (or such shorter period as the SEC shall specify for the filing of annual reports on Form 10-K) after the end of each fiscal year of the
Borrower, a copy of its audited consolidated (and, after the Aurora Effective Date, consolidating (consisting of consolidated financials statements of Aurora, Sea Coast Foods, Inc. and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and PFC and its subsidiaries, on the other hand)) balance sheet and related statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year (provided that such consolidating balance sheet and related statements may be unaudited), setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures as of the end of and for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or other 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 the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;
(b) within 45 days (or such shorter period as the SEC shall specify for the filing of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q) after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its consolidated (and, after the Aurora Effective Date, consolidating (consisting of consolidated financial statements of Aurora, Sea Coast Foods, Inc. and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and PFC and its subsidiaries, on the other hand)) balance sheet and related statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then-elapsed portion of such 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 a Financial Officer as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, provided that the foregoing shall not apply if the Borrower is required to file periodic reports pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and has filed a quarterly report with the SEC, which report shall be furnished to the Administrative Agent promptly following such filing;
(c) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer (i) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if 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 whether there has been compliance with Sections 6.12, 6.13 and 6.14, (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof, in either case, affecting the Borrower's financial statements, has occurred since the date of the Borrower's audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate and (iv) providing the information, if any, required to be provided pursuant to Section 4.05 of the Collateral Agreement;
(d) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above, a certificate of the accounting firm that reported on such financial statements stating whether they obtained knowledge during the course of their examination of such financial statements of any Default and, if such knowledge has been obtained, describing such Default (which certificate may be limited to the extent required by accounting rules or guidelines);
(e) within 45 days after the commencement of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a detailed consolidated budget for such fiscal year (including a projected consolidated balance sheet and related statements of projected operations and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal year and setting forth the assumptions used for purposes of preparing such budget) and, promptly when available, any significant revisions of such budget;
(f) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the SEC, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of the SEC, or with any national securities exchange, as the case may be;
(g) promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any Plan, or compliance with the terms of any Loan Document, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request; and
(h) promptly following a request therefor, all documentation and other information that a Lender reasonably requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable "know your customer" and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act.
SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events. Holdings and the Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, through the Administrative Agent, prompt written notice of the following:
(a) the occurrence of any Default;
(b) the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or, to the knowledge of an executive officer of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or a Financial Officer, affecting Holdings, the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) the occurrence of any ERISA Event or any fact or circumstance that gives rise to a reasonable expectation that any ERISA Event will occur that, in either case, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in an unsatisfied liability of the Borrower
and the Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $5,000,000;
(d) the receipt of any notice from any supplier, seller, vendor or any agent of any of the foregoing of a notice pursuant to Section 5(c) of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930, as amended; and
(e) any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.
Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower 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. Information Regarding Collateral. (a) The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of any change (i) in any Loan Party's name, (ii) in the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of any Loan Party, (iii) in any office in which any Loan Party maintains material books or records relating to Collateral owned by it, or (iv) in any Loan Party's organizational identification number. The Borrower also agrees to promptly provide to the Administrative Agent certified organizational documents reflecting any of the changes described in the preceding sentence. The Borrower agrees not to effect or permit any change referred to in the preceding sentences unless all filings have been made under the Uniform Commercial Code or otherwise that are required in order for the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest in all the Collateral. The Borrower also agrees promptly to notify the Administrative Agent if any material portion of the Collateral owned or held by it is damaged or destroyed.
(b) Each year, at the time of delivery of annual financial
statements with respect to the preceding fiscal year pursuant to clause (a) of
Section 5.01, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a
certificate of a Financial Officer or the chief legal officer of the Borrower
setting forth the information required pursuant to the Perfection Certificate or
confirming that there has been no change in such information (other than
information relating to fair market value and current annual rent of owned or
leased real property set forth on Schedule 2A thereof) since the later of the
date of the Perfection Certificate delivered on the Effective Date and the date
of the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to this Section. Each
certificate delivered pursuant to this Section 5.03(b) shall identify in the
format of Schedule III to the Collateral Agreement all Intellectual Property (as
defined in the Collateral Agreement) of any Loan Party in existence on the date
thereof and not then listed on such Schedule as previously so identified to the
Collateral Agent.
SECTION 5.04. Existence; Conduct of Business. Each of Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks
and trade names material to the conduct of the business of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03.
SECTION 5.05. Payment of Obligations. Each of Holdings and the
Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, pay (i) all material
Taxes and other charges of any Governmental Authority imposed on it or any of
its properties or assets or in respect of any of its franchises, business,
income or property before any material penalty or interest accrues thereon and
(ii) all claims (including claims for labor, services, materials and supplies)
for sums that have become due and payable and that by law have or may become a
Lien (other than a Lien permitted under Section 6.02) upon any of the property
or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary, prior to the time when
any penalty or fine shall be incurred with respect thereto, except where (a) the
validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate
procedures or proceedings, (b) Holdings, the Borrower or such Subsidiary has set
aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in conformity with
GAAP (or, in the case of any Foreign Subsidiary, generally accepted accounting
principles as in effect from time to time in its jurisdiction of organization),
(c) such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and
the enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation and (d) the failure to make
payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a
Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.06. Maintenance of Properties. Each of Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of the business of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
SECTION 5.07. Insurance. Each of Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies (a) 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 and (b) all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Security Documents. The Borrower will furnish to the Lenders, upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained.
SECTION 5.08. Casualty and Condemnation. The Borrower (a) will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, through the Administrative Agent, prompt written notice of any casualty or other insured damage to any material portion of the Collateral or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any material portion of the Collateral or material interest therein under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding and (b) will ensure that the Net Proceeds of any such event (whether in the form of insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or otherwise) are collected and applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Loan Documents.
SECTION 5.09. Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights. Each of Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each of the 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. Each of Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties during normal business hours (so long as such visits and inspections do not disrupt the business and operations of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries), to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants (and the Borrower shall be provided the opportunity to participate in any such discussions with such independent accountants), all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested.
SECTION 5.10. Compliance with Laws. Each of Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it, its operations or its property, including Environmental Laws, 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 5.11. Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit. The proceeds of the Term Loans made on the Effective Date, together with the proceeds of the Equity Contribution and the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes, will be used only for the payment of (a) amounts payable under the Pinnacle Acquisition Documents as consideration for the Pinnacle Acquisition and all loans, interest and other amounts accrued and owing under the Existing Pinnacle Credit Agreement, provided that the aggregate amount payable under this clause (a) shall not exceed $485,000,000 (subject to the purchase price adjustments set forth in the Merger Agreement) and (b) the Transaction Costs. The proceeds of the Delayed Draw Term Loans made on the Aurora Effective Date, together with the proceeds of the Aurora Equity Contribution, the Additional Aurora Securities and cash on hand of Aurora and its subsidiaries, will be used solely to finance the Aurora Acquisition, pursuant to the terms of the Aurora Acquisition Documents and the Plan of Reorganization. The proceeds of the Revolving Loans will be used only for (i) working capital and general corporate purposes, (ii) the payment of purchase price adjustments set forth in the Merger Agreement, provided that not more than $25,000,000 in proceeds of Revolving Loans may be used in connection with the payment of amounts relating to such purchase price adjustments on or after the Effective Date and (iii) on or about the Aurora Effective Date, in connection with the Aurora Acquisition to the extent Revolving Loans are available to be borrowed pursuant to Section 2.01(b)(iii). The proceeds of the Swingline Loans will be used only for general corporate purposes. No part of the proceeds of any Loan and no Letter of Credit will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X. Letters of Credit will be issued only for general corporate purposes.
SECTION 5.12. Additional Subsidiaries. If any additional Subsidiary is formed or acquired after the Effective Date, the Borrower will, within three Business Days after such Subsidiary is formed or acquired, notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (through the Administrative Agent) thereof and cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be satisfied with respect to such Subsidiary (if it is a Subsidiary Loan Party) and with respect to any Equity Interest in or Indebtedness of such Subsidiary owned by or on behalf of any Loan Party (except that, if such Subsidiary is a Foreign Subsidiary, Equity Interests of such Subsidiary to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement may be limited to 65% of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of such Subsidiary).
SECTION 5.13. Further Assurances. (a) Each of Holdings and 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 or the Required Lenders may reasonably request, to cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be and remain satisfied, all at the expense of the Loan Parties. Holdings and the Borrower also agree to provide to the Administrative Agent, from time to time upon request by the Administrative Agent, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents.
(b) If any material assets (including any material real property or
improvements thereon or any interest therein) are acquired by the Borrower or
any Subsidiary Loan Party after the Effective Date (other than assets
constituting Collateral under the Collateral Agreement that become subject to
the Lien of the Collateral Agreement upon acquisition thereof), the Borrower
will, within five Business Days after such material asset is acquired, notify
the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (through the Administrative Agent)
thereof, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders,
the Borrower will cause such assets to be subjected to a Lien securing the
Obligations and will take, and cause the Subsidiary Loan Parties to take, such
actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative
Agent to grant and perfect such Liens, including actions described in paragraph
(a) of this Section, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.
(c) To the extent required by the Collateral Agreement, each of Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary Loan Party to, deliver to the Administrative Agent, with respect to each Deposit Account subject to the provisions of Section 4.04(b) of the Collateral Agreement, counterparts of one or more deposit account control agreements, substantially in the form of Exhibit H, relating to such Deposit Accounts.
(d) The Borrower shall deliver, within 10 days after the Effective Date, an opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, or another law firm reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, with respect to the perfection of the Security Interest (as
defined in the Collateral Agreement) in the Article 9 Collateral (as defined in the Collateral Agreement), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 5.14. Interest Rate Protection. As promptly as practicable, and in any event within 180 days after the Effective Date, the Borrower will enter into, and thereafter for a period of not less than three years will maintain in effect, one or more Swap Agreements on such terms and with such parties as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, the effect of which is that at least 40% of the then outstanding Term Loans, the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes and the Additional Aurora Securities constituting Indebtedness would bear interest at a fixed rate or the interest cost in respect of which will be fixed.
SECTION 5.15. End of Fiscal Year. If Holdings and the Borrower change their and the Subsidiaries' fiscal year end for fiscal reporting purposes, Holdings or the Borrower shall give immediate written notice of such proposed change to the Administrative Agent, and may, in each case, change such fiscal year end to December 31. If Holdings and the Borrower fail to make such change, Holdings, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall, and are hereby authorized by the Lenders to, make any modifications or adjustments to this Agreement (including the financial covenants contained in Sections 6.12, 6.13 and 6.14) that are necessary to reflect that the fiscal year end will not occur on December 31.
ARTICLE VI
Negative Covenants
Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, each of Holdings and the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness; Certain Equity Securities. (a) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(i) Indebtedness created under the Loan Documents;
(ii) in the case of the Borrower, the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Initial Senior Subordinated Notes that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof or result in a maturity date that is prior to the date that is six months after the Term Loan Maturity Date or require scheduled payments of principal prior to the date that is six months after the Term Loan Maturity Date and that do not have terms less
favorable to the Lenders and the Borrower than the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes;
(iii) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof (other than the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes) and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof or result in an earlier maturity date;
(iv) Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Subsidiary and of any Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that (A) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (B) Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any Subsidiary Loan Party to any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party shall be subordinated to the Obligations on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (it being understood that the subordination provisions contained in Exhibits G-2 and G-3 are satisfactory);
(v) Guarantees by the Borrower of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary and by any Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that (A) the Indebtedness so guaranteed is permitted by this Section, (B) Guarantees by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (C) the Subordinated Debt shall not be guaranteed by any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party, and any such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the Obligations of the applicable Subsidiary on the same terms as the Subordinated Debt of the Borrower is subordinated to its Obligations;
(vi) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary incurred to
finance the acquisition, construction, maintenance or improvement of any
fixed or capital assets, including Capital Lease Obligations, and any
Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets
or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof,
and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness,
provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by
this clause (vi) shall not exceed (A)(1) prior to the Aurora Effective
Date, $15,000,000 at any time outstanding and (2) on or after the Aurora
Effective Date, $35,000,000 at any time outstanding plus (B) during any
fiscal year, 50% of the amount of Capital Expenditures permitted by
Section 6.14 during such fiscal year;
(vii) (A) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof, provided that (1) such Indebtedness exists at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary and is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Subsidiary and (2) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (vii) shall not exceed $10,000,000 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $20,000,000) at any time outstanding and (B) any refinancings, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness pursuant to the
preceding clause (A) that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;
(viii) in the case of the Borrower, (A) the Additional Debt
Securities, provided that (1) the proceeds of such Additional Debt
Securities shall be used to finance the Aurora Acquisition and (2) subject
to the final proviso of Section 2.01(b) and Section 2.20, the aggregate
principal amount of Additional Debt Securities permitted by this clause
(viii) shall not exceed $200,000,000 at any time outstanding and (B)
extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Additional Debt
Securities that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof
or result in a maturity date prior to the date that is six months after
the Term Loan Maturity Date or require scheduled payments of principal
prior to the date that is six months after the Term Loan Maturity Date and
that do not have terms such that they would fail to qualify as Additional
Debt Securities;
(ix) after the end of the Standstill Period, (A) Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness, provided that (1) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (2) after giving effect to the incurrence of such Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness, the Leverage Ratio, on a Pro Forma Basis, as of the end of the most recently ended period of four fiscal quarters for which financial statements are available, shall be less than 4.50 to 1.00 and (3) on or prior to the date of each such incurrence, the Borrower shall deliver a certificate signed by a Financial Officer confirming compliance with this clause (ix) and (B) extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof or result in a maturity date prior to the date that is six months after the Term Loan Maturity Date or require scheduled payments of principal prior to the date that is six months after the Term Loan Maturity Date and that do not have terms such that they would fail to qualify as Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness;
(x) Junior Capital;
(xi) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Borrower or any Subsidiary providing for customary indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each case incurred or assumed in connection with the Pinnacle Acquisition, the Aurora Acquisition, any Permitted Acquisition or any Disposition permitted by Section 6.05;
(xii) Indebtedness of any Loan Party pursuant to Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.07;
(xiii) Indebtedness of any Loan Party permitted under the Plan of Reorganization and extensions, renewals and replacements of such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof or result in an earlier
maturity date or decrease the average life thereof and that do not have terms less favorable to the Lenders or the Borrower than such Indebtedness; and
(xiv) other Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $15,000,000 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $30,000,000) at any time outstanding, provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties permitted by this clause (xiv) shall not exceed $10,000,000 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $30,000,000) at any time outstanding.
(b) Holdings will not create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness except (i) Indebtedness created under the Loan Documents, (ii) Junior Capital, (iii) any Guarantee of the Senior Subordinated Notes or the Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness, if required by the Subordinated Debt Documents governing such Senior Subordinated Notes or the Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness, (iv) Indebtedness to the Borrower to the extent it is permitted under Section 6.04 and (v) subject to the conditions set forth in Section 6.01(a)(viii), Additional Debt Securities issued by Holdings and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof.
(c) Neither Holdings nor the Borrower will, nor will they permit any Subsidiary to, issue any preferred Equity Interests other than, in the case of Holdings, Qualified Capital Stock.
SECTION 6.02. Liens. Neither Holdings nor the Borrower will, nor will they permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or 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) Permitted Encumbrances;
(c) any Lien on any property or asset of the Borrower or any 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 Subsidiary (except assets financed by the same financing source pursuant to the same financing scheme) and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof (except as relating to assets financed by the same financing source pursuant to the same financing scheme), and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;
(d) any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or existing on any property or asset of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof prior to the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary, provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (except assets financed by the same financing source pursuant to the same
financing scheme) 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 (except as relating to assets financed by the same financing source pursuant to the same financing scheme), as the case may be, and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;
(e) Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed, maintained or improved by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, provided that (i) such security interests secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (vi) of Section 6.01(a), (ii) such security interests and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 120 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction, maintenance or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed 100% of the cost of acquiring, constructing, maintaining or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such security interests shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (except assets financed by the same financing source pursuant to the same financing scheme);
(f) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off relating to deposit accounts in favor of banks and other depositary institutions in the ordinary course of business;
(g) Liens of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4-208 of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the relevant jurisdiction covering only the items being collected upon;
(h) Liens disclosed on any title insurance policy in respect of a Mortgaged Property or any Lien of any lessee existing as of the date hereof or any subsequent lessee reasonably approved by the Administrative Agent;
(i) any interest or title of a lessor under any lease (or of a licensor under any license) entered into by the Borrower or a Subsidiary and any Lien arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statements (or equivalent filings, registrations or agreements in foreign jurisdictions) relating to and covering only assets leased in accordance with any Loan Document;
(j) Liens arising out of sale and leaseback transactions permitted by Section 6.06;
(k) Liens on property of a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party
securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(a)(xiii) (but only to the extent
such Indebtedness was secured on the Aurora Effective Date) or the proviso to
Section 6.01(a)(xiv);
(l) Liens granted by a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in favor of the Borrower or another Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness owed by such a Subsidiary;
(m) Liens not otherwise permitted by this Section so long as neither
(i) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the obligations secured
thereby nor (ii) the aggregate fair market value (determined as of the date such
Lien is incurred) of
the assets subject thereto exceeds (as to the Borrower and the Subsidiaries) $2,500,000 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $7,500,000) at any time outstanding.
SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes. (a) Neither Holdings nor the Borrower will, nor will they permit any 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 (i) any Person may merge into the Borrower in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and, if such surviving entity is not the Borrower, such Person expressly assumes, in writing, all of the obligations of the Borrower under the Loan Documents, (ii) any Person may merge into 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 or becomes a Subsidiary Loan Party substantially concurrently with such merger, and (iii) any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary Loan Party) 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, provided that any such merger involving a Person that is not a wholly owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 6.04.
(b) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on the Effective Date and businesses reasonably related thereto.
(c) Holdings will not engage in any business or activity other than the ownership of all the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Borrower and activities incidental thereto. Holdings will not own or acquire any assets (other than Equity Interests of the Borrower, cash and Permitted Investments) or incur any liabilities (other than liabilities under the Loan Documents, liabilities in respect of Guarantees permitted under Section 6.01, other liabilities permitted under Section 6.01, liabilities imposed by law, including tax liabilities, and other liabilities incidental to its existence and permitted business and activities).
SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions. Neither Holdings nor the Borrower will, nor will they permit any Subsidiary 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, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, 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, except:
(a) Permitted Acquisitions;
(b) Permitted Investments;
(c) investments existing on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 6.04 and extensions, renewals, modifications or restatements thereof that do not increase the amount of such investment;
(d) investments by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in Equity Interests in their respective subsidiaries, provided that (i) any such Equity Interests held by a Loan Party shall be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement (subject to the limitations applicable to Equity Interests of a Foreign Subsidiary or a Joint Venture referred to in the definition of the term "Collateral and Guarantee Requirement") and (ii) the aggregate amount of investments (including a Permitted Acquisition deemed to be an investment subject to this Section 6.04(d)(ii)) by Loan Parties in, and loans and advances by Loan Parties to, and Guarantees by Loan Parties of Indebtedness of, Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties (including all such investments, loans, advances and Guarantees existing on the Effective Date) shall not exceed $10,000,000 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $30,000,000) at any time outstanding;
(e) loans or advances made by the Borrower to any Subsidiary and made by any Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that (i) any such loans and advances made by a Loan Party shall be evidenced by a promissory note pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement and (ii) the amount of such loans and advances made by Loan Parties to Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties shall be subject to the limitation set forth in clause (d)(ii) above;
(f) investments in, or loans or advances to, Holdings made by the Borrower in respect of Restricted Payments permitted by Section 6.08(a);
(g) Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01, 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)(ii) above;
(h) investments (including Equity Interests, obligations, securities or other property) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of customers and suppliers;
(i) receivables or other trade payables owing to the Borrower or a Subsidiary if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms, provided that such trade terms may include such concessionary trade terms as the Borrower or any such Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances;
(j) investments consisting of Equity Interests, obligations, securities or other property received in settlement of delinquent accounts of and disputes with customers and suppliers in the ordinary course of business and owing to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or in satisfaction of judgments;
(k) investments in 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;
(l) loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business (including travel, entertainment and relocation expenses) of the Borrower or a Subsidiary not exceeding $3,000,000 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $5,000,000) in the aggregate outstanding at any one time;
(m) investments in the form of Swap Agreements permitted under
Section 6.07;
(n) investments of any Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or consolidates or merges with the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries (including in connection with a Permitted Acquisition or the Aurora Acquisition) so long as such investments were not made in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary or of such merger;
(o) investments received in connection with the Dispositions of assets permitted under Section 6.05;
(p) investments constituting deposits described in clauses (c) and
(d) of the definition of the term "Permitted Encumbrances";
(q) any repurchase of the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes or Additional Debt Securities permitted by Section 6.08(b)(iii);
(r) investments made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary financed with the proceeds of the Retained Mandatory Prepayment Amount not otherwise applied pursuant to Section 6.08(b)(iii) or to make Capital Expenditures;
(s) investments constituting Capital Expenditures permitted by
Section 6.14, provided that the transaction or transactions constituting
such investment results solely in the making of such Capital Expenditures;
(t) the Aurora Acquisition and any investments of Aurora described in the Plan of Reorganization;
(u) other investments in an aggregate amount, as valued at the time each such investment is made, not exceeding $15,000,000 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $30,000,000) in the aggregate for all such investments made from and after the Effective Date plus an amount equal to any repayments, interest, returns, profits, distributions, income and similar amounts actually received in cash in respect of such investments (which amount shall not exceed (x) prior to the Aurora Effective Date, $15,000,000 and (y) on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $30,000,000); and
(v) in addition to the investments otherwise permitted by this Section, any investment by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the extent it is financed with the
proceeds of an issuance of Junior Capital not later than six months after the receipt of such proceeds by Holdings or the Borrower.
SECTION 6.05. Asset Sales. Neither Holdings nor the Borrower will,
nor will they permit any Subsidiary to, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise
dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by it, nor will the
Borrower permit any Subsidiary to issue any additional Equity Interest in such
Subsidiary (other than to the Borrower or another Subsidiary in compliance with
Section 6.04), except:
(a) sales, transfers and dispositions of (i) inventory in the ordinary course of business and (ii) used, obsolete, worn out or surplus equipment or property in the ordinary course of business;
(b) sales, transfers and dispositions to the Borrower or a Subsidiary, provided that any such sales, transfers or dispositions involving a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be made in compliance with Section 6.09;
(c) sales, transfers and dispositions of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof;
(d) any consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business;
(e) (i) sales, transfers and dispositions of licenses or sublicenses of intellectual property and general intangibles and (ii) licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases of other property, in the case of both clauses (i) and (ii), in the ordinary course of business and to the extent they do not materially interfere with the business of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries;
(f) sales, transfers and dispositions of investments permitted by clauses (b), (h), (j), (m), (n) and (p) of Section 6.04;
(g) sale and leaseback transactions permitted by Section 6.06;
(h) within 360 days after the consummation of a Permitted Acquisition or the Aurora Acquisition, the sale, transfer or disposition of assets acquired in connection with such Permitted Acquisition or the Aurora Acquisition, as applicable, and not required in the operation of the business of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries;
(i) Dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
(j) the Disposition of Open Pit Assets, provided that, prior to the Aurora Effective Date, the Net Proceeds therefrom shall be applied to the repayment of Loans in accordance with Section 2.11(c) (without giving effect to the proviso thereof, unless after giving effect to such Disposition and application of the
proceeds therefrom, no Default has occurred and is continuing and the Leverage Ratio, on a Pro Forma Basis, as of the end of the most recently ended quarter for which financial statements are available is less than 5.0 to 1.0);
(k) the Disposition of the Omaha Property; and
(l) sales, transfers and other dispositions of assets (other than Equity Interests in a Subsidiary unless 100% of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary are sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of), including Asset Swaps, that are not permitted by any other clause of this Section, provided that the aggregate fair value of all assets sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of in reliance upon this clause (l) shall not exceed $10,000,000 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $20,000,000) during any fiscal year of the Borrower,
provided that (x) all sales, transfers, leases and other dispositions permitted
hereby (other than those permitted by clauses (a)(ii), (b), (c), (d), (e) and
(i) above and Asset Swaps) shall be made for at least 75% cash consideration
(which cash consideration, (I) for purposes of clause (a)(i), shall be deemed to
include accounts receivable and (II) for all other purposes under this Section
6.05, shall be deemed to include (a) any liabilities of Holdings, the Borrower
or any Subsidiary, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of Holdings, the
Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than liabilities that are by their terms
subordinated to the Obligations) that are assumed by the transferee of such
assets and (b) any securities, notes or other obligations received by Holdings,
the Borrower or any Subsidiary from a transferee that are converted into cash
within 90 days after such transfer, to the extent of such conversion) and (y)
all sales, transfers, leases and other dispositions permitted hereby (other than
those permitted by clauses (b) and (i)) shall be made for fair value.
SECTION 6.06. Sale and Leaseback Transactions. Neither Holdings nor
the Borrower will, nor will they permit any Subsidiary 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
hereafter 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 (a) any such sale and leaseback of any
fixed or capital assets that is made for at least 75% cash consideration and is
consummated within 120 days after the Borrower or such Subsidiary acquires or
completes the construction of such fixed or capital asset, (b) any such sale and
leaseback that results in a Capital Lease Obligation permitted by Section
6.01(a)(vi) and (c) sale and leasebacks of real property owned as of the
Effective Date by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries (after giving effect to the
Transactions) and, after giving effect to the Aurora Acquisition, real property
owned as of the Aurora Effective Date by Aurora or its subsidiaries, with an
aggregate fair value not to exceed $10,000,000 (or, on or after the Aurora
Effective Date, $20,000,000) during the term of this Agreement (the proceeds of
which sale and leaseback, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be subject to
Section 2.11(c)).
SECTION 6.07. Swap Agreements. Neither Holdings nor the Borrower will, nor will they permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except
(a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has actual or expected exposure (other than those in respect of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any Subsidiary) and (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to 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 Subsidiary.
SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness.
(a) Neither Holdings nor the Borrower will, nor will they permit any Subsidiary
to, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any
Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so,
except (i) each of the Borrower and Holdings may declare and pay dividends with
respect to its common stock, payable solely in additional shares of its common
stock, and, with respect to its preferred stock, payable solely in additional
shares of such preferred stock or in shares of its common stock, (ii)
Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments ratably with respect to their capital
stock, membership or partnership interests or other similar Equity Interests,
(iii) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to the extent necessary to
permit Holdings to, and the Borrower or Holdings may make Restricted Payments,
in respect of the purchase, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition for
value of Equity Interests of Holdings or Crunch LLC owned by employees, former
employees, directors, former directors, consultants or former consultants of
Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiaries pursuant to and in accordance with
equity and compensation arrangements, including stock option plans or other
benefit plans, in an aggregate amount equal to (A) $5,000,000 during any fiscal
year (provided that (1) the amount of Restricted Payments permitted to be made
in respect of any fiscal year shall be increased by the unused amount of
Restricted Payments that were permitted to be made during the two immediately
preceding fiscal years and (2) Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause
(A) in any fiscal year shall be deemed to use, first, the amount for such fiscal
year, and second, any amount carried forward to such fiscal year pursuant to the
preceding clause (1) (it being understood that any amounts not used in any
fiscal year carried forward pursuant to the preceding clause (1) may be carried
forward for two fiscal years and no further)) plus (B) so long as no Default has
occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the proceeds of
"key-person" life insurance policies with respect to such Person received by the
Borrower or Holdings, plus (C) amounts contributed by Holdings in exchange for
common equity of the Borrower as a result of sales of Equity Interests to
employees, officers, directors or consultants of Holdings, the Borrower or any
Subsidiary, (iv) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would
result therefrom, the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to the extent
necessary to permit it or Holdings to, and the Borrower or Holdings may make,
payments of or on account of monitoring or management or similar fees payable to
the Permitted Investors or their Affiliates in an aggregate amount in any fiscal
year not in excess of $1,000,000 (plus any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in
connection therewith), (v) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to
Holdings, and the Borrower or Holdings may make, at such times and in such
amounts, Restricted Payments (A) not exceeding $1,500,000 during any fiscal
year, as shall be necessary to permit Holdings and its parent companies to
discharge their respective corporate overhead (including franchise taxes and
director fees) and permitted liabilities, (B) as shall be necessary to pay any
taxes that are due and payable by Holdings as part of a
consolidated group that includes the Borrower and (C) as shall be necessary to
make any scheduled cash interest and principal payments as and when due in
respect of Additional Debt Securities issued by Holdings as permitted under
Section 6.01(b)(v), if any, and (vi) concurrently with the issuance of Qualified
Capital Stock of Holdings, Holdings may redeem, purchase or retire any Equity
Interests of Holdings using the proceeds of, or convert or exchange any Equity
Interests of Holdings for, such Qualified Capital Stock of Holdings.
(b) Neither Holdings nor the Borrower will, nor will they permit any Subsidiary to, make or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) of or in respect of principal of or interest on any Subordinated Debt, or any 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, cancelation or termination of any Subordinated Debt, except:
(i) payment of regularly scheduled interest and principal payments as and when due, other than payments in respect of Subordinated Debt prohibited by the subordination provisions thereof;
(ii) refinancings of Subordinated Debt to the extent permitted by
Section 6.01;
(iii) after the end of the Standstill Period, redemption, repurchase
or retirement of the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes or Additional Debt
Securities, including any premium (if any) and accrued and unpaid interest
thereon to the date of such redemption or repurchase, in an aggregate
amount equal to (A) $15,000,000 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective
Date, $30,000,000), plus (B) the Retained Mandatory Prepayment Amount not
otherwise applied pursuant to Section 6.04(r) or to make Capital
Expenditures, provided that (1) immediately before and on a Pro Forma
Basis after giving effect to such redemption, repurchase or retirement,
(x) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (y) the Average
Revolving Availability shall not be less than (i) prior to the Aurora
Effective Date, $30,000,000 and (ii) on or after the Aurora Effective
Date, $45,000,000 and (2) after giving effect to such redemption,
repurchase or retirement, the Senior Leverage Ratio, on a Pro Forma Basis,
shall be less than 2.00 to 1.00 (it being understood and agreed that any
Initial Senior Subordinated Notes and Additional Debt Securities redeemed
or repurchased pursuant to this clause (iii) shall immediately be canceled
by the Borrower).
SECTION 6.09. Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.09, neither Holdings nor the Borrower will, nor will they permit any 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 that (i) are entered into pursuant to the reasonable requirements of its business, (ii) do not involve Holdings (except to the extent the involvement with Holdings complies with this Section 6.09) and
(iii) are at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the
Borrower or such Subsidiary than would be reasonably obtained on an arm's-length
basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions between or among the
Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties not involving any other Affiliate
(except to the extent the involvement with such Affiliate complies with this
Section 6.09), (c) any investment permitted by Sections 6.04(d)(ii), (e), (f) or
(g) (to the extent such transactions are by and among the Borrower and a
Subsidiary Loan Party), (d) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.08,
(e) loans or advances to employees permitted under Section 6.04, (f) the
provision by Persons who may be deemed Affiliates of Holdings or the Borrower
(other than JPMP, JWC and their respective Controlled Affiliates) of financial
advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or any other investment
banking, banking or similar services (including in connection with the
amendment, modification or supplement of this Agreement), so long as such
transactions are approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the
board of directors of such Person, (g) any contribution to the capital of the
Borrower by Holdings or any purchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower by
Holdings, (h) any contribution to the capital of Holdings by Crunch LLC or any
purchase of Equity Interests of Holdings by Crunch LLC and (i) issuances of
Equity Interests to Affiliates, officers, directors or employees of the Borrower
that are approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the board of
directors of the applicable Person in good faith.
SECTION 6.10. Restrictive Agreements. Neither Holdings nor the
Borrower will, nor will they permit any 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 Holdings,
the Borrower or any Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon
any of its property or assets, or (b) the ability of any 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 Subsidiary or
to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that
(i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by (A)
law, (B) any Loan Document, Subordinated Debt Document or other instrument or
agreement governing Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(vii) (but
only to the extent such restrictions or conditions are imposed only on the
Person who becomes a Subsidiary concurrently with the incurrence of such
Indebtedness) and (C) any instrument or agreement governing any refinancing,
renewal or replacement of such Subordinated Debt or Indebtedness permitted
pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(vii) to the extent such agreements or instruments
are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to the
matters described in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) than those contained in
the Subordinated Debt Documents or other instrument or agreement governing
Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(vii) existing on the
Effective Date, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and
conditions existing on or about the date hereof and identified on Schedule 6.10
(but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or
modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition), (iii)
the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained
in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary or other assets pending such
sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary or
other assets that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (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 if such
restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such
Indebtedness (or, to the extent permitted by Section 6.02(e), to other assets
financed by the same financing source pursuant to the same financing scheme) and
(v) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in
leases and ordinary course licenses.
SECTION 6.11. Amendment of Material Documents. Neither Holdings nor
the Borrower will, nor will they permit any Subsidiary to, amend, modify or
waive any of its rights under (a) any Subordinated Debt Document, except for
such amendments, modifications or waivers that could not be reasonably expected
to effect any change adverse to the interests and rights of the Administrative
Agent or the Lenders under any Loan Document, (b) its certificate of
incorporation, by-laws or other organizational documents (other than to change
its name), (c) the Pinnacle Acquisition Documents (including the LLC Agreement)
and (d) the Aurora Acquisition Documents, except, in the case of clauses (b),
(c) and (d), for such amendments, modifications or waivers that could not be
reasonably expected to effect any change materially adverse to the interests and
rights of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under any Loan Document and
except, in the case of clause (c), any amendments of the LLC Agreement approved
by the Agents pursuant to Section 4.02(n).
SECTION 6.12. Interest Expense Coverage Ratio. The Borrower will not permit the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA to (b) Consolidated Cash Interest Expense, in each case in respect of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, (i) prior to the Aurora Effective Date, ending on or about any date set forth in Table 1 below, and (ii) on or after the Aurora Effective Date, ending on or about any date set forth in Table 2 below, to be less than the ratio set forth below opposite such period, provided that to the extent the Aurora Acquisition, any Permitted Acquisition, Disposition outside the ordinary course of business or discontinuation of operations has occurred during the relevant period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, such ratio shall be determined for such period on a Pro Forma Basis for such occurrences:
TABLE 1 (PRIOR TO THE AURORA EFFECTIVE DATE)
Period Ratio ------ ----- April 30, 2004 2.25 to 1:00 July 31, 2004 2.25 to 1:00 October 31, 2004 2.25 to 1:00 January 31, 2005 2.25 to 1:00 April 30, 2005 2.50 to 1:00 July 31, 2005 2.50 to 1:00 October 31, 2005 2.50 to 1:00 January 31, 2006 2.50 to 1:00 April 30, 2006 2.50 to 1:00 July 31, 2006 2.50 to 1:00 October 31, 2006 2.75 to 1.00 January 31, 2007 2.75 to 1.00 April 30, 2007 2.75 to 1.00 July 31, 2007 3.00 to 1.00 October 31, 2007 3.00 to 1.00 January 31, 2008 3.00 to 1.00 April 30, 2008 3.25 to 1.00 July 31, 2008 3.25 to 1.00 October 31, 2008 3.25 to 1.00 January 31, 2009 and thereafter 3.50 to 1.00 |
TABLE 2 (ON OR AFTER THE AURORA EFFECTIVE DATE)
Period Ratio ------ ----- July 31, 2004 2.25 to 1.00 October 31, 2004 2.25 to 1.00 December 31, 2004 2.25 to 1.00 March 31, 2005 2.25 to 1.00 June 30, 2005 2.25 to 1.00 September 30, 2005 2.50 to 1.00 December 31, 2005 2.50 to 1.00 March 31, 2006 2.50 to 1.00 June 30, 2006 2.50 to 1.00 September 30, 2006 2.50 to 1.00 December 31, 2006 2.50 to 1.00 March 31, 2007 2.50 to 1.00 June 30, 2007 2.50 to 1.00 September 30, 2007 2.50 to 1.00 December 31, 2007 2.50 to 1.00 March 31, 2008 2.75 to 1.00 June 30, 2008 2.75 to 1.00 September 30, 2008 2.75 to 1.00 December 31, 2008 2.75 to 1.00 March 31, 2009 and thereafter 3.00 to 1.00 |
SECTION 6.13. Leverage Ratio. The Borrower will not permit the Leverage Ratio as of the last day of any fiscal quarter (a) prior to the Aurora Effective Date, ending on or about any date set forth in Table 1 below, and (b) on or after the Aurora Effective Date, ending on or about any date set forth in Table 2 below, to exceed the ratio set forth opposite such period:
TABLE 1 (PRIOR TO THE AURORA EFFECTIVE DATE)
Period Ratio ------ ----- April 30, 2004 5.75 to 1.00 July 31, 2004 5.75 to 1.00 October 31, 2004 5.50 to 1.00 January 31, 2005 5.50 to 1.00 April 30, 2005 5.25 to 1.00 July 31, 2005 5.25 to 1.00 October 31, 2005 5.00 to 1.00 January 31, 2006 4.75 to 1.00 April 30, 2006 4.75 to 1.00 July 31, 2006 4.75 to 1.00 October 31, 2006 4.50 to 1.00 January 31, 2007 4.50 to 1.00 April 30, 2007 4.25 to 1.00 July 31, 2007 4.25 to 1.00 October 31, 2007 4.25 to 1.00 January 31, 2008 4.25 to 1.00 April 30, 2008 and thereafter 4.00 to 1.00 |
TABLE 2 (ON OR AFTER THE AURORA EFFECTIVE DATE)
Period Ratio ------ ----- July 31, 2004 5.75 to 1.00 October 31, 2004 5.75 to 1.00 December 31, 2004 5.75 to 1.00 March 31, 2005 5.75 to 1.00 June 30, 2005 5.50 to 1.00 September 30, 2005 5.25 to 1.00 December 31, 2005 5.00 to 1.00 March 31, 2006 5.00 to 1.00 June 30, 2006 5.00 to 1.00 September 30, 2006 4.75 to 1.00 December 31, 2006 4.75 to 1.00 March 31, 2007 4.50 to 1.00 June 30, 2007 4.50 to 1.00 September 30, 2007 4.25 to 1.00 December 31, 2007 4.25 to 1.00 March 31, 2008 and thereafter 4.00 to 1.00 |
SECTION 6.14. Maximum Capital Expenditures. (a) The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, incur or make any Capital Expenditures during any fiscal year (i) prior to the Aurora Effective Date, in an amount exceeding $12,500,000 per annum and (ii) on or after the Aurora Effective Date, in an amount exceeding $30,000,000 per annum. In addition to the foregoing, the Borrower may incur or make Capital Expenditures relating to plant consolidations in an aggregate amount not exceeding $7,500,000 during the term of this Agreement.
(b) The amount of Capital Expenditures permitted to be made in respect of any fiscal year shall be increased by the unused amount of Capital Expenditures that were permitted to be made during the immediately preceding fiscal year pursuant to Section 6.14(a). Capital Expenditures in any fiscal year shall be deemed to use, first, any amount carried forward to such fiscal year pursuant to this Section 6.14(b), and second, the amount for such fiscal year set forth in Section 6.14(a).
(c) The amount of Capital Expenditures permitted to be made in respect of any fiscal year shall be increased, after the consummation of any Permitted Acquisition, in an amount equal to 110% of the average annual amount of capital expenditures made by the Person or business so acquired, as shown in the financial statements of such Person or business, during the two fiscal years preceding such acquisition.
ARTICLE VII
Events of Default
SECTION 7.01. Events of Default. If any of the following events ("Events of Default") shall occur:
(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement 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;
(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 Article) 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 or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary in or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect (i) to the extent
such representation or warranty is modified or qualified based on, the terms "materially" or "material" or by reference to the term "Material Adverse Effect", in any respect and (ii) to the extent such representation or warranty is not so modified or qualified, in any material respect, in each case when made or deemed made;
(d) Holdings or the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, obligation or agreement contained in Section 5.02, 5.03, 5.04 (with respect to the existence of Holdings and the Borrower) or 5.11 or in Article VI;
(e) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, obligation or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent or any Lender to the Borrower;
(f) Holdings, the Borrower or any 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 (after giving effect to any applicable grace period);
(g) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) 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 (g) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the sale or transfer of the property or assets not prohibited hereunder securing such Indebtedness;
(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of Holdings, the Borrower or any 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 Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;
(i) Holdings, the Borrower or any 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 (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Holdings, the Borrower or any 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, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any formal action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;
(j) the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;
(k) to the extent not paid or covered by insurance provided by an insurance company with ratings reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that has not denied coverage, one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $5,000,000 (or, on or after the Aurora Effective Date, $15,000,000) shall be rendered against the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;
(l) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the reasonable opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(m) (i) any Loan Document shall for any reason be asserted by any Loan Party not to be a legal, valid and binding obligation of any party thereto; (ii) any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted by any Loan Party not to be, a valid and perfected Lien on any Collateral with a fair value of greater than $5,000,000 with the priority required by the applicable Security Document, except (A) as a result of the sale or other disposition of the applicable Collateral in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents or (B) as a result of the Administrative Agent's failure to maintain possession of any stock certificates, promissory notes or other instruments delivered to it under the Collateral Agreement or (iii) the Guarantees pursuant to the Security Documents by Holdings and the Subsidiary Loan Parties shall cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents) or shall be asserted by Holdings or any Subsidiary Loan Party not to be in effect or not to be legal, valid and binding obligations;
(n) the Senior Subordinated Notes or the Guarantees thereof shall cease, for any reason, to be validly subordinated to the Obligations or the obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors under the Collateral Agreement, as the case may be, as provided in the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture or other indenture governing the Additional Senior Subordinated Notes, or any Loan Party, the trustee in respect of the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes or the Additional Senior
Subordinated Notes or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes (or, if the Additional Senior Subordinated Notes are not issued pursuant to the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture, of either the Initial Senior Subordinated Notes or the Additional Senior Subordinated Notes) shall so assert; or
(o) a Change in Control shall occur;
then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), 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 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 (h) or (i) of this Article, 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 or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.
SECTION 7.02. Exclusion of Immaterial Subsidiaries. Solely for the purposes of determining whether a Default has occurred under clause (h) or (i) of Section 7.01, any reference in any such clause to any "Subsidiary" shall be deemed not to include any Subsidiary affected by any event or circumstance referred to in any such clause that did not, as of the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Borrower most recently ended, have assets with a value in excess of 5.0% of the total consolidated assets of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as of such date, provided that if it is necessary to exclude more than one Subsidiary from clause (h) or (i) of Section 7.01 pursuant to this Section in order to avoid a Default thereunder, all excluded Subsidiaries shall be considered to be a single consolidated Subsidiary for purposes of determining whether the condition specified above is satisfied.
ARTICLE VIII
The Administrative Agent
Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its agent and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf 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.
The bank 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 bank 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.
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 as directed by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02), 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 Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries that is communicated to or obtained by the bank 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 9.02) or in the absence of its own gross negligence or wilful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the Administrative Agent by Holdings, 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.
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.
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 the preceding paragraphs 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.
Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative Agent as provided in this paragraph, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time upon 30 days' notice to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks, Holdings and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor, which successor shall be approved by Holdings and the Borrower in writing, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. 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 Banks, 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. 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. 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 and Section 9.03 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.
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.
ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous
SECTION 9.01. Notices. (a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone, all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopy, as follows:
(i) if to the Borrower, to it at One Old Bloomfield Road, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046, Attention of General Counsel (Telecopy No. (973) 541-6691);
(ii) if to the Administrative Agent, to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, Attention of Mr.
Scottye Lindsey (Telecopy No. (212) 797-5692);
(iii) if to an Issuing Bank, to it at its address (or facsimile number set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire (unless such Issuing Bank has specified another address or facsimile number by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent));
(iv) if to a Swingline Lender, at its address (or facsimile number set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire (unless such Swingline Lender has specified another address or facsimile number by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent)); and
(v) if to any other Agent or Lender, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.
(b) 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. 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.
(c) Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Administrative Agent. 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.
SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments. (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any 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 Banks 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, 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 any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
(b) Except as provided in Section 2.20 with respect to an
Incremental Facility Amendment, neither this Agreement nor any other Loan
Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified
except, in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in
writing entered into by Holdings, 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 (i) increase the Commitment of
any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce the principal
amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or
reduce any fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender
affected thereby, (iii) postpone the maturity of any Loan, or any scheduled date
of payment of the principal amount of any Term Loan under Section 2.10, or the
required date of reimbursement of any LC Disbursement, or any date for the
payment of any interest or fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of,
waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration
of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby,
(iv) (A) change Section 2.18(b) or (c) in a manner that would alter the pro rata
sharing of payments required thereby, without the consent of each Lender or (B)
change the last sentence of Section 2.08(c) in a manner that would alter the pro
rata reduction of the Commitments thereby, without the written consent of each
Lender affected thereby, (v) change any of the provisions of this Section or the
percentage set forth in the definition of the term "Required Lenders" or any
other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of
Lenders (or Lenders of any Class) required to waive, amend or modify any rights
thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without
the written consent of each Lender (or each Lender of such Class, as the case
may be), (vi) release any Subsidiary Loan Party from its Guarantee under the
Collateral Agreement (except as expressly provided in the Collateral Agreement),
or limit its liability in respect of such Guarantee, without the written consent
of each Lender, (vii) release all or substantially all of the Collateral (except
as expressly provided in the Collateral Agreement) from the Liens of the
Security Documents, without the written consent of each Lender, (viii) change
any provisions of any Loan Document in a manner that by its terms adversely
affects the rights in respect of payments due to Lenders holding Loans of any
Class differently than those holding Loans of any other Class, without the
written consent of Lenders holding a
majority in interest of the outstanding Loans and unused Commitments of each adversely affected Class, (ix) change any provision of Section 2.11(c) or 2.11(d) or the definition of the term "Prepayment Event", (A) without the written consent of Term Loan Lenders holding a majority in interest of the outstanding Term Loans and unused Commitments in respect of Term Loans, in a manner that by its terms adversely affects the rights in respect of mandatory prepayments due to the Term Loan Lenders or (B) without the written consent of the Revolving Lenders holding a majority in interest of the outstanding Revolving Loans and unused Commitments in respect of Revolving Loans, in a manner that by its terms adversely affects the rights in respect of mandatory prepayments due to the Revolving Lenders or (x) change the rights of the Term Loan Lenders to decline mandatory prepayments as provided in Section 2.11, without the written consent of Term Loan Lenders holding a majority of the outstanding Term Loans, and provided further that (A) no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Swingline Lender without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank or such Swingline Lender, as the case may be, and (B) 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 Loan Lenders) or the Term Loan Lenders (but not the Revolving Lenders) may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by Holdings, the Borrower and the requisite percentage in interest of the affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereto under this Section if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders hereunder at the time (it being agreed that any extension of the Revolving Maturity Date does not affect the rights or duties of the Term Loan Lenders under this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, any provision of this Agreement may be amended by an agreement in writing entered into by Holdings, the Borrower, the Required Lenders and the Administrative Agent (and, if their rights or obligations are affected thereby, the Issuing Banks and the Swingline Lenders) if (i) by the terms of such agreement the Commitment of each Lender not consenting to the amendment provided for therein shall terminate upon the effectiveness of such amendment and (ii) at the time such amendment becomes effective, each Lender not consenting thereto receives payment in full of the principal of and interest accrued on each Loan made by it and all other amounts owing to it or accrued for its account (except for contingent indemnities and cost and expense reimbursement obligations to the extent not made) under this Agreement. In connection with any proposed amendment, modification, waiver or termination (a "Proposed Change") requiring the consent of all affected Lenders, if the consent of the Required Lenders to such Proposed Change is obtained, but the consent to such Proposed Change of other Lenders whose consent is required is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is not obtained as described in this Section 9.02(b) being referred to as a "Non-Consenting Lender"), then, so long as the Lender that is acting as the Administrative Agent is not a Non-Consenting Lender, at the Borrower's request, any assignee that is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent shall have the right, with the Administrative Agent's consent, to purchase from such Non-Consenting Lender, and such Non-Consenting Lender agrees that it shall, upon the Borrower's request, sell and assign to such assignee, at no expense to such Non-Consenting Lender, all the Commitments, Term Loans and Revolving Exposure of such Non-Consenting Lender for an amount equal to the principal balance of all Term Loans
and Revolving Loans (and funded participations in Swingline Loans and unreimbursed LC Disbursements) held by such Non-Consenting Lender and all accrued interest and fees with respect thereto through the date of sale, such purchase and sale to be consummated pursuant to an executed Assignment and Assumption in accordance with Section 9.04(b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment of any provision of Section 4.02, or any waiver or consent in respect thereto, may be effected by an agreement in writing entered into by Holdings, the Borrower and the Required Lenders, provided that clauses (a), (q) or (r) of Section 4.02, or any waiver or consent in respect thereto, may only be effected by an agreement in writing entered into by Holdings, the Borrower and the Supermajority Lenders.
SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver. (a) The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agents and their respective Affiliates (including reasonable expenses incurred in connection with due diligence), including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Agents, in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation 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), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any 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 reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agents, any Issuing Bank or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Agents, any Issuing Bank or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.
(b) The Borrower shall indemnify the Agents, each 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 reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) 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 or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by an 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 the Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or any of the 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 are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of such Indemnitee.
(c) To the extent that the Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to either Agent, any Issuing Bank or either Swingline Lender under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the applicable Agent, Issuing Bank or 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 applicable Agent, Issuing Bank or 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.
(d) To the extent permitted by applicable law, neither Holdings nor the Borrower 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, this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.
(e) All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than three Business Days after written demand therefor.
SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns. (a) 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 an 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 (and any such 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. 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 any Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Agents, any Issuing Bank and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or any portion of its Commitment or the Loans at the
time owing to it), with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of:
(A) the Borrower, provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be
required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an
Approved Fund (as defined below) or, if an Event of Default under clause
(a), (b), (h) or (i) of Article VII has occurred and is continuing, any
other assignee;
(B) the Administrative Agent, provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment of (1) any Commitment to an assignee that is a Lender with a Commitment of the same Class immediately prior to giving effect to such assignment or (2) any Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; and
(C) in the case of an assignment of all or a portion of a Revolving Commitment or any Lender's obligations in respect of its LC Exposure, each Issuing Bank and each Swingline Lender.
(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following conditions:
(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, the amount of the Commitment 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 $5,000,000 (or, in the case of the Term Loans, $1,000,000) unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), provided that (1) no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has -------- occurred and is continuing and (2) contemporaneous assignments to two or more Approved Funds of a single Lender pursuant to the same Assignment and Assumption shall be treated as a single assignment for purposes of this clause (A);
(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 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 (with only one such fee payable in connection with contemporaneous assignments pursuant to the same Assignment and Assumption to or by two or more Approved Funds of a single Lender); and
(D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.
For purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms "Approved Fund" and "CLO" have the following meanings:
"Approved Fund" means (a) a CLO and (b) with respect to any Lender that is a fund which invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit, any other fund that invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit and is managed by the same investment advisor as such Lender or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor.
"CLO" means any entity (whether a corporation, partnership, trust or otherwise) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and is administered or managed by a Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender.
(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to
paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, 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 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of
rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this
Section 9.04 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.
(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 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, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, any Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(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 and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of
this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.
(c) (i) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, the
Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Swingline Lender, sell
participations to one or more banks or other entities (a "Participant") in all
or a portion of such Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement
(including all or a portion of its Commitments 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 Banks 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 9.02(b) that affects such Participant.
Subject to paragraph (c)(ii) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that each
Participant shall be entitled to the benefits 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. To the extent permitted by
law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 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) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.15 or 2.17 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower's prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.17 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 2.17(e) as though it were a Lender.
(d) Any Lender may at any time pledge, assign or grant a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge, assignment or grant to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge, assignment or grant of a security interest, provided that no such pledge, assignment or grant of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee, assignee or grantee for such Lender as a party hereto.
SECTION 9.05. 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, any 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, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII 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.
SECTION 9.06. 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 constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. 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, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.07. 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 9.08. 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 obligations of the
Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement 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. The applicable Lender shall notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of such set-off or application, provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such set-off or application under this Section 9.08. 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.
SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process. (a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
(b) Each of Holdings and the Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Document, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the 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 the 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. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against Holdings, the Borrower or their respective properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
(c) Each of Holdings and the Borrower 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. 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) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. 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 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH 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 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 THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
SECTION 9.11. 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 9.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates' directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (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), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (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 substantially the same as those of this Section, 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 or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower, provided that such source is not actually known by such disclosing party to be bound by an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those contained in this Section. For the purposes of this Section, the term "Information" means all information received from Holdings or the Borrower relating to Holdings or the Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by Holdings or the Borrower, provided that, in the case of information received from Holdings or the Borrower after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section 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. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any party to this Agreement (and each
employee, representative, or other agent of any party to this Agreement) may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) related to such tax treatment and tax structure, provided that this sentence shall not permit any Person to disclose the name of, or other information that would identify, any party to such transactions or to disclose confidential commercial information regarding such transactions.
SECTION 9.13. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the "Charges"), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the "Maximum Rate") that may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.
SECTION 9.14. Press Releases and Public Offering Materials. Each of Holdings and the Borrower shall, and shall cause the Subsidiaries to, if any of Holdings, the Borrower or the Subsidiaries, as applicable, proposes to issue any press releases or other public disclosure, including any prospectus, proxy statement or other materials filed with any Governmental Authority relating to any public offering of any securities of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary, using the name of any Agent, give such Agent two Business Days' prior written notice, indicating how such Agent's name will be used, and shall not issue such press release or other public disclosure without the consent of such Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), unless required to do so under law and, then, in any event, Holdings or the Borrower shall consult with such Agent prior to issuing such press release or public disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Agent shall be deemed to have consented to the usage of its name if it fails to object to such usage within two Business Days after the delivery of the aforementioned written notice.
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.
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.,
by /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH -------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION,
by /S/ N. MICHAEL DION -------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY
AMERICAS, individually and as
Administrative Agent,
by /S/ SCOTTYE LINDSEY -------------------- Name: Scottye Lindsey Title: Vice President |
GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL
CORPORATION, individually and as
Syndication Agent,
by /S/ CHRIS [ILLEGIBLE] --------------------------- Name: Chris [illegible] Title: Vice President |
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, individually
and as Co-Documentation Agent,
by /S/ ROBERT ANASTASIO --------------------------- Name: Robert Anastasio Title: Vice President |
CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC,
individually and as Co-Documentation
Agent,
by /S/ ANDREW ROBINSON ---------------------------- Name: Andrew Robinson Title: Vice President |
CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF
COMMERCE, as Co-Documentation Agent,
by /S/ GERALD GIRARDI ----------------------------- Name: Gerald Girardi Title: Executive Director |
CIBC INC.,
by /S/ GERALD GIRARDI ------------------------------- Name: Gerald Girardi Title: Executive Director |
COOPERATIEVE CENTRALE
RAIFFEISEN-BOERENLEENBANK B.A.,
"RABOBANK INTERNATIONAL", NEW
YORK BRANCH, as lender,
by /S/ GARRETT O'MALLEY -------------------------- Name: Garrett O'Malley Title: Vice President by /S/ BRETT DELFINO ----------------------------- Name: Brett Delfino Title: Executive Director |
Exhibit I to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
SUPPLEMENT NO. __ dated as of [-], to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement (the "Collateral Agreement") dated as of November 25, 2003, among CRUNCH HOLDING CORP., a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), each subsidiary of the Borrower listed on Schedule I thereto (each such subsidiary individually a "Subsidiary Guarantor" and collectively, the "Subsidiary Guarantors"; the Subsidiary Guarantors, Holdings and the Borrower are referred to collectively herein as the "Grantors") and DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS ("DBTCA"), as Collateral Agent (in such capacity, the "Collateral Agent").
A. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 25, 2003 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), among Holdings, the Borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto and, DBTCA, as Administrative Agent, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citicorp North America, Inc. and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as Co-Documentation Agents.
B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement and the Collateral Agreement referred to therein.
C. The Grantors have entered into the Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit. Section 7.14 of Collateral Agreement provides that additional Subsidiaries may become Subsidiary Parties under the Collateral Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Subsidiary (the "New Subsidiary") is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Subsidiary Party under the Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue additional Letters of Credit and as consideration for Loans previously made and Letters of Credit previously issued.
Accordingly, the Collateral Agent and the New Subsidiary agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 7.14 of the Collateral Agreement, the New Subsidiary by its signature below becomes a Subsidiary Party (and accordingly, becomes a Guarantor and a Grantor), Grantor and Guarantor under the Collateral Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Subsidiary Party and the New Subsidiary hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Collateral Agreement applicable to it as a Subsidiary Party, Grantor and Guarantor
thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a Grantor and Guarantor thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof. In furtherance of the foregoing, the New Subsidiary, as security for the payment and performance in full of the Obligations, (a) does hereby create and grant to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, their successors and assigns, a security interest in and lien on all of the New Subsidiary's right, title and interest in and to the Collateral of the New Subsidiary and (b) guarantee the Obligations set forth in Section 2 of the Collateral Agreement. Each reference to a "Guarantor" or "Grantor" in the Collateral Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Subsidiary. The Collateral Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. The New Subsidiary represents and warrants to the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 3. This Supplement 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 Supplement shall become effective when the Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Supplement that bears the signature of the New Subsidiary and the Collateral Agent has executed a counterpart hereof. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.
SECTION 4. The New Subsidiary hereby represents and warrants that
(a) set forth on Schedule I attached hereto is a true and correct schedule of
the location of any and all Collateral of the New Subsidiary and (b) set forth
under its signature hereto, is the true and correct legal name of the New
Subsidiary, its jurisdiction of formation and the location of its chief
executive office.
SECTION 5. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Collateral Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6. THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 7. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Collateral Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction). The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.
SECTION 8. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 7.01 of the Collateral Agreement.
SECTION 9. The New Subsidiary agrees to reimburse the Collateral Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Collateral Agent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary and the Collateral Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Collateral Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW SUBSIDIARY],
by
Title:
Legal Name:
Jurisdiction of Formation:
Location of Chief Executive office:
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
AS COLLATERAL AGENT
by
Title:
Sechedule I to the Supplement No __ to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
LOCATION OF COLLATERAL
Description Location ----------- -------- |
EQUITY INTERESTS
Number and Number of Registered Class of Percentage Issuer Certificate Owner Equity Interests of Equity Interests ------ ----------- ----- ---------------- ------------------- |
DEBT SECURITIES
Principal Issuer Amount Date of Note Maturity Date ------ ------ ------------ ------------- |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
EXHIBIT 10.2
ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT, dated as of March 19, 2004, made by AURORA FOODS INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in favor of DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent") for the Lenders party to the Credit Agreement referred to below. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Crunch Holding Corp., Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, the Lenders party thereto, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Administrative Agent, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citicorp North America, Inc. and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as Co-Documentation Agents, have entered into that certain Credit Agreement dated as of November 25, 2003 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement");
WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger dated as of November 25, 2003 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), among the Company and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation was merged (the "Merger") with and into the Company, with the Company being the surviving entity;
WHEREAS, the Merger has occurred and as a result thereof, the Company has succeeded to all rights and obligations of Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation by operation of law and without further action by any Person;
WHEREAS, Section 6.03(a) of the Credit Agreement provides that any Person may merge into the Borrower in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and, if such surviving entity is not the Borrower, such Person expressly assumes, in writing, all of the obligations of the Borrower under the Loan Documents; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to further evidence its assumption of the rights and obligations of Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation in, under and to the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation is a party by executing and delivering this Assumption Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:
SECTION 1. Assumption of Obligations. By execution and delivering this Assumption Agreement, the Company hereby becomes party to the Credit Agreement, the Collateral Agreement and each other Loan Document (including any Note) previously executed and delivered by Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation with the same force and effect as if the Company were initially a party thereto and hereby expressly assumes all obligations of the "Borrower" thereunder.
SECTION 2. References to the "Borrower" or "Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation". It is understood and agreed that references in each Loan Document to the term "Borrower" or "Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation" shall now be deemed to be references to the Company.
SECTION 3. Representations and Warranties. The Company represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders that (i) the Aurora Merger has occurred, (ii) it is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the United States of America, a State thereof or the District of Columbia and (iii) this Assumption Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms of this Assumption Agreement.
SECTION 4. Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Assumption Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Assumption Agreement shall become effective when the Administrative Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Assumption Agreement that bears the signature of the Company and the Administrative Agent shall have executed a counterpart hereof, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Assumption Agreement by telecopy shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Assumption Agreement.
SECTION 5. Credit Agreement. Except as expressly modified hereby, the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 7. GOVERNING LAW. THIS ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 8. Severability. Any provision of this Assumption 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 9. Notice. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement.
SECTION 10. Expenses. The Company agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Assumption Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 11. Headings. The Section headings of this Assumption Agreement used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Assumption Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Assumption Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Administrative Agent have duly executed this Assumption Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
AURORA FOODS INC.,
By
/S/ N. MICHAEL DION ------------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion Title: CFO |
Acknowledged and agreed to by:
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY
AMERICAS,
AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
By
/S/ SCOTTYE LINDSEY ------------------------ Name: Scottye Lindsey Title: Director |
EXHIBIT 10.3
GUARANTEE AND COLLATERAL AGREEMENT
dated as of
November 25, 2003
among
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.,
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION,
THE SUBSIDIARIES OF PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
IDENTIFIED HEREIN
and
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
as Collateral Agent
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I Definitions SECTION 1.01. Credit Agreement.......................................................................... 1 SECTION 1.02. Other Defined Terms....................................................................... 1 ARTICLE II Guarantee SECTION 2.01. Guarantee ................................................................................ 5 SECTION 2.02. Guarantee of Payment...................................................................... 5 SECTION 2.03. No Limitations............................................................................ 5 SECTION 2.04. Reinstatement............................................................................. 7 SECTION 2.05. Agreement To Pay; Subrogation............................................................. 7 SECTION 2.06. Information............................................................................... 7 ARTICLE III Pledge of Securities SECTION 3.01. Pledge ................................................................................... 7 SECTION 3.02. Delivery of the Pledged Collateral........................................................ 8 SECTION 3.03. Representations, Warranties and Covenants................................................. 8 SECTION 3.04. Certification of Limited Liability Company and Limited Partnership Interests.............. 10 SECTION 3.05. Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations............................................... 10 SECTION 3.06. Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest..................................................... 10 |
ARTICLE IV Security Interests in Personal Property SECTION 4.01. Security Interest......................................................................... 12 SECTION 4.02. Representations and Warranties............................................................ 14 SECTION 4.03. Covenants ................................................................................ 16 SECTION 4.04. Other Actions............................................................................. 19 SECTION 4.05. Covenants Regarding Patent, Trademark and Copyright Collateral............................ 22 SECTION 4.06. Deposit and Concentration Accounts........................................................ 24 SECTION 4.07. Collections............................................................................... 24 ARTICLE V Remedies SECTION 5.01. Remedies Upon Default..................................................................... 25 SECTION 5.02. Application of Proceeds................................................................... 27 SECTION 5.03. Grant of License to Use Intellectual Property............................................. 27 SECTION 5.04. Securities Act............................................................................ 28 SECTION 5.05. Registration.............................................................................. 29 ARTICLE VI Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination SECTION 6.01. Indemnity and Subrogation................................................................. 29 SECTION 6.02. Contribution and Subrogation.............................................................. 30 SECTION 6.03. Subordination............................................................................. 30 ARTICLE VII Miscellaneous SECTION 7.01. Notices .................................................................................. 30 SECTION 7.02. Waivers; Amendment........................................................................ 31 |
SECTION 7.03. Collateral Agent's Fees and Expenses; Indemnification..................................... 31 SECTION 7.04. Successors and Assigns.................................................................... 32 SECTION 7.05. Survival of Agreement..................................................................... 32 SECTION 7.06. Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement............................................ 32 SECTION 7.07. Severability.............................................................................. 33 SECTION 7.08. Right of Set-Off.......................................................................... 33 SECTION 7.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process................................ 33 SECTION 7.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL...................................................................... 34 SECTION 7.11. Headings.................................................................................. 34 SECTION 7.12. Security Interest Absolute................................................................ 34 SECTION 7.13. Termination or Release.................................................................... 35 SECTION 7.14. Additional Subsidiaries................................................................... 35 SECTION 7.15. Collateral Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact............................................... 36 |
Schedules Schedule I Subsidiary Parties Schedule II Equity Interests; Debt Securities Schedule III Intellectual Property Schedule IV Insurance Requirements Schedule V Commercial Tort Claims Exhibits Exhibit I Form of Supplement Exhibit II Form of Perfection Certificate Exhibit III Form of Copyright Collateral Agreement Exhibit IV Form of Patent Collateral Agreement Exhibit V Form of Trademark Collateral Agreement |
GUARANTEE AND COLLATERAL AGREEMENT dated as of November 25, 2003, among CRUNCH HOLDING CORP., PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION, the Subsidiaries of PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION identified herein and DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Collateral Agent. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 25, |
2003 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), among Crunch Holding Corp. ("Holdings"), Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation (the "Borrower"), the Lenders party thereto, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Administrative Agent, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citicorp North America, Inc. and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as Co-Documentation Agents. The Lenders have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The obligations of the Lenders to extend such credit are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement. Holdings and the Subsidiary Parties are affiliates of the Borrower, will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to extend such credit. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
SECTION 1.01. Credit Agreement. (a) Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Credit Agreement. All terms defined in the New York UCC (as defined herein) and not defined in this Agreement have the meanings specified therein; the term "instrument" shall have the meaning specified in Article 9 of the New York UCC.
(a) The rules of construction specified in Section 1.03 of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement.
SECTION 1.02. Other Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
"Account Debtor" means any Person who is or who may become obligated to any Grantor under, with respect to or on account of an Account.
"Article 9 Collateral" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 4.01.
"Collateral" means Article 9 Collateral and Pledged Collateral.
"Concentration Account" means a cash collateral account established at the office of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas located at 60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10004, in the name of the Collateral Agent, for purposes of this Agreement, as provided in Section 4.06.
"Copyright License" means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting any right to any third party under any Copyright now or hereafter owned by any Grantor or that such Grantor otherwise has the right to license, or granting to any Grantor any right under any copyright now or hereafter owned by any third party, and all rights of any Grantor under any such agreement.
"Copyrights" means all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor: (a) all copyright rights in any work subject to the copyright laws of the United States or any other country, whether as author, assignee, transferee or otherwise, and (b) all registrations and applications for registration of any such copyright in the United States or any other country, including registrations, recordings, supplemental registrations and pending applications for registration in the United States Copyright Office, including those listed on Schedule III.
"Credit Agreement" has the meaning assigned to such term in the preliminary statement of this Agreement.
"Deposit Account" has the meaning specified in Section 9-102 of the New York UCC and shall include any deposit account now or hereafter held by or for the account of any Grantor.
"Fair Market Carrying Value" means (a) the greater of (i) the present fair market value of the relevant Patent or Trademark and (ii) the present value of the contribution of such Patent or Trademark to Consolidated EBITDA minus (b) the present value of the associated costs (including, without limitation, filing and other recordation costs) of (i) maintaining the Grantor's right title and interest in such Patent or Trademark and (ii) maintaining the Collateral Agent's Security Interest in such Patent or Trademark.
"Federal Securities Laws" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 5.04.
"General Intangibles" has the meaning specified in Section 9-102 of the New York UCC and shall include all choses in action and all other intangible personal property of every kind and nature (other than Accounts) now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor, including corporate or other business records, indemnification claims, contract rights (including rights under leases, whether entered into as lessor or lessee, Swap Agreements and other agreements), Intellectual Property, goodwill, registrations, franchises, tax refund claims, guarantee, claim, security interest or other security held by or granted to any Grantor to secure or support payment by an Account Debtor of any of the Accounts.
"Grantors" means Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiary Parties.
"Guarantors" means Holdings and the Subsidiary Parties.
"Intellectual Property" means all intellectual and similar property of every kind and nature now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor, including inventions, designs, Patents, Copyrights, Licenses, Trademarks, trade secrets, confidential or proprietary technical and business information, know-how, methods or other data or information, software and databases and all embodiments or fixations thereof and related documentation, registrations and franchises, and all additions, improvements and accessions to, in connection with, any of the foregoing.
"License" means any Patent License, Trademark License, Copyright License or other license or sublicense agreement to which any Grantor is a party, including those listed on Schedule III.
"Loan Document Obligations" means (a) the due and punctual payment by the Borrower of (i) the principal of and interest (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) on the Loans, when and as due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, upon one or more dates set for prepayment or otherwise, (ii) each payment required to be made by the Borrower under the Credit Agreement in respect of any Letter of Credit, when and as due, including payments in respect of reimbursement of disbursements, interest thereon (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) and obligations to provide cash collateral, and (iii) all other monetary obligations of the Borrower to any of the Secured Parties under the Credit Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents, including obligations to pay fees, expense reimbursement obligations and indemnification obligations, whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise (including monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), (b) the due and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Borrower under or pursuant to the Credit Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents, and (c) the due and punctual payment and performance of all the obligations of each other Loan Party under or pursuant to this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents.
"New York UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.
"Obligations" means (a) Loan Document Obligations and (b) the due and punctual payment and performance of all obligations of each Loan Party under each Swap Agreement that (i) is in effect on the Effective Date with a counterparty that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender as of the Effective Date or (ii) is entered into after the Effective Date with any counterparty that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time such Swap Agreement is entered into.
"Patent License" means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any third party any right to make, use or sell any invention on which a Patent, now or hereafter owned by any Grantor or that any Grantor otherwise has the right to license, is in existence, or granting to any Grantor any right to make, use or sell any invention on which a patent, now or hereafter owned by any third party, is in existence, and all rights of any Grantor under any such agreement.
"Patents" means all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor: (a) all letters patent of the United States or the equivalent thereof in any other country, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications for letters patent of the United States or the equivalent thereof in any other country, including registrations, recordings and pending applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar offices in any other country, including those listed on Schedule III, and (b) all reissues, continuations, divisions, continuations-in-part, renewals or extensions thereof, and the inventions disclosed or claimed therein, including the right to make, use and/or sell the inventions disclosed or claimed therein.
"Perfection Certificate" means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit II, completed and supplemented with the schedules and attachments contemplated thereby, and duly executed by a Financial Officer and a legal officer of the Borrower.
"Pledged Collateral" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 3.01.
"Pledged Debt Securities" has the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 3.01.
"Pledged Securities" means any promissory notes, stock certificates or other securities now or hereafter included in the Pledged Collateral, including all certificates, instruments or other documents representing or evidencing any Pledged Collateral.
"Pledged Stock" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.
"Proceeds" has the meaning specified in Section 9-102 of the New York UCC.
"Secured Parties" means (a) the Lenders, (b) the Collateral Agent,
(c) each Issuing Bank, (d) each counterparty to any Swap Agreement with a Loan
Party the obligations under which constitute Obligations, (e) the beneficiaries
of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan
Document and (f) the successors and permitted assigns of each of the foregoing.
"Security Interest" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01.
"Subsidiary Parties" means (a) the Subsidiaries identified on Schedule I and (b) each other Subsidiary that becomes a party to this Agreement as a Subsidiary Party after the Effective Date.
"Trademark License" means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any third party any right to use any Trademark now or hereafter owned by any Grantor or that any Grantor otherwise has the right to license, or granting to any Grantor any right to use any trademark or service mark now or hereafter owned by any third party, and all rights of any Grantor under any such agreement.
"Trademarks" means all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by any Grantor: (a) all trademarks, service marks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, trade dress, logos, other source or business identifiers, designs and general intangibles of like nature, now existing or hereafter adopted or acquired, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all registration and recording applications filed in connection therewith, including registrations and registration applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar offices in any State of the United States or any other country or any political subdivision thereof, and all extensions or renewals thereof, including those listed on Schedule III, (b) all goodwill associated therewith or symbolized thereby and (c) all trademark and service mark assets, rights and interests that uniquely reflect or embody such goodwill.
ARTICLE II
Guarantee
SECTION 2.01. Guarantee. Each Guarantor absolutely, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees, jointly with the other Guarantors and severally, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, the due and punctual payment and performance of the Obligations. Each of the Guarantors further agrees that the Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, or amended or modified, without notice to or further assent from it, and that it will remain bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any extension, renewal, amendment or modification of any Obligation. Each of the Guarantors waives presentment to, demand of payment from and protest to the Borrower or any other Loan Party of any of the Obligations, and also waives notice of acceptance of its guarantee and notice of protest for nonpayment.
SECTION 2.02. Guarantee of Payment. Each of the Guarantors further agrees that its guarantee hereunder constitutes a guarantee of payment when due and not of collection, and waives any right to require that any resort be had by the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party to any security held for the payment of the Obligations or to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party in favor of the Borrower or any other Person.
SECTION 2.03. No Limitations. (a) Except for termination of a Guarantor's obligations hereunder as expressly provided in Section 7.13, the obligations
of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense or set-off, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by (i) the failure of the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy under the provisions of any Loan Document or otherwise, (ii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any release from any of the terms or provisions of, any Loan Document or any other agreement, including with respect to any other Guarantor under this Agreement, (iii) the release of, or any impairment of or failure to perfect any Lien on or security interest in, any security held by the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party for the Obligations or any of them, (iv) any default, failure or delay, wilful or otherwise, in the performance of the Obligations, or (v) any other act or omission that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or otherwise operate as a discharge of any Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all the Obligations (except for contingent indemnities and cost and expense reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim has been made)). Each Guarantor expressly authorizes the Secured Parties to take and hold security for the payment and performance of the Obligations, to exchange, waive or release any or all such security (with or without consideration), to enforce or apply such security and direct the order and manner of any sale thereof in their sole discretion or to release or substitute any one or more other guarantors or obligors upon or in respect of the Obligations, all without affecting the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of the Borrower or any other Loan Party or the unenforceability of the Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all the Obligations (except for contingent indemnities and cost and expense reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim has been made). The Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties may, at their election, foreclose on any security held by one or more of them by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such security in lieu of foreclosure, compromise or adjust any part of the Obligations, make any other accommodation with the Borrower or any other Loan Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to them against the Borrower or any other Loan Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of any Guarantor hereunder except to the extent the Obligations (except for contingent indemnities and cost and expense reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim has been made) have been fully and indefeasibly paid in full in cash. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though such election operates, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or to extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of such Guarantor against the Borrower or any other Loan Party, as the case may be, or any security.
SECTION 2.04. Reinstatement. Each of the Guarantors agrees that its guarantee hereunder shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of any Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored (including the payment of any contingent indemnities and cost and expense reimbursement obligations) by the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or otherwise.
SECTION 2.05. Agreement To Pay; Subrogation. In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right that the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Borrower or any other Loan Party to pay any Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice of prepayment or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises to and will forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, to the Collateral Agent for distribution to the applicable Secured Parties in cash the amount of such unpaid Obligation. Upon payment by any Guarantor of any sums to the Collateral Agent as provided above, all rights of such Guarantor against the Borrower or any other Loan Party arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subject to Article VI.
SECTION 2.06. Information. Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrower's and each other Loan Party's financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that such Guarantor assumes and incurs hereunder, and agrees that none of the Collateral Agent or the other Secured Parties will have any duty to advise such Guarantor of information known to it or any of them regarding such circumstances or risks.
ARTICLE III
Pledge of Securities
SECTION 3.01. Pledge. As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, each Grantor hereby assigns and pledges to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, and hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in, all of such Grantor's right, title and interest in, to and under (a) the shares of capital stock and other Equity Interests owned by it and listed on Schedule II and any other Equity Interests obtained in the future by such Grantor and the certificates representing all such Equity Interests (the "Pledged Stock"), provided that the Pledged Stock shall not include (i) more than 65% of the issued and outstanding voting Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party but is owned directly by a Loan Party, (ii) any Equity Interest of a Foreign Subsidiary that is not owned directly by a Loan Party and (iii) any Equity Interests in a Joint Venture to the extent such Equity Interests are prohibited from being pledged pursuant to the constitutive documents of such Joint Venture, (b)(i) the debt securities
listed opposite the name of such Grantor on Schedule II, (ii) any debt
securities in the future issued to such Grantor and (iii) the promissory notes
and any other instruments evidencing such debt securities (the "Pledged Debt
Securities"), (c) all other property that may be delivered to and held by the
Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms of this Section 3.01, (d) subject to
Section 3.06, all payments of principal or interest, dividends, cash,
instruments and other property from time to time received, receivable or
otherwise distributed in respect of, in exchange for or upon the conversion of,
and all other Proceeds received in respect of, the securities referred to in
clauses (a) and (b) above, (e) subject to Section 3.06, all rights and
privileges of such Grantor with respect to the securities and other property
referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, and (f) all Proceeds of any
of the foregoing (the items referred to in clauses (a) through (f) above being
collectively referred to as the "Pledged Collateral").
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Pledged Collateral, together with all right, title, interest, powers, privileges and preferences pertaining or incidental thereto, unto the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, forever; subject, however, to the terms, covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth.
SECTION 3.02. Delivery of the Pledged Collateral. (a) Each Grantor agrees promptly to deliver or cause to be delivered to the Collateral Agent any and all certificates or other instruments evidencing any Pledged Securities.
(b) Each Grantor will cause any Indebtedness for borrowed money owed to such Grantor by any Person to be evidenced by a duly executed promissory note that is pledged and delivered to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms hereof, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any Indebtedness owed to any Grantor by any Person (other than another Grantor) in an amount less than $500,000.
(c) Upon delivery to the Collateral Agent, (i) any Pledged Securities shall be accompanied by undated stock powers duly executed in blank or other undated instruments of transfer reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, duly executed in blank, and by such other instruments and documents as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request and (ii) all other property comprising part of the Pledged Collateral shall be accompanied by proper instruments of assignment duly executed by the applicable Grantor and such other instruments or documents as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request. Each delivery of Pledged Securities shall be accompanied by a schedule describing such Pledged Securities, which schedule shall be attached hereto as an amended and restated Schedule II and made a part hereof, provided that failure to attach any such schedule hereto shall not affect the validity of such pledge of such Pledged Securities. Each schedule so delivered shall supplement any prior schedules so delivered.
SECTION 3.03. Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The Grantors jointly and severally represent, warrant and covenant to and with the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, that:
(a) Schedule II correctly sets forth the percentage of the issued and outstanding shares (or units or other comparable measure) of each class of the Equity Interests of the issuer thereof represented by such Pledged Stock (as of the date of such Pledge) and includes all Equity Interests, debt securities and promissory notes required to be pledged hereunder in order to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;
(b) the Pledged Stock and, to the best of each Grantor's knowledge, the Pledged Debt Securities have been duly and validly authorized and issued by the issuers thereof and (i) in the case of Pledged Stock, are fully paid and nonassessable and (ii) in the case of Pledged Debt Securities, to the best of each Grantor's knowledge, are legal, valid and binding obligations of the issuers thereof and there exists no defense, offset or counterclaim to any obligation of the maker or issuer of any Pledged Debt Securities;
(c) except for the security interests granted hereunder, each of the
Grantors (i) is and, subject to any transfers made in compliance with the
Credit Agreement, will continue to be the direct owner, beneficially and
of record, of the Pledged Securities indicated on Schedule II as owned by
such Grantor, (ii) holds the same free and clear of all Liens, other than
(A) Liens created by this Agreement, (B) other Liens not prohibited by
Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement and (C) transfers made in compliance
with the Credit Agreement, (iii) will make no assignment, pledge,
hypothecation or transfer of, or create or permit to exist any security
interest in or other Lien on, the Pledged Collateral, other than (A) Liens
created by this Agreement, (B) other Liens not prohibited by Section 6.02
of the Credit Agreement and (C) transfers made in compliance with the
Credit Agreement and (iv) will defend its title or interest thereto or
therein against any and all Liens (other than the Lien created by this
Agreement and Permitted Encumbrances), however arising, of all Persons
whomsoever;
(d) except for restrictions and limitations imposed by the Loan Documents or securities laws generally, the Pledged Collateral is and will continue to be freely transferable and assignable, and none of the Pledged Collateral is or will be subject to any option, right of first refusal, shareholders agreement, charter or by-law provisions or contractual restriction of any nature that might prohibit, impair, delay or otherwise affect the pledge of such Pledged Collateral hereunder, the sale or disposition thereof pursuant hereto or the exercise by the Collateral Agent of rights and remedies hereunder;
(e) each of the Grantors has the power and authority to pledge the Pledged Collateral pledged by it hereunder in the manner hereby done or contemplated;
(f) no consent or approval of any Governmental Authority, any securities exchange or any other Person was or is necessary to the validity of the pledge effected hereby (other than such as have been obtained and are in full force and effect);
(g) by virtue of the execution and delivery by the Grantors of this Agreement, when any Pledged Securities are delivered to the Collateral Agent in accordance with this Agreement, the Collateral Agent will obtain, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a legal, valid and perfected first priority lien upon and security interest in such Pledged Securities as security for the payment and performance of the Obligations; and
(h) the pledge effected hereby is effective to vest in the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the rights of the Collateral Agent in the Pledged Collateral as set forth herein.
SECTION 3.04. Certification of Limited Liability Company and Limited Partnership Interests. Each interest in any limited liability company or limited partnership controlled by any Grantor and pledged hereunder shall be represented by a certificate and shall be a "security" within the meaning of Article 8 of the applicable UCC.
SECTION 3.05. Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations. The Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, shall have the right (in its sole and absolute discretion) to hold the Pledged Securities in its own name as pledgee, the name of its nominee (as pledgee or as sub-agent) or the name of the applicable Grantor, endorsed or assigned in blank or in favor of the Collateral Agent. Each Grantor will promptly give to the Collateral Agent copies of any material notices or other communications received by it with respect to Pledged Securities registered in the name of such Grantor. The Collateral Agent shall at all times have the right to exchange the certificates representing Pledged Securities for certificates of smaller or larger denominations for any purpose consistent with this Agreement.
SECTION 3.06. Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest. (a) Unless and
until an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the
Collateral Agent shall have notified the Grantors that their rights under this
Section 3.06 are being suspended:
(i) Each Grantor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and/or other consensual rights and powers inuring to an owner of Pledged Securities or any part thereof for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, provided that such rights and powers shall not be exercised in any manner that could materially and adversely affect the rights inuring to a holder of any Pledged Securities or the rights and remedies of any of the Collateral Agent or the other Secured Parties under this Agreement or the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or the ability of the Secured Parties to exercise the same.
(ii) The Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver to each Grantor, or cause to be executed and delivered to such Grantor, all such proxies, powers of attorney and other instruments as such Grantor may reasonably request for the
purpose of enabling such Grantor to exercise the voting and/or consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to subparagraph (i) above.
(iii) Each Grantor shall be entitled to receive and retain any and all dividends, interest, principal and other distributions paid on or distributed in respect of the Pledged Securities to the extent and only to the extent that such dividends, interest, principal and other distributions are permitted by, and otherwise paid or distributed in accordance with, the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents and applicable laws, provided that any noncash dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that would constitute Pledged Stock or Pledged Debt Securities, whether resulting from a subdivision, combination or reclassification of the outstanding Equity Interests of the issuer of any Pledged Securities or received in exchange for Pledged Securities or any part thereof, or in redemption thereof, or as a result of any merger, consolidation, acquisition or other exchange of assets to which such issuer may be a party or otherwise, shall be and become part of the Pledged Collateral, and, if received by any Grantor, shall not be commingled by such Grantor with any of its other funds or property but shall be held separate and apart therefrom, shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties and shall be forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent in the same form as so received endorsed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.
(b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default, after the Collateral Agent shall have notified the Grantors of the
suspension of their rights under paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section 3.06, then
all rights of any Grantor to dividends, interest, principal or other
distributions that such Grantor is authorized to receive pursuant to paragraph
(a)(iii) of this Section 3.06 shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon
become vested in the Collateral Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive
right and authority to receive and retain such dividends, interest, principal or
other distributions (except as provided in Section 6.08 of the Credit
Agreement). All dividends, interest, principal or other distributions received
by any Grantor contrary to the provisions of this Section 3.06 shall be held in
trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties,
shall be segregated from other property or funds of such Grantor and shall be
forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent upon demand in the same form as so
received, endorsed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.
Any and all money and other property paid over to or received by the Collateral
Agent pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph (b) shall be retained by the
Collateral Agent in an account to be established by the Collateral Agent upon
receipt of such money or other property and shall be applied in accordance with
the provisions of Section 5.02. After all Events of Default have been cured or
waived and the Borrower has delivered to the Collateral Agent a certificate to
that effect, the Collateral Agent shall promptly repay to each Grantor (without
interest) all dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such
Grantor would otherwise be permitted to retain pursuant to the terms of
paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section 3.06 and that remain in such account.
(c) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, after the Collateral Agent shall have notified the Grantors of the suspension of their rights under paragraph (a)(i) of this Section 3.06, then all rights of any Grantor to exercise the voting and consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of this Section 3.06, and the obligations of the Collateral Agent under paragraph (a)(ii) of this Section 3.06, shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Collateral Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to exercise such voting and consensual rights and powers, provided that, unless otherwise directed by the Required Lenders, the Collateral Agent shall have the right from time to time following and during the continuance of an Event of Default to permit the Grantors to exercise such rights.
(d) Any notice given by the Collateral Agent to the Grantors suspending their rights under paragraph (a) of this Section 3.06 (i) may be given by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing, (ii) may be given to one or more of the Grantors at the same or different times and (iii) may suspend the rights of the Grantors under paragraph (a)(i) or paragraph (a)(iii) in part without suspending all such rights (as specified by the Collateral Agent in its sole and absolute discretion) and without waiving or otherwise affecting the Collateral Agent's rights to give additional notices from time to time suspending other rights so long as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
ARTICLE IV
Security Interests in Personal Property
SECTION 4.01.Security Interest. (a) As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, each Grantor hereby assigns and pledges to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest (the "Security Interest") in, all right, title or interest of such Grantor in or to any and all of the following assets and properties now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor or in which such Grantor now has or at any time in the future may acquire any right, title or interest (collectively, the "Article 9 Collateral"):
(i) all Accounts;
(ii) all Chattel Paper;
(iii) all cash and Deposit Accounts;
(iv) all Documents;
(v) all Equipment;
(vi) all General Intangibles;
(vii) all Instruments;
(viii) all Inventory;
(ix) all Investment Property;
(x) all letter-of-credit rights;
(xi) all commercial tort claims specified on Schedule V;
(xii) all books and records pertaining to the Article 9 Collateral; and
(xiii) to the extent not otherwise included, all Proceeds and products of any and all of the foregoing and all collateral security and guarantees given by any Person with respect to any of the foregoing;
provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, Article 9 Collateral shall
not include (A) any asset of any Grantor that is subject to a Lien
permitted by Section 6.02(c) or (d) of the Credit Agreement, with respect
to which the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Lenders) is not
permitted to obtain a security interest by the terms of such Lien or (B)
any Collateral to the extent, but only to the extent, in which a security
interest is not permitted to be granted by any Grantor pursuant to
applicable law or is prohibited by, or constitutes a breach or default or
results in the termination of or requires any consent not obtained under,
any contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document evidencing
or giving rise to such asset or in the case of Investment Property,
Pledged Stock or Pledged Debt Securities, any applicable shareholder or
other agreement, except to the extent that such requirement of law or the
term in such contract, license, agreement, instrument or other document or
shareholder or similar agreement providing for such prohibition, breach,
default or termination or requiring such consent is ineffective under
applicable law (it being understood that in the case of this clause (B),
(1) the Grantor shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to permit
the grant of a security interest in any such Collateral pursuant to this
Agreement and (2) immediately upon the ineffectiveness, lapse, termination
or waiver of any such provision, a security interest in such Collateral
shall be assigned in accordance with this Section 4.01).
(b) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably authorizes the Collateral Agent at any time and from time to time to file in any relevant jurisdiction any initial financing statements (including fixture filings) with respect to the Article 9 Collateral or any part thereof and amendments thereto that contain the information required by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of each applicable jurisdiction for the filing of any financing statement or amendment, including (a) whether such Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organizational identification number issued to such Grantor and (b) in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture filing or covering Article 9 Collateral constituting minerals or the like to be extracted or timber to be cut, a sufficient description of the real property to which such Article 9 Collateral relates. Each Grantor agrees to provide such information to the Collateral Agent promptly upon request.
Each Grantor also ratifies its authorization for the Collateral Agent to file in any relevant jurisdiction any initial financing statements or amendments thereto if filed prior to the date hereof.
The Collateral Agent is further authorized to file with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and United States Copyright Office (or any successor office or any similar office in any other country) such documents as may be necessary or advisable for the purpose of perfecting, confirming, continuing, enforcing or protecting the Security Interest granted by each Grantor, without the signature of any Grantor, and naming any Grantor or the Grantors as debtors and the Collateral Agent as secured party.
(c) The Security Interest is granted as security only and shall not subject the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party to, or in any way alter or modify, any obligation or liability of any Grantor with respect to or arising out of the Article 9 Collateral.
SECTION 4.02. Representations and Warranties. The Grantors jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties that:
(a) Each Grantor has (i) good and valid rights in and title to the Article 9 Collateral with respect to which it has purported to grant a Security Interest hereunder (except that, with respect to certain Trademarks as noted on Schedule III, such right and title is subject to final recordation of changes in title at the United States Patent and Trademark Office) and (ii) full power and authority to grant to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the Security Interest in such Article 9 Collateral (other than Intellectual Property that does not constitute Article 9 Collateral pursuant to the proviso to Section 4.01(a)) pursuant hereto and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, without the consent or approval of any other Person other than any consent or approval that has been obtained, including the consent or approval of any third party required to be obtained to effect the assignment of such Grantor's rights and interest in and title to any Copyright License, Patent License or Trademark License to the Collateral Agent or its designee for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to Section 4.05(h).
(b) The Perfection Certificate has been duly prepared, completed and executed and the information set forth therein, including the exact legal name of each Grantor, is correct and complete as of the Effective Date. The Uniform Commercial Code financing statements (including fixture filings, as applicable) or other appropriate filings, recordings or registrations prepared by the Collateral Agent based upon the information provided to the Collateral Agent in the Perfection Certificate for filing in each governmental, municipal or other office specified in Schedule 5 to the Perfection Certificate (or specified by notice from the Borrower to the Collateral Agent after the Effective Date in the case of filings, recordings or registrations required by Section 5.03(a) or 5.12 of the Credit Agreement), are all the filings, recordings and registrations (other than filings required to be made in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office in order to perfect the Security
Interest in Article 9 Collateral consisting of United States Patents, Trademarks
and Copyrights) that are necessary to publish notice of and protect the validity
of and to establish a legal, valid and perfected security interest in favor of
the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) in respect of all
Article 9 Collateral in which the Security Interest may be perfected by filing,
recording or registration in the United States (or any political subdivision
thereof) and its territories and possessions, and no further or subsequent
filing, refiling, recording, rerecording, registration or reregistration is
necessary in any such jurisdiction, except as provided under applicable law with
respect to the filing of continuation statements. Each Grantor shall ensure that
a fully executed agreement containing a description of all Article 9 Collateral
consisting of Intellectual Property shall have been filed (i) within one month
after the execution of this Agreement with respect to United States Patents and
United States registered Trademarks (and Trademarks for which United States
registration applications are pending), (ii) within 10 days after the execution
of this Agreement with respect to United States registered Copyrights by the
United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright
Office, respectively, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Section 261, 15 U.S.C. Section 1060
or 17 U.S.C. Section 205 and the regulations thereunder, as applicable, and
(iii) otherwise as may be required pursuant to the Personal Property Security
Act or such other applicable legislation as in effect from time to time in
Canada (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and
possessions, to protect the validity of and to establish a legal, valid and
perfected security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of
the Secured Parties) in respect of all Article 9 Collateral consisting of
Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights (A) solely in respect of clauses (i) and (ii)
above, in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or
registration in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its
territories and possessions and (B) solely in respect of clause (iii) above, in
which a security interest maybe perfected by filing, recording or registration
in Canada (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and
possessions and, in each case, no further or subsequent filing, refiling,
recording, rerecording, registration or reregistration is necessary (other than
such actions as are necessary to perfect the Security Interest with respect to
any Article 9 Collateral consisting of Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights (or
registration or application for registration thereof) acquired or developed
after the date hereof).
(c) The Security Interest constitutes (i) a legal and valid security interest in all the Article 9 Collateral securing the payment and performance of the Obligations, (ii) subject to the filings described in Section 4.02(b), a perfected security interest in all Article 9 Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a financing statement or analogous document (A) in the United States (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code or (B) in Canada (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions pursuant to the Personal Property Security Act or such other applicable legislation as in effect from time to time in any applicable province or jurisdiction of Canada and (iii) a security interest that shall be perfected in all Article 9 Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected upon the receipt and recording of this Agreement with (A) the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, as applicable, within the three-month period (commencing as of the date hereof) pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Section 261 or 15 U.S.C. Section 1060 or the one month period
(commencing as of the date hereof) pursuant to 17 U.S.C. Section 205 and (B)
otherwise as may be required pursuant to the Personal Property Security Act or
such other applicable legislation as in effect from time to time in Canada (or
any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions. The
Security Interest is and shall be prior to any other Lien on any of the Article
9 Collateral, other than (i) Liens permitted under Section 6.02 of the Credit
Agreement that have priority as a matter of law and (ii) Liens permitted under
Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement that are expressly permitted to be prior to
the Security Interest pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement.
(d) The Article 9 Collateral is owned by the Grantors free and clear
of any Lien, except for Liens expressly permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 of
the Credit Agreement. None of the Grantors has filed or consented to the filing
of (i) any financing statement or analogous document under the Uniform
Commercial Code or any other applicable laws covering any Article 9 Collateral,
(ii) any assignment in which any Grantor assigns any Collateral or any security
agreement or similar instrument covering any Article 9 Collateral with the
United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office
or (iii) any assignment in which any Grantor assigns any Article 9 Collateral or
any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Article 9 Collateral
with any foreign governmental, municipal or other office, which financing
statement or analogous document, assignment, security agreement or similar
instrument is still in effect, except, in each case, for Liens expressly
permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement or assignments
expressly permitted pursuant to Section 6.05 of the Credit Agreement.
SECTION 4.03. Covenants. (a) Each Grantor agrees to maintain, at its own cost and expense, such complete and accurate records with respect to the Article 9 Collateral owned by it as is consistent with its current practices and in accordance with such prudent and standard practices used in industries that are the same as or similar to those in which such Grantor is engaged, but in any event to include complete accounting records indicating all payments and proceeds received with respect to any part of the Article 9 Collateral, and, at such time or times as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, promptly to prepare and deliver to the Collateral Agent a duly certified schedule or schedules in form and detail satisfactory to the Collateral Agent showing the identity, amount and location of any and all Article 9 Collateral.
(b) Each Grantor shall, at its own expense, take any and all reasonable actions necessary to defend title to the Article 9 Collateral against all Persons and to defend the Security Interest of the Collateral Agent in the Article 9 Collateral and the priority thereof against any Lien not expressly permitted to be prior to the Security Interest pursuant to this Agreement.
(c) Each Grantor agrees, at its own expense, to execute, acknowledge, deliver and cause to be duly filed all such further instruments and documents and take all such actions as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request to better assure, preserve, protect and perfect the Security Interest and the rights and remedies created hereby, including the payment of any fees and taxes required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the granting of the Security Interest and the
filing of any financing statements (including fixture filings) or other documents in connection herewith or therewith. If any amount payable under or in connection with any of the Article 9 Collateral shall be or become evidenced by any promissory note or other instrument in excess of $500,000, such note or instrument shall be promptly pledged and delivered to the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties), duly endorsed in a manner satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent, with prompt notice thereof to the Grantors, to supplement this Agreement by supplementing Schedule III or adding additional schedules hereto to specifically identify any asset or item that may constitute Copyrights, Licenses, Patents or Trademarks (but only to the extent such Intellectual Property would constitute Article 9 Collateral), provided that any Grantor shall have the right, exercisable within 10 Business Days after it has been notified by the Collateral Agent of the specific identification of such Collateral, to advise the Collateral Agent in writing of any inaccuracy of the representations and warranties made by such Grantor hereunder with respect to such Collateral. Each Grantor agrees that it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to take such action as shall be necessary in order that all representations and warranties hereunder shall be true and correct with respect to such Collateral within 30 days after the date it has been notified by the Collateral Agent of the specific identification of such Collateral.
(d) The Collateral Agent and such Persons as the Collateral Agent
may reasonably designate shall have the right, at the Grantors' own cost and
expense upon reasonable prior notice (and only to the extent there is no
disruption of the business and operations of the Grantors), to inspect the
Article 9 Collateral, all records related thereto (and to make extracts and
copies from such records) and the premises upon which any of the Article 9
Collateral is located, to discuss the Grantors' affairs with the officers of the
Grantors and their independent accountants (so long as the Grantors shall be
provided the opportunity to participate in any discussions with such independent
accountants) and to verify under reasonable procedures, in accordance with
Section 5.03 of the Credit Agreement, the validity, amount, quality, quantity,
value, condition and status of, or any other matter relating to, the Article 9
Collateral, including, in the case of Accounts or other Article 9 Collateral in
the possession of any third person, during the continuance of an Event of
Default, by contacting Account Debtors or the third person possessing such
Article 9 Collateral for the purpose of making such a verification (so long as
the Collateral Agent provides the Grantors reasonable prior notice of its plans
to make such contacts). The Collateral Agent shall have the absolute right
(subject to any confidentiality restrictions set forth herein, in the Credit
Agreement or in any other Loan Document) to share any information it gains from
such inspection or verification with any Secured Party.
(e) At its option, the Collateral Agent may discharge past due taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances at any time levied or placed on the Article 9 Collateral and not permitted pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement, and may pay for the maintenance and preservation of the Article 9 Collateral to the extent any Grantor fails to do so as required by the Credit Agreement or
this Agreement, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to reimburse the Collateral Agent on demand for any payment made or any expense incurred by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the foregoing authorization, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted as excusing any Grantor from the performance of, or imposing any obligation on the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party to cure or perform, any covenants or other promises of any Grantor with respect to taxes, assessments, charges, fees, Liens, security interests or other encumbrances and maintenance as set forth herein or in the other Loan Documents.
(f) If at any time any Grantor shall take a security interest in any property of an Account Debtor or any other Person to secure payment and performance of an Account, such Grantor shall promptly assign such security interest to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties. Such assignment need not be filed of public record unless necessary to continue the perfected status of the security interest against creditors of and transferees from the Account Debtor or other Person granting the security interest.
(g) Each Grantor shall remain liable to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it under each contract, agreement or instrument relating to the Article 9 Collateral, all in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties from and against any and all liability for such performance.
(h) None of the Grantors shall make or permit to be made an assignment, pledge or hypothecation of the Article 9 Collateral or shall grant any other Lien in respect of the Article 9 Collateral, except as permitted by the Credit Agreement. None of the Grantors shall make or permit to be made any transfer of the Article 9 Collateral and each Grantor shall remain at all times in possession of the Article 9 Collateral owned by it, except that (x) if the Collateral Agent shall notify the Grantors (which notice may be given by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing) that an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Grantors may sell, convey, lease, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of (i) Inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (ii) other Collateral which the Grantor is already obligated to sell and (y) if the Collateral Agent shall have not given notice to the Grantors (which notice may be given by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing) that an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or shall have rescinded all prior notices), the Grantors may use and dispose of the Article 9 Collateral in any lawful manner not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if any Inventory is at any time in the possession or control of any warehouseman, agent, bailee, or processor, each Grantor agrees that it shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent and, if requested by the Collateral Agent, shall promptly obtain a written acknowledgement from such warehouseman, agent, bailee or processor, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, that such warehouseman, agent, bailee or processor holds such Inventory for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties subject to the Security Interest and shall act upon the instructions of the Collateral Agent without further consent from the Grantor. The Collateral Agent agrees that it shall not make any such request
unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur after taking into account any action by the respective Grantor with respect to the warehouseman, agent, bailee or processor. At the request of the Collateral Agent, each Grantor will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain waivers or consents to subordination with respect to any landlord's Liens that may be applicable to the Collateral, in each case to the extent and in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.
(i) None of the Grantors will, without the Collateral Agent's prior written consent, grant any extension of the time of payment of any Accounts included in the Article 9 Collateral, compromise, compound or settle the same for less than the full amount thereof, release, wholly or partly, any Person liable for the payment thereof or allow any credit or discount whatsoever thereon, other than extensions, compromises, settlements, releases, credits or discounts granted or made in the ordinary course of business and consistent with its current practices and in accordance with such prudent and standard practice.
(j) The Grantors, at their own expense, shall maintain or cause to be maintained insurance covering physical loss or damage to the Inventory and Equipment in accordance with the requirements set forth in Schedule IV hereto and Section 5.07 of the Credit Agreement. Each Grantor shall notify the Collateral Agent immediately of any notice specified in paragraph (b) of Schedule IV provided by any insurer to the Borrower. Each Grantor irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent (and all officers, employees or agents designated by the Collateral Agent) as such Grantor's true and lawful agent (and attorney-in-fact) for the purpose, during the continuance of an Event of Default, of making, settling and adjusting claims in respect of Article 9 Collateral under policies of insurance, endorsing the name of such Grantor on any check, draft, instrument or other item of payment for the proceeds of such policies of insurance and for making all determinations and decisions with respect thereto. In the event that any Grantor at any time or times shall fail to obtain or maintain any of the policies of insurance required hereby or to pay any premium in whole or part relating thereto, the Collateral Agent may, without waiving or releasing any obligation or liability of the Grantors hereunder or any Event of Default, in its sole discretion, obtain and maintain such policies of insurance and pay such premium and take any other actions with respect thereto as the Collateral Agent deems advisable. All sums disbursed by the Collateral Agent in connection with this paragraph, including reasonable attorneys' fees, court costs, expenses and other charges relating thereto, shall be payable, upon demand, by the Grantors to the Collateral Agent and shall be additional Obligations secured hereby.
(k) Each Grantor shall maintain, in form and manner reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, records of its Chattel Paper and its books, records and documents evidencing or pertaining thereto.
SECTION 4.04. Other Actions. In order to further insure the attachment, perfection and priority of, and the ability of the Collateral Agent to enforce, the Security Interest, each Grantor agrees, in each case at such Grantor's own expense, to take the following actions with respect to the following Article 9 Collateral:
(a) Instruments. If any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any Instruments with a value in excess of $500,000, such Grantor shall forthwith endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Collateral Agent, accompanied by such undated instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request.
(b) Deposit Accounts. With respect to each existing Deposit Account maintained by each Grantor, within 90 days of the Effective Date (or such later date as determined by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion, which shall in no event be later than 150 days from the Effective Date), and with respect to each Deposit Account that any Grantor at any time opens, within 60 days of the opening of such account, such Grantor shall, either (i) cause the depositary bank to agree to comply with instructions from the Collateral Agent to such depositary bank directing the disposition of funds from time to time credited to such Deposit Account, without further consent of such Grantor or any other Person, pursuant to an agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, or (ii) arrange for the Collateral Agent to become the customer of the depositary bank with respect to the Deposit Account, with the Grantor being permitted, only with the consent of the Collateral Agent, to exercise rights to withdraw funds from such Deposit Account. The Collateral Agent agrees with each Grantor that the Collateral Agent shall not give any such instructions or withhold any withdrawal rights from any Grantor unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or, after giving effect to any withdrawal, would occur. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to (A) any Deposit Account for which any Grantor, the depositary bank and the Collateral Agent have entered into a cash collateral agreement specially negotiated among such Grantor, the depositary bank and the Collateral Agent for the specific purpose set forth therein, (B) Deposit Accounts for which the Collateral Agent is the depositary, (C) any Deposit Account exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the Grantor's employees made in the ordinary course of business, (D) any Deposit Account that is exclusively used for disbursements made in the ordinary course of business and (E) any Deposit Account opened and maintained by any Grantor in the ordinary course of business in which not more than $100,000 is held at any time, provided that the aggregate amount of funds maintained in all such deposit accounts under this clause (E) shall not exceed $1,000,000 at any time.
(c) Investment Property. Except to the extent otherwise provided in Article III, if any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any certificated securities, such Grantor shall forthwith endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Collateral Agent, accompanied by such undated instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Collateral Agent may from time to time specify. If any securities now or hereafter acquired by any Grantor are uncertificated and are issued to such Grantor or its nominee directly by the issuer thereof, such Grantor shall immediately notify the Collateral Agent thereof and, at the Collateral Agent's request and option, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, either (i) cause the issuer to agree to comply with instructions from the Collateral Agent as to such
securities, without further consent of any Grantor or such nominee, or
(ii) arrange for the Collateral Agent to become the registered owner of
such securities. If any securities, whether certificated or
uncertificated, or other Investment Property now or hereafter acquired by
any Grantor are held by such Grantor or its nominee through a securities
intermediary or commodity intermediary, such Grantor shall immediately
notify the Collateral Agent thereof and, at the Collateral Agent's request
and option, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, either (i) cause such securities
intermediary or (as the case may be) commodity intermediary to agree to
comply with entitlement orders or other instructions from the Collateral
Agent to such securities intermediary as to such security entitlements, or
(as the case may be) to apply any value distributed on account of any
commodity contract as directed by the Collateral Agent to such commodity
intermediary, in each case without further consent of any Grantor or such
nominee, or (ii) in the case of Financial Assets or other Investment
Property held through a securities intermediary, arrange for the
Collateral Agent to become the entitlement holder with respect to such
Investment Property, with the Grantor being permitted, only with the
consent of the Collateral Agent, to exercise rights to withdraw or
otherwise deal with such Investment Property. The Collateral Agent agrees
with each of the Grantors that the Collateral Agent shall not give any
such entitlement orders or instructions or directions to any such issuer,
securities intermediary or commodity intermediary, and shall not withhold
its consent to the exercise of any withdrawal or dealing rights by any
Grantor, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or,
after giving effect to any such investment and withdrawal rights would
occur. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to any financial
assets credited to a securities account for which the Collateral Agent is
the securities intermediary.
(d) Electronic Chattel Paper and Transferable Records. If any
Grantor at any time holds or acquires an interest in any electronic
chattel paper or any "transferable record," as that term is defined in
Section 201 of the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National
Commerce Act, or in Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act
as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction, such Grantor shall promptly
notify the Collateral Agent thereof and, at the request of the Collateral
Agent, shall take such action as the Collateral Agent may reasonably
request to vest in the Collateral Agent control under New York UCC Section
9-105 of such electronic chattel paper or control under Section 201 of the
Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act or, as
the case may be, Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, as
so in effect in such jurisdiction, of such transferable record. The
Collateral Agent agrees with such Grantor that the Collateral Agent will
arrange, pursuant to procedures reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral
Agent and so long as such procedures will not result in the Collateral
Agent's loss of control, for the Grantor to make alterations to the
electronic chattel paper or transferable record permitted under UCC
Section 9-105 or, as the case may be, Section 201 of the Federal
Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act or Section 16 of
the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act for a party in control to allow
without loss of control, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing or would
occur after taking into account any action by such Grantor with respect to such electronic chattel paper or transferable record. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to any electronic chattel paper or any "transferable record" unless the value of any such electronic chattel paper or "transferable record" exceeds $300,000.
(d) Letter-of-Credit Rights. If any Grantor is at any time a beneficiary under a letter of credit now or hereafter issued in favor of such Grantor, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent thereof and, at the request and option of the Collateral Agent, such Grantor shall, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, either (i) arrange for the issuer and any confirmer of such letter of credit to consent to an assignment to the Collateral Agent of the proceeds of any drawing under such letter of credit or (ii) arrange for the Collateral Agent to become the transferee beneficiary of such letter of credit, with the Collateral Agent agreeing, in each case, that the proceeds of any drawing under the letter of credit are to be paid to the applicable Grantor unless an Event of Default has occurred or is continuing. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to any letter of credit unless the face amount of any such letter of credit exceeds $300,000.
(f) Commercial Tort Claims. If any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire a commercial tort claim in an amount reasonably estimated to exceed $500,000, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent thereof in a writing signed by such Grantor including a summary description of such claim and grant to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in such writing a security interest therein and in the proceeds thereof, all upon the terms of this Agreement, with such writing to be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.
SECTION 4.05.Covenants Regarding Patent, Trademark and Copyright Collateral. (a) Each Grantor agrees that it will not, do any act or omit to do any act (and will exercise commercially reasonable efforts to prevent its licensees from doing any act or omitting to do any act) whereby any Patent that is material to the conduct of the Grantors' business, taken as a whole, may become invalidated or dedicated to the public, and agrees that it shall continue, consistent with past practice, to mark any products covered by a Patent with the relevant patent number as necessary and sufficient to establish and preserve its rights under applicable patent laws, provided that this provision shall cease to apply with respect to any Patent with a Fair Market Carrying Value not in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate for each fiscal year, provided further that in such event the Grantor shall give written notice to the Collateral Agent identifying such Patent and indicating its Fair Market Carrying Value after the end of each fiscal quarter at the time the Borrower furnishes to the Administrative Agent the reports required by Section 5.01(b).
(b) Each Grantor (either itself or through its licensees or its sublicensees) will, for each Trademark material to the conduct of the Grantors' business, taken as a whole, (i) maintain such Trademark, consistent with past practice, in full force free from
any claim of abandonment or invalidity for non-use, (ii) maintain the quality of products and services offered under such Trademark, (iii) display such Trademark, if registered, consistent with past practice, with notice of Federal or foreign registration to the extent necessary and sufficient to establish and preserve its maximum rights under applicable law and (iv) not knowingly use or knowingly permit the use of such Trademark in violation of any third party rights, provided that this provision shall cease to apply with respect to any Trademark with a Fair Market Carrying Value not in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate for each fiscal year, provided further that in such event the Grantor shall give written notice to the Collateral Agent identifying such Trademark and indicating its Fair Market Carrying Value after the end of each fiscal quarater at the time the borrower furnishes to the Administrative Agent the reports required by Section 5.01(b).
(c) Each Grantor (either itself or through its licensees or sublicensees) will, consistent with past practice, for each work covered by a material Copyright, continue to mark such work with appropriate copyright notice as necessary and sufficient to establish and preserve its rights under applicable copyright laws.
(d) Each Grantor shall notify the Collateral Agent promptly if it knows or has reason to know that any Patent, Trademark or Copyright material to the conduct of the Grantors' business, taken as a whole, may become abandoned, lost or dedicated to the public, or of any materially adverse determination or material development (including the institution of, or any such determination or development in, any proceeding in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, United States Copyright Office or any court or similar office of any country) regarding such Grantor's ownership of any such Patent, Trademark or Copyright, its right to register the same, or its right to keep and maintain the same.
(e) In the event that any Grantor, either itself or through any agent, employee, licensee or designee, files an application for any Patent, Trademark or Copyright (or for the registration of any Trademark or Copyright) with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or any office or agency in any political subdivision of the United States or in any other country or any political subdivision thereof, it shall inform the Collateral Agent within 10 Business Days of such application, and, upon request of the Collateral Agent, it shall execute and deliver any and all agreements, instruments, documents and papers as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request to evidence the Security Interest in such Patent, Trademark or Copyright.
(f) Each Grantor will take all necessary steps that are consistent with the practice in any proceeding before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or any office or agency in any political subdivision of the United States or in any other country or any political subdivision thereof, to maintain and pursue each application relating to any material Patents, Trademarks and/or Copyrights (and to obtain the relevant grant or registration) and to maintain each issued Patent and each registration of the Trademarks and Copyrights that is material to the conduct of the Grantors' business, taken as a whole, including timely filings of applications for renewal, affidavits of use, affidavits of incontestability and payment of maintenance fees, and, if
consistent with good business judgment, to initiate opposition, interference and cancelation proceedings against third parties.
(g) In the event that any Grantor has reason to believe that any Article 9 Collateral consisting of a Patent, Trademark or Copyright material to the conduct of the Grantors' business, taken as a whole, has been or is about to be infringed, misappropriated or diluted by a third party, such Grantor promptly shall notify the Collateral Agent and shall, if consistent with good business judgment, promptly sue for infringement, misappropriation or dilution and to recover any and all damages for such infringement, misappropriation or dilution, and take such other reasonable actions as are appropriate under the circumstances to protect such Article 9 Collateral.
(g) Upon and during the continuance of an Event of Default and after notice from the Collateral Agent, each Grantor shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all requisite consents or approvals by the licensor of each Copyright License, Patent License or Trademark License to effect the assignment of all such Grantor's right, title and interest thereunder to the Collateral Agent or its designee for the benefit of the Secured Parties.
SECTION 4.06. Deposit and Concentration Accounts.
(a) At any time after the Effective Date, at the Collateral Agent's
request, the Grantors shall establish the Concentration Account. Effective upon
notice to the Grantors from the Collateral Agent after the occurrence and during
the continuance of an Event of Default (which notice may be given by telephone
if promptly confirmed in writing), the Collateral Agent may instruct each
depositary bank to transfer immediately all funds held in each deposit account
of the Grantors to the Concentration Account. Each Grantor irrevocably
authorizes the Collateral Agent to notify each depositary bank (i) of the
occurrence of an Event of Default and (ii) of the matters referred to in this
Section 4.06.
(b) The Concentration Account shall remain under the sole dominion
and control of the Collateral Agent. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that
(i) such Grantor shall have no right of withdrawal from the Concentration
Account, (ii) the funds on deposit in the Concentration Account shall continue
to be collateral security for all of the Obligations and (iii) at the Collateral
Agent's election, the funds on deposit in the Concentration Account may be
applied as provided in Section 5.02.
SECTION 4.07. Collections. (a) Each Grantor agrees (i) upon notice to the Grantors from the Collateral Agent after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default (which notice may be given by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing), to notify and direct promptly each Account Debtor and every other Person obligated to make payments with respect to Accounts or Inventory to make all such payments directly to the Concentration Account, (ii) to use all reasonable efforts to cause each Account Debtor and every other Person identified in clause (i) above to make all payments with respect to Accounts or Inventory to the deposit accounts maintained by such Grantor in accordance with Section 4.04(b) or, upon the occurrence or during the
continuance of an Event of Default, directly to the Concentration Account, (iii) promptly to deposit all payments received by it with respect to Accounts or Inventory, whether in the form of cash, checks, notes, drafts, bills of exchange, money orders or otherwise, in such deposit accounts or, upon the occurrence or during the continuance of an Event of Default, directly to the Concentration Account, in precisely the form in which received (but with any endorsements of such Grantor necessary for deposit or collection), and until they are so deposited such payments shall be held in trust by such Grantor for and as the property of the Collateral Agent and (iv) that, upon the occurrence or during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent may, at its election, notify directly and direct each Account Debtor and every other Person identified in clause (i) above to make all payments with respect to Accounts or Inventory directly to the Concentration Account.
(b) Without the prior written consent of the Collateral Agent, no Grantor shall, in a manner adverse to the Lenders, change the general instructions given to Account Debtors in respect of payment on Accounts to be deposited in the Concentration Account. Until the Collateral Agent shall have advised the Grantors to the contrary, each Grantor shall, and the Collateral Agent hereby authorizes each Grantor to, enforce and collect all amounts owing on the Inventory and Accounts, for the benefit and on behalf of the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties, provided that such privilege may at the option of the Collateral Agent be terminated upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default.
ARTICLE V
Remedies
SECTION 5.01. Remedies Upon Default. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor agrees to deliver each item of Collateral to the Collateral Agent on demand, and it is agreed that the Collateral Agent shall have the right to take any of or all the following actions at the same or different times: (a) with respect to any Article 9 Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property, on demand, to cause the Security Interest to become an assignment, transfer and conveyance of any of or all such Article 9 Collateral by the applicable Grantors to the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties), or to license or sublicense, whether general, special or otherwise, and whether on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis, any such Article 9 Collateral throughout the world on such terms and conditions and in such manner as the Collateral Agent shall determine (other than in violation of any then-existing licensing arrangements to the extent that waivers cannot be obtained), subject to the reasonable quality control provisions of such Grantor, and (b) with or without legal process and with or without prior notice or demand for performance, to take possession of the Article 9 Collateral and without liability for trespass to enter any premises where the Article 9 Collateral may be located for the purpose of taking possession of or removing the Article 9 Collateral and, generally, to exercise any and all rights afforded to a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor agrees that the Collateral Agent shall have the right, subject to the mandatory requirements of
applicable law, to sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Collateral at a public or private sale or at any broker's board or on any securities exchange, for cash, upon credit or for future delivery as the Collateral Agent shall deem appropriate. The Collateral Agent shall be authorized at any such sale of securities (if it deems it advisable to do so) to restrict the prospective bidders or purchasers to Persons who will represent and agree that they are purchasing the Collateral for their own account for investment and not with a view to the distribution or sale thereof, and upon consummation of any such sale the Collateral Agent shall have the right to assign, transfer and deliver to the purchaser or purchasers thereof the Collateral so sold. Each such purchaser at any sale of Collateral shall hold the property sold absolutely, free from any claim or right on the part of any Grantor, and each Grantor hereby waives (to the extent permitted by law) all rights of redemption, stay and appraisal which such Grantor now has or may at any time in the future have under any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted.
The Collateral Agent shall give the applicable Grantors 10 days' written notice (which each Grantor agrees is reasonable notice within the meaning of Section 9-611 of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions) of the Collateral Agent's intention to make any sale of Collateral. Such notice, in the case of a public sale, shall state the time and place for such sale and, in the case of a sale at a broker's board or on a securities exchange, shall state the board or exchange at which such sale is to be made and the day on which the Collateral, or portion thereof, will first be offered for sale at such board or exchange. Any such public sale shall be held at such time or times within ordinary business hours and at such place or places as the Collateral Agent may fix and state in the notice (if any) of such sale. At any such sale, the Collateral , or portion thereof, to be sold may be sold in one lot as an entirety or in separate parcels, as the Collateral Agent may (in its sole and absolute discretion) determine. The Collateral Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of any Collateral if it shall determine not to do so, regardless of the fact that notice of sale of such Collateral shall have been given. The Collateral 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. In case any sale of all or any part of the Collateral is made on credit or for future delivery, the Collateral so sold may be retained by the Collateral Agent until the sale price is paid by the purchaser or purchasers thereof, but the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties shall not incur any liability in case any such purchaser or purchasers shall fail to take up and pay for the Collateral so sold and, in case of any such failure, such Collateral may be sold again upon like notice. At any public (or, to the extent permitted by law, private) sale made pursuant to this Agreement, any Secured Party may bid for or purchase, free (to the extent permitted by law) from any right of redemption, stay, valuation or appraisal on the part of any Grantor (all said rights being also hereby waived and released to the extent permitted by law), the Collateral or any part thereof offered for sale and may make payment on account thereof by using any claim then due and payable to such Secured Party from any Grantor as a credit against the purchase price (but in the case of such payment, such Secured Party will promptly notify the Collateral Agent of the amount of such credit), and such Secured Party may, upon compliance with the terms of sale, hold, retain and dispose of such property without
further accountability to any Grantor therefor. For purposes hereof, a written agreement to purchase the Collateral or any portion thereof shall be treated as a sale thereof; the Collateral Agent shall be free to carry out such sale pursuant to such agreement and no Grantor shall be entitled to the return of the Collateral or any portion thereof subject thereto, notwithstanding the fact that after the Collateral Agent shall have entered into such an agreement all Events of Default shall have been remedied and the Obligations paid in full. As an alternative to exercising the power of sale herein conferred upon it, the Collateral Agent may proceed by a suit or suits at law or in equity to foreclose this Agreement and to sell the Collateral or any portion thereof pursuant to a judgment or decree of a court or courts having competent jurisdiction or pursuant to a proceeding by a court-appointed receiver. Any sale pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.01 shall be deemed to conform to the commercially reasonable standards as provided in Section 9-610(b) of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions.
SECTION 5.02. Application of Proceeds. The proceeds of any collection or sale of Collateral, including any Collateral consisting of cash, shall be applied as follows:
FIRST, to the payment of all costs and expenses incurred by the Collateral Agent in connection with such collection or sale or otherwise in connection with this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any of the Obligations, including all court costs and the fees and expenses of its agents and legal counsel, the repayment of all advances made by the Collateral Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document on behalf of any Grantor and any other costs or expenses incurred in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy hereunder or under any other Loan Document;
SECOND, to the payment in full of the Obligations (the amounts so applied to be distributed among the Secured Parties pro rata in accordance with the amounts of the Obligations owed to them on the date of any such distribution); and
THIRD, to the Grantors, their successors or assigns, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.
The Collateral Agent shall have absolute discretion as to the time of application of any such proceeds, moneys or balances in accordance with this Agreement. Upon any sale of Collateral by the Collateral Agent (including pursuant to a power of sale granted by statute or under a judicial proceeding), the receipt of the Collateral Agent or of the officer making the sale shall be a sufficient discharge to the purchaser or purchasers of the Collateral so sold and such purchaser or purchasers shall not be obligated to see to the application of any part of the purchase money paid over to the Collateral Agent or such officer or be answerable in any way for the misapplication thereof.
SECTION 5.03. Grant of License to Use Intellectual Property. For the purpose of enabling the Collateral Agent to exercise rights and remedies under this Agreement at such time as the Collateral Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such
rights and remedies, each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent an irrevocable, nonexclusive license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to the Grantors) to use, license or sublicense any of the Article 9 Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, and wherever the same may be located, and including in such license reasonable access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof, subject to the reasonable quality control provisions of such Grantor. The use of such license by the Collateral Agent may be exercised, at the option of the Collateral Agent, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, provided that any license, sublicense or other transaction entered into by the Collateral Agent in accordance herewith shall be binding upon the Grantors notwithstanding any subsequent cure of an Event of Default.
SECTION 5.04. Securities Act. In view of the position of the Grantors in relation to the Pledged Collateral, or because of other current or future circumstances, a question may arise under the Securities Act of 1933, as now or hereafter in effect, or any similar statute hereafter enacted analogous in purpose or effect (such Act and any such similar statute as from time to time in effect being called the "Federal Securities Laws") with respect to any disposition of the Pledged Collateral permitted hereunder. Each Grantor understands that compliance with the Federal Securities Laws might very strictly limit the course of conduct of the Collateral Agent if the Collateral Agent were to attempt to dispose of all or any part of the Pledged Collateral, and might also limit the extent to which or the manner in which any subsequent transferee of any Pledged Collateral could dispose of the same. Similarly, there may be other legal restrictions or limitations affecting the Collateral Agent in any attempt to dispose of all or part of the Pledged Collateral under applicable Blue Sky or other state securities laws or similar laws analogous in purpose or effect. Each Grantor recognizes that in light of such restrictions and limitations the Collateral Agent may, with respect to any sale of the Pledged Collateral, limit the purchasers to those who will agree, among other things, to acquire such Pledged Collateral for their own account, for investment, and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that in light of such restrictions and limitations, the Collateral Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion (a) may proceed to make such a sale whether or not a registration statement for the purpose of registering such Pledged Collateral or part thereof shall have been filed under the Federal Securities Laws and (b) may approach and negotiate with a single potential purchaser to effect such sale. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that any such sale might result in prices and other terms less favorable to the seller than if such sale were a public sale without such restrictions. In the event of any such sale, the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties shall incur no responsibility or liability for a sale of all or any part of the Pledged Collateral at a price that the Collateral Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion, may in good faith deem reasonable under the circumstances, notwithstanding the possibility that a substantially higher price might have been realized if the sale were deferred until after registration as aforesaid or if more than a single purchaser were approached. The provisions of this Section 5.04 will apply notwithstanding the existence of a public or private market upon which the quotations or sales prices may exceed substantially the price at which the Collateral Agent sells.
SECTION 5.05. Registration. Each Grantor agrees that, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, if for any reason the Collateral Agent desires to sell any of the Pledged Collateral at a public sale, it will, at any time and from time to time, upon the written request of the Collateral Agent, use its best efforts to take or to cause the issuer of such Pledged Collateral to take such action and prepare, distribute and/or file such documents, as are required or advisable in the reasonable opinion of counsel for the Collateral Agent to permit the public sale of such Pledged Collateral. Each Grantor further agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Collateral Agent, each other Secured Party, any underwriter and their respective officers, directors, affiliates and controlling persons from and against all loss, liability, expenses, costs of counsel (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and expenses to the Collateral Agent of legal counsel), and claims (including the costs of investigation) that they may incur insofar as such loss, liability, expense or claim arises out of or is based upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or in any notification or offering circular, or arises out of or is based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements in any thereof not misleading, except insofar as the same may have been caused by any untrue statement or omission based upon information furnished in writing to such Grantor or the issuer of such Pledged Collateral by the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party expressly for use therein. Each Grantor further agrees, upon such written request referred to above, to use its best efforts to qualify, file or register, or cause the issuer of such Pledged Collateral to qualify, file or register, any of the Pledged Collateral under the Blue Sky or other securities laws of such states as may be requested by the Collateral Agent and keep effective, or cause to be kept effective, all such qualifications, filings or registrations. Each Grantor will bear all costs and expenses of carrying out its obligations under this Section 5.05. Each Grantor acknowledges that there is no adequate remedy at law for failure by it to comply with the provisions of this Section 5.05 and that such failure would not be adequately compensable in damages, and therefore agrees that its agreements contained in this Section 5.05 may be specifically enforced.
ARTICLE VI
Indemnity, Subrogation and Subordination
SECTION 6.01. Indemnity and Subrogation. In addition to all such rights of indemnity and subrogation as the Guarantors may have under applicable law (but subject to Section 6.03), the Borrower agrees that (a) in the event a payment of an obligation shall be made by any Guarantor under this Agreement, the Borrower shall indemnify such Guarantor for the full amount of such payment and such Guarantor shall be subrogated to the rights of the Person to whom such payment shall have been made to the extent of such payment and (b) in the event any assets of any Grantor shall be sold pursuant to this Agreement or any other Security Document to satisfy in whole or in part an obligation owed to any Secured Party, the Borrower shall indemnify such Grantor in an amount equal to the greater of the book value or the fair market value of the assets so sold.
SECTION 6.02. Contribution and Subrogation. Each Guarantor and Grantor (a "Contributing Party") agrees (subject to Section 6.03) that, in the event a payment shall be made by any other Guarantor hereunder in respect of any Obligation or assets of any other Grantor shall be sold pursuant to any Security Document to satisfy any Obligation owed to any Secured Party and such other Guarantor or Grantor (the "Claiming Party") shall not have been fully indemnified by the Borrower as provided in Section 6.01, the Contributing Party shall indemnify the Claiming Party in an amount equal to the amount of such payment or the greater of the book value or the fair market value of such assets, as the case may be, in each case multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the net worth of the Contributing Party on the date hereof and the denominator shall be the aggregate net worth of all the Guarantors and Grantors on the date hereof (or, in the case of any Guarantor or Grantor becoming a party hereto pursuant to Section 7.14, the date of the supplement hereto executed and delivered by such Guarantor or Grantor). Any Contributing Party making any payment to a Claiming Party pursuant to this Section 6.02 shall be subrogated to the rights of such Claiming Party under Section 6.01 to the extent of such payment.
SECTION 6.03. Subordination. (a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, all rights of the Guarantors and Grantors under Sections 6.01 and 6.02 and all other rights of indemnity, contribution or subrogation under applicable law or otherwise shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations (except for contingent indemnities and cost and expense reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim has been made). No failure on the part of the Borrower or any Guarantor or Grantor to make the payments required by Sections 6.01 and 6.02 (or any other payments required under applicable law or otherwise) shall in any respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Guarantor or Grantor with respect to its obligations hereunder, and each Guarantor and Grantor shall remain liable for the full amount of the obligations of such Guarantor or Grantor hereunder.
(b) Each Guarantor and Grantor hereby agrees that all Indebtedness and other monetary obligations owed by it to any other Guarantor, Grantor or any other Subsidiary shall be fully subordinated to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations (except for contingent indemnities and cost and expense reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim has been made).
ARTICLE VII
Miscellaneous
SECTION 7.01. Notices. All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to any Subsidiary Party shall be given to it in care of the Borrower as provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement.
SECTION 7.02. Waivers; Amendment. (a) No failure or delay by the Collateral Agent, the Issuing Banks 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 Collateral Agent, the Issuing Banks 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 this Agreement 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 7.02, 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 Collateral Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time. No notice or demand on any Loan Party in any case shall entitle any Loan Party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
(b) Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Collateral Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to apply, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 9.02 of the Credit Agreement.
SECTION 7.03. Collateral Agent's Fees and Expenses; Indemnification.
(a) The parties hereto agree that the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to
reimbursement of its expenses incurred hereunder as provided in Section 9.03 of
the Credit Agreement.
(b) Without limitation of its indemnification obligations under the other Loan Documents, each Grantor and each Guarantor jointly and severally agrees to indemnify the Collateral Agent and the other Indemnitees (as defined in Section 9.03 of the Credit Agreement) 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, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or any claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, or to the Collateral, whether or not 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 are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of such Indemnitee or any of its Related Parties. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each Grantor and each Guarantor shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claims against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this
Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of proceeds thereof.
(c) Any such amounts payable as provided hereunder shall be additional Obligations secured hereby and by the other Security Documents. The provisions of this Section 7.03 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of any of the Obligations, the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any investigation made by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party. All amounts due under this Section 7.03 shall be payable on written demand therefor.
SECTION 7.04. Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party; and all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of any Guarantor, Grantor or the Collateral Agent that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the other Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns.
SECTION 7.05. Survival of Agreement. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments prepared or delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Lenders 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 Lender or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Collateral Agent, any 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 under the Credit Agreement, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under (except for contingent indemnifies and cost and reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim has been made) any Loan Document is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated.
SECTION 7.06. Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract, and shall become effective as provided in this Section 7.06. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective as to any Loan Party when a counterpart hereof executed on behalf of such Loan Party shall have been delivered to the Collateral Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Collateral Agent, and thereafter shall be binding upon such Loan Party and the Collateral Agent and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of such Loan Party, the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties
and their respective successors and assigns, except that no Loan Party shall have the right to assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein or in the Collateral without the prior written consent of the Lenders (and any such assignment or transfer shall be void) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Credit Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed as a separate agreement with respect to each Loan Party and may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived or released with respect to any Loan Party without the approval of any other Loan Party and without affecting the obligations of any other Loan Party hereunder.
SECTION 7.07. 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 uneforceability 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. The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.
SECTION 7.08. Right of Set-Off. 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 any Subsidiary Party against any of and all the obligations of such Subsidiary Party now or hereafter existing under this agreement owed to such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured. The applicable Lender shall notify the Borrower and the Collateral Agent of such set-off or application, provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of a set-off or application under this Section 7.08. The rights of each Lender under this Section 7.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off) which such Lender may have.
SECTION 7.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process. (a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
(b) Each of the Loan Parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the 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 the 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. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Collateral Agent, the Issuing Banks or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Grantor or Guarantor, or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
(c) Each of the Loan Parties 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 7.09. 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.
(c) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 7.01. 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 7.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH 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 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 THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 7.10.
SECTION 7.11. 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 are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
SECTION 7.12. Security Interest Absolute. All rights of the Collateral Agent hereunder, the Security Interest, the grant of a security interest in the Collateral and all obligations of each Grantor and Guarantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, any agreement with respect to any of the Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (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 the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument, (c) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Lien on other collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent under or departure from any guarantee, securing or guaranteeing all or any of the Obligations, or (d) any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Grantor or Guarantor in respect of the Obligations or this Agreement.
SECTION 7.13. Termination or Release. (a) This Agreement, the Guarantees made herein, the Security Interest and all other security interests granted hereby shall terminate when all the Loan Document Obligations then due and owing have been indefeasibly paid in full (except for contingent indemnities and cost and reimbursement obligations to the extent no claim has been made) and the Lenders have no further commitment to lend under the Credit Agreement, the LC Exposure has been reduced to zero and the Issuing Banks have no further obligations to issue Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement.
(b) A Subsidiary Party shall automatically be released from its obligations hereunder and the Security Interest in the Collateral of such Subsidiary Party shall be automatically released upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by the Credit Agreement as a result of which such Subsidiary Party ceases to be a Subsidiary, provided that the Required Lenders shall have consented to such transaction (to the extent required by the Credit Agreement) and the terms of such consent did not provide otherwise.
(c) Upon any sale or other transfer by any Grantor of any Collateral that is permitted under the Credit Agreement to any Person that is not a Grantor, or upon the effectiveness of any written consent to the release of the security interest granted hereby in any Collateral pursuant to Section 9.02 of the Credit Agreement, the security interest in such Collateral shall be automatically released.
(d) In connection with any termination or release pursuant to paragraph (a), (b) or (c), the Collateral Agent shall return, execute and deliver to any Grantor, at such Grantor's expense, all documents that such Grantor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release. Any return, execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section 7.13 shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party.
SECTION 7.14. Additional Subsidiaries. Pursuant to Section 5.12 of the Credit Agreement, each Subsidiary of a Loan Party that was not in existence or not a Subsidiary on the date of the Credit Agreement and is not a Foreign Subsidiary is required to enter in this Agreement as a Subsidiary Party upon becoming such a Subsidiary. Upon execution and delivery by the Collateral Agent and a Subsidiary of an instrument in the form of Exhibit I hereto, such Subsidiary shall become a Subsidiary Party hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Subsidiary Party herein. The execution and delivery of any such instrument shall not require the consent of any other Loan Party hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Loan
Party hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Loan Party as a party to this Agreement.
SECTION 7.15. Collateral Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact. Each Grantor hereby appoints the Collateral Agent the attorney-in-fact of such Grantor for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement and taking any action and executing any instrument that the Collateral Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes hereof, which appointment is irrevocable and coupled with an interest. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Collateral Agent shall have the right, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, with full power of substitution either in the Collateral Agent's name or in the name of such Grantor (a) to receive, endorse, assign and/or deliver any and all notes, acceptances, checks, drafts, money orders or other evidences of payment relating to the Collateral or any part thereof, (b) to demand, collect, receive payment of, give receipt for and give discharges and releases of all or any of the Collateral, (c) to sign the name of any Grantor on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any of the Collateral, (d) to send verifications of Accounts Receivable to any Account Debtor, (e) to commence and prosecute any and all suits, actions or proceedings at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect or otherwise realize on all or any of the Collateral or to enforce any rights in respect of any Collateral, (f) to settle, compromise, compound, adjust or defend any actions, suits or proceedings relating to all or any of the Collateral, (g) to notify, or to require any Grantor to notify, Account Debtors to make payment directly to the Collateral Agent, and (h) to use, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with all or any of the Collateral, and to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, as fully and completely as though the Collateral Agent were the absolute owner of the Collateral for all purposes, provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as requiring or obligating the Collateral Agent to make any commitment or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by the Collateral Agent, or to present or file any claim or notice, or to take any action with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof or the moneys due or to become due in respect thereof or any property covered thereby. The Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties shall be accountable only for amounts actually received as a result of the exercise of the powers granted to them herein, and neither they nor their officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible to any Grantor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.,
By /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ----------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING
CORPORATION,
By /S/ N. MICHAEL DION ----------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION,
By /S/ N. MICHAEL DION ----------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS
CORPORATION,
By /S/ N. MICHAEL DION ---------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION,
By /S/ N. MICHAEL DION ----------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
PF SALES, LLC,
By /S/ N. MICHAEL DION ----------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
PF DISTRIBUTION, LLC,
By /S/ N. MICHAEL DION ----------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
PF STANDARDS CORPORATION,
By /S/ N. MICHAEL DION ----------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION)
CORP.,
By /S/ N. MICHAEL DION ----------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY
AMERICAS, as Collateral Agent,
By /S/ SCOTTYE LINDSEY ----------------------- Name: Scottye Lindsey Title: Vice President |
Schedule I to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
SUBSIDIARY PARTIES
Schedule II to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
EQUITY INTERESTS
Number and Number of Registered Class of Percentage Issuer Certificate Owner Equity Interest of Equity Interests ------ ----------- ----- --------------- ------------------- |
DEBT SECURITIES
Principal Issuer Amount Date of Note Maturity Date ------ ------ ------------ ------------- |
Schedule III to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
U.S. COPYRIGHTS OWNED BY [NAME OR GRANTOR]
[Make a separate page of Schedule III for each Grantor and state if no copyrights are owned. List in numerical order by Registration No.]
U.S. Copyright Registrations
Title Reg. No. Author ----- ------- ------ |
Pending U.S. Copyright Applications for Registration
Title Author Class Date Filed ----- ------ ----- ---------- |
Non-U.S. Copyright Registrations
[List in alphabetical order by country/numerical order by Registration No. within each country]
Country Title Reg. No. Author ------- ----- -------- ------ |
Non-U.S. Pending Copyright Applications for Registration
[List in alphabetical order by country.]
Country Title Author Class Date Filed ------- ----- ------ ----- ---------- |
Schedule III to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
LICENSES
[Make a separate page of Schedule III for each Grantor, and state if any Grantor is not a party to a license/sublicense.]
I. Licenses/Sublicensees of [Name of Grantor] as Licensor on Date Hereof
A. Copyrights
[List U.S. copyrights in numerical order by Registration No. List non-U.S. copyrights by country in alphabetical order with Registration Nos. within each country in numerical order.]
U.S. Copyrights
Title of Licensee Name Date of License/ U.S. and Address Sublicense Copyright Author Reg. No. ----------- ---------- --------- ------ ------- |
Non-U.S. Copyrights
Date of Title of Licensee Name License/ Non-U.S. Country and Address Sublicensee Copyrights Author Reg. No. ------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------ ------- |
B. Patents
[List U.S. patent nos. and U.S. patent application nos. in numerical order. List non-U.S. patent nos. and non-U.S. application in alphabetical order by country, with numbers within each country in numerical order.]
Schedule III to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
U.S. Patents
Licensee Name Date of License/ and Address Sublicense Issue Date Patent No. ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- |
Schedule III to the Gurantee and Cllateral Agreement
U.S. Patent Applications
Licensee Name Date of License/ and address Sublicense Date Filed Application No. ----------- ---------- ---------- --------------- |
Non-U.S. Patents
Licensee Name Date of License/ Issue Non-U.S. Country and Address Sublicense Date Patent No. ------- ----------- ---------- ---- ---------- |
Non-U.S. Patent Applications
Licensee Name Date of License/ Date Application Country and Address Sublicense Filed No. ------- ----------- ---------- ----- -- |
C. Trademarks
[List U.S. trademark nos. and U.S. trademark application nos. in numerical order. List non-U.S. trademark nos. and non-U.S. application nos. with trademark nos. within each country in numerical order.]
U.S. Trademarks
Licensee Name Date of License/ and Address Sublicense U.S. Mark Reg. Date Reg. No. ----------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- |
Schedule III to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
U.S. Trademark Applications
Licensee Name Date of License/ Application and Address Sublicense U.S. Mark Date Filed No. ----------- ---------- --------- ---------- -- |
Non-U.S. Trademarks
Licensee Name Date of License/ Non-U.S. Country and Address Sublicense Mark Reg. Date Reg. No. ------- ----------- ---------- ---- --------- -------- |
Non-U.S. Trademark Applications
Licensee Name Date of License/ Non-U.S. Date Application Country and Address Sublicense Mark Filed No. ------- ----------- ---------- ---- ----- -- |
D. Others
Licensee Name Date of License/ Subject and Address Sublicense Matter ----------- ---------- ------ |
Schedule III to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
II. Licensees/Sublicenses of [Name of Grantor] as Licensee on Date Hereof
A. Copyrights
[List U.S. copyrights in numerical order by Registration No. List non-U.S. copyrights by country in alphabetical order, with Registration Nos. within each country in numerical order.]
U.S. Copyrights
Licensor Name and Date of License/ Title of Address Sublicense U.S. Copyright Author Reg. No. ------- ---------- -------------- ------ ------- |
Non-U.S. Copyrights
Date of Title of Licensor Name License/ Non-U.S. Country and Address Sublicensee Copyrights Author Reg. No. ------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------ -------- |
B. Patents
[List U.S. patent nos. and U.S. patent application nos. in numerical order. List non-U.S. patent nos. and non-U.S. application nos. in alphabetical order by country with patent nos. within each country in numerical order.]
U.S. Patents
Date of Licensor Name License/ and Address Sublicense Issue Date Patent No. ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- |
Schedule III to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
U.S. Patent Applications
Licensor Name Date of License/ and Address Sublicense Date Filed Application No. ----------- ---------- ---------- --------------- |
Non-U.S. Patents
Licensor Name Date of License/ Issue Non-U.S. Country and Address Sublicense Date Patent No. ------- ----------- ---------- ---- ---------- |
Non-U.S. Patent Applications
Licensor Name Date of License/ Date Application Country and Address Sublicense Filed No. ------- ----------- ---------- ----- --- |
C. Trademarks
[List U.S. trademark nos. and U.S. trademark application nos. in numerical order. List non-U.S. trademark nos. and non-U.S. application nos. with trademark nos. within each country in numerical order.]
U.S. Trademarks
Licensor Name Date of License/ and Address Sublicense U.S. Mark Reg. Date Reg. No. ----------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- |
Schedule III to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
U.S. Trademark Applications
Licensor Name Date of License/ Date Application and Address Sublicense U.S. Mark Filed No. ----------- ---------- --------- ----- --- |
Non-U.S. Trademarks
Licensor Name Date of License/ Non-U.S. Country and Address Sublicense Mark Reg. Date Reg. No. ------- ----------- ---------- ---- --------- -------- |
Non-U.S. Trademark Applications
Licensor Name Date of License/ Non-U.S. Date Application Country and Address Sublicense Mark Filed No. ------- ----------- ---------- ---- ----- --- |
D. Others
Date of License/ Licensor Name and Address Sublicense Subject Matter ------------------------- ---------- -------------- |
Schedule III to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
PATENTS OWNED BY [NAME OF GRANTOR]
[Make a separate page of Schedule III for each Grantor and state if no patents are owned. List in numerical order by Patent No./Patent Application No.]
U.S. Patent Registrations
Patent Numbers Issue Date -------------- ---------- |
U.S. Patent Applications
Patent Application No. Filing Date ---------------------- ----------- |
Non-U.S. Patent Registrations
[List in alphabetical order by country/numerical order by Patent No. within each country]
Country Issue Date Patent No. ------- ---------- ---------- |
Non-U.S. Patent Registrations
[List in alphabetical order by country/numerical order by Application No. within each country]
Country Filing Date Patent Application No. ------- ----------- ---------------------- |
Schedule III to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
TRADEMARK/TRADE NAMES OWNED BY [NAME OF GRANTOR]
[Make a separate page of Schedule III for each Grantor and state if no trademarks/trade names are owned. List in numerical order by trademark registration/application no.]
U.S. Trademark Registrations
Mark Reg. Date Reg. No. ---- --------- -------- |
U.S. Trademark Applications
Mark Filing Date Application No. ---- ----------- --------------- |
State Trademark Registrations
[List in alphabetical order by state/numerical order by trademark no. within each state]
State Mark Filing Date Application No. ----- ---- ----------- --------------- |
Non-U.S. Trademark Registrations
[List in alphabetical order by country/numerical order by trademark no. within each country]
Country Mark Reg. Date Reg. No. ------- ---- --------- ------- |
Schedule III to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
Non-U.S. Trademark Applications
[List in alphabetical order by country/numerical order by application no.]
Country Mark Application Date Application No. ------- ---- ---------------- --------------- |
Trade Names
Country(s) Where Used Trade Names --------------------- ----------- |
Schedule IV to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
(a) Holdings and the Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary Party to, maintain (or cause to be maintained on its behalf), with financially sound and reputable insurance companies:
(i) fire, boiler and machinery, and extended coverage insurance, on a replacement cost basis, with respect to all personal property and improvements to real property (in each case constituting Collateral), in such amounts as are customarily maintained by companies in the same or similar business operating in the same or similar locations;
(ii) commercial general liability insurance against claims for bodily injury, death or property damage occurring upon, about or in connection with the use of any properties owned, occupied or controlled by it, providing coverage on an occurrence basis with a combined single limit of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and including the broad form CGL endorsement;
(iii) business interruption insurance, insuring against loss of gross earnings for a period of not less than 12 months arising from any risks or occurrences required to be covered by insurance pursuant to clause (i) above; and
(iv) such other insurance as may be required by law.
Deductibles or self-insured retention shall not exceed $2,000,000 for fire, boiler and machinery and extended coverage policies, $2,000,000 for commercial general liability policies or 45 days for business interruption policies, unless in any case a higher level is commercially reasonable.
(b) Fire, boiler and machinery and extended coverage policies maintained with respect to any Collateral shall be endorsed or otherwise amended to include (i) a lenders' loss payable clause in favor of the Collateral Agent and providing for losses thereunder to be payable to the Collateral Agent or its designee, (ii) a provision to the effect that neither any Loan Party, the Collateral Agent nor any other party shall be a coinsurer and (iii) such other provisions as the Collateral Agent may reasonably require from time to time to protect the interests of the Secured Parties. Commercial general liability policies shall be endorsed to name the Collateral Agent as an additional insured. Business interruption policies shall name the Collateral Agent as loss payee. Each such policy referred to in this paragraph also shall provide that it shall not be canceled, modified or not renewed (i) by reason of nonpayment of premium except upon not less than 10 days' prior written notice thereof by the insurer to the Collateral Agent (giving the Collateral Agent the right to cure defaults in the payment of premiums) or (ii) for any other reason except upon not less than 30 days' prior written notice thereof by the insurer to the Collateral Agent. The Borrower shall deliver to the Collateral Agent, prior to the cancellation, modification or nonrenewal of any such policy of insurance, a copy of a
renewal or replacement policy (or other evidence of renewal of a policy previously delivered to the Collateral Agent) together with evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent of payment of the premium therefor.
Schedule V to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS
Grantor/Plaintiff Defendant Description ----------------- --------- ----------- |
EXHIBIT 10.4
SUPPLEMENT NO. 1 dated as of March 19, 2004, to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement (the "Collateral Agreement") dated as of November 25, 2003, among CRUNCH HOLDING CORP., a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), each subsidiary of the Borrower listed on Schedule I thereto (each such subsidiary individually a "Subsidiary Guarantor" and collectively, the "Subsidiary Guarantors"; the Subsidiary Guarantors, Holdings and the Borrower are referred to collectively herein as the "Grantors") and DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS ("DBTCA"), as Collateral Agent (in such capacity, the "Collateral Agent").
A. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 25, 2003 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), among Holdings, the Borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto and, DBTCA, as Administrative Agent, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citicorp North America, Inc. and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as Co-Documentation Agents.
B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement and the Collateral Agreement referred to therein.
C. Reference is made to the Assumption Agreement dated as of March 19, 2004, among Aurora Foods Inc. (to be renamed Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.) ("Aurora") and the Administrative Agent pursuant to which Aurora assumed all obligations of the Borrower under the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, the obligation to become a Grantor under the Collateral Agreement.
D. The Grantors have entered into the Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit. Aurora is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Grantor under the Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue additional Letters of Credit and as consideration for Loans previously made and Letters of Credit previously issued.
Accordingly, the Collateral Agent and Aurora agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Aurora by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Collateral Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein and Aurora hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Collateral Agreement applicable to it as a Grantor thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a Grantor thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof. In furtherance of the foregoing, Aurora, as security for the
payment and performance in full of the Obligations does hereby create and grant to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, their successors and assigns, a security interest in and lien on all of Aurora's right, title and interest in and to the Collateral of Aurora. Each reference to a "Grantor" in the Collateral Agreement shall be deemed to include Aurora. The Collateral Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. Aurora represents and warrants to the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 3. This Supplement 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 Supplement shall become effective when the Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Supplement that bears the signature of Aurora and the Collateral Agent has executed a counterpart hereof. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.
SECTION 4. Aurora hereby represents and warrants that (a) set forth on Schedule I attached hereto is a true and correct schedule of the location of any and all Collateral of Aurora and (b) set forth under its signature hereto, is the true and correct legal name of Aurora, its jurisdiction of formation and the location of its chief executive office.
SECTION 5. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Collateral Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6. THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 7. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Collateral Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction). The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.
SECTION 8. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 7.01 of the Collateral Agreement.
SECTION 9. Aurora agrees to reimburse the Collateral Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Collateral Agent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Aurora and the Collateral Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Collateral Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
AURORA FOODS INC. (TO BE RENAMED
PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.),
by
/S/ N. MICHAEL DION -------------------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion Title: Chief Financial Officer |
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
AS COLLATERAL AGENT
by
/S/ SCOTTYE LINDSAY ------------------------------ Name: Scottye Lindsay Title: Director |
EXHIBIT 10.5
SUPPLEMENT NO. 2 dated as of March 19, 2004, to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement (the "Collateral Agreement") dated as of November 25, 2003, among CRUNCH HOLDING CORP., a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), each subsidiary of the Borrower listed on Schedule I thereto (each such subsidiary individually a "Subsidiary Guarantor" and collectively, the "Subsidiary Guarantors"; the Subsidiary Guarantors, Holdings and the Borrower are referred to collectively herein as the "Grantors") and DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS ("DBTCA"), as Collateral Agent (in such capacity, the "Collateral Agent").
A. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 25, 2003 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), among Holdings, the Borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto and, DBTCA, as Administrative Agent, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, Citicorp North America, Inc. and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as Co-Documentation Agents.
B. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement and the Collateral Agreement referred to therein.
C. The Grantors have entered into the Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit. Section 7.14 of Collateral Agreement provides that additional Subsidiaries may become Subsidiary Parties under the Collateral Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Subsidiary (the "New Subsidiary") is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Subsidiary Party under the Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders to make additional Loans and the Issuing Banks to issue additional Letters of Credit and as consideration for Loans previously made and Letters of Credit previously issued.
Accordingly, the Collateral Agent and the New Subsidiary agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 7.14 of the Collateral Agreement, the New Subsidiary by its signature below becomes a Subsidiary Party (and accordingly, becomes a Guarantor and a Grantor), Grantor and Guarantor under the Collateral Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Subsidiary Party and the New Subsidiary hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Collateral Agreement applicable to it as a Subsidiary Party, Grantor and Guarantor thereunder and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it as a Grantor and Guarantor thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof. In furtherance of the foregoing, the New Subsidiary, as security for the payment and performance in full of the Obligations, (a) does hereby create and grant to the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, their successors and assigns, a security interest in and lien on all of the New Subsidiary's right,
title and interest in and to the Collateral of the New Subsidiary and (b) guarantee the Obligations set forth in Section 2 of the Collateral Agreement. Each reference to a "Guarantor" or "Grantor" in the Collateral Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Subsidiary. The Collateral Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. The New Subsidiary represents and warrants to the Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
SECTION 3. This Supplement 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 Supplement shall become effective when the Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Supplement that bears the signature of the New Subsidiary and the Collateral Agent has executed a counterpart hereof. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.
SECTION 4. The New Subsidiary hereby represents and warrants that
(a) set forth on Schedule I attached hereto is a true and correct schedule of
the location of any and all Collateral of the New Subsidiary and (b) set forth
under its signature hereto, is the true and correct legal name of the New
Subsidiary, its jurisdiction of formation and the location of its chief
executive office.
SECTION 5. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Collateral Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6. THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 7. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Collateral Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction). The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.
SECTION 8. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 7.01 of the Collateral Agreement.
SECTION 9. The New Subsidiary agrees to reimburse the Collateral Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Collateral Agent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary and the Collateral Agent have duly executed this Supplement to the Collateral Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
SEA COAST FOODS, INC.
by
/S/ N. MICHAEL DION -------------------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion Title: Chief Financial Officer |
Legal Name: Sea Coast Foods, Inc. Jurisdiction of Formation:
Washington
Location of Chief Executive office:
Cherry Hill Executive Campus #6
One South Union Place
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
AS COLLATERAL AGENT
by
/S/ SCOTTYE LINDSEY ------------------------------------- Name: Scottye Lindsey Title: Director |
Schedule I to the Supplement No.2 to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement
LOCATION OF COLLATERAL
Description Location ----------- -------- None. |
EQUITY INTERESTS
Number and Number of Registered Class of Percentage Issuer Certificate Owner Equity Interests of Equity Interests ------ ----------- ----- ---------------- ------------------- None. |
DEBT SECURITIES
Principal Issuer Amount Date of Note Maturity Date ------ ------ ------------ ------------- None. |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
I. Copyrights - None
II. Copyright Applications - None
III. Copyright Licenses - None
IV. Patents - None
V. Pffatent Applications - None
VI. Patent Licenses - None
VII. United States Trademarks and Applications
COUNTRY/ REG. NO. OR FILING ISSUE GOODS AND/OR STATE OF REG. TRADEMARK SERIAL NO. DATE DATE SERVICES RECORD OWNER -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States CHEF'S CHOICE 585,900 10/28/1950 02/23/1954 Canned fruits, canned Sea Coast Foods, (script) vegetables in Classes 29 Inc. and 30 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States CHEF'S CHOICE 1,445,405 09/02/1986 06/30/1987 Canned fruits and Sea Coast Foods, (font) vegetables, and frozen Inc. fruits and vegetables in Class 29 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States SUN UP SKILLET 2,143,075 09/05/1995 03/10/1998 Prepared and packaged Sea Coast Foods, (with star design) entrees consisting primarily Inc. of cheese, meats, vegetables, potatoes, or combinations thereof with or without sauces in Class 29 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States SKILLET DINNER 2,164,854 11/15/1996 06/09/199 Frozen meals consisting Sea Coast Foods, primarily of vegetables, Inc. (Supplemental) which also include chicken, in Class 29 Frozen meals consisting primarily of pasta, which also include vegetables with chicken in Class 30 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States SKILLET DINNER 2,213,548 02/04/1998 12/22/1998 Frozen meals consisting Sea Coast Foods, (Supplemental) primarily of vegetables, Inc. which also include chicken, in Class 29 Frozen meals consisting primarily of pasta, which also include vegetables with chicken in Class 30 |
COUNTRY/ REG. NO. OR FILING ISSUE GOODS AND/OR STATE OF REG. TRADEMARK SERIAL NO. DATE DATE SERVICES RECORD OWNER -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States READY TO COOK 2,223,43 02/19/1998 02/09/1999 Frozen meals consisting Sea Coast Foods, MEALS (Supplemental) primarily of vegetables, Inc. which also include chicken, beef, pork, or seafood in Class 29 Frozen meals consisting primarily of pasta or rice, which also include vegetables with chicken, beef, pork or seafood in Class 30 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States SKILLETT 2,270,067 03/04/1999 08/10/1999 Frozen meals consisting Sea Coast Foods, DINNER (Supplemental) primarily of rice which also Inc. include a protein ingredient; frozen meals consisting primarily of rice which also include a vegetable ingredient and a protein ingredient; and frozen meals consisting primarily of rice which also include a vegetable ingredient and beef or seafood as an ingredient in Class 30 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States CHEF'S CHOICE 1,178,351 03/31/1980 11/17/1981 Fresh Cornish game hens in Trademark License Class 29 dated 09/30/97 between Perdue Holdings, Inc. (Licensor) and Sea Coast Foods, Inc. (Licensee) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States CHEF'S CHOICE 1,547,565 02/18/1988 07/11/1989 Fresh pork, beef, chicken, Trademark License (with chef hat turkey and sausage in dated 09/30/97 design) Class 29 between Perdue Holdings, Inc. (Licensor) and Sea Coast Foods, Inc.(Licensor) |
COUNTRY/ REG. NO. OR FILING ISSUE GOODS AND/OR STATE OF REG. TRADEMARK SERIAL NO. DATE DATE SERVICES RECORD OWNER -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States CHEF'S CHOICE 2,028,196 03/03/1995 01/07/1997 Poultry in Class 29 Trademark License dated 09/30/97 between Perdue Holdings, Inc. (Licensor) and Sea Coast Foods, Inc. (Licensee) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States CHEF'S CHOICE 2,095,467 04/07/1994 09/09/1997 Frozen meals consisting Trademark License primarily of vegetables with dated 09/30/97 seafood, fish, chicken, pork between Perdue or beef in Class 29 Holdings, Inc. (Licensor) and Sea Frozen meals consisting Coast Foods, Inc. primarily of pasta with (Licensee) seafood, fish, or chicken, and frozen meals consisting primarily of pasta and vegetables with seafood, fish, or chicken in Class 30 |
ANNEX B
Financing Statement
EXHIBIT 10.6
CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC
AMENDED AND RESTATED
MEMBERS' AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF MARCH 19 , 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS............................................................................................ 1 ARTICLE II BOARD OF MANAGERS REPRESENTATION...................................................................... 11 2.1 BOARD OF MANAGERS REPRESENTATION................................................................... 11 2.2 VOTING............................................................................................. 13 2.3 COMMITTEES; SUBSIDIARIES........................................................................... 13 2.4 MEETINGS; EXPENSES; COMPENSATION................................................................... 15 2.5 PROTECTIVE PROVISIONS.............................................................................. 15 ARTICLE III CERTAIN MATTERS AFFECTING UNITS...................................................................... 17 3.1 FUTURE MEMBERS..................................................................................... 17 3.2 LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFERS........................................................................... 18 3.3 RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL/RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER........................................................ 19 3.4 CO-SALE RIGHTS..................................................................................... 23 3.5 PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS.................................................................................. 25 3.6 REPURCHASE RIGHTS.................................................................................. 27 3.7 CALL OPTION........................................................................................ 28 3.8 DRAG-ALONG RIGHTS.................................................................................. 30 3.9 REGULATORY MATTERS................................................................................. 32 3.10 ACCESS TO RECORDS AND PROPERTIES................................................................... 32 3.11 INFORMATION RIGHTS................................................................................. 32 3.12 CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO TRANSFERS.............................................................. 33 3.13 REQUIRED IPO AND IPO LIQUIDATION................................................................... 34 3.14 PINNACLE INDEMNITY................................................................................. 34 ARTICLE IV MISCELLANEOUS......................................................................................... 35 4.1 TERMINATION........................................................................................ 35 4.2 LEGEND ON UNIT CERTIFICATES........................................................................ 35 4.3 GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL............................. 35 4.4 SEVERABILITY....................................................................................... 36 4.5 ASSIGNMENTS; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS................................................................ 36 4.6 AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS................................................................................ 36 4.7 NOTICES............................................................................................ 37 4.8 HEADINGS........................................................................................... 37 4.9 NOUNS AND PRONOUNS................................................................................. 38 4.10 APPROVALS.......................................................................................... 38 4.11 EXPENSES........................................................................................... 38 4.12 ENTIRE AGREEMENT................................................................................... 38 4.13 COUNTERPARTS....................................................................................... 38 4.14 FURTHER ASSURANCES................................................................................. 38 |
Annex I - Schedule of Members
Exhibit A - Regulatory Sideletter
AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMBERS' AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of March 19, 2004 (the "Effective Date"), among CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Company") and the Members (as defined herein) listed on the signature pages hereto.
PREAMBLE
The Company and the Members (other than Bondholder Trust (as defined herein)) are parties to a Members' Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003 (the "Original Agreement"). In connection with the consummation of the Aurora Transaction (as defined herein) and the admission of Bondholder Trust as a Member, the parties hereto wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement in the form of this Agreement.
Each Member owns, as of the date hereof, that number, class and type of Units (as defined herein) set forth opposite such Member's name on Schedule I to the Operating Agreement (as defined herein). The Members believe it to be in the best interest of the Company and the Members to provide for the continued stability of the business and policies of the Company and its Subsidiaries (as defined herein), as the same may exist from time to time, and, to that end, the parties hereto set forth this Agreement.
ACCORDINGLY, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Operating Agreement. Additionally, the Rules of Construction contained in Section 1 of the Operating Agreement shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
"ACCEPTANCE PERIOD" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a)(ii).
"AGREEMENT" has the meaning set forth in the caption.
"APPRAISED VALUE NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(e).
"APPRAISER" means an investment banking firm of national recognition that has not, at any time during the one year period immediately preceding the date of its appointment as Appraiser, been engaged by (i) the Company or any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries, (ii) in
the event the Appraiser is appointed in connection with Section 3.4, by the Company, any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries, the Co-Sale Offeror, the Co-Sale Offeree or any of the Co-Sale Rightholders or (iii) in the event the Appraiser is appointed in connection with Section 3.6, by the Company, any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries or the CDM Holder.
"AURORA" means Aurora Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
"AURORA MERGER AGREEMENT" means the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of November 24, 2003, by and between Aurora and the Company.
"AURORA SALE" means (i) the sale or Transfer (in one or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of Aurora's assets on a consolidated basis to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, (ii) the sale or Transfer (in one or a series of related transactions) of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of Aurora to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, or (iii) the merger or consolidation of Aurora with or into another Person, in each case in clauses (ii) and (iii) above, under circumstances in which the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding capital stock of Aurora (or its direct or indirect parent company), immediately prior to such transaction, own less than a majority in voting power of the outstanding capital stock of Aurora (or its direct or indirect parent company), or the surviving or resulting corporation, entity or acquirer, as the case may be, immediately following such transaction.
"AURORA TRANSACTION" means the reorganization of Aurora whereby Aurora is combined with Pinnacle and the acquisition by Crunch Holding of a direct or indirect equity interest in such combined company.
"AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10.
"BONDHOLDER TRUST" means Crunch Equity Voting Trust, a Delaware business trust.
"BONDHOLDER TRUST AGREEMENT" means the governing instrument(s) of Bondholder Trust.
"BONDHOLDER TRUST CORRESPONDING INTERESTS" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(c).
"BONDHOLDER MANAGERS" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b)(iv).
"BYLAWS" means the Bylaws of the Company as amended from time to time.
"CALL OPTION" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(a).
"CALL OPTION NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(b).
"CALL OPTION PRICE" means an amount equal to the product of (A) $10,750,000 multiplied by (B) a percentage (which is not greater than 100%) representing the percentage of original investment of the capital (or proportionate part thereof if the Sale of the Company or
Aurora Sale does not involve the sale directly or indirectly of the Members' entire interest in the Company or Aurora, as the case may be) returned to the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder and Bondholder Trust prior to, or contemporaneously with, the Call Trigger Event pursuant to the rights and preferences set forth in the Operating Agreement as in effect immediately prior to such Call Trigger Event (giving effect to applicable orders of priority set forth in the Operating Agreement); provided, that the Call Option Price shall: (i) reflect the terms and conditions of any underlying Sale of the Company or Aurora Sale, as the case may be (e.g., nature of consideration received, indemnities, etc.); (ii) be reduced by any amounts received prior to, or contemporaneously with, such Sale of the Company or Aurora Sale, as the case may be, in respect of Units owned by the CDM Holder (including the proceeds actually received upon the prior Transfer of Units previously held by the CDM Holder); and (iii) be reduced by any net tax cost incurred by the CO Purchaser as a result of the exercise of the Call Option and in connection with such Sale of the Company or Aurora Sale, as the case may be, provided that the CO Purchaser takes all steps reasonably practicable to eliminate or minimize the amount of such net tax cost, including, without limitation, making a Section 754 election in connection with the exercise of the Call Option.
"CALL OPTION PRICE STATEMENT" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(b).
"CALL TRIGGER EVENT" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(a).
"CDM CORRESPONDING INTERESTS" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(c).
"CDM EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS" means the Employment Agreements, dated as of November 25, 2003, between Pinnacle Holding and each of Metropoulos, N. Michael Dion, Evan Metropoulos and Louis Pellicano (as such agreement may be amended, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time).
"CDM EXECUTIVES" means C. Dean Metropoulos, N. Michael Dion, Evan Metropoulos, Louis Pellicano and each other employee of the CDM Holder who at such time holds a membership interest in the CDM Holder.
"CDM HOLDER" means CDM Investor Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
"CDM HOLDER AGREEMENT" means the Operating Agreement of the CDM Holder, dated as of November 25, 2003 (as such agreement may be amended, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time).
"COMPANY" has the meaning set forth in the caption.
"COMPANY ACCEPTANCE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a)(i).
"CO PURCHASER" means one or more of the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder and Bondholder Trust to the extent such Member elects to exercise the Call Option.
"CO-SALE NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a)(i).
"CO-SALE OFFEREE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a).
"CO-SALE OFFEROR" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a).
"CO-SALE RIGHTHOLDER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(c).
"CO-SALE UNITS" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a)(i).
"CRUNCH HOLDING" means Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation and the directly held Subsidiary of the Company and the direct parent of Aurora.
"CRUNCH HOLDING SHARES" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(b).
"DISABILITY" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the applicable CDM Employment Agreement.
"DISPUTE LETTER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(d).
"DRAG-ALONG SALE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(a).
"EFFECTIVE DATE" has the meaning set forth in the caption.
"EMERGENCY FUNDING PARTICIPANTS" has the meaning set forth in
Section 3.5(f).
"EXCLUDED INVESTORS" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(f).
"EXCLUDED SECURITIES" means (i) Securities issued or to be issued to employees, officers or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, pursuant to equity purchase or equity option plans or other arrangements that are approved by the Board of Managers, (ii) Securities issued in respect of or in exchange for Units by way of a dividend, split or similar transaction, (iii) Securities issued upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any Securities either previously issued or issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (iv) Securities issued to a financial institution in connection with a debt financing of the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries approved by the Board of Managers, (v) Securities issued to the seller or sellers of a business (provided such seller or sellers are not Affiliates of the Company) in connection with the Company's (or its Affiliate's) acquisition of such seller's or sellers' business approved by the Board of Managers, whether such acquisition is in the form of a merger, consolidation, asset purchase or other similar business combination, (vi) Securities issued in connection with any recapitalization, merger, consolidation or reorganization by the Company approved by the Board of Managers, (vii) Units issued in connection with the consummation of the Aurora Transaction as contemplated by the Operating Agreement, and (viii) Securities issued pursuant to the Aurora Merger Agreement in connection with a post-closing adjustment under Article IV thereof or the exchange by the JPMP Holder and the JWC Holder of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests for Class A Units in connection with the expiration of the Indemnity Agreement and Section 15.14 of the Aurora Merger Agreement.
"FAIR MARKET VALUE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(e).
"FEE AGREEMENTS" means the Management Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003, among Pinnacle Holding, J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. and J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC and the Fee Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003, between Pinnacle Holding and CDM Capital LLC.
"FIRST OFFER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a)(i).
"FIRST OFFERED UNITS" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a)(i).
"FMV OBJECTION NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(e).
"FULL ALLOTMENT" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a)(ii).
"FULLY PARTICIPATING UNITS" means (i) any Class D Unit, if, as of the date of determination (taking into account any transaction expected to occur on the date of determination, including any adjustment to the Gross Asset Value of the Company's assets pursuant to clause (b) of the definition of "Gross Asset Value" expected to occur in connection therewith), the Capital Account balance of such Class D Unit is equal to the Capital Account balance of a Class A Unit, and (ii) any Class E Unit, if, as of the date of determination (taking into account any transaction expected to occur on the date of determination, including any adjustment to the Gross Asset Value of the Company's assets pursuant to clause (b) of the definition of "Gross Asset Value" expected to occur in connection therewith), the Capital Account balance of such Class E Unit is equal to the Capital Account balance of a Class A Unit.
"FUTURE MEMBER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
"GOOD REASON" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the applicable CDM Employment Agreement.
"HIGH OFFER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b)(iii)(B).
"INDEMNITY AGREEMENT" means the Indemnity Agreement dated as of the date hereof, among the Company, Bondholder Trust and Aurora.
"INDIRECT CO-SALE OFFEREE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(b).
"INDIRECT OFFER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b)(iii)(A).
"INDIRECT OFFER ACCEPTANCE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b)(iii)(B).
"INDIRECT OFFER PERIOD" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b)(iii)(A).
"INDIRECT OFFER REQUEST" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b)(iii)(A).
"INDIRECT OFFERED UNITS" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b)(iii)(A).
"INDIRECT OFFEREE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b)(iii)(A).
"INDIRECT OFFEROR" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
"INVESTOR OFFEREE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a)(ii).
"INVESTORS" means the Persons designated on the signature pages hereto as "Investors" and any Transferee of such Persons.
"IPO LIQUIDATION" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(b).
"JPMP HOLDER" means, collectively, (i) J.P. Morgan Partners (BHCA), L.P., (ii) J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors, L.P., (iii) J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman), L.P., (iv) J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman II), L.P., and (v) J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors A, L.P.
"JPMP MANAGERS" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b)(i).
"JWC HOLDER" means any or all of J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P. and JWC Co-Invest Fund III, LLC.
"JWC MANAGERS" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b)(ii).
"LEXINGTON HOLDER" means Co-Investment Partners, L.P.
"MANAGEMENT MANAGER" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b)(iii).
"MEMBER ACCEPTANCE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a)(ii).
"MEMBERS" means the Investors, the Other Members and any Future Members.
"METROPOULOS" mean C. Dean Metropoulos.
"NEW UNITS" means all Securities of the Company other than Excluded Securities.
"OFFEREE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).
"OFFEROR" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).
"OPERATING AGREEMENT" means the Operating Agreement of the Company, dated as of the date hereof (as such agreement may be amended, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time).
"OPERATING BUDGET" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.11(e).
"ORIGINAL AGREEMENT" has the meaning set forth in the caption.
"OTHER MEMBER" means any party to this Agreement other than an Investor or the Company.
"PERMITTED EXCLUDED TRANSFER" means:
(i) in the case of any Member who is an individual, (a) a Transfer of Units to a trust for the benefit of such Member's estate (including the executor or personal representative of such estate, as applicable), or (b) a Transfer of Units made for no consideration to any Affiliate of such Member;
(ii) in the case of any Member that is a partnership, (a) a Transfer of Units to its limited, special and general partners as a bona fide pro rata distribution by such partnership to all of its partners based on the equity holdings of each and made in accordance with the organizational documents of such partnership as in effect on the date hereof, (b) a Transfer of Units made for no consideration to any Affiliate of such Member or for no consideration (other than for bona fide services rendered or to be rendered) to any employee or consultant of such Member or any of its Affiliates, or (c) a Transfer of Units made to a controlled Affiliate (other than any portfolio company of any pooled investment vehicle) in the event that such Member reasonably determines that it has a Regulatory Problem (as defined in the Regulatory Sideletter) or in connection with a bona fide reallocation or transfer of Units to a fund managed by such Member's Affiliates, including by means of participation, and in each case not for purposes of circumventing the provisions of Section 3.3 or Section 3.4 with respect to such Transfer;
(iii) in the case of any Member that is a corporation or a limited liability company, (a) a Transfer of Units to its stockholders or members, as the case may be, as a bona fide pro rata distribution by such corporation or limited liability company to all of its stockholders or members, as the case may be, based on the equity holdings of each and made in accordance with the organizational documents of such corporation or limited liability company as in effect on the date hereof, (b) a Transfer made for no consideration to any Affiliate of such Member or for no consideration (other than for bona fide services rendered or to be rendered) to any employee or consultant of such Member or any of its Affiliates, or (c) a Transfer of Units made to a controlled Affiliate (other than any portfolio company of any pooled investment vehicle) in the event that such Member reasonably determines that it has a Regulatory Problem or in connection with a bona fide reallocation or transfer of Units to a fund managed by such Member's Affiliates, including by means of participation, and in each case not for purposes of circumventing the provisions of Section 3.3 or Section 3.4 with respect to such Transfer;
(iv) in the case of any JPMP Holder, a Transfer of Units made to any other JPMP Holder or the Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests for Class A Units in connection with the expiration of the Indemnity Agreement and Section 15.14 of the Aurora Merger Agreement;
(v) in the case of any JWC Holder, a Transfer of Units made to any
other JWC Holder or the Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests for
Class A Units in connection with the expiration of the Indemnity Agreement and
Section 15.14 of the Aurora Merger Agreement;
(vi) in the case of the CDM Holder, a Transfer of interests in the CDM Holder by any member of the CDM Holder to any other member of the CDM Holder or to any employee of the CDM Holder, the Company, Pinnacle Holding or any of their direct or indirect Subsidiaries; provided that, after giving effect thereto, Metropoulos and his Family Members and Family Vehicles collectively hold not less than 66 2/3% of the membership interests in the CDM Holder; and
(vii) with respect to Bondholder Trust (a) in the case of any Trust
Holder who is an individual, (x) a Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding
Interests to a trust for the benefit of such Trust Holder's estate (including
the executor or personal representative of such estate, as applicable), or (y) a
Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests made for no consideration
to any Affiliate of such Trust Holder; (b) in the case of any Trust Holder that
is a partnership, (x) a Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests to
its limited, special and general partners as a bona fide pro rata distribution
by such partnership to all of its partners based on the equity holdings of each
and made in accordance with the organizational documents of such partnership as
in effect on the date hereof, (y) a Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding
Interests made for no consideration to any Affiliate of such Trust Holder or for
no consideration (other than for bona fide services rendered or to be rendered)
to any employee or consultant of such Trust Holder or any of its Affiliates, or
(z) a Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests made to a controlled
Affiliate (other than any portfolio company of any pooled investment vehicle) in
connection with a bona fide reallocation or transfer of Bondholder Trust
Corresponding Interests to a fund managed by such Trust Holder's Affiliates,
including by means of participation, and in each case not for purposes of
circumventing the provisions of Section 3.3 with respect to such Transfer; (c)
in the case of any Trust Holder that is a corporation or a limited liability
company, (x) a Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests to its
stockholders or members, as the case may be, as a bona fide pro rata
distribution by such corporation or limited liability company to all of its
stockholders or members, as the case may be, based on the equity holdings of
each and made in accordance with the organizational documents of such
corporation or limited liability company as in effect on the date hereof, (y) a
Transfer made for no consideration to any Affiliate of such Trust Holder or for
no consideration (other than for bona fide services rendered or to be rendered)
to any employee or consultant of such Trust Holder or its Affiliates, or (z) a
Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests made to a controlled
Affiliate (other than any portfolio company of any pooled investment vehicle) in
connection with a bona fide reallocation or transfer of Bondholder Trust
Corresponding Interests to a fund managed by such Trust Holder's Affiliates,
including by means of participation, and in each case not for purposes of
circumventing the provisions of Section 3.3 with respect to such Transfer; (d) a
Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests that may be deemed to have
occurred pursuant to Section 4.03(c), Section 9.03(c) or Section 9.06 of the
Bondholder Trust Agreement; (e) a Transfer of Units held by Bondholder Trust
from the account of a Trust Holder to the account of any other Trust Holder
pursuant to the Bondholder Trust Agreement; or (f) a Transfer of Bondholder
Trust Corresponding Interests pursuant to Section 10.04 of the Bondholder Trust
Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Bondholder Trust shall not be permitted to make any direct Transfer of Units held by it to any other Person except pursuant to Section 3.4 or Section 3.8 or pursuant to the Indemnity Agreement.
"PERMITTED EXCLUDED TRANSFEREE" means each Transferee of Units pursuant to a Permitted Excluded Transfer.
"PINNACLE" means Pinnacle Foods Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
"PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS OFFER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
"PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS NUMBER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b).
"PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS PERIOD" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
"PROPOSED SALE NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(a).
"PRO RATA AMOUNT" means, with respect to any Member, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the number of Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and Fully Participating Units held by such Member by (ii) the aggregate number of Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and Fully Participating Units held by all Members or class or type of Members (as applicable), assuming in each case the conversion or exchange of all Securities of the Company by their terms convertible into or exchangeable for Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and Fully Participating Units and the exercise of all vested and "in the money" options to purchase or rights to subscribe for Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and Fully Participating Units (including warrants) or such convertible or exchangeable securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Pro Rata Amount (based on the aggregate number of Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and Fully Participating Units held by all Members) of the CDM Holder shall be deemed to be initially 8.8% on the Effective Date, subject to adjustment for subsequent issuances and repurchases by the Company of Units and Securities and subsequent acquisitions and dispositions of Units and Securities of the Company by the CDM Holder.
"PURCHASE NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b).
"REFEREE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(d).
"REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT" means the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of the date hereof among Crunch Holding and the Members party thereto.
"REGULATORY SIDELETTER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.9(a).
"REPURCHASE EVENT" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(a).
"REPURCHASE NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(c).
"REPURCHASE UNITS" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(a).
"REQUIRED IPO" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(a).
"SECOND OFFER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a)(ii).
"SECOND OFFERED UNITS" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a)(ii).
"SECURITIES" means, with respect to any Person, all equity interests of such Person, all securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity interests of such Person, and all options, warrants, and other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire from such Person equity interests, including any equity appreciation or similar rights, contractual or otherwise.
"STRATEGIC PLAN" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.11(e).
"SUBSIDIARY" means, with respect to any Person, any corporation,
association, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity of
which 50% or more of the total voting power of equity interests (including
partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any
contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers, representatives or
trustees thereof is 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.
"TAG-ALONG NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4(a)(iii).
"TERMINATION DATE" means the date of the consummation of a Liquidation Event.
"THIRD PARTY" means any Person that is not (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iii) a Permitted Excluded Transferee of any Member.
"TRANSFER" means, as to any Security or asset (the "Subject Property"), to sell, directly or indirectly, or in any other way, directly or indirectly transfer, assign, gift, pledge, grant a security interest in, distribute, encumber or otherwise dispose of (including, without limitation, the foreclosure or other acquisition by any lender with respect to the Subject Property pledged to such lender by the holder of the Subject Property), whether directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by means of a Transfer of any Security issued by a Person that holds, directly or indirectly, an interest in the Subject Property), such Subject Property, either voluntarily or involuntarily and with or without consideration. For avoidance of doubt, changes in ownership of any direct or indirect holder of Units shall be deemed to be a Transfer of Units; provided that, such a change in ownership of a direct or indirect holder of Units that also holds material assets other than its Units shall not be deemed to constitute a Transfer of Units unless and until Control of such Person becomes held by any other Person or group of Persons that did not hold such Control immediately prior to such Transfer, whereupon a Transfer of Units shall be deemed to have occurred.
"TRANSFEREE" means any Person to whom a Member shall Transfer Units in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
"TRUST HOLDER" means the holders of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests.
"UNITS" means all Units issued by the Company held at any time during the term of this Agreement by any Investor or any Other Member and shall also include any equity security issued in respect of or in exchange for Units, whether by way of dividend or other distribution, split, recapitalization, merger, rollup transaction, consolidation, conversion or reorganization.
ARTICLE II
BOARD OF MANAGERS REPRESENTATION
2.1 BOARD OF MANAGERS REPRESENTATION.
(a) The Company and the Members shall take all actions as may be required to ensure that the number of Managers constituting the Board of Managers shall be not less than seven (7) and not more than nine (9) subject to decrease pursuant to Section 2.1(d) below.
(b) Subject to Section 2.1(c) below:
(i) The JPMP Holder shall be entitled (A) if it and its
Permitted Excluded Transferees hold (1) at least 80% of the Class A Units
owned by the JPMP Holder on the Effective Date, to nominate, subject to
Section 2.1(b)(v), three (3) individuals to the Board of Managers to serve
as Managers, (2) less than 80% but more than 50% of the Class A Units
owned by the JPMP Holder on the Effective Date, to nominate two (2)
individuals to the Board of Managers to serve as Managers and (3) less
than 50% but more than 25% of the Class A Units owned by the JPMP Holder
on the Effective Date, to nominate one (1) individual to the Board of
Managers to serve as a Manager (the Managers elected pursuant to the
preceding clauses (A)(1), (A)(2) and (A)(3), the "JPMP Managers") until
their respective successors are elected and qualified, (B) to nominate
each successor to any JPMP Manager and (C) to direct the removal from the
Board of Managers of any Manager nominated under the foregoing clauses (A)
or (B); provided, however, that (x) the JPMP Holder shall have the power
to irrevocably assign its rights in the foregoing clauses (A) through (C)
to a Permitted Excluded Transferee of the JPMP Holder who becomes a Member
and (y) the JPMP Holder assigns its right to nominate one individual to
the Board of Managers to J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors, L.P.
immediately upon becoming a Member and execution of this Agreement. To the
extent that the number of JPMP Managers exceeds the number of nominees
that the JPMP Holder is entitled to appoint under this clause (b)(i), then
the JPMP Holder shall cause each such excess JPMP Manager to resign
promptly from the Board of Managers. The JPMP Managers shall initially be
Steve Murray, Kevin O'Brien and Terry Peets, and one of such Managers
shall serve specifically as a representative of J.P. Morgan Partners
Global Investors, L.P.;
(ii) The JWC Holder shall be entitled (A) if it and its
Permitted Excluded Transferees hold (1) at least 80% of the Class A Units
owned by the JWC Holder on the Effective Date, to nominate, subject to
Section 2.1(b)(v), three (3) individuals to the Board of Managers to serve
as Managers, (2) less than 80% but more than 50% of the Class A
Units owned by JWC Holder on the Effective Date, to nominate two (2) individuals to the Board of Managers to serve as Managers and (3) less than 50% but more than 25% of the Class A Units owned by JWC Holder on the Effective Date, to nominate one (1) individual to the Board of Managers to serve as a Manager (the Managers elected pursuant to the preceding clauses (A)(1), (A)(2) and (A)(3), the "JWC Managers") until their respective successors are elected and qualified, (B) to nominate each successor to any JWC Manager and (C) to direct the removal from the Board of Managers of any Manager nominated under the foregoing clauses (A) or (B). To the extent that the number of JWC Managers exceeds the number of nominees that the JWC Holder is entitled to appoint under this clause (b)(ii), then the JWC Holder shall cause each such excess JWC Manager to resign promptly from the Board of Managers. The JWC Managers shall initially be John Childs, Adam Suttin and Ray Rudy;
(iii) For so long as Metropoulos is the Chief Executive Officer of Aurora, he shall serve as a Manager on the Board of Managers (the "Management Manager"); provided, that if Metropoulos no longer is the Chief Executive Officer of Aurora, then Metropoulos shall promptly resign from the Board of Managers;
(iv) Bondholder Trust shall be entitled (A) if it holds (1) at
least 15% of the Units issued and outstanding, to nominate two (2)
individuals to the Board of Managers to serve as Managers and (2) less
than 15% but more than 5% of the Units issued and outstanding, to nominate
one (1) individual to the Board of Managers to serve as Manager (the
Managers elected pursuant to the preceding clauses (A)(1) and (A)(2), the
"Bondholder Managers") until their respective successors are elected and
qualified, (B) to nominate each successor to any Bondholder Manager and
(C) to direct the removal from the Board of Managers of any Manager
nominated under the foregoing clauses (A) or (B). To the extent that the
number of Bondholder Managers exceeds the number of nominees that
Bondholder Trust is entitled to appoint under this clause (b)(iv), then
Bondholder Trust shall cause such excess Bondholder Manager to resign
promptly from the Board of Managers. The Bondholder Managers shall
initially be Brett Wyard and David Jessick; and
(v) So long as the JPMP Holder is entitled to nominate three
(3) JPMP Managers, the JPMP Holder shall consider for nomination as one
(1) of such JPMP Managers a Person identified by Bondholder Trust, and in
any event, such JPMP Manager shall be reasonably acceptable to Bondholder
Trust. So long as the JWC Holder is entitled to nominate three (3) JWC
Managers, the JWC Holder shall consider for nomination as one (1) of such
JWC Managers a Person identified by Bondholder Trust, and in any event,
such JWC Manager shall be reasonably acceptable to Bondholder Trust.
(c) Each nomination or any proposal to remove from the Board of Managers any Manager shall be made by delivering to the Board of Managers a notice signed by the party or parties entitled to such nomination or proposal. As promptly as practicable, but in any event within ten (10) days, after delivery of such notice, the Company, the Board of Managers and the Members shall take or cause to be taken such actions as may be reasonably required to cause the election or removal proposed in such notice. Such actions may include calling a meeting or
soliciting a written consent of the Board of Managers, or calling a meeting or soliciting a written consent of the Members.
(d) In each instance where the number of Managers to be nominated by the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder or Bondholder Trust is decreased in accordance with Section 2.1(b), the Company, the Board of Managers and the Members shall take or cause to be taken such limited liability company actions to decrease the total number of Managers constituting the Board of Managers by an identical number.
(e) The rights of the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder and Bondholder Trust to nominate Managers pursuant to this Section 2.1 are transferable only to a Permitted Excluded Transferee of Units held by such party.
(f) During such time as a Bondholder Manager serves on the Board of Managers, the prior approval of a majority of the Board of Managers and of Bondholder Trust shall be required for the Company or any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries to amend or modify the Fee Agreements or enter into any contract or agreement with any of its Affiliates, including without limitation, employment matters with any CDM Executives and the issuance of any Securities to the CDM Holder or any CDM Executive, other than (i) any such issuance pursuant to the Operating Agreement or in connection with a Preemptive Rights Offer pursuant to Section 3.5 and (ii) the payment of salaries to, and reimbursement of expenses incurred by, the CDM Executives pursuant to the first proviso set forth in Section 2.3(b).
2.2 VOTING.
Each Member shall vote all Units held or controlled by such Member for the election to the Board of Managers of all individuals nominated in accordance with Section 2.1 and for the removal from the Board of Managers of all Managers proposed to be removed in accordance with Section 2.1 and shall take all actions required on its behalf to give effect to the agreements set forth in this Article II. Each Member shall use all reasonable efforts to cause each Manager originally nominated by such Member to vote for the election to the Board of Managers of all individuals nominated in accordance with Section 2.1.
2.3 COMMITTEES; SUBSIDIARIES.
(a) Each Member shall use all reasonable efforts to cause each Manager originally nominated by such Member to take such limited liability company actions as may be reasonably required to ensure that the board of directors of Aurora has at all times a compensation committee and an audit committee, comprised as follows:
(i) The compensation committee of Aurora (the "Compensation Committee") shall be comprised of at least three (3) directors, one (1) of which shall be a JPMP Manager (for so long as the JPMP Holder and its Permitted Excluded Transferees hold 25% or more of the Class A Units owned by the JPMP Holder on the Effective Date), one (1) of which shall be a JWC Manager (for so long as the JWC Holder and its Permitted Excluded Transferees hold 25% or more of the Class A Units owned by the
JWC Holder on the Effective Date) and one (1) of which shall be the Management Manager.
(ii) The audit committee of Aurora (the "Audit Committee") shall be comprised of at least three (3) directors, one (1) of which shall be a JPMP Manager (for so long as the JPMP Holder and its Permitted Excluded Transferees hold 25% or more of the Class A Units owned by the JPMP Holder on the Effective Date), and one (1) of which shall be a JWC Manager (for so long as the JWC Holder and its Permitted Excluded Transferees hold 25% or more of the Class A Units owned by the JWC Holder on the Effective Date).
(b) Subject to Section 2.5, a majority of the Compensation Committee
shall approve all changes in executive base compensation, the award of executive
bonuses and all option grants made by Aurora or any direct or indirect
Subsidiary of Aurora (including the vesting schedules with respect to such
option grants); provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing and
notwithstanding the approval rights of the JPMP Managers and the JWC Managers
under Section 2.5 and the approval rights of the Board of Managers under Section
2.1(f), so long as Metropoulos is the Management Manager, he shall be entitled
(i) to determine the allocation of option grants representing up to 5% of the
equity interests of the Company or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the
Company (provided that no such allocation shall be to the CDM Executives) and
(ii) to determine the payment of annual compensation to, and the reimbursement
of expenses for office space, furniture, supplies, administration,
telecommunications and other customary provisions and travel (including costs
with respect to airplane) incurred by, any of the CDM Executives (provided, that
Metropoulos shall not be entitled to determine the amount of his annual
compensation) in an amount not to exceed $8.0 million in any fiscal year (for
the avoidance of doubt, all "Annual Base Compensation" and "Other Benefits"
(each as defined in the applicable CDM Employment Agreement) paid to the CDM
Executives pursuant to the CDM Employment Agreements shall be included in such
amount); provided, further, that the Management Manager shall not be entitled to
vote as a member of the Compensation Committee or any equivalent committee of
the Company or its direct or indirect Subsidiaries on matters related to his or
her own compensation. The Audit Committee shall approve the engagement of the
auditors for Aurora and each of its direct and indirect Subsidiaries and approve
the audit prior to its issuance each year.
(c) Each Member shall use all reasonable efforts to cause each Manager originally nominated by such Member to take such limited liability company actions as may be reasonably required to ensure that the Management Manager is a member of all committees of the Board of Managers, except for any audit committee.
(d) The Company and each Member shall take, and each Member shall use all reasonable efforts to cause each Manager originally nominated by such Member to take, such limited liability company actions as may be reasonably required to ensure that the composition of the board of managers or board of directors (and each committee thereof), as applicable, of each of the direct and indirect Subsidiaries of the Company (other than (i) Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation, the board of directors of which shall not include any JPMP Manager, JWC Manager or Bondholder Manager, and (ii) any Subsidiaries organized in Canada) is identical to the
composition of the Board of Managers (and each committee thereof, as applicable); provided that, the composition of the board of directors or board of managers of any Subsidiaries of Pinnacle Foods Corporation and of Sea Coast Foods, Inc. may be smaller in number so long as such board of directors or board of managers consists of Metropoulos (so long as he is the Management Member), one (1) JPMP Manager, one (1) JWC Manager and one (1) Bondholder Manager; provided further that, to the extent that any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company has any securities listed on a national securities exchange or Nasdaq, each of the JPMP Holder and the JWC Holder shall ensure that any JPMP Manager or JWC Manager, as applicable, that is a member of the Audit Committee shall meet the definition of "independent" as specified in Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and provided further that the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee of Aurora shall be as provided in Section 2.3(a) hereof, and the composition of any audit committee or compensation committee of the Board of Managers of the Company, or board of managers or board of directors of any other direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company (other than any Subsidiaries of Pinnacle Foods Corporation or Sea Coast Foods, Inc., which Subsidiaries shall not have any such committees) shall be identical to the composition of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee of Aurora.
2.4 MEETINGS; EXPENSES; COMPENSATION.
(a) The Company shall convene meetings of the Board of Managers at least once every three (3) months. Upon any failure by the Company to convene any meeting required by this paragraph, any JPMP Manager, any JWC Manager, any Bondholder Manager or the Management Manager shall be empowered to convene such meeting.
(b) The Company (or its designee) shall reimburse each Manager for his or her reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including up to first-class travel) incurred in connection with attending the meetings of the Board of Managers or any board of managers or board of directors, as applicable, of the Company's Subsidiaries and any committee thereof or the performance of his or her duties, in each case upon presentation of appropriate documentation therefor.
2.5 PROTECTIVE PROVISIONS.
(a) Subject to the first proviso set forth in Section 2.3(b), the Company shall not take any of the following actions without the prior approval of: (A) for as long as the JPMP Holder and its Permitted Excluded Transferees hold at least 25% of the Class A Units owned by the JPMP Holder on the Effective Date, the JPMP Managers; and (B) for as long as the JWC Holder and its Permitted Excluded Transferees hold at least 25% of the Class A Units owned by the JWC Holder on the Effective Date, the JWC Managers:
(i) Terminate or materially change the duties of the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer, any Senior Vice President or any other member of senior management, amend or revise the terms of any employment agreements with any such officer or senior manager, or, subject to Section 2.3(a), make any decisions in respect of compensation of any such officer or senior manager, including the issuance of options or granting of options, or, if
such officer is terminated in accordance with this Section 2.5(a), hire a replacement for such officer;
(ii) Approve or amend the Operating Budget or Strategic Plan;
(iii) Incur any Indebtedness outside of the ordinary course of business that is not included in the Operating Budget;
(iv) Enter into any agreement to acquire either substantially all of the assets or a controlling interest in the capital stock of any other entity (whether by way of asset purchase, stock purchase, merger or otherwise);
(v) Unless otherwise included in the Operating Budget, dispose of assets (whether by asset sale, stock sale, merger or otherwise), either in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, in excess of $5 million;
(vi) Unless otherwise included in the Operating Budget, make any investment or make any capital expenditure, in each case in excess of $3 million in the aggregate in any one fiscal year;
(vii) Enter into any contract or agreement with any of its Affiliates, including, without limitation, for the sale or repurchase of any Securities other than (A) any contract or agreement existing on or prior to the date of this Agreement, or (B) repurchase rights existing on or prior to the date of this Agreement (including the Fee Agreements);
(viii) Effect any changes in the strategic direction of lines of business of the Company not specified in the Strategic Plan delivered in accordance with Section 3.11(e);
(ix) Authorize, issue or sell Interests or capital stock of the Company, other than (A) Interests or capital stock issued upon exercise, conversion or exchange of any Securities either previously issued or issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or (B) the issuance of Interests or capital stock contemplated by the Operating Agreement;
(x) Make distributions, pay dividends or redeem or repurchase Interests or capital stock, except as provided in Sections 3.3, 3.6 or 3.7 below or in Section 12(b)(iv) of the Operating Agreement;
(xi) Amend the terms of any of the Company's governance documents (including the Operating Agreement, the Bylaws and this Agreement, including this Section 2.5);
(xii) Reorganize, exchange Interests or other Securities of the Company, dissolve, liquidate or engage in other similar transactions;
(xiii) Make a change in the accounting year, taxable year, accountants or accounting practices (unless specifically required by Applicable Law or by GAAP);
(xiv) Establish committees of the Board of Managers (other than a Compensation Committee or an Audit Committee as provided in Section 2.3(a)) or board of directors, as the case may be; or
(xv) Agree to take any of the foregoing actions, whether orally or in writing.
The Company shall not permit any direct or indirect Subsidiary of
the Company to take any of the foregoing actions set forth in this Section
2.5(a) (with all references to the Company deemed to be references to such
Subsidiary) without the prior approval of the JPMP Managers and/or the JWC
Managers as set forth in Section 2.5(a) above.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 2.5(a), subject to Section 3.7, the written consent of the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder and the CDM Holder shall be required to effect a Pinnacle Sale, a Sale of the Company, a dissolution of the Company or a Drag-Along Sale.
(c) Without the prior written approval of the CDM Holder, the
Company shall not (i) amend the terms of the Class B Units, Class C Units, Class
D Units or Class E Units, (ii) effect any other amendment, modification or
waiver of this Agreement, the Operating Agreement or the Bylaws that would
adversely affect the CDM Holder in a manner different from any other Member or
(iii) effect an IPO Liquidation, unless the CDM Holder would receive Crunch
Holding Shares in such IPO Liquidation having a value (based on the price per
share offered in the initial public offering thereof less an illiquidity
discount) of at least $10,750,000 (less any proceeds actually received upon the
prior Transfer of Units held by the CDM Holder).
(d) So long as Bondholder Trust holds at least 5% of the Units issued and outstanding, without the prior written approval of Bondholder Trust, the Company shall not effect any amendment, modification or waiver of this Agreement, the Operating Agreement or the Bylaws.
ARTICLE III
CERTAIN MATTERS AFFECTING UNITS
3.1 FUTURE MEMBERS.
The Company shall require each Person (including each Permitted Excluded Transferee) that acquires Securities of the Company after the date of this Agreement (a "Future Member"), as a condition to the effectiveness of such acquisition or Transfer, to execute a counterpart to this Agreement, agreeing to be treated as (i) an Investor, if such Person acquires such Securities from an Investor or is already an Investor, or (ii) an Other Member, if such Person acquires such Securities from an Other Member or acquires Securities directly from the Company, whereupon such Person shall be bound by, and entitled to the benefits of, the provisions of this Agreement relating to Investors or Other Members, as the case may be.
3.2 LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFERS.
(a) No Transfer of any Units by any Member (other than a Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests) shall become effective (i) unless prior written notice thereof has been delivered to the Company, (ii) unless such Transfer complies with this Article III and (iii) unless and until the Transferee (unless already party to this Agreement) executes and delivers to the Company a counterpart to this Agreement, agreeing to be treated in the same manner as the Transferring Member (i.e., as either an Investor or an Other Member). Upon such Transfer and such execution and delivery, the Transferee shall be bound by, and entitled to the benefits of, this Agreement with respect to the Transferred Units in the same manner as the Transferring Member. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article III: (i) no Units may be Transferred to a competitor of the Company, as determined by the Board of Managers, unless a majority in interest of Members (excluding the transferring Member and its Affiliates) consent to such Transfer; (ii) no Units may be Transferred if any such Transfer violates Applicable Law or any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Bylaws, the Operating Agreement or any of the financing documents of the Company, Pinnacle or Aurora; (iii) until after the second anniversary date of the Effective Date (as defined in the Original Agreement), no Units owned by the CDM Holder shall be Transferred to any Person other than a Permitted Excluded Transferee, except in accordance with Section 3.4, Section 3.6 or Section 3.7 or in connection with a Sale of the Company or other transaction approved pursuant to Section 2.5 above; (iv) no Member shall Transfer any Class C Unit, Class D Unit or Class E Unit to any Person other than a Permitted Excluded Transferee, except in accordance with Section 3.4, Section 3.6 or Section 3.7 or in connection with a Sale of the Company or other transaction approved pursuant to Section 2.5 above; and (v) no direct Transfer of Class A Units shall be made by Bondholder Trust to any Person except in accordance with Section 3.4 or Section 3.8 or pursuant to the Indemnity Agreement (it being understood that the only Transfers permitted, subject to the terms of this Agreement, are Transfers of interests in Bondholder Trust). Any attempted Transfer of Units by any Member not in accordance with this Section 3.2 shall not be effective and shall be void.
(b) In any event, a Transfer (other than a Transfer of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests) shall not be permitted unless the Board of Managers shall have determined in its sole discretion, that such proposed Transfer, alone or together with other Transfers, does not create a material risk that (i) the Company will be treated as a corporation for Federal income tax purposes or (ii) the Company will become subject to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and, upon reasonable request of the Board of Managers, such Member proposing the Transfer shall have delivered to the Board of Managers an opinion of counsel, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Board of Managers, that such transaction complies with the condition set forth in this Section 3.2(b); provided, that the Board of Managers in its sole discretion may waive the opinion required by this Section 3.2(b) if it has a reasonable basis on which to conclude that the requirements set forth above, as to which the opinion is waived, are or will be satisfied. The Board of Managers may also request officer certificates and representations and warranties from the Transferee and Transferor as to the matters set forth above and such other factual matters as the Board of Managers may reasonably request.
(c) In order to give effect to the provisions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, this Article III, each of the CDM Holder and Bondholder Trust agrees that:
(i) Its capital structure shall at all times, to the extent practicable, replicate the number and type of Units of the Company it holds, such that the number and type of Securities issued by it and outstanding at any time shall be substantially similar, in all material respects, to the number and type of Units it holds at such time (such corresponding ownership interests in the CDM Holder being referred to as the "CDM Corresponding Interests" and such corresponding ownership interests in Bondholder Trust being referred to as the "Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests").
(ii) It shall incur no indebtedness, hold no material assets other than the Units and issue no additional membership interests (other than in connection with the funding of claims pursuant to the Indemnity Agreement, capital calls on the holders of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests, changes to the capital structure of the Company or Transfers or other transactions permitted under this Agreement) without the prior written consent of the JPMP Holder and the JWC Holder.
(iii) It shall not amend its governing instruments in a manner that would adversely affect the rights of any other Member under this Agreement in a manner different from the CDM Holder or Bondholder Trust, as applicable, without the prior written consent of the JPMP Holder and the JWC Holder.
(iv) It shall be organized and operated so as to be classified as a business entity, within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 301.7701-2(a).
(d) Each Member shall prohibit, and agrees not to recognize on its books, any Transfers, including, without limitation, any indirect Transfers of Units, in violation of the provisions of this Agreement. Any attempted Transfer not in accordance with this Section 3.2(d) shall not be effective and shall be void. In order to give effect to the foregoing, each of the CDM Holder and Bondholder Trust shall require each member of such Person, as a condition to admission as a member, to acknowledge and agree in writing that such member has been informed of the restrictions on Transfer in this Agreement and has agreed to comply with such restrictions in all respects.
3.3 RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL/RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER.
(a) If any Member (each, an "Offeror") proposes to Transfer any Class A Units or Class B Units, as the case may be, to any Person (the "Offeree"), other than in connection with a Permitted Excluded Transfer, the parties hereto shall comply with the following procedures:
(i) The Offeror shall, before such Transfer, deliver to the Company a written offer (the "First Offer") to Transfer to the Company such Units upon the terms set forth in this Section 3.3(a), including (A) the type and number of Units to which the First Offer relates (the "First Offered Units") and the name of the Offeror, (B) the name and address of the proposed Offeree, (C) the proposed amount and type of consideration (including, if the consideration consists in whole or in part of non-cash consideration, such
information available to the Offeror as may be reasonably necessary for the Company and the Investors to properly analyze the economic value and investment risk of such non-cash consideration) and the terms and conditions of payment that the Offeror intends to accept. The First Offer shall remain open and irrevocable for a period of ten (10) Business Days from the date of its receipt by the Company. The Company shall have the right and option to notify the Offeror, in a writing (the "Company Acceptance") delivered within ten (10) Business Days of its receipt of the First Offer, of its intent to purchase all or any portion of the First Offered Units at the purchase price and on the terms and conditions stated in the First Offer.
(ii) If the Company elects to purchase none or less than all of the First Offered Units or does not deliver a timely Company Acceptance, the Offeror shall deliver the First Offer, revised to take into account any First Offered Units which the Company has elected to purchase pursuant to a Company Acceptance (as so revised, the "Second Offer" and, the type and number of Units to which the Second Offer relates, the "Second Offered Units") to the Investors (other than the Offeror or Bondholder Trust) (the "Investor Offerees"). Any Investor Offeree may accept the Second Offer in whole or in part and purchase up to its Pro Rata Amount (based on the aggregate number of Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and Fully Participating Units held by all Investor Offerees) of all Second Offered Units (with respect to each Investor Offeree, its "Full Allotment") by delivering to the Offeror a notice (the "Member Acceptance") in writing within ten (10) Business Days of its receipt of the Second Offer (the "Acceptance Period"). Each Investor Offeree purchasing its Full Allotment may also offer to purchase its Pro Rata Amount (based on the aggregate number of Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and Fully Participating Units held by all Investor Offerees purchasing their Full Allotments) of any Second Offered Units not so purchased by any other Investor Offeree.
(iii) Within 30 days of receipt of the First Offer, the Offeror shall Transfer to the Company or the Investor Offerees, as the case may be, against receipt of payment in cash therefor, all First Offered Units and Second Offered Units as to which a Company Acceptance or Member Acceptance has been timely given. If the proposed consideration by the Offeree includes consideration other than cash, the cash equivalent value of the non-cash consideration will be determined by the Board of Managers in good faith, which determination will be binding upon the Company, the Offeror and each Investor Offeree, absent fraud or error. Delivery of certificates or other instruments evidencing such First Offered Units and Second Offered Units duly endorsed for transfer and free and clear of all liens, claims and other encumbrances (other than those arising hereunder and those attributable to actions by the purchasers thereof) shall be made on such date against payment in cash of the purchase price therefor. At such closing, all of the parties to the transaction shall execute such additional documents as are otherwise necessary or appropriate.
(iv) Thereafter, the Offeror may Transfer to the Offeree any or all of the First Offered Units and Second Offered Units not purchased by the Company or the Investor Offerees, on terms and conditions no more favorable to the Offeree than are
described in the First Offer, within 90 days after expiration of the Acceptance Period (during which time the Offeror shall ensure that compliance with Section 3.4 has occurred). If such Transfer is not made within such 90-day period, the provisions of this Section 3.3 shall again become effective with respect to the proposed Transfer.
(b) If any member of the CDM Holder or Bondholder Trust (each such member, an "Indirect Offeror") proposes to Transfer to any Person, other than in connection with a Permitted Excluded Transfer, any CDM Corresponding Interests or Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests, as applicable, then such Transfer shall be made in compliance with this Agreement and the parties hereto shall comply with the following procedures:
(i) If the Indirect Offeror is a holder of Indirect Units in the CDM Holder other than Metropoulos, then the CDM Holder and Metropoulos first shall have a right of first refusal with respect to the Transfer of such CDM Corresponding Interests as provided in the CDM Holder Agreement.
(ii) If the Indirect Offeror (A) is Metropoulos or (B) is a
holder of Indirect Units in the CDM Holder other than Metropoulos and the
CDM Holder and Metropoulos have not elected to acquire all of the CDM
Corresponding Interests pursuant to their rights of first refusal in the
CDM Holder Agreement, then the CDM Holder shall comply with Section 3.3
hereof and shall offer to the Company and each Investor Offeree in the
manner therein provided the opportunity to acquire a number and type of
Units that correspond to the CDM Corresponding Interests remaining unsold
in the offer to the CDM Holder and Metropoulos (and to the extent such
Units are so acquired by the Company or an Investor Offeree, promptly use
the proceeds therefrom to redeem the related CDM Corresponding Interests).
Thereafter, such Indirect Offeror may Transfer any or all of the CDM
Corresponding Interests that were not purchased by the CDM Holder or
Metropoulos or that correspond to Units not purchased by the Company or
the Investor Offerees, on terms and conditions no more favorable to the
Offeree than are described in the First Offer and otherwise as provided in
Section 3.3(a)(iv) above.
(iii) If the Indirect Offeror is a holder of Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests, then the Indirect Offeror shall comply with the following right of first offer (rather than right of first refusal) procedures:
(A) The Indirect Offeror shall, before such Transfer, deliver to the Company and the Investors (other than Bondholder Trust) (the "Indirect Offerees") a written request for an offer (the "Indirect Offer Request") to purchase the Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests that the Indirect Offeror proposes to Transfer (the "Indirect Offered Units"). Each Indirect Offeree shall have the right and option to notify the Indirect Offeror, in a writing (the "Indirect Offer") delivered within three (3) Business Days after the date of its receipt of the Indirect Offer, of its offer to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Indirect Offered Units at the cash purchase price and on the terms and conditions stated in the Indirect Offer. Each Indirect Offer shall remain open and irrevocable for a period of five (5) Business Days from the date of its receipt by the Indirect Offeror (the "Indirect Offer Period").
(B) If one or more Indirect Offers have been timely received, then the Indirect Offeror shall have the right and option to accept the Indirect Offer containing the highest offered purchase price and/or most favorable other terms and conditions, as determined by the Indirect Offeror in good faith (the "High Offer"), which may reflect discussions between the Indirect Offeree and the Indirect Offeror, by so notifying the applicable Indirect Offeree in a writing (the "Indirect Offer Acceptance"), with copies to the Company and Bondholder Trust, delivered prior to the expiration of the Indirect Offer Period; provided, that if more than one Indirect Offer offers the same purchase price and other terms and conditions and each such offer is a High Offer, then the Indirect Offeror, if choosing to accept any Indirect Offer, shall accept any High Offer made by the Company, and, if no High Offer has been made by the Company, shall have the right and option to accept any of the High Offers.
(C) Within 15 days of receipt by Bondholder Trust of the copy of the Indirect Offer Acceptance and in lieu of the Indirect Offeror Transferring the Indirect Offered Units, Bondholder Trust shall Transfer to the Company or the other Indirect Offeree, as the case may be, against receipt of payment therefor, Units of the Company in an amount and of the type corresponding to the Indirect Offered Units that the Company or the other Indirect Offeree agreed to purchase. Delivery of certificates or other instruments evidencing Units of the Company in an amount and of the type corresponding to the Indirect Offered Units duly endorsed for transfer and free and clear of all liens, claims and other encumbrances (other than those arising hereunder and those attributable to actions by the purchasers thereof) shall be made on such date against payment in cash of the purchase price therefor. At such closing, all of the parties to the transaction shall execute such additional documents as are otherwise necessary or appropriate. Bondholder Trust shall promptly use the proceeds received by it at such closing to redeem the Indirect Offered Units.
(D) If an Indirect Offer has not been timely delivered, or if an Indirect Offer Acceptance has not been timely delivered, then the Indirect Offeror may Transfer to any Person all, but not less than all, of the Bondholder Trust Corresponding Interests that were subject to the Indirect Offer Request on terms and conditions no more favorable to such Person than are described in a timely received Indirect Offer (or, if more than one, in the High Offer), for a period of 60 days after expiration of the Indirect Offer Period. If such Transfer is not made within such 60-day period, the provisions of this Section 3.3(b)(iii) shall again become effective with respect to the proposed Transfer.
(c) For purposes of this Section 3.3, each Investor may aggregate his, her or its Pro Rata Amount among his, her or its Permitted Excluded Transferees that are Investors to the extent that such Permitted Excluded Transferees do not elect to purchase their respective Pro Rata Amounts.
3.4 CO-SALE RIGHTS.
(a) If any Member (other than Bondholder Trust) (each, a "Co-Sale Offeree") receives an offer to Transfer (other than a Permitted Excluded Transfer) any Class A Units or Class B Units, as the case may be, to any Person (the "Co-Sale Offeror"), the parties hereto shall comply with the following procedures:
(i) The Co-Sale Offeree shall, at least twenty (20) Business Days before such Transfer, deliver a written notice (the "Co-Sale Notice") to the Co-Sale Rightholders that sets forth substantially the same information as the First Offer in Section 3.3(a)(i) above; provided, however, that such Co-Sale Notice shall indicate that the Co-Sale Offeror has been informed of the co-sale rights provided for in this Section 3.4 and has agreed to purchase Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and Fully Participating Units (the "Co-Sale Units") from the Co-Sale Rightholders in accordance with the terms hereof. A Co-Sale Offeree shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement to deliver a Co-Sale Notice if it has delivered a First Offer in accordance with Section 3.3(a)(i) (with a copy to Bondholder Trust) with respect to such offer to Transfer and such First Offer contains the information otherwise required to be set forth in such Co-Sale Notice, and in such case all references to the Co-Sale Notice shall be deemed to refer to such First Offer.
(ii) The Co-Sale Offeree shall not Transfer any Units to the Co-Sale Offeror unless each of the Co-Sale Rightholders is permitted to Transfer simultaneously therewith, (A) in the event the proposed purchase price per Unit offered by the Co-Sale Offeror exceeds $1,000 per Unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like), a number of Co-Sale Units equal to its Pro Rata Amount (based upon the aggregate number of Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and Fully Participating Units outstanding at such time and held by the Co-Sale Offeree and all Co-Sale Rightholders) of the aggregate number of Units to which the offer to the Co-Sale Offeree relates and on the same terms and conditions (including price), and (B) in the event the proposed purchase price per Unit offered by the Co-Sale Offeror does not exceed $1,000 per Unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassification and the like), a number of Co-Sale Units representing its Pro Rata Amount (based upon the aggregate number of Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units outstanding at such time and held by the Co-Sale Offeree and all Co-Sale Rightholders) of the aggregate purchase price offered to be paid by the Co-Sale Offeror for the Units to which the offer to the Co-Sale Offeree relates, as specified in the Co-Sale Notice, and otherwise on the same terms and conditions. If the proposed purchase price per Unit offered by the Co-Sale Offeror does not exceed $1,000 per Unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like), then the Company shall promptly engage the Appraiser to determine the fair market value of the Class B Units and the Class C Units (based upon a hypothetical liquidation of the Company at such time in accordance with Section 18 of the Operating Agreement and without giving effect to any minority or illiquidity discounts) in order that the parties may determine the number of Co-Sale Units entitled to be sold by each Co-Sale Rightholder in respect of its Pro Rata Amount of the aggregate purchase price offered to be paid by the Co-Sale Offeror. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Appraiser to provide written notice of such determination of the fair market value to the
Company, the Co-Sale Offeree and the Co-Sale Rightholders within 15 days of its engagement. The determination by the Appraiser of such fair market value, as set forth in the written notice described in the preceding sentence, will be final, binding and conclusive on the parties. The fees, costs and expenses of the Appraiser shall be paid by the Company.
(iii) Within the later of (A) thirty (30) days after delivery of the Co-Sale Notice and (B) thirty (30) days after delivery by the Appraiser of the written notice setting forth the fair market value determination described in Section 3.4(a)(ii), each Co-Sale Rightholder may elect to participate in the proposed Transfer by delivering to the Co-Sale Offeree a notice (the "Tag-Along Notice") specifying the type and number of Co-Sale Units (up to his, her or its Pro Rata Amount, as determined in accordance with Section 3.4(a)(ii) above) with respect to which such Co-Sale Rightholder shall exercise his, her or its rights under this Section 3.4, and the number of Units to be Transferred to the Co-Sale Offeror by the Co-Sale Offeree shall be reduced accordingly.
(iv) Any Co-Sale Units requested to be included in any Tag-Along Notice shall be Transferred at the same time on the same terms and conditions (including price) as are set forth in the Co-Sale Notice, subject to any difference in the purchase price per Class A Unit and the purchase price per Class B Unit and the purchase price per Class C Unit determined by the Appraiser as provided above. If such Transfer is not made within 90 days from delivery of the Co-Sale Notice, the provisions of this Article III shall again become effective with respect to the proposed Transfer.
(b) If any member of the CDM Holder (each such member, an "Indirect Co-Sale Offeree") receives an offer to Transfer (other than a Permitted Excluded Transfer) to any Person any CDM Corresponding Interests, then such Transfer shall be made in compliance with this Agreement and the CDM Holder shall require that, prior to such Transfer, such Indirect Co-Sale Offeree shall comply in all respects with the provisions set forth in this Section 3.4 as if such Indirect Co-Sale Offeree was proposing to Transfer Units of the Company, corresponding and equal in number to the CDM Corresponding Interests proposed to be Transferred. Any Co-Sale Rightholders electing to exercise their co-sale rights with respect thereto shall be entitled to Transfer to such Third Party the number of Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and/or Fully Participating Units, as applicable, that such Co-Sale Rightholder has elected to Transfer pursuant to this Section 3.4, and the number of CDM Corresponding Interests to be Transferred by the Indirect Co-Sale Offeree shall be reduced accordingly.
(c) As used herein, the term "Co-Sale Rightholder" means the Investors (other than the Co-Sale Offeree) holding Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and/or Fully Participating Units.
(d) The Co-Sale Offeree shall, in addition to complying with the provisions of this Section 3.4, comply with the other provisions of this Article III (it being understood that the notice contemplated by Section 3.3(a)(i) and the Co-Sale Notice contemplated by this Section 3.4 may be included in a single notice).
(e) For purposes of this Section 3.4, each Co-Sale Rightholder may aggregate his, her or its Pro Rata Amount among his, her or its Permitted Excluded Transferees that are Co-Sale Rightholders to the extent that such Permitted Excluded Transferees do not elect to sell their respective Pro Rata Amounts.
3.5 PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS.
(a) If the Company proposes to offer New Units to any Person, the
Company shall, prior to issuing any New Units, deliver to the Investors a
written offer (the "Preemptive Rights Offer") to issue to the Investors such New
Units to maintain their respective Pro Rata Amounts at a price per New Unit, in
cash, equal to the fair market value thereof as determined in good faith by the
Board of Managers and otherwise upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Section 3.5. The Preemptive Rights Offer shall state that the Company proposes
to issue New Units and specify their number, type and terms (including the
purchase price per New Unit, which shall equal the fair market value thereof as
determined in good faith by the Board of Managers). If the New Units are to be
offered for property other than cash, the Board of Managers shall make a good
faith determination of the fair market value of the property proposed to be
received for the New Units and such determination shall constitute the price at
which such New Units will be offered for purposes of the Preemptive Rights Offer
and this Section 3.5. The Preemptive Rights Offer shall remain open and
irrevocable for a period of twenty (20) Business Days (the "Preemptive Rights
Period") from the date of its delivery. The Company and Bondholder Trust shall
take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure that the issuance of New Units
pursuant to such Preemptive Rights Offer will be exempt from registration under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including without limitation the
appointment, at the Company's expense, of a "purchaser's representative"
pursuant to Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(b) Each Investor may accept the Preemptive Rights Offer by delivering to the Company a written notice (the "Purchase Notice") within the Preemptive Rights Period. The Purchase Notice shall state the number (the "Preemptive Rights Number") of New Units such Investor desires to purchase. If the sum of all Preemptive Rights Numbers exceeds the number of New Units that the Company proposes to issue, the New Units shall be allocated among the Investors that delivered a Purchase Notice in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Amounts (based on the aggregate number of Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units and Fully Participating Units held by all such participating Investors).
(c) The issuance of New Units (against receipt of payment in cash therefor) to the Investors who delivered a Purchase Notice shall be made on a Business Day, as designated by the Company, not less than ten (10) and not more than thirty (30) days after expiration of the Preemptive Rights Period on terms and conditions of the Preemptive Rights Offer consistent with this Section 3.5. At the closing of the issuance of the New Units to such Investors, the Company shall deliver certificates or other instruments evidencing such New Units against payment in cash of the purchase price therefor, and such New Units shall be issued free and clear of all liens, claims and other encumbrances (other than those arising hereunder and those attributable to actions by the purchasers thereof). At such closing, all of the parties to the transaction shall execute such additional documents as are otherwise necessary or appropriate.
(d) If the number of New Units included in the Preemptive Rights Offer exceeds the sum of all Preemptive Rights Numbers, the Company may issue (against receipt of payment therefor) such excess or any portion thereof on the terms and conditions of the Preemptive Rights Offer to any Person within 90 days after expiration of the Preemptive Rights Period. If such issuance is not made within such 90-day period, the restrictions provided for in this Section 3.5 shall again become effective.
(e) For purposes of this Section 3.5, each Investor may aggregate his, her or its Pro Rata Amount among his, her or its Permitted Excluded Transferees that are Investors to the extent that such Permitted Excluded Transferees do not elect to purchase their respective Pro Rata Amounts.
(f) If the Company determines in good faith that the delay
occasioned by complying with the procedures contemplated by this Section 3.5
would be prejudicial to the Company or its financial condition or business and
operations, then the Company may issue and sell the New Units without first
offering the New Units to the Investors in compliance with Section 3.5. If the
Company so elects to issue New Units under this Section 3.5(f), then the Company
shall deliver the Preemptive Offer to each Investor to which it has not so
issued or sold New Units (the "Excluded Investors") no later than three (3)
Business Days after the date on which such New Units were issued and sold. If an
Excluded Investor delivers a Purchase Notice within twenty (20) Business Days
after receipt of the Preemptive Offer and (A) the Company has issued or sold the
subject New Units to a Third Party but not to any Investor, then the Company
shall issue and sell to each electing Excluded Investor such number of New Units
as such Excluded Investor would have been entitled had the Preemptive Rights
Offer been made and accepted by such Excluded Investor in accordance with
Sections 3.5(a) through (e) as promptly as practicable, but in no event later
than five Business Days following the date of delivery of the Purchase Notice,
at the same price, and on the same terms and conditions as the issuance and sale
occurred or (B) the Company has issued and sold the subject New Units to one or
more of the Investors (the "Emergency Funding Participants"), then the New Units
as to which such Excluded Investors have exercised preemptive rights under this
Section 3.5(f) shall be sold by the Emergency Funding Participants to such
Excluded Investors as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than five
Business Days following the date of delivery of the Purchase Notice, in such
amount as will most closely replicate the outcome if such Excluded Investors had
timely delivered a Purchase Notice in accordance with Section 3.5(b) and the
sale shall occur at a price per New Unit equal to the price paid by the
Emergency Funding Participants therefor, plus interest on such amount from the
date of purchase by the Emergency Funding Participants through the date of sale
to such Excluded Investors, at a rate per annum equal to the then-effective
prime rate, as announced by Citibank N.A. At the closing of any such sale by the
Emergency Funding Participants, such Emergency Funding Participants shall
deliver to such Excluded Investors certificates representing the New Units to be
conveyed, duly endorsed or accompanied by stock powers or other appropriate
instruments of Transfer duly executed in blank, free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances, security interests, adverse claims or other restrictions (other
than those created by this Agreement), against payment of the purchase price
therefor calculated hereunder.
3.6 REPURCHASE RIGHTS.
(a) In the event that a CDM Executive resigns voluntarily from Aurora without Good Reason and other than as a result of Disability (a "Repurchase Event"), then the Company, Pinnacle, Aurora or any of their respective designees shall have the right (but not the obligation) to repurchase from the CDM Holder Units corresponding in type and number to the CDM Corresponding Interests owned by such CDM Executive and his Permitted Excluded Transferees, as determined in accordance with Section 3.6(f) below (the "Repurchase Units"); provided that, if the CDM Executive is other than Metropoulos, the CDM Holder and its members first shall have the right to repurchase the CDM Corresponding Interests held by such CDM Executive, as provided in the CDM Holder Agreement.
(b) The price to be paid in cash for the Repurchase Units under this
Section 3.6 shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Repurchase Event occurs on or prior to the first anniversary of the closing of the Pinnacle Transaction, the price to be paid in cash for the Repurchase Units shall be equal to such CDM Executive's pro rata portion (based on the number of CDM Corresponding Interests held by such CDM Executive and, if applicable, his Permitted Excluded Transferees relative to the aggregate number of CDM Corresponding Interests then outstanding) of $10,750,000 less the proceeds actually received upon the prior Transfer of Units held by the CDM Holder; and
(ii) if the Repurchase Event occurs after the first anniversary of the closing of the Pinnacle Transaction and on or before the second anniversary of the closing of the Pinnacle Transaction, the price to be paid in cash for the Repurchase Units shall be equal to such CDM Executive's pro rata portion (based on the number of CDM Corresponding Interests held by such CDM Executive and, if applicable, his Permitted Excluded Transferees relative to the aggregate number of CDM Corresponding Interests then outstanding) of the greater of (A) $10,750,000 less the proceeds actually received upon the prior Transfer of Units held by the CDM Holder and (B) the Fair Market Value (as defined in Section 3.6(e) below).
(c) The repurchase right of the Company, Pinnacle, Aurora or any of their respective designees, as applicable, under this Section 3.6 may be exercised by written notice (a "Repurchase Notice") to the applicable CDM Executive and the CDM Holder within 60 days of the date of the Repurchase Event. Upon the delivery of a Repurchase Notice, the applicable CDM Executive and the CDM Holder shall be obligated to sell or cause to be sold to the Company, Pinnacle, Aurora or any of their respective designees, as applicable, the Repurchase Units in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.6.
(d) The purchase of the Repurchase Units under the terms of this
Section 3.6 shall be made at the offices of the Company, Pinnacle, Aurora or any
of their respective designees, as applicable, on a mutually satisfactory
Business Day within ten (10) days after the final determination of the
repurchase price as described below. Delivery of certificates or other
instruments evidencing such Repurchase Units duly endorsed for transfer and free
and clear of all liens, claims and other encumbrances (other than those arising
hereunder and those
attributable to actions by the purchasers thereof) shall be made on such date against payment in cash of the purchase price therefor. At the closing, all of the parties to the transaction shall execute such additional documents as are otherwise necessary or appropriate. Simultaneously with such closing, the CDM Holder shall use the repurchase price proceeds to redeem from the applicable CDM Executive and, if applicable, his Permitted Excluded Transferees all CDM Corresponding Interests held by the applicable CDM Executive and, if applicable, his Permitted Excluded Transferees.
(e) For purposes of this Section 3.6, "Fair Market Value" means the
fair market value of the Repurchase Units (including any Units that become
Participating Units by reason of such determination of Fair Market Value and the
related adjustment to the Gross Asset Value of the Company's assets pursuant to
clause (b) of the definition of "Gross Asset Value") (without giving effect to
any minority or illiquidity discounts) determined by the Board of Managers in
good faith and delivered in writing to the applicable CDM Executive and the CDM
Holder as soon as practicable following the Repurchase Event, but in any event
prior to delivery of the Repurchase Notice. In the event that the CDM Holder
gives the Board of Managers written notice of its objection (the "FMV Objection
Notice") to the Board of Managers' calculation of Fair Market Value within ten
(10) days of its receipt of such calculation, then the Company shall engage the
Appraiser to determine the Fair Market Value; provided, however, that if the CDM
Holder does not deliver the FMV Objection Notice within such ten (10) day
period, then the Board of Managers' calculation of Fair Market Value shall be
final, binding and conclusive on the parties, unless otherwise agreed to by the
Board of Managers and the CDM Holder. The Company shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to cause the Appraiser to provide written notice (the
"Appraised Value Notice") of such determination of the Fair Market Value to the
Company, the applicable CDM Executive and the CDM Holder within fifteen (15)
days of its engagement. The determination by the Appraiser of the Fair Market
Value, as set forth in the Appraised Value Notice, will be final, binding and
conclusive on the parties. The fees, costs and expenses of the Appraiser shall
be paid 50% by the Company and 50% by the CDM Holder.
3.7 CALL OPTION.
(a) If (i) the JPMP Holder and the JWC Holder propose to effect the Sale of the Company to a Third Party or an Aurora Sale to a Third Party on terms and conditions described in detail and in writing to the CDM Holder (the "Proposed Sale Notice"), or (ii) Bondholder Trust proposes to effect an IPO Liquidation, but in either case of clauses (i) or (ii) the CDM Holder does not so consent pursuant to Section 2.5(c) (any such event, a "Call Trigger Event"), then the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder, Bondholder Trust and the Lexington Holder each shall have the right (but not the obligation) to purchase (the "Call Option"), simultaneously with the consummation of such Call Trigger Event, as the case may be, all (but not less than all) of the Units held by the CDM Holder and its Permitted Excluded Transferees at the Call Option Price; provided that, in the case of a Sale of the Company to a Third Party or an Aurora Sale to a Third Party, such Call Trigger Event is consummated within 90 days after delivery of the Proposed Sale Notice and on the terms and conditions described in the Proposed Sale Notice .
(b) The Call Option shall be exercisable upon delivery of a written notice (the "Call Option Notice") by the CO Purchaser to the CDM Holder at least thirty (30) days but not
more than forty five (45) days prior to the proposed date of the consummation of the Call Trigger Event. The Call Option Notice shall state the proposed date for the consummation of the Call Trigger Event and shall include a statement (the "Call Option Price Statement") of the CO Purchaser's calculation of the Call Option Price (and the basis for such calculation).
(c) If (A) only one of the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder, Bondholder Trust or the Lexington Holder elects to exercise the Call Option, then such electing Member shall pay 100% of the Call Option Price, and (B) more than one of the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder, Bondholder Trust or the Lexington Holder elects to exercise the Call Option, then the Call Option Price shall be allocated among such electing Members in accordance with their relative holdings of Units.
(d) After delivery of the Call Option Price Statement to the CDM
Holder, the CDM Holder may make inquiries of the CO Purchaser regarding
questions concerning or disagreements with the Call Option Price Statement
arising in the course of such review. The CDM Holder shall complete its review
of the Call Option Price Statement within thirty (30) days following the
delivery of the Call Option Notice. Promptly following completion of its review,
the CDM Holder shall submit to the CO Purchaser a letter regarding its
concurrence or disagreement with the calculation of the Call Option Price set
forth in the Call Option Price Statement. Unless the CDM Holder delivers a
letter (the "Dispute Letter") to the CO Purchaser disagreeing (such letter must
contain a statement describing in reasonable detail the basis of such
disagreement) with the calculation of the Call Option Price set forth in the
Call Option Price Statement within such thirty (30) day period, the Call Option
Price Statement shall be final and binding upon the parties unless there shall
have occurred any material change in any of the information contained in the
Call Option Price Statement (including, without limitation, the basis for the
calculation of the Call Option Price), in which case, the CO Purchaser shall be
required to deliver promptly a revised Call Option Price Statement and the
procedures provided for herein shall be repeated. Following delivery of the
Dispute Letter, the CDM Holder and the CO Purchaser shall attempt promptly to
resolve such disagreement in good faith. If a resolution of such disagreement
has not been effected within ten (10) days (or longer, as mutually agreed by the
parties) after delivery of the Dispute Letter, the CDM Holder and CO Purchaser
shall submit such disagreement to an independent accounting firm of
international recognition (other than the accountants for the Company, the CDM
Holder, the CO Purchaser, Pinnacle or Aurora) jointly selected by the CDM Holder
and the CO Purchaser (the "Referee"); provided, that if the parties are unable
to agree upon the accounting firm within three (3) days, then the Referee shall
be an independent accounting firm selected by lot from among the "Big 4"
accounting firms, and the selection of the accounting firm by lot shall be final
and binding upon the parties. The CDM Holder and the CO Purchaser shall use
their respective commercially reasonable efforts to cause the determination of
the Referee with respect to the matters in dispute to be completed within twenty
(20) days after the appointment of the Referee, and such determination shall be
final and binding upon the parties unless there shall have occurred any material
change in any of the information contained in the Call Option Price Statement
(including, without limitation, the basis for the calculation of the Call Option
Price), in which case, the CO Purchaser shall promptly provide the Referee (with
a copy to the CDM Holder) with any updated information in order that the Referee
may make a revised determination. The fees, costs and expenses of the Referee
shall be paid by the Company. Each of the Company, the CDM Holder and the CO
Purchaser shall
provide and cause to be provided to the Referee, on a confidential basis, such information as it reasonably requests to perform its duties.
(e) The purchase of all of the Units held by the CDM Holder under the terms of this Section 3.7 shall be made following the final determination of the Call Option Price as described above and simultaneously with the consummation of the Sale of the Company, the Aurora Sale or the IPO Liquidation, as the case may be. Delivery of certificates or other instruments evidencing the Units held by the CDM Holder duly endorsed for transfer and free and clear of all liens, claims and other encumbrances (other than those arising hereunder and those attributable to actions by the CO Purchaser) shall be made on such date against payment in cash of the Call Option Price or, in the case of a Call Trigger Event that relates to a proposal by Bondholder Trust to effect an IPO Liquidation, in Crunch Holding Shares having a value (based on the price per share offered in the initial public offering thereof less an illiquidity discount) equal to the Call Option Price. At the closing, all the parties to the transaction shall execute such additional documents as are otherwise necessary or appropriate.
3.8 DRAG-ALONG RIGHTS.
(a) If at any time following the consummation of the Aurora
Transaction, the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder and/or the CDM Holder proposes to
Transfer to an Unaffiliated third party, in a single arms-length transaction or
a series of related arms-length transactions, Units representing, in the
aggregate, at least 50% of the total number of Units owned on the Effective Date
by the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder, the Lexington Holder and the CDM Holder (a
"Drag-Along Sale"), such holders shall give written notice thereof to all other
Members, including, without limitation, Bondholder Trust. The other Members
shall consent to (if such consent is required) and raise no objections against
the Drag-Along Sale, and if the Drag-Along Sale if structured as (A) a merger,
exchange or consolidation of the Company, or a sale of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company, the other Members shall waive any dissenters'
rights, appraisal rights or similar rights in connection with such merger,
exchange, consolidation or asset sale, or (B) a sale of Units of the Company,
each other Member shall agree to sell a pro rata percentage (equal to the
percentage of Units proposed to be sold by the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder and
the CDM Holder relative to the aggregate number of Units held by such holders)
of its Units, on the terms and conditions of such Drag-Along Sale. The Members
shall take all necessary and desirable actions in connection with the
consummation of the Drag-Along Sale, including obtaining the consent of the
Board of Managers, if necessary, to the Drag-Along Sale and the execution of
such agreements and such instruments and other actions reasonably necessary to
(1) provide customary representations, warranties, indemnities, and escrow
arrangements relating to such Drag-Along Sale and (2) effectuate the allocation
and distribution of the aggregate consideration upon the Drag-Along Sale as set
forth in Section 3.8(c) below. The Members shall be permitted to sell their
Units pursuant to a Drag-Along Sale without complying with any other provisions
of Article III of this Agreement.
(b) The JPMP Holder, the JWC Holders and the CDM Holder shall represent and warrant to each other and the other Members that no direct or indirect collateral benefit or supplemental consideration (whether or not in the nature of a tangible or intangible asset, money, property, security or other tangible benefits or opportunities) has been or is to be paid by such
prospective purchaser or any other Person to any of them in connection with the Drag-Along Sale and that such Drag-Along Sale is not made as part of or in connection with any other transaction pursuant to which any of the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder or the CDM Holder will receive any additional benefit or consideration. The foregoing provision shall not be deemed to prohibit a Drag-Along Sale to any Person merely because such Person has, is currently having or intends to have a business relationship with one or more Members.
(c) The obligations of the Members pursuant to this Section 3.8 are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(i) upon the consummation of the Drag-Along Sale, each seller shall receive the same proportion of the aggregate consideration from such approved Drag-Along Sale that such seller would have received if such aggregate consideration had been distributed by the Company in complete liquidation pursuant to the rights and preferences set forth in the Operating Agreement as in effect immediately prior to such Drag-Along Sale (giving effect to applicable orders of priority in the Operating Agreement);
(ii) if any Members of a class are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all Members will be given the same option;
(iii) all holders of options, warrants or similar rights to acquire Securities of the Company that are then-currently exercisable will be given an opportunity to exercise such rights prior to the consummation of the Drag-Along Sale (but only to the extent such options, warrants or similar rights are then vested or would be vested on an accelerated basis pursuant to the terms of their issuance) and participate in such sale as Members;
(iv) no Member shall be obligated to make any out-of-pocket expenditure prior to the consummation of the Drag-Along Sale (excluding modest expenditures for postage, copies, etc.) and no Member shall be obligated to pay any portion (or shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the Company for that portion paid) that is more than its pro rata share (based upon the amount of consideration received) of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a consummated Drag-Along Sale, to the extent such costs are incurred for the benefit of all Members, and are not otherwise paid by the Company or the acquiring party (costs incurred by or on behalf of a Member for its sole benefit will not be considered costs of the transaction hereunder), provided, that a Member's liability for such expenses shall be capped at the total purchase price received by such Member for its Units, plus any options, warrants or similar rights; and
(v) no Member shall be required to provide any representations, warranties or indemnities in connection with the Drag-Along Sale, other than those contemplated by Section 3.8(a) or required to be made pursuant to Section 3.8(b) to other Members and those representations, warranties and indemnities concerning each Member's valid ownership of Units and options, warrants or similar rights, free and clear of all liens, claims and other encumbrances (other than those arising under applicable securities laws and those attributable to actions by the purchasers thereof), and each Member's authority, power, and right to enter into and consummate such purchase,
merger, exchange or other agreement without violating any other agreement. Any indemnity required to be given by a Member shall be several and not joint.
3.9 REGULATORY MATTERS.
(a) Each Member agrees to cooperate with the Company in all reasonable respects in complying with the terms and provisions of the letter agreement between the Company and J.P. Morgan Partners (BHCA), L.P., a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, regarding regulatory matters (the "Regulatory Sideletter"), including, without limitation, voting to approve amending the Operating Agreement, the Bylaws or this Agreement in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Members, the JPMP Holder or any Affiliate of the JPMP Holder entitled to make such request pursuant to the Regulatory Sideletter in order to remedy a Regulatory Problem (as defined in the Regulatory Sideletter). Anything contained in this Section 3.9 to the contrary notwithstanding, no Member shall be required under this Section 3.9 to take any action that would adversely affect in any material respect such Member's rights under this Agreement or as a member of the Company.
(b) The Company and each Member agree not to amend or waive the voting or other provisions of the Operating Agreement, the Bylaws or this Agreement if such amendment or waiver would cause the JPMP Holder or any of its Affiliates to have a Regulatory Problem. The JPMP Holder agrees to notify the Company as to whether or not it would have a Regulatory Problem promptly after the JPMP Holder has notice of such amendment or waiver.
3.10 ACCESS TO RECORDS AND PROPERTIES.
The Company shall permit any Member (other than Other Members) and its employees, members, stockholders, partners, counsel and other authorized representatives (collectively, the "Authorized Representatives"), during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice (which shall not be less than one Business Day's prior notice) to (a) visit and inspect the assets and properties of the Company and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries, (b) examine the books of accounts and records of the Company and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries, and make copies of such records and (c) discuss all aspects of the Company and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries with any officers, employees or accountants of the Company or any of its direct and indirect Subsidiaries; provided, however, that such investigation shall not unreasonably interfere with the operations of the Company and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries. The Company will instruct its accountants to discuss such aspects of the financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries with any such Member and its Authorized Representatives as such Member may reasonably request, and to permit such Member and its Authorized Representatives to inspect, copy and make extracts from such financial statements, analyses, and other documents and information (including electronically stored documents and information) prepared by the accountants with respect to the Company or any of its direct and indirect Subsidiaries as such Member may reasonably request.
3.11 INFORMATION RIGHTS.
The Company shall provide each Investor who owns at least 5% of the Units originally purchased by it:
(a) Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, an audited balance sheet of Aurora as of the end of such fiscal year, and an audited statement of income and statement of cash flows of Aurora for such year, in each case prepared in accordance with GAAP and setting forth in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, and audited by Aurora's independent public accountants.
(b) Within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, unaudited balance sheets of Aurora as of the end of such fiscal quarter, unaudited statements of income, and unaudited statements of cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the current fiscal year to date. Such financial statements shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP (other than omission of accompanying notes and subject to normal year-end adjustments) and compared with both the actual results from the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year and the budget (including any reforecasts) for the current fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by the principal financial or accounting officer of Aurora.
(c) Within 30 days after the end of each month of each fiscal year, unaudited balance sheets of Aurora as of the end of such month, unaudited statements of income, and unaudited statements of cash flows for such month and for the current fiscal year to date. Such financial statements shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP (other than omission of accompanying notes and subject to normal year-end adjustments) and compared with both the actual results from the corresponding month of the previous fiscal year and the budget (including any reforecasts) for the current fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by the principal financial or accounting officer of Aurora.
(d) Promptly at the end of each month of each fiscal year, the management report for such month.
(e) Not less than 30 days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, a copy of an annual budget with line items compared to the previous year's budget (the "Operating Budget") and an annual strategic plan for such fiscal year (the "Strategic Plan").
3.12 CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO TRANSFERS.
Upon any Transfer (or series of Transfers) of Units that involves the Class A Units and another class of Units, the Members agree to share the proceeds related to such Transfer in the following manner: (i) in the event that the proposed purchase price per Class A Unit exceeds $1,000 per Unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like), the proceeds shall be shared ratably (based on number) among the Participating Units included in such Transfer; and (ii) in the event that the proposed purchase price per Class A Unit does not exceed $1,000 per Unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like), the Company shall promptly engage the Appraiser (as defined in the Operating Agreement) to determine the fair market value of the Class B Units and Class C Units (based upon a hypothetical liquidation of the Company at such time in accordance with Section 18 of the Operating Agreement, and without giving effect to any minority or illiquidity discounts) and the proceeds shall be shared among the Participating Units included in such Transfer in proportion to their respective Fair Market Values as so determined. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Appraiser to provide written notice of such determination of the
Fair Market Value to the Company within 15 days of its engagement. The determination by such Appraiser of such Fair Market Value, as set forth in the written notice described in the preceding sentence, will be final, binding and conclusive on the parties. The fees, costs and expenses of such Appraiser shall be paid by the Company.
3.13 REQUIRED IPO AND IPO LIQUIDATION.
(a) If a Sale of the Company, an Aurora Sale or an IPO (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) shall not have occurred prior to the seventh anniversary of the Effective Date, Bondholder Trust shall have the right to deliver a written notice to the Company requiring the Company to commence using its best efforts to consummate an IPO (the "Required IPO"), and specifying the percentage of Bondholder Trust's Registrable Shares (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) that Bondholder Trust wishes to have registered in connection with the Required IPO. Such efforts shall include promptly engaging an investment bank selected by the Bondholder Trust to determine the feasibility and terms and conditions of the Required IPO. Following a determination by such investment bank that the Required IPO is feasible, Bondholder Trust shall give written notice to the Company whether or not the Company shall continue to use its best efforts to continue with the process of the Required IPO, and upon receipt of a notice directing the Company to continue with such process, the Company shall use its best efforts to effectuate the Required IPO by, among other things, retaining an investment bank selected by Bondholder Trust to act as managing underwriter, retaining advisors and other professionals (such as the Company's accountants and lawyers) to commence preparation of a registration statement and prospectus, and proceeding with other reasonable and customary activities designed to further the consummation of the Required IPO.
(b) Immediately prior to the consummation of the Required IPO, subject to Section 2.5(c), the Company shall be liquidated (the "IPO Liquidation") and the shares of common stock of Crunch Holding (the "Crunch Holding Shares") shall be distributed by the Company to each holder of Units (including Bondholder Trust) outstanding on the date of the IPO Liquidation pursuant to the rights and preferences of the Units as provided in Section 18 of the Operating Agreement. Upon completion of the IPO Liquidation, this Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect.
3.14 PINNACLE INDEMNITY.
The JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder and the CDM Holder agree that they will not pursue for their own account any claim for indemnification under the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 8, 2003, by and among Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, Crunch Holding, Crunch Acquisition Corp. and HMTF PF, L.L.C. for any Loss (as defined under that agreement) that would adversely affect the value of Pinnacle, and that any such claim shall be brought instead by Aurora or Pinnacle; provided, however, that the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder and the CDM Holder may pursue for their own account any claim for indemnification for a Loss incurred directly by the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder or the CDM Holder, as the case may be.
ARTICLE IV
MISCELLANEOUS
4.1 TERMINATION.
This Agreement shall automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect as of the Termination Date; provided that, no such termination shall relieve any party from the completion of performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement arising on or prior to the Termination Date, including, without limitation, the obligation to pay the Call Option Price due and payable, if any, under Section 3.7 hereof.
4.2 LEGEND ON UNIT CERTIFICATES.
Each certificate representing Securities that are subject to this Agreement shall bear legends substantially in the following form:
"THE SALE, TRANSFER, ASSIGNMENT, PLEDGE, OR ENCUMBRANCE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDER OF SUCH SECURITIES IN RESPECT OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS ARE SUBJECT TO AN AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMBERS' AGREEMENT DATED AS OF MARCH 19, 2004, AMONG CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC AND CERTAIN HOLDERS OF ITS OUTSTANDING SECURITIES. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE HOLDER OF RECORD OF THIS CERTIFICATE TO THE SECRETARY OF CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC."
"THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM UNDER SAID ACT OR LAWS."
The Company shall make a notation regarding the above restriction in its books, and no Units shall be Transferred on the books of the Company except in accordance with this Agreement and the above restriction.
4.3 GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any law or rule that would cause the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware to be applied.
ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE PARTIES RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE BROUGHT AND ENFORCED IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, TO THE EXTENT SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION EXISTS THEREFOR, AND THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF BOTH SUCH COURTS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN NEW YORK COUNTY OR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN ANY INCONVENIENT FORUM. ANY JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF.
EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
4.4 SEVERABILITY.
It is the desire and intent of the parties that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the law and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, in the event that any provision of this Agreement would be held in any jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any reason, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn so as not be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
4.5 ASSIGNMENTS; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.
Except in connection with any Transfer of Units in accordance with this Agreement and the Operating Agreement, the rights of each party under this Agreement may not be assigned. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, permitted assigns, legal representatives and heirs.
4.6 AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS.
Subject to Section 2.5, this Agreement may only be modified or amended, and provisions hereof may be waived, by an instrument in writing signed by the Company and a Super Majority in Interest of Members provided, however, that: (i) without the prior written consent of the CDM Holder, the following provisions shall not be amended or modified: Sections 2.1(b)(iii), 2.1(e), 2.2, 2.3, 2.4(b), 2.5(b), 2.5(c), 3.6, and 3.7; (ii) any amendment, modification or waiver
that would adversely affect the rights or obligations of any Member, in its capacity as a Member, without similarly affecting the rights or obligations hereunder of all Members, shall not be effective as to such Member without its prior written consent; and (iii) the Company shall automatically amend Annex I hereto without the consent of a Super Majority in Interest of Members and distribute such amended Annex I to each of the Members upon any change in any Member's information thereon, such as a change in the Member's notice information and a Transfer of Units by a Member in accordance with this Agreement and the addition of Future Members in accordance with Section 3.1. Any waiver of any provision of this Agreement requested by any party hereto must be granted in advance, in writing by the party granting such waiver.
4.7 NOTICES.
All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to any party shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument delivered in person or sent by telecopy, nationally-recognized overnight courier or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to such party at the address set forth below or such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing by such party to the other parties:
(i) if to the Company, to:
Crunch Equity Holding, LLC c/o Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation 1 Old Bloomfield Road Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046 Telephone: (973) 541-6620 Telecopy: (973) 541-6691 Attention: General Counsel
With a copy to the Investors to their respective addresses set forth on Annex I hereto:
(ii) if to the Members, to their respective addresses set forth on Annex I hereto.
All such notices, requests, consents and other communications shall be deemed to have been delivered (a) in the case of personal delivery or delivery by telecopy, on the date of such delivery (and, if such date is not a Business Day, then on the next Business Day), (b) in the case of dispatch by nationally-recognized overnight courier, on the next Business Day following such dispatch and (c) in the case of mailing, on the third Business Day after the posting thereof.
4.8 HEADINGS.
The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.
4.9 NOUNS AND PRONOUNS.
Whenever the context may require, any pronouns used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of names and pronouns shall include the plural and vice versa.
4.10 APPROVALS.
When any reference is made herein to an action to be taken or consent or approval to be granted by the JPMP Holder or the JWC Holder, the holder or holders of a majority of the Interests then held by the JPMP Holder or the JWC Holder, respectively, shall be sufficient to cause such action to be taken or such consent or approval to be granted.
4.11 EXPENSES.
The Company shall reimburse each of the JPMP Holder, the JWC Holder, the CDM Holder and Bondholder Trust for its respective out-of-pocket expenses, including any fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel, incurred in connection with the formation of the Company (including the negotiation and completion of this Agreement, the Operating Agreement and the Bylaws) and the formation of the CDM Holder upon presentation of appropriate documentation therefor, unless such expenses, fees, disbursements and other charges have been reimbursed by Pinnacle Holding.
4.12 ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
This Agreement, the Operating Agreement and the Bylaws contain the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings with respect to such subject matter, including, without limitation, the Letter Agreement. The parties hereto represent and warrant that there are no other agreements or understandings regarding any of the subject matter hereof other than as set forth herein and covenant not to enter into any such agreements or understandings after the date hereof except pursuant to an amendment, modification or waiver of the provisions of this Agreement.
4.13 COUNTERPARTS.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of original or facsimile counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.
4.14 FURTHER ASSURANCES.
Each party hereto shall do and perform or cause to be done and performed all such further acts and things and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments, and documents as any other party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Members' Agreement on the date first written above.
THE COMPANY:
CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
-Signature Page to Members' Agreement-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Members' Agreement on the date first written above.
INVESTORS:
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS (BHCA), L.P.
By: JPMP MASTER FUND MANAGER, L.P.,
its general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ---------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS, L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
its general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ----------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
-Signature Page to Members' Agreement-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Members' Agreement on the date first written above.
INVESTORS:
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS (CAYMAN), L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
a general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH -------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS A, L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
a general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ---------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS (CAYMAN) II, L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
a general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ---------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
-Signature Page to Members' Agreement-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Members' Agreement on the date first written above.
INVESTORS:
J.W. CHILDS EQUITY PARTNERS III, L.P.
By: J.W. Childs Advisors III, L.P.,
as general partner
By: J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.,
as general partner
By: J.W. Childs Associates, Inc.,
as general partner
By: /S/ ADAM SUTTIN --------------------------- Name: Adam Suttin |
JWC FUND III CO-INVEST, LLC
By: J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., as manager
By: J.W. Childs Associates, Inc., as
general partner
By: /S/ ADAM SUTTIN --------------------------- Name: Adam Suttin |
-Signature Page to Members' Agreement-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Members' Agreement on the date first written above.
INVESTORS:
CDM INVESTOR GROUP LLC
By: /S/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS ------------------------------ Name: C. Dean Metropoulos |
-Signature Page to Members' Agreement-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Members' Agreement on the date first written above.
INVESTORS:
CRUNCH EQUITY VOTING TRUST
By: /S/ KENNETH LIANG ---------------------------- Name: Kenneth Liang Title: Managing Director |
-Signature Page to Members' Agreement-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Members' Agreement on the date first written above.
INVESTORS:
CO-INVESTMENT PARTNERS, L.P.
By: CIP Partners LLC, Managing Member
By: /S/ WALTER M. CAIN ------------------------------- Name: Walter M. Cain Title: Member |
-Signature Page to Members' Agreement-
ANNEX I
SCHEDULE OF MEMBERS
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS (BHCA), L.P.
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL INVESTORS (CAYMAN), L.P.
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL INVESTORS (CAYMAN ) II, L.P.
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL INVESTORS A, L.P.
IN EACH CASE:
C/O J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS
1221 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, 40TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10020
ATTENTION: OFFICIAL NOTICES CLERK
FBO: STEPHEN P. MURRAY
TELEPHONE: (212) 899-3400
with a copy to:
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
7 Times Square
New York, NY 10036
Attention: Gregory Gilbert, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 408-2469
Facsimile: (212) 408-2420
J.W. CHILDS EQUITY PARTNERS III, L.P.
JWC FUND III CO-INVEST, LLC
IN EACH CASE:
C/O J.W. CHILDS ASSOCIATES, L.P.
111 HUNTINGTON AVENUE - SUITE 2900
BOSTON, MA 02199-7610
ATTENTION: ADAM L. SUTTIN
TELEPHONE: (617) 753-1100
FACSIMILE: (617) 753-1101
with a copy to:
Kaye Scholer LLP
425 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention: Steven C. Koval, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 836-8689
Facsimile: (212) 836-8689
CDM INVESTOR GROUP LLC
100 NORTHFIELD STREET
GREENWICH, CT 06830
ATTENTION: C. DEAN METROPOULOS
TELEPHONE: (203) 622-6988
FACSIMILE: (203) 629-6660
with a copy to:
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019-6064
Attention: Robert M. Hirsh, Esq.
Paul D. Ginsberg, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 373-3000
Facsimile: (212) 757-3990
CRUNCH EQUITY VOTING TRUST
C/O OAKTREE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
333 SOUTH GRAND AVENUE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071
ATTENTION: KENNETH LIANG
TELEPHONE: (213) 830-6300
FACSIMILE: (213) 830-8522
with a copy to:
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Attention: Steven R. Gross, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 909-6000
Facsimile: (212) 909-6836
CO-INVESTMENT PARTNERS, L.P.
660 MADISON AVENUE, 23RD FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10021
ATTENTION: BART D. OSMAN
TELEPHONE: (212) 754-0411
FACSIMILE: (212) 754-1494
with a copy to:
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention: Michael S. Nelson, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 715-9360
Facsimile: (212) 715-8000
Exhibit 10.7
CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC
(A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY)
AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF
MARCH 19, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.............................. 1 SECTION 2. NAME; ORGANIZATION; TERM; SCHEDULE OF MEMBERS................... 2 SECTION 3. PURPOSE......................................................... 3 SECTION 4. OFFICES......................................................... 4 SECTION 5. MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY; BOARD................................ 4 SECTION 6. AUTHORIZED UNITS; GENERAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO UNITS...... 5 SECTION 7. VOTING RIGHTS................................................... 7 SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS UPON ISSUANCE OF UNITS............... 7 SECTION 9. CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ISSUANCE OF UNITS........................ 8 SECTION 10. CAPITAL ACCOUNTS................................................ 9 SECTION 11. ALLOCATIONS..................................................... 11 SECTION 12. DISTRIBUTIONS................................................... 12 SECTION 13. LIABILITY FOR RETURN OF CAPITAL................................. 16 SECTION 14. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.......................................... 17 SECTION 15. NOTICES......................................................... 17 SECTION 16. WITHDRAWAL...................................................... 17 SECTION 17. ADDITIONAL MEMBERS.............................................. 18 SECTION 18. DISSOLUTION..................................................... 18 SECTION 19. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY......................................... 19 SECTION 20. AMENDMENTS...................................................... 19 SECTION 21. CONFIDENTIALITY................................................. 19 SECTION 22. ENTIRE AGREEMENT................................................ 21 |
SECTION 23. GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.... 21 SECTION 24. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.......................................... 22 SECTION 25. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES.................................... 22 SECTION 26. FURTHER ASSURANCES.............................................. 23 SECTION 27. COUNTERPARTS; FACSIMILE SIGNATURES.............................. 23 |
Annex I - Definitions Schedule I - Members' Schedule Exhibit A - Certificate of Formation Exhibit B - Bylaws of the Company Exhibit C - Members' Agreement ii |
AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") dated as of March 19, 2004, of CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Company"), among the Company and each Person (as defined herein) who has executed this Agreement. |
WHEREAS the parties entered into an Operating Agreement of the Company dated as of November 25, 2003 (the "Original Agreement") in connection with the acquisition by the Company of the shares of Pinnacle Foods; and
WHEREAS in connection with the Aurora Transaction, the parties hereto wish to Amend and Restate the Original Agreement in its entirety to provide, among other things, for the admission of Bondholders Trust as a Member and the issuance of additional Units to the Members in connection with capital contributions made to the Company with respect to the Aurora Transaction;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.
(a) Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in ANNEX I hereto. ANNEX I is expressly incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
(b) The use herein of the masculine, feminine or neuter forms shall also denote the other forms, as in each case the context may require.
(c) Except when the context requires otherwise, any reference in this Agreement to any Section, Schedule or Exhibit shall be to the Sections of, and Schedules and Exhibits to, this Agreement and the words "herein", "hereto" and "hereby", and other words of similar import, refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section of or, Schedule or Exhibit to this Agreement.
(d) The title of and the section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not govern the interpretation of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement.
(e) The words "including" and "include" and other words of similar import shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation".
(f) Any references herein to a statute, rule or regulation of any governmental entity (or any provision thereof) shall include such statute, rule or regulation (or provision thereof), including any successor thereto, as it may be amended from time to time.
SECTION 2. NAME; ORGANIZATION; TERM; SCHEDULE OF MEMBERS.
(a) The name of the Company shall be "Crunch Equity Holding, LLC" or such other name as the Board may from time to time hereafter designate, and its business shall be carried on in such name with such variations and changes as the Board deems necessary to comply with requirements of the jurisdictions in which the Company's operations are conducted.
(b) The Company was formed upon the execution and filing by Christopher J. Torrente (such Person being hereby authorized to take such action) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of a certificate of formation (the "Certificate") of the Company attached hereto as EXHIBIT A on August 12, 2003. The parties hereto ratify and confirm the filing of the Certificate and all actions taken by the Company through the date hereof.
(c) This Agreement (including definitions set forth in ANNEX I), the Bylaws and Members' Agreement, are intended to serve as a "limited liability company agreement," as such term is defined in Section 18-101(7) of the Delaware Act.
(d) The term of the Company commenced on the date on which the Certificate was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and shall continue until dissolved or terminated pursuant to this Agreement or the Delaware Act. The existence of the Company as a separate legal entity shall continue until cancellation of the Certificate as provided in the Delaware Act.
(e) The Members hereby acknowledge and agree that if the Company expects to make an investment in a Person organized in Canada or a political subdivision thereof, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to be converted into a Delaware limited partnership pursuant to the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. Sect. 17-217 et seq., as amended from time to time, and any successor statute; provided, however, that such limited partnership shall provide the same economic terms, rights and liabilities as set forth herein and the general partner of such limited partnership shall be formed as a limited liability company and shall have the same governance rights and responsibilities as the Board as set forth herein.
(f) The name and business, mailing or residence address of the Members of the Company are set forth on SCHEDULE I hereto. The Board shall amend SCHEDULE I from time to time to accurately reflect the names and business, mailing or residence address of each of the Members and each of the Persons who shall by virtue of a Transfer of an Interest (but only to the extent such Transfer was in compliance with the terms hereof, the Members' Agreement and the Bylaws) become Members after the date hereof; and shall promptly
distribute such amended SCHEDULE I to each Member. Amendments to SCHEDULE I shall not be subject to Section 20 hereof.
SECTION 3. PURPOSE.
(a) The purpose of the Company shall be to: (i) own equity and debt instruments of entities taxed as corporations for Federal income tax purposes and (ii) engage in any lawful business related thereto that may be engaged in by a limited liability company organized under the Delaware Act, as such business activities may be determined by the Board from time to time.
(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 3(a), the initial purpose of the Company shall be to acquire all of the equity interests in Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Crunch Holding"), pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Subscription Agreement, which in turn, is organized for the purposes of acquiring direct or indirect equity interests in Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Pinnacle Foods"), Aurora Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Aurora Foods") and any other additional investments approved by the Board in accordance with this Agreement.
(c) If a Member or Manager (or any officer, employee, director,
agent, stockholder, member or partner of such Member or Manager) acquires
knowledge of a potential transaction or matter which may be a Company
Opportunity or otherwise is then exploiting any Company Opportunity, the Company
shall have no interest in such Company Opportunity and no expectancy that such
Company Opportunity be offered to the Company, any such interest or expectancy
being hereby renounced, so that, as a result of such renunciation, and for the
avoidance of doubt, such Person (i) shall have no duty to communicate or present
such Company Opportunity to the Company, (ii) shall have the right to hold any
such Company Opportunity for its (and/or its officers', directors', agents',
stockholders', members' or partners') own account or to recommend, sell, assign
or transfer such Company Opportunity to Persons other than the Company, and
(iii) shall not breach any fiduciary duty to the Company, in such Person's
capacity as a Member or Manager of the Company, by reason of the fact that such
Person pursues or acquires such Company Opportunity for itself, directs, sells,
assigns or transfers such Company Opportunity to another Person, or does not
communicate information regarding such Company Opportunity to the Company. As
soon as practicable after the date hereof, the Company shall cause the
certificate of incorporation or similar organizational document of all of its
direct or indirect subsidiaries to include a provision with respect to
investment opportunities comparable to this Section 3(c). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the inclusion of this provision and comparable provisions included in
the organizational documents of the subsidiaries shall not in any way excuse the
fiduciary duties of the officers of such entities, other than the CDM
Executives, in their capacity as such; provided that the foregoing does not
effect the obligations of any of the CDM Executives under the terms of their CDM
Employment Agreements.
SECTION 4. OFFICES.
(a) The principal office of the Company, and such additional offices as the Board may determine to establish, shall be located at such place or places inside or outside the State of Delaware as the Board may designate from time to time.
(b) The registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware is located at 9 East Loockerman Street, City of Dover, County of Kent, Delaware 19901. The registered agent of the Company for service of process at such address is National Registered Agents, Inc., 9 East Loockerman Street, Suite 214, County of Kent, Delaware 19901.
SECTION 5. MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY; BOARD.
(a) Subject to the delegation of rights and powers provided for herein and in the Bylaws and Members' Agreement, the Board shall have the sole right to manage the business and affairs of the Company and shall have all powers and rights necessary, appropriate or advisable to effectuate and carry out the purposes and business of the Company. The Board shall consist initially of seven Managers (as may be reduced in accordance with the Members' Agreement), appointed from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, the Bylaws and the Members' Agreement; provided, however, that upon the consummation of the Aurora Transaction, the number of Managers of the Board shall be automatically increased to nine members, as appointed from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, the Bylaws and the Members' Agreement.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in the Members' Agreement, Managers may only be removed at the written instruction of the Member or Members who are entitled to appoint such Person as a Manager pursuant to the Members' Agreement or this Agreement, as the case may be.
(c) Subject to the foregoing regarding appointing of Managers, if a vacancy is created on the Board by reason of the death, removal or resignation of any Manager, each of the Members hereby agrees, that such vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Agreement, the Members' Agreement and the Bylaws.
(d) No Member, by reason of such Member's status as such, shall have any authority to act for or bind the Company but shall have only the right to vote on or approve the actions herein specified to be voted on or approved by such Member.
(e) The Board shall organize and appoint such committees as the Board deems necessary and appropriate in order to carry out the purposes of the Company, which shall at least consist of an audit committee and a compensation committee. The membership of such committees shall be determined as set forth in the Members' Agreement.
(f) The officers of the Company shall be, and shall be elected, removed and perform such functions, as are provided in the Bylaws. The Board may appoint, employ, or otherwise contract with such other Persons for the transaction of the business of the Company or the performance of services for or on behalf of the Company as it shall
determine in its sole discretion. The Board may delegate to any officer of the Company or to any other Person such authority to act on behalf of the Company as the Board may from time to time deem appropriate in its sole discretion.
(g) Except as otherwise provided by the Board or in the Bylaws, when the taking of such action has been authorized by the Board, any officer of the Company or any other Person specifically authorized by the Board may execute any contract or other agreement or document on behalf of the Company and may execute and file on behalf of the Company with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware any certificates of amendment to the Company's certificate of formation, one or more restated certificates of formation and certificates of merger or consolidation and, upon the dissolution and completion of winding up of the Company, or as otherwise provided in the Delaware Act, a certificate of cancellation canceling the Company's certificate of formation.
SECTION 6. AUTHORIZED UNITS; GENERAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO UNITS.
(a) Subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Members' Agreement, the Company is authorized to issue equity interests in the Company designated as "Units," which shall constitute limited liability company interests under the Delaware Act and shall include initially, Class A Units, Class B Units, Class C Units, Class D Units and Class E Units. Each Unit may be further classified as a Participating Unit, for purposes of the provisions of Sections 11, 12 and 18 of this Agreement, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The capital structure of the Company, including the classes of limited liability company interests, the number of Units issued with respect to each such class, and the consideration relating to the issuance of such Units, as of the date hereof is set forth on SCHEDULE I hereto. SCHEDULE I hereto shall be amended from time to time to reflect any changes due to the issuance or redemption of Units or as otherwise determined by the Board.
(b) On the closing date under the Original Agreement, the Company issued Class A Units to each Member in the number set forth opposite such Member's name on SCHEDULE I hereto in exchange for cash contributions or for contributions of PFHC Stock, in each case, in the amount set forth opposite such Member's name as Capital Contributions on SCHEDULE I hereto, Class B Units to CDM in the number set forth opposite such Member's name on SCHEDULE I hereto in exchange for cash contributions or for contributions of PFHC Stock in the amount set forth opposite such Member's name as Capital Contributions, with respect to Class B Units, on SCHEDULE I hereto, and Class D and Class E Units to CDM in the number set forth opposite such Member's name on SCHEDULE I hereto for no additional consideration.
(c) In connection with the closing of the Aurora Transaction, the Company shall issue Class A Units to each Member in the number set forth opposite such Member's name on SCHEDULE I hereto in exchange for contributions in cash or other valuable consideration; provided that the number of Class A Units so issued to Bondholder Trust as reflected on SCHEDULE I shall be adjusted after the date hereof to reflect (i) the number of such Class A Units to be issued as finally determined in accordance with Article IV of the Aurora Merger Agreement and (ii) any Class A Units returned to the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Indemnity Agreement to be entered into in connection with the Aurora
Transaction. For each additional Class A Unit issued by the Company in
connection with the Aurora Transaction (other than Class A Units issued to
Bondholder Trust) up to a total of 190,000 Class A Units (including Class A
Units issued in accordance with Section 6(b)), the Company shall issue to CDM
0.082051 Class C Units for no additional consideration. For each additional
Class A Unit issued by the Company after the date hereof (other than Class A
Units issued to Bondholder Trust) in excess of 190,000 Class A Units, the
Company shall issue to CDM 0.073897 Class C Units for no additional
consideration. For each Class A Unit issued to Bondholder Trust in connection
with the Aurora Transaction in excess of 90,000 such Class A Units the Company
shall issue to CDM 0.073684 Class C Units for no additional consideration. For
each Class A Unit, Class B Unit and Class C Unit issued pursuant to this Section
6(c), the Company shall issue to CDM 0.052632 Class D Units; and for each Class
A Unit, Class B Unit, Class C Unit and Class D Unit issued pursuant to this
Section 6(c), the Company shall issue to CDM 0.052632 Class E Units. For the
avoidance of doubt, the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(c) shall only
apply with respect to the issuance of Class A Units in connection with the
Aurora Transaction. In the event that Bondholder Trust is required to return any
Class A Units to the Company pursuant to the provisions of Article IV of the
Aurora Merger Agreement or the Indemnity Agreement to be entered into in
connection with the Aurora Transaction, CDM shall contribute to the Company any
Class C, D or E Units it would not have received had the corresponding Class A
Units not been issued to Bondholder Trust in the first instance.
(d) For each additional Class A Unit issued by the Company after the date hereof Class A Units , the Company shall issue to CDM 0.073897 Class C Units in exchange for a Capital Contribution per Unit of an amount in cash equal to the product of $136.69 and a fraction, the numerator of which is the issue price for such Class A Unit and the denominator of which is 1,000. For each Class A Unit, Class B Unit and Class C Unit issued after the date hereof, the Company shall issue to CDM 0.052632 Class D Units; and for each Class A Unit, Class B Unit, Class C Unit and Class D Unit issued on or after the date hereof, the Company shall issue to CDM 0.052632 Class E Units. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this Section 6(d) shall only apply with respect to the issuance of Class A Units other than in connection with the Aurora Transaction, and shall apply only to issuances, if any, made after the date hereof other than in connection with the Aurora Transaction.
(e) Except as provided in Sections 6(b), 6(c) and 6(d), each additional authorized Unit may be issued as contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise pursuant to such agreements as the Board or a committee thereof shall approve, including pursuant to options and warrants.
(f) If the Board deems it advisable, the Company shall issue to each Member who owns Units a limited liability company certificate with respect to such Units in the form approved by the Board with respect to the class of such Unit, evidencing the Units held by such Member; each certificate with respect to Units shall be referred to herein as a "Unit Certificate." Each Unit Certificate shall be Transferable in accordance with this Agreement, the Bylaws and the Members' Agreement and only on the books of the Company, to be kept by the Secretary of the Company, on surrender thereof by the registered holder in person or by attorney, and until so transferred, the Company may treat the
registered holder of a Unit Certificate as the owner of the Interest evidenced thereby for all purposes. Nothing contained in this Section 6 shall authorize or permit any Member to Transfer its Units except as contemplated by the Bylaws and the Members' Agreement.
(g) For the purposes of Article 8 in any Uniform Commercial Code, each Unit as may be evidenced by a Unit Certificate shall be deemed to be a "security", as such term is defined in any Uniform Commercial Code.
(h) The allocation of Units to CDM under Section 6(a)(1) is contingent upon the approval of the stockholders of Pinnacle Foods pursuant to that certain Action by Written Consent of the Stockholders of Pinnacle Foods Holding.
SECTION 7. VOTING RIGHTS.
Except as otherwise required by Applicable Law, or as otherwise set forth herein or in the Bylaws or Members' Agreement, each holder of Class A Units or Class B Units (i) shall be entitled to vote on matters to be voted on by the Members and (ii) shall vote together as a single class on all matters to be voted on by the Members. Each Class A Unit or Class B Unit shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 20 or as required by Applicable Law, Class C Units, Class D Units and Class E Units will not be entitled to vote on matters to be voted on by the Members.
SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS UPON ISSUANCE OF UNITS.
Upon the acquisition of any Units, in addition to any other representations and warranties set forth in any other document required by the Board with respect to such acquisition, each Member makes the following representations and warranties to the Company with respect to such Units, effective upon the issuance thereof and upon such Member's execution and delivery of a counterpart hereof:
(a) Such Member (other than Bondholder Trust, it being understood that the initial issuance of Units to Bondholder Trust is exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 1145 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the use of which exemption has been confirmed in the Confirmation Order) is acquiring the Units for its own account or in the case of Bondholder Trust, for the account of holders of interests therein, for investment and not with a view to the distribution thereof or any interest therein in violation of the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws.
(b) Such Member understands that (i) the Units have not been registered under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws by reason of their issuance by the Company in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws and (ii) the Units must be held by such Member indefinitely unless a subsequent disposition thereof is registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or is exempt from such registration.
(c) Such Member further understands that the exemption from registration afforded by Rule 144 (the provisions of which are known to such Member) promulgated
under the Securities Act depends on the satisfaction of various conditions, and that, if applicable, Rule 144 may afford the basis for sales of the Units acquired hereunder in limited amounts.
(d) Such Member (other than Bondholder Trust, it being understood that the initial issuance of Units to Bondholder Trust is exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 1145 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the use of which exemption has been confirmed in the Confirmation Order) is an "accredited investor" (as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act).
(e) The Company has made available to such Member or its representatives all agreements, documents, records and books that such Member has requested relating to an investment in the Units which may be acquired by the Member hereunder. Such Member has had an opportunity to ask questions of, and receive answers from, a Person or Persons acting on behalf of the Company, concerning the terms and conditions of this investment, and answers have been provided to all of such questions to the full satisfaction of such Member. Such Member has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it is capable of evaluating the risks and merits of this investment and has such resources that it is capable of suffering a complete loss of its investment.
(f) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Member has been duly authorized. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Member and (assuming the valid authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the other parties hereto) is the legal, valid and binding agreement of such Member, enforceable against such Member in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and similar laws of general application relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles.
(g) Without the prior consent of the Board, no Member shall grant any proxy or become party to any voting trust (it being understood that Bondholder Trust itself is a voting trust) or other agreement which is inconsistent with or conflicts with the provisions of this Agreement or the Members' Agreement.
SECTION 9. CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ISSUANCE OF UNITS.
(a) Capital Contribution upon Issuance of Units - Generally. Upon the issuance of any Unit to any Member, except as provided in Section 6(c), such Member shall make a Capital Contribution to the Company in the amount set forth in any purchase, subscription or contribution agreement entered into with respect to such Unit.
(b) On the date of the execution of this Agreement, each Member shall be issued the Units set forth opposite the name of each Member on SCHEDULE I against receipt of the aggregate Capital Contributions set forth opposite the name of such Member on SCHEDULE I, all as described in Section 6(b).
SECTION 10. CAPITAL ACCOUNTS.
A separate capital account (a "Capital Account") shall be
established and maintained with respect to each Unit in accordance with this
Section 10. The provisions of this Agreement are intended to comply with the
capital account maintenance rules of Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) of the Treasury
Regulations, and shall be interpreted consistently therewith. Each Member's
"capital account" for purposes of the capital account maintenance rules of
Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv) of the Treasury Regulations shall be the aggregate
Capital Account balances for all Units held by such Member.
(a) Each Unit's Capital Account shall be increased by:
(i) the amount of cash contributed to the capital of the Company with respect to such Unit;
(ii) the Fair Market Value (net of liabilities that the Company is considered to assume or take subject to under Section 752 of the Code) of any property (other than cash) contributed to the capital of the Company with respect to such Unit (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10(c));
(iii) the amount of any Net Profits allocated with respect to such Unit pursuant to Section 11(a); and
(iv) the amount of income or gain allocated with respect to such Unit pursuant to the regulatory allocations listed in Section 11(c).
(b) Each Unit's Capital Account shall be decreased by:
(i) the amount of any cash distributed with respect to such Unit;
(ii) the Fair Market Value (net of liabilities that a Member with respect to such Unit is considered to assume or take subject to under Section 752 of the Code) of any property (other than cash) distributed with respect to such Unit;
(iii) the amount of any Net Losses allocated with respect to such Unit pursuant to Section 11(a); and
(iv) the amount of loss or deductions allocated with respect to such Unit pursuant to the regulatory allocations listed in Sections 11(c).
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Fair Market Value of any share of PFHC Stock contributed to the Company on the closing date under the Original Agreement shall be tentatively deemed to be equal to the Estimated Per Share Merger Consideration for purposes of calculating the Capital Account and aggregate Capital Contribution amount of any Unit held by a Member contributing any such stock on the date hereof. If the Final Per Share Merger Consideration is unequal to the Estimated Per Share Merger Consideration, or an amount is charged to the Indemnity Escrow, then the following
adjustments will be made as of the date hereof in order to reflect the change in the Fair Market Value of the PFHC Stock:
(i) if the Final Per Share Merger Consideration exceeds the Estimated Per Share Merger Consideration, then the Capital Account and aggregate Capital Contribution amount of any Unit held by each Member who contributed such shares shall be increased by the product of (X) the number of shares of PFHC Stock contributed to the Company by such Member with respect to such Unit on the date hereof, if any, and (Y) the difference between the Final Per Share Merger Consideration and the Estimated Per Share Merger Consideration;
(ii) if the Final Per Share Merger Consideration is less than the Estimated Per Share Merger Consideration, then the Capital Account and aggregate Capital Contribution amount of any Unit held by each Member who contributed such shares shall be reduced by the product of (X) the number of shares of PFHC Stock contributed to the Company by such Member with respect to such Unit on the date hereof, if any, and (Y) the difference between the Estimated Per Share Merger Consideration and the Final Per Share Merger Consideration; and
(iii) if any amount is paid out of the escrow account established pursuant to the Indemnity Escrow Agreement (the "Indemnity Escrow") pursuant to Section 10.2 of the Pinnacle Merger Agreement (the "Escrow Payment"), then the Capital Account and aggregate Capital Contribution amount of any Unit held by such Member shall be reduced by the product of (X) the number of shares of PFHC Stock contributed to the Company with respect to such Unit on the date hereof, if any, and (Y) the difference between (1) the amount of the Indemnity Escrow that was allocable to a share of Pinnacle Foods prior to such Escrow Payment, and (2) the amount of the Indemnity Escrow that is allocable to a share of Pinnacle Foods after the Escrow Payment is made;
provided, that such adjustment shall only be made immediately prior to the
dissolution of the Company and after taking into account all other adjustments
to such Capital Account set forth in Section 11, and as described in the first
parenthetical in Section 12(e)(ii) for the Fiscal Year that ended with such
dissolution; and, provided, further, that any adjustments made pursuant to this
Section 10(c) shall not affect the number of Units issued to CDM.
(d) Any Member, including any substitute Member, who shall receive any Units by means of a Transfer to him of Units by another Member (to the extent such Transfer is in compliance with this Agreement, the Bylaws and the Members' Agreement) shall have a Capital Account that reflects the Capital Account associated with the transferred Units.
(e) No Member shall have an obligation to the Company or any Member to restore a negative or deficit Capital Account.
(f) In determining the amount of any liability for purposes of Sections 10(a) and (b), there shall be taken into account Code Section 752(c) and any other applicable provisions of the Code and Treasury Regulations.
(g) If there is a distribution in kind of Company property, any unrealized income, gain, loss or deduction inherent in such property shall, for purposes of maintaining the Units' Capital Accounts and to the extent not previously reflected in their Capital Accounts, be allocated among the Units as if there were a taxable disposition of such property for its Fair Market Value (taking Section 7701(g) of the Code into account) on the date of such distribution.
(h) The foregoing provisions and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Section 704 of the Code and Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such provisions. The Company shall make any adjustments that are necessary or appropriate to maintain equality between the Capital Accounts of the Units and the amount of Company capital reflected on the Company's balance sheet as computed for book purposes in accordance with Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(q) of the Treasury Regulations.
SECTION 11. ALLOCATIONS.
(a) Net Profits. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and subject to Section 11(c), Net Profits (and, to the extent necessary, individual items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit) for each Fiscal Year of the Company shall be allocated among the Participating Units (including any Participating Units that have become Participating Units on the date of and as a result of such allocation) in the following amounts and priority:
(i) first, with respect to each Participating Unit, to the extent of and in proportion to, the excess, if any, of (x) the Capital Account balance attributable to the Participating Unit with the highest balance at the end of such Fiscal Year, over (y) the Capital Account balance of such Participating Unit, until the cumulative Net Profits so allocated with respect to such Participating Unit pursuant to this Section 11(a)(i) (net of cumulative allocations of Net Loss pursuant to Section 11(b)(i) with respect to such Participating Unit) is equal to the amount of such excess; and
(ii) thereafter, equally to all Participating Units.
(b) Net Losses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and subject to Section 11(c), Net Losses (and, to the extent necessary, individual items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit) for each Fiscal Year of the Company shall be allocated among the Participating Units (including any Participating Units that cease to be Participating Units on the date of and as a result of such allocation) in the following amounts and priority:
(i) first, with respect to each Participating Unit, to the extent of and in proportion to, the excess if any of (x) the positive Capital Account balance attributable to such Participating Unit, over (y) the Capital Account balance attributable to the Participating Unit with the lowest Capital Account balance determined as of the end of such Fiscal Year; and
(ii) thereafter, equally to all Participating Units.
(c) Tax Allocations. For United States federal, state and local income tax purposes, items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with the allocations of the corresponding items for Capital Account purposes under this Section 11, except that items with respect to which there is a difference between tax basis and Gross Asset Value will be allocated in accordance with Section 704(c) of the Code, the Treasury Regulations thereunder and Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(i).
(d) Regulatory Compliance. The provisions of Section 10, Sections 11(a) and (b) and Section 12 and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such Treasury Regulation. In furtherance of the foregoing, this Agreement shall be deemed to include a "qualified income offset" in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). The Board shall be authorized to make appropriate amendments to the allocations of items pursuant to Sections 11(a) and (b) (i) if necessary in order to comply with Section 704 of the Code or applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder; provided, that no such change shall affect any amount distributable to any Member pursuant to this Agreement (ii) to properly allocate items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit to those Members who bear the economic burden or benefit associated therewith or (iii) to otherwise cause the Members to achieve the economic objectives underlying this Agreement as reasonably determined by the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that there are any changes after the date of this Agreement in applicable tax law, regulations or interpretation, or any errors, ambiguities, inconsistencies or omissions in this Agreement with respect to allocations to be made to Capital Accounts which would, individually or in the aggregate, cause the Members not to achieve in any material respect the economic objectives underlying this Agreement, the Board may in its sole discretion make appropriate adjustments to such allocations in order to achieve or approximate such economic objectives.
SECTION 12. DISTRIBUTIONS.
(a) Withdrawals and Distributions in General. No Member shall have the right to withdraw or demand distributions of any amount in its Capital Account, except as expressly provided in this Section 12.
(b) Amount and Priority of Distributions.
(i) Subject to distributions upon liquidation pursuant to
Section 18(e), distributions shall be made to the Members at the
times and in the aggregate amounts determined by the Board. Except
as provided in Section 12(b)(ii) and 12(e)(ii), such distributions
shall be made to the Members in accordance with the following
provisions (with all distributions made to a class of Units to be
allocated ratably among all Units in such class):
(A) first, to the Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units in proportion to, and to the extent of, their unrecovered Capital Contributions;
(B) next, to the Participating Units (as defined below) in proportion to, and to the extent of, their Catch-Up Amounts (as defined below); and
(C) thereafter, to the Participating Units in equal amounts.
(ii) Notwithstanding Section 12(b)(i), upon the occurrence of a positive adjustment to the "Gross Asset Value" of the Company's assets pursuant to clause (b) of the definition of "Gross Asset Value", and thereafter (and in any event, upon liquidation pursuant to Section 18(e)), and in all cases subject to Sections 12(b)(iv) and 12(e)(ii), distributions shall be made equally to all Participating Units.
(iii)For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings defined below:
(A) "Participating Units" means, as of any date for which an allocation or distribution is to be made to, or a sale is to be made of Participating Units (a "date of determination"), the sum of:
(I) all issued and outstanding Class A Units, Class B Units and Class C Units;
(II) all issued and outstanding Class D Units if, and only if, after giving effect to any distributions to be made on such date of determination, the Class A Units shall, in aggregate, have earned (based on an initial $1,000 per Unit purchase price (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like)) an IRR of at least 15% as of such date of determination; and
(III) if, after giving effect to any distributions to be made on such date of determination, the Class A Units shall have earned (based on an initial $1,000 per Unit purchase price (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like)):
(x) neither (a) an IRR of at least 15% as of such date of determination nor (b) at least $1,500 per Unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like), then none of the Class E Units;
(y) both (a) an IRR of at least 25% as of such date of determination and (b) at least $3,000 per Unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like), then all of the issued and outstanding Class E Units; and
(z) except in the case where the criteria in clause (y) above are satisfied, both (a) an IRR of at least 15% as of such date of determination and (b) at least $1,500 per Unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like), then a number of Class E Units equal to the product of (x) the number of issued and outstanding Class E Units and (y) the average of (I) the quotient of (m) the actual IRR earned (expressed as a decimal) minus (n) 0.15 (provided, that the numerator shall not exceed 0.10), divided by 0.10, and (II) the quotient of (m) the aggregate proceeds per Class A Unit actually received minus (n) $1,500 per Unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like) (provided, that the numerator shall not exceed $1,500 per unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like)) divided by $1,500 per Unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like).
For purposes of this Section 12(b)(iii)(A), as of any date of determination, an
amount equal to any Net Profits allocated to a Participating Unit on or before
such date of determination, net of any Net Losses allocated to such
Participating Unit on or before such date of determination, and in each case
attributable to an adjustment to the Gross Asset Value of the Company's assets
pursuant to clause (b) of the definition of "Gross Asset Value" shall be treated
as a distribution made (and amount earned) with respect to such Unit pursuant to
Section 12; provided, however, that the corresponding amount shall not be taken
into account a second time when actually distributed.
(B) "Catch-Up Amount" means, with respect to any Participating Unit (each, a "Subject Unit"), as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (i) the aggregate distributions made with respect to the Participating Unit with respect to which the greatest amount of distributions have been made as of such date of determination (provided, that clause (i) shall not exceed $1,000 per Unit (as adjusted for splits, combinations, reclassifications and the like) over (ii) the aggregate distributions made with respect to such Subject Unit as of such date of determination.
(iv) Notwithstanding anything herein above to the contrary, for each Fiscal Year and before making distributions, if any, pursuant to
Section 12(b), the Company shall distribute to each Member in cash
no less than the "Tax Distribution Amount." For purposes of this
Agreement, the "Tax Distribution Amount" for any calendar year for
any Member shall be an amount equal to the excess of (i) the sum of
(A) the "Member Tax" of such Member for such calendar year and (B)
the "Member Tax" of such Member for each previous calendar year
during which such Member was a Member of the Company, and (ii) the
sum of all amounts previously distributed to such Member pursuant to
this Section 12(b)(iv). The "Member Tax" for any calendar year for
any Member shall be an amount equal to (i) the excess of (A) the
taxable income allocated to such Member for federal income tax
purposes for such calendar year, over (B) the amount of taxable
losses previously allocated to such Member which are permitted to be
carried forward and offset against such Member's taxable income for
such calendar year pursuant to Code Sections 172 and 1212,
multiplied by (ii) 40%. The Board shall estimate and distribute the
amounts required to be distributed under this Section 12(b)(iv) on a
quarterly basis and shall reconcile the estimates at the end of each
Fiscal Year. Any amount distributed to a Member under this Section
12(b)(iv) with respect to any period (or portion thereof) beginning
on or after the date of this Agreement, shall be treated as an
advance against amounts otherwise distributable to such Member under
Section 12(b) and Section 18(e), such that the aggregate amounts
distributable to each of the Members pursuant to Sections 12(b),
Section 18(e), and this Section 12(b)(iv), shall be equal to the
amount that would have been distributable to each such Member under
Sections 12(b) and Section 18(e) as if Section 12(b)(iv) were not in
effect.
(c) Limitations on Distributions. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company shall not be required to make a distribution to any Member on account of such Member's Units if such distribution would violate Section 18-607 of the Delaware Act or other applicable law.
(d) Restrictions on Distributions. The foregoing provisions of this
Section 12 to the contrary notwithstanding, no distribution shall be made (a) if
such distribution would violate any contract or agreement to which the Company
is then a party or any law, rule, regulation, order or directive of any
governmental authority then applicable to the Company, (b) other than
distributions pursuant to Section 12(b)(iv), to the extent that the Board, in
its sole and absolute discretion, determines that any amount otherwise
distributable should be retained by the Company to pay, or to establish a
reserve for the payment of, any liability or obligation of the Company, whether
liquidated, fixed, contingent or otherwise, or to hedge an existing investment,
or (c) to the extent that the Board, in its sole and absolute discretion,
determines that the cash available to the Company is insufficient to permit such
distribution.
(e) No Negative Balance in Capital Accounts.
(i) Notwithstanding any provision set forth in Sections 11(a) and (b), no item of deduction or loss shall be allocated to a Participating Unit to the extent the allocation would cause a negative balance in such Unit's Capital Account (after taking into account the adjustments, allocations and distributions described in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6)) that exceeds the amount that a Member would be required to reimburse the Company with respect to such Unit pursuant to this Agreement or under applicable law. If some but not all of the Participating Units would otherwise have such excess Capital Account deficits as a consequence of such an allocation of loss or deduction, the limitation set forth in this Section 12(e) shall be applied on a Unit by Unit basis so as to allocate the maximum permissible deduction or loss to each Participating Unit under Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). All deductions and losses in excess of the limitations set forth in this Section 12(e) shall be allocated to all Participating Units. If any loss or deduction shall be specially allocated to a Unit pursuant to either of the two preceding sentences, an equal amount of income of the Company shall be specially allocated to such Unit prior to any allocation pursuant to Sections 11(a) and (b).
(ii) Notwithstanding any provision set forth in this
Agreement, no distribution shall be made with respect to a Class B,
Class C, Class D or Class E Participating Unit to the extent such
distribution would cause a negative balance in the Capital Account
associated with such Unit (after allocating Net Profits and Net
Losses for the period ending immediately prior to such distribution
and expected to be allocated for the period that includes such
distribution and after giving effect to all contributions,
distributions, adjustments and allocations under this Agreement for
all periods, and after taking into account the adjustments,
allocations and distributions described in Treasury Regulations
Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6)) that exceeds the
amount that such Member would be required to reimburse the Company
with respect to such Unit pursuant to this Agreement or under
applicable law, and such distribution shall instead be made equally
to the other Participating Units (subject to this Section
12(e)(ii)).
SECTION 13. LIABILITY FOR RETURN OF CAPITAL.
No Member or Manager shall have any liability for the return of any Member's Capital Contribution, which Capital Contribution shall be payable solely from the assets of the Company at the absolute discretion of the Board, subject to the requirements of the Delaware Act. No Member, nor any successor-in-interest to any Member, shall have the right, while this Agreement remains in effect, to have the property of the Company partitioned, or to file a complaint or institute any proceeding at law or in equity to have the property of the Company partitioned, and each of the Members, on behalf of itself and its successors, representatives and assigns, hereby irrevocably waives any such right.
SECTION 14. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.
(a) The Company hereby designates CDM as the "Tax Matters Partner" for purposes of Code Section 6231 and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Each of the Members shall be notice partners. The Tax Matters Partner shall promptly advise each Member of any audit proceedings proposed to be conducted with respect to the Company. The Tax Matters Partner shall not make any tax elections or settle or compromise any tax liability or tax audit without the prior written consent of the Board. The Tax Matters Partner shall take such actions as are necessary to make each Member a notice partner within the meaning of Code Section 6231.
(b) It is the intention of the Members that the Company shall be taxed as a "partnership" for federal, state, local and foreign income tax purposes. The Members shall take all reasonable actions, including the amendment of this Agreement and the execution of other documents, as may reasonably be required in order for the Company to qualify for and receive "partnership" treatment for federal, state, local and foreign income tax purposes.
(c) The books and records of the Company shall be maintained in accordance with GAAP and Code Section 704(b) and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
SECTION 15. NOTICES.
All notices, requests, demands, claims, consents and other
communications which are required or otherwise delivered hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (i) personally delivered,
(ii) sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, (iii) mailed by registered
or certified mail with postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or (iv)
transmitted by facsimile or telecopy (with a copy of such transmission
concurrently transmitted by registered or certified mail with postage prepaid,
return receipt requested), to the parties hereto at the addresses specified in
the Members' Agreement or to such other address as the party to whom such notice
or other communication is to be given may have furnished to each other party in
writing in accordance herewith. Any such notice or communication shall be deemed
to have been received (i) when delivered, if personally delivered or transmitted
by electronic mail, with receipt acknowledgment by the recipient by return
electronic mail, (ii) when sent, if sent by facsimile or telecopy on a Business
Day during normal business hours (or, if not sent on a Business Day during
normal business hours, on the next Business Day after the date sent by facsimile
or telecopy), (iii) on the next Business Day after dispatch, if sent by
nationally recognized, overnight courier guaranteeing next Business Day
delivery, and (iv) on the fifth Business Day following the date on which the
piece of mail containing such communication is posted, if sent by mail.
SECTION 16. WITHDRAWAL.
No Member shall have the right to withdraw from the Company except with the consent of the Board and upon such terms and conditions as may be specifically agreed upon between the Company and the withdrawing Member. The provisions hereof with
respect to distributions upon withdrawal are exclusive, and no Member shall be
entitled to claim any further or different distribution upon withdrawal under
Section 18-604 of the Delaware Act or otherwise. This Section 16 shall not apply
to Transfers permitted under this Agreement.
SECTION 17. ADDITIONAL MEMBERS.
Subject to Section 3.1 of the Members' Agreement, the Board shall have the right to cause the Company to issue additional Units and to admit additional Members upon the acquisition of such Units upon such terms and conditions, at such time or times, and for such capital contributions as shall be determined by the Board, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 6. In connection with the admission of an additional Member, the Board shall amend SCHEDULE I hereof to reflect the name and address the additional Member. Prior to the admission of any Person as a Member, such Person shall execute a counterpart to this Agreement and shall agree to be bound by the terms hereof.
SECTION 18. DISSOLUTION.
(a) The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up and terminated upon the first to occur of the following:
(i) the determination by the Board to dissolve the Company; or
(ii) any other event causing a dissolution of the Company under Section 18-801 of the Delaware Act (including any applicable definitions contained in Section 18-101 of the Delaware Act).
(b) Upon dissolution of the Company, the Company's affairs shall be promptly wound up in accordance with the provisions of this Section 18. The Company shall engage in no further business except as may be necessary, in the reasonable discretion of the Board, to preserve the value of the Company's assets during the period of dissolution and liquidation.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any distributions to the Members upon a Liquidation Event may be made in cash or in kind, or partly in cash and partly in kind, as determined by the Board.
(d) The Net Profits and Net Losses of the Company during a Liquidation Event shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.
(e) The assets of the Company (including proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any assets during the period of dissolution and liquidation) shall be applied as follows:
(i) First, to repay any Indebtedness and any other liabilities of the Company, whether to third parties or the Members, in the order of priority required by law;
(ii) Second, to any reserves which the Board reasonably deem necessary for contingent or unforeseen liabilities or obligations of the Company (which reserves when they become unnecessary shall be distributed in accordance with the provisions of (iii) below); and
(iii) Third, in accordance with Section 12(b)(ii).
(f) A Certificate of Cancellation shall be filed in accordance with Section 18-203 the Delaware Act upon the dissolution and winding up of the Company.
SECTION 19. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY.
The debts, obligations and Liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and Liabilities of the Company, and no Member or Manager of the Company shall be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation or Liability of the Company solely by reason of being a Member or Manager.
SECTION 20. AMENDMENTS.
Subject to Sections 2(d) and 18 hereof, this Agreement may be amended only upon the written consent of (a) the Board, and (b) a Super Majority in Interest of Members; provided, however, that (i) any amendment that would adversely affect the rights or obligations hereunder of any Member, in its capacity as Member, without similarly affecting the rights or obligations hereunder of all Members, shall not be effective without such Member's prior written consent and (ii) any amendment that adversely affects the rights or obligations hereunder of any class of Units, without similarly affecting the rights or obligations hereunder of all Members, shall not be effective without the prior written consent of the holders of a majority of the Units of such class.
SECTION 21. CONFIDENTIALITY.
(a) Each of the Members shall, and shall direct those of its directors, officers, partners, members, employees, attorneys, accountants, trustees, consultants, affiliates and advisors (the "Representatives") who have access to Confidential Information to, keep confidential and not disclose any Confidential Information without the express consent, in the case of Confidential Information acquired from the Company, of the Board or, in the case of Confidential Information which concerns another Member, such other Member, unless:
(i) such disclosure shall be required by applicable law, governmental rule or regulation, court order, administrative or arbitral
proceeding or by any bank or insurance regulatory authority having jurisdiction over such Member;
(ii) such disclosure is reasonably required in connection with any tax audit involving the Company or any Member;
(iii) such disclosure is reasonably required in connection with any litigation against or involving the Company or any Member;
(iv) in the case of Bondholder Trust, such disclosure is reasonably required in connection with communications with holders of interests in Bondholder Trust regarding their interests in the Company and the exercise of Bondholder Trust's rights under this Agreement, the Members Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement, so long as each such holder is advised that they are receiving such information subject to the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement; or
(v) such disclosure is reasonably required in connection with any proposed Transfer of all or any part of a Member's interest or a participation in the Company; provided, that with respect to the use of any Confidential Information in any proposed Transfer, any proposed transferee shall have entered into a confidentiality agreement with terms substantially similar to the terms of this Section 21.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Board may disclose the identity of the Members to the extent doing so reasonably advances or protects the interests of the Company; (ii) any Member may disclose to other Persons the amount of its investment in the Company; and (iii) any Member may disclose Confidential Information to its financial or investment advisors; provided, that any such advisor shall have entered into a confidentiality agreement with terms substantially similar to the terms of this Section 21. Confidential Information may be used by a Member and its Representatives only in connection with Company matters and in connection with the maintenance of its interest in the Company. In addition, any Member or its Representatives may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) related to such tax treatment and tax structure, provided, that this sentence shall not permit any person to disclose the name of, or other information that would identify, any party to such transactions or to disclose confidential commercial information regarding such transactions.
(b) For purposes of this Section 21, "Confidential Information" shall mean any information related to the activities of the Company, the Board or any other Member and their respective Affiliates that a Member may acquire from the Company, the Board, any entity in which the Company invests or any other Member, other than information that (i) is already available through publicly available sources of information (other than as a result of disclosure by such Member in violation of this Section 21), (ii) was available to a Member on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to such Member by the Company, or (iii) becomes available to a Member on a non-confidential basis from a
third party; provided, that such third party is not known by such Member to be bound by this Agreement or another confidentiality agreement with the Company or any entity in which the Company invests. Such Confidential Information may include, without limitation, information that pertains or relates to (A) the business and affairs of any other Member, (B) any investment or proposed investment of the Company or (C) any other Company matters.
(c) If any Member or any Representative of such Member is required to disclose any of the Confidential Information, such Member will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Company with prompt written notice so that the Company may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy and/or waive compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, and such Member will use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Company, at the expense of the Company, in any effort any such Person undertakes to obtain a protective order or other remedy. If such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, or that the Company waives compliance with the provisions of this Section 21, such Member and its Representatives will furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information which is required and will exercise all reasonable efforts to obtain reasonably reliable assurance that the Confidential Information will be accorded confidential treatment.
(d) The Board may agree to waive, in its sole discretion, any or all of the provisions of this Section 21.
SECTION 22. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, this document embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way, including the Letter Agreement.
SECTION 23. GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
(a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.
(b) Consent to Jurisdiction.
(i) For all purposes of this Agreement, and for all purposes of any Dispute or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, the parties hereto submit to the personal jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States sitting in New York County, and any appellate court from any such state or Federal court, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agree that all claims with respect to any such claim may be heard and determined in such New York court or, to the extent permitted
by law, in such Federal court. The parties hereto agree that a final judgment in any such claim shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that any party may otherwise have to bring any claim relating to this Agreement or any related matter against any other party or its assets or properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
(ii) Each of the parties hereto 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 related matter in any New York state or Federal court located in New York County and the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such claim in any such court.
(c) Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives its, his or her right to a jury trial of any claim or cause of action based upon or arising out of this Agreement or any dealings between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof. Each of the parties hereto also waives any bond or surety or security upon such bond that might, but for this waiver, be required of the other party. The scope of this waiver is intended to be all encompassing of any and all disputes that may be filed in any court and that relate to the subject matter of this Agreement, including contract claims, tort claims, breach of duty claims, and all other common law and statutory claims. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that this waiver is a material inducement to enter into this Agreement. Each of the parties hereto further warrants and represents that it, he or she has reviewed or had the opportunity to review this waiver with its, his or her respective legal counsel, and that it, he or she knowingly and voluntarily waives its, his or her jury trial rights following consultation with such legal counsel. In the event of litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent to a trial by the court.
SECTION 24. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.
This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns, transferees, legal representatives and heirs; provided, however, that the rights under this Agreement shall not be assignable by any Member, except in connection with a Transfer not prohibited by this Agreement and the Members' Agreement.
SECTION 25. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES.
None of the provisions in this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any person other than the parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and assigns.
SECTION 26. FURTHER ASSURANCES.
Each Member shall execute all such certificates and other documents and shall do all such other acts as the Board deem appropriate to comply with the requirements of law for the formation of the Company and to comply with any laws, rules, regulations and third-party requests relating to the acquisition, operation or holding of the property of the Company.
SECTION 27. COUNTERPARTS; FACSIMILE SIGNATURES.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Facsimile counterpart signatures to this Agreement shall be acceptable and binding.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
THE COMPANY:
CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ---------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
Signature Page-1
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
MEMBERS:
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS (BHCA), L.P.
By: JPMP MASTER FUND MANAGER,
L.P.,
its general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------------ Name: Jonathan Lynch |
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS, L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
its general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------------ Name: Jonathan Lynch |
Signature Page-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS (CAYMAN), L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
a general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS A, L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
a general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ----------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS (CAYMAN) II, L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
a general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH --------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
Signature Page-3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
J.W. CHILDS EQUITY PARTNERS III,
L.P.
By: J.W. Childs Advisors III, L.P.,
as general partner
By: J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.,
as general partner
By: J.W. Childs Associates, Inc.,
as general partner
By: /S/ ADAM SUTTIN ---------------------------- Name: Adam Suttin |
JWC FUND III CO-INVEST, LLC
By: J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., as
manager
By: J.W. Childs Associates, Inc., as
general partner
By: /S/ ADAM SUTTIN ------------------------- Name: Adam Suttin |
Signature Page-4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
CRUNCH EQUITY VOTING TRUST
By: /S/ KENNETH LIANG ---------------------- Name: Kenneth Liang Title: Managing Director |
Signature Page-5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
CDM INVESTOR GROUP LLC
By: /S/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS ---------------------------- Name: C. Dean Metropoulos |
Signature Page-6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
CO-INVESTMENT PARTNERS, L.P.
By: CIP Partners LLC, Managing Member
By: /S/ WALTER M. CAIN --------------------------- Name: Walter M. Cain Title: Member |
Signature Page-7
ANNEX I
DEFINITIONS
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, (a) a director or executive officer of such Person, (b) any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person, and (c) any Family Vehicle or Family Member of such Person or of any of the Persons described in clause (a) or (b). For the purposes of this definition, the term "controls", "is controlled by" or "under common control with" means (i) the direct or indirect ownership of in excess of 50% of the equity interests (or interests convertible into or otherwise exchangeable for equity interests) in a Person, or (ii) possession of the Securities carrying the direct or indirect right to vote in excess of 50% of the voting Securities or elect in excess of 50% of the Board of Directors or other governing body of a Person (whether by Securities ownership, contract or otherwise).
"Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the caption to this Agreement.
"Applicable Law" means all provisions of laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, permits, certificates or orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to the Company, any Member or any of its Affiliates and all judgments applicable to any Member or any of its Affiliates.
"Appraiser" means a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm, independent appraiser or other appropriate independent expert reasonably acceptable to all members of the Board.
"Aurora Foods" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(b).
"Aurora Merger Agreement" means the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of November 24, 2003, by and between Aurora and the Company.
"Aurora Transaction" means the reorganization of Aurora Foods whereby Aurora Foods is combined with Pinnacle Foods and the acquisition by Crunch Holding of a direct or indirect equity interest in such combined company.
"Board" means the board of managers, or similar governing body, of the Company.
"Bondholder Trust" means Crunch Equity Voting Trust, a Delaware business trust.
"Bylaws" means the Bylaws of the Company as amended from time to time, which are expressly incorporated by reference into this Agreement and the form of which is
attached to this Agreement as EXHIBIT B and are hereby adopted and approved by the Members.
"Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday or other day on which banks are required to be closed in New York, New York.
"Capital Account" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 10.
"Capital Contribution" means, with respect to any Member, the amount of capital contributed by such Member to the Company.
"Catch Up Amount" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 12(b)(ii).
"CDM" means CDM Investors Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
"CDM Employment Agreements" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Members' Agreement.
"CDM Executives" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Members' Agreement.
"Certificate" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2(b).
"Class A Unit" means one Class A Unit of the Company entitling the holder thereof to the rights provided by this Agreement with respect to a Class A Unit.
"Class B Unit" means one Class B Unit of the Company entitling the holder thereof to the rights provided by this Agreement with respect to a Class B Unit.
"Class C Unit" means one Class C Unit of the Company entitling the holder thereof to the rights provided by this Agreement with respect to a Class C Unit.
"Class D Unit" means one Class D Unit of the Company entitling the holder thereof to the rights provided by this Agreement with respect to a Class D Unit.
"Class E Unit" means one Class E Unit of the Company entitling the holder thereof to the rights provided by this Agreement with respect to a Class E Unit.
"Code" means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor Federal statute.
"Company" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the caption to this Agreement.
"Company Opportunity" shall mean an investment or business opportunity or prospective economic advantage in which the Company could, but for the provisions of Section 3(c), have an interest or expectancy.
"Confidential Information" has the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 21(b).
"Confirmation Order" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Aurora Merger Agreement.
"Crunch Holding" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(b).
"Delaware Act" means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. Sect. 18-101 et seq. as amended from time to time and any successor statute.
"Depreciation" shall mean, with respect to any Fiscal Year, an amount equal to the depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction allowable with respect to an asset for Federal income tax purposes, except that if the Gross Asset Value of the asset differs from its adjusted tax basis at the beginning of such fiscal year, Depreciation shall be determined in accordance with the methods used for Federal income tax purposes and shall equal the amount that bears the same ratio to such beginning Gross Asset Value as the depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction computed for Federal income tax purposes with respect to such asset bears to such beginning adjusted Federal income tax basis; provided, however, that if any such asset that is depreciable or amortizable has an adjusted federal income tax basis at the beginning of such fiscal year of zero, the rate of Depreciation shall be determined with reference to such beginning Gross Asset Value using any reasonable method selected by the Board.
"Dispute" means all controversies, claims, disputes, and matters in question arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement.
"Escrow Payment" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
10(c)(iii).
"Estimated Per Share Merger Consideration" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Pinnacle Merger Agreement.
"Family Member" means, with respect to any individual, each of such individual's spouse, former spouse(s), siblings, ancestors and lineal descendants and the lineal descendants of such individual's spouse, former spouse(s) or siblings (in each case, whether natural or adopted) Notwithstanding the foregoing, C. Dean Metropoulos and his brother Evan Metropoulos (and each of their respective lineal descendants as a group) shall not be considered Family Members of each other for purposes of this Agreement and the Members' Agreement.
"Family Vehicle" means, with respect to any individual, a partnership, trust or other estate planning vehicle established for the exclusive benefit of such individual and/or one or more of such individual's Family Members.
"Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset, the fair market value determined either: (a) in good faith by the unanimous consent of the Board (without regard to any minority or illiquidity discounts applicable to such asset) or (b) in connection with any Transfer described in Section 3.2 of the Members' Agreement, by the Appraiser; provided, however, that if any member of the Board objects in writing to a determination pursuant to clause (a) above within 30 days of such valuation, the matter shall be submitted to the Appraiser, and the Appraiser's determination of Fair Market Value shall be conclusive and binding; provided, further, that the fees and costs of the Appraiser shall be paid by the Member(s) who appointed the objecting Board member, unless the price as determined by the Appraiser varies by more than 5% from the price determined by the Board, in which event the Company shall pay such fees and costs.
"Final Per Share Merger Consideration" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Pinnacle Merger Agreement.
"Fiscal Year" means each fiscal year of the Company ending on December 31 of each year or, if earlier, the occurrence of an adjustment to Gross Asset Value of all Company assets under clause (b) of the definition of "Gross Asset Value".
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in the United States from time to time, consistently applied.
"Governmental Authority" means any national, federal, state, local or regional (whether domestic or foreign) government, authority, instrumentality, department, commission, board, bureau, agency or court.
"Gross Asset Value" means, with respect to any Company asset, such asset's adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, except that:
(a) The initial Gross Asset Value of any asset contributed to the Company shall be its gross Fair Market Value as of the date of such contribution.
(b) The Gross Asset Value of all Company assets shall be adjusted to
equal their respective Fair Market Values, and the resulting unrecognized gain
or loss allocated to the Capital Accounts of the Members as though such assets
had been sold for their respective Fair Market Values as of the following times:
(i) immediately before the acquisition of an additional interest in the Company
by any new or existing Member in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital
Contribution; (ii) upon the Transfer of more than 2% of Class A Units; (iii)
upon the Transfer of more than 10% of the Company's assets (by gross Fair Market
Value); (iv) upon the distribution by the Company to a Member of more than a de
minimis amount of Company assets, unless all Members receive simultaneous
distributions of either undivided interests in the distributed property or
identical Company assets in proportion to their interests in the Company; (v)
the date the
Company is liquidated within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g); and (vi) the termination of the Company pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
(c) The Gross Asset Values of the Company assets shall be increased or decreased to the extent required under Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m) in the event that the adjusted tax basis of Company assets are adjusted pursuant to Code Sections 732, 734 or 743.
(d) The Gross Asset Value of a Company asset that is distributed (whether in liquidation of the Company or otherwise) to one or more Members shall be adjusted to equal its Fair Market Value, and the resulting unrecognized gain or loss allocated to the Capital Accounts of the Members as though such asset had been sold for such Fair Market Value.
(e) The Gross Asset Value of a Company asset shall be adjusted by the Depreciation attributable to such asset.
"Gross Profit" means items of income and gain of the Company determined in the same manner as Net Profits and Net Losses (without regard to clause (h) of the definition of "Net Profits" and "Net Losses".
"Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by (or which customarily would be evidenced by) bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all reimbursement obligations of such Person with respect to letters of credit and similar instruments, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property or assets purchased by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person incurred, issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property other than accounts payable incurred and paid on terms customary in the business of such Person (it being understood that the "deferred purchase price" in connection with any purchase of property or assets shall include only that portion of the purchase price which shall be deferred beyond the date on which the purchase is actually consummated), (f) all obligations secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assumed, (g) all obligations of such Person under forward sales, futures, options and other similar hedging arrangements (including interest rate hedging or protection agreements), (h) all obligations of such Person to purchase or otherwise pay for merchandise, materials, supplies, services or other property under an arrangement which provides that payment for such merchandise, materials, supplies, services or other property shall be made regardless of whether delivery of such merchandise, materials, supplies, services or other property is ever made or tendered, (i) all guaranties by such Person of obligations of others and (j) all capitalized lease obligations of such Person.
"Indemnity Escrow" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
10(c)(iii).
"Indemnity Escrow Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Pinnacle Merger Agreement.
"Interest" means the ownership interest of a Member in the Company as represented by such Member's Units, consisting of (a) such Member's ownership of Units and right to receive a portion of distributions, (b) such Member's right to vote or grant or withhold consents with respect to Company matters as provided herein or in the Delaware Act and (c) such Member's other rights and privileges as provided herein or in the Delaware Act.
"IRR" means a calculation made in good faith by the Board in
accordance with generally accepted financial principles, which shall set forth
the pre-tax, compounded annual internal rate of return realized on the Class A
Units, taken as a whole, whether outstanding at the time of calculation or
previously redeemed, including as a return on such Class A Units (a) cash
distributions made by the Company in respect of Class A Units, including
distributions attributable to an adjustment to Gross Asset Value treated as made
by the Company under Section 12(b)(iii)(A) (to the extent provided for therein)
attributable to an adjustment to the Gross Asset Value of the Company's assets
pursuant to clause (b) of the definition of "Gross Asset Value" (other than tax
distributions made pursuant to Section 12(b)(iv); such tax distributions shall
be deemed received for purposes of calculating IRR on the day the aggregate
amounts previously distributed in respect of such Class A Unit pursuant to
Section 12(b)(i)(A) (without regard to tax distributions made pursuant to
Section 12(b)(iv)) equal or exceed the initial Capital Contribution in respect
of such Class A Unit); and (b) the value of any distribution in kind (which
shall be valued as described in Section 10(g)). Closing fees, transaction fees,
management fees or other similar fees received from the Company by holders of
Class A Units shall not be considered in calculating IRR.
"Letter Agreement" means the Letter Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2003, among J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, Crunch Holding, C. Dean Metropoulos & Co., C. Dean Metropoulos, Mike Dion, Evan Metropoulos and Lou Pellicano.
"Liability" means any liability or obligation, whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, liquidated or unliquidated and whether due or to become due, regardless of when asserted.
"Liquidation Event" means the occurrence or consummation of (i) any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the affairs of the Company and (ii) any Sale of the Company.
"Manager" means a manager on the Board as designated in, or selected pursuant to, the provisions of this Agreement, the Bylaws and the Members' Agreement.
"Member" means any Person holding a Unit and party to this Agreement and the Members' Agreement, and any Person who shall be admitted as additional or substituted Member pursuant to this Agreement, so long as such Person shall remain a Member.
"Member Tax" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
12(b)(iii).
"Members' Agreement" means the Amended and Restated Members' Agreement, dated as of the date hereof and attached to this Agreement as EXHIBIT C, among the Company and certain holders of Units, as such may be amended, waived, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
"Net Profits" and "Net Losses" means, with respect to any Fiscal Year, an amount equal to the taxable income or loss of the Company as determined for federal income tax purposes in accordance with Section 703(a) of the Code (for this purpose, all items of income, gain, loss or deduction required to be separately stated under Section 703(a)(1) shall be included in taxable income or loss), with the following adjustments:
(a) Such taxable income or loss shall be increased by the amount, if any, of tax-exempt income, as described in Section 705(a)(1)(B) of the Code, received or accrued by the Company;
(b) Such taxable income or loss shall be reduced by the amount, if any, of all expenditures of the Company described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code, including expenditures treated as described therein under Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i) of the Treasury Regulations;
(c) If the Gross Asset Value of any asset is adjusted pursuant to clause (b) or (c) of the definition of Gross Asset Value, the amount of such adjustment shall be taken into account, immediately prior to the event giving rise to such adjustment, as gain or loss from the disposition of such asset for purposes of computing Net Profits or Net Losses;
(d) Gain or loss resulting from any disposition of any asset with respect to which gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Gross Asset Value of the asset disposed of, notwithstanding that such Gross Asset Value differs from the adjusted tax basis of such asset;
(e) In lieu of the depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss, there shall be taken into account Depreciation for such fiscal year;
(f) To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(1)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as a result of a distribution other than in liquidation of a Member's interest in the Company, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) from the disposition of such asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Net Profit or Net Loss;
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this definition, any items that are specially allocated pursuant to Sections 11(d) hereof shall not be taken into account in computing Net Profits and Net Losses; and
(h) Notwithstanding any other provision of this definition, any items of Gross Income that are allocated pursuant to Section 11(c) shall not be taken into account in computing Net Profits and Net Losses.
"Original Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
"Participating Units" has the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 12(b)(iii).
"Person" means, and shall be construed broadly and shall include, an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.
"PFHC Stock" means the common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of Pinnacle Foods.
"Pinnacle Foods" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(b).
"Pinnacle Merger Agreement" means the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 8, 2003, by and among Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, Crunch Holding, Crunch Acquisition Corp. and HMTF PF, L.L.C., in its capacity as representative.
"Pinnacle Transaction" means the merger of Crunch Acquisition Corp. with and into Pinnacle Foods, with Pinnacle Foods surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Crunch Holding and the acquisition by the Company of a direct or indirect equity interest in Pinnacle Foods.
"Representatives" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 21(a).
"Sale of the Company" means (a) the sale or Transfer (in one or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the Company's assets to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, (b) the sale or Transfer (in one or a series of related transactions) of a majority of the outstanding equity interests of the Company, to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, or (c) the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company, in each case in clauses (b) and (c) above, under circumstances in which the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding equity interests of the Company, immediately prior to such transaction, own less than a majority in voting power of the outstanding equity interests of the Company, or the surviving or resulting corporation, entity or acquirer, as the case may be, immediately following such transaction.
"Securities Act" means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor Federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.
"Securities" means any form of common or preferred equity of any Person, including the Units (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choices in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, and interests in personal property of all kinds, tangible or intangible (including cash and bank deposits).
"Subject Unit" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 12(b)(ii).
"Subscription Agreement" means the Subscription Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2003, between the Company and Crunch Holding.
"Super Majority in Interest of Members" means, at any time, the Members who hold in the aggregate 66 2/3% or more of the voting power of the Units outstanding at such time.
"Tax Distribution Amount" has the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 12(b)(iii).
"Tax Matters Partner" has the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 14(a).
"Transfer" means, as to any Security or asset, to sell, or in any other way voluntarily or involuntarily transfer, assign, gift, pledge, grant a security interest in, distribute, encumber or otherwise dispose of (including any transfer of any such Security or asset by will, gift or intestate succession or the foreclosure or other acquisition by any lender with respect to any such Security or asset pledged to such lender by the holder of such Security or asset), such Security or asset, either voluntarily or involuntarily and with or without consideration; provided, that, for purposes of Section 3.12 of the Members' Agreement and the definition of "Gross Asset Value", a Transfer shall also include any redemption, recapitalization or extraordinary distribution with respect to such Security or asset.
"Treasury Regulations" means regulations promulgated pursuant to the Code.
"Unit Certificate" has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 6(e).
"Units" means, collectively or individually, the Class A Units, the Class B Units, the Class C Units, the Class D Units and the Class E Units, and shall also include any equity security issued in respect of or in exchange for Units, whether by way of dividend or other distribution, split, recapitalization, merger, rollup transaction, consolidation, conversion or reorganization.
SCHEDULE I
MEMBERS' SCHEDULE
CLASS A UNITS CLASS B UNITS CLASS C UNITS AGGREGATE AGGREGATE AGGREGATE NAME AND ADDRESS OF CLASS A CAPITAL CLASS CAPITAL CLASS C CAPITAL CLASS D MEMBER UNITS CONTRIBUTION B UNITS CONTRIBUTION UNITS CONTRIBUTION UNITS --------------------------- --------- -------------- ------- ------------- ------- ------------- ------- J.P. Morgan Partners (BHCA), L.P. 69,269.58 $69,269,584.15 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 c/o J.P. Morgan Partners (Pinnacle) 1221 Avenue of the Americas 40th Floor New York, New York 10020 26,516.51 $26,516,512.10 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 Attention: Official (Aurora) Notices Clerk FBO Stephen P. Murray Telephone: (212) 899-3400 Facsimile: J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors, L.P. 12,183.01 $12,183,014.89 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 c/o J.P. Morgan Partners (Pinnacle) 1221 Avenue of the Americas 40th Floor New York, New York 10020 4,663.68 $ 4,663,678.37 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 Attention: Official (Aurora) Notices Clerk FBO Stephen P. Murray Telephone: (212) 899-3400 Facsimile: J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman), 6,116.43 $ 6,116,425.13 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 L.P. (Pinnacle) c/o J.P. Morgan Partners 1221 Avenue of the Americas 40th Floor 2,341.38 $ 2,341,377.72 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 New York, New York 10020 (Aurora) Attention: Official Notices Clerk FBO Stephen P. Murray Telephone: (212) 899-3400 Facsimile: CLASS D UNITS CLASS E UNITS AGGREGATE AGGREGATE NAME AND ADDRESS OF CAPITAL CLASS E CAPITAL MEMBER CONTRIBUTION UNITS CONTRIBUTION --------------------------- ------------- ------- ------------- J.P. Morgan Partners (BHCA), L.P. N/A 0 N/A c/o J.P. Morgan Partners 1221 Avenue of the Americas 40th Floor New York, New York 10020 N/A 0 N/A Attention: Official Notices Clerk FBO Stephen P. Murray Telephone: (212) 899-3400 Facsimile: J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors, L.P. N/A 0 N/A c/o J.P. Morgan Partners 1221 Avenue of the Americas 40th Floor New York, New York 10020 N/A 0 N/A Attention: Official Notices Clerk FBO Stephen P. Murray Telephone: (212) 899-3400 Facsimile: J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman), N/A 0 N/A L.P. c/o J.P. Morgan Partners 1221 Avenue of the Americas 40th Floor N/A 0 N/A New York, New York 10020 Attention: Official Notices Clerk FBO Stephen P. Murray Telephone: (212) 899-3400 Facsimile: |
` Schedule I-1
CLASS A UNITS CLASS B UNITS CLASS C UNITS AGGREGATE AGGREGATE AGGREGATE NAME AND ADDRESS OF CLASS A CAPITAL CLASS CAPITAL CLASS C CAPITAL CLASS D MEMBER UNITS CONTRIBUTION B UNITS CONTRIBUTION UNITS CONTRIBUTION UNITS --------------------------- --------- -------------- ------- ------------- ------- ------------- ------- J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman) 684.01 $ 684,010.26 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 II, L.P. (Pinnacle) c/o J.P. Morgan Partners 1221 Avenue of the Americas 40th Floor 261.84 $ 261,840.27 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 New York, New York 10020 (Aurora) Attention: Official Notices Clerk FBO Stephen P. Murray Telephone: (212) 899-3400 Facsimile: J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors A, L.P. 1,871.97 $ 1,871,965.57 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 c/o J.P. Morgan Partners (Pinnacle) 1221 Avenue of the Americas 40th Floor New York, New York 10020 716.59 $ 716,591.54 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 Attention: Official (Aurora) Notices Clerk FBO Stephen P. Murray Telephone: (212) 899-3400 Facsimile: J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P. 87,658.527 $87,658,527.00 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 111 Huntington Avenue - (Pinnacle) Suite 2900 Boston, MA 02199-7610 41,299 $41,299,000.00 Attention: Adam L. Suttin (Aurora) Telephone: (617) 753-1100 Facsimile: (617) 753-1101 JWC Fund III Co-Invest, LLC 2,466.473 $ 2,466,473 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 111 Huntington Avenue - (Pinnacle) Suite 2900 Boston, MA 02199-7610 701 $ 701,000.00 Attention: Adam L. Suttin (Aurora) Telephone: (617) 753-1100 Facsimile: (617) 753-1101 CLASS D UNITS CLASS E UNITS AGGREGATE AGGREGATE NAME AND ADDRESS OF CAPITAL CLASS E CAPITAL MEMBER CONTRIBUTION UNITS CONTRIBUTION --------------------------- ------------- ------- ------------- J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman) N/A 0 N/A II, L.P. c/o J.P. Morgan Partners 1221 Avenue of the Americas 40th Floor N/A 0 N/A New York, New York 10020 Attention: Official Notices Clerk FBO Stephen P. Murray Telephone: (212) 899-3400 Facsimile: J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors A, L.P. N/A 0 N/A c/o J.P. Morgan Partners 1221 Avenue of the Americas 40th Floor New York, New York 10020 N/A 0 N/A Attention: Official Notices Clerk FBO Stephen P. Murray Telephone: (212) 899-3400 Facsimile: J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P. N/A 0 N/A 111 Huntington Avenue - Suite 2900 Boston, MA 02199-7610 Attention: Adam L. Suttin Telephone: (617) 753-1100 Facsimile: (617) 753-1101 JWC Fund III Co-Invest, LLC N/A 0 N/A 111 Huntington Avenue - Suite 2900 Boston, MA 02199-7610 Attention: Adam L. Suttin Telephone: (617) 753-1100 Facsimile: (617) 753-1101 |
` Schedule I-2
CLASS A UNITS CLASS B UNITS CLASS C UNITS AGGREGATE AGGREGATE AGGREGATE NAME AND ADDRESS OF CLASS A CAPITAL CLASS CAPITAL CLASS C CAPITAL CLASS D MEMBER UNITS CONTRIBUTION B UNITS CONTRIBUTION UNITS CONTRIBUTION UNITS --------------------------- ---------- -------------- ------- ------------- --------- ------------- ------- Co-Investment Partners, L.P. 7,500 660 Madison Avenue, 23rd (Aurora) $ 7,500,000 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 Floor New York, NY 10021 Attention: Bart D. Osman Telephone: (212) 754-0411 Facsimile: (212) 754-1494 Crunch Equity Voting Trust c/o Oaktree Capital 236,396.00 $ 236,396,000 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 Management (Aurora) 333 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, California 90071 Attention: Kenneth Liang Telephone: (213) 830-6300 Facsimile: (213) 830-8522 CDM Investors Group LLC 100 Northfield Street 250 $ 250,000 30,950 $ 600,000 0 N/A 11,129.00 Greenwich, Connecticut (Pinnacle) 06830 Telephone: (203) 622-6988 0 N/A 0 N/A 17,071.85 $ 0 17,761.61 Facsimile: (203) 629-6660 (Aurora) TOTAL: 500,896.00 $ 500,896,000 30,950 $ 600,000 17,071.85 $ 0 28,890.61 CLASS D UNITS CLASS E UNITS AGGREGATE AGGREGATE NAME AND ADDRESS OF CAPITAL CLASS E CAPITAL MEMBER CONTRIBUTION UNITS CONTRIBUTION --------------------------- ------------- ------- ------------- Co-Investment Partners, L.P. 660 Madison Avenue, 23rd N/A 0 N/A Floor New York, NY 10021 Attention: Bart D. Osman Telephone: (212) 754-0411 Facsimile: (212) 754-1494 Crunch Equity Voting Trust c/o Oaktree Capital N/A 0 N/A Management 333 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, California 90071 Attention: Kenneth Liang Telephone: (213) 830-6300 Facsimile: (213) 830-8522 CDM Investors Group LLC 100 Northfield Street $ 0 11,715.00 $ 0 Greenwich, Connecticut 06830 Telephone: (203) 622-6988 $ 0 18,696.44 $ 0 Facsimile: (203) 629-6660 TOTAL: $ 0 30,411.44 $ 0 |
` Schedule I-3
EXHIBIT A
Certificate of Formation
(See Attached)
EXHIBIT B
Bylaws of the Company
(See Attached)
EXHIBIT C
Members' Agreement
(See Attached)
EXHIBIT 10.8
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
This Management Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of the 25 day of November, 2003, by and among Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), Crunch Holding Corp, a Delaware corporation ("Crunch Holding"), J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("JPMP") and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("JWC", and together with JPMP, the "Sponsors").
WHEREAS, Crunch Acquisition Corp., a Delaware Corporation ("Crunch Acquisition"), Crunch Holding, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CEH") and the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 8, 2003 (the "Pinnacle Agreement"), pursuant to which on the date hereof Crunch Acquisition was merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Holding (the "Initial Transaction");
WHEREAS, certain Affiliates of JPMP and JWC have provided equity financing to CEH in connection with the consummation of the Initial Transaction;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of November 25, 2003, between Aurora Foods Inc. ("Aurora") and CEH (as such agreement may be replaced, amended, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Aurora Agreement"), the Company will be merged with and into Aurora, with Aurora surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Holding (the "Aurora Transaction");
WHEREAS, certain Affiliates of JPMP and JWC will provide equity financing (the "Aurora Equity Financing") to CEH in connection with the consummation of the Aurora Transaction pursuant to the Documents;
WHEREAS, the Sponsors are providing advisory and other services to the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with (i) the senior secured financing being obtained in connection with the Aurora Transaction and (ii) the senior unsecured subordinated note financing being obtained in connection with the Aurora Transaction (clauses (i) and (ii), collectively, the "Aurora Debt Financing") and have staff specifically skilled in corporate finance, strategic corporate planning and other management skills;
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to avail itself of the financial advisory and corporate structuring expertise of the Sponsors with respect to future proposals for acquisitions and dispositions (whether by stock purchase or sale, asset purchase or sale, merger or otherwise), tender offers, exchange offers, restructurings, refinancings, issuances of debt or equity (whether in a private or public offering) or other similar transactions directly or indirectly involving Crunch Holding or the Company or any of their subsidiaries and any other person or entity (each, a "Subsequent Transaction" and collectively, the "Subsequent Transactions");
WHEREAS, the Company will also require the Sponsors' ongoing special skills and management services in connection with its business operations and execution of its strategic plan throughout the term hereof;
WHEREAS, the Sponsors are willing to provide the Company with such services, advice and expertise on the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in
Section 4 of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. SERVICES.
Each Sponsor, severally and not jointly, hereby agrees that if during the term of this Agreement (the "Term") the Company reasonably and specifically requests that the Sponsors provide the management services set forth below and the Sponsors agree to provide such services, the Sponsors or one of their Controlled Affiliates will:
(a) provide the Company with advice in connection with the negotiation and consummation of agreements, contracts, documents and instruments necessary to provide the Company with financing from banks or other financial institutions or other entities on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Company;
(b) provide the Company with advice with respect to the development and implementation of strategies for improving the operating, marketing and financial performance of the Company, and other senior management matters related to the business, administration and policies of the Company; and
(c) provide the Company with advice concerning such management matters that relate to proposed mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, recapitalizations, issuances of securities, financings or other similar transactions.
No Sponsor shall have any obligation to the Company as to the method and time of rendering its services hereunder, and the Company shall not have any right to dictate or direct the details of the performance of services rendered hereunder. This Agreement shall in no way prohibit a Sponsor or any of its Affiliates or employees from engaging in other activities, whether or not competitive with any business of the Company of any of its Affiliates.
SECTION 2. PAYMENT OF FEES TO THE SPONSORS.
(a) Management Fees. In exchange for each Sponsor's agreement to provide the management services set forth herein, the Company hereby agrees to pay to each Sponsor (or its designee) a management fee equal to $125,000 per calendar quarter, payable in advance on the first day of such quarter. Such payments shall begin on the closing date of the Initial Transaction and continue until the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 4 below.
(b) Aurora Transaction Fees. In connection with the Aurora Transaction (including, without limitation, in connection with the Aurora Equity Financing and the Aurora
Debt Financing), the Company shall pay to each Sponsor (or its designee) a cash fee equal to $1,000,000, payable concurrently with, and upon, the closing of the Aurora Transaction. If the closing of the Aurora Transaction does not occur, then no fees shall be payable to the Sponsors pursuant to this Section 2(b).
(c) Subsequent Transaction Fees. In connection with any Subsequent Transaction, the Company shall pay to each Sponsor (or its designee) a cash fee equal to 0.5% of the Transaction Value of such Subsequent Transaction, payable concurrently with, and upon, the closing of such Subsequent Transaction. If the closing of such Subsequent Transaction does not occur, then no fees shall be payable to the Sponsors pursuant to this Section 2(c) with respect to such Subsequent Transaction.
(d) Payment Method. Payments made pursuant to this Section 2 shall be paid by wire transfer of immediately available federal funds to the accounts specified on Exhibit A attached hereto, or to such other account(s) as each Sponsor may specify in writing to the Company.
SECTION 3. EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Expenses. The Company shall (i) pay on demand all fees and expenses incurred by the Sponsors and their Controlled Affiliates or any of them in connection with the Aurora Transaction, the Aurora Debt Financing, the Aurora Equity Financing, and any Subsequent Transaction, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of O'Melveny & Myers LLP, counsel to JPMP, and Kaye Scholer LLP, counsel to JWC, and any other consultants or advisors retained by the Sponsors or their respective counsel, (ii) hold the Sponsors and their Controlled Affiliates harmless against all liability for the payment of all fees and expenses incurred from time to time by CEH or Crunch Holding in connection with CEH's or Crunch Holdings' performance and compliance with all agreements and conditions contained in the Pinnacle Agreement or the Aurora Agreement on its or their part to be performed or complied with, (iii) pay on demand the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the Sponsors and their Controlled Affiliates in any filing with any governmental authority with respect to the Aurora Transaction or any Subsequent Transaction, or in any other filing with any governmental authority with respect to the Company or CEH that mentions the Sponsors or any of their Controlled Affiliates, and (iv) pay on demand all other expenses incurred by the Sponsors and their Controlled Affiliates or any one of them in connection with this Agreement (including fees and expenses of counsel, accountants and other advisors), including but not limited to the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement, the performance of services hereunder, or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Indemnity and Liability. The Company shall indemnify, defend exonerate and hold each of JPMP, JWC, and each of their respective partners, shareholders, Controlled Affiliates, directors, officers, fiduciaries, employees, attorneys and agents and each of the partners, shareholders, directors, officers, fiduciaries, employees, attorneys and agents of each of the foregoing (collectively, the "Indemnitees") free and harmless from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, losses, liabilities and damages, and expenses in connection therewith, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements (collectively, the "Indemnified Liabilities"), incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them as a
result of, or arising out of, or relating to the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or existence of this Agreement (including, without limitation, any indemnification obligation assumed or incurred by any Indemnitee to or on behalf of any Sponsor, or its accountants or other representatives, agents or Controlled Affiliates) except for any such Indemnified Liability arising on account of such Indemnitee's gross negligence or willful misconduct, and if and to the extent that the foregoing undertaking may be unenforceable for any reason, the Company shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities which is permissible under applicable law. None of the Indemnitees shall be liable to the Company or any of its Affiliates for any act or omission suffered or taken by such Indemnitee that does not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.
SECTION 4. TERM. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect, unless and until (i) terminated by a Sponsor (with respect to itself and not any other Sponsor) upon 30 days notice to the Company and the other Sponsor, (ii) terminated upon the mutual consent of the Sponsors upon 30 days notice to the Company, (iii) terminated automatically, with respect to a particular Sponsor, on the date which such Sponsor no longer owns at least 5% of the equity securities of CEH it purchased at the closing of the Initial Transaction or upon a Sale of the Company (as defined in the Operating Agreement of LLC dated as of the date hereof) or Pinnacle Sale (as defined in the Members Agreement of LLC dated as of the date hereof), or (iv) terminated by a Sponsor (with respect to itself and not any other Sponsor) upon the consummation of an initial public offering by CEH, the Company, Crunch Holding, or any other subsidiary of CEH, or a change in law, event, or other occurrence (together with the initial public offering, an "Adverse Event") which, in the determination of such Sponsor and by a majority vote of the Company's board of directors, causes the existence of this Agreement to (A) render any director designated by such Sponsor as an "interested" or otherwise not an "independent" director, (B) adversely affect such Sponsor's right to designate a Person or Persons to serve on the Company's board of directors, or (C) affect the ability of a Person who has been designated by such Sponsor to serve on the Company's board of directors to perform his duties as a director. Upon any termination of this Agreement, each of (a) the obligations of the Company under Section 3 above, (b) any and all owed and unpaid obligations of the Company under Section 2 above and (c) the provisions of Section 3 and Section 7 shall survive any termination of this Agreement to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law. In the event that a Sponsor terminates this Agreement in accordance with this Section 4, clause (iv) above, the Company agrees to pay such Sponsor a lump-sum termination fee in cash or other value mutually agreed by the Sponsors equal to the net present value of the fees that would have been payable to such Sponsor (but for the termination hereof) pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof for a period of two (2) years from the date of such termination calculated using a discount rate equal to the two-year treasury rate on the date of such termination. Such termination fee shall be payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds within 10 days after the date of termination to the account specified on Exhibit A, attached hereto, or to such other account(s) as such Sponsor may specify in writing to the Company.
SECTION 5. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. No amendment or waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement shall be effective, unless in writing and executed by each Sponsor and the Company. No waiver on any one occasion shall extend to or effect or be construed as a waiver of any right or remedy on any future occasion. No course of dealing of
any person nor any delay or omission in exercising any right or remedy shall constitute an amendment of this Agreement or a waiver of any right or remedy of any party hereto.
SECTION 6. DEFINED TERMS.
(a) "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any (i) director, officer, limited or general partner, member or stockholder holding 5% or more of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of such Person, and (ii) other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person.
(b) "control" means, including, with correlative meaning, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with", with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management, policies or investment decisions of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
(c) "Controlled Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any
(i) director, officer, limited or general partner, member or stockholder holding
5% or more of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of such
Person, and (i) any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or
more intermediaries, is controlled by such Person.
(d) "Person" shall be construed in the broadest sense and means and includes a natural person, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and any other entity and any federal, state, municipal, foreign or other government, governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, or any private or public court or tribunal.
(e) "Transaction Value" means the total value of the Subsequent Transaction as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith, and will include the aggregate amount of the funds required to complete the Subsequent Transaction (excluding any fees payable pursuant to Section 1(a) hereof and including, without double counting, the amount of any indebtedness, equity or similar items issued, assumed or remaining outstanding and the amount of any working capital items or other assets retained by the seller in such Subsequent Transaction).
SECTION 7. GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any law or rule that would cause the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York to be applied.
(b) ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE PARTIES RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE BROUGHT AND ENFORCED IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, TO THE EXTENT SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION EXISTS THEREFOR, AND THE
PARTIES IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF BOTH SUCH COURTS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVE,S TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT SUCH PARTY MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN NEW YORK COUNTY OR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN ANY INCONVENIENT FORUM. ANY JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF.
(c) EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
SECTION 8. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The parties agree and understand that each Sponsor is and shall act as an independent contractor of the Company in the performance of its duties hereunder. Each Sponsor is not, and in the performance of its duties hereunder will not hold itself out as, an employee, agent or other representative of the Company.
SECTION 9. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings with respect to such subject matter. The parties hereto represent and warrant that there are no other agreements or understandings regarding any of the subject matter hereof other than as set forth herein and covenant not to enter into any such agreements or understandings after the date hereof except pursuant to an amendment, modification or waiver of the provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 10. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to any party shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument delivered in person or sent by telecopy, nationally-recognized overnight courier or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to such party at the address set forth below or such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing by such party to the other parties:
If to the Company, to:
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
One Old Bloomfield Road Mountain Lake, New Jersey 07046 Attention: General Counsel Telecopier: (973) 541-6691
If to JPMP, to:
J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC
c/o J.P. Morgan Partners, L.P.
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Attention: Official Notices Clerk
FBO: Stephen Murray
Telecopier: (212) 899-3401
with a copy to:
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10112
Attention: Gregory A. Gilbert, Esq.
Telecopier: (212) 408-2420
If to JWC, to:
J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.
111 Huntington Avenue - Suite 2900
Boston, MA 02199-7610
Attention: John W. Childs Telecopier: (617) 753-1101
with a copy to:
Kaye Scholer LLP
425 Park Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10022
Attention: Steven C. Koval, Esq.
Telecopier: (212) 836-8689
All such notices, requests, consents and other communications shall be deemed to have been delivered (a) in the case of personal delivery or delivery by telecopy, on the date of such delivery, (b) in the case of dispatch by nationally-recognized overnight courier, on the next business day following such dispatch and (c) in the case of mailing, on the third business day after the posting thereof.
SECTION 11. SEVERABILITY. It is the desire and intent of the parties to this Agreement that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the law and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, in the event that any provision of this Agreement would be held in any jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any reason, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn so as not be invalid, prohibited or
unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
SECTION 12. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of original or facsimile counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.
SECTION 13. HEADINGS. All descriptive headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall be disregarded in construing or applying any provision of this Agreement.
SECTION 14. PREVAILING PARTY. If any legal action or other proceedings is brought for a breach of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs incurred in bringing such action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.
SECTION 15. ASSIGNMENT, ETC. Except as provided below, neither the Company nor the Sponsors shall have the right to assign this Agreement. Each Sponsor acknowledges that its services under this Agreement are unique. Accordingly, any purported assignment by any Sponsor shall be void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Sponsor may assign all or part of its rights and obligations hereunder to (i) any Affiliate which provides services similar to those called for by this Agreement, or (ii) to the other Sponsor. In the event of an assignment in accordance with Section 15(ii) such assigning Sponsor shall be released from all of its rights and obligations hereunder.
SECTION 16. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. No amendment or waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement shall be effective, unless in writing and executed by each Sponsor and the Company. No waiver on any one occasion shall extend to or effect or be construed as a waiver of any right or remedy on any future occasion. No course of dealing of any person nor any delay or omission in exercising any right or remedy shall constitute an amendment of this Agreement or a waiver of any right or remedy of any party hereto.
* * * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Fee Agreement on the date first written above.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
By: /S/ N. MICHAEL DION --------------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH --------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS, LLC
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH --------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Management Agreement on the date first written above.
J.W. CHILDS ASSOCIATES, L.P.
By: J.W. Childs Associates, Inc.,
its general partner
By: /S/ ADAM SUTTIN ----------------------- Name: Adam Suttin |
EXHIBIT A
J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank
401 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
ABA #: 021 000 021
Account #: 530-971-631
Contact: Elizabeth DeGuzman
J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.
Boston Private Bank & Trust Company
Boston, MA
ABA #011 002 343
Account Name: J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.
Account #4054915
EXHIBIT 10.9
AMENDED AND RESTATED INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") dated as of May 4, 2004 among Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (formerly Aurora Foods, Inc.) (the "Company"), Crunch Equity Voting Trust ("Bondholder Trust") and Crunch Equity Holding LLC ("CEH LLC")
WHEREAS, the Company is party to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger dated as of November 25, 2003, as amended (the "Merger Agreement") with CEH LLC pursuant to which Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation ("PFHC"), an indirect subsidiary of CEH LLC, has been merged with and into the Company;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Bondholder Trust has received, and may receive in the future pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Class A Units of CEH LLC (the "Class A Units");
WHEREAS, it was a condition precedent to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement that Bondholder Trust enter into the Indemnity Agreement, dated as of March 19, 2004, among the Company, Bondholder Trust and CEH LLC (the "Original Indemnity Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, the parties to the Original Indemnity Agreement have decided to amend and restate such agreement as set forth herein.
ACCORDINGLY, the parties hereto agree to amend and restate the Original Indemnity Agreement as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement.
"Asserted Liability" has the meaning given in Section 5(a) hereof.
"Asset Sale Fee" has the meaning given in the Prepetition Credit Agreement, without giving effect to the October Amendment.
"Cash Funding" has the meaning given in Section 4(b) hereof.
"Claim" has the meaning given in Section 4(a)(i) hereof.
"Claim Notice" has the meaning given in Section 4(a)(ii) hereof.
"Deductible Amount" means an amount equal to $1,000,000 plus the amount (up to $14 million), if any, by which $609.9 million exceeds the Actual Aurora Adjusted Net Debt.
"Excess Leverage Fee" has the meaning given in the Prepetition Credit Agreement,
without giving effect to the October Amendment.
"Excess Prepetition Lender Liabilities" means the extent to which the
aggregate Prepetition Lender Liabilities exceed the sum of (a) $6,850,000 plus
(b) the total amount of all legal fees, interest, and other expenses and costs
accrued or incurred in respect of the aggregate Prepetition Lender Liabilities
multiplied by a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is $6,850,000 and (ii) the
denominator of which is the aggregate Prepetition Lender Liabilities.
"Excess Prepetition Lender Liability Expenses" means the total amount of all legal fees, interest, and other expenses and costs accrued or incurred in respect of the aggregate Prepetition Lender Liabilities multiplied by a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the aggregate Prepetition Lender Liabilities minus $6,850,000 and (b) the denominator of which is the aggregate Prepetition Lender Liabilities.
"Expiration Date" has the meaning given in Section 3(c) hereof.
"Final Determination" means a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or an administrative agency having the authority to determine the amount of, and liability with respect to, the item resulting in Losses for which indemnification is sought hereunder and the denial of, or expiration of all rights to, appeal related thereto.
"October Amendment" means the Amendment and Forbearance, dated as of October 13, 2003, to the Prepetition Credit Agreement.
"Indemnity Amount" has the meaning given in Section 3(b) hereof.
"Indemnification Event" means each of the indemnification events set forth in Section 2.
"Indemnifying Person" means Bondholder Trust and its successors and assigns.
"Liability" means any liability or obligation, whether known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, liquidated or unliquidated, matured or unmatured, and whether due or to become due, regardless of when asserted.
"Losses" means any and all losses, Claims, shortages, damages, liabilities, obligations, expenses, assessments, tax deficiencies and Taxes (including interest or penalties thereon), and fees, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys', accountants' and other professional fees and expenses) sustained, suffered or incurred by the Company in connection with, or related to, any matter which is the subject of indemnification under this Agreement or in connection with the receipt of indemnification or the enforcement by the Company of its rights under this Agreement; provided, however, that in computing the amount of any Losses for purposes of determining the liability of any Indemnifying Person under this Agreement, (a) the amount of any insurance proceeds actually received by the Company, less any deductibles, shall be deducted from such Losses, (b) the amount of any Tax benefit (or cost) actually used to reduce (or which increase) Taxes by the Company arising from the incurrence or payment of any such Losses (or the receipt of indemnification payments hereunder), shall be deducted from such Losses, and (c) to the extent an amount is reflected as a liability or reserve on the Final Aurora Balance Sheet or otherwise taken into consideration in calculating the Actual Aurora Adjusted
Net Debt, then such amount shall not be included in Losses for which the Company may seek indemnification under this Agreement. In computing the amount of any such Tax costs or benefit, the Company shall be deemed to utilize all Tax items arising from the receipt of any indemnity payment hereunder or the incurrence or payments of any Losses after all other Tax items of such person have been accounted for and utilized.
"Objection Notice" has the meaning given in Section 4(a)(iii) hereof.
"Potential Claim Notice" has the meaning given in Section 5(a) hereof.
"Prepetition Credit Agreement" means the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1999, as amended, supplemented or modified, among the Company, the lenders listed therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, as administrative agent, and certain other agents and all documents (including without limitation any security agreements or guarantees) related thereto.
"Prepetition Lender Liabilities" means the sum of (a) any amount or
amounts paid or payable by or on behalf of the Company pursuant to a final,
non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to a Prepetition
Lender in respect of the Asset Sale Fee or the Excess Leverage Fee (not
including any legal fees, interest and other expenses with respect thereto),
which liability arises from the entry of a final, non-appealable judgment by a
court of competent jurisdiction determining that the October Amendment is not,
or was not as of any relevant date, valid and fully enforceable against a
Prepetition Lender in accordance with its terms, plus (b) any payment or
payments by or on behalf of the Company to a Prepetition Lender approved by the
Indemnifying Person in settlement of a claim of the type referred to in clause
(a); provided, that for purposes of any calculations under this Agreement the
Prepetition Lender Liabilities shall not, in the aggregate, exceed $20,110,371.
"Prepetition Lenders" means the entities identified as "Lenders" under the Prepetition Credit Agreement and their respective successors and assigns.
"Proceeding" has the meaning given in Section 8 hereof.
"Retained Units" has the meaning given in Section 4(c) hereof.
"Selected Courts" has the meaning given in Section 8(a) hereof.
Section 2. Indemnification of the Company. From and after the Closing, the Indemnifying Person shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company against any and all Losses in connection with, arising out of or resulting from:
(a) any Liabilities, except (1) to the extent reflected or reserved against on the Final Aurora Balance Sheet, (2) Liabilities under Company Material Contracts or any Contracts entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business and to be performed after the date of the Final Aurora Balance Sheet (other than any Liabilities for breach thereof), (3) Liabilities incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business that are not required by GAAP to be reflected or reserved on the Closing Balance Sheet (other than any such Liability arising from breach of contract (other than as a result of claims due to rejection of any contract or lease pursuant to Section 365 of the
Bankruptcy Code), breach of warranty, tort, infringement, any environmental matter, including without limitation any Liability arising under Environmental Laws, or violation of any Law or any proceeding) and (4) Liabilities disclosed in the Merger Agreement, the Company Disclosure Schedules or the SEC Reports; and
(b) any Claim by any third party (including Governmental Entities) against or affecting the Company or Sea Coast which, if successful, constitute or would give rise to a breach of any of the representations or warranties of the Company set forth in Article VI of the Merger Agreement (it being understood that notwithstanding Article XIII of the Merger Agreement, the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Article VI of the Merger Agreement shall survive the Closing for purposes of this Agreement until the Expiration Date).
Section 3. Limitations.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Indemnifying Person shall have no obligation or liability to indemnify and hold harmless the Company from and against Losses resulting from any Indemnification Event unless and until the aggregate amount of all such Losses shall exceed the Deductible Amount (and then only to the extent the aggregate of such Losses exceeds such amount).
(b) The aggregate liability of the Indemnifying Person to indemnify
for Losses pursuant to this Agreement shall not exceed $30,000,000 (the
"Indemnity Amount") and the Indemnity Amount shall be the sole and exclusive
source for any claims for indemnification by the Company and once 30,000 Class A
Units (or cash in lieu of all or a portion thereof in accordance with Section
4(b)) have been transferred from Bondholder Trust to CEH LLC pursuant to this
Agreement, no further Class A Units shall be subject to any claims for
indemnification by the Company; provided that if the Company makes a Claim with
respect to Excess Prepetition Lender Liabilities, and payment of such Claim by
Bondholder Trust is due pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement, then (x) the
Indemnity Amount shall be increased by the value of the Class A Units, valued at
$1,000 per unit, or cash in lieu thereof due to the Company pursuant to Section
4 to the extent such Claim constitutes Excess Prepetition Lender Liabilities,
plus the Excess Prepetition Lender Liability Expenses and (y) the number of
Class A Units held by Bondholder Trust subject to an indemnification Claim,
valued at $1,000 per Class A Unit, shall be commensurately increased to the
extent that all or a portion of the applicable Claim is not satisfied in cash in
accordance with Section 4(b) hereof. At such time as the Indemnity Amount is
exhausted or released, then the Company shall not be entitled to seek indemnity
hereunder.
(c) The Company shall not be entitled to make any Claim after the first anniversary of the Closing Date (the "Expiration Date"), except that each Claim properly made by the Company prior to the Expiration Date shall survive until it is settled or resolved (it being agreed by the parties hereto that a Claim with respect to Excess Prepetition Lender Liabilities may properly be made by the Company based on the filing of an appeal with respect to the enforceability of the October Amendment by R(2) Top Hat, LTD it being understood that the making of such Claim is without prejudice to the Bondholder Trust's ability to contest the merits of such Claim).
Section 4. Procedures.
(a) Claims Against the Indemnity Amount.
(i) Claims against the Indemnity Amount may be made only by the Company for indemnification of Losses in respect of an Indemnification Event (each, a "Claim"), subject to the terms of this Agreement.
(ii) In order to assert a Claim, the Company shall notify the Designated Representative in writing (a "Claim Notice") of any sums which the Company claims are subject to indemnification under this Agreement. Such Claim Notice shall consist of a reasonably detailed description of the Claim and the amount (which, if necessary, may be estimated) of the Claim in United States dollars.
(iii) The Designated Representative may contest the Claims specified in the Claim Notice (or any portion thereof) by giving the Company written notice of such contest (the "Objection Notice") within 45 days after receipt by the Designated Representative of the Claim Notice, which notice of contest shall include a statement of the grounds of such contest and shall state the amount of any such Claim that is not in dispute. The Company shall cooperate with the Designated Representative and its advisors and representatives in connection with their investigation of the Claim and shall provide such access to Company personnel and information as they may reasonably request in connection therewith.
(iv) Subject to Section 4(b):
(A) if, at 5:00 p.m. eastern time on the 45th day after receipt by the Designated Representative of a Claim Notice, CEH LLC has not received an Objection Notice pursuant to Section 4(a)(iii) above, Bondholder Trust shall transfer as promptly as practicable to CEH LLC for no consideration a number of Class A Units equal to the amount of the Claim divided by $1,000, and CEH LLC shall cancel such Class A Units;
(B) if the Claim is subject to an Objection Notice, Bondholder Trust shall transfer as promptly as practicable to CEH LLC for no consideration a number of Class A Units equal to the portion of the Claim, if any, that is not subject to the Objection Notice divided by $1,000, and CEH LLC shall cancel such Class A Units;
(C) if the Company timely receives an Objection Notice and the contested Claim (or contested portion thereof) is thereafter settled by written agreement of the Company and Bondholder Trust, Bondholder Trust shall transfer as promptly as practicable to CEH LLC for no consideration a number of Class A Units equal to the amount provided in such written agreement divided by $1,000, and CEH LLC shall cancel such Class A Units; and
(D) if the Company timely receives an Objection Notice and a Final Determination is thereafter entered with respect to such contested Claim (or
contested portion thereof), Bondholder Trust shall transfer as promptly as practicable to CEH LLC for no consideration a number of Class A Units equal to the amount specified in the Final Determination divided by $1,000, and CEH LLC shall cancel such Class A Units.
(b) Cash Funding Election. In lieu of transferring Class A Units
from Bondholder Trust to CEH LLC pursuant to Sections 4(a)(iv) or 4(c), the
Bondholder Trust may elect to fund all or a portion of any such obligation by
making a cash payment (the "Cash Funding") to the Company equal to all or a
portion of the Claim otherwise to be satisfied through the cancellation of Class
A Units. If Bondholder Trust makes such an election, then as promptly as
practicable after the payment obligation arises pursuant to Sections 4(a)(iv) or
4(c), and in no event later than 20 Business Days after such payment obligation
arises, the Designated Representative shall deliver written notice to the
Company specifying the amount of the Cash Funding and Bondholder Trust shall
make such payment within five Business Days after delivering such notice.
(c) Release of Indemnity Amount. On the Expiration Date: (i) a number of Class A Units equal to that portion, if any, of the Indemnity Amount which the Company and Bondholder Trust have mutually agreed would reasonably satisfy all Claims subject to an Objection Notice, if successful, divided by $1,000 shall remain subject to redemption from the Bondholder Trust (the "Retained Units"), and (ii) the Class A Units in excess of the Retained Units, if any, shall no longer be subject to the provisions hereof . The Retained Units shall remain subject to the terms hereof until such time that each such Claim that is subject to an Objection Notice has been resolved by receipt of a written statement executed by the Company and Bondholder Trust evidencing their agreement with respect to the amounts in question or by a Final Determination, at which time a number of Class A Units equal to such agreed amount or such ordered or decreed amount with respect to such Claim that is subject to an Objection Notice, divided by $1,000 shall be transferred for no consideration from Bondholder Trust to CEH LLC for cancellation as promptly as practicable, and CEH LLC shall cancel such Class A Units, unless Bondholder Trust has elected to fund all or a portion of such amount in cash pursuant to Section 4(b).
(d) If any cancellation of Class A Units is to be made hereunder, CEH LLC will record such cancellation on the books and records of the Company, will update Schedule I to the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of CEH LLC dated as of the date hereof (as may be amended from time to time, the "Operating Agreement") to reflect such cancellation, and will circulate such updated Schedule I to the Members (as defined in the Operating Agreement) of CEH LLC.
Section 5. Notice and Opportunity to Defend Third Party Claims.
(a) Promptly after receipt by the Company of notice of any Claim by a third party or circumstances which, with the lapse of time, the Company believes may give rise to a Claim by a third party or the commencement (or threatened commencement) of any Claim by a third party (an "Asserted Liability") that may result in a Loss, the Company shall give written notice thereof (the "Potential Claim Notice") to the Indemnifying Persons. The Potential Claim
Notice shall describe the Asserted Liability in reasonable detail, and shall indicate the amount (estimated, if necessary) of the Loss that has been or may be suffered.
(b) The Indemnifying Person shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any Asserted Liability and, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, shall be entitled to control and appoint lead counsel (reasonably satisfactory to the Company) for such defense, in each case at its expense; provided, however, that the Indemnifying Persons shall not have the right to assume the defense of any Asserted Liability if (i) such Asserted Liability seeks an injunction, restraining order, declaratory relief or other non-monetary relief, (ii) the named parties to any such action or proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company and the Indemnifying Persons and the former shall have been advised in writing by counsel (with a copy to the Indemnifying Persons) that there are one or more legal or equitable defenses available to them which are different from or additional to those available to Indemnifying Persons, or (iii) such action or proceeding involves, or could reasonably be expected to have an effect on, matters in an amount that is more than 200% of the scope of the indemnification obligation of the Indemnifying Persons; provided, further, that to exercise such rights the Indemnifying Person must give notice to the Company within 30 days after receipt of any such Potential Claim Notice whether it is assuming control of and appointing lead counsel for such defense. If the Indemnifying Person does not give such notice within such 30-day period, then the Company shall have the right to assume the defense thereof.
(c) If the Indemnifying Person shall assume the control of the
defense of the Asserted Liability in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement, (i) the Indemnifying Person shall obtain the prior written consent of
the Company (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed)
before entering into any settlement of such Asserted Liability if the settlement
does not unconditionally release the Company from all liabilities and
obligations with respect to such Asserted Liability or the settlement imposes
injunctive or other equitable relief against the Company and (ii) the Company
shall be entitled to participate, at its own cost, in the defense of such
Asserted Liability and to employ separate counsel of its choice for such
purpose. The fees and expenses of any such separate counsel to the Company
pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid by the Company; provided, however, that
the Indemnifying Party shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel if (a)
the employment of separate counsel shall have been authorized in writing by the
Indemnifying Person in connection with the defense of such Asserted Liability or
(b) a conflict of interest exists that would make it inappropriate under
applicable standards of professional conduct to have common counsel.
(d) If the Company shall assume the control of the defense of any Asserted Liability in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, (i) the Company shall obtain the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Person (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) before entering into any settlement of such Asserted Liability and (ii) the Indemnifying Person shall be entitled to participate, at its cost and expense, in the defense of such Asserted Liability and to employ separate counsel of its choice for such purpose.
(e) Each party shall cooperate, and cause their respective Affiliates to cooperate, in the defense or prosecution of any Asserted Liability and shall furnish or cause to be furnished such records, information and testimony (subject to any applicable confidentiality
agreement), and attend such conferences, discovery proceedings, hearings, trials or appeals as may be reasonably requested in connection therewith.
Section 6. Merger Agreement. No party hereto shall take any action inconsistent with or in contravention of Article IV of the Merger Agreement.
Section 7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to conflicts of law principles thereof.
Section 8. Jurisdiction; Forum; Service of Process; Waiver of Jury. With respect to any suit, action or proceeding ("Proceeding") arising out of or relating to this Agreement, each of Bondholder Trust and CEH LLC hereby irrevocably:
(a) submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the United States of America, in each case located in New Castle County, or any federal bankruptcy court where the Bankruptcy Case is pending (the "Selected Courts"), for any Litigation arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (and agrees not to commence any Litigation relating hereto or thereto except in such courts) and waives any objection to venue being laid in the Selected Courts whether based on the grounds of forum non conveniens or otherwise;
(b) consents to service of process in any Proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by recognized international express carrier or delivery service, to the Company, the Reorganized Company, CEH LLC or Bondholder Trust at their respective addresses referred to in Section 11 hereof; provided, however, that nothing herein shall affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by law; and
(c) WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS.
Section 9. Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors by operation of law and permitted assigns of the parties hereto. No assignment of this Agreement may be made by any party at any time, whether or not by operation of law, without the other party's prior written consent; provided, however, that the Company may, without the consent of the other parties hereto, assign any of its rights and interests under this Agreement as security to any lender or financial institution providing financing for the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, which assignment will not relieve the Company of any obligations hereunder.
Section 10. Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with regard to the subjects hereof and supercede all prior agreements relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as expressly
provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived, discharged or terminated other than by a written instrument signed by the Bondholder Trust, the Company and CEH LLC expressly stating that such instrument is intended to amend, modify, supplement, waive, discharge or terminate this Agreement or such term hereof. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar). No delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof.
Section 11. Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to any party shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument delivered in person or sent by telecopy (with receipt confirmed), nationally recognized overnight courier or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to such party at the address set forth below or such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing by such party to the other party:
if to the CEH LLC or the Company, to:
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
One Old Bloomfield Road
Mountain Lake, New Jersey 07046
Attention: General Counsel
Telecopier: (973) 541-6691
c/o J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P.
111 Huntington Avenue - Suite 2900
Boston, MA 02199-7610
Fax: (617) 753-1101
Attn: John W. Childs
Adam L. Suttin
and
c/o J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020-1080
Fax: (212) 899-3401
Attn: Official Notices Clerk
FBO: Jonathan Lynch
with a copy to:
Kaye Scholer LLP
425 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Fax: (212) 836-8689
Attn: Stephen C. Koval, Esq.
and
O'Melveny & Myers LLP 7 Times Square New York, NY 10036 Attn: Gregory A. Gilbert, Esq.
Fax: (212) 408-2420
if to Bondholder Trust:
c/o Oaktree Capital Management, LLC
333 South Grand Avenue, 28th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Attn: Kenneth Liang, Managing Director
Fax: (213) 830-8522
with a copy to:
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attn: Steven Gross, Esq.
Fax: (212) 909-6836
All such notices, requests, consents and other communications shall be deemed to have been given or made if and when delivered personally or by overnight courier to the parties at the above addresses or sent by electronic transmission, with confirmation received, to the telecopy numbers specified above (or at such other address or telecopy number for a party as shall be specified by like notice).
Section 12. Delays or Omissions. Except as expressly provided herein, no delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to the Bondholder Trust, the Company or CEH LLC upon any breach or default of any party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power or remedy of the Bondholder Trust, the Company or CEH LLC nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of the Bondholder Trust, the Company or CEH LLC of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of any such party of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law, in equity, or otherwise afforded to the Bondholder Trust, the Company or CEH LLC shall be cumulative and not alternative.
Section 13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become
effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.
Section 14. Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provisions; provided, that, no such severability shall be effective if it materially changes the economic benefit of this Agreement to any party. Any provision held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.
Section 15. Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
CRUNCH EQUITY VOTING TRUST
By: /S/ KENNETH LIANG ----------------------------- Name: Kenneth Liang Title: Managing Director |
CRUNCH EQUITY HOLDING, LLC
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ---------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.
By: /S/ JACK KROEGER ---------------------------- Name: Jack Kroeger |
Exhibit 10.10
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
AGREEMENT, dated as of March 19, 2004, (the
"Agreement") among CRUNCH HOLDING
CORP., a Delaware corporation (the
"Corporation") and the INVESTORS (as herein
defined).
The Investors own equity interests in Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, the parent of the Corporation ("Crunch LLC") and may acquire shares of the Common Stock (as hereinafter defined) of the Corporation upon the occurrence of a Post-IPO Liquidation (as defined in the Amended and Restated Members Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among Crunch LLC and the members party thereto). The Corporation and the Investors deem it to be in their respective best interests to set forth their rights in connection with public offerings and sales of the Common Stock.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants and obligations hereinafter set forth, the Corporation and the Investors hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
"AFFILIATE" means, with respect to any Person, any (a) director, officer, limited or general partner, member or Investor holding 5% or more of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of such Person, (b) any spouse, parent, sibling or descendant of such Person (or a spouse, parent, sibling or descendant of a Person specified in clause (a) above relating to such Person) and (c) other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. The term "control" includes, without limitation, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
"BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
"BONDHOLDER TRUST" means Crunch Equity Voting Trust, a Delaware business trust.
"CDM HOLDER" means CDM Investor Group LLC.
"CLOSING" shall have the meaning given in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of November 24, 2003, between Aurora Foods, Inc. and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC.
"COMMISSION" means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other agency at the time administering the Securities Act.
"COMMON STOCK" means the common stock, par value $0.01, of the Corporation.
"DEMANDING HOLDER" means each of (i) the JPMP Holder, (ii) the JWC Holder, (iii) Bondholder Trust and (iv) the CDM Holders, so long as at the time in question (A) C. Dean Metropoulos is the managing member of the CDM Holder and (B) either C. Dean Metropoulos is employed by Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation (or any successor thereto) or one of its subsidiaries, or has been terminated without Cause or resigned with Good Reason (as such terms are defined in the Employment Agreement dated as of November 25, 2003 among C. Dean Metropoulos, Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation and Pinnacle Foods Corporation, as may be amended or modified).
"EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.
"INVESTORS" means the Investors listed on Annex I hereto and their respective successors, assignees and transferees who execute a counterpart to this Agreement in accordance with Section 14.
"INVESTORS' COUNSEL" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(b).
"IPO" shall mean the Corporation's initial registration of its or any subsidiary's (or successor in interest of the foregoing) equity securities listed on a nationally recognized exchange or the Nasdaq National Market System, in each case which is made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.
"JPMP HOLDER" shall mean, collectively, (i) J.P. Morgan Partners (BHCA), L.P., (ii) J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors, L.P., (iii) J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman), L.P., (iv) J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman II), L.P., and (v) J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors A, L.P.
"JWC HOLDER" shall mean, collectively, (i) J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P., and (ii) JWC Co-Invest Fund III, LLC.
"MEMBERS AGREEMENT" means the Amended and Restated Members Agreement between Crunch LLC, and the other parties thereto dated as of the date hereof, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.
"PERSON" shall be construed in the broadest sense and means and includes a natural person, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and any other entity and any federal, state, municipal, foreign or other government, governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, or any private or public court or tribunal.
"PRIMARY SHARES" means at any time authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock.
"REGISTRABLE SHARES" means the shares of Common Stock held by the Investors which constitute Restricted Shares.
"REGISTRATION DATE" means the date upon which the registration statement pursuant to an IPO shall have been declared effective.
"REQUISITE REQUESTING HOLDERS" means, with respect to any registration of Registrable Shares by the Corporation in accordance with Section 2 of this Agreement, Investors who in the aggregate hold at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the Registrable Shares requested to be registered pursuant to such registration.
"RESTRICTED SHARES" means shares of Common Stock acquired by any Investor pursuant to Section 3.13(b) of the Members Agreement or otherwise acquired by an Investor in connection with the liquidation of Crunch LLC in connection with an IPO, and includes (i) shares of Common Stock which may be issued as a dividend or distribution, (ii) any other securities which by their terms are exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into Common Stock or which may be exchanged or recapitalized for shares of Common Stock, and (iii) any securities received in respect of the foregoing, in each case in clauses (i) through (iii) which are held by such Investor. As to any particular Restricted Shares, once issued, such Restricted Shares shall cease to be Restricted Shares when (i) they have been registered under the Securities Act, the registration statement in connection therewith has been declared effective and they have been disposed of pursuant to such effective registration statement, (ii) they are eligible to be sold or distributed pursuant to Rule 144 (including, without limitation, Rule 144(k)) in a single transaction by any Investor without limitation, or (iii) they shall have ceased to be outstanding.
"RULE 144" means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto or any complementary rule thereto (such as Rule 144A).
"SECURITIES ACT" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.
SECTION 2. REQUIRED REGISTRATION.
(a) At any time after the Registration Date, if any of the Demanding Holders shall request that the Corporation effect the registration of Registrable Shares under the Securities Act with an anticipated aggregate offering price to the public of not less than $50,000,000, the Corporation shall promptly use its best efforts to effect the registration under the Securities Act of such Registrable Shares. Upon such request, then the Corporation shall promptly give written notice to the other Investors of its requirement to so register such offering and, upon the written request, delivered to the Corporation within thirty (30) days after delivery of any such notice by the Company, of the other Investors to include in such registration Registrable Shares (which request shall specify the number of such Registrable Shares proposed to be included in such registration), the Corporation shall, whether or not any other Investors request to include any Registrable Shares in such registration, subject to Section 2(b) below, promptly use its best efforts to effect such registration under the Securities Act of an offering of the Registrable Shares which the Corporation has been so requested to register for sale in accordance with the method of distribution specified in the initiating request.
(b) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 2 to the contrary, the Corporation shall not be obligated to effect any registration under the Securities Act except in accordance with the following provisions:
(i) The Corporation shall not be obligated to file and cause to become effective more than one (1) registration statement initiated by each of the Demanding Holders, in each case pursuant to Section 2(a) above, on Form S-1 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor form thereto).
(ii) The Corporation may delay the filing or effectiveness of any registration statement for a period of up to 90 days after the date of a request for registration pursuant to Section 2(a) if at the time of such request: (X) the Corporation is engaged, or has fixed plans to engage within 15 days of the time of such request, in a firm commitment underwritten public offering of Primary Shares in which the holders of Registrable Shares have been or will be permitted to include all the Registrable Shares so requested to be registered pursuant to Section 3 or (Y) the Board reasonably determines that such registration and offering would interfere with any material transaction involving the Corporation; provided, however, that the Corporation shall only be entitled to invoke its rights under this Section 2(b)(ii) one time during each fiscal year of the Corporation during the duration of this Agreement.
(iii) If the managing underwriter advises the Corporation that the inclusion of all Registrable Shares and/or Primary Shares proposed to be included in such registration would interfere with the successful marketing (including pricing) of the Registrable Shares proposed to be included in such registration, then the number of Registrable Shares and/or Primary Shares proposed to be included in such registration shall be included in the following order:
(A) first, the Primary Shares; and
(B) second, the Registrable Shares held by the Investors (or, if necessary, such Registrable Shares pro rata among the holders thereof based upon the number of Registrable Shares requested to be registered by each Investor).
(iv) If the Requisite Requesting Holders so elect, the offering of such Registrable Shares pursuant to such registration shall be in the form of an underwritten offering, provided, however, that no Investor participating in such registration shall unreasonably withhold consent to such election by another Investor participating in such registration. The Requisite Requesting Holders shall select one or more nationally recognized firms of investment bankers reasonably acceptable to the Corporation to act as the lead managing underwriter or underwriters in connection with such offering.
(v) At any time before the registration statement covering such Registrable Shares becomes effective, such Requisite Requesting Holders may request the Corporation to withdraw or not to file the registration statement. In that event, unless such request of withdrawal was caused by, or made in response to, a material adverse effect or a similar event related to the business, properties, condition, or operations of the
Corporation not known (without imputing the knowledge of any other Person to such holders) by the holders initiating such request at the time their request was made, or other material facts not known to such holders at the time their request was made, such holders shall be deemed to have used one of their registration rights under Section 2(a) unless the Demanding Holder making the initial request under Section 2(a) is not among the Requisite Requesting Holders requesting such withdrawal.
SECTION 3. PIGGYBACK REGISTRATION.
If the Corporation at any time proposes for any reason to register Primary Shares under the Securities Act (other than on Form S-4 or Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor forms thereto)), it shall give written notice to the Investors of its intention to so register such Primary Shares at least 40 days before the initial filing of the registration statement related thereto and, upon the request, delivered to the Corporation within 30 days after delivery of any such notice by the Corporation, of an Investor to include in such registration Registrable Shares (which request shall specify the number of Registrable Shares proposed to be included in such registration), the Corporation shall use its best efforts to cause all such Registrable Shares to be included in such registration on the same terms and conditions as the securities otherwise being sold in such registration; provided, however, that if the managing underwriter advises the Corporation that the inclusion of all Registrable Shares requested to be included in such registration would interfere with the successful marketing (including pricing) of the Primary Shares proposed to be registered by the Corporation, then the number of Primary Shares and Registrable Shares proposed to be included in such registration shall be included in the order set forth in Section 2(b)(iii).
SECTION 4. REGISTRATIONS ON FORM S-3.
Anything contained in Section 2 to the contrary notwithstanding, at
such time as the Corporation shall have qualified for the use of Form S-3
promulgated under the Securities Act or any successor form thereto, each
Demanding Holder shall have the right to request an unlimited number of
registrations of Registrable Shares on Form S-3 (which may, at such holders'
request, be shelf registrations pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the
Securities Act) or its successor form, which request or requests shall (i)
specify the number of Registrable Shares intended to be sold or disposed of and
the holders thereof, (ii) state whether the intended method of disposition of
such Registrable Shares is an underwritten offering or a shelf registration and
(iii) relate to Registrable Shares having an aggregate offering price of at
least $10,000,000. Upon such request, then the Corporation shall promptly give
written notice to the other Investors of its requirement to so register such
offering and, upon the written request, delivered to the Corporation within
thirty (30) days after delivery of any such notice by the Company, of the other
Investors to include in such registration Registrable Shares (which request
shall specify the number of such Registrable Shares proposed to be included in
such registration), the Corporation shall, whether or not any other Investors
request to include any Registrable Shares in such registration, subject to
Section 2(b), promptly use its best efforts to effect such registration under
the Securities Act of an offering of the Registrable Shares which the
Corporation has been so requested to register for sale in accordance with the
method of distribution specified in the initiating request. A requested
registration on Form S-3 (or its successor form) in compliance with this Section
4 shall not count as a registration statement
initiated pursuant to Section 2(b)(i) but shall otherwise be treated as a registration initiated pursuant to Section 2(b) (including Section 2(b)(iii)).
SECTION 5. IPO DEMAND REGISTRATION.
(a) If Bondholder Trust requests the registration of Registrable Shares in connection with the Required IPO (as defined in the Members Agreement), the Corporation shall promptly give written notice to each other Investor of its requirement to consummate an IPO, and such other holders shall inform the Corporation within ten (10) days after delivery of such notice of the percentage of their respective aggregate holdings that they wish to include in the IPO; provided, however, that each other Investor agrees that such percentage participation shall be no less in each case than the percentage of Bondholder Trust's Registrable Shares to be registered.
(b) The provisions of Section 2(b) and Section 6 shall apply to any IPO commenced pursuant to this Section 5, except that:
(i) the exercise of Bondholder Trust's right to require the
Corporation to consummate an IPO under this Section 5 shall not limit
Bondholder Trust's right to request a follow-on registration pursuant to
Section 2(b)(i);
(ii) the provisions of Section 2(b)(ii) shall not apply; and
(iii) Bondholder Trust shall exercise the rights given to the Requisite Requesting Holders in Section 2(b) and Section 6, including without limitation (A) the right under Section 2(b)(iv) to select one or more nationally recognized firms of investment bankers reasonably acceptable to the Corporation to act as the lead managing underwriter or underwriters in connection with the IPO and (B) the right to select Investors' Counsel under Section 6(b).
SECTION 6. PREPARATION AND FILING.
If and whenever the Corporation is under an obligation pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement to effect the registration of any Registrable Shares, the Corporation shall, as expeditiously as practicable:
(a) prepare and file with the Commission, no later than 60 days
after receipt of a request pursuant to Section 2(a) (subject to Section 2(b)) or
Section 4, a registration statement with respect to such securities and use its
best efforts to cause such registration statement that registers such
Registrable Shares to become and remain effective until all of such Registrable
Shares have been disposed of and use its best efforts to cause management to
participate in any marketing activities, such as roadshows, reasonably requested
by the managing underwriter in connection with the sale of Registrable Shares
requested to be registered;
(b) furnish, at least ten business days before filing a registration statement that registers such Registrable Shares, a prospectus relating thereto or any amendments or supplements relating to such a registration statement or prospectus, to the Investors participating in such offering and one counsel selected by the Requisite Requesting Holders (provided that no
holder participating in such registration shall unreasonably withhold consent to the selection of counsel by the Investor or Investors requesting such registration) (the "Investors' Counsel"), copies of all such documents proposed to be filed (it being understood that such fifteen-business-day period need not apply to successive drafts of the same document proposed to be filed so long as such successive drafts are supplied to the Investors participating in such offering and Investors' Counsel in advance of the proposed filing by a period of time that is customary and reasonable under the circumstances);
(c) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective until all of such Registrable Shares have been disposed of and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Shares;
(d) notify in writing the Investors' Counsel and the Investors participating in such offering (i) of the receipt by the Corporation of any notification with respect to any comments by the Commission with respect to such registration statement or prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing thereof or for additional information with respect thereto, (ii) of the receipt by the Corporation of any notification with respect to the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement or prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose and (iii) of the receipt by the Corporation of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of such Registrable Shares for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purposes;
(e) use its best efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Shares under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the holders of Registrable Shares reasonably request and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable the Investors to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Shares owned by the Investors; provided, however, that the Corporation will not be required to qualify generally to do business, subject itself to general taxation or consent to general service of process in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to do so but for this paragraph (e);
(f) furnish to the holders of such Registrable Shares such number of copies of a summary prospectus, if any, or other prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such other documents as such Investors may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of such Registrable Shares;
(g) without limiting subsection (e) above, use its best efforts to cause such Registrable Shares to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Corporation to enable the Investors holding such Registrable Shares to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Shares;
(h) notify the holders of such Registrable Shares on a timely basis at any time when a prospectus relating to such Registrable Shares or any document related thereto includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing and, at the request of the Investors prepare and furnish to such holders a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the offerees of such shares, such prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing;
(i) make available upon reasonable notice and during normal business
hours, for inspection by the Investors holding such Registrable Shares, any
underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration
statement and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by the Investors
or underwriter (collectively, the "Inspectors"), all pertinent financial and
other records, pertinent documents and properties of the Corporation
(collectively, the "Records"), as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them
to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Corporation's
officers, directors and employees to supply all information (together with the
Records, the "Information") reasonably requested by any such Inspector in
connection with such registration statement. Any of the Information which the
Corporation determines in good faith to be confidential, and of which
determination the Inspectors are so notified, shall not be disclosed by the
Inspectors unless (i) the disclosure of such Information is necessary to avoid
or correct a material misstatement or omission in the registration statement,
(ii) the release of such Information is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other
order from a court or governmental agency or authority of competent
jurisdiction, (iii) such Information has been made generally available to the
public through no breach of the nondisclosure obligations of the Inspectors or
their Affiliates or (iv) such disclosure is required to be made under applicable
law;
(j) use its best efforts to obtain from its independent certified public accountants "cold comfort" letters in customary form and at customary times and covering matters of the type customarily covered by cold comfort letters;
(k) use its best efforts to obtain from its counsel an opinion or opinions in customary form;
(l) provide a transfer agent and registrar (which may be the same entity and which may be the Corporation) for such Registrable Shares;
(m) promptly issue to any underwriter to which the Investors holding such Registrable Shares may sell shares in such offering certificates evidencing such Registrable Shares;
(n) list such Registrable Shares on any national securities exchange on which any shares of the Common Stock are listed or, if the Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange, use its best efforts to qualify such Registrable Shares for inclusion on the automated quotation system of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the
"NASD"), or such other national securities exchange as the holders of a majority of such Registrable Shares shall reasonably request;
(o) otherwise use its best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and make available to its securityholders, as soon as reasonably practicable, earnings statements covering a period of 12 months beginning within three months after the effective date of the subject registration statement; and
(p) otherwise use its best efforts to take all other steps necessary to effect the registration of such Registrable Shares contemplated hereby.
(q) Each holder of the Registrable Shares, upon receipt of any notice from the Corporation of any event of the kind described in Section 6(h) hereof, shall forthwith discontinue disposition of the Registrable Shares pursuant to the registration statement covering such Registrable Shares until such holder's receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 6(h) hereof, and, if so directed by the Corporation, such holder shall deliver to the Corporation all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such holder's possession, of the prospectus covering such Registrable Shares at the time of receipt of such notice.
SECTION 7. EXPENSES.
All expense s incurred by the Corporation and the Investors in complying with their obligations pursuant to this Agreement and in connection with the registration and disposition of Registrable Shares, including, without limitation, all registration and filing fees (including all expenses incident to filing with the NASD), fees and expenses of complying with securities and blue sky laws, printing expenses, fees and expenses of the Corporation's counsel and accountants and fees and expenses of the Investors' Counsel shall be paid by the Corporation; provided, however, that all underwriting discounts and selling commissions applicable to the Registrable Shares shall be borne by the holders selling such Registrable Shares in proportion to the number of Registrable Shares sold by each such holder.
SECTION 8. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) In connection with any registration of any Registrable Shares under the Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless the holders of Registrable Shares, each of such holder's officers, directors, employees, members, partners, trustees, trustors, beneficial owners and advisors and their respective Affiliates, each underwriter, broker or any other person acting on behalf of the holders of Registrable Shares and each other Person, if any, who controls any of the foregoing Persons within the meaning of the Securities Act against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or actions joint or several (or actions in respect thereof), to which any of the foregoing persons may become subject under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement under which such Registrable Shares were registered under the Securities Act, any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or otherwise filed with the Commission, any amendment or supplement thereto
or any document incident to registration or qualification of any Registrable Shares, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or, with respect to any prospectus, necessary to make the statements therein in light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading, or any violation by the Corporation of the Securities Act or state securities or blue sky laws applicable to the Corporation or relating to action or inaction required of the Corporation in connection with such registration or qualification under such state securities or blue sky laws; and shall reimburse such Persons for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Corporation shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action (including any legal or other expenses incurred) arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or allegedly untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in said registration statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, amendment, supplement or document incident to registration or qualification of any Registrable Shares in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Corporation by such holder of Registrable Shares specifically for use in the preparation thereof; provided further, however, that the foregoing indemnity agreement is subject to the condition that, insofar as it relates to any untrue statement, allegedly untrue statement, omission or alleged omission made in any preliminary prospectus but eliminated or remedied in the final prospectus, such indemnity agreement shall not inure to the benefit of any of such Persons if a copy of such final prospectus had been made available to such Persons and such final prospectus was not delivered to the purchaser of the Registrable Shares with or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of such Registrable Shares.
(b) In connection with any registration of Registrable Shares under the Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement, each holder of Registrable Shares shall severally (based on the percentage of all Registrable and Primary Shares included in such registration that were owned by such holder), and not jointly and severally, indemnify and hold harmless (in the same manner and to the same extent as set forth in Section 8(a)) the Corporation, each director of the Corporation, each officer of the Corporation who shall sign such registration statement, each underwriter, broker or other person acting on behalf of the holders of Registrable Shares and each person who controls any of the foregoing persons within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any statement or omission from such registration statement, any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or otherwise filed with the Commission, any amendment or supplement thereto or any document incident to registration or qualification of any Registrable Shares, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Corporation or such underwriter by such holder of Registrable Shares specifically for use in connection with the preparation of such registration statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, amendment, supplement or document; provided, however, that the maximum amount of liability in respect of such indemnification shall be limited, in the case of each holder of Registrable Shares, to an amount equal to the net proceeds actually received by such holder from the sale of Registrable Shares effected pursuant to such registration.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party of notice of the commencement of any action involving a claim referred to in this Section 8, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is made against an indemnifying party, give written notice to the latter of
the commencement of such action. The failure of any indemnified party to notify an indemnifying party of any such action shall not (unless such failure shall have a material adverse effect on the indemnifying party) relieve the indemnifying party from any liability in respect of such action that it may have to such indemnified party hereunder. In case any such action is brought against an indemnified party, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in and to assume the defense thereof, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified to the extent that it may wish, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be responsible for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof; provided, however, that if any indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be one or more legal or equitable defenses available to such indemnified party which are additional to or conflict with those available to the indemnifying party, or that such claim or litigation involves or could have an effect upon matters beyond the scope of the indemnity agreement provided hereunder, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party (but shall have the right to participate therein with counsel of its choice) and such indemnifying party shall reimburse such indemnified party and any Person controlling such indemnified party for that portion of the fees and expenses of any counsel retained by the indemnified party which is reasonably related to the matters covered by the indemnity agreement provided hereunder. If the indemnifying party is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim, it will not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel with respect to such claim.
(d) If the indemnification provided for hereunder is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to an indemnified party with respect to any loss, claim, damage, liability or action referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party hereunder, shall contribute to the amounts paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage, liability or action in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and of the indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party 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 indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant hereto were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method or allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to herein. No person guilty or liable of fraudulent misrepresentation shall be entitled to contribution from any person.
SECTION 9. INFORMATION BY HOLDER.
The Investors shall furnish to the Corporation such written information regarding the Investors and the distribution proposed by any Investors as the Corporation may reasonably request in writing and as shall be reasonably required in connection with any registration referred to in this Agreement.
SECTION 10. EXCHANGE ACT COMPLIANCE.
From the Registration Date or such earlier date as a registration statement filed by the Corporation pursuant to the Exchange Act relating to any class of the Corporation's securities shall have become effective, the Corporation shall comply with all of the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to it and shall comply with all other public information reporting requirements of the Commission which are conditions to the availability of Rule 144. The Corporation shall cooperate with the Investors in supplying such information as may be necessary for the Investors to complete and file any information reporting forms presently or hereafter required by the Commission as a condition to the availability of Rule 144.
SECTION 11. NO CONFLICT OF RIGHTS; FUTURE RIGHTS.
The Corporation shall not, after the date hereof, grant any registration rights which conflict with or impair the rights granted to the Investors hereby. If at any time following the date hereof, the Corporation shall grant to any present or future Investor of the Corporation rights to in any manner cause or participate in any registration statement of the Corporation that, in the judgment of the Investors, are superior to or conflict with the rights granted to the Investors hereby, such grant shall be null, void and ultra vires.
SECTION 12. TERMINATION.
This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force or effect when there shall no longer be any Registrable Shares outstanding.
SECTION 13. BENEFITS OF AGREEMENT; THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES.
Except as provided herein, this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Corporation, the Investors and subject to Section 14, the respective successors and assigns of the Corporation and the Investors.
SECTION 14. ASSIGNMENT.
Each Investor may assign its rights hereunder to any purchaser or transferee of Registrable Shares; provided, however, that such purchaser or transferee shall, as a condition to the effectiveness of such assignment, be required to execute a counterpart to this Agreement, whereupon such purchaser or transferee shall have the benefits of, and shall be subject to the restrictions contained in this Agreement as if such purchaser or transferee was originally included in the definition of Investor herein and had originally been a party hereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Demand Holder may assign its right to request that the Corporation effect the registration of Registrable Shares pursuant to Section 2(a). The Corporation may not assign any rights hereunder without the consent of each of the Demanding Holders.
SECTION 15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
This Agreement, and the other writings referred to herein or delivered pursuant hereto, contain the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof and supersede all prior and contemporaneous arrangements or understandings with respect thereto.
SECTION 16. NOTICES.
All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to any party shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument delivered in person or sent by telecopy, nationally-recognized overnight courier or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to such party at the address set forth below or such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing by such party to the other parties:
(i) if to the Corporation, to:
Crunch Holding Corp.
c/o Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
One Old Bloomfield Road
Mountain Lake, New Jersey 07046
Attention: General Counsel
Telecopier: (973) 541-6691
(ii) if to the Investors, to their respective addresses set forth on Annex I hereto.
All such notices, requests, consents and other communications shall be deemed to have been delivered (a) in the case of personal delivery or delivery by telecopy, on the date of such delivery, (b) in the case of dispatch by nationally-recognized overnight courier, on the next business day following such dispatch and (c) in the case of mailing, on the third business day after the posting thereof.
SECTION 17. MODIFICATIONS; AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS.
The terms and provisions of this Agreement may not be modified or amended except pursuant to a writing signed by the Corporation, and each of the Demanding Holders. Any waiver of any provision of this Agreement requested by any party hereto must be granted in advance, in writing by the party granting such waiver; provided, however, that the Demanding Holders, may grant a waiver on behalf of all Investors.
SECTION 18. COUNTERPARTS; FACSIMILE SIGNATURES.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of original or facsimile counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.
SECTION 19. HEADINGS.
The headings of the various sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.
SECTION 20. GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any law or rule that would cause the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware to be applied.
ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE PARTIES RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE BROUGHT AND ENFORCED IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, TO THE EXTENT SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION EXISTS THEREFOR, AND THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF BOTH SUCH COURTS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING. EACH OF THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT THEY MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN NEW YORK COUNTY OR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN ANY INCONVENIENT FORUM. ANY JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF.
EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
SECTION 21. SEVERABILITY.
It is the desire and intent of the parties that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the law and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, in the event that any provision of this Agreement would be held in any jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any reason, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn so as not be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
* * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Registration Rights Agreement on the date first written above.
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------------ Name: Jonathan Lynch |
-Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Registration Rights Agreement on the date first written above.
INVESTORS:
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS (BHCA), L.P.
By: JPMP MASTER FUND MANAGER, L.P.,
its general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------------------ Name: Jonathan Lynch |
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS, L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
its general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH --------------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
-Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Registration Rights Agreement on the date first written above.
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS (CAYMAN), L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
a general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ----------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS A, L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
a general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------------------ Name: Jonathan Lynch |
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS GLOBAL
INVESTORS (CAYMAN) II, L.P.
By: JPMP GLOBAL INVESTORS, L.P.,
a general partner
By: JPMP CAPITAL CORP.,
its general partner
By: /S/ JONATHAN LYNCH ---------------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
Signature Page-1
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Registration Rights Agreement on the date first written above.
J.W. CHILDS EQUITY PARTNERS III, L.P.
By: J.W. Childs Advisors III, L.P., as
general partner
By: J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., as
general partner
By: J.W. Childs Associates, Inc., as
general partner
By: /S/ ADAM SUTTIN --------------------------- Name: Adam Suttin |
JWC FUND III CO-INVEST, LLC
By: J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., as manager
By: J.W. Childs Associates, Inc., as
general partner
By: /S/ ADAM SUTTIN ----------------------------- Name: Adam Suttin |
Signature Page-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Registration Rights Agreement on the date first written above.
CDM INVESTOR GROUP LLC
By: /S/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS ----------------------------------- Name: C. Dean Metropoulos |
Signature Page-3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Registration Rights Agreement on the date first written above.
CRUNCH EQUITY VOTING TRUST
By: /S/ KENNETH LIANG ------------------------------- Name: Kenneth Liang Title: Managing Director |
Signature Page-4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Registration Rights Agreement on the date first written above.
CO-INVESTMENT PARTNERS, L.P.
By: CIP Partners LLC, Managing Member
By: /S/ WALTER M. CAIN ------------------------------ Name: Walter M. Cain Title: Member |
Signature Page-5
ANNEX I
INVESTORS
J.P. Morgan Partners (BHCA), L.P.
J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors, L.P.
J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman), L.P.
J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors (Cayman ) II, L.P.
J.P. Morgan Partners Global Investors A, L.P.
in each case:
c/o J.P. Morgan Partners LLC
1221 Avenue of the Americas, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10020
Attention: Official Notices Clerk
FBO Stephen P. Murray
Telephone: (212) 899-3400
with a copy to:
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
7 Times Square
New York, New York 10036
Telephone: 212-408-2469
Facsimile: 212-408-2420
Attn: Gregory Gilbert, Esq.
J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P.
JWC Co-Invest Fund III, LLC
in each case:
c/o J.W. Childs Equity Partners III, L.P.
111 Huntington Avenue - Suite 2900
Boston, MA 02199-7610
Attention: Adam Suttin
Telephone: (617) 753-1100
Facsimile: (617) 753-1101
with a copy to:
Kaye Scholer LLP
425 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention: Steven C. Koval, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 836-8000
Facsimile: (212) 836-8689
CDM Investor Group LLC
100 Northfield Street
Greenwich, CT 06830
Attention: C. Dean Metropoulos
Telephone: (203) 622-6988
Facsimile: (203) 629-6660
with a copy to:
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019-6064
Attention: Robert M. Hirsh, Esq.
Paul D. Ginsberg, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 373-3000
Facsimile: (212) 757-3990
Crunch Equity Voting Trust
c/o Oaktree Capital Management
333 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention: Kenneth Liang
Telephone: (213) 830-6422
Facsimile: (213) 830-8522
with a copy to:
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Attention: Steven R. Gross, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 909-6000
Facsimile: (212) 909-6836
Co-Investment Partners, L.P.
660 Madison Avenue, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10021
Attention: Bart D. Osman
Telephone: (212) 754-0411
Facsimile: (212) 754-1494
with a copy to:
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention: Michael S. Nelson, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 715-9360
Facsimile: (212) 715-8000
EXHIBIT 10.11
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
AND
C. DEAN METROPOULOS
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of this 25th day of November, 2003 (the "Effective Date") by and between Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with offices at one Old Bloomfield Road, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046 and C. Dean Metropoulos (the "Executive"). Pinnacle Foods Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Operating Company"), is a party to this Agreement as provided herein.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company, the Operating Company and Executive are parties to an employment agreement, dated October 9, 2002 (the "Prior Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, on the Effective Date, the Company engaged in a series of transactions (collectively, the "Transaction") pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, Crunch Holding Corp., Crunch Acquisition Corp. and HMTF PF. L.L.C., in its capacity as representative, dated as of August 8, 2003 (the "Merger Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the Transaction, the parties hereby wish to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in the form of this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, including the mutual covenants herein, the parties agree that the Prior Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety in the form of this Agreement, as follows:
1. Employment Period. Subject to Section 3, the Company agrees to continue to employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the second anniversary of the Effective Date and from year to year thereafter unless terminated as provided herein; provided, that in no event shall the employment relationship contemplated by this Agreement extend beyond the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date unless agreed to in writing by the parties and further no termination or expiration of the employment relationship contemplated by this Agreement shall reduce any rights and/or obligations arising under this Agreement (i) as a result of such termination or (ii) during the term of this Agreement and which have accrued prior to any such termination or expiration.
2. Terms of Employment.
(a) Positions and Duties. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and of the Operating Company (or such other position or positions as Executive and the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") shall mutually agree) and, in so doing shall report to the Board. Executive shall have supervision and control over, and responsibility for, the day to day management and operational functions of the Company and the Operating Company, and such authority shall include, without limitation, the exclusive right to allocate stock options representing up to five percent (5%) of the equity of the Company or its parent, pursuant to a stock option or other equity incentive plan to be adopted by the Company or its parent; provided that no such stock options shall be granted to Executive, N. Michael Dion, Evan Metropoulos, Louis Pellicano or any other employee of CDM Investor Group LLC who holds an equity interest in CDM Investor Group LLC. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company (excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave), Executive shall devote sufficient time to the business and affairs of the Company necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Executive hereunder. The Company recognizes and acknowledges that Executive is involved in other activities and it shall not be a violation of this Agreement or of any common duty of loyalty for the Executive to (i) serve on business, civic or charitable boards and/or committees, (ii) deliver lectures or fulfill speaking engagements, or (iii) manage or provide advice to other businesses or entities with respect to which Executive has made a personal monetary investment or has otherwise created an advisory relationship, so long as such activities, individually or in the aggregate, do not unreasonably interfere with the performance of Executive's responsibilities in accordance with this Agreement.
(b) Compensation, Benefits and Expenses. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall receive an annual base salary of not less than One Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,250,000) ("Annual Base Salary"), which shall be paid in accordance with the customary payroll practices of the Company. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to receive an annual bonus ("Annual Bonus") of up to One Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand ($1,250,000) upon achievement of performance criteria as shall be established by the Board. Notwithstanding the above, it is expected that Executive's Annual Base Salary and Annual Bonus target will be increased by the Board upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger among
Aurora Foods Inc. and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated as of November 24, 2003 (collectively, the "Aurora Transaction"), in light of Executive's additional duties and responsibilities as a result of the Aurora Transaction. The Board will consider such increases at or immediately following the consummation of the Aurora Transaction.
(i) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company ("Investment Plans").
(ii) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive and his family shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under, welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company, including but not limited to comprehensive medical and dental coverage, disability and basic and supplemental life insurance ("Welfare Plans").
(iii) Except to the extent that such are changed pursuant to a general change in benefits applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company, during the term of Executive's employment with the Company, the Company shall continue to provide Executive with at least the same benefits provided to Executive by the Company and the Operating Company prior to the Effective Date including, without limitation, the provision of a company car of Executive's choice comparable to that previously provided, club membership, tax/accounting services, office rent and secretarial support ("Other Benefits").
(iv) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses associated with performing the duties hereunder in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company ("Reimbursable Expenses").
(v) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation and paid holidays in accordance with the plans, policies,
programs and practices of the Company for its executive officers.
3. Termination of Employment.
(a) Reasons for Termination. Executive's employment with the Company may be terminated (i) by the Company for Cause or without Cause, (ii) by Executive with or without Good Reason, or (iii) by either the Company or the Executive upon Executive's Disability (other than by reason of death). This Agreement shall automatically expire (i) at the end of the month following Executive's death and (ii) unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties, as of the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date.
(b) Definitions. The following terms, as used herein, shall have the following meanings:
(i) "Annual Base Compensation" shall mean, at any given
time, the aggregate amount of (A) the Annual Base Salary
and (B) the then budgeted Annual Bonus for Executive;
provided that in no event shall Annual Base Compensation
be less than $2,500,000. Calculations required herein
based upon the amount of the Annual Bonus portion of the
Annual Base Compensation earned shall be determined as
if the Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base
Compensation is earned evenly throughout the year based
upon a 365-day year; provided that for purposes of
Section 3(c)(i)(A), the Annual Bonus portion of the
Annual Base Compensation earned through the date of
termination shall (1) be calculated by the Company as of
the date of the termination under Section 3(c)(i),
taking into consideration (x) for that portion of the
then current fiscal year that has elapsed prior to such
termination, the Company's performance against the
fiscal EBITDA budget for such time period and (y) a
reasonable estimation by the Board of the Company's
EBITDA performance for the remainder of the fiscal year
(such calculation referred to as the "Estimated Annual
Bonus") or (2) if Executive gives a timely notice of
objection as provided below, be calculated by the
Company based on the EBITDA results the Company actually
achieves during the then current fiscal year, based on
the performance criteria previously established by the
Board (such calculation referred to as "Actual Results
Bonus"), with such calculation being made based upon the
audited financial statement for such fiscal year (the
"Audited Financial Statements") and, in the case of both
clause (1) and (2) above, such Annual Bonus as
calculated above shall be reduced on a pro rata basis to reflect the actual days of employment elapsed during such fiscal year prior to the date of termination as compared to the total number of days during such fiscal year. Within thirty (30) days of the date of termination under Section 3(c)(i), the Board shall give Executive notice of its calculation of the Estimated Annual Bonus together with a description of the basis and assumptions supporting such projection. In the event Executive gives the Company notice of his objection to such projection within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notice thereof, then Executive shall be deemed to have waived and released his rights to receive any amounts under clause (1) above and thereafter Executive shall be eligible for the Actual Results Bonus under clause (2) above. Should Executive either expressly accept in writing the Estimated Annual Bonus calculation or fail to give timely notice of objection as provided above, then Executive shall be deemed to have accepted such calculation and to have waived and released his rights to receive any amounts under clause (2) above. In the case of the application of the Estimated Annual Bonus above, the date that Executive accepts or is deemed to have accepted the Board's calculation thereunder and in the case of the application of the Actual Results Bonus above, the date of the issuance of the Audited Financial Statement, in each case is referred to herein as the "Determination Date."
(ii) "Cause" shall mean an act of intentional fraud upon the Company that has caused a harm or injury to the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable; provided, however, that (x) the Board shall provide Executive with notice of the particular acts or omissions that are alleged to give rise to such fraud and (y) the Board shall hold a hearing no sooner than ten days after such notice at which Executive shall have the right to address the Board and dispute such allegations. Executive shall have the right to contest a determination of Cause by the Board by requesting arbitration in accordance with the terms of Section 6 below.
(iii) "Change in Control" shall mean, following the Effective Date, (A) any "person" (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than (x) Crunch Equity Holdings, LLC ("Crunch") or any of its "Affiliates" (as defined below) or (y) a parent entity as contemplated by clause (C) below, becoming the direct or indirect "beneficial owner" (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company, the Operating Company, Crunch or Crunch Holding Corp. (the "Holding Company") representing more than 30% of the combined voting power of any such entity's (or, if Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of another entity (other than any of the aforementioned entities), of any such parent entity's), then outstanding securities and Crunch or its Affiliates do not in the aggregate beneficially own, directly or indirectly, securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the entity whose voting power is being tested above, (B) Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company merging with or consolidating into any other entity, or the equity holders of Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, and the holders of voting securities of any other entity participating in a securities exchange (other than a merger, consolidation or exchange which (1) would result in the holders (and/or their Affiliates) of the voting securities of Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, outstanding immediately prior thereto holding immediately thereafter securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity (or, if Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of another entity (other than any of the aforementioned entities), of such parent entity) outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or exchange and (2) would result in Executive being chief executive officer of such surviving entity), or (C) the equity holders of Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company approving a plan of complete liquidation or any agreement or agreements for the sale or disposition by Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of Crunch's, the Holding Company's, the Company's or the Operating Company's assets, as applicable, other than any such plan of liquidation adopted in connection with a merger, consolidation or exchange which does not constitute a Change in Control under the preceding clause (B). For purposes of this Section 3(b)(iii), the term "Affiliate" means any person or entity that, directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another person or entity, where the term "control" means (including, with correlative meaning, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with") the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management, policies or investment decisions of such person or entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
(iv) "Disability" means (A) Executive's incapacity due to death or a permanent mental or physical illness that prevents Executive from performing his duties hereunder or (B) a physical condition that renders the performance by Executive of his duties hereunder a serious threat to the health and well being of Executive. Disability shall be determined by a physician selected by Executive (or his legal representative) and reasonably acceptable to the Company.
(v) "Good Reason" means (A) the assignment to Executive of any position, authority, duties or responsibilities inconsistent with Section 2(a) (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), or any other action by the Company which results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities of Executive with the Company, excluding for this purpose an action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of written notice thereof specifying the particular action in issue, (B) a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any stock option agreement between the Company and Executive, which is not cured within 30 days after the receipt of written notice specifying the particular acts or omissions giving rise to such breach, (C) a reduction, without the prior written consent of Executive, in the amount of annual base salary and/or annual bonus paid to Executive by the Company in any given year as compared to the immediately preceding year (other than as a result of the Company's failure to achieve bonus criteria established by the Board), (D) any removal by the Board of Executive as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or the Operating Company other than for Cause, (E) any failure to elect or reelect Executive as a director of the Company or the Operating Company, other than for Cause, (F) the relocation, without the prior written consent of Executive, of Executive's principal place of
employment more than 30 miles from his current principal
place employment if such relocation would increase
Executive's commute, or (G) following a Change in
Control (i) the failure of Executive to hold the
position and have the authority, duties and
responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer of the
surviving or ultimate parent entity, as applicable, (ii)
the failure of Executive to report solely to the Board
of Directors or analogous governing body of the
surviving or ultimate parent entity, as applicable; or
(iii) the failure of Executive to be elected and
reelected as a director of the surviving or ultimate
parent entity, as applicable, other than for Cause.
(c) Obligations of the Company upon Termination.
(i) With Cause; Without Good Reason. If, during the term of this Agreement, the Company shall terminate Executive's employment with the Company for Cause, or Executive shall terminate his employment with the Company without Good Reason, then:
(A) the Company shall pay to Executive in cash (x)
within 10 days after the date of such termination
the sum of (1) any Annual Base Salary earned
through the date of termination to the extent not
theretofore paid by the Company, (2) any
compensation previously deferred by Executive and
(3) any vacation pay earned through the date of
termination not theretofore paid by the Company,
(y) within 10 days of the Determination Date, that
portion of the Annual Bonus, if any, earned
through the date of termination as determined in
accordance with Section 3(b)(i) (the aggregate of
the sum of clauses (x) and (y) being, the "Accrued
Obligation") and (z) within 10 days after the date
of such termination, all Reimbursable Expenses
previously incurred but not reimbursed in
accordance with this Agreement ("Accrued
Expenses"); and
(B) the Company shall pay to Executive any amounts arising from Executive's participation in, or benefits under, any Investment Plans (the "Accrued Investments"), which amounts shall be payable in accordance with the term and conditions of the Investment Plans; provided that this Section 3(c)(i)(B) is not intended to require, and shall not be construed to require, any payments to be made in
respect of any stock option plan, stock appreciation right or plan, or stock purchase right or plan adopted by the Company, the Holding Company or the Operating Company (collectively, "Equity Plans"), and the terms and conditions of such Equity Plans shall govern the parties' obligations and rights thereunder.
(ii) Without Cause; With Good Reason; Disability. If, during the term of this Agreement, the Company shall terminate Executive's employment with the Company without Cause, Executive shall terminate his employment with the Company with Good Reason, or Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate or expire due to Executive's Disability, then:
(A) the Company shall pay to Executive in cash within
10 days after the date of such termination the
amount of the Accrued Obligation (including the
Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base
Compensation that has been earned through the date
of termination as determined in accordance with
Section 3(b)(i)) and any Accrued Expenses;
(B) the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Investments in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Investment Plans; provided that this Section 3(c)(ii)(B) is not intended to require, and shall not be construed to require, any payments to be made in respect of any Equity Plans and the terms and conditions of such Equity Plans shall govern the parties obligations and rights thereunder;
(C) The Company shall pay to Executive in cash within 10 days after the date of such termination an amount (the "Severance Amount") that is equal to two (2) times the amount of the then current Annual Base Compensation (including the Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base Compensation targeted for such fiscal year whether or not earned as of the date of termination in accordance with Section 3(b)(i)); and
(D) for a period commencing on the date of such termination and continuing for twenty-four (24) months thereafter (the "Severance Period"), the Company shall continue to provide benefits under
Welfare Plans and the Other Benefits (provided that such obligation to provide Other Benefits in the form of office rent and secretarial support shall not exceed $16,666.00 per month) substantially equivalent to those that were being provided prior to the termination ("Benefit Continuation"); provided, however, that if Executive becomes employed with another employer and is eligible to receive any benefits that are substantially equivalent to those required under the Benefit Continuation coverage, then the Company may terminate such Benefit Continuation coverage insofar as it relates to such equivalent benefit.
(d) Effect on Benefit Plans. The existence of this Agreement shall not prohibit or restrict Executive's entitlement to participate in the executive compensation, employee benefit and other plans or programs in which executives of the Company or the Operating Company are eligible to participate. Nothing herein shall restrict the Company's or the Operating Company's right to amend any plan, practice, policy or program in a manner generally applicable to similarly situated active executives, in which event Executive shall be entitled to participate on the same basis (including payment of applicable contributions) as similarly situated active executives of the Company.
(e) No Mitigation. Executive shall not be obligated to seek new employment or take any other action to mitigate the benefits to which Executive is entitled hereunder. Except as contemplated by Section 3(c)(ii)(E) and Section 3(d) with respect to the Benefit Continuation, such benefits shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains new employment.
4. Mutual Release. Payment of the Severance Amount shall be conditioned upon the execution by Executive and the Company of a valid mutual release, to be prepared by the Company, in which Executive and the Company mutually release the other, to the maximum extent permitted by law, from any and all claims either may have against the other that relate to or arise out of Executive's employment or termination of employment, except such claims arising under this Agreement, any employee benefit plan or any other written plan or agreement.
5. Excise Taxes.
(a) Determination and Payment. If it is determined that any payment, distribution or other benefit to Executive, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (a "Payment"), would be subject to any tax (e.g. excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986) other than income tax (such tax, together with any interest and penalties related thereto are hereinafter collectively referred to as an "Excise Tax"), then the Company shall promptly pay to Executive an additional payment ("Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that Executive retains, after payment of all taxes, and all interest and penalties with respect thereto (including, without limitation, income tax and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment), an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment. The determination of the amount of any Gross-Up Payment shall be made by a certified public accounting firm selected jointly by the Company and Executive (the "Accounting Firm"), the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.
(b) Contesting. Executive shall promptly notify the Company of any claim that, if successful, would require the payment of the Gross-Up Payment. Without the consent of the Company, Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the date that the payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due. If the Company notifies Executive in writing prior to such due date that it desires to contest the claim, Executive shall take all actions in connection with contesting the claim reasonably required by the Company (including accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company); provided, however, that the Company shall pay all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any tax (including reasonable attorneys fees, interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result thereof.
6. Claims.
(a) Arbitration of Claims. Executive and Company shall settle by arbitration any dispute or controversy arising in connection with this Agreement, whether or not such dispute involves a plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Such arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association before a panel of three arbitrators sitting in Morris County, New Jersey or such other location as shall be mutually agreed by the parties. The award of the arbitrators shall be final and nonappealable, and judgment may be entered on the award of the arbitrators in any court having proper jurisdiction. All expenses of such arbitration shall be borne by the Company. THE ARBITRATORS SHALL HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO AWARD PUNITIVE DAMAGES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES (WHETHER
IT BE EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, TREBLE DAMAGES, OR ANY OTHER PENALTY
OR PUNITIVE TYPE OF DAMAGES) REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH
DAMAGES MAY BE AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, EXECUTIVE AND
THE COMPANY HEREBY EACH WAIVING THEIR RIGHT, IF ANY, TO
RECOVER PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH CLAIMS,
DISPUTES OR DISAGREEMENTS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIM,
DISPUTE OR DISAGREEMENT ARISES UNDER THE LAW OF CONTRACTS,
TORTS, (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE OF EVERY
KIND AND STRICT LIABILITY WITHOUT FAULT), OR PROPERTY, OR AT
COMMON LAW OR IN EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES
THAT BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EXECUTIVE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT
THAT EXECUTIVE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, OTHER THAN IN
RESPECT OF A DISPUTE OR CONTROVERSY ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH
SECTION 13 OR SECTION 14, A TRIAL BEFORE A JUDGE IN CONNECTION
WITH, OR RELATING TO, A CLAIM.
(b) Payment of Legal Fees and Costs. The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all reasonable legal fees and expenses which (i) Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, Executive or others of any action taken pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or (ii) CDM Investor Group LLC or any Permitted Excluded Transferees may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, CDM Investor Group LLC or any Permitted Excluded Transferees or others of any action in connection with CDM Investor Group LLC's or any of its Permitted Excluded Transferees' membership interest in Crunch, or of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement, the Operating Agreement of Crunch, dated as of November 25, 2003, among Crunch and the other parties thereto (the "Crunch Operating Agreement") or the Crunch Membership Agreement, or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by Executive, CDM Investor Group LLC or any of its Permitted Excluded Transferees about the amount of payment pursuant to this Agreement, the Crunch Operating Agreement or the Crunch Membership Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the rate of 8% per annum.
(c) Agent for Service of Legal Process. Service of legal process upon the Company with respect to a claim under this Agreement shall be made upon the General Counsel of the Company.
7. Tax Withholding. All payments to the Executive under this Agreement will be subject to the withholding of all applicable employment and income taxes.
8. Severability. In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provision of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.
9. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor of the Company. The Company will require any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company or the Operating Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, would be required to perform if no succession had taken place.
10. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. This
Agreement in no way modifies the Indemnification Agreement entered into by
Executive and Pinnacle Holdings Corporation ("Indemnification Agreement") and
such Indemnification Agreement is specifically incorporated by reference herein
and may not be terminated so long as this Agreement is still in effect. This
Agreement may not be modified in any manner except by a written instrument
signed by both the Company and Executive; provided that any modification of
Section 18 shall require the written consent of the Company, Executive and the
Operating Company.
11. Notices. Any notice required under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered by certified mail return receipt required to each of the parties as follows:
To Executive:
C. Dean Metropoulos
100 Northfield Street
Greenwich, CT 06830
To the Company:
Pinnacle Foods Corporation
1 Old Bloomfield Road
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Attention: General Counsel
12. Validity. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement, this
Agreement shall be constructed and enforced as if the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a portion of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision there shall be added automatically as part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms as may be possible to the provision that was determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable and such additional provision shall be legal, valid and enforceable.
13. Confidential Information.
(a) The Executive acknowledges that the Company and its subsidiaries have trade, business and financial secrets and other confidential and proprietary information (collectively, the "Confidential Information"). Confidential Information shall not include (i) information that is generally known to other persons or entities who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and (ii) information required to be disclosed by the Executive pursuant to a requirement of a governmental agency or law of the United States of America or a state thereof or any governmental or political subdivision thereof; provided, however, that before providing such information pursuant to clause (ii) above, Executive shall (A) notify the Company as soon as practicable after receipt of any subpoena or order requiring the production of information so that the Company may have the opportunity to seek a protective order and (B) consult with the Company with respect to any required disclosure.
(b) During and following the Executive's employment by the Company, the Executive shall hold in confidence and not directly or indirectly disclose or use any Confidential Information except to the extent authorized in writing by the Board or required by any court or administrative agency, other than to an employee of the Company, or its subsidiaries or a person to whom disclosure is reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance by the Executive of duties as an executive of the Company.
(c) The Executive further agrees not to use any Confidential Information for the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company or its subsidiaries.
14. Non-Competition.
(a) Term of Non-Competition. During the term of this Agreement and in the event the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated (other than a termination in connection with the occurrence of a Change in Control) or Executive resigns for Good
Reason (other than a resignation in connection with the
occurrence of a Change in Control), if applicable, and
Executive receives payment of the Severance Amount, for the
remainder of the Severance Period, Executive shall not engage
in or promote any business within the United States that is
principally engaged in the business of manufacturing and
marketing food products that directly compete in the same
categories as the core products of the Company at the time of
termination; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit
Executive from owning less than 10% of the voting securities
of any publicly traded company so long as Executive does not
otherwise engage in or promote the activities of that company.
Executive understands that the restrictions set forth in this
Section 14(a) may limit his ability to earn a livelihood in a
business similar to the business of the Company or any
subsidiary thereof, but he nevertheless believes that he has
received and will receive sufficient consideration and other
benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise
provided hereunder to justify clearly such restrictions which,
in any event (given his education, skills and ability),
Executive does not believe would prevent him from earning a
living.
(b) Use of Confidential Information. During the term of this Agreement and during the term of non-competition, Executive will not use Executive's access to, knowledge of, or application of Confidential Information to perform any duty for any Competing Business; it being understood and agreed to that this Section 14(b) shall be in addition to and not be construed as a limitation upon the covenants in Section 13 hereof.
(c) Executive acknowledges that the geographic boundaries, scope of prohibited activities, and duration of this Section 14 are reasonable in nature and are no broader than are necessary to maintain the confidentiality and the goodwill of the Company's and its subsidiaries' proprietary information, plans and services and to protect the other legitimate business interests of the Company and its subsidiaries.
(d) If any court determines that any portion of this Section 14 is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Section 14 shall not thereby be affected and shall be given full effect without regard to the invalid provisions. If any court construes any of the provisions of this Section 14, or any part thereof, to be unreasonable because of the duration or scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce the duration or scope of such provision and to enforce such provision as so reduced.
15. No Waiver. The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at any time.
16. Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges that money damages would
be both incalculable and an insufficient remedy for a breach of Section 13 or
Section 14 by Executive and that any such breach would cause the Company
irreparable harm. Accordingly, the Company, in addition to any other remedies at
law or in equity it may have, shall be entitled, without the requirement of
posting of bond or other security, to equitable relief, including injunctive
relief and specific performance, in connection with a breach of Section 13 or
Section 14 by Executive.
17. Governing Law. The provision of this Agreement shall be constructed in accordance of the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to that state's choice of law provision.
18. Guarantee. The Operating Company hereby guarantees the full and complete performance of each of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement.
19. Prior Agreement. Effective as of the Effective Date, Executive hereby releases and forever discharges the Company and its affiliates from any and all claims and obligations arising out of or resulting from the Prior Agreement. Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute but one agreement. Facsimile counterpart signatures to this Agreement shall be acceptable.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is hereby executed as of the date and year first above written.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
/s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ----------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
For purposes of Section 18
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION
/s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ----------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
EXECUTIVE
/s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS ----------------------------------- C. Dean Metropoulos |
EXHIBIT 10.12
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
AND
EVAN METROPOULOS
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of this 25th day of November, 2003 (the "Effective Date") by and between Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with offices at one Old Bloomfield Road, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046 and Evan Metropoulos (the "Executive"). Pinnacle Foods Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Operating Company"), is a party to this Agreement as provided herein.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company, the Operating Company and Executive are parties to an employment agreement, dated June 1, 2001 (the "Prior Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, on the Effective Date, the Company engaged in a series of transactions (collectively, the "Transaction") pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, Crunch Holding Corp., Crunch Acquisition Corp. and HMTF PF. L.L.C., in its capacity as representative, dated as of August 8, 2003 (the "Merger Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the Transaction, the parties hereby wish to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in the form of this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, including the mutual covenants herein, the parties agree that the Prior Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety in the form of this Agreement, as follows:
1. Employment Period. Subject to Section 3, the Company agrees to continue to employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the second anniversary of the Effective Date and from year to year thereafter unless terminated as provided herein; provided, that in no event shall the employment relationship contemplated by this Agreement extend beyond the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date unless agreed to in writing by the parties and further no termination or expiration of the employment relationship contemplated by this Agreement shall reduce any rights and/or obligations arising under this Agreement (i) as a result of such termination or (ii) during the term of this Agreement and which have accrued prior to any such termination or expiration.
2. Terms of Employment.
(a) Positions and Duties. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall serve as Senior Vice President of the Company and of the Operating Company (or such other position or positions as Executive and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall determine from time to time) and, in so doing shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the "CEO"). Executive shall have the authority, duties and responsibilities customarily exercised by an individual serving in such position in a corporation the size and nature of the Company. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company (excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave), Executive shall devote sufficient time to the business and affairs of the Company necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Executive hereunder, as determined by the CEO. It shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (i) serve on business, civic or charitable boards and/or committees, (ii) deliver lectures or fulfill speaking engagements, or (iii) manage or provide advice to other businesses or entities with respect to which Executive has made a personal monetary investment or has otherwise created an advisory relationship, so long as the Board has approved such activities and such activities, individually or in the aggregate, do not unreasonably interfere with the performance of Executive's responsibilities in accordance with this Agreement.
(b) Compensation, Benefits and Expenses. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall receive an annual base salary of not less than three hundred fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) ("Annual Base Salary"), which shall be paid in accordance with the customary payroll practices of the Company. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to receive an annual bonus ("Annual Bonus") of up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) upon achievement of performance criteria as shall be established by the CEO and the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") or the Compensation Committee thereof. Notwithstanding the above, it is expected that Executive's Annual Base Salary and Annual Bonus target will be increased by the Board upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger among Aurora Foods Inc. and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated as of November 25, 2003 (collectively, the "Aurora Transaction"), in light of Executive's additional duties and responsibilities as a result of the Aurora Transaction. The Board will consider such increases at or immediately following the consummation of the Aurora Transaction.
(i) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company ("Investment Plans").
(ii) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive and his family shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under, welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company, including but not limited to comprehensive medical and dental coverage, disability and basic and supplemental life insurance ("Welfare Plans").
(iii) Except to the extent that such are changed pursuant to a general change in benefits applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company, during the term of Executive's employment with the Company, the Company shall continue to provide Executive with at least the same benefits provided to Executive by the Company and the Operating Company prior to the Effective Date ("Other Benefits").
(iv) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses associated with performing the duties hereunder in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company ("Reimbursable Expenses").
(v) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation and paid holidays in accordance with the plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company for its executive officers.
3. Termination of Employment.
(a) Reasons for Termination. Executive's employment with the Company may be terminated (i) by the Company for Cause or without Cause, (ii) by Executive with or without Good Reason, or (iii) by either the Company or the Executive upon Executive's Disability (other than by reason of death). This Agreement shall automatically expire (i) at the end of the month following Executive's death and (ii) unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties, as of the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date.
(b) Definitions. The following terms, as used herein, shall have the following meanings:
(i) "Annual Base Compensation" shall mean, at any given
time, the aggregate amount of (A) the Annual Base Salary
and (B) the then budgeted Annual Bonus for Executive;
provided that in no event shall Annual Base Compensation
be less than $500,000. Calculations required herein
based upon the amount of the Annual Bonus portion of the
Annual Base Compensation earned shall be determined as
if the Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base
Compensation is earned evenly throughout the year based
upon a 365-day year; provided that for purposes of
Section 3(c)(i)(A), the Annual Bonus portion of the
Annual Base Compensation earned through the date of
termination shall (1) be calculated by the Company as of
the date of the termination under Section 3(c)(i),
taking into consideration (x) for that portion of the
then current fiscal year that has elapsed prior to such
termination, the Company's performance against the
fiscal EBITDA budget for such time period and (y) a
reasonable estimation by the Board of the Company's
EBITDA performance for the remainder of the fiscal year
(such calculation referred to as the
"Estimated Annual Bonus") or (2) if Executive gives a timely notice of objection as provided below, be calculated by the Company based on the EBITDA results the Company actually achieves during the then current fiscal year, based on the performance criteria previously established by the Board (such calculation referred to as "Actual Results Bonus"), with such calculation being made based upon the audited financial statement for such fiscal year (the "Audited Financial Statements") and, in the case of both clause (1) and (2) above, such Annual Bonus as calculated above shall be reduced on a pro rata basis to reflect the actual days of employment elapsed during such fiscal year prior to the date of termination as compared to the total number of days during such fiscal year. Within thirty (30) days of the date of termination under Section 3(c)(i), the Board shall give Executive notice of its calculation of the Estimated Annual Bonus together with a description of the basis and assumptions supporting such projection. In the event Executive gives the Company notice of his objection to such projection within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notice thereof, then Executive shall be deemed to have waived and released his rights to receive any amounts under clause (1) above and thereafter Executive shall be eligible for the Actual Results Bonus under clause (2) above. Should Executive either expressly accept in writing the Estimated Annual Bonus calculation or fail to give timely notice of objection as provided above, then Executive shall be deemed to have accepted such calculation and to have waived and released his rights to receive any amounts under clause (2) above. In the case of the application of the Estimated Annual Bonus above, the date that Executive accepts or is deemed to have accepted the Board's calculation thereunder and in the case of the application of the Actual Results Bonus above, the date of the issuance of the Audited Financial Statement, in each case is referred to herein as the "Determination Date."
(ii) "Cause" shall mean an act of intentional fraud upon the Company that has caused a harm or injury to the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable; provided, however, that (x) the Board shall provide Executive with notice of the particular acts or omissions that are alleged to give rise to such fraud and (y) the Board shall hold a hearing no sooner than ten days after such notice at which Executive shall have the right to address the Board and dispute such allegations. Executive shall have the right to contest a determination of Cause by the Board by
requesting arbitration in accordance with the terms of
Section 6 below.
(iii) "Change in Control" shall mean, following the Effective Date, (A) any "person" (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than (x) Crunch Equity Holdings, LLC ("Crunch") or any of its "Affiliates" (as defined below) or (y) a parent entity as contemplated by clause (C) below, becoming the direct or indirect "beneficial owner" (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company, the Operating Company, Crunch or Crunch Holding Corp. (the "Holding Company") representing more than 30% of the combined voting power of any such entity's (or, if Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of another entity (other than any of the aforementioned entities), of any such parent entity's), then outstanding securities and Crunch or its Affiliates do not in the aggregate beneficially own, directly or indirectly, securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the entity whose voting power is being tested above, (B) Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company merging with or consolidating into any other entity, or the equity holders of Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, and the holders of voting securities of any other entity participating in a securities exchange (other than a merger, consolidation or exchange which (1) would result in the holders (and/or their Affiliates) of the voting securities of Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, outstanding immediately prior thereto holding immediately thereafter securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity (or, if Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of another entity (other than any of the aforementioned entities), of such parent entity) outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or exchange and (2) would result in Executive being a senior vice president of such surviving entity), or (C) the equity holders of Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company approving a plan of complete liquidation or any agreement or agreements for the sale or disposition by Crunch, the Holding Company,
the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, in
one or a series of related transactions, of all or
substantially all of Crunch's, the Holding Company's,
the Company's or the Operating Company's assets, as
applicable, other than any such plan of liquidation
adopted in connection with a merger, consolidation or
exchange which does not constitute a Change in Control
under the preceding clause (B). For purposes of this
Section 3(b)(iii), the term "Affiliate" means any person
or entity that, directly or indirectly, through one or
more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or
is under common control with, another person or entity,
where the term "control" means (including, with
correlative meaning, the terms "controlling,"
"controlled by" and "under common control with") the
possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management,
policies or investment decisions of such person or
entity, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by contract or otherwise.
(iv) "Disability" means (A) Executive's incapacity due to death or a permanent mental or physical illness that prevents Executive from performing his duties hereunder or (B) a physical condition that renders the performance by Executive of his duties hereunder a serious threat to the health and well being of Executive. Disability shall be determined by a physician selected by Executive (or his legal representative) and reasonably acceptable to the Company.
(v) "Good Reason" means (A) the assignment to Executive of
any position, authority, duties or responsibilities
inconsistent with Section 2(a) (including status,
offices, titles and reporting requirements), or any
other action by the Company which results in a
diminution in such position, authority, duties or
responsibilities of Executive with the Company,
excluding for this purpose an action not taken in bad
faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly
after receipt of written notice thereof specifying the
particular action in issue, and provided that a
reassignment of Executive's position, authority, duties
or responsibilities by the CEO in accordance with
Section 2(a) shall not be considered an event described
in this clause (A), (B) a material breach by the Company
of this Agreement or any stock option agreement between
the Company and Executive, which is not cured within 30
days after the receipt of written notice specifying the
particular
acts or omissions giving rise to such breach, (C) a reduction, without the prior written consent of Executive, in the amount of annual base salary and/or annual bonus paid to Executive by the Company in any given year as compared to the immediately preceding year (other than as a result of the Company's failure to achieve bonus criteria established by the Board), (D)the relocation, without the prior written consent of Executive, of Executive's principal place of employment more than 30 miles from his current principal place employment if such relocation would increase Executive's commute, or (E) following a Change in Control (i) the failure of Executive to hold the position and have the authority, duties and responsibilities which he holds and has immediately prior to the Change in Control, at the surviving or ultimate parent entity, as applicable, or (ii) the failure of Executive to report solely to the CEO of the surviving or ultimate parent entity, as applicable.
(c) Obligations of the Company upon Termination.
(i) With Cause; Without Good Reason. If, during the term of this Agreement, the Company shall terminate Executive's employment with the Company for Cause, or Executive shall terminate his employment with the Company without Good Reason, then:
(A) the Company shall pay to Executive in cash (x)
within 10 days after the date of such termination
the sum of (1) any Annual Base Salary earned
through the date of termination to the extent not
theretofore paid by the Company, (2) any
compensation previously deferred by Executive and
(3) any vacation pay earned through the date of termination not theretofore paid by the Company, (the aggregate of the sum of clause (x) being, the "Accrued Obligation") and (y) within 10 days after the date of such termination, all Reimbursable Expenses previously incurred but not reimbursed in accordance with this Agreement ("Accrued Expenses"); and
(B) the Company shall pay to Executive any amounts arising from Executive's participation in, or benefits under, any Investment Plans (the "Accrued Investments"), which amounts shall be payable in accordance with the term and conditions of the Investment Plans; provided that this Section
3(c)(i)(B) is not intended to require, and shall not be construed to require, any payments to be made in respect of any stock option plan, stock appreciation right or plan, or stock purchase right or plan adopted by the Company, the Holding Company or the Operating Company (collectively, "Equity Plans"), and the terms and conditions of such Equity Plans shall govern the parties' obligations and rights thereunder.
(ii) Without Cause; With Good Reason; Disability. If, during the term of this Agreement, the Company shall terminate Executive's employment with the Company without Cause, Executive shall terminate his employment with the Company with Good Reason, or Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate or expire due to Executive's Disability, then:
(A) the Company shall pay to Executive in cash within
10 days after the date of such termination the
amount of the Accrued Obligation (including the
Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base
Compensation that has been earned through the date
of termination as determined in accordance with
Section 3(b)(i)) and any Accrued Expenses;
(B) the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Investments in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Investment Plans; provided that this Section 3(c)(ii)(B) is not intended to require, and shall not be construed to require, any payments to be made in respect of any Equity Plans and the terms and conditions of such Equity Plans shall govern the parties obligations and rights thereunder;
(C) The Company shall pay to Executive in cash within 10 days after the date of such termination an amount (the "Severance Amount") that is equal to one and one-half (1.5) times the amount of the then current Annual Base Compensation (including the Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base Compensation targeted for such fiscal year whether or not earned as of the date of termination in accordance with Section 3(b)(i)); and
(D) for a period commencing on the date of such termination and continuing for eighteen (18) months
thereafter (the "Severance Period"), the Company shall continue to provide benefits under Welfare Plans and the Other Benefits substantially equivalent to those that were being provided prior to the termination ("Benefit Continuation"); provided, however, that if Executive becomes employed with another employer and is eligible to receive any benefits that are substantially equivalent to those required under the Benefit Continuation coverage, then the Company may terminate such Benefit Continuation coverage insofar as it relates to such equivalent benefit.
(d) Effect on Benefit Plans. The existence of this Agreement shall not prohibit or restrict Executive's entitlement to participate in the executive compensation, employee benefit and other plans or programs in which executives of the Company or the Operating Company are eligible to participate. Nothing herein shall restrict the Company's or the Operating Company's right to amend any plan, practice, policy or program in a manner generally applicable to similarly situated active executives, in which event Executive shall be entitled to participate on the same basis (including payment of applicable contributions) as similarly situated active executives of the Company.
(e) No Mitigation. Executive shall not be obligated to seek new employment or take any other action to mitigate the benefits to which Executive is entitled hereunder. Except as contemplated by Section 3(c)(ii)(E) and Section 3(d) with respect to the Benefit Continuation, such benefits shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains new employment.
4. Mutual Release. Payment of the Severance Amount shall be conditioned upon the execution by Executive and the Company of a valid mutual release, to be prepared by the Company, in which Executive and the Company mutually release the other, to the maximum extent permitted by law, from any and all claims either may have against the other that relate to or arise out of Executive's employment or termination of employment, except such claims arising under this Agreement, any employee benefit plan or any other written plan or agreement.
5. Excise Taxes.
(a) Determination and Payment. If it is determined that any payment, distribution or other benefit to Executive, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (a "Payment"), would be subject to any tax (e.g. excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) other than income tax (such tax, together with any
interest and penalties related thereto are hereinafter collectively referred to as an "Excise Tax"), then the Company shall promptly pay to Executive an additional payment ("Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that Executive retains, after payment of all taxes, and all interest and penalties with respect thereto (including, without limitation, income tax and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment), an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment. The determination of the amount of any Gross-Up Payment shall be made by a certified public accounting firm selected jointly by the Company and Executive (the "Accounting Firm"), the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.
(b) Contesting. Executive shall promptly notify the Company of any claim that, if successful, would require the payment of the Gross-Up Payment. Without the consent of the Company, Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the date that the payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due. If the Company notifies Executive in writing prior to such due date that it desires to contest the claim, Executive shall take all actions in connection with contesting the claim reasonably required by the Company (including accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company); provided, however, that the Company shall pay all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any tax (including reasonable attorneys fees, interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result thereof.
6. Claims.
(a) Arbitration of Claims. Executive and Company shall settle by arbitration any dispute or controversy arising in connection with this Agreement, whether or not such dispute involves a plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Such arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association before a panel of three arbitrators sitting in Morris County, New Jersey or such other location as shall be mutually agreed by the parties. The award of the arbitrators shall be final and nonappealable, and judgment may be entered on the award of the arbitrators in any court having proper jurisdiction. All expenses of such arbitration shall be borne by the Company. THE ARBITRATORS SHALL HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO AWARD PUNITIVE DAMAGES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES (WHETHER IT BE EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, TREBLE DAMAGES, OR
ANY OTHER PENALTY OR PUNITIVE TYPE OF DAMAGES) REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES MAY BE AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY HEREBY EACH WAIVING THEIR RIGHT, IF ANY, TO RECOVER PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH CLAIMS, DISPUTES OR DISAGREEMENTS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIM, DISPUTE OR DISAGREEMENT ARISES UNDER THE LAW OF CONTRACTS, TORTS, (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE OF EVERY KIND AND STRICT LIABILITY WITHOUT FAULT), OR PROPERTY, OR AT COMMON LAW OR IN EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EXECUTIVE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT EXECUTIVE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, OTHER THAN IN RESPECT OF A DISPUTE OR CONTROVERSY ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH SECTION 13 OR SECTION 14, A TRIAL BEFORE A JUDGE IN CONNECTION WITH, OR RELATING TO, A CLAIM.
(b) Payment of Legal Fees and Costs. The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all reasonable legal fees and expenses which Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, Executive or others of any action taken pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement, or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by Executive about the amount of payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the rate of 8% per annum.
(c) Agent for Service of Legal Process. Service of legal process upon the Company with respect to a claim under this Agreement shall be made upon the General Counsel of the Company.
7. Tax Withholding. All payments to the Executive under this Agreement will be subject to the withholding of all applicable employment and income taxes.
8. Severability. In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provision of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.
9. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor of the Company. The Company will require any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company or the Operating Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, would be required to perform if no succession had taken place.
10. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. This
Agreement may not be modified in any manner except by a written instrument
signed by both the Company and Executive; provided that any modification of
Section 18 shall require the written consent of the Company, Executive and the
Operating Company.
11. Notices. Any notice required under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered by certified mail return receipt required to each of the parties as follows:
To Executive:
Evan Metropoulos
890 Ethan Allen
Charlotte, VT 06445
To the Company:
Pinnacle Foods Corporation
1 Old Bloomfield Road
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Attention: General Counsel
12. Validity. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be full several, this Agreement shall be constructed and enforced as if the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a portion of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision there shall be added automatically as part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms as may be possible to the provision that was determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable and such additional provision shall be legal, valid and enforceable.
13. Confidential Information.
(a) The Executive acknowledges that the Company and its subsidiaries have trade, business and financial secrets and other confidential and proprietary information (collectively, the "Confidential Information"). Confidential Information shall not include (i) information that is generally known to other persons or entities who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and
(ii) information required to be disclosed by the Executive pursuant to a requirement of a governmental agency or law of the United States of America or a state thereof or any governmental or political subdivision thereof; provided, however, that before providing such information pursuant to clause (ii) above, Executive shall (A) notify the Company as soon as practicable after receipt of any subpoena or order requiring the production of information so that the Company may have the opportunity to seek a protective order and (B) consult with the Company with respect to any required disclosure.
(b) During and following the Executive's employment by the Company, the Executive shall hold in confidence and not directly or indirectly disclose or use any Confidential Information except to the extent authorized in writing by the Board or required by any court or administrative agency, other than to an employee of the Company, or its subsidiaries or a person to whom disclosure is reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance by the Executive of duties as an executive of the Company.
(c) The Executive further agrees not to use any Confidential Information for the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company or its subsidiaries.
14. Non-Competition.
(a) Term of Non-Competition. During the term of this Agreement and in the event the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated or Executive resigns for Good Reason, if applicable, and Executive receives payment of the Severance Amount, for the remainder of the Severance Period, Executive shall not engage in or promote any business within the United States that is principally engaged in the business of manufacturing and marketing food products that directly compete in the same categories as the core products of the Company at the time of termination; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit Executive from owning less than 10% of the voting securities of any publicly traded company so long as Executive does not otherwise engage in or promote the activities of that company. Executive understands that the restrictions set forth in this Section 14(a) may limit his ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company or any subsidiary thereof, but he nevertheless believes that he has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder to justify clearly such restrictions which, in
any event (given his education, skills and ability), Executive does not believe would prevent him from earning a living.
(b) Use of Confidential Information. During the term of this Agreement and during the term of non-competition, Executive will not use Executive's access to, knowledge of, or application of Confidential Information to perform any duty for any Competing Business; it being understood and agreed to that this Section 14(b) shall be in addition to and not be construed as a limitation upon the covenants in Section 13 hereof.
(c) Executive acknowledges that the geographic boundaries, scope of prohibited activities, and duration of this Section 14 are reasonable in nature and are no broader than are necessary to maintain the confidentiality and the goodwill of the Company's and its subsidiaries' proprietary information, plans and services and to protect the other legitimate business interests of the Company and its subsidiaries.
(d) If any court determines that any portion of this Section 14 is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Section 14 shall not thereby be affected and shall be given full effect without regard to the invalid provisions. If any court construes any of the provisions of this Section 14, or any part thereof, to be unreasonable because of the duration or scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce the duration or scope of such provision and to enforce such provision as so reduced.
15. No Waiver. The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at any time.
16. Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges that money damages would
be both incalculable and an insufficient remedy for a breach of Section 13 or
Section 14 by Executive and that any such breach would cause the Company
irreparable harm. Accordingly, the Company, in addition to any other remedies at
law or in equity it may have, shall be entitled, without the requirement of
posting of bond or other security, to equitable relief, including injunctive
relief and specific performance, in connection with a breach of Section 13 or
Section 14 by Executive.
17. Governing Law. The provision of this Agreement shall be constructed in accordance of the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to that state's choice of law provision.
18. Guarantee. The Operating Company hereby guarantees the full and complete performance of each of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement.
19. Prior Agreement. Effective as of the Effective Date, Executive hereby releases and forever discharges the Company and its affiliates from any and all claims and obligations arising out of or resulting from the Prior Agreement. Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute but one agreement. Facsimile counterpart signatures to this Agreement shall be acceptable.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is hereby executed as of the date and year first above written.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
/S/ M. KELLEY MAGGS --------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
For purposes of Section 18
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION
/S/ M. KELLEY MAGGS --------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
EXECUTIVE
/S/ EVAN METROPOULOS --------------------------------- Evan Metropoulos |
Exhibit 10.13
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
AND
N. MICHAEL DION
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of this 25th day of November, 2003 (the "Effective Date") by and between Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with offices at one Old Bloomfield Road, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046 and N. Michael Dion (the "Executive"). Pinnacle Foods Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Operating Company"), is a party to this Agreement as provided herein.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company, the Operating Company and Executive are parties to an employment agreement, dated June 1, 2001 (the "Prior Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, on the Effective Date, the Company engaged in a series of transactions (collectively, the "Transaction") pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, Crunch Holding Corp., Crunch Acquisition Corp. and HMTF PF. L.L.C., in its capacity as representative, dated as of August 8, 2003 (the "Merger Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the Transaction, the parties hereby wish to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in the form of this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, including the mutual covenants herein, the parties agree that the Prior Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety in the form of this Agreement, as follows:
1. Employment Period. Subject to Section 3, the Company agrees to continue to employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the second anniversary of the Effective Date and from year to year thereafter unless terminated as provided herein; provided, that in no event shall the employment relationship contemplated by this Agreement extend beyond the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date unless agreed to in writing by the parties and further no termination or expiration of the employment relationship contemplated by this Agreement shall reduce any rights and/or obligations arising under this Agreement (i) as a result of such termination or (ii) during the term of this Agreement and which have accrued prior to any such termination or expiration.
2. Terms of Employment.
(a) Positions and Duties. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and of the Operating Company (or such other position or positions as Executive and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall determine from time to time) and, in so doing shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the "CEO"). Executive shall have the authority, duties and responsibilities customarily exercised by an individual serving in such position in a corporation the size and nature of the Company. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company (excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave), Executive shall devote sufficient time to the business and affairs of the Company necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Executive hereunder, as determined by the CEO. It shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (i) serve on business, civic or charitable boards and/or committees, (ii) deliver lectures or fulfill speaking engagements, or (iii) manage or provide advice to other businesses or entities with respect to which Executive has made a personal monetary investment or has otherwise created an advisory relationship, so long as the Board has approved such activities and such activities, individually or in the aggregate, do not unreasonably interfere with the performance of Executive's responsibilities in accordance with this Agreement.
(b) Compensation, Benefits and Expenses. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall receive an annual base salary of not less than three hundred fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) ("Annual Base Salary"), which shall be paid in accordance with the customary payroll practices of the Company. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to receive an annual bonus ("Annual Bonus") of up to one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000) upon achievement of performance criteria as shall be established by the CEO and the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") or the Compensation Committee thereof. Notwithstanding the above, it is expected that Executive's Annual Base Salary and Annual Bonus target will be increased by the Board upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger among Aurora Foods Inc. and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated as of ________, 2003 (collectively, the "Aurora Transaction"), in light of Executive's additional duties and responsibilities as a result of the Aurora Transaction. The Board will consider such increases at or immediately following the consummation of the Aurora Transaction.
(i) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company ("Investment Plans").
(ii) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive and his family shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under, welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company, including but not limited to comprehensive medical and dental coverage, disability and basic and supplemental life insurance ("Welfare Plans").
(iii) Except to the extent that such are changed pursuant to a general change in benefits applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company, during the term of Executive's employment with the Company, the Company shall continue to provide Executive with at least the same benefits provided to Executive by the Company and the Operating Company prior to the Effective Date ("Other Benefits").
(iv) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses associated with performing the duties hereunder in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company ("Reimbursable Expenses").
(v) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation and paid holidays in accordance with the plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company for its executive officers.
3. Termination of Employment.
(a) Reasons for Termination. Executive's employment with the Company may be terminated (i) by the Company for Cause or without Cause, (ii) by Executive with or without Good Reason, or (iii) by either the Company or the Executive upon Executive's Disability (other than by reason of death). This Agreement shall automatically expire (i) at the end of the month following Executive's death and (ii) unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties, as of the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date.
(b) Definitions. The following terms, as used herein, shall have the following meanings:
(i) "Annual Base Compensation" shall mean, at any given
time, the aggregate amount of (A) the Annual Base Salary
and (B) the then budgeted Annual Bonus for Executive;
provided that in no event shall Annual Base Compensation
be less than $525,000. Calculations required herein
based upon the amount of the Annual Bonus portion of the
Annual Base Compensation earned shall be determined as
if the Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base
Compensation is earned evenly throughout the year based
upon a 365-day year; provided that for purposes of
Section 3(c)(i)(A), the Annual Bonus portion of the
Annual Base Compensation earned through the date of
termination shall (1) be calculated by the Company as of
the date of the termination under Section 3(c)(i),
taking into consideration (x) for that portion of the
then current fiscal year that has elapsed prior to such
termination, the Company's performance against the
fiscal EBITDA budget for such time period and (y) a
reasonable estimation by the Board of the Company's
EBITDA performance for the remainder of the fiscal year
(such calculation referred to as the
"Estimated Annual Bonus") or (2) if Executive gives a timely notice of objection as provided below, be calculated by the Company based on the EBITDA results the Company actually achieves during the then current fiscal year, based on the performance criteria previously established by the Board (such calculation referred to as "Actual Results Bonus"), with such calculation being made based upon the audited financial statement for such fiscal year (the "Audited Financial Statements") and, in the case of both clause (1) and (2) above, such Annual Bonus as calculated above shall be reduced on a pro rata basis to reflect the actual days of employment elapsed during such fiscal year prior to the date of termination as compared to the total number of days during such fiscal year. Within thirty (30) days of the date of termination under Section 3(c)(i), the Board shall give Executive notice of its calculation of the Estimated Annual Bonus together with a description of the basis and assumptions supporting such projection. In the event Executive gives the Company notice of his objection to such projection within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notice thereof, then Executive shall be deemed to have waived and released his rights to receive any amounts under clause (1) above and thereafter Executive shall be eligible for the Actual Results Bonus under clause (2) above. Should Executive either expressly accept in writing the Estimated Annual Bonus calculation or fail to give timely notice of objection as provided above, then Executive shall be deemed to have accepted such calculation and to have waived and released his rights to receive any amounts under clause (2) above. In the case of the application of the Estimated Annual Bonus above, the date that Executive accepts or is deemed to have accepted the Board's calculation thereunder and in the case of the application of the Actual Results Bonus above, the date of the issuance of the Audited Financial Statement, in each case is referred to herein as the "Determination Date."
(ii) "Cause" shall mean an act of intentional fraud upon the Company that has caused a harm or injury to the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable; provided, however, that (x) the Board shall provide Executive with notice of the particular acts or omissions that are alleged to give rise to such fraud and (y) the Board shall hold a hearing no sooner than ten days after such notice at which Executive shall have the right to address the Board and dispute such allegations. Executive shall have the right to contest a determination of Cause by the Board by
requesting arbitration in accordance with the terms of
Section 6 below.
(iii) "Change in Control" shall mean, following the Effective
Date, (A) any "person" (as such term is used in Section
13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than (x) Crunch Equity
Holdings, LLC ("Crunch") or any of its "Affiliates" (as
defined below) or (y) a parent entity as contemplated by
clause (C) below, becoming the direct or indirect
"beneficial owner" (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company,
the Operating Company, Crunch or Crunch Holding Corp.
(the "Holding Company") representing more than 30% of
the combined voting power of any such entity's (or, if
Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the
Operating Company, as applicable, is a direct or
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of another entity
(other than any of the aforementioned entities), of any
such parent entity's), then outstanding securities and
Crunch or its Affiliates do not in the aggregate
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, securities
representing more than 50% of the combined voting power
of the voting securities of the entity whose voting
power is being tested above, (B) Crunch, the Holding
Company, the Company or the Operating Company merging
with or consolidating into any other entity, or the
equity holders of Crunch, the Holding Company, the
Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, and the
holders of voting securities of any other entity
participating in a securities exchange (other than a
merger, consolidation or exchange which (1) would result
in the holders (and/or their Affiliates) of the voting
securities of Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company
or the Operating Company, as applicable, outstanding
immediately prior thereto holding immediately thereafter
securities representing more than 50% of the combined
voting power of the voting securities of the surviving
entity (or, if Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company
or the Operating Company, as applicable, is a direct or
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of another entity
(other than any of the aforementioned entities), of such
parent entity) outstanding immediately after such
merger, consolidation or exchange and (2) would result
in Executive being senior vice president and chief
financial officer of the of such surviving entity), or
(C) the equity holders of Crunch, the Holding Company,
the Company or the Operating Company approving a plan of
complete liquidation or any agreement or agreements for
the sale or disposition by
Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of Crunch's, the Holding Company's, the Company's or the Operating Company's assets, as applicable, other than any such plan of liquidation adopted in connection with a merger, consolidation or exchange which does not constitute a Change in Control under the preceding clause (B). For purposes of this Section 3(b)(iii), the term "Affiliate" means any person or entity that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another person or entity, where the term "control" means (including, with correlative meaning, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with") the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management, policies or investment decisions of such person or entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
(iv) "Disability" means (A) Executive's incapacity due to death or a permanent mental or physical illness that prevents Executive from performing his duties hereunder or (B) a physical condition that renders the performance by Executive of his duties hereunder a serious threat to the health and well being of Executive. Disability shall be determined by a physician selected by Executive (or his legal representative) and reasonably acceptable to the Company.
(v) "Good Reason" means (A) the assignment to Executive of
any position, authority, duties or responsibilities
inconsistent with Section 2(a) (including status,
offices, titles and reporting requirements), or any
other action by the Company which results in a
diminution in such position, authority, duties or
responsibilities of Executive with the Company,
excluding for this purpose an action not taken in bad
faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly
after receipt of written notice thereof specifying the
particular action in issue, and provided that a
reassignment of Executive's position, authority, duties
or responsibilities by the CEO in accordance with
Section 2(a) shall not be considered an event described
in this clause (A), (B) a material breach by the Company
of this Agreement or any stock option agreement between
the Company and Executive, which is not cured within 30
days
after the receipt of written notice specifying the
particular acts or omissions giving rise to such breach,
(C) a reduction, without the prior written consent of
Executive, in the amount of annual base salary and/or
annual bonus paid to Executive by the Company in any
given year as compared to the immediately preceding year
(other than as a result of the Company's failure to
achieve bonus criteria established by the Board), (D)the
relocation, without the prior written consent of
Executive, of Executive's principal place of employment
more than 30 miles from his current principal place
employment if such relocation would increase Executive's
commute, or (E) following a Change in Control (i) the
failure of Executive to hold the position and have the
authority, duties and responsibilities which he holds
and has immediately prior to the Change in Control, at
the surviving or ultimate parent entity, as applicable,
or (ii) the failure of Executive to report solely to the
CEO of the surviving or ultimate parent entity, as
applicable.
(c) Obligations of the Company upon Termination.
(i) With Cause; Without Good Reason. If, during the term of this Agreement, the Company shall terminate Executive's employment with the Company for Cause, or Executive shall terminate his employment with the Company without Good Reason, then:
(A) the Company shall pay to Executive in cash (x)
within 10 days after the date of such termination
the sum of (1) any Annual Base Salary earned
through the date of termination to the extent not
theretofore paid by the Company, (2) any
compensation previously deferred by Executive and
(3) any vacation pay earned through the date of termination not theretofore paid by the Company, (the aggregate of the sum of clause (x) being, the "Accrued Obligation") and (y) within 10 days after the date of such termination, all Reimbursable Expenses previously incurred but not reimbursed in accordance with this Agreement ("Accrued Expenses"); and
(B) the Company shall pay to Executive any amounts arising from Executive's participation in, or benefits under, any Investment Plans (the "Accrued Investments"), which amounts shall be payable in accordance with the term and conditions of the
Investment Plans; provided that this Section 3(c)(i)(B) is not intended to require, and shall not be construed to require, any payments to be made in respect of any stock option plan, stock appreciation right or plan, or stock purchase right or plan adopted by the Company, the Holding Company or the Operating Company (collectively, "Equity Plans"), and the terms and conditions of such Equity Plans shall govern the parties' obligations and rights thereunder.
(ii) Without Cause; With Good Reason; Disability. If, during the term of this Agreement, the Company shall terminate Executive's employment with the Company without Cause, Executive shall terminate his employment with the Company with Good Reason, or Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate or expire due to Executive's Disability, then:
(A) the Company shall pay to Executive in cash within
10 days after the date of such termination the
amount of the Accrued Obligation (including the
Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base
Compensation that has been earned through the date
of termination as determined in accordance with
Section 3(b)(i)) and any Accrued Expenses;
(B) the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Investments in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Investment Plans; provided that this Section 3(c)(ii)(B) is not intended to require, and shall not be construed to require, any payments to be made in respect of any Equity Plans and the terms and conditions of such Equity Plans shall govern the parties obligations and rights thereunder;
(C) The Company shall pay to Executive in cash within 10 days after the date of such termination an amount (the "Severance Amount") that is equal to one and one-half (1.5) times the amount of the then current Annual Base Compensation (including the Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base Compensation targeted for such fiscal year whether or not earned as of the date of termination in accordance with Section 3(b)(i)); and
(D) for a period commencing on the date of such termination and continuing for eighteen (18) months thereafter (the "Severance Period"), the Company shall continue to provide benefits under Welfare Plans and the Other Benefits substantially equivalent to those that were being provided prior to the termination ("Benefit Continuation"); provided, however, that if Executive becomes employed with another employer and is eligible to receive any benefits that are substantially equivalent to those required under the Benefit Continuation coverage, then the Company may terminate such Benefit Continuation coverage insofar as it relates to such equivalent benefit.
(d) Effect on Benefit Plans. The existence of this Agreement shall not prohibit or restrict Executive's entitlement to participate in the executive compensation, employee benefit and other plans or programs in which executives of the Company or the Operating Company are eligible to participate. Nothing herein shall restrict the Company's or the Operating Company's right to amend any plan, practice, policy or program in a manner generally applicable to similarly situated active executives, in which event Executive shall be entitled to participate on the same basis (including payment of applicable contributions) as similarly situated active executives of the Company.
(e) No Mitigation. Executive shall not be obligated to seek new employment or take any other action to mitigate the benefits to which Executive is entitled hereunder. Except as contemplated by Section 3(c)(ii)(E) and Section 3(d) with respect to the Benefit Continuation, such benefits shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains new employment.
4. Mutual Release. Payment of the Severance Amount shall be conditioned upon the execution by Executive and the Company of a valid mutual release, to be prepared by the Company, in which Executive and the Company mutually release the other, to the maximum extent permitted by law, from any and all claims either may have against the other that relate to or arise out of Executive's employment or termination of employment, except such claims arising under this Agreement, any employee benefit plan or any other written plan or agreement.
5. Excise Taxes.
(a) Determination and Payment. If it is determined that any payment, distribution or other benefit to Executive, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (a "Payment"), would be subject to any
tax (e.g. excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) other than income tax (such tax, together with any interest and penalties related thereto are hereinafter collectively referred to as an "Excise Tax"), then the Company shall promptly pay to Executive an additional payment ("Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that Executive retains, after payment of all taxes, and all interest and penalties with respect thereto (including, without limitation, income tax and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment), an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment. The determination of the amount of any Gross-Up Payment shall be made by a certified public accounting firm selected jointly by the Company and Executive (the "Accounting Firm"), the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.
(b) Contesting. Executive shall promptly notify the Company of any claim that, if successful, would require the payment of the Gross-Up Payment. Without the consent of the Company, Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the date that the payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due. If the Company notifies Executive in writing prior to such due date that it desires to contest the claim, Executive shall take all actions in connection with contesting the claim reasonably required by the Company (including accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company); provided, however, that the Company shall pay all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any tax (including reasonable attorneys fees, interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result thereof.
6. Claims.
(a) Arbitration of Claims. Executive and Company shall settle by arbitration any dispute or controversy arising in connection with this Agreement, whether or not such dispute involves a plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Such arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association before a panel of three arbitrators sitting in Morris County, New Jersey or such other location as shall be mutually agreed by the parties. The award of the arbitrators shall be final and nonappealable, and judgment may be entered on the award of the arbitrators in any court having proper jurisdiction. All expenses of such arbitration shall be borne by the Company. THE ARBITRATORS SHALL HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO AWARD PUNITIVE
DAMAGES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES (WHETHER IT BE EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, TREBLE DAMAGES, OR ANY OTHER PENALTY OR PUNITIVE TYPE OF DAMAGES) REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES MAY BE AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY HEREBY EACH WAIVING THEIR RIGHT, IF ANY, TO RECOVER PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH CLAIMS, DISPUTES OR DISAGREEMENTS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIM, DISPUTE OR DISAGREEMENT ARISES UNDER THE LAW OF CONTRACTS, TORTS, (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE OF EVERY KIND AND STRICT LIABILITY WITHOUT FAULT), OR PROPERTY, OR AT COMMON LAW OR IN EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EXECUTIVE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT EXECUTIVE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, OTHER THAN IN RESPECT OF A DISPUTE OR CONTROVERSY ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH SECTION 13 OR SECTION 14, A TRIAL BEFORE A JUDGE IN CONNECTION WITH, OR RELATING TO, A CLAIM.
(b) Payment of Legal Fees and Costs. The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all reasonable legal fees and expenses which Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, Executive or others of any action taken pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement, or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by Executive about the amount of payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the rate of 8% per annum.
(c) Agent for Service of Legal Process. Service of legal process upon the Company with respect to a claim under this Agreement shall be made upon the General Counsel of the Company.
7. Tax Withholding. All payments to the Executive under this Agreement will be subject to the withholding of all applicable employment and income taxes.
8. Severability. In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provision of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.
9. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor of the Company. The Company will require any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company or the Operating Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, would be required to perform if no succession had taken place.
10. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. This
Agreement may not be modified in any manner except by a written instrument
signed by both the Company and Executive; provided that any modification of
Section 18 shall require the written consent of the Company, Executive and the
Operating Company.
11. Notices. Any notice required under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered by certified mail return receipt required to each of the parties as follows:
To Executive:
N. Michael Dion
1 Brandywine Ct.
Randolph, NJ 07869
To the Company:
Pinnacle Foods Corporation
1 Old Bloomfield Road
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Attention: General Counsel
12. Validity. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be full several, this Agreement shall be constructed and enforced as if the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a portion of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision there shall be added automatically as part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms as may be possible to the provision that was determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable and such additional provision shall be legal, valid and enforceable.
13. Confidential Information.
(a) The Executive acknowledges that the Company and its subsidiaries have trade, business and financial secrets and other confidential and proprietary information (collectively, the "Confidential Information"). Confidential Information shall not include (i) information that is generally known to other persons or entities who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and
(ii) information required to be disclosed by the Executive pursuant to a requirement of a governmental agency or law of the United States of America or a state thereof or any governmental or political subdivision thereof; provided, however, that before providing such information pursuant to clause (ii) above, Executive shall (A) notify the Company as soon as practicable after receipt of any subpoena or order requiring the production of information so that the Company may have the opportunity to seek a protective order and (B) consult with the Company with respect to any required disclosure.
(b) During and following the Executive's employment by the Company, the Executive shall hold in confidence and not directly or indirectly disclose or use any Confidential Information except to the extent authorized in writing by the Board or required by any court or administrative agency, other than to an employee of the Company, or its subsidiaries or a person to whom disclosure is reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance by the Executive of duties as an executive of the Company.
(c) The Executive further agrees not to use any Confidential Information for the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company or its subsidiaries.
14. Non-Competition.
(a) Term of Non-Competition. During the term of this Agreement and in the event the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated or Executive resigns for Good Reason, if applicable, and Executive receives payment of the Severance Amount, for the remainder of the Severance Period, Executive shall not engage in or promote any business within the United States that is principally engaged in the business of manufacturing and marketing food products that directly compete in the same categories as the core products of the Company at the time of termination; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit Executive from owning less than 10% of the voting securities of any publicly traded company so long as Executive does not otherwise engage in or promote the activities of that company. Executive understands that the restrictions set forth in this Section 14(a) may limit his ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company or any subsidiary thereof, but he nevertheless believes that he has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder to justify clearly such restrictions which, in
any event (given his education, skills and ability), Executive does not believe would prevent him from earning a living.
(b) Use of Confidential Information. During the term of this Agreement and during the term of non-competition, Executive will not use Executive's access to, knowledge of, or application of Confidential Information to perform any duty for any Competing Business; it being understood and agreed to that this Section 14(b) shall be in addition to and not be construed as a limitation upon the covenants in Section 13 hereof.
(c) Executive acknowledges that the geographic boundaries, scope of prohibited activities, and duration of this Section 14 are reasonable in nature and are no broader than are necessary to maintain the confidentiality and the goodwill of the Company's and its subsidiaries' proprietary information, plans and services and to protect the other legitimate business interests of the Company and its subsidiaries.
(d) If any court determines that any portion of this Section 14 is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Section 14 shall not thereby be affected and shall be given full effect without regard to the invalid provisions. If any court construes any of the provisions of this Section 14, or any part thereof, to be unreasonable because of the duration or scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce the duration or scope of such provision and to enforce such provision as so reduced.
15. No Waiver. The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at any time.
16. Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges that money damages would
be both incalculable and an insufficient remedy for a breach of Section 13 or
Section 14 by Executive and that any such breach would cause the Company
irreparable harm. Accordingly, the Company, in addition to any other remedies at
law or in equity it may have, shall be entitled, without the requirement of
posting of bond or other security, to equitable relief, including injunctive
relief and specific performance, in connection with a breach of Section 13 or
Section 14 by Executive.
17. Governing Law. The provision of this Agreement shall be constructed in accordance of the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to that state's choice of law provision.
18. Guarantee. The Operating Company hereby guarantees the full and complete performance of each of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement.
19. Prior Agreement. Effective as of the Effective Date, Executive hereby releases and forever discharges the Company and its affiliates from any and all claims and obligations arising out of or resulting from the Prior Agreement. Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute but one agreement. Facsimile counterpart signatures to this Agreement shall be acceptable.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is hereby executed as of the date and year first above written.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
/S/ M. KELLEY MAGGS --------------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
For purposes of Section 18
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION
/S/ M. KELLEY MAGGS --------------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
EXECUTIVE
/S/ N. MICHAEL DION --------------------------------------- N. Michael Dion |
EXHIBIT 10.14
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
AND
LOUIS PELLICANO
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of this 25th day of November, 2003 (the "Effective Date") by and between Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with offices at one Old Bloomfield Road, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046 and Louis Pellicano (the "Executive"). Pinnacle Foods Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Operating Company"), is a party to this Agreement as provided herein.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company, the Operating Company and Executive are parties to an employment agreement, dated June 1, 2001 (the "Prior Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, on the Effective Date, the Company engaged in a series of transactions (collectively, the "Transaction") pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, Crunch Holding Corp., Crunch Acquisition Corp. and HMTF PF. L.L.C., in its capacity as representative, dated as of August 8, 2003 (the "Merger Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the Transaction, the parties hereby wish to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in the form of this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, including the mutual covenants herein, the parties agree that the Prior Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety in the form of this Agreement, as follows:
1. Employment Period. Subject to Section 3, the Company agrees to continue to employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the second anniversary of the Effective Date and from year to year thereafter unless terminated as provided herein; provided, that in no event shall the employment relationship contemplated by this Agreement extend beyond the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date unless agreed to in writing by the parties and further no termination or expiration of the employment relationship contemplated by this Agreement shall reduce any rights and/or obligations arising under this Agreement (i) as a result of such termination or (ii) during the term of this Agreement and which have accrued prior to any such termination or expiration.
2. Terms of Employment.
(a) Positions and Duties. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall serve as Senior Vice President of the Company and of the Operating Company (or such other position or positions as Executive and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall determine from time to time) and, in so doing shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the "CEO"). Executive shall have the authority, duties and responsibilities customarily exercised by an individual serving in such position in a corporation the size and nature of the Company. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company (excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave), Executive shall devote sufficient time to the business and affairs of the Company necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Executive hereunder, as determined by the CEO. It shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (i) serve on business, civic or charitable boards and/or committees, (ii) deliver lectures or fulfill speaking engagements, or (iii) manage or provide advice to other businesses or entities with respect to which Executive has made a personal monetary investment or has otherwise created an advisory relationship, so long as the Board has approved such activities and such activities, individually or in the aggregate, do not unreasonably interfere with the performance of Executive's responsibilities in accordance with this Agreement.
(b) Compensation, Benefits and Expenses. During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall receive an annual base salary of not less than three hundred fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) ("Annual Base Salary"), which shall be paid in accordance with the customary payroll practices of the Company. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to receive an annual bonus ("Annual Bonus") of up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) upon achievement of performance criteria as shall be established by the CEO and the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") or the Compensation Committee thereof. Notwithstanding the above, it is expected that Executive's Annual Base Salary and Annual Bonus target will be increased by the Board upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger among Aurora Foods Inc. and Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, dated as of ________, 2003 (collectively, the "Aurora Transaction"), in light of Executive's additional duties and responsibilities as a result of the Aurora Transaction. The Board will consider such increases at or immediately following the consummation of the Aurora Transaction.
(i) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company ("Investment Plans").
(ii) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive and his family shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under, welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company, including but not limited to comprehensive medical and dental coverage, disability and basic and supplemental life insurance ("Welfare Plans").
(iii) Except to the extent that such are changed pursuant to a general change in benefits applicable generally to other executives of the Company and the Operating Company, during the term of Executive's employment with the Company, the Company shall continue to provide Executive with at least the same benefits provided to Executive by the Company and the Operating Company prior to the Effective Date ("Other Benefits").
(iv) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses associated with performing the duties hereunder in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company ("Reimbursable Expenses").
(v) During the term of Executive's employment with the Company, Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation and paid holidays in accordance with the plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company for its executive officers.
3. Termination of Employment.
(a) Reasons for Termination. Executive's employment with the Company may be terminated (i) by the Company for Cause or without Cause, (ii) by Executive with or without Good Reason, or (iii) by either the Company or the Executive upon Executive's Disability (other than by reason of death). This Agreement shall automatically expire (i) at the end of the month following Executive's death and (ii) unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties, as of the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date.
(b) Definitions. The following terms, as used herein, shall have the following meanings:
(i) "Annual Base Compensation" shall mean, at any given
time, the aggregate amount of (A) the Annual Base Salary
and (B) the then budgeted Annual Bonus for Executive;
provided that in no event shall Annual Base Compensation
be less than $500,000. Calculations required herein
based upon the amount of the Annual Bonus portion of the
Annual Base Compensation earned shall be determined as
if the Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base
Compensation is earned evenly throughout the year based
upon a 365-day year; provided that for purposes of
Section 3(c)(i)(A), the Annual Bonus portion of the
Annual Base Compensation earned through the date of
termination shall (1) be calculated by the Company as of
the date of the termination under Section 3(c)(i),
taking into consideration (x) for that portion of the
then current fiscal year that has elapsed prior to such
termination, the Company's performance against the
fiscal EBITDA budget for such time period and (y) a
reasonable estimation by the Board of the Company's
EBITDA performance for the remainder of the fiscal year
(such calculation referred to as the
"Estimated Annual Bonus") or (2) if Executive gives a timely notice of objection as provided below, be calculated by the Company based on the EBITDA results the Company actually achieves during the then current fiscal year, based on the performance criteria previously established by the Board (such calculation referred to as "Actual Results Bonus"), with such calculation being made based upon the audited financial statement for such fiscal year (the "Audited Financial Statements") and, in the case of both clause (1) and (2) above, such Annual Bonus as calculated above shall be reduced on a pro rata basis to reflect the actual days of employment elapsed during such fiscal year prior to the date of termination as compared to the total number of days during such fiscal year. Within thirty (30) days of the date of termination under Section 3(c)(i), the Board shall give Executive notice of its calculation of the Estimated Annual Bonus together with a description of the basis and assumptions supporting such projection. In the event Executive gives the Company notice of his objection to such projection within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notice thereof, then Executive shall be deemed to have waived and released his rights to receive any amounts under clause (1) above and thereafter Executive shall be eligible for the Actual Results Bonus under clause (2) above. Should Executive either expressly accept in writing the Estimated Annual Bonus calculation or fail to give timely notice of objection as provided above, then Executive shall be deemed to have accepted such calculation and to have waived and released his rights to receive any amounts under clause (2) above. In the case of the application of the Estimated Annual Bonus above, the date that Executive accepts or is deemed to have accepted the Board's calculation thereunder and in the case of the application of the Actual Results Bonus above, the date of the issuance of the Audited Financial Statement, in each case is referred to herein as the "Determination Date."
(ii) "Cause" shall mean an act of intentional fraud upon the Company that has caused a harm or injury to the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable; provided, however, that (x) the Board shall provide Executive with notice of the particular acts or omissions that are alleged to give rise to such fraud and (y) the Board shall hold a hearing no sooner than ten days after such notice at which Executive shall have the right to address the Board and dispute such allegations. Executive shall have the right to contest a determination of Cause by the Board by
requesting arbitration in accordance with the terms of
Section 6 below.
(iii) "Change in Control" shall mean, following the Effective Date, (A) any "person" (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than (x) Crunch Equity Holdings, LLC ("Crunch") or any of its "Affiliates" (as defined below) or (y) a parent entity as contemplated by clause (C) below, becoming the direct or indirect "beneficial owner" (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company, the Operating Company, Crunch or Crunch Holding Corp. (the "Holding Company") representing more than 30% of the combined voting power of any such entity's (or, if Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of another entity (other than any of the aforementioned entities), of any such parent entity's), then outstanding securities and Crunch or its Affiliates do not in the aggregate beneficially own, directly or indirectly, securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the entity whose voting power is being tested above, (B) Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company merging with or consolidating into any other entity, or the equity holders of Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, and the holders of voting securities of any other entity participating in a securities exchange (other than a merger, consolidation or exchange which (1) would result in the holders (and/or their Affiliates) of the voting securities of Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, outstanding immediately prior thereto holding immediately thereafter securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity (or, if Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of another entity (other than any of the aforementioned entities), of such parent entity) outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or exchange and (2) would result in Executive being a senior vice president of such surviving entity), or (C) the equity holders of Crunch, the Holding Company, the Company or the Operating Company approving a plan of complete liquidation or any agreement or agreements for the sale or disposition by Crunch, the Holding Company,
the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, in
one or a series of related transactions, of all or
substantially all of Crunch's, the Holding Company's,
the Company's or the Operating Company's assets, as
applicable, other than any such plan of liquidation
adopted in connection with a merger, consolidation or
exchange which does not constitute a Change in Control
under the preceding clause (B). For purposes of this
Section 3(b)(iii), the term "Affiliate" means any person
or entity that, directly or indirectly, through one or
more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or
is under common control with, another person or entity,
where the term "control" means (including, with
correlative meaning, the terms "controlling,"
"controlled by" and "under common control with") the
possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management,
policies or investment decisions of such person or
entity, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by contract or otherwise.
(iv) "Disability" means (A) Executive's incapacity due to death or a permanent mental or physical illness that prevents Executive from performing his duties hereunder or (B) a physical condition that renders the performance by Executive of his duties hereunder a serious threat to the health and well being of Executive. Disability shall be determined by a physician selected by Executive (or his legal representative) and reasonably acceptable to the Company.
(v) "Good Reason" means (A) the assignment to Executive of
any position, authority, duties or responsibilities
inconsistent with Section 2(a) (including status,
offices, titles and reporting requirements), or any
other action by the Company which results in a
diminution in such position, authority, duties or
responsibilities of Executive with the Company,
excluding for this purpose an action not taken in bad
faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly
after receipt of written notice thereof specifying the
particular action in issue, and provided that a
reassignment of Executive's position, authority, duties
or responsibilities by the CEO in accordance with
Section 2(a) shall not be considered an event described
in this clause (A), (B) a material breach by the Company
of this Agreement or any stock option agreement between
the Company and Executive, which is not cured within 30
days after the receipt of written notice specifying the
particular
acts or omissions giving rise to such breach, (C) a reduction, without the prior written consent of Executive, in the amount of annual base salary and/or annual bonus paid to Executive by the Company in any given year as compared to the immediately preceding year (other than as a result of the Company's failure to achieve bonus criteria established by the Board), (D)the relocation, without the prior written consent of Executive, of Executive's principal place of employment more than 30 miles from his current principal place employment if such relocation would increase Executive's commute, or (E) following a Change in Control (i) the failure of Executive to hold the position and have the authority, duties and responsibilities which he holds and has immediately prior to the Change in Control, at the surviving or ultimate parent entity, as applicable, or (ii) the failure of Executive to report solely to the CEO of the surviving or ultimate parent entity, as applicable.
(c) Obligations of the Company upon Termination.
(i) With Cause; Without Good Reason. If, during the term of this Agreement, the Company shall terminate Executive's employment with the Company for Cause, or Executive shall terminate his employment with the Company without Good Reason, then:
(A) the Company shall pay to Executive in cash (x)
within 10 days after the date of such termination
the sum of (1) any Annual Base Salary earned
through the date of termination to the extent not
theretofore paid by the Company, (2) any
compensation previously deferred by Executive and
(3) any vacation pay earned through the date of termination not theretofore paid by the Company, (the aggregate of the sum of clause (x) being, the "Accrued Obligation") and (y) within 10 days after the date of such termination, all Reimbursable Expenses previously incurred but not reimbursed in accordance with this Agreement ("Accrued Expenses"); and
(B) the Company shall pay to Executive any amounts arising from Executive's participation in, or benefits under, any Investment Plans (the "Accrued Investments"), which amounts shall be payable in accordance with the term and conditions of the Investment Plans; provided that this Section
3(c)(i)(B) is not intended to require, and shall not be construed to require, any payments to be made in respect of any stock option plan, stock appreciation right or plan, or stock purchase right or plan adopted by the Company, the Holding Company or the Operating Company (collectively, "Equity Plans"), and the terms and conditions of such Equity Plans shall govern the parties' obligations and rights thereunder.
(ii) Without Cause; With Good Reason; Disability. If, during the term of this Agreement, the Company shall terminate Executive's employment with the Company without Cause, Executive shall terminate his employment with the Company with Good Reason, or Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate or expire due to Executive's Disability, then:
(A) the Company shall pay to Executive in cash within
10 days after the date of such termination the
amount of the Accrued Obligation (including the
Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base
Compensation that has been earned through the date
of termination as determined in accordance with
Section 3(b)(i)) and any Accrued Expenses;
(B) the Company shall pay to Executive the Accrued Investments in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Investment Plans; provided that this Section 3(c)(ii)(B) is not intended to require, and shall not be construed to require, any payments to be made in respect of any Equity Plans and the terms and conditions of such Equity Plans shall govern the parties obligations and rights thereunder;
(C) The Company shall pay to Executive in cash within 10 days after the date of such termination an amount (the "Severance Amount") that is equal to one and one-half (1.5) times the amount of the then current Annual Base Compensation (including the Annual Bonus portion of the Annual Base Compensation targeted for such fiscal year whether or not earned as of the date of termination in accordance with Section 3(b)(i)); and
(D) for a period commencing on the date of such termination and continuing for eighteen (18) months
thereafter (the "Severance Period"), the Company shall continue to provide benefits under Welfare Plans and the Other Benefits substantially equivalent to those that were being provided prior to the termination ("Benefit Continuation"); provided, however, that if Executive becomes employed with another employer and is eligible to receive any benefits that are substantially equivalent to those required under the Benefit Continuation coverage, then the Company may terminate such Benefit Continuation coverage insofar as it relates to such equivalent benefit.
(d) Effect on Benefit Plans. The existence of this Agreement shall not prohibit or restrict Executive's entitlement to participate in the executive compensation, employee benefit and other plans or programs in which executives of the Company or the Operating Company are eligible to participate. Nothing herein shall restrict the Company's or the Operating Company's right to amend any plan, practice, policy or program in a manner generally applicable to similarly situated active executives, in which event Executive shall be entitled to participate on the same basis (including payment of applicable contributions) as similarly situated active executives of the Company.
(e) No Mitigation. Executive shall not be obligated to seek new employment or take any other action to mitigate the benefits to which Executive is entitled hereunder. Except as contemplated by Section 3(c)(ii)(E) and Section 3(d) with respect to the Benefit Continuation, such benefits shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains new employment.
4. Mutual Release. Payment of the Severance Amount shall be conditioned upon the execution by Executive and the Company of a valid mutual release, to be prepared by the Company, in which Executive and the Company mutually release the other, to the maximum extent permitted by law, from any and all claims either may have against the other that relate to or arise out of Executive's employment or termination of employment, except such claims arising under this Agreement, any employee benefit plan or any other written plan or agreement.
5. Excise Taxes.
(a) Determination and Payment. If it is determined that any payment, distribution or other benefit to Executive, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (a "Payment"), would be subject to any tax (e.g. excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) other than income tax (such tax, together with any
interest and penalties related thereto are hereinafter collectively referred to as an "Excise Tax"), then the Company shall promptly pay to Executive an additional payment ("Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that Executive retains, after payment of all taxes, and all interest and penalties with respect thereto (including, without limitation, income tax and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment), an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment. The determination of the amount of any Gross-Up Payment shall be made by a certified public accounting firm selected jointly by the Company and Executive (the "Accounting Firm"), the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.
(b) Contesting. Executive shall promptly notify the Company of any claim that, if successful, would require the payment of the Gross-Up Payment. Without the consent of the Company, Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the date that the payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due. If the Company notifies Executive in writing prior to such due date that it desires to contest the claim, Executive shall take all actions in connection with contesting the claim reasonably required by the Company (including accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company); provided, however, that the Company shall pay all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any tax (including reasonable attorneys fees, interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result thereof.
6. Claims.
(a) Arbitration of Claims. Executive and Company shall settle by arbitration any dispute or controversy arising in connection with this Agreement, whether or not such dispute involves a plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Such arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association before a panel of three arbitrators sitting in Morris County, New Jersey or such other location as shall be mutually agreed by the parties. The award of the arbitrators shall be final and nonappealable, and judgment may be entered on the award of the arbitrators in any court having proper jurisdiction. All expenses of such arbitration shall be borne by the Company. THE ARBITRATORS SHALL HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO AWARD PUNITIVE DAMAGES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES (WHETHER IT BE EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, TREBLE DAMAGES, OR
ANY OTHER PENALTY OR PUNITIVE TYPE OF DAMAGES) REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES MAY BE AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY HEREBY EACH WAIVING THEIR RIGHT, IF ANY, TO RECOVER PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH CLAIMS, DISPUTES OR DISAGREEMENTS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIM, DISPUTE OR DISAGREEMENT ARISES UNDER THE LAW OF CONTRACTS, TORTS, (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE OF EVERY KIND AND STRICT LIABILITY WITHOUT FAULT), OR PROPERTY, OR AT COMMON LAW OR IN EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, EXECUTIVE IS WAIVING ANY RIGHT THAT EXECUTIVE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OR, OTHER THAN IN RESPECT OF A DISPUTE OR CONTROVERSY ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH SECTION 13 OR SECTION 14, A TRIAL BEFORE A JUDGE IN CONNECTION WITH, OR RELATING TO, A CLAIM.
(b) Payment of Legal Fees and Costs. The Company agrees to pay as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all reasonable legal fees and expenses which Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, Executive or others of any action taken pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement, or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by Executive about the amount of payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the rate of 8% per annum.
(c) Agent for Service of Legal Process. Service of legal process upon the Company with respect to a claim under this Agreement shall be made upon the General Counsel of the Company.
7. Tax Withholding. All payments to the Executive under this Agreement will be subject to the withholding of all applicable employment and income taxes.
8. Severability. In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provision of this Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.
9. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor of the Company. The Company will require any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company or the Operating Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company or the Operating Company, as applicable, would be required to perform if no succession had taken place.
10. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. This
Agreement may not be modified in any manner except by a written instrument
signed by both the Company and Executive; provided that any modification of
Section 18 shall require the written consent of the Company, Executive and the
Operating Company.
11. Notices. Any notice required under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered by certified mail return receipt required to each of the parties as follows:
To Executive:
Louis Pellicano
149 Roxbury Road
Garden City, NJ 11520
To the Company:
Pinnacle Foods Corporation
1 Old Bloomfield Road
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Attention: General Counsel
12. Validity. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be full several, this Agreement shall be constructed and enforced as if the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a portion of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision there shall be added automatically as part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms as may be possible to the provision that was determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable and such additional provision shall be legal, valid and enforceable.
13. Confidential Information.
(a) The Executive acknowledges that the Company and its subsidiaries have trade, business and financial secrets and other confidential and proprietary information (collectively, the "Confidential Information"). Confidential Information shall not include (i) information that is generally known to other persons or entities who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and
(ii) information required to be disclosed by the Executive pursuant to a requirement of a governmental agency or law of the United States of America or a state thereof or any governmental or political subdivision thereof; provided, however, that before providing such information pursuant to clause (ii) above, Executive shall (A) notify the Company as soon as practicable after receipt of any subpoena or order requiring the production of information so that the Company may have the opportunity to seek a protective order and (B) consult with the Company with respect to any required disclosure.
(b) During and following the Executive's employment by the Company, the Executive shall hold in confidence and not directly or indirectly disclose or use any Confidential Information except to the extent authorized in writing by the Board or required by any court or administrative agency, other than to an employee of the Company, or its subsidiaries or a person to whom disclosure is reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance by the Executive of duties as an executive of the Company.
(c) The Executive further agrees not to use any Confidential Information for the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company or its subsidiaries.
14. Non-Competition.
(a) Term of Non-Competition. During the term of this Agreement and in the event the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated or Executive resigns for Good Reason, if applicable, and Executive receives payment of the Severance Amount, for the remainder of the Severance Period, Executive shall not engage in or promote any business within the United States that is principally engaged in the business of manufacturing and marketing food products that directly compete in the same categories as the core products of the Company at the time of termination; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit Executive from owning less than 10% of the voting securities of any publicly traded company so long as Executive does not otherwise engage in or promote the activities of that company. Executive understands that the restrictions set forth in this Section 14(a) may limit his ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company or any subsidiary thereof, but he nevertheless believes that he has received and will receive sufficient consideration and other benefits as an employee of the Company and as otherwise provided hereunder to justify clearly such restrictions which, in
any event (given his education, skills and ability), Executive does not believe would prevent him from earning a living.
(b) Use of Confidential Information. During the term of this Agreement and during the term of non-competition, Executive will not use Executive's access to, knowledge of, or application of Confidential Information to perform any duty for any Competing Business; it being understood and agreed to that this Section 14(b) shall be in addition to and not be construed as a limitation upon the covenants in Section 13 hereof.
(c) Executive acknowledges that the geographic boundaries, scope of prohibited activities, and duration of this Section 14 are reasonable in nature and are no broader than are necessary to maintain the confidentiality and the goodwill of the Company's and its subsidiaries' proprietary information, plans and services and to protect the other legitimate business interests of the Company and its subsidiaries.
(d) If any court determines that any portion of this Section 14 is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Section 14 shall not thereby be affected and shall be given full effect without regard to the invalid provisions. If any court construes any of the provisions of this Section 14, or any part thereof, to be unreasonable because of the duration or scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to reduce the duration or scope of such provision and to enforce such provision as so reduced.
15. No Waiver. The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at any time.
16. Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges that money damages would
be both incalculable and an insufficient remedy for a breach of Section 13 or
Section 14 by Executive and that any such breach would cause the Company
irreparable harm. Accordingly, the Company, in addition to any other remedies at
law or in equity it may have, shall be entitled, without the requirement of
posting of bond or other security, to equitable relief, including injunctive
relief and specific performance, in connection with a breach of Section 13 or
Section 14 by Executive.
17. Governing Law. The provision of this Agreement shall be constructed in accordance of the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to that state's choice of law provision.
18. Guarantee. The Operating Company hereby guarantees the full and complete performance of each of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement.
19. Prior Agreement. Effective as of the Effective Date, Executive hereby releases and forever discharges the Company and its affiliates from any and all claims and obligations arising out of or resulting from the Prior Agreement. Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute but one agreement. Facsimile counterpart signatures to this Agreement shall be acceptable.
[remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is hereby executed as of the date and year first above written.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
/S/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ----------------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
For purposes of Section 18
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION
/S/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ------------------------------------ Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
EXECUTIVE
/S/ LOUIS PELLICANO ------------------------------------ Louis Pellicano |
EXHIBIT 10.15
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
This INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of the 22 day of May, 2001, by and between Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (including any successors thereto, the "Company"), and C. Dean Metropoulos ("Indemnitee").
RECITALS:
1. Competent and experienced persons are reluctant to serve or to continue to serve corporations as directors, officers, or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or indemnification (or both) against claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of those corporations.
2. The current uncertainties relating to the availability of adequate insurance for directors and officers have increased the difficulty for corporations to attract and retain competent and experienced persons.
3. The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") has determined that the continuation of present trends in litigation will make it more difficult to attract and retain competent and experienced persons, that this situation is detrimental to the best interests of the Company's stockholders, and that the Company should act to assure its directors and officers that there will be increased certainty of adequate protection in the future.
4. It is reasonable, prudent, and necessary for the Company to obligate itself contractually to indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law in order to induce them to serve or continue to serve the Company.
5. Indemnitee is willing to serve and continue to serve the Company on the condition that he be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law.
6. Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Indemnitee is agreeing to serve or to continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company.
AGREEMENTS:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises, Indemnitee's agreement to serve or continue to serve as a director or officer of the Company, and the covenants contained in this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby covenant and agree as follows:
1. Certain Definitions.
For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) Affiliate: shall mean any Person that directly, or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Person specified.
(b) Change of Control: shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) The acquisition after the date of this Agreement by any individual, entity, or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (x) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (y) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that for purposes of this paragraph (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (1) any acquisition directly from the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (2) any acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (3) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or (4) any acquisition by any one or more members of the HMC Group;
(ii) Individuals who, as of the date of this Agreement, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date of this Agreement (x) who is a member of the HMC Group or (y) whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board, shall in either case be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or
(iii) Consummation of a sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (including the capital stock or assets of its subsidiaries) to any Person, other than one or more members of the HMC Group.
(c) Claim: shall mean any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding (including, without limitation, securities laws actions, suits, and proceedings and also any cross claim or counterclaim in any action, suit, or proceeding), whether civil, criminal, arbitral, administrative, or investigative in nature, or any inquiry or investigation (including discovery), whether conducted by the Company or any other Person, that Indemnitee in good faith believes might lead to the institution of any action, suit, or proceeding.
(d) Expenses: shall mean all costs, expenses (including attorneys' and expert witnesses' fees), and obligations paid or incurred in connection with investigating, defending (including affirmative defenses and counterclaims), being a witness in, or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, be a witness in, or participate in, any Claim relating to any Indemnifiable Event.
(e) HMC Group: shall mean Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Incorporated, its Affiliates and their respective employees, officers, and directors (and members of their respective families and trusts for the primary benefit of such family members).
(f) Indemnifiable Event: shall mean any actual or alleged act, omission, statement, misstatement, event, or occurrence related to the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director, officer, agent, or fiduciary of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, agent, or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, employee benefit plan, trust, or other enterprise, or by reason of any actual or alleged thing done or not done by Indemnitee in any such capacity. For purposes of this Agreement, the Company agrees that Indemnitee's service on behalf of or with respect to any Subsidiary or employee benefits plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall be deemed to be at the request of the Company.
(g) Indemnifiable Liabilities: shall mean all Expenses and all other liabilities, damages (including, without limitation, punitive, exemplary, and the multiplied portion of any damages), judgments, payments, fines, penalties, amounts paid in settlement, and awards paid or incurred that arise out of, or in any way relate to, any Indemnifiable Event.
(h) Potential Change of Control: shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) the Company enters into an agreement, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of a Change of Control; (ii) any Person (including the Company) publicly announces an intention to take or to consider taking actions that, if consummated, would constitute a Change of Control; or (iii) the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes of this Agreement, a Potential Change of Control has occurred.
(i) Reviewing Party: shall mean (i) a member or members of the Board who are not parties to the particular Claim for which Indemnitee is seeking indemnification or (ii) if a Change of Control has occurred and Indemnitee so requests, or if the members of the Board so elect, or if all of the members of the Board are parties to such Claim, Special Counsel.
(j) Special Counsel: shall mean special, independent legal counsel selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and who has not otherwise performed material services for the Company or for Indemnitee within the last three years (other than as Special Counsel under this Agreement or similar agreements).
(k) Subsidiary: shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other entity of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by that Person.
2. Indemnification and Expense Advancement.
(a) The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee and hold Indemnitee harmless to the fullest extent permitted by law, as soon as practicable but in any event no later than 30 days after written demand is presented to the Company, from and against any and all Indemnifiable Liabilities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Company under Section 2(a) shall be subject to the condition that the Reviewing Party shall not have determined
(in a written opinion, in any case in which Special Counsel is involved) that Indemnitee is not permitted to be indemnified under applicable law. Any determination under this Section 2(a) shall be made promptly by the Reviewing Party.
(b) If so requested by Indemnitee, the Company shall advance to
Indemnitee all reasonable Expenses incurred by Indemnitee to the fullest extent
permitted by law (or, if applicable, reimburse Indemnitee for any and all
reasonable Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and previously paid by Indemnitee)
within ten business days after such request (an "Expense Advance"). The Company
shall be obligated from time to time at the request of Indemnitee to make or pay
an Expense Advance in advance of the final disposition or conclusion of any
Claim. In connection with any request for an Expense Advance, if requested by
the Company, Indemnitee or Indemnitee's counsel shall submit an affidavit
stating that the Expenses to which the Expense Advances relate are reasonable.
Any dispute as to the reasonableness of any Expense shall not delay an Expense
Advance by the Company. If, when, and to the extent that the Reviewing Party
determines that (i) Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified with
respect to a Claim under applicable law or (ii) the amount of the Expense
Advance was not reasonable, the Company shall be entitled to be reimbursed by
Indemnitee and Indemnitee hereby agrees to reimburse the Company without
interest (which agreement shall be an unsecured obligation of Indemnitee) for
(x) all related Expense Advances theretofore made or paid by the Company in the
event that it is determined that indemnification would not be permitted or (y)
the excessive portion of any Expense Advances in the event that it is determined
that such Expenses Advances were unreasonable, in either case, if and to the
extent such reimbursement is required by applicable law; provided, however, that
if Indemnitee has commenced legal proceedings in a court of competent
jurisdiction to secure a determination that Indemnitee could be indemnified
under applicable law, or that the Expense Advances were reasonable, any
determination made by the Reviewing Party that Indemnitee would not be permitted
to be indemnified under applicable law or that the Expense Advances were
unreasonable shall not be binding, and the Company shall be obligated to
continue to make Expense Advances, until a final judicial determination is made
with respect thereto (as to which all rights of appeal therefrom have been
exhausted or lapsed), which determination shall be conclusive and binding. If
there has been a Change of Control, the Reviewing Party shall be Special
Counsel, if Indemnitee so requests. If there has been no determination by the
Reviewing Party or if the Reviewing Party determines that Indemnitee
substantively is not permitted to be indemnified in whole or part under
applicable law or that any Expense Advances were unreasonable, Indemnitee shall
have the right to commence litigation in any court in the states of Texas, New
York or Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction thereof and in which venue
is proper seeking an initial determination by the court or challenging any such
determination by the Reviewing Party or any aspect thereof, and the Company
hereby consents to service of process and to appear in any such proceeding. Any
determination by the Reviewing Party otherwise shall be conclusive and binding
on the Company and Indemnitee.
(c) Nothing in this Agreement, however, shall require the Company to indemnify Indemnitee with respect to any Claim initiated by Indemnitee, other than a Claim solely seeking enforcement of the Company's indemnification obligations to Indemnitee or a Claim authorized by the Board.
3. Change of Control. The Company agrees that, if there is a Potential Change in Control or a Change of Control and if Indemnitee requests in writing that Special Counsel be the Reviewing Party, then Special Counsel shall be the Reviewing Party. In such a case, the Company agrees not to request or seek reimbursement from Indemnitee of any indemnification payment or Expense Advances unless Special Counsel has rendered its written opinion to the Company and Indemnitee that the Company was not or is not permitted under applicable law to indemnify Indemnitee or that such Expense Advances were unreasonable. However, if Indemnitee has commenced legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to secure a determination that Indemnitee could be indemnified under applicable law or that the Expense Advances were reasonable, any determination made by Special Counsel that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law or that the Expense Advances were unreasonable shall not be binding, and the Company shall be obligated to continue to make Expense Advances, until a final judicial determination is made with respect thereto (as to which all rights of appeal therefore have been exhausted or lapsed), which determination shall be conclusive and binding. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of Special Counsel and to indemnify Special Counsel against any and all expenses (including attorneys' fees), claims, liabilities, and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or Special Counsel's engagement pursuant hereto.
4. Indemnification for Additional Expenses. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against any and all costs and expenses (including attorneys' and expert witnesses' fees) and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within two business days of that request) advance those costs and expenses to Indemnitee, that are incurred by Indemnitee if Indemnitee, whether by formal proceedings or through demand and negotiation without formal proceedings: (a) seeks to enforce Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement, (b) seeks to enforce Indemnitee's rights to expense advancement or indemnification under any other agreement or provision of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate of Incorporation") or Bylaws (the "Bylaws") now or hereafter in effect relating to Claims for Indemnifiable Events, or (c) seeks recovery under any directors' and officers' liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, in each case regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately prevails; provided that a court of competent jurisdiction has not found Indemnitee's claim for indemnification or expense advancements under the foregoing clauses (a), (b) or (c) to be frivolous, presented for an improper purpose, without evidentiary support, or otherwise sanctionable under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure No. 11 or an analogous rule or law, and provided further, that if a court makes such a finding, Indemnitee shall reimburse the Company for all amounts previously advanced to Indemnitee pursuant to this Section 4. Subject to the provisos contained in the preceding sentence, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company waives any and all rights that it may have to recover its costs and expenses from Indemnitee.
5. Partial Indemnity. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some, but not all, of Indemnitee's Indemnifiable Liabilities, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.
6. Contribution.
(a) Contribution Payment. To the extent the indemnification provided for under any provision of this Agreement is determined (in the manner hereinabove provided) not to be permitted under applicable law, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall, to the extent permitted by law, contribute to the amount of any and all Indemnifiable Liabilities incurred or paid by Indemnitee for which such indemnification is not permitted. The amount the Company contributes shall be in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of Indemnitee, on the one hand, and of the Company and any and all other parties (including officers and directors of the Company other than Indemnitee) who may be at fault (collectively, including the Company, the "Third Parties"), on the other hand.
(b) Relative Fault. The relative fault of the Third Parties and the Indemnitee shall be determined (i) by reference to the relative fault of Indemnitee as determined by the court or other governmental agency or (ii) to the extent such court or other governmental agency does not apportion relative fault, by the Reviewing Party after giving effect to, among other things, the relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to prevent or correct the relevant events, of each party, and other relevant equitable considerations. The Company and Indemnitee agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 6(b).
7. Burden of Proof. In connection with any determination by the Reviewing Party or otherwise as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to be indemnified under any provision of this Agreement or to receive contribution pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement, to the extent permitted by law the burden of proof shall be on the Company to establish that Indemnitee is not so entitled.
8. No Presumption. For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Claim by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval), or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, or an entry of an order of probation prior to judgment shall not create a presumption (other than any presumption arising as a matter of law that the parties may not contractually agree to disregard) that Indemnitee did not meet any particular standard of conduct or have any particular belief or that a court has determined that indemnification is not permitted by applicable law.
9. Non-exclusivity. The rights of Indemnitee hereunder shall be in addition to any other rights Indemnitee may have under the Bylaws or Certificate of Incorporation or the Delaware General Corporation Law or otherwise. To the extent that a change in the Delaware General Corporation Law (whether by statute or judicial decision) permits greater indemnification by agreement than would be afforded currently under this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by that change. Indemnitee's rights under this Agreement shall not be diminished by any amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, or of any other agreement or instrument to which Indemnitee is not a party, and shall not diminish any other rights that Indemnitee now or in the future has against the Company.
10. Liability Insurance. Except as otherwise agreed to by the Company and Indemnitee in a written agreement, to the extent the Company maintains an insurance policy or
policies providing directors' and officers' liability insurance, Indemnitee shall be covered by that policy or those policies, in accordance with its or their terms, to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any Company director or officer.
11. Period of Limitations. No action, lawsuit, or proceeding may be brought against Indemnitee or Indemnitee's spouse, heirs, executors, or personal or legal representatives, nor may any cause of action be asserted in any such action, lawsuit, or proceeding, by or on behalf of the Company, after the expiration of two years after the statute of limitations commences with respect to Indemnitee's act or omission that gave rise to the action, lawsuit, proceeding, or cause of action; provided, however, that, if any shorter period of limitations is otherwise applicable to any such action, lawsuit, proceeding, or cause of action, the shorter period shall govern.
12. Amendments. No supplement, modification, or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in a writing signed by the party granting the waiver. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall that waiver constitute a continuing waiver.
13. Other Sources. Indemnitee shall not be required to exercise any rights that Indemnitee may have against any other Person (for example, under an insurance policy) before Indemnitee enforces his rights under this Agreement. However, to the extent the Company actually indemnifies Indemnitee or advances him Expenses, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of Indemnitee and shall be entitled to enforce any such rights which Indemnitee may have against third parties. Indemnitee shall assist the Company in enforcing those rights if it pays his costs and expenses of doing so. If Indemnitee is actually indemnified or advanced Expenses by any third party, then, for so long as Indemnitee is not required to disgorge the amounts so received, to that extent the Company shall be relieved of its obligation to indemnify Indemnitee or advance Indemnitee Expenses.
14. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by merger or consolidation), spouses, heirs, and personal and legal representatives. This Agreement shall continue in effect regardless of whether Indemnitee continues to serve as an officer or director of the Company or another enterprise at the Company's request.
15. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under present or future laws effective during the term hereof, that provision shall be fully severable; this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if that illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof; and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this Agreement. Furthermore, in lieu of that illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a provision as similar in terms to the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid, and enforceable.
16. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed in that state without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws.
17. Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
18. Notices. Whenever this Agreement requires or permits notice to be given by one party to the other, such notice must be in writing to be effective and shall be deemed delivered and received by the party to whom it is sent upon actual receipt (by any means) of such notice. Receipt of a notice by the Secretary of the Company shall be deemed receipt of such notice by the Company.
19. Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the complete understanding and agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, other than any indemnification rights that Indemnitee may enjoy under the Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, or the Delaware General Corporation Law.
20. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but in making proof hereof it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart.
EXECUTED as of the date first written above.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDINGS
CORPORATION
By: /S/ N. MICHAEL DION --------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion Title: Senior Vice President and CFO |
INDEMNITEE
/S/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS ----------------------------- C. DEAN METROPOULOS |
EXHIBIT 10.16
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
This Amendment No. 1 to Indemnification Agreement (this "Amendment") is made as of the 25 of November, 2003 by and between Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation (the "Company" and C. Dean Metropoulos (the "Indemnitee").
WHEREAS, the Company and the Indemnitee have previously entered into that certain Indemnification Agreement, dated the date thereof (the "Indemnification Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Company, Crunch Holding Corp. ("Parent"), Crunch Acquisition Corp. ("Merger Sub") and HMTF PF L.L.C., in its capacity as Representative, have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), dated August 8, 2003, pursuant to which it is contemplated that the Merger Sub will be merged (the "Merger") with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent;
WHEREAS, capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement;
WHEREAS, Section 5.6(d) of the Merger Agreement provides that, at the Closing, the Company shall purchase, and thereafter maintain in effect, a six year tail officers' and directors' liability insurance policy and a three year tail fiduciary liability insurance policy providing officers' and directors' liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance covering the Indemnified Persons with respect to matters or circumstances occurring at or prior to the Effective Time; and
WHEREAS, Section 4.11 of the Merger Agreement provides that the Company
shall cause Section 10 of the Indemnification Agreement to be amended such that
the provisions thereof shall be consistent with the provisions set forth in
Section 5.6(d) of the Merger Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1 Amendment. Section 10 of the Indemnification Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"10. Liability Insurance. Except as otherwise agreed to by the Company and Indemnitee in a written agreement, to the extent the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing directors' and officers' liability insurance, Indemnitee shall be covered by that policy or those policies, in accordance with its or their terms, to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any Company director or officer; provided, however, that, from and after the Closing (as defined in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 8, 2003, by and between the Company, Crunch Holding Corp., Crunch Acquisition Corp. and HMTF PF, L.L.C. (the "Merger Agreement")), the
Company shall have no greater obligation with respect to liability insurance than as set forth in Section 5.6(d) of the Merger Agreement."
2 Indemnification Agreement Otherwise Unchanged. Except as set forth in this Amendment, the Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Amendment and the Indemnification Agreement, the provisions of this Amendment shall control. 2.1.6
3 Governing Law . This Amendment shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed in that state without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws.
4 Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts (including by facsimile transmission), each of which when so executed shall be deemed an original, and all of such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Amendment have executed this Amendment as of the date first written above.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
By: /S/ N. MICHAEL DION ------------------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion Title: Senior Vice President |
INDEMNITEE
/S/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS ------------------------------ C. DEAN METROPOULOS |
EXHIBIT 10.17
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
2004 STOCK OPTION PLAN
.
.
.
1. THE PLAN........................................................................................... 1 1.1 Purpose................................................................................... 1 1.2 Administration and Authorization; Power and Procedure..................................... 1 1.3 Participation............................................................................. 3 1.4 Shares Available for Options; Share Limits................................................ 3 1.5 No Transferability; Limited Exception to Transfer Restrictions............................ 3 2. OPTIONS............................................................................................ 6 2.1 Option Grants............................................................................. 6 2.2 Vesting; Term; Exercise Procedure......................................................... 6 2.3 Option Price.............................................................................. 8 2.4 Limitations on Grant and Terms of Incentive Stock Options................................. 9 2.5 Limits on 10% Holders..................................................................... 10 2.6 Effects of Termination of Employment; Termination of Subsidiary Status; Discretionary Provisions................................................................................ 10 2.7 Option Repricing/Cancellation and Regrant/Waiver of Restrictions.......................... 12 2.8 Options in Substitution for Stock Options Granted by Other Corporations................... 13 3. OTHER PROVISIONS................................................................................... 13 3.1 Rights of Eligible Persons, Participants and Beneficiaries................................ 13 3.2 Adjustments; Acceleration................................................................. 14 3.3 Lock-Up Agreement......................................................................... 18 3.4 Call Right................................................................................ 18 3.5 Sale of the Corporation................................................................... 19 3.6 Drag-Along Rights......................................................................... 20 3.7 Co-Sale Rights............................................................................ 22 3.8 No Stockholder Rights Following Exercise of a Call or Repurchase.......................... 22 3.9 Compliance with Laws...................................................................... 23 3.10 Tax Withholding........................................................................... 24 3.11 Plan and Option Amendments, Termination and Suspension.................................... 25 3.12 Privileges of Stock Ownership............................................................. 26 3.13 Effective Date of the Plan................................................................ 26 3.14 Term of the Plan.......................................................................... 26 3.15 Governing Law/Severability................................................................ 26 3.16 Captions.................................................................................. 26 |
3.17 Non-Exclusivity of Plan................................................................... 26 3.18 No Restriction on Corporate Powers........................................................ 26 3.19 Other Compensation or Benefit Programs.................................................... 27 4. DEFINITIONS........................................................................................ 27 |
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
2004 STOCK OPTION PLAN
1. THE PLAN.
1.1 PURPOSE. The purpose of this Stock Option Plan (this "Plan") is to promote the success of the Corporation and its Related Entities and the interests of its stockholders by attracting, motivating, retaining and rewarding certain officers, employees, managers, directors and other eligible persons with awards and incentives for high levels of individual performance and improved financial performance of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries. Capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 4.
1.2 ADMINISTRATION AND AUTHORIZATION; POWER AND PROCEDURE.
1.2.1. ADMINISTRATOR. This Plan will be administered by and all
Options will be authorized by the Administrator. Action of the
Administrator with respect to its authority under this Plan
shall be taken pursuant to a majority vote or by unanimous
written consent of its members. Unless a majority of the
members of the Board determines otherwise: (i) if the
Corporation is subject to the Exchange Act, the Administrator
shall be constituted in a manner that satisfies the
requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act ("RULE
16b-3"), which Administrator shall administer the Plan with
respect to all Eligible Persons who are subject to Section 16
of the Exchange Act in a manner that satisfies the
requirements of Rule 16b-3; and (ii) the Administrator shall
be constituted in a manner that satisfies the requirements of
Section 162(m) of the Code, which Administrator shall
administer the Plan with respect to "performance-based
compensation" for all Eligible Persons who are reasonably
expected to be "covered employees" as those terms are defined
in Section 162(m) of the Code; provided, however, that the
failure to satisfy such requirements shall not affect the
validity of the action of any Administrator otherwise duly
authorized and acting in the matter. The Board or a committee
comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent
permitted by Section 157(c) of the Delaware General
Corporation Law and any other applicable law, to one or more
officers of the Corporation, its powers under this Plan (a) to
designate the officers and employees of the Corporation and
its Subsidiaries who will receive grants of rights or options
to purchase shares of Common Stock, and (b) to determine the
number of rights or options to be received by them, pursuant
to a resolution that specifies the total number of rights or
options that may be granted under the delegation, provided
that no officer may be delegated the power to designate
himself or herself as a recipient of such options or rights.
1.2.2. PLAN OPTIONS; INTERPRETATION; POWERS OF ADMINISTRATOR. Subject to the express provisions of this Plan and any express limitations on the delegated authority of an Administrator, the Administrator will have the authority to:
(a) determine eligibility and the particular Eligible Persons who will receive Options;
(b) grant Options to Eligible Persons, determine the price at which securities will be offered or awarded and the amount of securities to be offered or awarded to any of such persons, and determine the other specific terms and conditions of Options consistent with the express limits of this Plan, establish the installments (if any) in which such Options will become exercisable or will vest, and the respective consequences thereof, or determine that no delayed exercisability or vesting is required, and establish the events of termination or reversion of such Options;
(c) approve the forms of Option Agreements, which need not be identical among Participants;
(d) construe and interpret this Plan and any Option or other agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Corporation (and the Subsidiaries) and Participants under this Plan, make factual determinations with respect to the administration of this Plan, further define the terms used in this Plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan;
(e) cancel, modify, or waive the Corporation's rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend, or terminate any or all outstanding Options held by Eligible Persons, subject to any required consent under Section 3.11;
(f) accelerate or extend the exercisability or extend the term of any or all outstanding Options within the maximum ten-year term of Options under Section 2.2.2;
(g) determine the duration and purposes of leaves of absence that may be granted to Participants without constituting a termination of their employment for purposes of this Plan; and
(h) make all other determinations and take such other action as contemplated by this Plan or as may be necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan and the effectuation of its purposes.
1.2.3. BINDING DETERMINATIONS. Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Corporation, any Subsidiary, the Board or the Administrator relating or pursuant to this Plan will be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and will be conclusive and binding upon all persons. Subject only to compliance with the express provisions hereof, the Board and the Administrator may act in their absolute discretion in matters within their authority related to this Plan.
1.2.4. RELIANCE ON EXPERTS. In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Administrator or the Board, as the case may be, may obtain, rely upon the advice of, and pay all reasonable expenses related to obtaining, experts, including employees of and professional advisors to the Corporation or the Subsidiaries.
1.2.5. DELEGATION. The Administrator may delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Corporation or a Related Entity.
1.2.6. NO LIABILITY. No director, manager, member, officer, stockholder or agent of the Corporation or a Related Entity will be liable for any action, omission or decision under this Plan taken, made or omitted in good faith.
1.3 PARTICIPATION. Options may be granted by the Administrator only to those persons that the Administrator determines to be Eligible Persons. An Eligible Person who has been granted an Option may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional Options if the Administrator so determines.
1.4 SHARES AVAILABLE FOR OPTIONS; SHARE LIMITS.
1.4.1. SHARES AVAILABLE. Subject to the provisions of Section 3.2, the capital stock delivered in respect of Options granted under this Plan will be shares of the Corporation's authorized but unissued Common Stock and any of its shares of Common Stock held as treasury shares. The shares may be delivered for any lawful consideration.
1.4.2. SHARE LIMIT. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to Options granted under this Plan will not exceed 29,250,000 shares (the "SHARE LIMIT"), and will be subject to adjustment as contemplated by this Section 1.4 and Section 3.2.
1.4.3. SHARE RESERVATION; REPLENISHMENT AND REISSUE OF UNVESTED OPTIONS. Shares subject to outstanding Options shall be reserved for issuance. No Option may be granted under this Plan unless, on the date of grant, the sum of (a) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable at any time pursuant to such Option, plus (b) the number of shares of Common Stock that have previously been issued pursuant to Options granted under this Plan, plus (c) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued at any time after such date of grant pursuant to Options that are outstanding on such date, does not exceed the Share Limit. Shares of Common Stock that are subject to or underlie Options that expire or for any reason are canceled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under this Plan, will again, except to the extent prohibited by law (or the provisions of the Code, in the case of Incentive Stock Options) or the terms of this Plan, be available for subsequent Options to be granted under this Plan. Accordingly, shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the terms hereof (including shares of Common Stock offset in satisfaction of applicable withholding taxes or the exercise price of an Option) in respect of an Option shall reduce on a share-for-share basis the number of shares of Common Stock remaining available under this Plan and the number of shares remaining subject to the Option.
1.5 NO TRANSFERABILITY; LIMITED EXCEPTION TO TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS.
1.5.1. LIMIT ON EXERCISE AND TRANSFER OF OPTIONS.
(a) Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 1.5, by applicable law and by the Option Agreement, as the same may be amended:
(i) all Options are non-transferable and will not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge;
(ii) Options will be exercised only by the Participant; and
(iii) amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to an Option will be delivered only to (or for the account of) the Participant.
(b) The exercise and transfer restrictions in clause (a) above shall not apply to:
(i) transfers to the Corporation; or
(ii) transfers by gift to a "family member" of the Participant, as such term is defined in SEC Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act; or
(iii) the designation of a beneficiary to receive benefits if the Participant dies, or if the Participant has died, transfers to or exercises by the Participant's beneficiary, or in the absence of a validly designated beneficiary, transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution; or
(iv) if the Participant has suffered a disability, permitted transfers or exercises on behalf of the Participant's duly authorized legal representative.
1.5.2. LIMIT ON TRANSFER OF SHARES. Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 1.5, by applicable law and by the Option Agreement, Shares shall not be Transferred except as provided as follows:
(a) transfers by gift to a member of the Immediate Family of the Participant or a trust (or estate planning entity) whose sole beneficiaries (or owners, as the case may be) are the Participant and/or members of the Immediate Family of the Participant;
(b) transfers pursuant to a pledge to secure indebtedness provided that the pledgee agrees in writing that the Shares subject to such Transfer shall be subject to the terms hereof;
(c) transfers by a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.7;
(d) transfers pursuant to a merger, consolidation, share exchange, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction by the Corporation or pursuant to an agreement to which the Corporation is a party;
(e) transfers by a Participant pursuant to a public offering registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act; or
(f) transfers pursuant to Section 3.4, Section 3.5 or
Section 3.6 hereof.
1.5.3. BINDING ON TRANSFEREES. All permitted transferees receiving
Options and/or Shares from a Participant pursuant to this
Section 1.5 shall be subject to and be bound by the terms of
this Plan. At the request of the Administrator, and as a
condition to the Administrator's consent to a permitted
transfer of Options and/or Shares pursuant to this Section
1.5, each permitted transferee shall execute a document
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrator, whereby such
permitted transferee shall agree to be subject to and be bound
by the terms of this Plan. Such agreement by such permitted
transferee to be bound by and subject to the terms of this
Plan shall remain in full force and effect should the
employment with or services by the Participant to the
Corporation or a Related Entity be terminated pursuant to
Section 2.6 hereof or otherwise.
1.5.4. REQUIRED APPROVAL. Notwithstanding anything else in this
Section 1.5. to the contrary, but subject to compliance with
all applicable laws, Incentive Stock Options will be subject
to any and all transfer restrictions under the Code applicable
to such Options or necessary to maintain the intended tax
consequences of such Options. Notwithstanding clauses (b),
(c), (d) and (e) of Section 1.5.2 above, but subject to
compliance with all applicable laws, any contemplated transfer
referenced in clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) above is subject
to the condition precedent that such transfer be approved by
the Administrator in order for such transfer to be effective.
Notwithstanding anything else in this Section 1.5 to the
contrary, but subject to compliance with all applicable laws,
(i) consideration for transfers pursuant to this Section 1.5
is strictly prohibited; and (ii) subsequent transfers of
Non-Qualified Options transferred pursuant to this Section
1.5.1 shall be prohibited except (x) subsequent transfers back
to the Participant, and (y) transfers to other Section 1.5.1
permitted transferees of the Participant.
1.5.5. NOTICE OF PROPOSED TRANSFERS. Prior to any permitted Transfer of any Shares, the Participant shall (i) except in the case of death, give at least 30 days' prior written notice (a "Transfer Notice") to the Corporation of such Participant's intention to effect such permitted Transfer, describing the manner and circumstances of the proposed permitted Transfer, and (ii) if required by the Corporation, provide to the Corporation an opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation from counsel who shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation (or supply such other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation) that the proposed permitted Transfer of such Shares may be effected without registration
under the Securities Act. After receipt of the Transfer Notice and opinion or other material (if required), the Corporation shall, within ten (10) days thereof, so notify the Participant of such Shares and, subject to Section 3.6 hereof, such Participant shall thereupon be entitled to Transfer such Shares in accordance with the terms of the Transfer Notice. Each Share issued upon such permitted Transfer shall bear the restrictive legend set forth in Section 3.9.3, unless in the reasonable judgment of counsel for the Corporation such legend is not required in order to ensure compliance with the Securities Act. The Participant giving the Transfer Notice shall not be entitled to Transfer such Shares until receipt of the notice from the Corporation under this Section 1.5.5.
2. OPTIONS.
2.1 OPTION GRANTS.
2.1.1. APPROVAL; NUMBER OF SHARES. The Administrator may grant one or more Options under this Plan to any Eligible Person. Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Administrator will determine the number of shares of Common Stock subject to each Option; provided, however, that no Plan Participant shall be granted Options with respect to more than 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock in any calendar year, subject to adjustment as contemplated by Section 3.2.
2.1.2. OPTION AGREEMENT. Each Option will be evidenced by an Option Agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, signed by the Corporation and the Participant. The Option Agreement evidencing an Option shall contain the terms established by the Administrator for that Option, as well as any other terms, provisions, or restrictions that the Administrator may impose on the Option or any shares of Common Stock subject to the Option.
2.1.3. TYPE OF OPTIONS. The Administrator will designate each Option granted under this Plan as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option and such designation shall be set forth in the applicable Option Agreement. Any Option granted hereunder that is not designated as an Incentive Stock Option will be deemed to be designated a Nonqualified Stock Option under this Plan and not an incentive stock option under the Code. Incentive Stock Options shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.4 in addition to the provisions hereof applicable to Options generally.
2.2 VESTING; TERM; EXERCISE PROCEDURE.
2.2.1. VESTING.(1) An Option may be exercised only to the extent it is vested and exercisable. Once exercisable, an Option shall remain exercisable until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option. Unless expressly provided otherwise by the Administrator and subject to the provisions of the applicable
Option Agreement, each Option shall vest and become exercisable according to the following schedule:
(a) Incentive Stock Options. Subject to continued employment as provided in Section 2.6, an Incentive Stock Option awarded to any employee of the Corporation or a Related Entity shall vest and become exercisable as to (i) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Incentive Stock Option on the first (1st) anniversary of the date of award of such Incentive Stock Option, (ii) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Incentive Stock Option on the second (2nd) anniversary of the date of award of such Incentive Stock Option, (iii) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Incentive Stock Option on the third (3rd) anniversary of the date of award of such Incentive Stock Option, and (iv) the remaining three-ninths (3/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Incentive Stock Option on the seventh (7th) anniversary of the date of award of such Incentive Stock Option;
(b) Nonqualified Stock Options - Employees. Subject to
continued employment or service as provided in
Section 2.6, a Nonqualified Stock Option awarded to
any employee of the Corporation or Related Entity
(including officers, directors and managers of the
Corporation or any Related Entity who are also
employees of the Corporation or any Related Entity)
who is regularly employed on a salaried basis and who
is so employed on the date of award of such
Nonqualified Stock Option, whom the Administrator
identifies as having a direct and significant effect
on the financial development of the Corporation or
any Subsidiary, shall vest and become exercisable as
to (i) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock
subject to such Nonqualified Stock Option on the
first (1st) anniversary of the date of award of such
Nonqualified Stock Option, (ii) two-ninths (2/9) of
the shares of Common Stock subject to such
Nonqualified Stock Option on the second (2nd)
anniversary of the date of award of such Nonqualified
Stock Option, (iii) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of
Common Stock subject to such Nonqualified Stock
Option on the third (3rd) anniversary of the date of
award of such Nonqualified Stock Option, and (iv) the
remaining three-ninths (3/9) of the shares of Common
Stock subject to such Nonqualified Stock Option on
the seventh (7th) anniversary of the date of award of
such Nonqualified Stock Option; and
(c) Nonqualified Stock Options - Non-Employees. Subject to continued service as provided in Section 2.6, a Nonqualified Stock Option awarded to any Other Eligible Person who is not regularly employed on a salaried basis with such Corporation or a Subsidiary thereof and who the Administrator determines has a direct and significant effect on the financial development of the Corporation or any Subsidiary shall be vested and exercisable as to (i) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Nonqualified Stock Option on the first (1st) anniversary of
the date of award of such Nonqualified Stock Option,
(ii) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock
subject to such Nonqualified Stock Option on the
second (2nd) anniversary of the date of award of such
Nonqualified Stock Option, (iii) two-ninths (2/9) of
the shares of Common Stock subject to such
Nonqualified Stock Option on the third (3rd)
anniversary of the date of award of such Nonqualified
Stock Option, and (iv) the remaining three-ninths
(3/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such
Nonqualified Stock Option on the seventh (7th)
anniversary of the date of award of such Nonqualified
Stock Option.
As used throughout this Plan, "Time Vesting Option" means any Option
issued pursuant to this Plan and described in clauses (a)(i), (ii) or (iii) or
(b)(i), (ii) or (iii) or (c)(i), (ii) or (iii) of this Section 2.2.1.
As used throughout this Plan, "Performance Vesting Option" means any Option issued pursuant to this Plan and described in clauses (a)(iv) or (b)(iv) or (c)(iv) of this Section 2.2.1.
2.2.2. TERM. Each Option shall expire not more than 10 years after its date of grant. Each Option will be subject to earlier termination as provided in or pursuant to Sections 2.6 or 3.2.
2.2.3. EXERCISE PROCEDURE. Any exercisable Option will be deemed to be exercised when the Corporation receives each of (a) written notice of such exercise from the Participant (on a form and in such manner as may be required by the Administrator) and (b) any and all required payments made in accordance with Section 2.3.2 and Section 3.10, (c) any written statement required pursuant to Section 3.9, and (d) any other document that the Administrator deems necessary or desirable.
2.2.4. FRACTIONAL SHARES/MINIMUM ISSUE. Fractional share interests will be disregarded. The Administrator, however, may determine that cash, other securities, or other property will be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional share interests. No fewer than 100 shares may be purchased on exercise of any Option at one time unless the number purchased is the total number at the time available for purchase under the Option.
2.3 OPTION PRICE.
2.3.1. PRICING LIMITS. Subject to the following provisions of this
Section 2.3.1, the Administrator will determine the purchase
price per share of the Common Stock covered by each Option
(the "exercise price" of the Option) at the time of the grant
of the Option, which purchase price will be set forth in the
applicable Option Agreement. In no case will the exercise
price of an Option be less than the greater of:
(a) the par value of the Common Stock;
(b) in the case of an Incentive Stock Option and subject to clause (c) below, 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant; or
(c) in the case of an Option (incentive or nonqualified) granted to a Participant described in Section 2.5, 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
2.3.2. PAYMENT PROVISIONS. The Corporation will not be obligated to deliver certificates for the shares of Common Stock to be purchased on exercise of an Option unless and until it receives full payment of the exercise price therefor, all related withholding obligations under Section 3.10 have been satisfied, and all other conditions to the exercise of the Option set forth herein or in the Option Agreement have been satisfied. The purchase price of any shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of an Option must be paid in full at the time of each purchase in one or a combination of the following methods:
(a) in cash or by electronic funds transfer;
(b) by personal, certified or cashier's check payable to the order of the Corporation; or
(c) by the delivery of shares of Common Stock already owned by the Participant; provided that the Administrator may, in its absolute discretion, limit the Participant's ability to exercise an Option by delivering previously owned shares, and any shares of Common Stock delivered that were initially acquired from the Corporation upon exercise of a stock option or otherwise must have been owned by the Participant at least 6 months as of the date of delivery.
Shares of Common Stock used to satisfy the exercise price of an Option will be valued at their Fair Market Value on the day preceding the date of the exercise of the Option.
2.4 LIMITATIONS ON GRANT AND TERMS OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS.
2.4.1. $100,000 LIMIT. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options first become exercisable by a Participant in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, taking into account both Common Stock subject to Incentive Stock Options under this Plan and stock subject to Incentive Stock Options under all other plans of the Corporation or a Related Entity, such options will be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options. For this purpose, the Fair Market Value of the stock subject to options will be determined as of the date the options were awarded. In reducing the number of options treated as Incentive Stock Options to meet the $100,000 limit, the most recently granted Options will be reduced (recharacterized as Nonqualified Stock Options) first. To the extent a reduction of simultaneously granted options is necessary to meet the $100,000 limit, the Administrator may, in the manner and to the extent permitted by law,
designate which shares of Common Stock are to be treated as shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option.
2.4.2. OTHER CODE LIMITS. Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to employees of the Corporation or a Related Entity that satisfy the eligibility requirements of the Code. Any Option Agreement relating to Incentive Stock Options will contain or shall be deemed to contain such other terms and conditions as from time to time are required in order that the Option be an "incentive stock option" as that term is defined in Section 422 of the Code.
2.4.3. ISO NOTICE OF SALE REQUIREMENT. Any Participant who exercises an Incentive Stock Option shall give prompt written notice to the Corporation of any sale or other transfer of the shares of Common Stock acquired on such exercise if the sale or other transfer occurs (a) within one year after the exercise date of the Option, or (b) two years after the grant date of the Option.
2.5 LIMITS ON 10% HOLDERS. No Option may be granted to any person who, at the time the Option is granted, owns (or is deemed to own under Section 424(d) of the Code) shares of outstanding stock of the Corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of the Corporation) possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of the Corporation), unless the exercise price of such Option is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the stock subject to the Option and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to such a person, such Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date such Option is granted.
2.6 EFFECTS OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT; TERMINATION OF SUBSIDIARY STATUS; DISCRETIONARY PROVISIONS.
2.6.1. DISMISSAL FOR CAUSE. Unless otherwise provided in the Option Agreement and subject to earlier termination pursuant to or as contemplated by Section 2.2.2 or 3.2, if a Participant's employment with, retention of services by, or directorship of, as applicable, the Corporation or a Related Entity is terminated for Cause, the Participant's Option (regardless of whether such Option has been transferred pursuant to Section 1.5), will terminate immediately, whether or not the Option is then vested and/or exercisable, and the Participant (and any such transferee pursuant to Section 1.5), shall immediately forfeit all rights under such Option, except as to shares of stock already purchased thereunder.
2.6.2. DISABILITY. If a Participant's employment with, retention of
services by or directorship of, as applicable, the Corporation
or a Related Entity terminates because of his Disability, such
Participant, his Personal Representative or any permitted
transferee of such Participant pursuant to Section 1.5 hereof,
shall have the right to exercise the Option, to the extent
vested and exercisable on such termination date, in accordance
with its terms at any time and from time to time within one
(1) year after the date of such termination unless a shorter
or longer period is expressly provided in such Option
Agreement (or other contract as
agreed to between the Corporation or a Subsidiary and the
Participant) or established by the Administrator pursuant to
Section 3.2.2, but in no event after the expiration date of
the Option; provided, however, that in the case of an
Incentive Stock Option, the Participant or his legal
representative shall have no more than one (1) year after such
termination of the Participant's employment to exercise such
Option, to the extent it was vested and exercisable upon such
termination date. The Option, to the extent not vested and
exercisable upon the Participant's termination date, shall
terminate upon such termination date and no further vesting
shall occur thereafter with regard to any portion of the
Option.
2.6.3. DEATH. If a Participant's employment with, retention of
services by, or directorship of, as applicable, the
Corporation or a Related Entity terminates due to the death of
such Participant, the Participant's Beneficiary or any
permitted transferee of such Participant pursuant to Section
1.5 hereof, shall have the right to exercise the Option to the
extent vested and exercisable on the date of such
Participant's death, in accordance with its terms at any time
and from time to time within one (1) year after the date of
such Participant's death unless a shorter or longer period is
expressly provided in such Option Agreement (or other contract
as agreed to between the Corporation or a Subsidiary and the
Participant) or established by the Administrator pursuant to
Section 3.2.2, but in no event after the expiration date of
the Option. The Option, to the extent not vested and
exercisable upon the Participant's termination date, shall
terminate upon such termination date and no further vesting
shall occur thereafter with regard to any portion of the
Option.
2.6.4. OTHER TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT: If a Participant's employment with, retention of services by, or directorship of, as applicable, the Corporation or a Related Entity terminates for any reason other than those specified in Sections 2.6.1, 2.6.2 or 2.6.3 above, such Participant, or any permitted transferee of such Participant pursuant to Section 1.5 hereof, shall have the right to exercise the Option to the extent vested and exercisable on such termination date, in accordance with its terms, within 90 days after the date of such termination, unless a shorter or longer period is expressly provided in such Option Agreement (or other contract as agreed to between the Corporation or a Subsidiary and the Participant) or established by the Administrator pursuant to Section 3.2.2 (but in no event after the expiration date of the Option); provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Participant shall have no more than three (3) months after the termination of the Participant's employment to exercise such Option, to the extent it was vested and exercisable upon such termination date. The Option, to the extent not vested and exercisable upon the Participant's termination date, shall terminate upon such termination date and no further vesting shall occur thereafter with regard to any portion of the Option.
2.6.5. EVENTS NOT DEEMED A TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Unless the Corporation or a Related Entity policy or the Administrator otherwise provides, a Participant's employment or service relationship with the Corporation or Related Entity shall not be considered terminated solely due to any sick leave, military leave, or any
other leave of absence authorized by the Corporation, Related Entity or the Administrator; provided that, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or law, such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days. In the case of any Participant on an approved leave of absence, continued vesting of the Option while on leave from the employ of or service with the Corporation or Related Entity will be suspended until the Participant returns to service, unless the Administrator otherwise provides or applicable law otherwise requires. In no event shall an Option be exercised after the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in the Option Agreement.
2.6.6. EFFECT OF CHANGE OF ENTITY STATUS. For purposes of this Plan and any Option, if an entity ceases to be a Related Entity, a termination of employment or service will be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Person in respect of such Subsidiary who does not continue as an Eligible Person in respect of another entity within the Corporation or Related Entity.
2.6.7. ADMINISTRATOR DISCRETION. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.6, in the event of, or in anticipation of, a termination of employment or service with the Corporation or Related Entity for any reason, other than a discharge for Cause, the Administrator may accelerate the vesting and exercisability of all or a portion of the Participant's Option, and/or, subject to the provisions of Sections 2.2.2 and 3.2, extend the exercisability period of the Participant's Option upon such terms as the Administrator determines and expressly sets forth in or by amendment to the Option Agreement.
2.6.8. TERMINATION OF CONSULTING OR AFFILIATE SERVICES. If the Participant is not an Eligible Employee or a director of the Corporation, and provides services as an Other Eligible Person, the Administrator shall be the sole judge of whether the Participant continues to render services to the Corporation or Related Entity, unless a written contract or the Option Agreement otherwise provides. If, in these circumstances, the Corporation or Related Entity notifies the Participant in writing that a termination of the Participant's services to the Corporation or Related Entity has occurred for purposes of this Plan, then (unless the contract or the Option Agreement otherwise expressly provides), the Participant's termination of services with the Corporation or Related Entity for purposes of this Plan shall be the date which is 10 days after the Corporation's or Related Entity's mailing of the notice or, in the case of a termination for Cause, the date of the mailing of the notice.
2.7 OPTION REPRICING/CANCELLATION AND REGRANT/WAIVER OF RESTRICTIONS. Subject to Section 1.4 and Section 3.11 and the specific limitations on Options contained in this Plan, the Administrator from time to time may authorize, generally or in specific cases only, for the benefit of any Eligible Person, any adjustment in the exercise price, the vesting schedule, the number of shares subject to, or the term of, an Option granted under this Plan by cancellation of an outstanding Option held by such Eligible Person and a subsequent regranting of the Option, by amendment, by substitution of an outstanding Option, by waiver or by other legally valid means. Such amendment or other action may
result in, among other changes, an exercise price that is higher or lower than the exercise price of the original or prior Option, provide for a greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Option, or provide for a longer or shorter vesting or exercise period.
2.8 OPTIONS IN SUBSTITUTION FOR STOCK OPTIONS GRANTED BY OTHER CORPORATIONS. Options may be granted to Eligible Persons under this Plan in substitution for employee stock options granted by other entities, in connection with a distribution, merger or reorganization by or with the granting entity or an affiliated entity, or the acquisition by the Corporation or Related Entity, directly or indirectly, of all or a substantial part of the stock or assets of the employing entity.
3. OTHER PROVISIONS.
3.1 RIGHTS OF ELIGIBLE PERSONS, PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES.
3.1.1. EMPLOYMENT STATUS. Status as an Eligible Person will not be construed as a commitment that any Option will be granted under this Plan to an Eligible Person or to Eligible Persons generally.
3.1.2. NO EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE CONTRACT. Nothing contained in this Plan (or in any other documents under this Plan or related to any Option) shall confer upon any Eligible Person or Participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Corporation or Related Entity, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an employee's status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or Related Entity to change such person's compensation or other benefits, or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause at any time. Nothing in this Section 3.1.2, or in Section 3.2.2 or 3.18, however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such person under a separate employment or service contract. An Option Agreement shall not constitute a contract of employment or service.
3.1.3. PLAN NOT FUNDED. Amounts payable in respect of Options granted under this Plan will be payable in shares of Common Stock or from the general assets of the Corporation, and (except as provided in Section 1.4.3) no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit will be made to assure payment of such Options. No Participant, Beneficiary or other person will have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including shares of Common Stock) of the Corporation or Related Entity by reason of any Option hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any related documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan will create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or Related Entity and any Participant, Beneficiary or other person. To the extent that a Participant, Beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any Option hereunder, such right
will be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation or Related Entity.
3.1.4. CHARTER DOCUMENTS. The Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Corporation, as either of them may lawfully be amended from time to time, may provide for additional restrictions and limitations with respect to the Common Stock (including additional restrictions and limitations on the voting or transfer of Common Stock) or priorities, rights and preferences as to securities and interests prior in rights to the Common Stock. To the extent that these restrictions and limitations are greater than those set forth in this Plan or any Option Agreement, such restrictions and limitations shall apply to any shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of Options and are incorporated herein by this reference.
3.2 ADJUSTMENTS; ACCELERATION.
3.2.1. ADJUSTMENTS. Upon or in contemplation of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) or reverse stock split; any merger, combination, consolidation or other reorganization; any split-up; spin-off, or similar extraordinary dividend distribution ("spin-off") in respect of the Common Stock (whether in the form of securities or property); any exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Stock; or a sale of substantially all the assets of the Corporation as an entirety ("asset sale"); then the Administrator shall, in such manner, to such extent (if any) and at such time as it deems appropriate and equitable in the circumstances:
(a) proportionately adjust any or all of (1) the number
of shares of Common Stock or the number and type of
other securities that thereafter may be made the
subject of Options (including the specific maxima and
numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan),
(2) the number, amount and type of shares of Common
Stock (or other securities or property) subject to
any or all outstanding Options, (3) the grant,
purchase, or exercise price of any or all outstanding
Options, or (4) the securities, cash or other
property deliverable upon exercise or vesting of any
outstanding Options, or
(b) make provision for a settlement by a cash payment or for the substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding Options for cash, securities or other property (or for other awards) based upon the distribution or consideration payable to holders of the Common Stock upon or in respect of such event.
The Administrator may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding Options as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash, securities or other property settlement. In the case of Options, but without limitation on other methodologies, the Administrator may base such settlement solely upon the excess (if any) of the amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the exercise price of the
Option to the extent of the then vested and exercisable shares subject to the Option.
The Administrator may make adjustments to and/or accelerate the exercisability of Options in a manner that disqualifies the Options as Incentive Stock Options without the written consent of the Option holders affected thereby.
In any of such events, the Administrator may take such action prior to such event to the extent that the Administrator deems the action necessary to permit the Participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying shares in the same manner as is or will be available to stockholders generally.
3.2.2. ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
(a) Time Vesting Option Acceleration. Subject to Sections 3.2.3 through 3.2.5 and the applicable Option Agreement, upon (or, as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this acceleration, immediately prior to) the consummation of a Liquidity Event, each Time Vesting Option will become immediately vested and exercisable; provided, however, that the Administrator reserves the right, prior to a Liquidity Event, to determine that certain or all benefits under any or all Time Vesting Options will not accelerate and/or establish a different time in respect of such event for such acceleration.
(b) Determination of IRR; Acceleration of Performance Vesting Options.
(i) Unless the vesting of Performance Vesting Options shall be accelerated in the sole discretion of the Administrator, the vesting of the Performance Vesting Options shall accelerate and the Performance Vesting Options shall become exercisable as provided in this Section 3.2.2(b). On the date of a Liquidity Event, or as promptly thereafter as practicable, the Administrator shall determine in good faith the IRR on the Common Stock in accordance with the following:
(A) if the Liquidity Event is a Sale of the Corporation structured as a sale of equity interests, then the IRR on the Common Stock shall be determined on the basis of the Net Proceeds actually received by the holders of the Common Stock in such sale of equity interests;
(B) if the Liquidity Event is a Sale of the Corporation structured as a sale of assets, then the IRR shall be determined on the basis of the pro forma Net Proceeds which would be distributed to the holders of the Common Stock if the Corporation, as applicable, was liquidated
immediately following the consummation of such asset sale; and
(C) if the Liquidity Event is a Qualified Market Cap, then the IRR on the Common Stock shall be determined as if the amount determined under clause (ii) of the definition of Net Proceeds was distributed to the holders of Common Stock of the Corporation.
All decisions by the Administrator with respect to any determination of IRR shall be final and binding on all such Participants.
(ii) Subject to Section 3.2.2(b)(iii) below, on the date of a Liquidity Event, the Administrator shall determine whether the Target IRR has been achieved for the date on which such Liquidity Event occurs (after giving effect to all shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to Time Vesting Options which have vested in accordance with any Option Agreement).
If the Administrator determines that the Target IRR has been achieved upon (or, as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this acceleration, immediately prior to) the consummation of a Liquidity Event, all Performance Vesting Options under Option Agreements entered into by the Corporation prior to the Liquidity Event which can be vested without reducing the IRR in connection with the Liquidity Event below the Target IRR shall immediately become vested Options (it being understood that such vesting shall be allocated on a pro rata basis among all Option Agreements based on the number of Performance Vesting Options subject to each Option Agreement); provided, however, that the Administrator reserves the right, prior to a Liquidity Event, to determine that certain or all benefits under any or all Performance Vesting Options will not accelerate and/or establish a different time in respect of such event for such acceleration.
If the Net Proceeds per share of Common Stock are less than the Target IRR for the date on which such Liquidity Event occurs, no acceleration of the vesting of Performance Vesting Options shall occur and all Performance Vesting Options shall automatically terminate.
(iii) All Performance Vesting Options that vest
pursuant to this Section 3.2.2(b) shall
remain exercisable, subject to Section 3.5
and other applicable provisions of this
Plan, until the expiration of the applicable
Option term. Anything contained in this
Section 3.2.2(b) to the contrary
notwithstanding, with respect to each
Participant holding Performance Vesting
Options, no unvested
Performance Vesting Options shall vest and become exercisable pursuant to this Section 3.2.2(b) at any time after the termination of such Participant's employment with, retention of services by, or directorship of, as applicable, the Corporation or a Related Entity.
(c) Administrator Discretion. The Administrator may
override the limitations on acceleration in this
Section 3.2.2 by express provision in the Option
Agreement and may accord any Eligible Person a right
to refuse any acceleration, whether pursuant to the
Option Agreement or otherwise, in such circumstances
as the Administrator may approve. Any acceleration of
Options will comply with applicable legal
requirements and, if necessary to accomplish the
purposes of the acceleration or if the circumstances
otherwise require, may be deemed by the Administrator
to occur (subject to Sections 3.2.4 through 3.2.5)
not more than 30 days before or only upon the
consummation of the event. Any acceleration of an
Incentive Stock Option may disqualify the Option as
an Incentive Stock Option and does not require the
written consent of the holder of the Option, whether
or not the holder is adversely affected thereby.
3.2.3. POSSIBLE EARLY TERMINATION OF ACCELERATED OPTIONS. Without any
limitation on the Administrator's authority under Section
3.2.1, if the vesting of any Option under this Plan has been
fully accelerated as required or permitted by Section 3.2.2
(or would have been fully accelerated but for Section 3.2.5)
but is not exercised prior to (a) a dissolution of the
Corporation, (b) an event described in Section 3.2.1 that the
Corporation does not survive, or (c) the consummation of a
Sale of the Corporation, the Option shall terminate, subject
to any provision that has been expressly made by the Board or
the Administrator for the survival, substitution, assumption,
exchange or other settlement of the Option.
3.2.4. POSSIBLE RESCISSION OF ACCELERATION. If the vesting of an Option has been accelerated in anticipation of an event or upon stockholder approval of an event and such event does not occur in the timeframe anticipated by the Administrator or the Board, the Administrator or the Board may rescind the effect of the acceleration as to any then outstanding and unexercised or otherwise unvested Options.
3.2.5. GOLDEN PARACHUTE LIMITATIONS. Unless otherwise specified in an Option Agreement or otherwise authorized by the Board in the specific case, no vesting of an Option will be accelerated or grant of an Option shall be made under this Plan to an extent or in a manner that would result in payments that are not fully deductible by the Corporation or Related Entity, as applicable, for federal income tax purposes because of Section 280G of the Code. If a Participant would be entitled to benefits or payments hereunder and under any other plan or program that would constitute "parachute payments" as defined in Section 280G of the Code, then the Participant may by written notice to the Corporation designate the order in which such parachute payments will be reduced or modified so that
the
Corporation or Related Entity, as applicable, is not denied any federal income tax deductions for any "parachute payments" because of Section 280G of the Code.
3.3 LOCK-UP AGREEMENT.
Neither the Participant nor any permitted transferee may offer or Transfer (or agree to offer or Transfer) Shares during the period commencing as of 14 days prior to and ending one year, or such lesser period of time as the relevant underwriters and the Board may agree (it being intended that the length of each period reflect market practice at the time the length of such period is determined), after the effective date of a registration statement covering any public offering of the Corporation's securities of which the Participant has notice. (The term "Participant" includes, where the context so requires, any permitted direct or indirect transferee of the Participant.) The Participant shall agree and consent to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Corporation's transfer agent against the Transfer of the Corporation's securities beneficially owned by the Participant and shall conform the limitations hereunder and under the Participant's exercise agreement by agreement with and for the benefit of the relevant underwriters by a lock-up agreement or other agreement in customary form. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, this Section 3.3 shall not be construed so as to prohibit the Participant from participating in a registration or a public offering of the Common Stock with respect to any shares which he or she may hold at that time; provided, however, that such participation shall be at the sole discretion of the Board.
3.4 CALL RIGHT.
3.4.1. CALL RIGHT. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Section 3.4, the Corporation shall have the right (the "CALL
RIGHT") (but not the obligation) to repurchase in one or more
transactions in connection with the Participant's termination
of employment, services agreement (whether written or oral) or
directorship for any reason at any time, and the Participant
(or any permitted transferee) shall be obligated to sell all
or any portion (at the Corporation's option) any of the Shares
to the Corporation (and/or its designees), at the Repurchase
Price. To exercise the Call Right, the Corporation must give
written notice thereof to the Participant (the "CALL NOTICE")
within the later of (i) 120 days from the date of termination
of the Participant's employment or service, and (ii) 30 days
following the date that is six months and one day after the
Participant acquired the Shares. The Call Notice is
irrevocable by the Corporation and shall (a) be in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Corporation, (b) set
forth the Corporation's intent to exercise the Call Right and
state the total number of Shares to be sold to the Corporation
pursuant to the Call Right and the Repurchase Price, and (c)
be mailed or delivered in accordance with the notice
provisions of the Option Agreement. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary contained herein, repurchases pursuant to the
Call Right may only be consummated with respect to Shares
owned by the Participant for at least six months after the
date the Shares were acquired on exercise of the Option.
3.4.2. REPURCHASE PRICE. The price per Share to be paid by the Corporation upon settlement of the Corporation's Call Right (the "REPURCHASE PRICE") shall (i) in
the case of a termination (A) for Cause at any time or (B) due to the Participant's voluntary resignation for any reason on or prior to the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the applicable Option grant, equal the price paid per Share by the Participant, and (ii) in the case of a termination (I) without Cause at any time, (II) due to the Participant's death or Disability at any time or (III) the Participant's voluntary resignation for any reason following the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the applicable Option grant, equal the Fair Market Value of a Share determined as of the date of the Call Notice.
3.4.3. CLOSING. The purchase price shall be paid by the Corporation (or, if applicable, its designee) in cash (by wire transfer of immediately available funds or by check). The closing of such purchase shall be on a date to be specified by the Corporation, such date to be no later than 30 days after the date of the Call Notice. At such closing, the Participant shall deliver to the Corporation, free and clear of all Liens, the certificates or instruments evidencing the Shares being purchased, duly endorsed (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers) and otherwise in good form for delivery, against payment of the purchase price by the Corporation (or, if applicable, its designee). No adjustments (other than pursuant to Section 3.2 of this Plan) shall be made to the purchase price for fluctuations in the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock after the date of the Call Notice.
3.4.4. ASSIGNMENT. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the
Corporation may assign any or all of its rights under this
Section 3.4 to one or more stockholders of the Corporation.
3.5 SALE OF THE CORPORATION.
3.5.1. Except as otherwise expressly provided in a particular Option Agreement, if a Sale of the Corporation is proposed to be effected, then the Corporation (and/or its designees) shall have the right (but not the obligation) to purchase (the "PURCHASE OPTION") (A) any or all Options for an amount of consideration equal to the amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of the Options which are exercisable at such time (or made exercisable pursuant to Sections 3.2.2 or 3.2.3 hereof) and the sale of such Shares pursuant to clause (B) below, less the exercise price, and less the Holdback Amount, if any, and/or (B) any or all Shares for an amount of consideration equal to the product of (x) the fair market value per share as determined by the Administrator based on the consideration received in the Sale of the Corporation (with consideration given to the structure and terms and conditions of the transaction, including any escrows or indemnities) (less the Holdback Amount, if any), and (y) the number of Shares which are being purchased.
3.5.2. The Corporation (or, if applicable, its designee) shall give notice in writing to the Participant (or any permitted transferee) of the exercise of the Purchase Option at least 10 days prior to the proposed date of consummation of the Sale of the Corporation (the "PURCHASE OPTION NOTICE"). The Purchase Option Notice shall
state the number of Options and/or Shares to be purchased and the estimated Purchase Option price as set forth in 3.5.1 above.
3.5.3. At least five (5) days prior to the consummation of the Sale of the Corporation, the Participant (or any permitted transferee) shall deliver to the Corporation free and clear of all Liens the certificate duly endorsed (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers) or instrument, as applicable, representing the Option or Shares subject to the Purchase Option. Within five (5) business days after the consummation of the Sale of the Corporation, the Purchase Option price (net of the Holdback Amount, if any, shall be paid by the Corporation (or, if applicable, its designee) to the Participant for the Options and/or Shares; provided, that with respect to such Options and/or Shares, the Holdback Amount, if any, shall be paid to the Participant in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Transaction Documents.
3.5.4. The Corporation and the Participant (or any permitted transferee) will promptly perform, whether before or after any such closing, such additional acts (including, without limitation, executing and delivering additional documents) as are reasonably required by either such party to effect more fully the transactions contemplated by this Section 3.5.
3.5.5. The Corporation's Purchase Option shall terminate to the extent that it is not exercised prior to the Public Offering Date.
3.6 DRAG-ALONG RIGHTS.
3.6.1. APPLICABILITY. In connection with any Transfer to any non-Affiliate by CEH (the "SELLING STOCKHOLDER") of the shares of Common Stock representing more than 50% of the Common Stock then held by CEH (a "SIGNIFICANT SALE"), the Selling Stockholder shall provide written notice to each Participant (or any permitted transferee) (each, a "CO-SELLER") in accordance with Section 3.6.3. Each Co-Seller shall consent to (if such consent is required) and raise no objections against the Significant Sale, and if the Significant Sale is structured as (i) a merger or consolidation of the Corporation, or a sale of all or substantially all of the Corporation's assets, each Co-Seller shall agree to, and hereby agrees to, waive any dissenters' rights, appraisal rights or similar rights in connection with such merger, consolidation or asset sale, or (ii) a sale of shares, each Co-Seller shall agree to, and hereby agrees to, sell a pro rata percentage (equal to the percentage of shares proposed to be sold by the Selling Stockholder relative to the aggregate number of Shares acquired or subject to Options outstanding that are exercisable (or made exercisable pursuant to Section 3.2.2 hereof) by the optionee) of their Shares on the terms and conditions approved by the Selling Stockholder and in each such instance shall agree, and hereby agrees, to waive any claims any Co-Seller may have against the Board and the constituents of the Selling Stockholder in connection with the Significant Sale. The Co-Sellers shall take all necessary and desirable actions in connection with the consummation of the Significant Sale, including obtaining the consent of the Board, if necessary, to
the Significant Sale and the execution of such agreements and such instruments and other actions reasonably necessary to provide customary representations, warranties, indemnities, and escrow arrangements relating to such Significant Sale.
3.6.2. CONDITIONS. The obligations of the Co-Sellers pursuant to this
Section 3.6.2 are also subject to the satisfaction of the
following conditions:
(a) if any holders of a class are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all holders of such class shall be given the same option;
(b) neither the Selling Stockholder nor the Co-Sellers shall be obligated to (i) make any out-of-pocket expenditure prior to the consummation of the Significant Sale (excluding modest expenditures for postage, copies, etc.) and (ii) pay any portion (or shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the Corporation for that portion paid) that is more than its pro rata share (based upon the amount of consideration received) of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a consummated Significant Sale, to the extent such costs are incurred for the benefit of all holders of shares of Common Stock and are not otherwise paid by the Corporation or the acquiring party (costs incurred by or on behalf of a holder of shares of Common Stock for its sole benefit will not be considered costs of the transaction hereunder), provided, that a Co-Seller's liability for such expenses shall not exceed the total consideration received by such Co-Seller for its shares of Common Stock; and
(c) neither the Selling Stockholder nor the Co-Sellers
shall be required to provide any representations,
warranties or indemnities in connection with the
Significant Sale, other than those contemplated by
Section 3.6 and those representations, warranties and
indemnities concerning each seller's valid ownership
of Shares, free and clear of all Liens, claims and
other encumbrances (other than those arising under
applicable securities laws and those attributable to
actions by the purchasers thereof), and each seller's
authority, power, and right to enter into and
consummate such purchase, merger, exchange or other
agreement without violating any other agreement. Any
indemnity required to be provided by the Selling
Stockholder and each Co-Seller shall be several and
not joint.
3.6.3. NOTICE OF SIGNIFICANT SALE. The Selling Stockholder shall give each Co-Seller at least 10 days' prior written notice of any Significant Sale as to which the Selling Stockholder intends to exercise its rights under this Section 3.6. If the Selling Stockholder elects to exercise its rights under this Section 3.6, the Co-Sellers shall take such actions as may be reasonably required and otherwise cooperate in good faith with the Selling Stockholder in connection with consummating the Significant Sale (including, without limitation, the voting of any Shares to approve such Significant Sale). At the closing of such Significant Sale, each
Co-Seller shall deliver certificates for all Shares to be sold by such Co-Seller, duly endorsed for transfer to the purchaser against payment of the appropriate purchase price.
3.7 CO-SALE RIGHTS.
3.7.1. If CEH receives an offer (the "Offer") to Transfer more than 50% of the Common Stock then held by CEH to any Person other than an Affiliate (the "Co-Sale Offeror") and CEH does not exercise its rights pursuant to Section 3.6, the parties hereto shall comply with the following procedures:
(a) CEH shall, at least twenty (20) Business Days before such Transfer, deliver a written notice (the "Co-Sale Notice") to each Participant that sets forth (i) the number of shares of Common Stock to which the Offer relates, (ii) the name of the proposed Co-Sale Offeror, (iii) the proposed amount and type of consideration (including if the consideration consists in whole or in part of non-cash consideration such information available to CEH as may be reasonably necessary for the Participant to properly analyze the economic value and investment risk of such non-cash consideration) and, (iv) the terms and conditions of payment that the Co-Sale Offeror intends to accept.
(b) CEH shall not Transfer any Common Stock to the Co-Sale Offeror unless each of the Participants is offered the opportunity to Transfer simultaneously a number of shares of Common Stock equal to its Pro Rata Amount to which the offer to CEH relates and on the same terms and conditions (including price).
(c) Within ten (10) days after delivery of the Co-Sale
Notice each Participant may elect to participate in
the proposed Transfer by delivering to CEH a notice
(the "Tag-Along Notice") specifying the type and
number of shares of Common Stock (up to his or her
Pro Rata Amount, as determined in accordance with
Section 3.7.1(b) above with respect to which such
Participant shall exercise his, her or its rights
under Section 3.7 and the number of shares of Common
Stock to be Transferred to the Co-Sale Offeror by CEH
shall be reduced accordingly.
(d) Any shares of Common Stock requested to be included in any Tag-Along Notice shall be Transferred at the same time and on the same terms and conditions (including price). If such Transfer is not made within 60 days from delivery of the Co-Sale Notice, the provisions of this Section 3.7 shall again become effective with respect to the proposed Transfer.
3.8 NO STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS FOLLOWING EXERCISE OF A CALL OR REPURCHASE.
If the Participant (or any permitted transferee) holds Shares as to which the Call Right or Purchase Option has been exercised (in connection with the termination of the Participant's employment or otherwise), the Participant shall be entitled to the value of such Shares in
accordance with the provisions of Section 3.4 or Section 3.5, as applicable, but (unless otherwise required by law) shall no longer be entitled to participation in the Corporation or other rights as a stockholder with respect to the Shares subject to the call or repurchase. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Participant's rights following the exercise of the Call Right or Purchase Option shall, with respect to the call or repurchase and the Shares covered thereby, be solely the rights that he or she has as a general creditor of the Corporation to receive payment of the amount specified in Section 3.4 or Section 3.5 as applicable.
3.9 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.
3.9.1. GENERAL. This Plan, the granting and vesting of Options under this Plan, and the offer, issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock, and/or the payment of money under this Plan or under Options are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities laws) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Corporation, provide such assurances and representations to the Corporation as the Administrator may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements.
3.9.2. COMPLIANCE WITH SECURITIES LAWS. No Participant shall sell, pledge or otherwise transfer shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option or any interest in such shares except in accordance with the express terms of this Plan and the applicable Option Agreement. Any attempted transfer in violation of this Section 3.9 shall be void and of no effect. Without in any way limiting the provisions set forth above, no Participant shall make any disposition of all or any portion of shares of Common Stock acquired or to be acquired pursuant to an Option, except in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws and unless and until:
(a) there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with such registration statement; or
(b) such disposition is made in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act; or
(c) such Participant notifies the Corporation of the proposed disposition and furnishes the Corporation with a statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition, and, if requested by the Corporation, furnishes to the Corporation an opinion of counsel acceptable to the Corporation's counsel, that such disposition will not require registration under the Securities Act and will be in compliance with all applicable state securities laws.
Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Corporation or a Related Entity has no obligation to register the Common Stock or file any registration statement under either federal or state securities laws, nor does the Corporation or a Related Entity make any representation concerning the likelihood of a public offering of the Common Stock or any other securities of the Corporation.
3.9.3. SHARE LEGENDS. All certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock issued or delivered under this Plan shall bear the following legends and/or any other appropriate or required legends under applicable laws:
"OWNERSHIP OF THIS CERTIFICATE, THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND ANY INTEREST THEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER UNDER APPLICABLE LAW AND UNDER AGREEMENTS WITH THE CORPORATION, INCLUDING RESTRICTIONS ON SALE, ASSIGNMENT, TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER DISPOSITION."
"THE SHARES ARE SUBJECT TO THE CORPORATION'S TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND CALL RIGHTS TO REPURCHASE THE SHARES UNDER THE CORPORATION'S STOCK OPTION PLAN AND AGREEMENTS WITH THE CORPORATION THEREUNDER, COPIES OF WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION."
"THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED ("ACT"), NOR HAVE THEY BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. NO TRANSFER OF SUCH SECURITIES WILL BE PERMITTED UNLESS A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT IS IN EFFECT AS TO SUCH TRANSFER, THE TRANSFER IS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 144 UNDER THE ACT, OR IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE CORPORATION, REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT IS UNNECESSARY IN ORDER FOR SUCH TRANSFER TO COMPLY WITH THE ACT AND WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS."
3.9.4. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. Any information relating to the
Corporation obtained by Participants in connection with or as a result of this Plan or their Options shall be treated as confidential. 3.10 TAX WITHHOLDING. 3.10.1. TAX WITHHOLDING. Upon any exercise or payment of any Option or upon the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option prior to satisfaction of the holding period requirements of Section 422 of the Code, the Corporation or Related Entity shall have the right at its option to: |
(a) require the Participant (or Personal Representative or Beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or a Related Entity may be required to withhold with respect to such Option event or payment; (b) deduct from any amount payable to the Participant (or Personal Representative or Beneficiary, as the case may be) in cash or equivalent (in respect of an Option or otherwise) the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or a Related Entity may be required to withhold with respect to such Option event or payment; or (c) reduce the number of shares of Common Stock to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire shares held by the Participant at least 6 months) the appropriate number of shares of Common Stock, valued at their then Fair Market Value, to satisfy the minimum withholding obligation. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion (subject to Section 3.9), grant (either at the time of grant of the Option or thereafter) to the Participant the right to elect, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Administrator may establish, to have the Corporation utilize the withholding offset under clause (c) above. In no event will the value of shares withheld under (c) above exceed the minimum amount of required withholding under applicable law. 3.11 PLAN AND OPTION AMENDMENTS, TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION. 3.11.1. BOARD AUTHORIZATION. The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part, and/or any outstanding Option(s). No Options may be granted during any suspension of this Plan or after termination of this Plan. Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Plan or in an applicable Option Agreement, any Option granted prior to the termination or suspension of this Plan may extend beyond the date of such termination or suspension, and all authority of the Administrator with respect to Options hereunder, including the authority to amend an Option, will continue during any suspension of this Plan and in respect of Options outstanding upon or following the termination of this Plan. 3.11.2. ADMINISTRATOR AUTHORIZATION. The Administrator may, at any time or from time to time, amend or modify this Plan, in whole or in part, and/or any outstanding Option(s). 3.11.3. STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. This Plan and any amendment to this Plan shall be subject to stockholder approval to the extent then required under Section 422 or 424 of the Code or any other applicable law, or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board. |
3.11.4. LIMITATIONS ON AMENDMENTS TO PLAN AND OPTIONS. The Board and the Administrator may, without the written consent of the Participant affected thereby, amend, terminate or suspend this Plan in any manner materially adverse to the Participant's rights or benefits under an outstanding Option or amend the Participant's Option in any manner materially adverse to the Participant's rights or benefits thereunder. Changes contemplated by Section 3.2 do not and will not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments for purposes of this Section 3.11. 3.12 PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP. Except as otherwise expressly authorized by the Administrator or this Plan or in the Option Agreement, a Participant will not be entitled to any privilege of stock ownership as to any shares of Common Stock not actually delivered to and held of record by the Participant. No adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a stockholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery. 3.13 EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN. This Plan is effective as of March 19, 2004. 3.14 TERM OF THE PLAN. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, this Plan will terminate at the close of business on the day before the 10th anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, however, that any Option, the term of which will expire after such date, and any Share held after such date, will continue to be governed by the provisions of this Plan until, in the case of any such Option, such Option terminates, and in the case of any such Share, indefinitely. 3.15 GOVERNING LAW/SEVERABILITY. 3.15.1. CHOICE OF LAW. This Plan, the Options, all documents evidencing Options and all other related documents will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state of Delaware. 3.15.2. SEVERABILITY. If it is determined that any provision of this Plan or an Option Agreement is invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan and/or the Option Agreement, as applicable, will continue in effect provided that the essential economic terms of this Plan and the Option can still be enforced. 3.16 CAPTIONS. Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings will not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof. 3.17 NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF PLAN. Nothing in this Plan will limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or the Administrator to grant awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to the Common Stock, under any other plan or authority. 3.18 NO RESTRICTION ON CORPORATE POWERS. The existence of this Plan, the Option Agreements, and the Options granted hereunder, shall not limit, affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Corporation to make or |
authorize: (a) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Corporation's or any Subsidiary's capital structure or its business; (b) any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or change in the ownership of the Corporation or any Subsidiary; (c) any issue of bonds, debentures, capital, preferred or prior preference stocks ahead of or affecting the Corporation's capital stock or the rights thereof; (d) any dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary; (e) any sale or transfer of all or any part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary's assets or business; or (f) any other corporate act or proceeding by the Corporation or any Subsidiary. No Participant, Beneficiary or any other person shall have any claim under any Option or Option Agreement against any member of the Board or the Administrator, or the Corporation or any employees, officers or agents of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, as a result of any such action. The adoption of this Plan shall not be deemed to give any person a right to be granted any Options. 3.19 OTHER COMPENSATION OR BENEFIT PROGRAMS. Payments and other benefits received by a Participant under an Option made pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of a Participant's compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Corporation or any Subsidiary, except where the Administrator or the Board expressly otherwise provides or authorizes in writing. Options under this Plan may be made in addition to, in combination with, as alternatives to or in payment of grants, awards or commitments under any other plans or arrangements of the Corporation or any Subsidiary. 4. DEFINITIONS. "ACT" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.3. |
"ADMINISTRATOR" means, as determined by the Board, (i) the Board, (ii) one or more committees of director(s) of the Corporation appointed by the Board (comprised solely of one or more directors or such greater number of directors as may be required under applicable law), (iii) to the extent permitted by applicable law, any officer(s) of the Corporation appointed by the Board, to administer all or certain aspects of this Plan.
"AFFILIATE" means, with respect to any Person, any Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Person. For 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.
"BENEFICIARY" means the person, persons, trust or trusts designated by a Participant, or, in the absence of a designation, entitled by will or the laws of descent and distribution, to receive the benefits specified in the Option Agreement and under this Plan if the Participant dies, and means the Participant's executor or administrator if no other Beneficiary is designated and able to act under the circumstances.
"BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
"CALL NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.1.
"CALL RIGHT" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.1.
"CAUSE" means (unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable Option Agreement, or another applicable contract with the Eligible Employee, such as an employment agreement, that defines such term for purposes of determining the effect that a "for cause" termination has on the Eligible Employee's stock options) a termination of employment or service because of:
(a) the Participant's conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; or
(b) the Participant's personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses) or breach of a fiduciary duty which involves personal profit, in each case, which adversely impacts or reflects badly on the Corporation or Related Entity as determined by the Board; or
(c) the Participant's commission of material mismanagement in the conduct of his duties as assigned to him by (i) the Board or the board of a Related Entity, or (ii) the Participant's supervising officer or officers of the Corporation or Related Entity; or
(d) the Participant's willful failure to execute or
comply with the policies of the Corporation or
Related Entity or his stated duties as established by
(i) the Board or the board of a Related Entity, or
(ii) the Participant's supervising officer or
officers of the Corporation or Related Entity; or
(e) with respect to an Other Eligible Person only, the Participant's willfully making any material misrepresentation or willfully omitting to disclose any material fact to the Board or the board of a Related Entity with respect to the business of the Corporation or Related Entity.
A termination for Cause shall be deemed to occur (subject to reinstatement upon a contrary final determination by the Administrator) on the date on which the Corporation or Related Entity first delivers written notice to the Participant of a finding of termination for Cause.
"CEH" means Crunch Equity Holding, LLC.
"CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
"COMMON STOCK" means the shares of the Corporation's Common Stock, $0.01 par
value, and such other securities or property as may become the subject of
Options, or become subject to Options, pursuant to an adjustment made under
Section 3.2 of this Plan.
"COMMON STOCK EQUIVALENTS" means the Common Stock and any rights, warrants, options, convertible securities or indebtedness, exchangeable securities or indebtedness, or other rights, exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into, directly or indirectly, Common Stock, whether such securities are convertible or exchangeable at the time of issuance or upon the
passage of time or the occurrence of some future event and whether or not such securities are "in the money" at the time of determination.
"CORPORATION" means Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, and its successors. "CO-SELLER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.1. "DISABILITY" means a "permanent and total disability" within the meaning of |
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code and, with respect to Options other than Incentive Stock Options, such other disabilities, infirmities, afflictions, or conditions as the Administrator may include.
"EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date specified in Section 3.13 hereof.
"ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE" means an officer (whether or not a director) or employee of the Corporation or a Related Entity.
"ELIGIBLE PERSON" means an Eligible Employee, or any Other Eligible Person, designated by the Administrator in its discretion.
"EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
"FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as it relates to Common Stock, the average of the high and low prices of such Common Stock as reported on the principal national securities exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are then listed or the Nasdaq National Market System, as applicable, on the date specified herein for such a determination, or if there were no sales on such date, on the next succeeding day or immediately preceding day on which there were sales, or if such Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market System, the last reported bid price in the over-the-counter market, or if such shares are not traded in the over-the-counter market, the per share cash price for which all of the outstanding Common Stock could be sold to a willing purchaser in an arms length transaction (without regard to minority discount, absence of liquidity, or transfer restrictions imposed by an applicable law or agreement) at the date of the event giving rise to the need for a determination. Except as may be otherwise expressly provided above or in a particular Option Agreement, Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator and such determination shall be binding on all Participants.
"FULLY-DILUTED COMMON STOCK" means, at any time, all then outstanding Common Stock Equivalents.
"HOLDBACK AMOUNT" means the portion of the consideration received by the stockholders that are required to be retained by the terms of the definitive documentation entered into in connection with such Sale of the Corporation including, without limitation, amounts retained for purchase price adjustments and indemnification obligations.
"IMMEDIATE FAMILY" means the spouse of an individual and the grandparents, parents, siblings and children (and children and spouses of any of the foregoing) of the individual or his or her spouse. An adopted child will be treated as a child of his or her adoptive parent or parents (but only if) he or she was adopted before he or she reached 21 years of age.
"INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION" means an Option that is designated and intended as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, the award of which contains such provisions (including but not limited to the receipt of stockholder approval of this Plan, if the award is made prior to such approval) and is made under such circumstances and to such persons as may be necessary to comply with that section.
"IRR" means, with respect to the Common Stock, a calculation made in accordance with generally accepted financial practices which shows the pre-tax, compounded annual internal rate of return realized thereon, (i) assuming all shares of Common Stock (other than Common Stock Equivalents issued to employees or directors of or consultants to the Company or any Related Entity) were purchased by one Person on November 25, 2003 at a price equal to the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on November 25, 2003 and all such shares of Common Stock were held continuously by such Person from the date of issuance through the date of the Liquidity Event, (ii) assuming such holder receives cash on the Liquidity Event pursuant to Section 3.2.2(b) hereof and (iii) including, as a return on the shares of Common Stock, any cash dividends or distributions made by the Corporation or any Related Entity in respect of the shares of Common Stock during such period; provided, however, that in the event of any redemption of Common Stock or sale of newly-issued Common Stock Equivalents (other than Common Stock Equivalents issued to employees or directors of or consultants to the Company or any Related Entity), then cash inflows or outflows associated with such redemption or sale shall be reflected in the calculation of IRR, notwithstanding the general rule of clause (i) of this definition.
"LIEN" means any of the following mortgage; lien (statutory or other); other security agreement, arrangement or interest; hypothecation, pledge or other deposit arrangement; assignment; charge; levy; executory seizure; attachment; garnishment; encumbrance (including any easement, exception, reservation or limitation) right of way, and the like); conditional sale, title retention, voting agreement or other similar agreement, arrangement, device or restriction, preemptive or similar right; the filing of any financial statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable law of any jurisdiction; restriction on sale, transfer, assignment, disposition or other alienation; or any option, equity, claim or right of or obligation to, any other Person, of whatever kind and character.
"LIQUIDITY EVENT" means the consummation of a Sale of the Corporation or the occurrence of a Qualified Market Cap.
"NET PROCEEDS" means (i) with respect to a Sale of the Corporation, the aggregate gross proceeds received (or deemed received) by the holders of the Common Stock on or in consideration for such equity interests in connection with such Sale of the Corporation, net of (A) any Holdback Amount applicable to such Sale of the Corporation and (B) all expenses incurred in connection therewith that are allocable to such equity interests other than taxes payable in respect of any income or gain recognized on receipt of such net proceeds, and (ii) with respect to a Qualified Market Cap, the implied equity market capitalization of the common equity of the Corporation (or any Subsidiary or any successor-in-interest to the Corporation) determined by multiplying the closing price of a common equity interest on the first day that the Qualified Market Cap occurs by the total number of common equity interests outstanding, net of fees and expenses incurred by the Corporation and the Related Entities in connection with the initial public offering of such common equity interests.
"NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION" means an Option that is not an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the code and includes an Option designated as a Nonqualified Stock Option and any Option intended as an Incentive Stock Option that fails to meet the applicable legal requirements thereof.
"OPTION" means an option to purchase Common Stock authorized by and granted under this Plan, whether a Performance Vesting Option or Time Vesting Option. The Administrator will designate any Option granted to an employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary as a Nonqualified Stock Option or an Incentive Stock Option.
"OPTION AGREEMENT" means any writing, approved by the Administrator, setting forth the terms of an Option that has been duly authorized and approved.
"OTHER ELIGIBLE PERSON" means any director of, or any individual consultant or advisor who renders or has rendered bona fide services (other than services in connection with the offering or sale of securities of the Corporation or a Related Entity in a capital raising transaction or as a market maker or promoter of the Corporation's or Related Entity's securities) to, the Corporation or Related Entity, and who is selected to participate in this Plan by the Administrator. An advisor or consultant may be selected as an Other Eligible Person only if such person's participation in this Plan would not adversely affect (a) the Corporation's eligibility to rely on the Rule 701 from registration under the Securities Act for the offering of shares issuable under this Plan by the Corporation or Related Entity, or (b) the Corporation's compliance with any other applicable laws.
"PARTICIPANT" means an Eligible Person who has been granted and holds an Option under this Plan.
"PERFORMANCE VESTING OPTION" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.1 hereof.
"PERSON" means, and shall be construed broadly and shall include, an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.
"PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE" means the person or persons who, upon the Disability or incompetence of a Participant, has acquired on behalf of the Participant, by legal proceeding or otherwise, the power to exercise the rights or receive benefits under this Plan by virtue of having become the legal representative of the Participant.
"PLAN" means this Crunch Holding Corp. Stock Option Plan, as it may hereafter be amended from time to time.
"PRO RATA AMOUNT" means, with respect to any Participant, the quotient obtained
by dividing (i) the number of shares of Common Stock held by such Participant by
(ii) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock held by all stockholders of
the Corporation, assuming, in each of the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), the
conversion or exchange of all securities of the Corporation by their terms
convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock and the exercise of all vested
and "in the money" options to purchase or rights to subscribe for Common Stock (including warrants) or such convertible or exchangeable securities.
"PUBLIC OFFERING DATE" means the date the Common Stock is first registered under the Exchange Act and listed or quoted on a recognized national securities exchange or in the NASDAQ National Market Quotation System.
"PURCHASE OPTION" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5.1.
"QUALIFIED MARKET CAP" means that the Common Stock or the common equity of any Subsidiary or any successor-in-interest to the Corporation shall have been registered under the Securities Act and the Corporation shall have a equity market capitalization of more than $500,000,000 for a period of at least 20 consecutive trading days (determined by multiplying the closing price of the Common Stock or common equity, as applicable, on each such day by the total number of Common Stock Equivalents outstanding on each such day).
"RELATED ENTITY" means, at any time, any (i) direct or indirect parent of the Corporation, or (ii) direct or indirect subsidiary of the Corporation, provided that the majority of such subsidiary's outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly by the Corporation.
"REPURCHASE PRICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.2.
"RULE 16b-3" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2.1.
"SALE OF THE CORPORATION" means (i) the sale or transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of a Sale Entities' assets, to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, (ii) the sale or transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of a significant division or product line of any of the Sale Entities (whether by asset sale, merger, spin-off or other structure), to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, (iii) the sale or transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of a majority of the outstanding equity interests in any of the Sale Entities, to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, or (iv) the merger or consolidation of any of the Sale Entities with or into another Person that is not an Affiliate of any of the Sale Entities, in each case in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, under circumstances in which the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding equity interests of any of the Sale Entities, immediately prior to such transaction, own less than a majority in voting power of the outstanding equity interests of such Sale Entities, or the surviving or resulting corporation, entity or acquirer, as the case may be, immediately following such transaction.
"SALE ENTITIES" means (i) the Corporation, Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. or Pinnacle Foods Corporation, or (ii) any successor in interest thereof.
"SECURITIES ACT" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
"SELLING STOCKHOLDER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.1.
"SHARE LIMIT" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.4.2.
"SHARES" means the shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an Option.
"SIGNIFICANT SALE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.1.
"SUBSIDIARY" of any Person, means (i) a corporation a majority of whose outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interest with voting power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect directors, is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such Person, by one or more subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such Person, and (ii) any other Person (other than a corporation) in which such Person, a subsidiary of such Person or such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such Person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has (x) at least a majority ownership interest or (y) the power to elect or direct the election of the directors or other governing body of such Person.
"TARGET IRR" means, with respect to any Liquidity Event, 15.0%.
"TIME VESTING OPTION" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.1 hereof.
"TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS" means the definitive documentation entered into in connection with a Sale of the Corporation.
"TRANSFER" means any direct or indirect sale, transfer, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, gift, conveyance or other disposition of any security or any interest therein.
EXHIBIT 10.18
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
2004 CALIFORNIA STOCK OPTION PLAN
.
.
.
1. THE PLAN............................................................................................... 1 1.1 Purpose....................................................................................... 1 1.2 Administration and Authorization; Power and Procedure......................................... 1 1.3 Participation................................................................................. 3 1.4 Shares Available for Options; Share Limits.................................................... 3 1.5 No Transferability; Limited Exception to Transfer Restrictions................................ 3 2. OPTIONS................................................................................................ 6 2.1 Option Grants................................................................................. 6 2.2 Vesting; Term; Exercise Procedure............................................................. 6 2.3 Option Price.................................................................................. 8 2.4 Limitations on Grant and Terms of Incentive Stock Options..................................... 9 2.5 Limits on 10% Holders......................................................................... 10 2.6 Effects of Termination of Employment; Termination of Subsidiary Status; Discretionary Provisions.................................................................................... 10 2.7 Option Repricing/Cancellation and Regrant/Waiver of Restrictions.............................. 13 2.8 Options in Substitution for Stock Options Granted by Other Corporations....................... 13 3. OTHER PROVISIONS....................................................................................... 13 3.1 Rights of Eligible Persons, Participants and Beneficiaries.................................... 13 3.2 Adjustments; Acceleration..................................................................... 14 3.3 Lock-Up Agreement............................................................................. 18 3.4 Call Right.................................................................................... 18 3.5 Sale of the Corporation....................................................................... 19 3.6 Drag-Along Rights............................................................................. 20 3.7 Co-Sale Rights................................................................................ 22 3.8 No Stockholder Rights Following Exercise of a Call or Repurchase.............................. 23 3.9 Compliance with Laws.......................................................................... 23 3.10 Tax Withholding............................................................................... 25 3.11 Plan and Option Amendments, Termination and Suspension........................................ 25 3.12 Privileges of Stock Ownership................................................................. 26 3.13 Effective Date of the Plan.................................................................... 26 3.14 Term of the Plan.............................................................................. 26 3.15 Governing Law/Severability.................................................................... 26 3.16 Captions...................................................................................... 27 |
3.17 Non-Exclusivity of Plan....................................................................... 27 3.18 No Restriction on Corporate Powers............................................................ 27 3.19 Other Compensation or Benefit Programs........................................................ 27 4. DEFINITIONS............................................................................................ 28 |
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
2004 CALIFORNIA STOCK OPTION PLAN
1. THE PLAN.
1.1 PURPOSE. The purpose of this 2004 California Stock Option Plan (this "Plan") is to promote the success of the Corporation and its Related Entities and the interests of its stockholders by attracting, motivating, retaining and rewarding certain officers, employees, managers, directors and other eligible persons with awards and incentives for high levels of individual performance and improved financial performance of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries. Capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 4.
1.2 ADMINISTRATION AND AUTHORIZATION; POWER AND PROCEDURE.
1.2.1. ADMINISTRATOR. This Plan will be administered by and all
Options will be authorized by the Administrator. Action of the
Administrator with respect to its authority under this Plan
shall be taken pursuant to a majority vote or by unanimous
written consent of its members. Unless a majority of the
members of the Board determines otherwise: (i) if the
Corporation is subject to the Exchange Act, the Administrator
shall be constituted in a manner that satisfies the
requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act ("RULE
16B-3"), which Administrator shall administer the Plan with
respect to all Eligible Persons who are subject to Section 16
of the Exchange Act in a manner that satisfies the
requirements of Rule 16b-3; and (ii) the Administrator shall
be constituted in a manner that satisfies the requirements of
Section 162(m) of the Code, which Administrator shall
administer the Plan with respect to "performance-based
compensation" for all Eligible Persons who are reasonably
expected to be "covered employees" as those terms are defined
in Section 162(m) of the Code; provided, however, that the
failure to satisfy such requirements shall not affect the
validity of the action of any Administrator otherwise duly
authorized and acting in the matter. The Board or a committee
comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent
permitted by Section 157(c) of the Delaware General
Corporation Law and any other applicable law, to one or more
officers of the Corporation, its powers under this Plan (a) to
designate the officers and employees of the Corporation and
its Subsidiaries who will receive grants of rights or options
to purchase shares of Common Stock, and (b) to determine the
number of rights or options to be received by them, pursuant
to a resolution that specifies the total number of rights or
options that may be granted under the delegation, provided
that no officer may be delegated the power to designate
himself or herself as a recipient of such options or rights.
1.2.2. PLAN OPTIONS; INTERPRETATION; POWERS OF ADMINISTRATOR. Subject to the express provisions of this Plan and any express limitations on the delegated authority of an Administrator, the Administrator will have the authority to:
(a) determine eligibility and the particular Eligible Persons who will receive Options;
(b) grant Options to Eligible Persons, determine the price at which securities will be offered or awarded and the amount of securities to be offered or awarded to any of such persons, and determine the other specific terms and conditions of Options consistent with the express limits of this Plan, establish the installments (if any) in which such Options will become exercisable or will vest, and the respective consequences thereof, or determine that no delayed exercisability or vesting is required, and establish the events of termination or reversion of such Options;
(c) approve the forms of Option Agreements, which need not be identical among Participants;
(d) construe and interpret this Plan and any Option or other agreements defining the rights and obligations of the Corporation (and the Subsidiaries) and Participants under this Plan, make factual determinations with respect to the administration of this Plan, further define the terms used in this Plan, and prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan;
(e) cancel, modify, or waive the Corporation's rights with respect to, or modify, discontinue, suspend, or terminate any or all outstanding Options held by Eligible Persons, subject to any required consent under Section 3.11;
(f) accelerate or extend the exercisability or extend the term of any or all outstanding Options within the maximum ten-year term of Options under Section 2.2.2;
(g) determine the duration and purposes of leaves of absence that may be granted to Participants without constituting a termination of their employment for purposes of this Plan; and
(h) make all other determinations and take such other action as contemplated by this Plan or as may be necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan and the effectuation of its purposes.
1.2.3. BINDING DETERMINATIONS. Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Corporation, any Subsidiary, the Board or the Administrator relating or pursuant to this Plan will be within the absolute discretion of that entity or body and will be conclusive and binding upon all persons. Subject only to compliance with the express provisions hereof, the Board and the Administrator may act in their absolute discretion in matters within their authority related to this Plan.
1.2.4. RELIANCE ON EXPERTS. In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Administrator or the Board, as the case may be, may obtain, rely upon the advice of, and pay all reasonable expenses related to obtaining, experts, including employees of and professional advisors to the Corporation or the Subsidiaries.
1.2.5. DELEGATION. The Administrator may delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Corporation or a Related Entity.
1.2.6. NO LIABILITY. No director, manager, member, officer, stockholder or agent of the Corporation or a Related Entity will be liable for any action, omission or decision under this Plan taken, made or omitted in good faith.
1.3 PARTICIPATION. Options may be granted by the Administrator only to those persons that the Administrator determines to be Eligible Persons. An Eligible Person who has been granted an Option may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional Options if the Administrator so determines.
1.4 SHARES AVAILABLE FOR OPTIONS; SHARE LIMITS.
1.4.1. SHARES AVAILABLE. Subject to the provisions of Section 3.2, the capital stock delivered in respect of Options granted under this Plan will be shares of the Corporation's authorized but unissued Common Stock and any of its shares of Common Stock held as treasury shares. The shares may be delivered for any lawful consideration.
1.4.2. SHARE LIMIT. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to Options granted under this Plan will not exceed 350,000 shares (the "SHARE LIMIT"), and will be subject to adjustment as contemplated by this Section 1.4 and Section 3.2.
1.4.3. SHARE RESERVATION; REPLENISHMENT AND REISSUE OF UNVESTED OPTIONS. Shares subject to outstanding Options shall be reserved for issuance. No Option may be granted under this Plan unless, on the date of grant, the sum of (a) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable at any time pursuant to such Option, plus (b) the number of shares of Common Stock that have previously been issued pursuant to Options granted under this Plan, plus (c) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued at any time after such date of grant pursuant to Options that are outstanding on such date, does not exceed the Share Limit. Shares of Common Stock that are subject to or underlie Options that expire or for any reason are canceled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under this Plan, will again, except to the extent prohibited by law (or the provisions of the Code, in the case of Incentive Stock Options) or the terms of this Plan, be available for subsequent Options to be granted under this Plan. Accordingly, shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the terms hereof (including shares of Common Stock offset in satisfaction of applicable withholding taxes or the exercise price of an Option) in respect of an Option shall reduce on a share-for-share basis the number of shares of Common Stock remaining available under this Plan and the number of shares remaining subject to the Option.
1.5 NO TRANSFERABILITY; LIMITED EXCEPTION TO TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS.
1.5.1. LIMIT ON EXERCISE AND TRANSFER OF OPTIONS.
(a) Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 1.5, by applicable law and by the Option Agreement, as the same may be amended:
(i) all Options are non-transferable and will not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge;
(ii) Options will be exercised only by the Participant; and
(iii) amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to an Option will be delivered only to (or for the account of) the Participant.
(b) The exercise and transfer restrictions in clause (a) above shall not apply to:
(i) transfers to the Corporation; or
(ii) transfers by gift to a "family member" of the Participant, as such term is defined in SEC Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act; or
(iii) the designation of a beneficiary to receive benefits if the Participant dies, or if the Participant has died, transfers to or exercises by the Participant's beneficiary, or in the absence of a validly designated beneficiary, transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution; or
(iv) if the Participant has suffered a disability, permitted transfers or exercises on behalf of the Participant's duly authorized legal representative.
1.5.2. LIMIT ON TRANSFER OF SHARES. Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 1.5, by applicable law and by the Option Agreement, Shares shall not be Transferred except as provided as follows:
(a) transfers by gift to a member of the Immediate Family of the Participant or a trust (or estate planning entity) whose sole beneficiaries (or owners, as the case may be) are the Participant and/or members of the Immediate Family of the Participant;
(b) transfers pursuant to a pledge to secure indebtedness provided that the pledgee agrees in writing that the Shares subject to such Transfer shall be subject to the terms hereof;
(c) transfers by a Participant pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.7;
(d) transfers pursuant to a merger, consolidation, share exchange, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction by the Corporation or pursuant to an agreement to which the Corporation is a party;
(e) transfers by a Participant pursuant to a public offering registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act; or
(f) transfers pursuant to Section 3.4, Section 3.5 or
Section 3.6 hereof.
1.5.3. BINDING ON TRANSFEREES. All permitted transferees receiving
Options and/or Shares from a Participant pursuant to this
Section 1.5 shall be subject to and be bound by the terms of
this Plan. At the request of the Administrator, and as a
condition to the Administrator's consent to a permitted
transfer of Options and/or Shares pursuant to this Section
1.5, each permitted transferee shall execute a document
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrator, whereby such
permitted transferee shall agree to be subject to and be bound
by the terms of this Plan. Such agreement by such permitted
transferee to be bound by and subject to the terms of this
Plan shall remain in full force and effect should the
employment with or services by the Participant to the
Corporation or a Related Entity be terminated pursuant to
Section 2.6 hereof or otherwise.
1.5.4. REQUIRED APPROVAL. Notwithstanding anything else in this
Section 1.5. to the contrary, but subject to compliance with
all applicable laws, Incentive Stock Options will be subject
to any and all transfer restrictions under the Code applicable
to such Options or necessary to maintain the intended tax
consequences of such Options. Notwithstanding clauses (b),
(c), (d) and (e) of Section 1.5.2 above, but subject to
compliance with all applicable laws, any contemplated transfer
referenced in clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) above is subject
to the condition precedent that such transfer be approved by
the Administrator in order for such transfer to be effective.
Notwithstanding anything else in this Section 1.5 to the
contrary, but subject to compliance with all applicable laws,
(i) consideration for transfers pursuant to this Section 1.5
is strictly prohibited; and (ii) subsequent transfers of
Non-Qualified Options transferred pursuant to this Section
1.5.1 shall be prohibited except (x) subsequent transfers back
to the Participant, and (y) transfers to other Section 1.5.1
permitted transferees of the Participant.
1.5.5. NOTICE OF PROPOSED TRANSFERS. Prior to any permitted Transfer of any Shares, the Participant shall (i) except in the case of death, give at least 30 days' prior written notice (a "Transfer Notice") to the Corporation of such Participant's intention to effect such permitted Transfer, describing the manner and circumstances of the proposed permitted Transfer, and (ii) if required by the Corporation, provide to the Corporation an opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation from counsel who shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation (or supply such other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation) that the proposed permitted Transfer of such Shares may be effected without registration
under the Securities Act. After receipt of the Transfer Notice and opinion or other material (if required), the Corporation shall, within ten (10) days thereof, so notify the Participant of such Shares and, subject to Section 3.6 hereof, such Participant shall thereupon be entitled to Transfer such Shares in accordance with the terms of the Transfer Notice. Each Share issued upon such permitted Transfer shall bear the restrictive legend set forth in Section 3.9.3, unless in the reasonable judgment of counsel for the Corporation such legend is not required in order to ensure compliance with the Securities Act. The Participant giving the Transfer Notice shall not be entitled to Transfer such Shares until receipt of the notice from the Corporation under this Section 1.5.5.
2. OPTIONS.
2.1 OPTION GRANTS.
2.1.1. APPROVAL; NUMBER OF SHARES. The Administrator may grant one or more Options under this Plan to any Eligible Person. Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Administrator will determine the number of shares of Common Stock subject to each Option; provided, however, that no Plan Participant shall be granted Options with respect to more than 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock in any calendar year, subject to adjustment as contemplated by Section 3.2.
2.1.2. OPTION AGREEMENT. Each Option will be evidenced by an Option Agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, signed by the Corporation and the Participant. The Option Agreement evidencing an Option shall contain the terms established by the Administrator for that Option, as well as any other terms, provisions, or restrictions that the Administrator may impose on the Option or any shares of Common Stock subject to the Option.
2.1.3. TYPE OF OPTIONS. The Administrator will designate each Option granted under this Plan as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option and such designation shall be set forth in the applicable Option Agreement. Any Option granted hereunder that is not designated as an Incentive Stock Option will be deemed to be designated a Nonqualified Stock Option under this Plan and not an incentive stock option under the Code. Incentive Stock Options shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.4 in addition to the provisions hereof applicable to Options generally.
2.2 VESTING; TERM; EXERCISE PROCEDURE.
2.2.1. VESTING.(1) An Option may be exercised only to the extent it is vested and exercisable. Once exercisable, an Option shall remain exercisable until the expiration or earlier termination of the Option. Unless expressly provided otherwise by the Administrator and subject to the provisions of the applicable
Option Agreement, each Option shall vest and become exercisable according to the following schedule:
(a) Incentive Stock Options. Subject to continued employment as provided in Section 2.6, an Incentive Stock Option awarded to any employee of the Corporation or a Related Entity shall vest and become exercisable as to (i) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Incentive Stock Option on the first (1st) anniversary of the date of award of such Incentive Stock Option, (ii) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Incentive Stock Option on the second (2nd) anniversary of the date of award of such Incentive Stock Option, (iii) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Incentive Stock Option on the third (3rd) anniversary of the date of award of such Incentive Stock Option, and (iv) the remaining three-ninths (3/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Incentive Stock Option on the seventh (7th) anniversary of the date of award of such Incentive Stock Option; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Eligible Employee who is not an officer of the Corporation or a Related Entity (as determined by the Administrator) shall vest not less than 20% per year;
(b) Nonqualified Stock Options - Employees. Subject to continued
employment or service as provided in Section 2.6, a
Nonqualified Stock Option awarded to any employee of the
Corporation or Related Entity (including officers, directors
and managers of the Corporation or any Related Entity who are
also employees of the Corporation or any Related Entity) who
is regularly employed on a salaried basis and who is so
employed on the date of award of such Nonqualified Stock
Option, whom the Administrator identifies as having a direct
and significant effect on the financial development of the
Corporation or any Subsidiary, shall vest and become
exercisable as to (i) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common
Stock subject to such Nonqualified Stock Option on the first
(1st) anniversary of the date of award of such Nonqualified
Stock Option, (ii) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common
Stock subject to such Nonqualified Stock Option on the second
(2nd) anniversary of the date of award of such Nonqualified
Stock Option, (iii) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common
Stock subject to such Nonqualified Stock Option on the third
(3rd) anniversary of the date of award of such Nonqualified
Stock Option, and (iv) the remaining three-ninths (3/9) of the
shares of Common Stock subject to such Nonqualified Stock
Option on the seventh (7th) anniversary of the date of award
of such Nonqualified Stock Option; provided, however, that
notwithstanding the foregoing, a Nonqualified Stock Option
granted to an Eligible Employee who is not an officer of the
Corporation or a Related Entity (as determined by the
Administrator) shall vest not less than 20% per year; and
(c) Nonqualified Stock Options - Non-Employees. Subject to continued service as provided in Section 2.6, a Nonqualified Stock Option awarded to any Other Eligible Person who is not regularly employed on a salaried basis with such Corporation or a Subsidiary thereof and who the Administrator determines has a direct and significant effect on the financial development of the Corporation or any Subsidiary shall be vested and exercisable as to (i) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Nonqualified Stock Option on the first (1st) anniversary of the date of award of such Nonqualified Stock Option, (ii) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Nonqualified Stock Option on the second (2nd) anniversary of the date of award of such Nonqualified Stock Option, (iii) two-ninths (2/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Nonqualified Stock Option on the third (3rd) anniversary of the date of award of such Nonqualified Stock Option, and (iv) the remaining three-ninths (3/9) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Nonqualified Stock Option on the seventh (7th) anniversary of the date of award of such Nonqualified Stock Option.
As used throughout this Plan, "Time Vesting Option" means any Option
issued pursuant to this Plan and described in clauses (a)(i), (ii) or (iii) or
(b)(i), (ii) or (iii) or (c)(i), (ii) or (iii) of this Section 2.2.1.
As used throughout this Plan, "Performance Vesting Option" means any Option issued pursuant to this Plan and described in clauses (a)(iv) or (b)(iv) or (c)(iv) of this Section 2.2.1.
2.2.2. TERM. Each Option shall expire not more than 10 years after its date of grant. Each Option will be subject to earlier termination as provided in or pursuant to Sections 2.6 or 3.2.
2.2.3. EXERCISE PROCEDURE. Any exercisable Option will be deemed to be exercised when the Corporation receives each of (a) written notice of such exercise from the Participant (on a form and in such manner as may be required by the Administrator) and (b) any and all required payments made in accordance with Section 2.3.2 and Section 3.10, (c) any written statement required pursuant to Section 3.9, and (d) any other document that the Administrator deems necessary or desirable.
2.2.4. FRACTIONAL SHARES/MINIMUM ISSUE. Fractional share interests will be disregarded. The Administrator, however, may determine that cash, other securities, or other property will be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional share interests. No fewer than 100 shares may be purchased on exercise of any Option at one time unless the number purchased is the total number at the time available for purchase under the Option.
2.3 OPTION PRICE.
2.3.1. PRICING LIMITS. Subject to the following provisions of this
Section 2.3.1, the Administrator will determine the purchase
price per share of the Common Stock covered by each Option
(the "exercise price" of the Option) at the time of the grant
of the Option, which purchase price will be set forth in the
applicable Option Agreement. In no case will the exercise
price of an Option be less than the greater of:
(a) in the case of a Nonqualified Stock Option and subject to clause (c) below, 85% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant;
(b) in the case of an Incentive Stock Option and subject to clause (c) below, 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant; or
(c) in the case of an Option (incentive or nonqualified) granted to a Participant described in Section 2.5, 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
2.3.2. PAYMENT PROVISIONS. The Corporation will not be obligated to deliver certificates for the shares of Common Stock to be purchased on exercise of an Option unless and until it receives full payment of the exercise price therefor, all related withholding obligations under Section 3.10 have been satisfied, and all other conditions to the exercise of the Option set forth herein or in the Option Agreement have been satisfied. The purchase price of any shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of an Option must be paid in full at the time of each purchase in one or a combination of the following methods:
(a) in cash or by electronic funds transfer;
(b) by personal, certified or cashier's check payable to the order of the Corporation; or
(c) by the delivery of shares of Common Stock already owned by the Participant; provided that the Administrator may, in its absolute discretion, limit the Participant's ability to exercise an Option by delivering previously owned shares, and any shares of Common Stock delivered that were initially acquired from the Corporation upon exercise of a stock option or otherwise must have been owned by the Participant at least 6 months as of the date of delivery.
Shares of Common Stock used to satisfy the exercise price of an Option will be valued at their Fair Market Value on the day preceding the date of the exercise of the Option.
2.4 LIMITATIONS ON GRANT AND TERMS OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS.
2.4.1. $100,000 LIMIT. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options first become exercisable by a Participant
in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, taking into account both Common Stock subject to Incentive Stock Options under this Plan and stock subject to Incentive Stock Options under all other plans of the Corporation or a Related Entity, such options will be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options. For this purpose, the Fair Market Value of the stock subject to options will be determined as of the date the options were awarded. In reducing the number of options treated as Incentive Stock Options to meet the $100,000 limit, the most recently granted Options will be reduced (recharacterized as Nonqualified Stock Options) first. To the extent a reduction of simultaneously granted options is necessary to meet the $100,000 limit, the Administrator may, in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, designate which shares of Common Stock are to be treated as shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option.
2.4.2. OTHER CODE LIMITS. Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to employees of the Corporation or a Related Entity that satisfy the eligibility requirements of the Code. Any Option Agreement relating to Incentive Stock Options will contain or shall be deemed to contain such other terms and conditions as from time to time are required in order that the Option be an "incentive stock option" as that term is defined in Section 422 of the Code.
2.4.3. ISO NOTICE OF SALE REQUIREMENT. Any Participant who exercises an Incentive Stock Option shall give prompt written notice to the Corporation of any sale or other transfer of the shares of Common Stock acquired on such exercise if the sale or other transfer occurs (a) within one year after the exercise date of the Option, or (b) two years after the grant date of the Option.
2.5 LIMITS ON 10% HOLDERS. No Option may be granted to any person who, at the time the Option is granted, owns (or is deemed to own under Section 424(d) of the Code) shares of outstanding stock of the Corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of the Corporation) possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of the Corporation), unless the exercise price of such Option is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the stock subject to the Option and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to such a person, such Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date such Option is granted.
2.6 EFFECTS OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT; TERMINATION OF SUBSIDIARY STATUS; DISCRETIONARY PROVISIONS.
2.6.1. DISMISSAL FOR CAUSE. Unless otherwise provided in the Option Agreement and subject to earlier termination pursuant to or as contemplated by Section 2.2.2 or 3.2, if a Participant's employment with, retention of services by, or directorship of, as applicable, the Corporation or a Related Entity is terminated for Cause, the Participant's Option (regardless of whether such Option has been transferred pursuant to Section 1.5) will terminate immediately, whether or not the Option is then vested and/or exercisable, and the Participant (and any such transferee
pursuant to Section 1.5), shall immediately forfeit all rights under such Option, except as to shares of stock already purchased thereunder.
2.6.2. DISABILITY. If a Participant's employment with, retention of
services by or directorship of, as applicable, the Corporation
or a Related Entity terminates because of his Disability, such
Participant, his Personal Representative or any permitted
transferee of such Participant pursuant to Section 1.5 hereof,
shall have the right to exercise the Option, to the extent
vested and exercisable on such termination date, in accordance
with its terms at any time and from time to time within one
(1) year after the date of such termination unless a shorter
or longer period is expressly provided in such Option
Agreement (or other contract as agreed to between the
Corporation or a Subsidiary and the Participant) or
established by the Administrator pursuant to Section 3.2.2,
but in no event less than six (6) months after the date of
such termination or after the expiration date of the Option;
provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock
Option, the Participant or his legal representative shall have
no more than one (1) year after such termination of the
Participant's employment to exercise such Option, to the
extent it was vested and exercisable upon such termination
date. The Option, to the extent not vested and exercisable
upon the Participant's termination date, shall terminate upon
such termination date and no further vesting shall occur
thereafter with regard to any portion of the Option.
2.6.3. DEATH. If a Participant's employment with, retention of
services by, or directorship of, as applicable, the
Corporation or a Related Entity terminates due to the death of
such Participant, the Participant's Beneficiary or any
permitted transferee of such Participant pursuant to Section
1.5 hereof, shall have the right to exercise the Option to the
extent vested and exercisable on the date of such
Participant's death, in accordance with its terms at any time
and from time to time within one (1) year after the date of
such Participant's death unless a shorter or longer period is
expressly provided in such Option Agreement (or other contract
as agreed to between the Corporation or a Subsidiary and the
Participant) or established by the Administrator pursuant to
Section 3.2.2, but in no event less than six (6) months after
the date of such termination or after the expiration date of
the Option. The Option, to the extent not vested and
exercisable upon the Participant's termination date, shall
terminate upon such termination date and no further vesting
shall occur thereafter with regard to any portion of the
Option.
2.6.4. OTHER TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT: If a Participant's employment with, retention of services by, or directorship of, as applicable, the Corporation or a Related Entity terminates for any reason other than those specified in Sections 2.6.1, 2.6.2 or 2.6.3 above, such Participant, or any permitted transferee of such Participant pursuant to Section 1.5 hereof, shall have the right to exercise the Option to the extent vested and exercisable on such termination date, in accordance with its terms, within 90 days after the date of such termination, unless a shorter or longer period is expressly provided in such Option Agreement (or other contract as agreed to between the Corporation or a Subsidiary and the Participant) or established by the Administrator pursuant to Section 3.2.2 (but in
no event less than thirty (30) days after the date of such termination or after the expiration date of the Option); provided, however, that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Participant shall have no more than three (3) months after the termination of the Participant's employment to exercise such Option, to the extent it was vested and exercisable upon such termination date. The Option, to the extent not vested and exercisable upon the Participant's termination date, shall terminate upon such termination date and no further vesting shall occur thereafter with regard to any portion of the Option.
2.6.5. EVENTS NOT DEEMED A TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Unless the Corporation or a Related Entity policy or the Administrator otherwise provides, a Participant's employment or service relationship with the Corporation or Related Entity shall not be considered terminated solely due to any sick leave, military leave, or any other leave of absence authorized by the Corporation, Related Entity or the Administrator; provided that, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or law, such leave is for a period of not more than 90 days. In the case of any Participant on an approved leave of absence, continued vesting of the Option while on leave from the employ of or service with the Corporation or Related Entity will be suspended until the Participant returns to service, unless the Administrator otherwise provides or applicable law otherwise requires. In no event shall an Option be exercised after the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in the Option Agreement.
2.6.6. EFFECT OF CHANGE OF ENTITY STATUS. For purposes of this Plan and any Option, if an entity ceases to be a Related Entity, a termination of employment or service will be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Person in respect of such Subsidiary who does not continue as an Eligible Person in respect of another entity within the Corporation or Related Entity.
2.6.7. ADMINISTRATOR DISCRETION. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.6, in the event of, or in anticipation of, a termination of employment or service with the Corporation or Related Entity for any reason, other than a discharge for Cause, the Administrator may accelerate the vesting and exercisability of all or a portion of the Participant's Option, and/or, subject to the provisions of Sections 2.2.2 and 3.2, extend the exercisability period of the Participant's Option upon such terms as the Administrator determines and expressly sets forth in or by amendment to the Option Agreement.
2.6.8. TERMINATION OF CONSULTING OR AFFILIATE SERVICES. If the Participant is not an Eligible Employee or a director of the Corporation, and provides services as an Other Eligible Person, the Administrator shall be the sole judge of whether the Participant continues to render services to the Corporation or Related Entity, unless a written contract or the Option Agreement otherwise provides. If, in these circumstances, the Corporation or Related Entity notifies the Participant in writing that a termination of the Participant's services to the Corporation or Related Entity has occurred for purposes of this Plan, then (unless the contract or the Option Agreement otherwise expressly provides), the Participant's
termination of services with the Corporation or Related Entity for purposes of this Plan shall be the date which is 10 days after the Corporation's or Related Entity's mailing of the notice or, in the case of a termination for Cause, the date of the mailing of the notice.
2.7 OPTION REPRICING/CANCELLATION AND REGRANT/WAIVER OF RESTRICTIONS. Subject to Section 1.4 and Section 3.11 and the specific limitations on Options contained in this Plan, the Administrator from time to time may authorize, generally or in specific cases only, for the benefit of any Eligible Person, any adjustment in the exercise price, the vesting schedule, the number of shares subject to, or the term of, an Option granted under this Plan by cancellation of an outstanding Option held by such Eligible Person and a subsequent regranting of the Option, by amendment, by substitution of an outstanding Option, by waiver or by other legally valid means. Such amendment or other action may result in, among other changes, an exercise price that is higher or lower than the exercise price of the original or prior Option, provide for a greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Option, or provide for a longer or shorter vesting or exercise period.
2.8 OPTIONS IN SUBSTITUTION FOR STOCK OPTIONS GRANTED BY OTHER CORPORATIONS. Options may be granted to Eligible Persons under this Plan in substitution for employee stock options granted by other entities, in connection with a distribution, merger or reorganization by or with the granting entity or an affiliated entity, or the acquisition by the Corporation or Related Entity, directly or indirectly, of all or a substantial part of the stock or assets of the employing entity.
3. OTHER PROVISIONS.
3.1 RIGHTS OF ELIGIBLE PERSONS, PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES.
3.1.1. EMPLOYMENT STATUS. Status as an Eligible Person will not be construed as a commitment that any Option will be granted under this Plan to an Eligible Person or to Eligible Persons generally.
3.1.2. NO EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE CONTRACT. Nothing contained in this Plan (or in any other documents under this Plan or related to any Option) shall confer upon any Eligible Person or Participant any right to continue in the employ or other service of the Corporation or Related Entity, constitute any contract or agreement of employment or other service or affect an employee's status as an employee at will, nor shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or Related Entity to change such person's compensation or other benefits, or to terminate his or her employment or other service, with or without cause at any time. Nothing in this Section 3.1.2, or in Section 3.2.2 or 3.18, however, is intended to adversely affect any express independent right of such person under a separate employment or service contract. An Option Agreement shall not constitute a contract of employment or service.
3.1.3. PLAN NOT FUNDED. Amounts payable in respect of Options granted under this Plan will be payable in shares of Common Stock or from the general assets of the Corporation, and (except as provided in Section 1.4.3) no special or separate reserve, fund or deposit will be made to assure payment of such Options. No Participant, Beneficiary or other person will have any right, title or interest in any fund or in any specific asset (including shares of Common Stock) of the Corporation or Related Entity by reason of any Option hereunder. Neither the provisions of this Plan (or of any related documents), nor the creation or adoption of this Plan, nor any action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Plan will create, or be construed to create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Corporation or Related Entity and any Participant, Beneficiary or other person. To the extent that a Participant, Beneficiary or other person acquires a right to receive payment pursuant to any Option hereunder, such right will be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Corporation or Related Entity.
3.1.4. CHARTER DOCUMENTS. The Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Corporation, as either of them may lawfully be amended from time to time, may provide for additional restrictions and limitations with respect to the Common Stock (including additional restrictions and limitations on the voting or transfer of Common Stock) or priorities, rights and preferences as to securities and interests prior in rights to the Common Stock. To the extent that these restrictions and limitations are greater than those set forth in this Plan or any Option Agreement, such restrictions and limitations shall apply to any shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of Options and are incorporated herein by this reference.
3.2 ADJUSTMENTS; ACCELERATION.
3.2.1. ADJUSTMENTS. Upon or in contemplation of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) or reverse stock split; any merger, combination, consolidation or other reorganization; any split-up; spin-off, or similar extraordinary dividend distribution ("spin-off") in respect of the Common Stock (whether in the form of securities or property); any exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Corporation, or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction in respect of the Common Stock; or a sale of substantially all the assets of the Corporation as an entirety ("asset sale"); then the Administrator shall, in such manner, to such extent (if any) and at such time as it deems appropriate and equitable in the circumstances:
(a) proportionately adjust any or all of (1) the number
of shares of Common Stock or the number and type of
other securities that thereafter may be made the
subject of Options (including the specific maxima and
numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in this Plan),
(2) the number, amount and type of shares of Common
Stock (or other securities or property) subject to
any or all outstanding Options, (3) the grant,
purchase, or exercise price of any or all outstanding
Options, or (4) the securities, cash or other
property deliverable upon exercise or vesting of any outstanding Options, or
(b) make provision for a settlement by a cash payment or for the substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding Options for cash, securities or other property (or for other awards) based upon the distribution or consideration payable to holders of the Common Stock upon or in respect of such event.
The Administrator may adopt such valuation methodologies for outstanding Options as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash, securities or other property settlement. In the case of Options, but without limitation on other methodologies, the Administrator may base such settlement solely upon the excess (if any) of the amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the exercise price of the Option to the extent of the then vested and exercisable shares subject to the Option.
The Administrator may make adjustments to and/or accelerate the exercisability of Options in a manner that disqualifies the Options as Incentive Stock Options without the written consent of the Option holders affected thereby.
In any of such events, the Administrator may take such action prior to such event to the extent that the Administrator deems the action necessary to permit the Participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying shares in the same manner as is or will be available to stockholders generally.
3.2.2. ACCELERATION OF OPTIONS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
(a) Time Vesting Option Acceleration. Subject to Sections 3.2.3 through 3.2.5 and the applicable Option Agreement, upon (or, as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this acceleration, immediately prior to) the consummation of a Liquidity Event, each Time Vesting Option will become immediately vested and exercisable; provided, however, that the Administrator reserves the right, prior to a Liquidity Event, to determine that certain or all benefits under any or all Time Vesting Options will not accelerate and/or establish a different time in respect of such event for such acceleration.
(b) Determination of IRR; Acceleration of Performance Vesting Options.
(i) Unless the vesting of Performance Vesting Options shall be accelerated in the sole discretion of the Administrator, the vesting of the Performance Vesting Options shall accelerate and the Performance Vesting Options shall become exercisable as provided in this Section 3.2.2(b). On the date of a Liquidity Event, or as promptly thereafter as practicable, the Administrator shall determine in good faith the IRR on the Common Stock in accordance with the following:
(A) if the Liquidity Event is a Sale of the Corporation structured as a sale of equity interests, then the IRR on the Common Stock shall be determined on the basis of the Net Proceeds actually received by the holders of the Common Stock in such sale of equity interests;
(B) if the Liquidity Event is a Sale of the Corporation structured as a sale of assets, then the IRR shall be determined on the basis of the pro forma Net Proceeds which would be distributed to the holders of the Common Stock if the Corporation, as applicable, was liquidated immediately following the consummation of such asset sale; and
(C) if the Liquidity Event is a Qualified Market Cap, then the IRR on the Common Stock shall be determined as if the amount determined under clause (ii) of the definition of Net Proceeds was distributed to the holders of Common Stock of the Corporation.
All decisions by the Administrator with respect to any determination of IRR shall be final and binding on all such Participants.
(ii) Subject to Section 3.2.2(b)(iii) below, on the date of a Liquidity Event, the Administrator shall determine whether the Target IRR has been achieved for the date on which such Liquidity Event occurs (after giving effect to all shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to Time Vesting Options which have vested in accordance with any Option Agreement).
If the Administrator determines that the Target IRR has been achieved upon (or, as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this acceleration, immediately prior to) the consummation of a Liquidity Event, all Performance Vesting Options under Option Agreements entered into by the Corporation prior to the Liquidity Event which can be vested without reducing the IRR in connection with the Liquidity Event below the Target IRR shall immediately become vested Options (it being understood that such vesting shall be allocated on a pro rata basis among all Option Agreements based on the number of Performance Vesting Options subject to each Option Agreement); provided, however, that the Administrator reserves the right, prior to a Liquidity Event, to determine that certain or all benefits under any or all Performance Vesting Options will not accelerate and/or establish a different time in respect of such event for such acceleration.
If the Net Proceeds per share of Common Stock are less than the Target IRR for the date on which such Liquidity Event occurs, no acceleration of the vesting of Performance Vesting Options shall occur and all Performance Vesting Options shall automatically terminate.
(iii) All Performance Vesting Options that vest
pursuant to this Section 3.2.2(b) shall
remain exercisable, subject to Section 3.5
and other applicable provisions of this
Plan, until the expiration of the applicable
Option term. Anything contained in this
Section 3.2.2(b) to the contrary
notwithstanding, with respect to each
Participant holding Performance Vesting
Options, no unvested Performance Vesting
Options shall vest and become exercisable
pursuant to this Section 3.2.2(b) at any
time after the termination of such
Participant's employment with, retention of
services by, or directorship of, as
applicable, the Corporation or a Related
Entity.
(c) Administrator Discretion. The Administrator may
override the limitations on acceleration in this
Section 3.2.2 by express provision in the Option
Agreement and may accord any Eligible Person a right
to refuse any acceleration, whether pursuant to the
Option Agreement or otherwise, in such circumstances
as the Administrator may approve. Any acceleration of
Options will comply with applicable legal
requirements and, if necessary to accomplish the
purposes of the acceleration or if the circumstances
otherwise require, may be deemed by the Administrator
to occur (subject to Sections 3.2.4 through 3.2.5)
not more than 30 days before or only upon the
consummation of the event. Any acceleration of an
Incentive Stock Option may disqualify the Option as
an Incentive Stock Option and does not require the
written consent of the holder of the Option, whether
or not the holder is adversely affected thereby.
3.2.3. POSSIBLE EARLY TERMINATION OF ACCELERATED OPTIONS. Without any
limitation on the Administrator's authority under Section
3.2.1, if the vesting of any Option under this Plan has been
fully accelerated as required or permitted by Section 3.2.2
(or would have been fully accelerated but for Section 3.2.5)
but is not exercised prior to (a) a dissolution of the
Corporation, (b) an event described in Section 3.2.1 that the
Corporation does not survive, or (c) the consummation of a
Sale of the Corporation, the Option shall terminate, subject
to any provision that has been expressly made by the Board or
the Administrator for the survival, substitution, assumption,
exchange or other settlement of the Option.
3.2.4. POSSIBLE RESCISSION OF ACCELERATION. If the vesting of an Option has been accelerated in anticipation of an event or upon stockholder approval of an event and such event does not occur in the timeframe anticipated by the Administrator or the Board, the Administrator or the Board may rescind the effect of the acceleration as to any then outstanding and unexercised or otherwise unvested Options.
3.2.5. GOLDEN PARACHUTE LIMITATIONS. Unless otherwise specified in an Option Agreement or otherwise authorized by the Board in the specific case, no vesting of an Option will be accelerated or grant of an Option shall be made under this Plan to an extent or in a manner that would result in payments that are not fully deductible by the Corporation or Related Entity, as applicable, for federal income tax purposes because of Section 280G of the Code. If a Participant would be entitled to benefits or payments hereunder and under any other plan or program that would constitute "parachute payments" as defined in Section 280G of the Code, then the Participant may by written notice to the Corporation designate the order in which such parachute payments will be reduced or modified so that the Corporation or Related Entity, as applicable, is not denied any federal income tax deductions for any "parachute payments" because of Section 280G of the Code.
3.3 LOCK-UP AGREEMENT.
Neither the Participant nor any permitted transferee may offer or Transfer (or agree to offer or Transfer) Shares during the period commencing as of 14 days prior to and ending one year, or such lesser period of time as the relevant underwriters and the Board may agree (it being intended that the length of each period reflect market practice at the time the length of such period is determined), after the effective date of a registration statement covering any public offering of the Corporation's securities of which the Participant has notice. (The term "Participant" includes, where the context so requires, any permitted direct or indirect transferee of the Participant.) The Participant shall agree and consent to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Corporation's transfer agent against the Transfer of the Corporation's securities beneficially owned by the Participant and shall conform the limitations hereunder and under the Participant's exercise agreement by agreement with and for the benefit of the relevant underwriters by a lock-up agreement or other agreement in customary form. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, this Section 3.3 shall not be construed so as to prohibit the Participant from participating in a registration or a public offering of the Common Stock with respect to any shares which he or she may hold at that time; provided, however, that such participation shall be at the sole discretion of the Board.
3.4 CALL RIGHT.
3.4.1. CALL RIGHT. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Section 3.4, the Corporation shall have the right (the "CALL
RIGHT") (but not the obligation) to repurchase in one or more
transactions in connection with the Participant's termination
of employment, services agreement (whether written or oral) or
directorship for any reason at any time, and the Participant
(or any permitted transferee) shall be obligated to sell all
or any portion (at the Corporation's option) any of the Shares
to the Corporation (and/or its designees), at the Repurchase
Price. To exercise the Call Right, the Corporation must give
written notice thereof to the Participant (the "CALL NOTICE")
within 90 days from the date of termination of the
Participant's employment or service (or within 90 days of the
exercise of the Option in the case of Shares acquired upon
exercise of an Option after the date of termination). The Call
Notice is irrevocable by the Corporation and shall (a) be in
writing and signed by an authorized officer of the
Corporation, (b) set forth the Corporation's intent to exercise the Call Right and state the total number of Shares to be sold to the Corporation pursuant to the Call Right and the Repurchase Price, and (c) be mailed or delivered in accordance with the notice provisions of the Option Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, repurchases pursuant to the Call Right may only be consummated with respect to Shares owned by the Participant for at least six months after the date the Shares were acquired on exercise of the Option.
3.4.2. REPURCHASE PRICE. The price per Share to be paid by the
Corporation upon settlement of the Corporation's Call Right
(the "REPURCHASE PRICE") shall (i) in the case of a
termination (A) for Cause at any time or (B) due to the
Participant's voluntary resignation for any reason on or prior
to the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the applicable Option
grant, equal the price paid per Share by the Participant, and
(ii) in the case of a termination (I) without Cause at any
time, (II) due to the Participant's death or Disability at any
time or (III) the Participant's voluntary resignation for any
reason following the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the
applicable Option grant, equal the Fair Market Value of a
Share determined as of the date of the Call Notice.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Repurchase Price for Shares
held by a Participant who is a non-officer employee of the
Corporation or a Related Entity (as determined by the
Administrator) shall be the Fair Market Value of such Shares.
3.4.3. CLOSING. The purchase price shall be paid by the Corporation (or, if applicable, its designee) in cash (by wire transfer of immediately available funds or by check). The closing of such purchase shall be on a date to be specified by the Corporation, such date to be no later than 30 days after the date of the Call Notice. At such closing, the Participant shall deliver to the Corporation, free and clear of all Liens, the certificates or instruments evidencing the Shares being purchased, duly endorsed (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers) and otherwise in good form for delivery, against payment of the purchase price by the Corporation (or, if applicable, its designee). No adjustments (other than pursuant to Section 3.2 of this Plan) shall be made to the purchase price for fluctuations in the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock after the date of the Call Notice.
3.4.4. ASSIGNMENT. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the
Corporation may assign any or all of its rights under this
Section 3.4 to one or more stockholders of the Corporation.
3.4.5. TERMINATION OF CALL RIGHT. The Corporation's Call Right shall terminate to the extent that it is not exercised prior to the Public Offering Date.
3.5 SALE OF THE CORPORATION.
3.5.1. Except as otherwise expressly provided in a particular Option Agreement, if a Sale of the Corporation is proposed to be effected, then the Corporation (and/or its designees) shall have the right (but not the obligation) to purchase (the "PURCHASE OPTION") (A) any or all Options for an amount of consideration equal to the
amount that could have been attained upon the exercise of the Options which are exercisable at such time (or made exercisable pursuant to Sections 3.2.2 or 3.2.3 hereof) and the sale of such Shares pursuant to clause (B) below, less the exercise price, and less the Holdback Amount, if any, and/or (B) any or all Shares for an amount of consideration equal to the product of (x) the fair market value per share as determined by the Administrator based on the consideration received in the Sale of the Corporation (with consideration given to the structure and terms and conditions of the transaction, including any escrows or indemnities) (less the Holdback Amount, if any), and (y) the number of Shares which are being purchased.
3.5.2. The Corporation (or, if applicable, its designee) shall give notice in writing to the Participant (or any permitted transferee) of the exercise of the Purchase Option at least 10 days prior to the proposed date of consummation of the Sale of the Corporation (the "PURCHASE OPTION NOTICE"). The Purchase Option Notice shall state the number of Options and/or Shares to be purchased and the estimated Purchase Option price as set forth in 3.5.1 above.
3.5.3. At least five (5) days prior to the consummation of the Sale of the Corporation, the Participant (or any permitted transferee) shall deliver to the Corporation free and clear of all Liens the certificate duly endorsed (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers) or instrument, as applicable, representing the Option or Shares subject to the Purchase Option. Within five (5) business days after the consummation of the Sale of the Corporation, the Purchase Option price (net of the Holdback Amount, if any, shall be paid by the Corporation (or, if applicable, its designee) to the Participant for the Options and/or Shares; provided, that with respect to such Options and/or Shares, the Holdback Amount, if any, shall be paid to the Participant in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Transaction Documents.
3.5.4. The Corporation and the Participant (or any permitted transferee) will promptly perform, whether before or after any such closing, such additional acts (including, without limitation, executing and delivering additional documents) as are reasonably required by either such party to effect more fully the transactions contemplated by this Section 3.5.
3.5.5. The Corporation's Purchase Option shall terminate to the extent that it is not exercised prior to the Public Offering Date.
3.6 DRAG-ALONG RIGHTS.
3.6.1. APPLICABILITY. In connection with any Transfer to any non-Affiliate by CEH (the "SELLING STOCKHOLDER") of the shares of Common Stock representing more than 50% of the Common Stock then held by CEH (a "SIGNIFICANT SALE"), the Selling Stockholder shall provide written notice to each Participant (or any permitted transferee) (each, a "CO-SELLER") in accordance with Section 3.6.3. Each Co-Seller shall consent to (if such consent is required) and raise no objections
against the Significant Sale, and if the Significant Sale is structured as (i) a merger or consolidation of the Corporation, or a sale of all or substantially all of the Corporation's assets, each Co-Seller shall agree to, and hereby agrees to, waive any dissenters' rights, appraisal rights or similar rights in connection with such merger, consolidation or asset sale, or (ii) a sale of shares, each Co-Seller shall agree to, and hereby agrees to, sell a pro rata percentage (equal to the percentage of shares proposed to be sold by the Selling Stockholder relative to the aggregate number of Shares acquired or subject to Options outstanding that are exercisable (or made exercisable pursuant to Section 3.2.2 hereof) by the optionee) of their Shares on the terms and conditions approved by the Selling Stockholder and in each such instance shall agree, and hereby agrees, to waive any claims any Co-Seller may have against the Board and the constituents of the Selling Stockholder in connection with the Significant Sale. The Co-Sellers shall take all necessary and desirable actions in connection with the consummation of the Significant Sale, including obtaining the consent of the Board, if necessary, to the Significant Sale and the execution of such agreements and such instruments and other actions reasonably necessary to provide customary representations, warranties, indemnities, and escrow arrangements relating to such Significant Sale.
3.6.2. CONDITIONS. The obligations of the Co-Sellers pursuant to this
Section 3.6.2 are also subject to the satisfaction of the
following conditions:
(a) if any holders of a class are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all holders of such class shall be given the same option;
(b) neither the Selling Stockholder nor the Co-Sellers shall be obligated to (i) make any out-of-pocket expenditure prior to the consummation of the Significant Sale (excluding modest expenditures for postage, copies, etc.) and (ii) pay any portion (or shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the Corporation for that portion paid) that is more than its pro rata share (based upon the amount of consideration received) of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a consummated Significant Sale, to the extent such costs are incurred for the benefit of all holders of shares of Common Stock and are not otherwise paid by the Corporation or the acquiring party (costs incurred by or on behalf of a holder of shares of Common Stock for its sole benefit will not be considered costs of the transaction hereunder), provided, that a Co-Seller's liability for such expenses shall not exceed the total consideration received by such Co-Seller for its shares of Common Stock; and
(c) neither the Selling Stockholder nor the Co-Sellers
shall be required to provide any representations,
warranties or indemnities in connection with the
Significant Sale, other than those contemplated by
Section 3.6 and those representations, warranties and
indemnities concerning each seller's valid ownership
of Shares, free and clear of all Liens, claims and
other
encumbrances (other than those arising under applicable securities laws and those attributable to actions by the purchasers thereof), and each seller's authority, power, and right to enter into and consummate such purchase, merger, exchange or other agreement without violating any other agreement. Any indemnity required to be provided by the Selling Stockholder and each Co-Seller shall be several and not joint.
3.6.3. NOTICE OF SIGNIFICANT SALE. The Selling Stockholder shall give each Co-Seller at least 10 days' prior written notice of any Significant Sale as to which the Selling Stockholder intends to exercise its rights under this Section 3.6. If the Selling Stockholder elects to exercise its rights under this Section 3.6, the Co-Sellers shall take such actions as may be reasonably required and otherwise cooperate in good faith with the Selling Stockholder in connection with consummating the Significant Sale (including, without limitation, the voting of any Shares to approve such Significant Sale). At the closing of such Significant Sale, each Co-Seller shall deliver certificates for all Shares to be sold by such Co-Seller, duly endorsed for transfer to the purchaser against payment of the appropriate purchase price.
3.7 CO-SALE RIGHTS.
3.7.1. If CEH receives an offer (the "Offer") to Transfer more than 50% of the Common Stock then held by CEH to any Person other than an Affiliate (the "Co-Sale Offeror") and CEH does not exercise its rights pursuant to Section 3.6, the parties hereto shall comply with the following procedures:
(a) CEH shall, at least twenty (20) Business Days before such Transfer, deliver a written notice (the "Co-Sale Notice") to each Participant that sets forth (i) the number of shares of Common Stock to which the Offer relates, (ii) the name of the proposed Co-Sale Offeror, (iii) the proposed amount and type of consideration (including if the consideration consists in whole or in part of non-cash consideration such information available to CEH as may be reasonably necessary for the Participant to properly analyze the economic value and investment risk of such non-cash consideration) and, (iv) the terms and conditions of payment that the Co-Sale Offeror intends to accept.
(b) CEH shall not Transfer any Common Stock to the Co-Sale Offeror unless each of the Participants is offered the opportunity to Transfer simultaneously a number of shares of Common Stock equal to its Pro Rata Amount to which the offer to CEH relates and on the same terms and conditions (including price).
(c) Within ten (10) days after delivery of the Co-Sale Notice each Participant may elect to participate in the proposed Transfer by delivering to CEH a notice (the "Tag-Along Notice") specifying the type and number of shares of Common Stock (up to his or her Pro Rata Amount, as determined in
accordance with Section 3.7.1(b) above with respect to which such Participant shall exercise his, her or its rights under Section 3.7 and the number of shares of Common Stock to be Transferred to the Co-Sale Offeror by CEH shall be reduced accordingly.
(d) Any shares of Common Stock requested to be included in any Tag-Along Notice shall be Transferred at the same time and on the same terms and conditions (including price). If such Transfer is not made within 60 days from delivery of the Co-Sale Notice, the provisions of this Section 3.7 shall again become effective with respect to the proposed Transfer.
3.8 NO STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS FOLLOWING EXERCISE OF A CALL OR REPURCHASE.
If the Participant (or any permitted transferee) holds Shares as to which the Call Right or Purchase Option has been exercised (in connection with the termination of the Participant's employment or otherwise), the Participant shall be entitled to the value of such Shares in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.4 or Section 3.5, as applicable, but (unless otherwise required by law) shall no longer be entitled to participation in the Corporation or other rights as a stockholder with respect to the Shares subject to the call or repurchase. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Participant's rights following the exercise of the Call Right or Purchase Option shall, with respect to the call or repurchase and the Shares covered thereby, be solely the rights that he or she has as a general creditor of the Corporation to receive payment of the amount specified in Section 3.4 or Section 3.5 as applicable.
3.9 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.
3.9.1. GENERAL. This Plan, the granting and vesting of Options under this Plan, and the offer, issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock, and/or the payment of money under this Plan or under Options are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to state and federal securities laws) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. The person acquiring any securities under this Plan will, if requested by the Corporation, provide such assurances and representations to the Corporation as the Administrator may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal and accounting requirements.
3.9.2. COMPLIANCE WITH SECURITIES LAWS. No Participant shall sell, pledge or otherwise transfer shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option or any interest in such shares except in accordance with the express terms of this Plan and the applicable Option Agreement. Any attempted transfer in violation of this Section 3.9 shall be void and of no effect. Without in any way limiting the provisions set forth above, no Participant shall make any disposition of all or any portion of shares of Common Stock acquired or to be acquired pursuant to an Option, except in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws and unless and until:
(a) there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with such registration statement; or
(b) such disposition is made in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act; or
(c) such Participant notifies the Corporation of the proposed disposition and furnishes the Corporation with a statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition, and, if requested by the Corporation, furnishes to the Corporation an opinion of counsel acceptable to the Corporation's counsel, that such disposition will not require registration under the Securities Act and will be in compliance with all applicable state securities laws.
Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Corporation or a Related Entity has no obligation to register the Common Stock or file any registration statement under either federal or state securities laws, nor does the Corporation or a Related Entity make any representation concerning the likelihood of a public offering of the Common Stock or any other securities of the Corporation.
3.9.3. SHARE LEGENDS. All certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock issued or delivered under this Plan shall bear the following legends and/or any other appropriate or required legends under applicable laws:
"OWNERSHIP OF THIS CERTIFICATE, THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND ANY INTEREST THEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER UNDER APPLICABLE LAW AND UNDER AGREEMENTS WITH THE CORPORATION, INCLUDING RESTRICTIONS ON SALE, ASSIGNMENT, TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER DISPOSITION."
"THE SHARES ARE SUBJECT TO THE CORPORATION'S TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND CALL RIGHTS TO REPURCHASE THE SHARES UNDER THE CORPORATION'S STOCK OPTION PLAN AND AGREEMENTS WITH THE CORPORATION THEREUNDER, COPIES OF WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION."
"THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED ("ACT"), NOR HAVE THEY BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. NO TRANSFER OF SUCH SECURITIES WILL BE PERMITTED UNLESS A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT IS IN EFFECT AS TO SUCH TRANSFER, THE TRANSFER IS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 144 UNDER THE ACT, OR IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE
CORPORATION, REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT IS UNNECESSARY IN ORDER FOR SUCH TRANSFER TO COMPLY WITH THE ACT AND WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS."
3.9.4. DELIVERY OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The Corporation shall deliver annually to Participants such financial statements of the Corporation as are required to satisfy applicable securities laws.
3.9.5. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. Any information relating to the
Corporation obtained by Participants in connection with or as a result of this Plan or their Options shall be treated as confidential. 3.10 TAX WITHHOLDING. 3.10.1. TAX WITHHOLDING. Upon any exercise or payment of any Option or upon the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option prior to satisfaction of the holding period requirements of Section 422 of the Code, the Corporation or Related Entity shall have the right at its option to: (a) require the Participant (or Personal Representative or Beneficiary, as the case may be) to pay or provide for payment of the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or a Related Entity may be required to withhold with respect to such Option event or payment; (b) deduct from any amount payable to the Participant (or Personal Representative or Beneficiary, as the case may be) in cash or equivalent (in respect of an Option or otherwise) the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or a Related Entity may be required to withhold with respect to such Option event or payment; or (c) reduce the number of shares of Common Stock to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire shares held by the Participant at least 6 months) the appropriate number of shares of Common Stock, valued at their then Fair Market Value, to satisfy the minimum withholding obligation. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion (subject to Section 3.9), grant (either at the time of grant of the Option or thereafter) to the Participant the right to elect, pursuant to such rules and subject to such conditions as the Administrator may establish, to have the Corporation utilize the withholding offset under clause (c) above. In no event will the value of shares withheld under (c) above exceed the minimum amount of required withholding under applicable law. 3.11 PLAN AND OPTION AMENDMENTS, TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION. 25 |
3.11.1. BOARD AUTHORIZATION. The Board may, at any time, terminate or, from time to time, amend, modify or suspend this Plan, in whole or in part, and/or any outstanding Option(s). No Options may be granted during any suspension of this Plan or after termination of this Plan. Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Plan or in an applicable Option Agreement, any Option granted prior to the termination or suspension of this Plan may extend beyond the date of such termination or suspension, and all authority of the Administrator with respect to Options hereunder, including the authority to amend an Option, will continue during any suspension of this Plan and in respect of Options outstanding upon or following the termination of this Plan. 3.11.2. ADMINISTRATOR AUTHORIZATION. The Administrator may, at any time or from time to time, amend or modify this Plan, in whole or in part, and/or any outstanding Option(s). 3.11.3. STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. This Plan and any amendment to this Plan shall be subject to stockholder approval to the extent then required under Section 422 or 424 of the Code or any other applicable law, or deemed necessary or advisable by the Board. 3.11.4. LIMITATIONS ON AMENDMENTS TO PLAN AND OPTIONS. The Board and the Administrator may, without the written consent of the Participant affected thereby, amend, terminate or suspend this Plan in any manner materially adverse to the Participant's rights or benefits under an outstanding Option or amend the Participant's Option in any manner materially adverse to the Participant's rights or benefits thereunder. Changes contemplated by Section 3.2 do not and will not be deemed to constitute changes or amendments for purposes of this Section 3.11. 3.12 PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP. Except as otherwise expressly authorized by the Administrator or this Plan or in the Option Agreement, a Participant will not be entitled to any privilege of stock ownership as to any shares of Common Stock not actually delivered to and held of record by the Participant. No adjustment will be made for dividends or other rights as a stockholder for which a record date is prior to such date of delivery. 3.13 EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN. This Plan is effective as of March 19, 2004, subject to approval by the shareholders of the Corporation within twelve months after the date the Board approved this Plan. 3.14 TERM OF THE PLAN. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, this Plan will terminate at the close of business on the day before the 10th anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, however, that any Option, the term of which will expire after such date, and any Share held after such date, will continue to be governed by the provisions of this Plan until, in the case of any such Option, such Option terminates, and in the case of any such Share, indefinitely. 3.15 GOVERNING LAW/SEVERABILITY. 26 |
3.15.1. CHOICE OF LAW. This Plan, the Options, all documents evidencing Options and all other related documents will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state of Delaware. 3.15.2. SEVERABILITY. If it is determined that any provision of this Plan or an Option Agreement is invalid and unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Plan and/or the Option Agreement, as applicable, will continue in effect provided that the essential economic terms of this Plan and the Option can still be enforced. 3.16 CAPTIONS. Captions and headings are given to the sections and subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings will not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof. 3.17 NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF PLAN. Nothing in this Plan will limit or be deemed to limit the authority of the Board or the Administrator to grant awards or authorize any other compensation, with or without reference to the Common Stock, under any other plan or authority. 3.18 NO RESTRICTION ON CORPORATE POWERS. The existence of this Plan, the Option Agreements, and the Options granted hereunder, shall not limit, affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Corporation to make or authorize: (a) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Corporation's or any Subsidiary's capital structure or its business; (b) any merger, amalgamation, consolidation or change in the ownership of the Corporation or any Subsidiary; (c) any issue of bonds, debentures, capital, preferred or prior preference stocks ahead of or affecting the Corporation's capital stock or the rights thereof; (d) any dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary; (e) any sale or transfer of all or any part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary's assets or business; or (f) any other corporate act or proceeding by the Corporation or any Subsidiary. No Participant, Beneficiary or any other person shall have any claim under any Option or Option Agreement against any member of the Board or the Administrator, or the Corporation or any employees, officers or agents of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, as a result of any such action. The adoption of this Plan shall not be deemed to give any person a right to be granted any Options. 3.19 OTHER COMPENSATION OR BENEFIT PROGRAMS. Payments and other benefits received by a Participant under an Option made pursuant to this Plan shall not be deemed a part of a Participant's compensation for purposes of the determination of benefits under any other employee welfare or benefit plans or arrangements, if any, provided by the Corporation or any Subsidiary, except where the Administrator or the Board expressly otherwise provides or authorizes in writing. Options under this Plan may be made in addition to, in combination with, as alternatives to or in payment of grants, awards or commitments under any other plans or arrangements of the Corporation or any Subsidiary. 27 |
4. DEFINITIONS. "ACT" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.3. |
"ADMINISTRATOR" means, as determined by the Board, (i) the Board, (ii) one or more committees of director(s) of the Corporation appointed by the Board (comprised solely of one or more directors or such greater number of directors as may be required under applicable law), (iii) to the extent permitted by applicable law, any officer(s) of the Corporation appointed by the Board, to administer all or certain aspects of this Plan.
"AFFILIATE" means, with respect to any Person, any Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Person. For 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.
"BENEFICIARY" means the person, persons, trust or trusts designated by a Participant, or, in the absence of a designation, entitled by will or the laws of descent and distribution, to receive the benefits specified in the Option Agreement and under this Plan if the Participant dies, and means the Participant's executor or administrator if no other Beneficiary is designated and able to act under the circumstances.
"BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
"CALL NOTICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.1.
"CALL RIGHT" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.1.
"CAUSE" means (unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable Option Agreement, or another applicable contract with the Eligible Employee, such as an employment agreement, that defines such term for purposes of determining the effect that a "for cause" termination has on the Eligible Employee's stock options) a termination of employment or service because of:
(a) the Participant's conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; or
(b) the Participant's personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses) or breach of a fiduciary duty which involves personal profit, in each case, which adversely impacts or reflects badly on the Corporation or Related Entity as determined by the Board; or
(c) the Participant's commission of material mismanagement in the conduct of his duties as assigned to him by (i) the Board or the board of a Related Entity, or (ii) the Participant's supervising officer or officers of the Corporation or Related Entity; or
(d) the Participant's willful failure to execute or
comply with the policies of the Corporation or
Related Entity or his stated duties as established by
(i) the Board or the board of a Related Entity, or
(ii) the Participant's supervising officer or
officers of the Corporation or Related Entity; or
(e) with respect to an Other Eligible Person only, the Participant's willfully making any material misrepresentation or willfully omitting to disclose any material fact to the Board or the board of a Related Entity with respect to the business of the Corporation or Related Entity.
A termination for Cause shall be deemed to occur (subject to reinstatement upon a contrary final determination by the Administrator) on the date on which the Corporation or Related Entity first delivers written notice to the Participant of a finding of termination for Cause.
"CEH" means Crunch Equity Holding, LLC.
"CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
"COMMON STOCK" means the shares of the Corporation's Common Stock, $0.01 par
value, and such other securities or property as may become the subject of
Options, or become subject to Options, pursuant to an adjustment made under
Section 3.2 of this Plan.
"COMMON STOCK EQUIVALENTS" means the Common Stock and any rights, warrants, options, convertible securities or indebtedness, exchangeable securities or indebtedness, or other rights, exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into, directly or indirectly, Common Stock, whether such securities are convertible or exchangeable at the time of issuance or upon the passage of time or the occurrence of some future event and whether or not such securities are "in the money" at the time of determination.
"CORPORATION" means Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation, and its successors. "CO-SELLER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.1. "DISABILITY" means a "permanent and total disability" within the meaning of |
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code and, with respect to Options other than Incentive Stock Options, such other disabilities, infirmities, afflictions, or conditions as the Administrator may include.
"EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date specified in Section 3.13 hereof.
"ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE" means an officer (whether or not a director) or employee of the Corporation or a Related Entity.
"ELIGIBLE PERSON" means an Eligible Employee, or any Other Eligible Person, designated by the Administrator in its discretion.
"EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
"FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as it relates to Common Stock, the average of the high and low prices of such Common Stock as reported on the principal national securities exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are then listed or the Nasdaq National Market System, as applicable, on the date specified herein for such a determination, or if there were no sales on such date, on the next succeeding day or immediately preceding day on which there were sales, or if such Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market System, the last reported bid price in the over-the-counter market, or if such shares are not traded in the over-the-counter market, the per share cash price for which all of the outstanding Common Stock could be sold to a willing purchaser in an arms length transaction (without regard to minority discount, absence of liquidity, or transfer restrictions imposed by an applicable law or agreement) at the date of the event giving rise to the need for a determination. Except as may be otherwise expressly provided above or in a particular Option Agreement, Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator and such determination shall be binding on all Participants.
"FULLY-DILUTED COMMON STOCK" means, at any time, all then outstanding Common Stock Equivalents.
"HOLDBACK AMOUNT" means the portion of the consideration received by the stockholders that are required to be retained by the terms of the definitive documentation entered into in connection with such Sale of the Corporation including, without limitation, amounts retained for purchase price adjustments and indemnification obligations.
"IMMEDIATE FAMILY" means the spouse of an individual and the grandparents, parents, siblings and children (and children and spouses of any of the foregoing) of the individual or his or her spouse. An adopted child will be treated as a child of his or her adoptive parent or parents (but only if) he or she was adopted before he or she reached 21 years of age.
"INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION" means an Option that is designated and intended as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, the award of which contains such provisions (including but not limited to the receipt of stockholder approval of this Plan, if the award is made prior to such approval) and is made under such circumstances and to such persons as may be necessary to comply with that section.
"IRR" means, with respect to the Common Stock, a calculation made in accordance with generally accepted financial practices which shows the pre-tax, compounded annual internal rate of return realized thereon, (i) assuming all shares of Common Stock (other than Common Stock Equivalents issued to employees or directors of or consultants to the Corporation or any Related Entity) were purchased by one Person on November 25, 2003 at a price equal to the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on November 25, 2003 and all such shares of Common Stock were held continuously by such Person from the date of issuance through the date of the Liquidity Event, (ii) assuming such holder receives cash on the Liquidity Event pursuant to Section 3.2.2(b) hereof and (iii) including, as a return on the shares of Common Stock, any cash dividends or distributions made by the Corporation or any Related Entity in respect of the shares of Common Stock during such period; provided, however, that in the event of any redemption of Common Stock or sale of newly-issued Common Stock Equivalents (other than Common Stock Equivalents issued to employees or directors of or consultants to the Corporation or any Related
Entity), then cash inflows or outflows associated with such redemption or sale shall be reflected in the calculation of IRR, notwithstanding the general rule of clause (i) of this definition.
"LIEN" means any of the following mortgage; lien (statutory or other); other security agreement, arrangement or interest; hypothecation, pledge or other deposit arrangement; assignment; charge; levy; executory seizure; attachment; garnishment; encumbrance (including any easement, exception, reservation or limitation) right of way, and the like); conditional sale, title retention, voting agreement or other similar agreement, arrangement, device or restriction, preemptive or similar right; the filing of any financial statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable law of any jurisdiction; restriction on sale, transfer, assignment, disposition or other alienation; or any option, equity, claim or right of or obligation to, any other Person, of whatever kind and character.
"LIQUIDITY EVENT" means the consummation of a Sale of the Corporation or the occurrence of a Qualified Market Cap.
"NET PROCEEDS" means (i) with respect to a Sale of the Corporation, the aggregate gross proceeds received (or deemed received) by the holders of the Common Stock on or in consideration for such equity interests in connection with such Sale of the Corporation, net of (A) any Holdback Amount applicable to such Sale of the Corporation and (B) all expenses incurred in connection therewith that are allocable to such equity interests other than taxes payable in respect of any income or gain recognized on receipt of such net proceeds, and (ii) with respect to a Qualified Market Cap, the implied equity market capitalization of the common equity of the Corporation (or any Subsidiary or any successor-in-interest to the Corporation) determined by multiplying the closing price of a common equity interest on the first day that the Qualified Market Cap occurs by the total number of common equity interests outstanding, net of fees and expenses incurred by the Corporation and the Related Entities in connection with the initial public offering of such common equity interests.
"NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION" means an Option that is not an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the code and includes an Option designated as a Nonqualified Stock Option and any Option intended as an Incentive Stock Option that fails to meet the applicable legal requirements thereof.
"OPTION" means an option to purchase Common Stock authorized by and granted under this Plan, whether a Performance Vesting Option or Time Vesting Option. The Administrator will designate any Option granted to an employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary as a Nonqualified Stock Option or an Incentive Stock Option.
"OPTION AGREEMENT" means any writing, approved by the Administrator, setting forth the terms of an Option that has been duly authorized and approved.
"OTHER ELIGIBLE PERSON" means any director of, or any individual consultant or advisor who renders or has rendered bona fide services (other than services in connection with the offering or sale of securities of the Corporation or a Related Entity in a capital raising transaction or as a market maker or promoter of the Corporation's or Related Entity's securities) to, the Corporation or Related Entity, and who is selected to participate in this Plan by the Administrator. An
advisor or consultant may be selected as an Other Eligible Person only if such person's participation in this Plan would not adversely affect (a) the Corporation's eligibility to rely on the Rule 701 from registration under the Securities Act for the offering of shares issuable under this Plan by the Corporation or Related Entity, or (b) the Corporation's compliance with any other applicable laws.
"PARTICIPANT" means an Eligible Person who has been granted and holds an Option under this Plan.
"PERFORMANCE VESTING OPTION" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.1 hereof.
"PERSON" means, and shall be construed broadly and shall include, an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.
"PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE" means the person or persons who, upon the Disability or incompetence of a Participant, has acquired on behalf of the Participant, by legal proceeding or otherwise, the power to exercise the rights or receive benefits under this Plan by virtue of having become the legal representative of the Participant.
"PLAN" means this Crunch Holding Corp. Stock Option Plan, as it may hereafter be amended from time to time.
"PRO RATA AMOUNT" means, with respect to any Participant, the quotient obtained
by dividing (i) the number of shares of Common Stock held by such Participant by
(ii) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock held by all stockholders of
the Corporation, assuming, in each of the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), the
conversion or exchange of all securities of the Corporation by their terms
convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock and the exercise of all vested
and "in the money" options to purchase or rights to subscribe for Common Stock
(including warrants) or such convertible or exchangeable securities.
"PUBLIC OFFERING DATE" means the date the Common Stock is first registered under the Exchange Act and listed or quoted on a recognized national securities exchange or in the NASDAQ National Market Quotation System.
"PURCHASE OPTION" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5.1.
"QUALIFIED MARKET CAP" means that the Common Stock or the common equity of any Subsidiary or any successor-in-interest to the Corporation shall have been registered under the Securities Act and the Corporation shall have a equity market capitalization of more than $500,000,000 for a period of at least 20 consecutive trading days (determined by multiplying the closing price of the Common Stock or common equity, as applicable, on each such day by the total number of Common Stock Equivalents outstanding on each such day).
"RELATED ENTITY" means, at any time, any (i) direct or indirect parent of the Corporation, or (ii) direct or indirect subsidiary of the Corporation, provided that the majority of such
subsidiary's outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly by the Corporation.
"REPURCHASE PRICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.2.
"RULE 16b-3" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2.1.
"SALE OF THE CORPORATION" means (i) the sale or transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of a Sale Entities' assets, to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, (ii) the sale or transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of a significant division or product line of any of the Sale Entities (whether by asset sale, merger, spin-off or other structure), to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, (iii) the sale or transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of a majority of the outstanding equity interests in any of the Sale Entities, to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, or (iv) the merger or consolidation of any of the Sale Entities with or into another Person that is not an Affiliate of any of the Sale Entities, in each case in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, under circumstances in which the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding equity interests of any of the Sale Entities, immediately prior to such transaction, own less than a majority in voting power of the outstanding equity interests of such Sale Entities, or the surviving or resulting corporation, entity or acquirer, as the case may be, immediately following such transaction.
"SALE ENTITIES" means (i) the Corporation, Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. or Pinnacle Foods Corporation, or (ii) any successor in interest thereof.
"SECURITIES ACT" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
"SELLING STOCKHOLDER" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.1.
"SHARE LIMIT" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.4.2.
"SHARES" means the shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an Option.
"SIGNIFICANT SALE" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.1.
"SUBSIDIARY" of any Person, means (i) a corporation a majority of whose outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interest with voting power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect directors, is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such Person, by one or more subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such Person, and (ii) any other Person (other than a corporation) in which such Person, a subsidiary of such Person or such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such Person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has (x) at least a majority ownership interest or (y) the power to elect or direct the election of the directors or other governing body of such Person.
"TARGET IRR" means, with respect to any Liquidity Event, 15.0%.
"TIME VESTING OPTION" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.1 hereof.
"TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS" means the definitive documentation entered into in connection with a Sale of the Corporation.
"TRANSFER" means any direct or indirect sale, transfer, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, gift, conveyance or other disposition of any security or any interest therein.
EXHIBIT 10.19
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
2004 STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
1. Purpose.
Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), by means of
this 2004 Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"), desires to afford certain
individuals and key employees of the Company and any parent corporation or
subsidiary corporation thereof now existing or hereafter formed or acquired
(such parent and subsidiary corporations sometimes referred to herein as
"Related Entities") who are responsible for the continued growth of the Company
an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company, and thus to
create in such persons an increased interest in and a greater concern for the
welfare of the Company and any Related Entities. As used in the Plan, the terms
"parent corporation" and "subsidiary corporation" shall mean, respectively, a
corporation within definition of such terms contained in Sections 424(e) and
424(f), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"). All defined terms not otherwise defined in Sections 2 through 16 of the
Plan shall have the meanings set forth in Section 17 of the Plan.
2. Administration.
(a) Committee. The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors") shall administer the Plan with respect to all Eligible Holders (as hereinafter defined) or may delegate all or part of its duties under this Plan to any committee or sub-committee specially appointed by the Board of Directors (the "Committee") or to any officer or committee of officers of the Company, subject in each case to such conditions and limitations, as the Board of Directors may establish. The number of persons that shall constitute the Committee shall be determined from time to time by a majority of all the members of the Board of Directors. Except for references in Sections 2(a), 2(b), and 2(c) hereof and unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to the "Committee" shall also refer to the Board of Directors as administrator of the Plan or to the appropriate delegate of the Committee or the Board of Directors.
(b) Duration, Removal, Etc. The members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, which shall have the power, at any time and from time to time, to remove members from or add members to the Committee or to disband the Committee. Removal from the Committee may be with or without cause. Any individual serving as a member of the Committee shall have the right to resign from membership in the Committee by written notice to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, and not the remaining members of the Committee, shall have the power and authority to fill vacancies on the Committee, however caused.
(c) Meetings and Actions of Committee. The Board of Directors shall designate which of the Committee members shall be the chairman of the Committee. If the Board of Directors fails to designate a Committee chairman, the members of the Committee shall elect one of the Committee members as chairman, who shall act as chairman until he ceases to be a member of the Committee or until a new chairman is elected. The Committee shall hold its meetings at those times and places as the chairman of the Committee may determine. At all
meetings of the Committee, a quorum for the transaction of business shall be required, and a quorum shall be deemed present if at least a majority of the members of the Committee are present. At any meeting of the Committee, each member shall have one vote. All decisions and determinations of the Committee shall be made by the majority vote or majority decision of all of its members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present; provided, however, that any decision or determination reduced to writing and signed by all of the members of the Committee shall be as fully effective as if it had been made at a meeting that was duly called and held. The Committee may make any rules and regulations as it may deem advisable for the conduct of its business that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, the certificate of incorporation of the Company, the by-laws of the Company, Rule 16b-3 so long as it is applicable, and Section 162(m) so long as it is applicable.
(d) Authority of Committee. Subject to the authority of the Board of Directors to set conditions and limitations, the Committee shall interpret and construe the Plan and all rights to purchase Securities ("Rights to Purchase") granted under the Plan, shall make, such rules as it deems necessary for the proper administration of the Plan, shall make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan, including the determination of eligibility to participate in the Plan and limitations on the number of shares subject to a participant's Rights to Purchase under the Plan, and shall correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Rights to Purchase granted under the Plan in the manner and to the extent that the Committee deems desirable to carry the Plan or any Rights to Purchase into effect. The Committee shall, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, make such decisions or determinations and take such actions as it deems appropriate and all such decisions, determinations and actions taken or made by the Committee pursuant to this and the other paragraphs of the Plan shall be conclusive on all parties.
(e) Reliance on Experts. In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Committee or the Board of Directors, as the case may be, may obtain, rely upon the advice of, and pay all reasonable expenses related to obtaining, experts, including employees of and professional advisors to the Company or any Related Entity.
(f) Delegation. The Committee or the Board of Directors, as the case may be, may delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Company or a Related Entity. Additionally, the Board of Directors or a committee comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent permitted by Section 157(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law and any other applicable law, to one or more officers of the Corporation, its powers under this Plan (a) to designate the officers and employees of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries who will receive Rights to Purchase and (b) to determine the number of shares subject to the Rights to Purchase to be received by them, pursuant to a resolution that specifies the total number of shares that may be granted under the delegation, provided that no officer may be delegated the power to designate himself or herself as a recipient of such Rights to Purchase.
(g) Exculpation. No director, manager, member, officer, stockholder or agent of the Company or a Related Entity will be liable for any action, omission or decision under the Plan taken, made or omitted in good faith.
3. Shares Available; Purchase Price.
(a) The maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company ("Common Stock") which may be sold pursuant to Rights to Purchase granted under Plan shall be 14,500,000 shares (subject to equitable adjustment in the event of any reclassification, recapitalization, combination, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar event). Shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan (the "Securities") may be (i) authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, (ii) issued shares of Common Stock held in the Company's treasury, or (iii) issued shares of Common Stock reacquired by the Company, in each situation as the Board of Directors or the Committee may determine from time to time. Any shares which are not subject to outstanding Rights to Purchase upon the termination of the Plan shall cease to be subject to the Plan.
(b) The purchase price for each Security (the "Purchase Price") will be the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Committee or the Board of Directors) per share on the date of determination.
4. Eligibility and Bases of Participation.
Rights to Purchase may be granted from time to time to any Eligible Holder in accordance with the Plan. The adoption of the Plan shall not be deemed to give any Person a right to be granted any such Rights to Purchase.
5. Offer of Rights to Purchase. The Company shall offer such Rights to Purchase in such number and manner as may be determined by the Committee, under the Plan to the Eligible Holders by means of a written offer (the "Offer"). Each Offer shall specify (a) the number of Securities that may purchased thereunder, (b) the purchase price per share thereunder, (c) the time frame by which such Offer must be accepted, (d) the manner in which such Offer may be accepted, including the form of all required subscription agreements and other documents, (e) the manner and terms by which the underlying purchase price may be paid, (f) the terms and conditions of any required suitability requirements that must be fulfilled by the Eligible Holders in order for the Offer to be accepted, (g) any waiver by the Company of any one or more of the restrictions and limitations set forth in Sections 6, 7 or 8 of the Plan to the Securities that may be purchased under such Offer and (h) such other provisions as the Committee may determine. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all Rights to Purchase granted to an Eligible Holder shall terminate automatically and no Securities shall be purchasable with respect to such Rights to Purchase upon such Eligible Holder's termination of employment or if a Sale of the Company is proposed to be effected, unless otherwise provided by the Committee.
6. Purchase Option and Call Option. Unless the Committee so determines and the terms of an Offer for the underlying Right to Purchase expressly provide otherwise, all Securities purchased by an Eligible Holder pursuant to a Right to Purchase shall be subject to the following:
(a) Termination of Employment or Services.
(i) Purchase Option. If any Eligible Holder's employment, services agreement (whether written or oral) or directorship with the Company or a
Related Entity terminates for any reason at any time, the Company (and/or its designees) shall have the right (but not the obligation) to purchase in one or more transactions (the "Purchase Option"), and the Grantor shall be obligated to sell to the Company (and/or its designees), all or any portion (at the Company's option) of the Securities previously purchased by such Eligible Holder under this Plan (such Securities being referred to herein as the "Purchasable Shares"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, repurchases of Purchasable Shares pursuant to the Purchase Option may only be consummated with respect to Purchasable Shares owned by an Eligible Holder for at least six months after the date such Purchasable Shares were purchased by such Eligible Holder under this Plan. For purposes of this Plan, if a Related Entity ceases to be a Subsidiary, a termination of employment or service will be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Holder in respect of such Subsidiary who does not continue as an Eligible Holder in respect of another entity within the Company or Related Entity.
(ii) Purchase Option Notice. The Company (or, if applicable, its designee) shall give notice in writing to the Grantor of the exercise of the Purchase Option within 120 days from the date of the termination of the Eligible Holder's employment or service (the "Purchase Option Notice"). The Purchase Option Notice shall state the number of Purchasable Shares to be purchased and the purchase price to be paid for the Purchasable Shares as determined in accordance with Section 6(a)(iii) below. If no Purchase Option Notice is provided by the Company (or, if applicable, its designee) within the 120-day period specified above, the Purchase Option shall terminate.
(iii) Purchase Option Price. The purchase price to be paid for the Purchasable Shares purchased pursuant to the Purchase Option shall be either (A) in the case of (i) a termination due to the Eligible Holder's voluntary resignation for any reason following the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the date such Purchasable Shares were purchased or (ii) a termination at any time due to the Eligible Holder's death or Disability or without Cause, an amount equal to (x) the Fair Market Value per share of the Common Stock as of the date of the Purchase Option Notice multiplied by (y) the number of Purchasable Shares being purchased, or (B) in the case of a termination of, (I) by the Company or a Related Entity for Cause at any time or (II) due to the Eligible Holder's voluntary resignation on or prior to the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the date such Purchasable Shares were purchased, an amount equal to original purchase price paid by such Eligible Holder for the Purchasable Shares being purchased.
(iv) Payment of the Purchase Option Price; Closing. The purchase price shall be paid by the Company (or, if applicable, its designee) in cash (by wire transfer of immediately available funds or by check). The closing of such purchase shall be on a date to be specified by the Company, such date to
be no later than 30 days after the date of the Purchase Option Notice. At such closing, the Grantor shall deliver to the Company, free and clear of all Liens, the certificates or instruments evidencing the Purchasable Shares being purchased, duly endorsed (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers) and otherwise in good form for delivery, against payment of the purchase price by the Company (or, if applicable, its designee). The Company and the Grantor will promptly perform, whether before or after any such closing, such additional acts (including, without limitation, executing and delivering additional documents) as are reasonably required by either such party to effect more fully the transactions contemplated by this Section 6(a). No adjustments shall be made to the purchase price for fluctuations in the Fair Market Value of the Purchasable Shares after the date of the Purchase Option Notice.
(v) Assignment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, upon determination by the Board of Directors, the Company may assign any or all of its rights under this Section 6(a) to one or more stockholders of the Company.
(b) Sale of the Company.
(i) Call Option. If a Sale of the Company is proposed to be effected, the Company (and/or its designees) shall have the right (but not the obligation) to purchase (the "Call Option"), and the Grantor shall be obligated to sell to the Company (and/or its designees), all or any portion of the Securities previously purchased by such Grantor; provided, however, that repurchases of Securities pursuant to the Call Option may only be consummated with respect to Securities owned by an Eligible Holder for at least six months after the date such Securities were purchased by such Eligible Holder under this Plan.
(ii) Call Option Notice. The Company (or, if applicable, its designee) shall give notice in writing to the Grantor of the exercise of the Call Option at least 10 days prior to the proposed date of consummation of the Sale of the Company (the "Call Option Notice"). The Call Option Notice shall state the number of Securities to be purchased and the estimated Call Option Price.
(iii) Call Option Price. The purchase price to be paid for the Securities purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Call Option (the "Call Option Price") shall be an amount of consideration equal to the product of (x) the fair market value per share as determined by the Board of Directors based on the consideration received in the Sale of the Company (with consideration given to the structure and terms and conditions of the transaction, including any escrows and/or indemnities), and (y) the number of Securities which are being purchased.
(iv) Payment of the Call Option Price; Closing. At least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled closing date for the Sale of the Company, the Grantor shall deliver to the Company, free and clear of all Liens, the certificates or instruments evidencing the Securities being purchased, duly endorsed (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers) and otherwise in good form for delivery. Within five (5) business days after the consummation of the Sale of the Company, the Call Option Price (net of the Holdback Amount, if any, and any portion of the original purchase price for such Securities that has not been paid to the Company) shall be paid by the Company (or, if applicable, its designee) to the Grantor for the Securities; provided, that with respect to such Securities, the Holdback Amount, if any, shall be paid to the Grantor in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Transaction Documents. The Company and the Grantor will promptly perform, whether before or after any such closing, such additional acts (including, without limitation, executing and delivering additional documents) as are reasonably required by either such party to effect more fully the transactions contemplated by this Section 6(b).
(v) Termination of Call Right. The Company's Call Option shall terminate to the extent that it is not exercised prior to the date of any public offering of the Company's shares of Common Stock.
7. Limitations on Transfer. Unless the terms of an Offer for the underlying Right to Purchase expressly provide otherwise, all Securities purchased by an Eligible Holder pursuant to Rights to Purchase shall be subject to the following:
(a) Compliance with Securities Laws. No Eligible Holder shall sell, pledge or otherwise transfer Securities or any interest in such Securities except in accordance with the express terms of this Plan. Any attempted transfer in violation of this Section 7 shall be void and of no effect. Without in any way limiting the provisions set forth above, no Eligible Holder shall make any disposition of all or any portion of Securities acquired or to be acquired pursuant to Rights to Purchase, except in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws and unless and until:
(i) there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with such registration statement; or
(ii) such disposition is made in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act; or
(iii) such Eligible Holder notifies the Company of the proposed disposition and furnishes the Company with a statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition, and, if requested by the Company, furnishes to the Company an opinion of counsel acceptable to the Company's counsel,
that such disposition will not require registration under the Securities Act and will be in compliance with all applicable state securities laws.
Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company or a Related Entity has no obligation to register the Securities or file any registration statement under either federal or state securities laws, nor does the Company or a Related Entity make any representation concerning the likelihood of a public offering of the Securities or any other securities of the Company.
(b) Restrictions on Transfer. Other than in connection with a Permitted Transfer, the Securities shall not be Transferred or otherwise conveyed, assigned or hypothecated. All Permitted Transfers require satisfaction of the conditions specified in clauses (a) through (d) of this Section 7. Any purported Transfer in violation of this Section 7 shall be void ab initio and of no force or effect.
(c) Restrictive Legends.
(i) Securities Act Legend. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7(f) hereof, each Security held by an Eligible Holder, and each Security issued to any subsequent transferee of such Security, shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED ("ACT"), NOR HAVE THEY BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. NO TRANSFER OF SUCH SECURITIES WILL BE PERMITTED UNLESS A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT IS IN EFFECT AS TO SUCH TRANSFER, THE TRANSFER IS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 144 UNDER THE ACT, OR IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE CORPORATION, REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT IS UNNECESSARY IN ORDER FOR SUCH TRANSFER TO COMPLY WITH THE ACT AND WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
(ii) Section 6 Legends. To assure the enforceability of the Company's rights under Section 6, each certificate or instrument representing Securities shall bear a conspicuous legend in substantially the following form:
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A CONTRACTUAL RIGHT TO REPURCHASE PROVIDED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANY'S 2004 STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. A COPY OF SUCH PLAN IS AVAILABLE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE COMPANY AT ITS PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES.
(iii) Other Legends. Except as otherwise permitted by the last sentence of Section 7(b), each Security issued to each Eligible Holder or to a subsequent transferee shall include a legend in substantially the following form:
THIS SECURITY IS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE COMPANY'S 2004 STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. A COPY OF SUCH PLAN IS AVAILABLE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE COMPANY AT ITS PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES.
(d) Notice of Proposed Transfers. Prior to any Permitted Transfer of any
Security, the Eligible Holder of such Security shall (i) except in the case of
death, give at least 30 days' prior written notice (a "Transfer Notice") to the
Company of such Eligible Holder's intention to effect such Permitted Transfer,
describing the manner and circumstances of the proposed Permitted Transfer, and
(ii) if required by the Company, provide to the Company an opinion reasonably
satisfactory to the Company from counsel who shall be reasonably satisfactory to
the Company (or supply such other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the
Company) that the proposed Permitted Transfer of such Security may be effected
without registration under the Securities Act. After receipt of the Transfer
Notice and opinion or other material (if required), the Company shall, within
ten (10) days thereof, so notify the Eligible Holder of such Security and,
subject Section 8 hereof, such Eligible Holder shall thereupon be entitled to
Transfer such Security in accordance with the terms of the Transfer Notice. Each
Security issued upon such Permitted Transfer shall bear the restrictive legend
set forth in Section 7(c)(i), unless in the reasonable judgment of counsel for
the Company such legend is not required in order to ensure compliance with the
Securities Act. The Eligible Holder of the Security giving the Transfer Notice
shall not be entitled to Transfer such Security until receipt of the notice from
the Company under this Section 7(d).
(e) Termination of Certain Restrictions. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7, the restrictions imposed by Section 7(c)(i) upon the transferability of the Securities and the legend requirements of Section 7(c)(i) shall terminate as to any Security (i) when and so long as such Security shall have been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of pursuant thereto or disposed of pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 thereof or (ii) when the Company shall have received an opinion of counsel (or such other evidence) reasonably satisfactory to it that such Security may be transferred without registration thereof under the Securities Act and that such legend may be removed.
(f) Lock-Up Agreement. Neither the Eligible Holder (nor any permitted transferee) may Transfer any of its Securities during the period commencing as of fourteen (14) days prior to and ending one (1) year, or such lesser period of time as the relevant underwriters and the Board of Directors may agree (it being intended that the length of such period reflect market practice at the time the length of such period is determined), after the effective date of a registration statement covering any public offering of the Company's securities of which the Eligible Holder has notice. The Eligible Holder shall agree and consent to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company's transfer agent against the Transfer of the Securities beneficially owned by the Eligible Holder and shall conform the limitations hereunder with and for the benefit of the relevant underwriters by a lock-up agreement or other agreement in customary form. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, this Section 7(f) shall not be construed so as to prohibit the Eligible Holder from participating in a registration or a public offering of the Common Stock with respect to any Shares which he or she may hold at that time; provided, however, that such participation shall be at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.
8. Drag-Along Rights.
(a) Applicability. In connection with any Transfer to any non-Affiliate by CEH (the "Selling Stockholder") of the Shares representing more than 50% of the Fully-Diluted Common Stock then held by CEH (a "Significant Sale"), the Selling Stockholder shall provide written notice to each Eligible Holder (each, a "Co-Seller") in accordance with Section 8(c). Each Co-Seller shall consent to (if such consent is required) and raise no objections against the Significant Sale, and if the Significant Sale is structured as (i) a merger or consolidation of the Company, or a sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, each Co-Seller shall agree to, and hereby agrees to, waive any dissenters' rights, appraisal rights or similar rights in connection with such merger, consolidation or asset sale, or (ii) a sale of Securities, each Co-Seller shall agree to, and hereby agrees to, sell a pro rata percentage (equal to the percentage of Securities proposed to be sold by the Selling Stockholder relative to the aggregate number of Securities held by such holders) their Securities on the terms and conditions approved by the Selling Stockholder and in each such instance shall agree to, and hereby agrees to, waive any claims any Co-Seller may have against the Board of Directors and the constituents of the Selling Stockholder in connection with the Significant Sale. The Co-Sellers shall take all necessary and desirable actions in connection with the consummation of the Significant Sale, including obtaining the consent of the Board of Directors, if necessary, to the Significant Sale and the execution of such agreements and such instruments and other actions reasonably necessary to provide customary representations, warranties, indemnities, and escrow arrangements relating to such Significant Sale.
(b) The obligations of the Co-Sellers pursuant to this Section 8(a) are also subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(i) if any holders of a class are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all holders of such class shall be given the same option;
(ii) neither the Selling Stockholder nor the Co-Sellers shall be obligated to (A) make any out-of-pocket expenditure prior to the consummation of the Significant Sale (excluding modest expenditures for postage, copies, etc.) and (B) pay any portion (or shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the Company for that portion paid) that is more than its pro rata share (based upon the amount of consideration received) of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a consummated Significant Sale, to the extent such costs are incurred for the benefit of all holders of Securities and are not otherwise paid by the Company or the acquiring party (costs incurred by or on behalf of a holder of Securities for its sole benefit will not be considered costs of the transaction hereunder), provided, that a Co-Seller's liability for such expenses shall not exceed the total consideration received by such Co-Seller for its Securities; and
(iii) neither the Selling Stockholder nor the Co-Sellers shall be required to provide any representations, warranties or indemnities in connection with the Significant Sale, other than those contemplated by Section 8(a) and
those representations, warranties and indemnities concerning each seller's valid ownership of Shares, free and clear of all liens, claims and other encumbrances (other than those arising under applicable securities laws and those attributable to actions by the purchasers thereof), and each seller's authority, power, and right to enter into and consummate such purchase, merger, exchange or other agreement without violating any other agreement. Any indemnity required to be provided by the Selling Stockholder and each Co-Seller shall be several and not joint.
(c) Notice of Significant Sale. The Selling Stockholder shall give each
Co-Seller at least 10 days' prior written notice of any Significant Sale as to
which the Selling Stockholder intends to exercise its rights under this Section
8. If the Selling Stockholder elects to exercise its rights under this Section
8, the Co-Sellers shall take such actions as may be reasonably required and
otherwise cooperate in good faith with the Selling Stockholder in connection
with consummating the Significant Sale (including, without limitation, the
voting of any Securities to approve such Significant Sale). At the closing of
such Significant Sale, each Co-Seller shall deliver certificates for all
Securities to be sold by such Co-Seller, duly endorsed for transfer to the
purchaser against payment of the appropriate purchase price.
9. Co-Sale Rights. If CEH receives an offer (the "Offer") to Transfer more than 50% of the Fully Diluted Common Stock then held by CEH to any Person other than an Affiliate (the "Co-Sale Offeror") and CEH does not exercise its rights pursuant to Section 8 hereof, the parties hereto shall comply with the following procedures:
(a) CEH shall, at least ten (10) Business Days before such Transfer, deliver a written notice (the "Co-Sale Notice") to each Eligible Holder that sets forth (A) the number of shares of Common Stock to which the Offer relates, (B) the name of the proposed Co-Sale Offeror, (C) the proposed amount and type of consideration (including if the consideration consists in whole or in part of non-cash consideration such information available to CEH as may be reasonably necessary for the Eligible Holder to properly analyze the economic value and investment risk of such non-cash consideration) and, (D) the terms and conditions of payment that the Co-Sale Offeror intends to accept.
(b) CEH shall not Transfer any Common Stock to the Co-Sale Offeror unless each of the Eligible Holders is offered the opportunity to Transfer simultaneously a number of shares of Common Stock equal to its Pro Rata Amount to which the offer to CEH relates and on the same terms and conditions (including price).
(c) Within ten (10) days after delivery of the Co-Sale Notice each Eligible Holder may elect to participate in the proposed Transfer by delivering to CEH a notice (the "Tag-Along Notice") specifying the type and number of shares of Common Stock (up to his or her Pro Rata Amount, as determined in accordance with Section 9(b) above with respect to which such Eligible Holder shall exercise his, her or its rights under Section 9 and the number of shares of Common Stock to be Transferred to the Co-Sale Offeror by CEH shall be reduced accordingly.
(d) Any shares of Common Stock requested to be included in any Tag-Along Notice shall be Transferred at the same time and on the same terms and conditions (including price). If
such Transfer is not made within 60 days from delivery of the Co-Sale Notice, the provisions of this Section 9 shall again become effective with respect to the proposed Transfer.
10. Other Incentive Plans.
The adoption of the Plan does not preclude the adoption by appropriate means of any other incentive plan for employees.
11. Effect on Employment.
Nothing contained in the Plan or any agreement related hereto or referred
to herein shall affect, or be construed as affecting, the terms of employment of
any Eligible Holder except to the extent specifically provided herein or
therein. Nothing contained in the Plan or any agreement related hereto or
referred to herein shall impose, or be construed as imposing, an obligation on
(a) the Company or any Related Entity to continue the employment of any Eligible
Holder that is an employee of the Company or any Related Entity, and (b) any
Eligible Holder that is an employee of the Company or any Related Entity to
remain in the employ of the Company or any Related Entity.
12. Amendment or Termination of the Plan.
The Board of Directors in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time. The Board of Directors and the Committee shall have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part thereof from time to time without the approval of the stockholders of the Company or the holders of Rights to Purchase or Securities; provided, that the Board of Directors and the Committee may not change the class of individuals eligible to receive Rights to Purchase under the Plan.
13. Effective Date.
The Plan is effective as of March 19, 2004.
14. Confidential Information.
Any information relating to the Company obtained by Eligible Holders in connection with or as a result of this Plan or their Securities shall be treated as confidential.
15. Notices.
Any notices or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be sufficiently given if made by hand delivery, by telex, by telecopier or registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows (or at such other address as may be substituted by notice given as herein provided):
If to the Company:
Crunch Holding Corp.
c/o Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
One Old Bloomfield Road
Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046 Attention: General Counsel
with a copy to:
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
7 Times Square
New York, New York 10036
Attention: Gregory A. Gilbert, Esq.
If to an Eligible Holder:
to the last address maintained by the Company in its books and records for such Eligible Holder.
Any notice or communication hereunder shall be deemed to have been given or made as of the date so delivered if personally delivered; when answered back, if telexed, when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and five (5) calendar days after mailing if sent by registered or certified mail (except that a notice of change of address shall not be deemed to have been given until actually received by the addressee).
16. Charter Documents.
The certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the Company, as either of them may lawfully be amended from time to time, may provide for additional restrictions and limitations with respect to the Shares (including additional restrictions and limitations on the voting or transfer of Shares) or priorities, rights and preferences as to securities and interests prior in rights to the Shares. To the extent that these restrictions and limitations are greater than those set forth in this Plan or the applicable subscription agreement, such restrictions and limitations shall apply to any Shares acquired pursuant to this Plan and are incorporated herein by this reference.
17. Definitions.
In addition to the terms specifically defined elsewhere in the Plan, as used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the respective meanings indicated:
(a) "Accredited Investor" means an "Accredited Investor," as defined in Regulation D of the Securities Act, or any successor rule then in effect.
(b) "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Person. For 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.
(c) "Board of Directors" has the meaning set forth in Section 2 hereof.
(d) "Call Option" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(b)(i).
(e) "Call Option Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(b)(ii).
(f) "Call Option Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(b)(iii).
(g) "Cause", with respect to any employee of the Company, means (unless another definition is provided for in an employment agreement between a Related Entity and the Eligible Holder) termination by action of the Board of Directors because of: (A) the Eligible Holder's conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or a crime involving financial misconduct or moral turpitude; (B) the Eligible Holder's personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses) or breach of fiduciary duty which involves personal profit, in each case which adversely impacts or reflects badly on the Company or Related Entity, as determined by the Board of Directors; (C) the Eligible Holder's commission of material mismanagement or misconduct in the performance of his duties as assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the Eligible Holder's supervising officer or officers of the Company or any Related Entity; (D) the Eligible Holder's willful failure to execute or comply with the material policies of the Company or any Related Entity or his stated duties as established by the Board of Directors or the Eligible Holder's supervising officer or officers of the Company or any Related Entity, or the Eligible Holder's intentional failure to perform the Eligible Holder's stated duties; or (E) with respect to a person who qualifies under subsection (b) of the definition of Eligible Person, the person's willfully making any material misrepresentation or willfully omitting to disclose any material fact to the Board of Directors or the board of a Related Entity with respect to the business of the Company or Related Entity.
A termination for Cause shall be deemed to occur (subject to reinstatement upon a contrary final determination by the Committee) on the date on which the Company or Subsidiary first delivers written notice to the Eligible Holder of a finding of termination for Cause.
(h) "CEH" means Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
(i) "Code" has the meaning set forth in Section 1 hereof.
(j) "Committee" has the meaning set forth in Section 2 hereof.
(k) "Common Stock" has the meaning set forth in Section 3 hereof.
(l) "Common Stock Equivalents" means the Common Stock and any rights, warrants, options, convertible securities or indebtedness, exchangeable securities or indebtedness, or other rights, exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into, directly or indirectly, Common Stock, whether such securities are convertible or exchangeable at the time of issuance or upon the passage of time or the occurrence of some future event and whether or not such securities are "in the money" at the time of determination.
(m) "Company" has the meaning set forth in Section 1 hereof.
(n) "Co-Seller" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(a).
(o) "Disability" means a "permanent and total disability" within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code and, such other disabilities, infirmities, afflictions, or conditions as the Committee may include
(p) "Eligible Holder" means (a) any employee of the Company or any Related Entity, including officers and directors of the Company or any Related Entity who are also employees of the Company or any Related Entity, who is regularly employed on a salaried basis and who is so employed on the date of such grant, whom the Committee identifies as having a direct and significant effect on the performance of the Company or any Related Entity and (b) any director of the Company or any Related Entity who is not regularly employed on a salaried basis with the Company or any Related Entity, in each case as selected by the Committee.
(q) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(r) "Fair Market Value" means, as it relates to Securities, the average of the high and low prices of the closing price of such Securities as reported on the principal national securities exchange on which the shares of Securities are then listed or the Nasdaq National Market System, as applicable, on the date specified herein for such a determination, or if there were no sales on such date, on the next succeeding day or immediately preceding day on which there were sales, or if such Securities is not listed on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market System, the last reported bid price in the over-the-counter market, or if such shares are not traded in the over-the-counter market, the per share cash price for which all of the outstanding Securities could be sold to a willing purchaser in an arms length transaction (without regard to minority discount, absence of liquidity, or transfer restrictions imposed by an applicable law or agreement) at the date of the event giving rise to the need for a determination. Except as may be otherwise expressly provided in a particular Offer, Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or the Committee and such determination shall be binding on the Company and each Eligible Holder receiving Rights to Purchase hereunder.
(s) "Fully-Diluted Common Stock" means, at any time, all then outstanding Common Stock Equivalents.
(t) "Grantor" means, collectively, (i) the Eligible Holder, (ii) the Eligible Holder's executor or the administrator of the Eligible Holder's estate or the Person who acquired the Securities by bequest or inheritance, in the event of the Eligible Holder's death, or the Eligible Holder's legal representative in the event of the Eligible Holder's incapacity, or (iii) the Person who acquired the Eligible Holder's Securities pursuant to a Permitted Transfer.
(u) "Holdback Amount" means the portion of the consideration received by the Company and/or the stockholders in connection with a Sale of the Company that is required to be retained by the terms of the Transaction Documents, including, without limitation, amounts retained for purchase price adjustments and indemnification obligations.
(v) "Immediate Family" means the spouse of an individual and the grandparents, parents, siblings and children (and children and spouses of any of the foregoing) of the individual or his or her spouse. An adopted child will be treated as a child of his or her adoptive parent or parents (but only if) he or she was adopted before he or she reached 21 years of age.
(w) The terms "include," "included" or "including" when used herein shall mean "including, but not limited to".
(x) "Lien" means any of the following mortgage; lien (statutory or other); other security agreement, arrangement or interest; hypothecation, pledge or other deposit arrangement; assignment; charge; levy; executory seizure; attachment; garnishment; encumbrance (including any easement, exception, reservation or limitation) right of way, and the like); conditional sale, title retention, voting agreement or other similar agreement, arrangement, device or restriction, preemptive or similar right; the filing of any financial statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable law of any jurisdiction; restriction on sale, transfer, assignment, disposition or other alienation; or any option, equity, claim or right of or obligation to, any other Person, of whatever kind and character.
(y) "Offer" has the meaning set forth in Section 5 hereof.
(z) "Permitted Transfer" means any Transfer (a) with respect to an Eligible Holder who is an individual, by gift to a member of the Immediate Family of the Eligible Holder or a trust (or estate planning entity) whose sole beneficiaries (or owners, as the case may be) are the Eligible Holder and/or members of the Immediate Family of the Eligible Holder; (b) with respect to an Eligible Holder that is a trust, to any beneficiary of the trust or any member of the Immediate Family of a beneficiary of the trust; (c) pursuant to a pledge to secure indebtedness provided that the pledgee agrees in writing that the Securities subject to such Transfer shall be subject to the terms hereof; (d) upon the death of an Eligible Holder to such Eligible Holder's executors, administrators, testamentary trustees, legatees or beneficiaries; (e) by an Eligible Holder pursuant to the provisions of Sections 6, 8 or 9; (f) pursuant to a merger, consolidation, share exchange, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction by the Company or pursuant to an agreement to which the Company is a party; and (g) by an Eligible Holder pursuant to a public offering registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act; provided, that, in each case of (a) through (d), the proposed transferee (x) shall execute and deliver to the Company a written agreement pursuant to which such transferee agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan and (y) except in the case of clause (a), (b) or (d) above, certifies to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company that such transferee is an Accredited Investor.
(aa) "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or other agency or political subdivision thereof.
(bb) "Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 1 hereof.
(cc) "Pro Rata Amount" means, with respect to any Eligible Holder, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the number of shares of Common Stock held by such Eligible Holder by
(ii) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock held by all stockholders of the Corporation, assuming in each of the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), the conversion or exchange of all securities of the Corporation by their terms convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock and the exercise of all vested and "in the money" options to purchase or rights to subscribe for Common Stock (including warrants) or such convertible or exchangeable securities.
(dd) "Purchasable Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)(i) hereof.
(ee) "Purchase Option" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)(i) hereof.
(ff) "Purchase Option Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)(ii) hereof.
(gg) "Related Entities" has the meaning set forth in Section 1 hereof.
(hh) "Rights to Purchase" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d) hereof.
(ii) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3, as amended, or other applicable rules under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(jj) "Sale of the Company" means (i) the sale or transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the Company's or a Sale Entity' assets (on a consolidated basis), to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, (ii) the sale or transfer (in one or a series of related transactions) of a significant division or product line of the Company or any of the Sale Entity (whether by asset sale, merger, spin-off or other means), to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, (iii) the sale or transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of a majority of the outstanding equity interests in the Company or any of the Sale Entity, to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, or (iv) the merger or consolidation of the Company or any of the Sale Entities with or into another Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company or any of the Sale Entities, in each case in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, under circumstances in which the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding equity interests of the Company or any of the Sale Entities, as applicable, immediately prior to such transaction, own less than a majority in voting power of the outstanding equity interests of the Company or any of the Sale Entities, as applicable, or the surviving or resulting corporation, entity or acquirer, as the case may be, immediately following such transaction.
(kk) "Sale Entities" means (i) the Company, CEH, Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. or Pinnacle Foods Corporation, or (ii) any successor in interest thereof.
(ll) "Section 162(m)" means Section 162(m) of the Code and the rules and regulations adopted from time to time thereunder, or any successor law or rule as it may be amended from time to time.
(mm) "Securities" has the meaning set forth in Section 3 hereof.
(nn) "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(oo) "Selling Stockholder" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(a).
(pp) "Shares" means shares of Common Stock and Common Stock Equivalents.
(qq) "Significant Sale" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(a).
(rr) "Subsidiary", of any Person, means (i) a corporation a majority of
whose outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interest with voting
power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect directors, is at the time,
directly or indirectly, owned by such Person, by one or more subsidiaries of
such Person or by such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such Person, and
(ii) any other Person (other than a corporation) in which such Person, a
subsidiary of such Person or such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such
Person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has (x) at
least a majority ownership interest or (y) the power to elect or direct the
election of the directors or other governing body of such Person.
(ss) "Transaction Documents" means the definitive documentation entered into in connection with a Sale of the Company.
(tt) "Transfer" means any direct or indirect sale, transfer, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, gift, conveyance or other disposition of any security or any interest therein.
(uu) "Transfer Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 7(c) hereof.
EXHIBIT 10.20
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
2004 CALIFORNIA STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
1. Purpose.
Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), by means of
this 2004 California Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"), desires to afford certain
individuals and key employees of the Company and any parent corporation or
subsidiary corporation thereof now existing or hereafter formed or acquired
(such parent and subsidiary corporations sometimes referred to herein as
"Related Entities") who are responsible for the continued growth of the Company
an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company, and thus to
create in such persons an increased interest in and a greater concern for the
welfare of the Company and any Related Entities. As used in the Plan, the terms
"parent corporation" and "subsidiary corporation" shall mean, respectively, a
corporation within definition of such terms contained in Sections 424(e) and
424(f), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"). All defined terms not otherwise defined in Sections 2 through 16 of the
Plan shall have the meanings set forth in Section 17 of the Plan.
2. Administration.
(a) Committee. The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors") shall administer the Plan with respect to all Eligible Holders (as hereinafter defined) or may delegate all or part of its duties under this Plan to any committee or sub-committee specially appointed by the Board of Directors (the "Committee") or to any officer or committee of officers of the Company, subject in each case to such conditions and limitations, as the Board of Directors may establish. The number of persons that shall constitute the Committee shall be determined from time to time by a majority of all the members of the Board of Directors. Except for references in Sections 2(a), 2(b), and 2(c) hereof and unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to the "Committee" shall also refer to the Board of Directors as administrator of the Plan or to the appropriate delegate of the Committee or the Board of Directors.
(b) Duration, Removal, Etc. The members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, which shall have the power, at any time and from time to time, to remove members from or add members to the Committee or to disband the Committee. Removal from the Committee may be with or without cause. Any individual serving as a member of the Committee shall have the right to resign from membership in the Committee by written notice to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, and not the remaining members of the Committee, shall have the power and authority to fill vacancies on the Committee, however caused.
(c) Meetings and Actions of Committee. The Board of Directors shall designate which of the Committee members shall be the chairman of the Committee. If the Board of Directors fails to designate a Committee chairman, the members of the Committee shall elect one of the Committee members as chairman, who shall act as chairman until he ceases to be a member of the Committee or until a new chairman is elected. The Committee shall hold its meetings at those times and places as the chairman of the Committee may determine. At all
meetings of the Committee, a quorum for the transaction of business shall be required, and a quorum shall be deemed present if at least a majority of the members of the Committee are present. At any meeting of the Committee, each member shall have one vote. All decisions and determinations of the Committee shall be made by the majority vote or majority decision of all of its members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present; provided, however, that any decision or determination reduced to writing and signed by all of the members of the Committee shall be as fully effective as if it had been made at a meeting that was duly called and held. The Committee may make any rules and regulations as it may deem advisable for the conduct of its business that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, the certificate of incorporation of the Company, the by-laws of the Company, Rule 16b-3 so long as it is applicable, and Section 162(m) so long as it is applicable.
(d) Authority of Committee. Subject to the authority of the Board of Directors to set conditions and limitations, the Committee shall interpret and construe the Plan and all rights to purchase Securities ("Rights to Purchase") granted under the Plan, shall make, such rules as it deems necessary for the proper administration of the Plan, shall make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan, including the determination of eligibility to participate in the Plan and limitations on the number of shares subject to a participant's Rights to Purchase under the Plan, and shall correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Rights to Purchase granted under the Plan in the manner and to the extent that the Committee deems desirable to carry the Plan or any Rights to Purchase into effect. The Committee shall, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, make such decisions or determinations and take such actions as it deems appropriate and all such decisions, determinations and actions taken or made by the Committee pursuant to this and the other paragraphs of the Plan shall be conclusive on all parties.
(e) Reliance on Experts. In making any determination or in taking or not taking any action under this Plan, the Committee or the Board of Directors, as the case may be, may obtain, rely upon the advice of, and pay all reasonable expenses related to obtaining, experts, including employees of and professional advisors to the Company or any Related Entity.
(f) Delegation. The Committee or the Board of Directors, as the case may be, may delegate ministerial, non-discretionary functions to individuals who are officers or employees of the Company or a Related Entity. Additionally, the Board of Directors or a committee comprised solely of directors may also delegate, to the extent permitted by Section 157(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law and any other applicable law, to one or more officers of the Corporation, its powers under this Plan (a) to designate the officers and employees of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries who will receive Rights to Purchase and (b) to determine the number of shares subject to the Rights to Purchase to be received by them, pursuant to a resolution that specifies the total number of shares that may be granted under the delegation, provided that no officer may be delegated the power to designate himself or herself as a recipient of such Rights to Purchase.
(g) Exculpation. No director, manager, member, officer, stockholder or agent of the Company or a Related Entity will be liable for any action, omission or decision under the Plan taken, made or omitted in good faith.
3. Shares Available; Purchase Price.
(a) The maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company ("Common Stock") which may be sold pursuant to Rights to Purchase granted under Plan shall be 500,000 shares (subject to equitable adjustment in the event of any reclassification, recapitalization, combination, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar event). Shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan (the "Securities") may be (i) authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, (ii) issued shares of Common Stock held in the Company's treasury, or (iii) issued shares of Common Stock reacquired by the Company, in each situation as the Board of Directors or the Committee may determine from time to time. Any shares which are not subject to outstanding Rights to Purchase upon the termination of the Plan shall cease to be subject to the Plan.
(b) The purchase price for each Security (the "Purchase Price") will be the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Committee or the Board of Directors) per share on the date of determination.
4. Eligibility and Bases of Participation.
Rights to Purchase may be granted from time to time to any Eligible Holder in accordance with the Plan. The adoption of the Plan shall not be deemed to give any Person a right to be granted any such Rights to Purchase.
5. Offer of Rights to Purchase. The Company shall offer such Rights to Purchase in such number and manner as may be determined by the Committee, under the Plan to the Eligible Holders by means of a written offer (the "Offer"). Each Offer shall specify (a) the number of Securities that may purchased thereunder, (b) the purchase price per share thereunder, (c) the time frame by which such Offer must be accepted, (d) the manner in which such Offer may be accepted, including the form of all required subscription agreements and other documents, (e) the manner and terms by which the underlying purchase price may be paid, (f) the terms and conditions of any required suitability requirements that must be fulfilled by the Eligible Holders in order for the Offer to be accepted, (g) any waiver by the Company of any one or more of the restrictions and limitations set forth in Sections 6, 7 or 8 of the Plan to the Securities that may be purchased under such Offer and (h) such other provisions as the Committee may determine. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all Rights to Purchase granted to an Eligible Holder shall terminate automatically and no Securities shall be purchasable with respect to such Rights to Purchase upon such Eligible Holder's termination of employment or if a Sale of the Company is proposed to be effected, unless otherwise provided by the Committee.
6. Purchase Option and Call Option. Unless the Committee so determines and the terms of an Offer for the underlying Right to Purchase expressly provide otherwise, all Securities purchased by an Eligible Holder pursuant to a Right to Purchase shall be subject to the following:
(a) Termination of Employment or Services.
(i) Purchase Option. If any Eligible Holder's employment, services agreement (whether written or oral) or directorship with the Company or a
Related Entity terminates for any reason at any time, the Company (and/or its designees) shall have the right (but not the obligation) to purchase in one or more transactions (the "Purchase Option"), and the Grantor shall be obligated to sell to the Company (and/or its designees), all or any portion (at the Company's option) of the Securities previously purchased by such Eligible Holder under this Plan (such Securities being referred to herein as the "Purchasable Shares"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, repurchases of Purchasable Shares pursuant to the Purchase Option may only be consummated with respect to Purchasable Shares owned by an Eligible Holder for at least six months after the date such Purchasable Shares were purchased by such Eligible Holder under this Plan. For purposes of this Plan, if a Related Entity ceases to be a Subsidiary, a termination of employment or service will be deemed to have occurred with respect to each Eligible Holder in respect of such Subsidiary who does not continue as an Eligible Holder in respect of another entity within the Company or Related Entity.
(ii) Purchase Option Notice. The Company (or, if applicable, its designee) shall give notice in writing to the Grantor of the exercise of the Purchase Option within 90 days from the date of the termination of the Eligible Holder's employment or service (the "Purchase Option Notice"). The Purchase Option Notice shall state the number of Purchasable Shares to be purchased and the purchase price to be paid for the Purchasable Shares as determined in accordance with Section 6(a)(iii) below. If no Purchase Option Notice is provided by the Company (or, if applicable, its designee) within the 90-day period specified above, the Purchase Option shall terminate.
(iii) Purchase Option Price. The purchase price to be paid for the Purchasable Shares purchased pursuant to the Purchase Option shall be either (A) in the case of (i) a termination due to the Eligible Holder's voluntary resignation for any reason following the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the date such Purchasable Shares were purchased or (ii) a termination at any time due to the Eligible Holder's death or Disability or without Cause, an amount equal to (x) the Fair Market Value per share of the Common Stock as of the date of the Purchase Option Notice multiplied by (y) the number of Purchasable Shares being purchased, or (B) in the case of a termination of, (I) by the Company or a Related Entity for Cause at any time or (II) due to the Eligible Holder's voluntary resignation on or prior to the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the date such Purchasable Shares were purchased, an amount equal to original purchase price paid by such Eligible Holder for the Purchasable Shares being purchased. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the purchase price to be paid for Purchasable Shares held by an Eligible Holder that is a non-officer employee of the Company or a Related Entity (as determined by the Board of Directors or the Committee) shall be the Fair Market Value of such Purchasable Shares.
(iv) Payment of the Purchase Option Price; Closing. The purchase price shall be paid by the Company (or, if applicable, its designee) in cash (by wire transfer of immediately available funds or by check). The closing of such purchase shall be on a date to be specified by the Company, such date to be no later than 30 days after the date of the Purchase Option Notice. At such closing, the Grantor shall deliver to the Company, free and clear of all Liens, the certificates or instruments evidencing the Purchasable Shares being purchased, duly endorsed (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers) and otherwise in good form for delivery, against payment of the purchase price by the Company (or, if applicable, its designee). The Company and the Grantor will promptly perform, whether before or after any such closing, such additional acts (including, without limitation, executing and delivering additional documents) as are reasonably required by either such party to effect more fully the transactions contemplated by this Section 6(a). No adjustments shall be made to the purchase price for fluctuations in the Fair Market Value of the Purchasable Shares after the date of the Purchase Option Notice.
(v) Assignment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, upon determination by the Board of Directors, the Company may assign any or all of its rights under this Section 6(a) to one or more stockholders of the Company.
(vi) Termination of Purchase Option. The Company's rights under this Section 6(a) shall terminate to the extent that they are not exercised prior to the date of any public offering of shares of Common Stock.
(b) Sale of the Company.
(i) Call Option. If a Sale of the Company is proposed to be effected, the Company (and/or its designees) shall have the right (but not the obligation) to purchase (the "Call Option"), and the Grantor shall be obligated to sell to the Company (and/or its designees), all or any portion of the Securities previously purchased by such Grantor; provided, however, that repurchases of Securities pursuant to the Call Option may only be consummated with respect to Securities owned by an Eligible Holder for at least six months after the date such Securities were purchased by such Eligible Holder under this Plan.
(ii) Call Option Notice. The Company (or, if applicable, its designee) shall give notice in writing to the Grantor of the exercise of the Call Option at least 10 days prior to the proposed date of consummation of the Sale of the Company (the "Call Option Notice"). The Call Option Notice shall state the number of Securities to be purchased and the estimated Call Option Price.
(iii) Call Option Price. The purchase price to be paid for the Securities purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Call Option (the "Call Option Price") shall be an amount of consideration equal to the product of (x) the fair market value per share as determined by the Board of Directors based on the consideration received in the Sale of the Company (with consideration given to the structure and terms and conditions of the transaction, including any escrows and/or indemnities), and (y) the number of Securities which are being purchased.
(iv) Payment of the Call Option Price; Closing. At least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled closing date for the Sale of the Company, the Grantor shall deliver to the Company, free and clear of all Liens, the certificates or instruments evidencing the Securities being purchased, duly endorsed (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers) and otherwise in good form for delivery. Within five (5) business days after the consummation of the Sale of the Company, the Call Option Price (net of the Holdback Amount, if any, and any portion of the original purchase price for such Securities that has not been paid to the Company) shall be paid by the Company (or, if applicable, its designee) to the Grantor for the Securities; provided, that with respect to such Securities, the Holdback Amount, if any, shall be paid to the Grantor in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Transaction Documents. The Company and the Grantor will promptly perform, whether before or after any such closing, such additional acts (including, without limitation, executing and delivering additional documents) as are reasonably required by either such party to effect more fully the transactions contemplated by this Section 6(b).
(v) Termination of Call Right. The Company's Call Option shall terminate to the extent that it is not exercised prior to the date of any public offering of the Company's shares of Common Stock.
7. Limitations on Transfer. Unless the terms of an Offer for the underlying Right to Purchase expressly provide otherwise, all Securities purchased by an Eligible Holder pursuant to Rights to Purchase shall be subject to the following:
(a) Compliance with Securities Laws. No Eligible Holder shall sell, pledge or otherwise transfer Securities or any interest in such Securities except in accordance with the express terms of this Plan. Any attempted transfer in violation of this Section 7 shall be void and of no effect. Without in any way limiting the provisions set forth above, no Eligible Holder shall make any disposition of all or any portion of Securities acquired or to be acquired pursuant to Rights to Purchase, except in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws and unless and until:
(i) there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with such registration statement; or
(ii) such disposition is made in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act; or
(iii) such Eligible Holder notifies the Company of the proposed disposition and furnishes the Company with a statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition, and, if requested by the Company, furnishes to the Company an opinion of counsel acceptable to the Company's counsel, that such disposition will not require registration under the Securities Act and will be in compliance with all applicable state securities laws.
Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company or a Related Entity has no obligation to register the Securities or file any registration statement under either federal or state securities laws, nor does the Company or a Related Entity make any representation concerning the likelihood of a public offering of the Securities or any other securities of the Company.
(b) Restrictions on Transfer. Other than in connection with a Permitted Transfer, the Securities shall not be Transferred or otherwise conveyed, assigned or hypothecated. All Permitted Transfers require satisfaction of the conditions specified in clauses (a) through (d) of this Section 7. Any purported Transfer in violation of this Section 7 shall be void ab initio and of no force or effect.
(c) Restrictive Legends.
(i) Securities Act Legend. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7(f) hereof, each Security held by an Eligible Holder, and each Security issued to any subsequent transferee of such Security, shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the following form:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED ("ACT"), NOR HAVE THEY BEEN REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. NO TRANSFER OF SUCH SECURITIES WILL BE PERMITTED UNLESS A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT IS IN EFFECT AS TO SUCH TRANSFER, THE TRANSFER IS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 144 UNDER THE ACT, OR IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE CORPORATION, REGISTRATION UNDER THE ACT IS UNNECESSARY IN ORDER FOR SUCH TRANSFER TO COMPLY WITH THE ACT AND WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
(ii) Section 6 Legends. To assure the enforceability of the Company's rights under Section 6, each certificate or instrument representing Securities shall bear a conspicuous legend in substantially the following form:
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A CONTRACTUAL RIGHT TO REPURCHASE PROVIDED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANY'S 2004 STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. A COPY OF SUCH PLAN IS AVAILABLE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE COMPANY AT ITS PRINCIPAL
EXECUTIVE OFFICES.
(iii) Other Legends. Except as otherwise permitted by the last sentence of Section 7(b), each Security issued to each Eligible Holder or to a subsequent transferee shall include a legend in substantially the following form:
THIS SECURITY IS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE COMPANY'S 2004 STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. A COPY OF SUCH PLAN IS AVAILABLE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE COMPANY AT ITS PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES.
(d) Notice of Proposed Transfers. Prior to any Permitted Transfer of any
Security, the Eligible Holder of such Security shall (i) except in the case of
death, give at least 30 days' prior written notice (a "Transfer Notice") to the
Company of such Eligible Holder's intention to effect such Permitted Transfer,
describing the manner and circumstances of the proposed Permitted Transfer, and
(ii) if required by the Company, provide to the Company an opinion reasonably
satisfactory to the Company from counsel who shall be reasonably satisfactory to
the Company (or supply such other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the
Company) that the proposed Permitted Transfer of such Security may be effected
without registration under the Securities Act. After receipt of the Transfer
Notice and opinion or other material (if required), the Company shall, within
ten (10) days thereof, so notify the Eligible Holder of such Security and,
subject Section 8 hereof, such Eligible Holder shall thereupon be entitled to
Transfer such Security in accordance with the terms of the Transfer Notice. Each
Security issued upon such Permitted Transfer shall bear the restrictive legend
set forth in Section 7(c)(i), unless in the reasonable judgment of counsel for
the Company such legend is not required in order to ensure compliance with the
Securities Act. The Eligible Holder of the Security giving the Transfer Notice
shall not be entitled to Transfer such Security until receipt of the notice from
the Company under this Section 7(d).
(e) Termination of Certain Restrictions. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7, the restrictions imposed by Section 7(c)(i) upon the transferability of the Securities and the legend requirements of Section 7(c)(i) shall terminate as to any Security (i) when and so long as such Security shall have been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of pursuant thereto or disposed of pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 thereof or (ii) when the Company shall have received an opinion of counsel (or such other evidence) reasonably satisfactory to it that such Security may be transferred without registration thereof under the Securities Act and that such legend may be removed.
(f) Lock-Up Agreement. Neither the Eligible Holder (nor any permitted transferee) may Transfer any of its Securities during the period commencing as of fourteen (14) days prior to and ending one (1) year, or such lesser period of time as the relevant underwriters and the Board of Directors may agree (it being intended that the length of such period reflect market practice at the time the length of such period is determined), after the effective date of a registration statement covering any public offering of the Company's securities of which the Eligible Holder has notice. The Eligible Holder shall agree and consent to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company's transfer agent against the Transfer of the Securities
beneficially owned by the Eligible Holder and shall conform the limitations hereunder with and for the benefit of the relevant underwriters by a lock-up agreement or other agreement in customary form. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, this Section 7(f) shall not be construed so as to prohibit the Eligible Holder from participating in a registration or a public offering of the Common Stock with respect to any Shares which he or she may hold at that time; provided, however, that such participation shall be at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.
8. Drag-Along Rights.
(a) Applicability. In connection with any Transfer to any non-Affiliate by CEH (the "Selling Stockholder") of the Shares representing more than 50% of the Fully-Diluted Common Stock then held by CEH (a "Significant Sale"), the Selling Stockholder shall provide written notice to each Eligible Holder (each, a "Co-Seller") in accordance with Section 8(c). Each Co-Seller shall consent to (if such consent is required) and raise no objections against the Significant Sale, and if the Significant Sale is structured as (i) a merger or consolidation of the Company, or a sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, each Co-Seller shall agree to, and hereby agrees to, waive any dissenters' rights, appraisal rights or similar rights in connection with such merger, consolidation or asset sale, or (ii) a sale of Securities, each Co-Seller shall agree to, and hereby agrees to, sell a pro rata percentage (equal to the percentage of Securities proposed to be sold by the Selling Stockholder relative to the aggregate number of Securities held by such holders) their Securities on the terms and conditions approved by the Selling Stockholder and in each such instance shall agree to, and hereby agrees to, waive any claims any Co-Seller may have against the Board of Directors and the constituents of the Selling Stockholder in connection with the Significant Sale. The Co-Sellers shall take all necessary and desirable actions in connection with the consummation of the Significant Sale, including obtaining the consent of the Board of Directors, if necessary, to the Significant Sale and the execution of such agreements and such instruments and other actions reasonably necessary to provide customary representations, warranties, indemnities, and escrow arrangements relating to such Significant Sale.
(b) The obligations of the Co-Sellers pursuant to this Section 8(a) are also subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(i) if any holders of a class are given an option as to the form and amount of consideration to be received, all holders of such class shall be given the same option;
(ii) neither the Selling Stockholder nor the Co-Sellers shall be obligated to (A) make any out-of-pocket expenditure prior to the consummation of the Significant Sale (excluding modest expenditures for postage, copies, etc.) and (B) pay any portion (or shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the Company for that portion paid) that is more than its pro rata share (based upon the amount of consideration received) of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a consummated Significant Sale, to the extent such costs are incurred for the benefit of all holders of Securities and are not otherwise paid by the Company or the acquiring party (costs incurred
by or on behalf of a holder of Securities for its sole benefit will not be considered costs of the transaction hereunder), provided, that a Co-Seller's liability for such expenses shall not exceed the total consideration received by such Co-Seller for its Securities; and
(iii) neither the Selling Stockholder nor the Co-Sellers shall be required to provide any representations, warranties or indemnities in connection with the Significant Sale, other than those contemplated by Section 8(a) and those representations, warranties and indemnities concerning each seller's valid ownership of Shares, free and clear of all liens, claims and other encumbrances (other than those arising under applicable securities laws and those attributable to actions by the purchasers thereof), and each seller's authority, power, and right to enter into and consummate such purchase, merger, exchange or other agreement without violating any other agreement. Any indemnity required to be provided by the Selling Stockholder and each Co-Seller shall be several and not joint.
(c) Notice of Significant Sale. The Selling Stockholder shall give each
Co-Seller at least 10 days' prior written notice of any Significant Sale as to
which the Selling Stockholder intends to exercise its rights under this Section
8. If the Selling Stockholder elects to exercise its rights under this Section
8, the Co-Sellers shall take such actions as may be reasonably required and
otherwise cooperate in good faith with the Selling Stockholder in connection
with consummating the Significant Sale (including, without limitation, the
voting of any Securities to approve such Significant Sale). At the closing of
such Significant Sale, each Co-Seller shall deliver certificates for all
Securities to be sold by such Co-Seller, duly endorsed for transfer to the
purchaser against payment of the appropriate purchase price.
9. Co-Sale Rights. If CEH receives an offer (the "Offer") to Transfer more than 50% of the Fully Diluted Common Stock then held by CEH to any Person other than an Affiliate (the "Co-Sale Offeror") and CEH does not exercise its rights pursuant to Section 8 hereof, the parties hereto shall comply with the following procedures:
(a) CEH shall, at least ten (10) Business Days before such Transfer, deliver a written notice (the "Co-Sale Notice") to each Eligible Holder that sets forth (A) the number of shares of Common Stock to which the Offer relates, (B) the name of the proposed Co-Sale Offeror, (C) the proposed amount and type of consideration (including if the consideration consists in whole or in part of non-cash consideration such information available to CEH as may be reasonably necessary for the Eligible Holder to properly analyze the economic value and investment risk of such non-cash consideration) and, (D) the terms and conditions of payment that the Co-Sale Offeror intends to accept.
(b) CEH shall not Transfer any Common Stock to the Co-Sale Offeror unless each of the Eligible Holders is offered the opportunity to Transfer simultaneously a number of shares of Common Stock equal to its Pro Rata Amount to which the offer to CEH relates and on the same terms and conditions (including price).
(c) Within ten (10) days after delivery of the Co-Sale Notice each Eligible Holder may elect to participate in the proposed Transfer by delivering to CEH a notice (the "Tag-Along Notice") specifying the type and number of shares of Common Stock (up to his or her Pro Rata Amount, as determined in accordance with Section 9(b) above with respect to which such Eligible Holder shall exercise his, her or its rights under Section 9 and the number of shares of Common Stock to be Transferred to the Co-Sale Offeror by CEH shall be reduced accordingly.
(d) Any shares of Common Stock requested to be included in any Tag-Along Notice shall be Transferred at the same time and on the same terms and conditions (including price). If such Transfer is not made within 60 days from delivery of the Co-Sale Notice, the provisions of this Section 9 shall again become effective with respect to the proposed Transfer.
10. Other Incentive Plans.
The adoption of the Plan does not preclude the adoption by appropriate means of any other incentive plan for employees.
11. Effect on Employment.
Nothing contained in the Plan or any agreement related hereto or referred
to herein shall affect, or be construed as affecting, the terms of employment of
any Eligible Holder except to the extent specifically provided herein or
therein. Nothing contained in the Plan or any agreement related hereto or
referred to herein shall impose, or be construed as imposing, an obligation on
(a) the Company or any Related Entity to continue the employment of any Eligible
Holder that is an employee of the Company or any Related Entity, and (b) any
Eligible Holder that is an employee of the Company or any Related Entity to
remain in the employ of the Company or any Related Entity.
12. Amendment or Termination of the Plan.
The Board of Directors in its discretion may terminate the Plan at any time. The Board of Directors and the Committee shall have the right to alter or amend the Plan or any part thereof from time to time without the approval of the stockholders of the Company or the holders of Rights to Purchase or Securities; provided, that the Board of Directors and the Committee may not change the class of individuals eligible to receive Rights to Purchase under the Plan.
13. Effective Date.
The Plan is effective as of March 19, 2004, subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after Board approval of this Plan.
14. Delivery of Financial Statements; Confidential Information.
The Company shall deliver annually to Eligible Holders such financial statements of the Company as are required to satisfy applicable securities laws. Any information relating to the Company obtained by Eligible Holders in connection with or as a result of this Plan or their Securities shall be treated as confidential.
15. Notices.
Any notices or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be sufficiently given if made by hand delivery, by telex, by telecopier or registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows (or at such other address as may be substituted by notice given as herein provided):
If to the Company:
Crunch Holding Corp.
c/o Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
One Old Bloomfield Road
Mountain Lakes, New Jersey 07046
Attention: General Counsel
with a copy to:
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
7 Times Square
New York, New York 10036
Attention: Gregory A. Gilbert, Esq.
If to an Eligible Holder:
to the last address maintained by the Company in its books and records for such Eligible Holder.
Any notice or communication hereunder shall be deemed to have been given or made as of the date so delivered if personally delivered; when answered back, if telexed, when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and five (5) calendar days after mailing if sent by registered or certified mail (except that a notice of change of address shall not be deemed to have been given until actually received by the addressee).
16. Charter Documents.
The certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the Company, as either of them may lawfully be amended from time to time, may provide for additional restrictions and limitations with respect to the Shares (including additional restrictions and limitations on the voting or transfer of Shares) or priorities, rights and preferences as to securities and interests prior in rights to the Shares. To the extent that these restrictions and limitations are greater than those set forth in this Plan or the applicable subscription agreement, such restrictions and limitations shall apply to any Shares acquired pursuant to this Plan and are incorporated herein by this reference.
17. Definitions.
In addition to the terms specifically defined elsewhere in the Plan, as used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the respective meanings indicated:
(a) "Accredited Investor" means an "Accredited Investor," as defined in Regulation D of the Securities Act, or any successor rule then in effect.
(b) "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Person. For 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.
(c) "Board of Directors" has the meaning set forth in Section 2 hereof.
(d) "Call Option" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(b)(i).
(e) "Call Option Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(b)(ii).
(f) "Call Option Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(b)(iii).
(g) "Cause", with respect to any employee of the Company, means (unless another definition is provided for in an employment agreement between a Related Entity and the Eligible Holder) termination by action of the Board of Directors because of: (A) the Eligible Holder's conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or a crime involving financial misconduct or moral turpitude; (B) the Eligible Holder's personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses) or breach of fiduciary duty which involves personal profit, in each case which adversely impacts or reflects badly on the Company or Related Entity, as determined by the Board of Directors; (C) the Eligible Holder's commission of material mismanagement or misconduct in the performance of his duties as assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the Eligible Holder's supervising officer or officers of the Company or any Related Entity; (D) the Eligible Holder's willful failure to execute or comply with the material policies of the Company or any Related Entity or his stated duties as established by the Board of Directors or the Eligible Holder's supervising officer or officers of the Company or any Related Entity, or the Eligible Holder's intentional failure to perform the Eligible Holder's stated duties; or (E) with respect to a person who qualifies under subsection (b) of the definition of Eligible Person, the person's willfully making any material misrepresentation or willfully omitting to disclose any material fact to the Board of Directors or the board of a Related Entity with respect to the business of the Company or Related Entity.
A termination for Cause shall be deemed to occur (subject to reinstatement upon a contrary final determination by the Committee) on the date on which the Company or Subsidiary first delivers written notice to the Eligible Holder of a finding of termination for Cause.
(h) "CEH" means Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
(i) "Code" has the meaning set forth in Section 1 hereof.
(j) "Committee" has the meaning set forth in Section 2 hereof.
(k) "Common Stock" has the meaning set forth in Section 3 hereof.
(l) "Common Stock Equivalents" means the Common Stock and any rights, warrants, options, convertible securities or indebtedness, exchangeable securities or indebtedness, or other rights, exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into, directly or indirectly, Common Stock, whether such securities are convertible or exchangeable at the time of issuance or upon the passage of time or the occurrence of some future event and whether or not such securities are "in the money" at the time of determination.
(m) "Company" has the meaning set forth in Section 1 hereof.
(n) "Co-Seller" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(a).
(o) "Disability" means a "permanent and total disability" within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code and, such other disabilities, infirmities, afflictions, or conditions as the Committee may include
(p) "Eligible Holder" means (a) any employee of the Company or any Related Entity, including officers and directors of the Company or any Related Entity who are also employees of the Company or any Related Entity, who is regularly employed on a salaried basis and who is so employed on the date of such grant, whom the Committee identifies as having a direct and significant effect on the performance of the Company or any Related Entity and (b) any director of the Company or any Related Entity who is not regularly employed on a salaried basis with the Company or any Related Entity, in each case as selected by the Committee.
(q) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(r) "Fair Market Value" means, as it relates to Securities, the average of the high and low prices of the closing price of such Securities as reported on the principal national securities exchange on which the shares of Securities are then listed or the Nasdaq National Market System, as applicable, on the date specified herein for such a determination, or if there were no sales on such date, on the next succeeding day or immediately preceding day on which there were sales, or if such Securities is not listed on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market System, the last reported bid price in the over-the-counter market, or if such shares are not traded in the over-the-counter market, the per share cash price for which all of the outstanding Securities could be sold to a willing purchaser in an arms length transaction (without regard to minority discount, absence of liquidity, or transfer restrictions imposed by an applicable law or agreement) at the date of the event giving rise to the need for a determination. Except as may be otherwise expressly provided in a particular Offer, Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or the Committee and such determination shall be binding on the Company and each Eligible Holder receiving Rights to Purchase hereunder.
(s) "Fully-Diluted Common Stock" means, at any time, all then outstanding Common Stock Equivalents.
(t) "Grantor" means, collectively, (i) the Eligible Holder, (ii) the Eligible Holder's executor or the administrator of the Eligible Holder's estate or the Person who acquired the Securities by bequest or inheritance, in the event of the Eligible Holder's death, or the Eligible Holder's legal representative in the event of the Eligible Holder's incapacity, or (iii) the Person who acquired the Eligible Holder's Securities pursuant to a Permitted Transfer.
(u) "Holdback Amount" means the portion of the consideration received by the Company and/or the stockholders in connection with a Sale of the Company that is required to be retained by the terms of the Transaction Documents, including, without limitation, amounts retained for purchase price adjustments and indemnification obligations.
(v) "Immediate Family" means the spouse of an individual and the grandparents, parents, siblings and children (and children and spouses of any of the foregoing) of the individual or his or her spouse. An adopted child will be treated as a child of his or her adoptive parent or parents (but only if) he or she was adopted before he or she reached 21 years of age.
(w) The terms "include," "included" or "including" when used herein shall mean "including, but not limited to".
(x) "Lien" means any of the following mortgage; lien (statutory or other); other security agreement, arrangement or interest; hypothecation, pledge or other deposit arrangement; assignment; charge; levy; executory seizure; attachment; garnishment; encumbrance (including any easement, exception, reservation or limitation) right of way, and the like); conditional sale, title retention, voting agreement or other similar agreement, arrangement, device or restriction, preemptive or similar right; the filing of any financial statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable law of any jurisdiction; restriction on sale, transfer, assignment, disposition or other alienation; or any option, equity, claim or right of or obligation to, any other Person, of whatever kind and character.
(y) "Offer" has the meaning set forth in Section 5 hereof.
(z) "Permitted Transfer" means any Transfer (a) with respect to an Eligible Holder who is an individual, by gift to a member of the Immediate Family of the Eligible Holder or a trust (or estate planning entity) whose sole beneficiaries (or owners, as the case may be) are the Eligible Holder and/or members of the Immediate Family of the Eligible Holder; (b) with respect to an Eligible Holder that is a trust, to any beneficiary of the trust or any member of the Immediate Family of a beneficiary of the trust; (c) pursuant to a pledge to secure indebtedness provided that the pledgee agrees in writing that the Securities subject to such Transfer shall be subject to the terms hereof; (d) upon the death of an Eligible Holder to such Eligible Holder's executors, administrators, testamentary trustees, legatees or beneficiaries; (e) by an Eligible Holder pursuant to the provisions of Sections 6, 8 or 9; (f) pursuant to a merger, consolidation, share exchange, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction by the Company or pursuant to an agreement to which the Company is a party; and (g) by an Eligible Holder pursuant to a public offering registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act; provided, that, in each case of (a) through (d), the proposed transferee (x) shall execute and deliver to the Company a written agreement pursuant to which such transferee agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan and (y) except in the case of clause (a), (b) or (d)
above, certifies to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company that such transferee is an Accredited Investor.
(aa) "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or other agency or political subdivision thereof.
(bb) "Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 1 hereof.
(cc) "Pro Rata Amount" means, with respect to any Eligible Holder, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the number of shares of Common Stock held by such Eligible Holder by (ii) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock held by all stockholders of the Corporation, assuming in each of the preceding clauses (i) and (ii), the conversion or exchange of all securities of the Corporation by their terms convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock and the exercise of all vested and "in the money" options to purchase or rights to subscribe for Common Stock (including warrants) or such convertible or exchangeable securities.
(dd) "Purchasable Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)(i) hereof.
(ee) "Purchase Option" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)(i) hereof.
(ff) "Purchase Option Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)(ii) hereof.
(gg) "Related Entities" has the meaning set forth in Section 1 hereof.
(hh) "Rights to Purchase" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d) hereof.
(ii) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3, as amended, or other applicable rules under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(jj) "Sale of the Company" means (i) the sale or transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the Company's or a Sale Entity' assets (on a consolidated basis), to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, (ii) the sale or transfer (in one or a series of related transactions) of a significant division or product line of the Company or any of the Sale Entity (whether by asset sale, merger, spin-off or other means), to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, (iii) the sale or transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of a majority of the outstanding equity interests in the Company or any of the Sale Entity, to a Person or a group of Persons acting in concert, or (iv) the merger or consolidation of the Company or any of the Sale Entities with or into another Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company or any of the Sale Entities, in each case in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, under circumstances in which the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding equity interests of the Company or any of the Sale Entities, as applicable, immediately prior to such transaction, own less than a majority in voting power of the outstanding equity interests of the Company or any of the Sale Entities, as applicable, or the surviving or resulting corporation, entity or acquirer, as the case may be, immediately following such transaction.
(kk) "Sale Entities" means (i) the Company, CEH, Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. or Pinnacle Foods Corporation, or (ii) any successor in interest thereof.
(ll) "Section 162(m)" means Section 162(m) of the Code and the rules and regulations adopted from time to time thereunder, or any successor law or rule as it may be amended from time to time.
(mm) "Securities" has the meaning set forth in Section 3 hereof.
(nn) "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(oo) "Selling Stockholder" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(a).
(pp) "Shares" means shares of Common Stock and Common Stock Equivalents.
(qq) "Significant Sale" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(a).
(rr) "Subsidiary", of any Person, means (i) a corporation a majority of
whose outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interest with voting
power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect directors, is at the time,
directly or indirectly, owned by such Person, by one or more subsidiaries of
such Person or by such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such Person, and
(ii) any other Person (other than a corporation) in which such Person, a
subsidiary of such Person or such Person and one or more subsidiaries of such
Person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has (x) at
least a majority ownership interest or (y) the power to elect or direct the
election of the directors or other governing body of such Person.
(ss) "Transaction Documents" means the definitive documentation entered into in connection with a Sale of the Company.
(tt) "Transfer" means any direct or indirect sale, transfer, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, gift, conveyance or other disposition of any security or any interest therein.
(uu) "Transfer Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 7(c) hereof.
EXHIBIT 10.21
FEE AGREEMENT
This Fee Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of the 12th day of September, 2003, by and between Crunch Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("JPMP") and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("JWC", and together with JPMP, the "Sponsors").
WHEREAS, Crunch Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Crunch Acquisition"), Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware Corporation ("Crunch Holding") which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CEH"), and Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Pinnacle") and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Holding entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 8, 2003 (the "Pinnacle Agreement"), with the Company;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Pinnacle Agreement, the Company will be merged with and into Pinnacle, with Pinnacle surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Holding (the "Transaction");
WHEREAS, certain Affiliates (as defined herein) of JPMP and JWC will provide equity financing (the "Pinnacle Equity Financing") to CEH in connection with the consummation of the Transaction (the "Closing") pursuant to (i) the Operating Agreement of CEH, to be entered into on the date of the Closing (as such agreement may be replaced, amended, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Operating Agreement"), and (ii) the Members' Agreement, to be entered into on the date of the Closing, among CEH and the members party thereto (as such agreement may be replaced, amended, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Members' Agreement"). The Operating Agreement, the Members' Agreement and all other ancillary documents related thereto are collectively referred to as the "Documents";
WHEREAS, the Sponsors are skilled in corporate finance, strategic corporate planning and other related areas and are providing advisory and other services to the Company and its subsidiaries in connection with (i) the negotiation and consummation of the Transaction, (ii) the senior secured financing being obtained in connection with the Initial Transaction, (iii) the senior unsecured subordinated note financing being obtained in connection with the Initial Transaction and, (iv) to the extent necessary, appropriate bridge financing (clauses (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) collectively, the "Pinnacle Debt Financing"); and
WHEREAS, certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in
Section 4 of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. PAYMENT OF FEES TO THE SPONSORS.
(a) Initial Transaction. In consideration of the services provided by each Sponsor in connection with the Transaction (including, without limitation, in connection with the Pinnacle Equity Financing and the Pinnacle Debt Financing), the Company shall pay to each Sponsor (or its designee) a cash fee equal to $2,425,000, payable concurrently with, and upon, the Closing. If the Closing does not occur, then no fees shall be payable to the Sponsors pursuant to this Section l(a).
(b) Payments. Payments made pursuant to this Section 1 shall be paid by wire transfer of immediately available federal funds to the accounts specified on Exhibit A attached hereto, or to such other account(s) as each Sponsor may specify in writing to the Company.
SECTION 2. EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Expenses. The Company shall (i) pay on demand all fees and expenses incurred by the Sponsors and their Controlled Affiliates or any of them in connection with the Transaction, the Documents, the Pinnacle Debt Financing, and the Pinnacle Equity Financing, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of O'Melveny & Myers LLP, counsel to JPMP, and Kaye Scholer LLP, counsel to JWC, and any other consultants or advisors retained by the Sponsors or their respective counsel, (ii) hold the Sponsors and their Controlled Affiliates harmless against all liability for the payment of all fees and expenses incurred from time to time by CEH or Crunch Holding in connection with CEH's or Crunch Holdings' performance and compliance with all agreements and conditions contained in the Pinnacle Agreement and the Documents on its or their part to be performed or complied with, (iii) pay on demand the reasonable costs and expenses (including fees and expenses of counsel, accountants and other advisors) incurred by the Sponsors or their Controlled Affiliates in connection with any amendment or waiver of, or enforcement of, any Document, (iv) pay on demand the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the Sponsors and their Controlled Affiliates in any filing with any governmental authority with respect to their investment in CEH, the Transaction, or in any other filing with any governmental authority with respect to the Company or CEH that mentions the Sponsors or any of their Controlled Affiliates and (v) pay all other fees and incurred by the Sponsors and their Controlled Affiliates or any of them in connection with this Agreement. The provisions of this Section 2(a) are automatically assigned to any person who acquires from the Sponsors or their Controlled Affiliates any units of CEH.
(b) Indemnity and Liability. The Company shall indemnify, defend, exonerate and hold each of JPMP, JWC, and each of their respective partners, shareholders, Controlled Affiliates, directors, officers, fiduciaries, employees, attorneys and agents and each of the partners, shareholders, directors, officers, fiduciaries, employees, attorneys and agents of each of the foregoing (collectively, the "Indemnitees") free and harmless from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, losses, liabilities and damages, and expenses in connection therewith, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements (collectively, the "Indemnified Liabilities"), incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or existence of this Agreement (including, without limitation, any indemnification obligation assumed or incurred by any Indemnitee to or on behalf of any Sponsor, or its accountants or other representatives, agents or Controlled Affiliates) except for any such Indemnified Liability arising on account of such Indemnitee's gross negligence or willful misconduct, and if and to the
extent that the foregoing undertaking may be unenforceable for any reason, the Company shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities which is permissible under applicable law. None of the Indemnitees shall be liable to the Company or any of its Affiliates for any act or omission suffered or taken by such Indemnitee that does not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.
SECTION 3. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. No amendment or waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement shall be effective, unless in writing and executed by each Sponsor and the Company. No waiver on any one occasion shall extend to or effect or be construed as a waiver of any right or remedy on any future occasion. No course of dealing of any person nor any delay or omission in exercising any right or remedy shall constitute an amendment of this Agreement or a waiver of any right or remedy of any party hereto.
SECTION 4. DEFINED TERMS.
(a) "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any (i) director, officer, limited or general partner, member or stockholder holding 5% or more of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of such Person, and (ii) other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person.
(b) "control" means, including, with correlative meaning, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with", with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management, policies or investment decisions of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
(c) "Controlled Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any
(i) director, officer, limited or general partner, member or stockholder holding
5% or more of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of such
Person, and (i) any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or
more intermediaries, is controlled by such Person.
(d) "Person" shall be construed in the broadest sense and means and includes a natural person, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and any other entity and any federal, state, municipal, foreign or other government, governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, or any private or public court or tribunal.
SECTION 5. GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any law or rule that would cause the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York to be applied.
(b) ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE PARTIES RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE BROUGHT AND ENFORCED IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR THE UNITED
STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, TO THE EXTENT SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION EXISTS THEREFOR, AND THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF BOTH SUCH COURTS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVE,S TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT SUCH PARTY MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN NEW YORK COUNTY OR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN ANY INCONVENIENT FORUM. ANY JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF.
(c) EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
SECTION 6. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The parties agree and understand that each Sponsor is and shall act as an independent contractor of the Company in the performance of its duties hereunder. Each Sponsor is not, and in the performance of its duties hereunder will not hold itself out as, an employee, agent or other representative of the Company.
SECTION 7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings with respect to such subject matter. The parties hereto represent and warrant that there are no other agreements or understandings regarding any of the subject matter hereof other than as set forth herein and covenant not to enter into any such agreements or understandings after the date hereof except pursuant to an amendment, modification or waiver of the provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 8. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to any party shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument delivered in person or sent by telecopy, nationally-recognized overnight courier or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to such party at the address set forth below or such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing by such party to the other parties:
If to the Company, to:
Crunch Acquisition Corp.
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Attention: Official Notices Clerk
FBO: Stephen Murray
Telecopier: (212) 899-3401
If to JPMP, to:
J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC
c/o J.P. Morgan Partners, L.P.
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Attention: Official Notices Clerk
FBO: Stephen Murray
Telecopier: (212) 899-3401
with a copy to:
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10112
Attention: Gregory A. Gilbert, Esq.
Telecopier: (212) 408-2420
If to JWC, to:
J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.
111 Huntington Avenue - Suite 2900
Boston, MA 02199-7610
Attention: Adam Suttin Telecopier: (617) 753-1101
with a copy to:
Kaye Scholer LLP
425 Park Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10022
Attention: Steven C. Koval, Esq.
Telecopier: (212) 836-8689
All such notices, requests, consents and other communications shall be deemed to have been delivered (a) in the case of personal delivery or delivery by telecopy, on the date of such delivery, (b) in the case of dispatch by nationally-recognized overnight courier, on the next business day following such dispatch and (c) in the case of mailing, on the third business day after the posting thereof.
SECTION 9. SEVERABILITY. It is the desire and intent of the parties to this Agreement that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the law and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, in the event that any provision of this Agreement would be held in any jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any reason, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn so as not be invalid, prohibited or
unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
SECTION 10. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of original or facsimile counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.
SECTION 11. HEADINGS. All descriptive headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall be disregarded in construing or applying any provision of this Agreement.
SECTION 12. PREVAILING PARTY. If any legal action or other proceedings is brought for a breach of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs incurred in bringing such action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.
* * * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Fee Agreement on the date first written above.
CRUNCH ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------ Name: Jonathan Lynch |
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
By: /s/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------ Name: Jonathan Lynch |
J.P. MORGAN PARTNERS, LLC
By: /s/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------ Name: Jonathan Lynch |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Fee Agreement on the date first written above.
J.W. CHILDS ASSOCIATES, L.P.
By: J.W. Childs Associates, Inc.,
its general partner
By: /s/ ADAM SUTTIN --------------- Name: Adam Suttin |
EXHIBIT A
J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank
401 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
ABA #: 021 000 021
Account #: 530-971-631
Contact: Elizabeth DeGuzman
J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.
Boston Private Bank & Trust Company
Boston, MA
ABA #011 002 343
Account Name: J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.
Account #4054915
EXHIBIT 10.22
FEE AGREEMENT
This Fee Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of the 25 day of November, 2003, by and among Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Crunch Holding") and CDM Capital LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CDM").
WHEREAS, Crunch Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Crunch Acquisition"), Crunch Holding, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CEH"), and Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Pinnacle") and the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 8, 2003 (the "Pinnacle Agreement"), pursuant to which on the date hereof Crunch Acquisition was merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Holding (the "Initial Transaction");
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of November 25, 2003, between Aurora Foods Inc. ("Aurora") and CEH (as such agreement may be replaced, amended, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Aurora Agreement"), the Company will be merged with and into Aurora, with Aurora surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crunch Holding (the "Aurora Transaction");
WHEREAS, the Company desires to avail itself of the financial advisory and corporate structuring expertise of CDM with respect to future proposals for acquisitions and dispositions (whether by stock purchase or sale, asset purchase or sale, merger or otherwise), tender offers, exchange offers, restructurings, refinancings, issuances of debt or equity (whether in a private or public offering) or other similar transactions directly or indirectly involving Crunch Holding or the Company or any of their subsidiaries and any other person or entity (each such transaction other than the Initial Transaction and the Aurora Transaction, a "Subsequent Transaction" and collectively, the "Subsequent Transactions");
WHEREAS, CDM is willing to provide the Company with such services, advice and expertise on the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in
Section 4 of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. PAYMENT OF FEES TO CDM.
(a) Fees. In connection with any Subsequent Transaction (which expressly excludes the Initial Transaction and the Aurora Transaction), the Company shall pay to CDM (or its designee) a cash fee equal to 0.5% of the Transaction Value of such Subsequent Transaction, payable concurrently with, and upon, the closing of such Subsequent Transaction. If the closing of such Subsequent Transaction does not occur, then no fees shall be payable to CDM pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Subsequent Transaction.
(b) Payment Method. Payments made pursuant to this Section 1 shall be paid by wire transfer of immediately available federal funds to the account specified on Exhibit A attached hereto, or to such other account(s) as CDM may specify in writing to the Company.
SECTION 2. EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Expenses. The Company shall pay on demand (i) the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by CDM and its Controlled Affiliates in any filing with any governmental authority with respect to any Subsequent Transaction, or in any other filing with any governmental authority with respect to the Company or CEH that mentions CDM or any of its Controlled Affiliates, and (ii) all fees and expenses incurred by CDM and its Controlled Affiliates or any one of them in connection with this Agreement and a Subsequent Transaction (including fees and expenses of counsel, accountants and other advisors), including but not limited to the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement, the performance of services hereunder, or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Indemnity and Liability. The Company shall indemnify, defend, exonerate and hold CDM and each of its members, Controlled Affiliates, directors, officers, fiduciaries, employees, attorneys and agents and each of the partners, shareholders, directors, officers, fiduciaries, employees, attorneys and agents of each of the foregoing (collectively, the "Indemnitees") free and harmless from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, losses, liabilities and damages, and expenses in connection therewith, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements (collectively, the "Indemnified Liabilities"), incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or existence of this Agreement (including, without limitation, any indemnification obligation assumed or incurred by any Indemnitee to or on behalf of CDM, or its accountants or other representatives, agents or Controlled Affiliates) except for any such Indemnified Liability arising on account of such Indemnitee's gross negligence or willful misconduct, and if and to the extent that the foregoing undertaking may be unenforceable for any reason, the Company shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities which is permissible under applicable law. None of the Indemnitees shall be liable to the Company or any of its Affiliates for any act or omission suffered or taken by such Indemnitee that does not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.
SECTION 3. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. No amendment or waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement shall be effective, unless in writing and executed by CDM and the Company. No waiver on any one occasion shall extend to or effect or be construed as a waiver of any right or remedy on any future occasion. No course of dealing of any person nor any delay or omission in exercising any right or remedy shall constitute an amendment of this Agreement or a waiver of any right or remedy of any party hereto.
SECTION 4. DEFINED TERMS.
(a) "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any (i) director, officer, limited or general partner, member or stockholder holding 5% or more of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of such Person, and (ii) other Person that, directly or indirectly,
through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person.
(b) "control" means, including, with correlative meaning, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with", with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management, policies or investment decisions of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
(c) "Controlled Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any
(i) director, officer, limited or general partner, member or stockholder holding
5% or more of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of such
Person, and (i) any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or
more intermediaries, is controlled by such Person.
(d) "Person" shall be construed in the broadest sense and means and includes a natural person, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and any other entity and any federal, state, municipal, foreign or other government, governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, or any private or public court or tribunal.
(e) "Transaction Value" means the total value of the Subsequent Transaction as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith, and will include the aggregate amount of the funds required to complete the Subsequent Transaction (excluding any fees payable pursuant to Section 1(a) hereof and including, without double counting, the amount of any indebtedness, equity or similar items issued, assumed or remaining outstanding and the amount of any working capital items or other assets retained by the seller in such Subsequent Transaction).
SECTION 5. GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any law or rule that would cause the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York to be applied.
(b) ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE PARTIES RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE BROUGHT AND ENFORCED IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, TO THE EXTENT SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION EXISTS THEREFOR, AND THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF BOTH SUCH COURTS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVE,S TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT SUCH PARTY MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN NEW YORK COUNTY OR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND ANY
CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN ANY INCONVENIENT FORUM. ANY JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF.
(c) EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
SECTION 6. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The parties agree and understand that CDM is and shall act as an independent contractor of the Company in the performance of its duties hereunder. CDM is not, and in the performance of its duties hereunder will not hold itself out as, an employee, agent or other representative of the Company.
SECTION 7. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings with respect to such subject matter. The parties hereto represent and warrant that there are no other agreements or understandings regarding any of the subject matter hereof other than as set forth herein and covenant not to enter into any such agreements or understandings after the date hereof except pursuant to an amendment, modification or waiver of the provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 8. NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to any party shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written instrument delivered in person or sent by telecopy, nationally-recognized overnight courier or first class registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to such party at the address set forth below or such other address as may hereafter be designated in writing by such party to the other parties:
If to the Company, to:
Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation
One Old Bloomfield Road
Mountain Lake, New Jersey 07046
Attention: General Counsel
Telecopier: (973) 541-6691
If to CDM, to:
CDM Capital LLC
100 Northfield Street
Greenwich, CT 06830
Attention: C. Dean Metropoulos
Telephone: (203) 622-6988
Facsimile: (203) 629-6660
with a copy to:
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP 1285 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10019-6064 Attention: Robert M. Hirsh, Esq./Paul D. Ginsberg, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 373-3000
Facsimile: (212) 757-3990
All such notices, requests, consents and other communications shall be deemed to have been delivered (a) in the case of personal delivery or delivery by telecopy, on the date of such delivery, (b) in the case of dispatch by nationally-recognized overnight courier, on the next business day following such dispatch and (c) in the case of mailing, on the third business day after the posting thereof.
SECTION 9. SEVERABILITY. It is the desire and intent of the parties to this Agreement that the provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under the law and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, in the event that any provision of this Agreement would be held in any jurisdiction to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any reason, such provision, as to such jurisdiction, shall be ineffective, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such provision could be more narrowly drawn so as not be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable in such jurisdiction, it shall, as to such jurisdiction, be so narrowly drawn, without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
SECTION 10. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of original or facsimile counterparts, and each such counterpart hereof shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.
SECTION 11. HEADINGS. All descriptive headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall be disregarded in construing or applying any provision of this Agreement.
SECTION 12. PREVAILING PARTY. If any legal action or other proceedings is brought for a breach of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs incurred in bringing such action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.
SECTION 13. ASSIGNMENT, ETC. Except as provided below, neither the Company nor CDM shall have the right to assign this Agreement. CDM acknowledges that its services under this Agreement are unique. Accordingly, any purported assignment by CDM shall be void.
SECTION 14. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. No amendment or waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement shall be effective, unless in writing and executed by
CDM and the Company. No waiver on any one occasion shall extend to or effect or be construed as a waiver of any right or remedy on any future occasion. No course of dealing of any person nor any delay or omission in exercising any right or remedy shall constitute an amendment of this Agreement or a waiver of any right or remedy of any party hereto.
* * * * *
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Fee Agreement on the date first written above.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING
CORPORATION
By: /s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ------------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs |
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
By: /s/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------------- Name: Jonathan Lynch |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Fee Agreement on the date first written above.
CDM CAPITAL LLC
By: /s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS ------------------------- Name: C. Dean Metropoulos |
EXHIBIT A
CDM Investor Group LLC
100 Northfield Street
Greenwich, CT 06830
Attention: C. Dean Metropoulos
Telephone: (203) 622-6988
Facsimile: (203) 629-6660
ABA #__________
Account Name: _____________
Account #____________
EXHIBIT 10.23
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO FEE AGREEMENT
This Amendment No. 1 to Fee Agreement (this "Agreement") is made as of December 8, 2003, by and among, Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Crunch Holding") and CDM Capital LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CDM").
WHEREAS, the Company, Crunch Holding and CDM are parties to that certain Fee Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2003 (the "Fee Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have agreed to amend the Fee Agreement on the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Amendments to Fee Agreement. The Fee Agreement is hereby amended by inserting a new Section 15 which shall read as follows:
"SECTION 15. CESSATION OF PAYMENTS. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no fees shall be payable to CDM pursuant to Sections 1 or 2(a) of this Agreement following the date on which CDM Investor Group LLC ("CDM Investor") no longer owns at least 5% of the equity securities of Crunch Equity Holding, LLC ("LLC"), the parent of Crunch Holding, issued to it at the closing of the Initial Transaction; provided that the Company shall be obligated to make any payments due and payable in respect of periods prior to such date. For purposes of calculating CDM Investor's ownership percentage in this Section 15, the Class D Units and Class E Units issued to CDM Investor pursuant to the Operating Agreement of LLC dated as of November 25, 2003 (as may be amended, restated or modified, the "Operating Agreement") shall be deemed issued to CDM Investor at the closing of the Initial Transaction only if such Units would be Participating Units (as defined in the Operating Agreement) at the time in question."
2. Miscellaneous.
a. Except as herein expressly amended, the Fee Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects and shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. All references to the Fee Agreement shall mean the Fee Agreement as amended hereby and as the same may in the future be amended, restated, supplemented, or modified from time to time in accordance with its terms.
b. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto individually or in combination, in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.
c. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any law or rule that would cause the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York to be applied.
d. ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE PARTIES RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE BROUGHT AND ENFORCED IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, TO THE EXTENT THAT SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION EXISTS THEREFOR, AND THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF BOTH SUCH COURTS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLE WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT SUCH PARTY MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN NEW YORK COUNTY OR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN ANY INCONVENIENT FORUM. ANY JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION THEREOF.
e. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment No. 1 to Fee Agreement as of the date first above written.
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
By: /s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs |
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
By: /s/ JONATHAN LYNCH ------------------ Name: Jonathan Lynch |
CDM CAPITAL LLC
By: /s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS ------------------------ Name: C. Dean Metropoulos |
EXHIBIT 10.24
TAX SHARING AGREEMENT
TAX SHARING AGREEMENT, made as of November 25, 2003, by and among Crunch Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 39th Floor, New York, New York 10020 ("Holding"), and those corporations that have executed this Agreement and whose names and principal places of business are set forth on Exhibit A hereto (all of which are direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries of Holding and are includible in the consolidated Federal income tax return of the affiliated group (within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")) of which Holding is the common parent corporation (hereinafter, the "Holding Group") for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003), and such other parties as may become members of the Holding Group in subsequent fiscal years for which Holding files a consolidated Federal income tax return as the common parent corporation of an affiliated group, and who execute this Agreement (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "Subsidiary").
Holding and each Subsidiary wish to provide for payment of the
consolidated Federal income tax and certain state and local tax liabilities of
the Holding Group by Holding; for the contribution to such payment by the
various members of the Holding Group, including Pinnacle Foods Holding
Corporation, a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at
("PFHC"), and any direct and indirect subsidiaries of PFHC ("PFHC Subsidiaries")
that may be includible in the Holding Group (hereinafter, PFHC and such PFHC
Subsidiaries are sometimes collectively referred to as the "PFHC Group"), to
which such liability may be attributable in whole or in part; and for the
reimbursement by Holding to those Subsidiaries that produce losses or credits in
any fiscal year in the amount of the benefit that such Subsidiary would be
entitled to with respect to such losses or credits on a separate return basis,
or for the benefit, in whole or in part, that such losses or credits produce for
the Holding Group.
In consideration of the foregoing, and of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, Holding and the Subsidiaries agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Allocation and Payment of Tax Liability of Members of Group.
(a) For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004 and for each subsequent fiscal year for which this Agreement may remain in effect, each Subsidiary, for so long as it is a member of the Holding Group, shall be required to pay to Holding (in the manner provided in paragraph 1(c) hereof), as its share of the consolidated Federal income tax liability of the Holding Group, an amount equal to the Federal income tax liability that would have been payable by such Subsidiary for such year if it had filed a separate income tax return for such year and all prior years; provided, however, that in computing separate return tax liability, no account shall be taken of any deduction, loss or credit of any Subsidiary to the extent that such Subsidiary has previously received payment therefor, pursuant to Section 3 hereof. If a Subsidiary ceases to be a member of the Holding Group during a taxable year, such Subsidiary shall be required to pay to Holding only that portion of such Subsidiary's separate return tax liability that is allocable to the portion of the taxable year in which such Subsidiary was a member of the Holding Group. Payments shall be required to be made in each fiscal year pursuant to this Section without regard to the actual consolidated Federal income tax liability, if any, of the Holding Group for such year.
(b) For the purposes of this Agreement, if, in any fiscal year, one or more PFHC Subsidiaries are includible in the Holding Group, all members of the PFHC Group shall be deemed to constitute a single member of the Holding Group, and any portion of the Holding Group consolidated Federal income tax liability for any fiscal year that is apportioned to the PFHC Group in accordance with this Section shall be allocated among the members thereof in such manner as they may agree. The amount of separate return tax liability required to be paid to Holding by PFHC or the PFHC Group in any year pursuant to this Section shall be determined as if PFHC had filed a consolidated Federal income tax return for such year and for all prior years, on behalf of itself and all PFHC Subsidiaries that were includible corporations described in Section 1504(a)(1) of the Code for such year or prior years, as the case may be. If Holding engages in a merger or similar transaction with a corporation that is the parent of a consolidated tax group for Federal income tax purposes, and the Holding tax group is the continuing group for Federal income tax purposes, the other group should be treated under this agreement in a similar way as the PFHC Group.
(c) Each member (or group of members) of the Holding Group shall make payment to Holding of any consolidated Federal income tax liability allocated to it pursuant to this Section 1, and Holding shall have sole responsibility for making any required payments to the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") in satisfaction of the consolidated Federal income tax liability of the Holding Group for each fiscal year. Subject to the provisions of Section 1(d) below, for each quarter of each fiscal year after the year ended [June 30, 2003], each member (or group of members) of the Holding Group shall make payment to Holding of any amount required to be paid pursuant to this Section no later than the date upon which such member (or group of members) would be required to make an installment payment of estimated income tax to the IRS for such quarter, in accordance with Section 6655 of the Code. The amount of any overpayment or underpayment pursuant to this Section shall be credited against or added to, as the case may be, the amount otherwise required to be paid for the fiscal quarter within which the amount of such overpayment or underpayment first becomes reasonably ascertainable; provided, however, that, upon written request (including supporting schedules) of any member (or group of members), made after the close of any fiscal year but within the period described in Section 6425(a)(1) of the Code, Holding shall repay to such member (or group of members), within the period described in Section 6425(b)(1) of the Code, the amount of any net remaining overpayment of consolidated tax liability made by such member (or group of members) for such year.
(d) Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, any payment to be made by any party hereto to any other party hereto may be deferred until such time as either (i) the party obligated to make such payment elects to make the relevant payment or (ii) the party entitled to receive such payment demands that such payment be made. All such deferred payments shall bear interest at an annual rate that approximates the average interest rate under PFHC's revolving credit facility over the time period that such payment is deferred, computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a 365-day period.
SECTION 2. Payment for Tax Benefits of Members. From and after the date hereof, if any member (or group of members) of the Holding Group would be entitled to a refund of Federal income taxes previously paid in any prior fiscal year, computed on a separate return basis (in the manner described in Section 1 hereof), as a result of any losses, deductions or
credits claimed by such member (or group of members) for any fiscal year for which this Agreement may be in effect (any such entitlement to a refund being referred to herein as a "Separate Return Tax Benefit"), whether by reason of a carryback of a net operating loss, or a net capital loss or tax credit, or otherwise, then, upon written request (including supporting schedules) of such member (or group of members), made within the period described in Section 6411(a) of the Code, Holding shall pay the amount of such Separate Return Tax Benefit to such member, within the period described in Section 6411(b) of the Code (subject to the provisions of Section 1(d) above). In the case of PFHC and PFHC Subsidiaries, the amount of the Separate Return Tax Benefit for any year shall be computed as if PFHC had filed a consolidated Federal income tax return for such year and for all prior years on behalf of itself and all other PFHC Subsidiaries that were includible corporations described in Section 1504(a)(1) of the Code. The amount of any payment required to be made to any member (or group of members) pursuant to this Section 2 shall be reduced by any amount previously paid to such member (or group of members) with respect to such losses, deductions or credits pursuant to Section 3 hereof.
SECTION 3. Payment for Tax Benefits of Group.
(a) If, for any fiscal year during which this Agreement is in
effect, any member (or group of members) shall have a negative separate return
tax liability (hereinafter, a "Loss Member"), Holding intends to pay to such
Loss Member an amount equal to the tax benefit realized by the Holding Group for
such year (the "Group Tax Benefit") as a result of such negative separate return
tax liability. For purposes of this Agreement, the Group Tax Benefit for any
fiscal year shall be equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of the separate
return tax liabilities of each member of the Holding Group having a positive
separate return tax liability for such year, over (ii) the actual consolidated
Federal income tax liability of the Holding Group for such year. For purposes of
this Section 3, "separate return tax liability" shall be computed in accordance
with, and subject to the exceptions and limitations provided in Treas. Reg.
Section 1.1552-1(a)(2)(ii). "Negative separate return tax liability" shall
similarly be ascertained under the principles of Treas. Reg. Section
1.1552-1(a)(2)(ii), as if the Loss Member had filed a separate return for such
fiscal year as its first separate return year and allocated to such separate
return year carryover and carryback items of consolidated net operating loss,
consolidated net capital loss, consolidated unused investment credit,
consolidated unused foreign tax credit, and consolidated excess charitable
contributions under the provisions of Treas. Reg. Section 1.1502-79. In the case
of the PFHC Group, separate return tax liability and negative separate return
tax liability shall be computed in accordance with the principles set forth in
this Section 3, on a consolidated basis.
(b) Within 90 days after the beginning of each fiscal year for which this Agreement may be in effect, Holding shall give written notice to each Subsidiary of its intention to pay one or more Loss Members an amount equal to all, or any portion, of their proportionate part (determined in the manner provided in paragraph 3(a)) of any Group Tax Benefit that may be realized by the Holding Group for such year. Holding intends to make such payments on a quarterly basis, in the manner described in paragraph 1(c) hereof; provided, however, that all payments made pursuant to this Section 3 shall be made in the sole discretion of Holding, and Holding shall have no obligations or liability whatsoever with respect thereto to any Loss Member; and provided, further, that any payment made to any Loss Member in a fiscal year pursuant to this Section 3 shall be reduced by any amount previously paid to such Loss Member with respect to such year under Section 2 hereof.
SECTION 4. Adjustments. Any adjustment of income, deduction, or credit that results after the fiscal year in question by reason of any carryback, amended return, claim for refund, or audit shall be given effect by redetermining amounts payable and reimbursable for such fiscal year hereunder as if such adjustment had been part of the original determination hereunder, with interest payable in the amounts provided in Section 6611 of the Code. Any increases in the consolidated Federal income tax liability of the Holding Group, and any penalties and interest imposed with respect to any consolidated Federal income tax return filed on behalf of the Holding Group, shall be given effect by redetermining amounts payable for such fiscal year as if such adjustment had been part of the original determination hereunder.
SECTION 5. Alternative Minimum Tax. Each Subsidiary shall be required to pay to Holding, as its share of any alternative minimum tax imposed on the Holding Group pursuant to Section 55 of the Code, an amount of such liability that Holding shall allocate to each Subsidiary, provided that any such amounts so allocated pursuant to this Section 5 shall be allocated by Holding in a manner that is equitable and is consistent with Section 55 and Section 1502 of the Code, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, including any amendments thereto and consistent with the allocations of tax liability pursuant to Section 1 hereof.
SECTION 6. State Taxes. If, at any time from and after the date hereof, the liability of Holding and the Subsidiaries for any state or local income or franchise taxes is determined on a consolidated or combined basis, this Agreement shall be applied in like manner to determine liability for, and tax benefit payments with respect to, such taxes.
SECTION 7. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time upon mutual agreement of the parties hereto; provided, however, that such termination shall not relieve Holding of the obligation to make payments to any Subsidiary pursuant to Section 2 hereof for any separate return tax benefit to which such Subsidiary would have been entitled (if this Agreement had remained in effect) as a result of any loss, deductions or credits taken by such Subsidiary for any fiscal year for which this Agreement was in effect, nor will it relieve Holding or the Subsidiaries of any obligations pursuant to Section 4 hereof.
SECTION 8. Effective Date. This Agreement shall be effective for the taxable year of the Holding Group ended [June 30, 2004], and for all taxable years thereafter.
SECTION 9. Captions. All section captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.
SECTION 10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement.
SECTION 11. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws applicable to contracts entered into and to be fully performed within the State of New York by residents thereof.
SECTION 12. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Holding and the Subsidiaries have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
CRUNCH HOLDING CORP.
By: /s/ C. DEAN METROPOULOS --------------------------------- Name: C. Dean Metropoulos |
PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING CORPORATION
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION
PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS CORPORATION
PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION) CORP.
PF SALES, LLC
PF DISTRIBUTION, LLC
PF STANDARDS CORPORATION
By: /s/ N. MICHAEL DION -------------------------------- Name: N. Michael Dion |
EXHIBIT A NAME PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS --------------------------- --------------------------- PINNACLE FOODS HOLDING 6 Executive Campus CORPORATION Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112 PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION 6 Executive Campus Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112 PINNACLE FOODS MANAGEMENT 6 Executive Campus CORPORATION Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112 PINNACLE FOODS BRANDS 6 Executive Campus CORPORATION Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112 PF SALES (N. CENTRAL REGION) 6 Executive Campus CORPORATION Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112 PF SALES, LLC 6 Executive Campus Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112 PF DISTRIBUTION, LLC 6 Executive Campus Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112 PF STANDARDS CORPORATION 6 Executive Campus Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-4112 |
EXHIBIT 10.25
NEW JERSEY
NEW JERSEY
FULL SERVICE LEASE
BRANDYWINE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.,
LANDLORD
AND
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION
TENANT
FOR SUITE 100
CHERRY HILL EXECUTIVE CAMPUS #6
ONE SOUTH UNION PLACE
CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY 08002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. SUMMARY OF DEFINED TERMS............................................................................... 1 2. PREMISES............................................................................................... 4 3. TERM................................................................................................... 4 4. CONSTRUCTION BY LANDLORD............................................................................... 4 5. FIXED RENT; SECURITY DEPOSIT........................................................................... 4 6. ADDITIONAL RENT........................................................................................ 6 7. ELECTRICITY CHARGES.................................................................................... 11 8. SIGNS; USE OF PREMISES AND COMMON AREAS................................................................ 11 9. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.................................................................................. 12 10. TENANT'S ALTERATIONS................................................................................... 15 11. CONSTRUCTION LIENS..................................................................................... 16 12. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING.............................................................................. 17 13. LANDLORD'S RIGHT OF ENTRY.............................................................................. 20 14. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE................................................................................ 21 15. INSURANCE; SUBROGATION RIGHTS.......................................................................... 22 16. INDEMNIFICATION........................................................................................ 23 17. QUIET ENJOYMENT........................................................................................ 24 18. DAMAGE................................................................................................. 25 19. SUBORDINATION; RIGHTS OF MORTGAGEE..................................................................... 26 20. CONDEMNATION........................................................................................... 27 21. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE................................................................................... 28 22. DEFAULT................................................................................................ 28 23. LANDLORD'S LIEN; TENANT FINANCIAL INFORMATION.......................................................... 33 24. LANDLORD'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.............................................................. 34 25. SURRENDER.............................................................................................. 34 26. RULES AND REGULATIONS.................................................................................. 34 27. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS............................................................................... 35 28. NOTICES................................................................................................ 35 29. BROKERS................................................................................................ 36 30. CHANGE OF BUILDING/PROJECT NAME........................................................................ 36 31. LANDLORD'S LIABILITY; TENANT'S LIABILITY............................................................... 36 |
32. AUTHORITY.............................................................................................. 37 33. NO OFFER............................................................................................... 37 34. RELOCATION............................................................................................. 37 35. RENEWAL................................................................................................ 37 36. RIGHT OF EXPANSION..................................................................................... 38 37. ROOF RIGHTS............................................................................................ 39 38. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.................................................................................. 40 39. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS............................................................................... 40 40. WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY................................................................................ 42 41. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION................................................................................ 42 42. COMPETITORS............................................................................................ 42 43. ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS.................................................................................. 42 44. EARLY TERMINATION...................................................................................... 43 |
EXHIBITS EXHIBIT "A"- SPACE PLAN OF PREMISES EXHIBIT "B"- CONFIRMATION OF LEASE TERM EXHIBIT "C"- RULES AND REGULATIONS EXHIBIT "D"- CLEANING SPECIFICATIONS EXHIBIT "E"- CERTIFICATION |
LEASE
THIS LEASE ("Lease") entered into as of the 23rd day of May, 2001, between BRANDYWINE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("Landlord"), and PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, with its principal place of business at One South Union Place, Suite 100, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002 ("Tenant").
WITNESSETH
In consideration of the mutual covenants herein set forth, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
1. SUMMARY OF DEFINED TERMS.
The following defined terms, as used in this Lease, shall have the meanings and shall be construed as set forth below:
(a) "Building": The Building located at Cherry Hill Executive Campus #6, One South Union Place, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002.
(b) "Project": The Building, the land and all other improvements located at Cherry Hill Executive Campus, Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
(c) "Premises": Suite No. 100, which the parties stipulate and agree is initially a 75,000 rentable square foot portion of the Building shown on the space plan attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and made a part hereof. On August 1, 2001 the Premises shall be reduced to a 50,000 rentable square foot portion of the Building shown on the space plan attached hereto as Exhibit "A-1" and Tenant shall surrender the 25,000 square foot portion in the condition required by the terms of this Lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall, at its sole cost and expense, within a reasonable time following renovations to the first floor of the Building, engage an independent, third-party licensed architect to review the existing computer assisted design ("CAD") drawings for the Building and to certify to Landlord and Tenant the square footage of the common areas in the Building, the Premises and the Building. Within ten (10) business days following Tenant's receipt of such certification, Tenant shall notify Landlord in writing if Tenant contests such measurements. If Tenant notifies Landlord that it contests such measurements, Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense, within ten (10) business days, engage an independent, third-party licensed architect to physically re-measure the common areas of the Building, the Premises and the entire Building in accordance with industry and BOMA standards and to certify to Tenant and Landlord, based on its own CAD drawings, the square footages for such areas. In the event the Tenant's architect's measurements show a different square footage then as set forth in this Lease for the Premises, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to agree upon the final square footage for the Premises, the common areas and the Building. Upon such agreement, this Lease, and specifically, the provisions relating to Premises, Fixed Rent and Allocated Share, shall be amended to reflect the actual agreed upon square footage of the Premises.
(d) "Term": From the Commencement Date for a period of 120 months, ending on the last calendar day of the 120th calendar month.
(e) "Fixed Rent":
MONTHLY ANNUAL LEASE YEAR PER R.S.F. RSF INSTALLMENTS FIXED RENT ---------- ---------- --- ------------ ---------- Months 1-2 $14.00, plus electric 75,000 87,500.00 1,050,000.00 Months 3- 24 $14.00, plus electric 50,000 58,333.33 $ 700,000.00 Months 25-36 $15.00, plus electric 50,000 62,500.00 $ 750,000.00 Months 37-48 $15.50, plus electric 50,000 64,583.33 $ 775,000.00 Months 49-60 $16.00, plus electric 50,000 66,666.67 $ 800,000.00 Months 61-72 $16.75, plus electric 50,000 69,791.67 $ 837,500.00 Months 73-84 $17.50, plus electric 50,000 72,916.67 $ 875,000.00 Months 85-96 $18.25, plus electric 50,000 76,041.67 $ 912,500.00 Months 97-108 $19.00, plus electric 50,000 79,166.67 $ 950,000.00 Months 109-210 $19.75, plus electric 50,000 82,291.67 $ 987,500.00 |
(f) "Security Deposit": None, subject to Section 23
(g) "Estimated Occupancy Date": May 23, 2001.
"Tenant's Allocated Share": initially 75.32%, reducing to 50.21%; (subject to Article 1(c))
"Expense Stop": $4.75 per rentable square foot. Landlord represents that to its best knowledge 2001 Recognized Expenses are approximately $4.80 per rentable square foot.
(h) "Rentable Area": Premises 75,000 ft. (reducing to 50,000 ft)
(subject to Article 1(c))
Building 99,573 ft. (subject to Article 1(c))
(i) "Permitted Uses": Tenant's use of the Premises shall be limited to general office use and incidental thereto including storage, a food research facility, test kitchens for the testing and development of food products, freezer use in the kitchens and any lawful activities necessary and incidental thereto. Tenant's rights to use the Premises shall be subject to all applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations and to all reasonable requirements of the
insurers of the Building. Tenant shall have the right, but no obligation, to allow other tenants in the Building to use Tenant's cafeteria and to charge such tenants for such use.
(j) "Broker" None
(k) "Notice Address/Contact"
Tenant: Pinnacle Foods Corporation One South Union Place - Suite 100 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Attn: Mr. Dan Parker Fax No: |
E-Mail:
with a copy to:
Pinnacle Foods Corporation
200 Crescent Court - Suite 1600
Dallas, TX 75201
Attn: General Counsel
Fax No.: 214/720-7888
E-Mail:
with a copy to:
Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P. 2001 Ross Avenue - Suite 3700 Dallas, TX 75201 Attn: David E. Wolfe Fax No.: 214/999-7798 E-Mail: DWolfe@velaw.com Landlord: Brandywine Operating Partnership, L.P. 10,000 Midlantic Drive, Suite 300 West Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 Attn: George D. Sowa Fax No.: 856-787-1310 E-Mail: gsowa@brandywinerealty.com |
with a copy to:
Brandywine Realty Trust 14 Campus Blvd., Suite 100 Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073 Attn: Brad A. Molotsky, General Counsel Fax No.: 610-325-4628 E-Mail: bmolotsky@brandywinerealty.com
(l) "Tenant's Standard Industrial Classification Number": 20
(m) "Additional Rent": All sums of money or charges required to be paid by Tenant under this Lease other than Fixed Rent, whether or not such sums or charges are designated as "Additional Rent".
(n) "Rent": All Annual Fixed Rent, monthly installments of Annual Fixed Rent, Fixed Rent and Additional Rent payable by Tenant to Landlord under this Lease.
2. PREMISES.
Landlord does hereby lease, demise and let unto Tenant and Tenant does hereby hire and lease from Landlord the Premises for the Term, upon the provisions, conditions and limitations set forth herein.
3. TERM.
The Term of this Lease shall commence (the "Commencement Date") the date which is the later of (i) May 23, 2001 (ii) the first day after the date the current lease for the space in the Building with Vlasic Foods International Inc. or any of its affiliates is formally rejected by such tenant in its chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. The Term shall expire on the last day of the month which is 120 full calendar months from the Commencement Date. The Commencement Date shall be confirmed by Landlord and Tenant by the execution of a Confirmation of Lease Term in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "B". If Tenant fails to execute or object to the Confirmation of Lease Term within ten (10) business days of Tenant's receipt thereof, Landlord's determination of such dates shall be deemed accepted.
4. CONSTRUCTION BY LANDLORD.
Landlord shall, at its sole cost and expense, construct and do such other work to the first floor of the Premises (collectively, the "Landlord's Work") in substantial conformity with the drawing attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, which drawing has been approved by the parties. Except for the Landlord's Work, and as otherwise expressly set forth to the contrary, Tenant shall accept the Premises in "AS IS" condition.
5. FIXED RENT; SECURITY DEPOSIT.
(a) Tenant shall pay to Landlord without notice or demand, and without set-off, the annual Fixed Rent payable in the monthly installments of Fixed Rent as set forth in Article 1(e), in advance on the first day of each calendar month during the Term by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account at First Union National Bank, Salem NJ account no. 2030000359075 ABA #031201467; such transfer to be confirmed by Landlord's accounting department (610-325-5622 - fax) by written facsimile upon written request by Tenant. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, the first full month's installment and any initial partial month and the Security Deposit shall be paid upon the execution of this Lease by Tenant by one check.
(b) In the event any Fixed Rent or Additional Rent, charge, fee or other amount due from Tenant under the terms of this Lease are not paid to Landlord when due, Tenant shall also pay as Additional Rent a service and handling charge equal to ten (10%) percent of the total payment then due. The aforesaid late fee shall begin to accrue on the initial date of a payment due date, irrespective of any grace period granted hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall have a one-time grace period during each Lease Year whereupon, such late fee shall not be due unless Tenant fails to pay such Rent within five business days of notice from Landlord. This provision shall not prevent Landlord from exercising any other remedy herein provided or otherwise available at law or in equity in the event of any default by Tenant.
(c) If Tenant shall be required to pay a Security Deposit under this
Lease (the "Collateral") pursuant and subject to Section 23 as security for the
prompt, full and faithful performance by Tenant of each and every provision of
this Lease and of all obligations of Tenant hereunder. No interest shall be paid
to Tenant on the Collateral, and Landlord shall have the right to commingle the
Collateral with other Security Deposits held by Landlord. If Tenant fails to
perform any of its obligations hereunder, Landlord may use, apply or retain the
whole or any part of the Collateral for the payment of (i) any rent or other
sums of money which Tenant may not have paid when due, (ii) any sum expended by
Landlord on Tenant's behalf in accordance with the provisions of this Lease,
and/or (iii) any sum which Landlord may expend or be required to expend by
reason of Tenant's default, including, without limitation, any damage or
deficiency in or from the reletting of the Premises as provided in this Lease.
The use, application or retention of the Collateral, or any portion thereof, by
Landlord shall not prevent Landlord from exercising any other right or remedy
provided by this Lease or by law (it being intended that Landlord shall not
first be required to proceed against the Collateral) and shall not operate as
either liquidated damages or as a limitation on any recovery to which Landlord
may otherwise be entitled. If any portion of the Collateral is used, applied or
retained by Landlord for the purposes set forth above, Tenant agrees, within ten
(10) days after the written demand therefor is made by Landlord, to deposit cash
with the Landlord in an amount sufficient to restore the Collateral to its
original amount. In addition to the foregoing, if Tenant defaults (irrespective
of the fact that Tenant cured such default) more than once in its performance of
a monetary obligation and such monetary defaults aggregate in excess of $20,000
under this Lease, Landlord may require Tenant to increase the Collateral, in the
aggregate to the greater of twice the (i) Fixed Rent paid monthly, or (ii) the
initial amount of the Collateral.
If Tenant shall fully and faithfully comply with all of the provisions of this Lease, the Collateral, or any balance thereof, shall be returned to Tenant without interest after the expiration of the Term or upon any later date after which Tenant has vacated the Premises. In the absence of evidence satisfactory to Landlord of any permitted assignment of the right to receive the Collateral, Landlord may return the same to the original Tenant, regardless of one or more assignments of Tenant's interest in this Lease or the Collateral. Upon the return of the Collateral, or the remaining balance thereof, to the original Tenant or any successor to the original Tenant, Landlord shall be completely relieved of liability with respect to the Collateral.
In the event of a transfer of the Project or the Building, Landlord shall have the right to transfer the Collateral to the vendee or lessee and Landlord shall thereupon be released by Tenant from all liability for the return of such Collateral. Upon the assumption of such
Collateral by the transferee, Tenant agrees to look solely to the new landlord for the return of said Collateral, and the provisions hereof apply to every transfer or assignment made of the Collateral to a new landlord. Tenant further covenants that it will not assign or encumber or attempt to assign or encumber the Collateral and that neither Landlord nor its successors or assigns shall be bound by any such assignment, encumbrance, attempted assignment or attempted encumbrance. The Collateral shall not be mortgaged, assigned or encumbered in any manner whatsoever by Tenant without the prior written consent of Landlord.
6. ADDITIONAL RENT.
(a) Commencing on the Commencement Date, and in each calendar year thereafter during the Term (as same may be extended), Tenant shall pay to Landlord Tenant's Allocated Share of the following charges ("Recognized Expenses"), without deduction or set off, to the extent such Recognized Expenses exceed the Expense Stop.
(i) Operating Expenses. All costs and expenses related to the Project incurred by Landlord, including, but not limited to:
(a) All costs and expenses related to the operation of the Building and Project, including, but not limited to, lighting, cleaning the Building exterior and common areas of the Building interior, trash removal and recycling, repairs and maintenance of the roof and storm water management system, policing and regulating traffic to and from the Project, fire suppression and alarm systems, concierge services for the Project, utilities (other than electricity), electricity for the common areas and other non-tenant areas of the Building, removing snow, ice and debris and maintaining all landscape areas, (including replacing and replanting flowers, shrubbery and trees), maintaining and repairing all other exterior improvements on the Project, all repairs and compliance costs necessitated by laws enacted or which become effective after the date hereof (including, without limitation, any additional regulations or requirements enacted after the date hereof regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act (as such applies to the Project or common areas but not to any individual tenant's space), if applicable) required of Landlord under applicable laws and rules and regulations.
(b) All costs and expenses incurred by Landlord for environmental testing, sampling or monitoring required by statute, regulation or order of governmental authority, except any costs or expenses incurred in conjunction with the spilling or depositing of any hazardous substance for which any person or other tenant is legally liable.
(c) Any other expense or charge (including reasonably allocated general and administrative charges) which would typically be considered an expense of maintaining, operating or repairing the Project under generally accepted accounting principles and customary in the local lease market.
(d) Management fee not to exceed five (5%) percent of Rent. It is expressly understood that legal fees incurred in an action against an individual tenant shall not be deemed includable as an operating expense pursuant to this provision. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in no event during the initial Term of this Lease shall the management fee exceed $.83 per rentable square foot.
(e) Capital expenditures and capital repairs and replacements shall be included as operating expenses solely to the extent of the amortized costs of same over the useful life of the improvement in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as such useful life may be modified by act of the U.S. Congress or the I.R.S. from time to time.
(f) All insurance premiums paid or payable by Landlord for insurance with respect to the Project as follows: (a) fire and extended coverage insurance (including demolition and debris removal); (b) Landlord's rental loss or abatement (but not including business interruption coverage on behalf of Tenant), from damage or destruction from environmental hazards, fire or other casualty; (c) Landlord's commercial general liability insurance (including bodily injury and property damage) and boiler insurance; and (d) such other insurance as Landlord or any reputable mortgage lending institution holding a mortgage on the Premises may reasonably require. If the coverage period of any of such insurance obtained by Landlord commences before or extends beyond the Term, the premium therefore shall be prorated to the Term. Should Tenant's occupancy or use of the Premises at any time change and thereby cause an increase in such insurance premiums on the Premises, Building and/or Project, Tenant shall pay to Landlord the entire amount of such reasonably documented increase.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term "Operating Expenses" shall not include any of the following:
(a) Repairs or other work occasioned by fire, windstorm or other insured casualty or by the exercise of the right of eminent domain to the extent of insurance proceeds or condemnation awards received therefor;
(b) Leasing and brokerage commissions, accountants', consultants', auditors or attorneys' fees, costs and disbursements and other expenses incurred in connection with negotiations or disputes with other tenants or prospective tenants or other occupants, or associated with the enforcement of any other leases or the defense of Landlord's title to or interest in the real property or any part thereof;
(c) Costs incurred by Landlord in connection with construction of the Building and related facilities, the correction of latent defects in construction of the Building or the discharge of Landlord's Work;
(d) Costs (including permit, licenses and inspection fees) incurred in renovating or otherwise improving or decorating, painting, or redecorating the Building or space for other tenants or other occupants or vacant space;
(e) Depreciation and amortization;
(f) Costs incurred due to a breach by Landlord or any other tenant of the terms and conditions of any lease;
(g) Overhead and profit increment paid to subsidiaries or affiliates of Landlord for management or other services on or to the Building or for supplies, utilities or other materials, to the extent that the costs of such services, supplies, utilities or materials exceed the reasonable costs that would have been paid had the services, supplies or materials been provided by unaffiliated parties on a reasonable basis without taking into effect volume discounts or rebates offered to Landlord as a portfolio purchaser;
(h) Interest on debt or amortization payments or financing costs on any mortgage or deeds of trust or any other borrowings and any ground rent;
(i) Ground rents or rentals payable by Landlord pursuant to any over-lease;
(j) Any compensation paid to clerks, attendants or other persons in commercial concessions operated by Landlord;
(k) Costs incurred in managing or operating any "pay for" parking facilities within the Project;
(l) Expenses resulting from the negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord;
(m) Any fines or fees for Landlord's failure to comply with governmental, quasi-governmental, or regulatory agencies' rules and regulations;
(n) Legal, accounting and other expenses related to Landlord's financing, re-financing, mortgaging or selling the Building or the Project;
(o) Taxes;
(p) Costs for maintaining sculpture, decorations, painting or other objects of art in excess of amounts typically spent for such items in office buildings of comparable quality in the competitive area of the Building;
(q) Cost of any political, charitable or civic contribution or donation; and
(r) Costs that are capital in nature except as provided in subsection 6(a)(i)(e) hereof.
(i) Taxes. Taxes shall be defined as all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges ("Taxes"), including special assessments for public improvements or traffic districts which are levied or assessed against the Project during the Term or, if levied or assessed prior to the Term, which properly are allocable to the Term, and real estate tax appeal expenditures incurred by Landlord to the extent of any reduction resulting thereby. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to include as Taxes: (A) any inheritance, estate, succession, transfer, gift, franchise, corporation, net income or profit tax or capital levy that is or may be imposed upon Landlord or (B) any transfer tax or recording charge resulting from a transfer of
the Building or the Project; provided, however, that if at any time during the Term the method of taxation prevailing at the commencement of the Term shall be altered so that in lieu of or as a substitute for the whole or any part of the taxes now levied, assessed or imposed on real estate as such there shall be levied, assessed or imposed (i) a tax on the rents received from such real estate, or (ii) a license fee measured by the rents receivable by Landlord from the Premises or any portion thereof, or (iii) a tax or license fee imposed upon Premises or any portion thereof, then the same shall be included in the computation of Taxes hereunder.
(b) Tenant shall pay, in monthly installments in advance, on account of Tenant's Allocated Share of Operating Expenses and Taxes, the estimated amount of the increase of such Recognized Expenses and Taxes for such year in excess of the Expense Stop as determined by Landlord in its reasonable discretion and as set forth in a notice to Tenant, such notice to include the basis for such calculation. Prior to the end of the calendar year in which the Lease commences and thereafter for each successive calendar year (each, a "Lease Year"), or part thereof, Landlord shall send to Tenant a statement of projected increases in Recognized Expenses and Taxes in excess of the Expense Stop and shall indicate what Tenant's projected share of Recognized Expenses and Taxes shall be. Said amount shall be paid in equal monthly installments in advance by Tenant as Additional Rent commencing January 1 of the applicable Lease Year.
Tenant shall have the right, at its sole cost and expense, to audit or have its appointed accountant audit Landlord's records related to Recognized Expenses and Taxes provided that any such audit may not occur more frequently than once each calendar year nor apply to any year other than the current Lease Year and the Year immediately preceding the current Lease Year. In the event Tenant's audit discloses any discrepancy, Landlord and Tenant shall use their best efforts to resolve the dispute and make an appropriate adjustment, failing which, they shall submit any such dispute to arbitration pursuant to the rules and under the jurisdiction of the American Arbitration Association in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The decision rendered in such arbitration shall be final, binding and non-appealable. The expenses of arbitration, other than individual legal and accounting expenses which shall be the respective parties' responsibility, shall be divided equally between the parties. In the event, by agreement or as a result of an arbitration decision, it is determined that the actual Recognized Expenses and Taxes exceeded those claimed by the Landlord by more than five percent (5%), the actual, reasonable hourly costs to Tenant of Tenant's audit and such arbitration (including legal and accounting costs) shall be reimbursed by Landlord. In the event Tenant utilizes a contingent fee auditor and Landlord is responsible for the payment of such auditor, Landlord shall only pay the reasonable hourly fee of such auditor.
(c) If during the course of any Lease Year, Landlord shall have reason to believe that the Operating Expenses and Taxes shall be different than that upon which the aforesaid projections were originally based, then Landlord, one time in any calendar year, shall be entitled to adjust the amount by reallocating the remaining payments for such year, for the months of the Lease Year which remain for the revised projections, and to advise Tenant of an adjustment in future monthly amounts to the end result that the Operating Expenses and Taxes shall be collected on a reasonably current basis each Lease Year.
(d) In calculating the Recognized Expenses as hereinbefore described, if for thirty (30) or more days during the preceding Lease Year less than ninety-five (95%) percent of the rentable area of the Building shall have been occupied by tenants, then the Recognized Expenses attributable to the Property shall be deemed for such Lease Year to be amounts equal to the Recognized Expenses which would normally be expected to be incurred had such occupancy of the Building been at least ninety-five (95%) percent throughout such year, as reasonably determined by Landlord. Recognized Expenses grossed-up to ninety-five (95%) percent under this Section 6(d) shall include only those Recognized Expenses that vary with the occupancy of the Building (e.g., janitorial thus, excluding, for example, the cost of landscaping). In no event shall Landlord be entitled to recover more than 100% of actual Operating Expenses pursuant to this Section 6(d). Furthermore, if Landlord shall not furnish any item or items of Recognized Expenses to any portions of the Building because such portions are not occupied or because such item is not required by the tenant of such portion of the Building, for the purposes of computing Recognized Expenses, an equitable adjustment shall be made so that the item of Operating Expense in question shall be shared only by tenants actually receiving the benefits thereof.
(e) By April 30th of each Lease Year or as soon thereafter as administratively available, Landlord shall send to Tenant a statement of actual expenses incurred for Recognized Expenses and Taxes for the prior Lease Year showing the Allocated Share due from Tenant. Landlord shall use its best efforts to provide Tenant with the aforesaid statements on or before April 30 of each Lease Year; provided, however, if Landlord is unable to provide such statements by April 30, Landlord shall not have been deemed to waive its right to collect any such amounts as Additional Rent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Landlord fails to provide Tenant with the aforesaid statement by June 30, Landlord shall be deemed to waive its right to collect any such amounts as Additional Rent. In the event the amount prepaid by Tenant exceeds the amount that was actually due then Landlord shall issue a credit to Tenant in an amount equal to the over charge, which credit Tenant may apply to future payments on account of Recognized Expenses and Taxes until Tenant has been fully credited with the over charge. If the credit due to Tenant is more than the aggregate total of future rental payments, Landlord shall pay to Tenant the difference between the credit in such aggregate total. In the event Landlord has undercharged Tenant, then Landlord shall send Tenant an invoice with the additional amount due, which amount shall be paid in full by Tenant within twenty (20) days of receipt.
(f) Each of the Operating Expenses and Tax amounts, whether requiring lump sum payment or constituting projected monthly amounts added to the Fixed Rent, shall for all purposes be treated and considered as Additional Rent and the failure of Tenant to pay the same as and when due in advance and without demand shall have the same effect as failure to pay any installment of the Fixed Rent and shall afford Landlord all the remedies in the Lease therefor as well as at law or in equity.
(g) If this Lease terminates other than at the end of a calendar year, Landlord's annual estimate of Recognized Expenses and Taxes shall be accepted by the parties as the actual Recognized Expenses and Taxes for the year the Lease ends until Landlord provides Tenant with actual statements in accordance with subsection 6(e) above.
7. ELECTRICITY CHARGES.
Landlord shall not be liable for any interruption or delay in electric or
any other utility service for any reason unless caused by the negligence or
willful misconduct of Landlord or its agents. Landlord shall have the right to
change the electric and other utility provider to the Project or Building at any
time. Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as Additional Rent, within fifteen (15)
business days of receipt of Landlord's billing statement therefor, all charges
incurred by Landlord, or its agent, for electricity, such charges to be based
upon Tenant's submeter/separate meter. The aforesaid electricity charges shall
commence upon occupancy by Tenant of the Premises. As long as Tenant is not in
default under any covenants of this Lease, Landlord, during the hours of 8:00
A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on weekdays and on Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
("Working Hours"), excluding legal holidays, shall furnish the Premises with
heat and air-conditioning in the respective seasons, and provide the Premises
with electricity for lighting and usual office equipment. Landlord will provide
after-hours cooling, heating and ventilating at hourly rates based on the actual
cost incurred by Landlord in providing such service (and in no event more than
$65.00 per hour); provided, that Tenant shall give reasonable prior notice of
the desire for such services. If Landlord provides requested after hours service
of two or more tenants, Tenant shall only be charged its proportionate share of
these expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, throughout any renewal periods,
Tenant shall have the right to contract separately and have meters installed, at
its sole cost and expense, for both Tenant's electricity for the Premises and
Tenant's share of common electricity service. Any savings derived from Tenant's
contract with the electric provider will be credited or paid directly to Tenant
from the electric provider.
8. SIGNS; USE OF PREMISES AND COMMON AREAS.
(a) Tenant shall be entitled at Tenant's sole cost and expense to have its name displayed on standard identification signage on all Building directories and at the entrance to the Premises. In addition, provided that Tenants occupies two floors of the Building and is occupying more square footage than any other tenant in the Building, the existing Building exterior signage may remain on the Building. In the event Tenant subleases space, such space will not be deemed "occupied" by Tenant for the purposes of determining whether Tenant is entitled to such exterior signage. If Tenant has the right to such exterior signage, Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall have the right to replace the exterior signage with a sign of comparable size and color (and if Tenant elects with a new or different name, including Pinnacle Foods Corporation), upon Landlord's approval of such sign, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, and upon Township approval, if required by applicable law. No other signs shall be placed, erected or maintained by Tenant at any place upon the Premises, Building or Project.
(b) Tenant may use and occupy the Premises only for the express and limited purposes stated in Article1(i) above; and the Premises shall not be used or occupied, in whole or in part, for any other purpose without the prior written consent of Landlord; provided that Tenant's right to so use and occupy the Premises shall remain expressly subject to the provisions of "Governmental Regulations", Article 27 herein. No machinery or equipment shall be permitted that shall cause vibration, noise or disturbance beyond the Premises.
(c) Tenant shall not overload any floor or part thereof in the Premises or the Building, including any public corridors or elevators therein, bringing in, placing, storing, installing or removing any large or heavy articles, and Landlord may prohibit, or may direct and control the location and size of, safes and all other heavy articles, and may require, at Tenant's sole cost and expense, supplementary supports of such materials and dimensions as Landlord may deem necessary to properly distribute the weight.
(d) Tenant shall not install in or for the Premises, without Landlord's prior written approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned, any equipment which requires more electric current than Landlord is required to provide under this Lease, and Tenant shall ascertain from Landlord the maximum amount of load or demand for or use of electrical current which can safely be permitted in and for the Premises, taking into account the capacity of electric wiring in the Building and the Premises and the needs of Building common areas (interior and exterior) and the requirements of other tenants or future office tenants of the Building (assuming customary office needs), Tenant and shall not in any event connect a greater load than such safe capacity.
(e) Tenant shall not commit or suffer any waste upon the Premises, Building or Project or any nuisance, or do any other act or thing which may disturb the quiet enjoyment of any other tenant in the Building or Project.
(f) Tenant shall have the right, non-exclusive and in common with others, to use the exterior paved driveways and walkways of the Building for vehicular and pedestrian access to the Building. Tenant shall also have the right, in common with other tenants of the Building and Landlord, at no additional charge, to use the designated parking areas of the Project for the parking of automobiles of Tenant and its employees and business visitors, incident to Tenant's permitted use of the Premises; provided that Landlord shall have the right to restrict or limit Tenant's utilization of the parking areas in the event the same become overburdened and in such case to equitably allocate on proportionate basis or assign parking spaces among Tenant and the other tenants of the Building. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall have the right to use at all times during the Term or any renewal term, at no additional charge, four designated parking spaces per 1,000 square feet in the Premises.
9. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
(a) Hazardous Substances.
(i) Tenant shall not, except as provided in subparagraph (ii) below, bring or otherwise cause to be brought or permit any of its agents, employees, contractors or invitees to bring in, on or about any part of the Premises, Building or Project, any hazardous substance or hazardous waste in violation of law, as such terms are or may be defined in (x) the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq., as the same may from time to time be amended, and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto ("CERCLA"); the United States Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.102); by the Environmental Protection Agency as hazardous substances (40 CFR Part 302); the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act, and all amendments, modifications or supplements thereto; (y) the Industrial Site Recovery Act, formerly known as the
Environmental Cleanup Responsibility Act, N.J.S.A.13:1K-6 et seq., as the same may from time to time be amended, and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto ("ISRA"); and/or (z) any other rule, regulation, ordinance, statute or requirements of any governmental or administrative agency regarding the environment (collectively, (x) and (y) shall be referred to as an "Applicable Environmental Law").
(ii) Tenant may bring to and use at the Premises, hazardous substances incidental to its normal business operations under the SIC Code referenced in Article 1(1) above solely in de minimis quantities and strictly in accordance with all Applicable Environmental Law. Tenant shall store and handle such substances in strict accordance with all Applicable Environmental Law.
(b) SIC Numbers.
(i) Tenant represents and warrants that (Standard Industrial Classification) number as designated in the Standard Industrial Classification System Manual prepared by the Office of Management and Budget, and as set forth in Article 1(1) hereof, is correct. Tenant represents that the specific activities intended to be carried on in the Premises are in accordance with Article 1(i) and Tenant covenants and agrees that it will not do or suffer anything which will cause its SIC number (or that of any assignee or subtenant) to fall within any of the following "major group" classifications of SIC numbers during the Term (and any exercised renewal term) hereof: 22 through 39 inclusive, 46 through 49 inclusive, 51 and 76 (together the "Covered Numbers"). Tenant further covenants and agrees to notify Landlord at least thirty (30) days prior to any change of facts which would result in the change of Tenant's SIC number from its present number to any of the Covered Numbers. Upon such notice, Landlord shall have the right, at its option, to terminate this Lease within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice by notifying Tenant in writing, if the change is due solely to the conduct of Tenant.
(ii) Except as provided in subparagraph (a)(ii) above, Tenant shall not engage in operations at the Premises which involve the generation, manufacture, refining, transportation, treatment, storage, handling or disposal of "hazardous substances" or "hazardous waste" as such terms are defined under any Applicable Environmental Law. Tenant further covenants that it will not cause or permit to exist (as a result of any action by Tenant, or its agents, employees, contractors or invitees) any "discharge" (as such term is defined under Applicable Environmental Laws) on or about the Premises.
(iii) (A) If Tenant's operations at the Premises now or hereafter constitute an "Industrial Establishment" subject to the requirements of ISRA, then prior to: (1) closing operations or transferring ownership or operations of Tenant at the Premises (as defined under ISRA), (2) the expiration or sooner termination of this lease, or (3) any assignment of this Lease or any subletting of any portion of the Premises; Tenant shall, at its expense, comply with all requirements of ISRA pertaining thereto. Without limitation of the foregoing, Tenant's obligations shall include (i) the proper filing of an initial notice under N.J.S.A. 13:1K-9(a) to the NJDEP and (ii) the performance of all remediation and other requirements of ISRA, including without limitation all requirements of N.J.S.A. 13:lK-9(b) through and including (1).
(B) In addition, upon written request of Landlord, Tenant shall cooperate with Landlord in obtaining Applicable Environmental Laws approval of any transfer of the Building. Specifically in that regard, Tenant agrees that it shall (1) execute and deliver all affidavits, reports, responses to questions, applications or other filings required by Landlord and related to Tenant's activities at the Premises, (2) allow inspections and testing of the Premises during normal business hours, and (3) as respects the Premises, perform any requirement reasonably requested by Landlord necessary for the receipt of approvals under Applicable Environmental Law, provided the foregoing shall be at no out-of-pocket cost or expense to Tenant except for clean-up and remediation costs arising from Tenant's violation of this Article 9. The provisions of this subparagraph (B) shall be binding upon Landlord with respect to Tenant's compliance efforts concerning Applicable. Environmental laws.
(iv) The parties acknowledge and agree that, except as
provided in subparagraph (iii)(B) above, pursuant to the provisions of Section
20(c) of ISRA, Tenant shall be, and is hereby, designated the party responsible
(the "Party Responsible") to comply with the requirements of ISRA (P.L. 1983,
c.330) with respect to the Premises if there has been, and then only to the
extent of, a discharge on the Premises as a result of the actions of Tenant, or
its agents, employees, contractors or invitees, and that as a result, the NJDEP
may compel Tenant to so comply. In addition, any failure of Tenant to provide
any information and submission as required under Section 20(a) and Section 20(c)
of ISRA shall constitute a default under this Lease. Any assignee or subtenant
of Tenant shall be deemed to have, and by entering into such assignment or
sublease, and/or by entering into possession of the Premises, does hereby,
acknowledge that they shall be the Party Responsible, jointly and severally with
Tenant, under the provisions of this Lease. In all other respects, Landlord
shall be the party responsible to comply with Applicable Environmental Law.
(v) In the event that Tenant is not obligated to comply with Article 9(b)(iii) for any reason, including without limitation inapplicability of ISRA to Tenant, then prior to the expiration or sooner termination of this Lease or any subletting of any portion of the Premises, Tenant shall, at Tenant's expense, and at Landlord's option:
(A) Obtain from the NJDEP a "non-applicability letter" confirming that the proposed termination, assignment or subletting shall not be subject to the requirements of ISRA. Any representation or certification made by Tenant in connection with the non-applicability letter request shall constitute a representation and warranty by Tenant in favor of Landlord and any misrepresentation or breach of warranty contained in Tenant's request shall constitute a default under this Lease; provided, however, if a non-applicability letter is not issued due to factors relating solely to the Building or parties other than Tenant, then Tenant shall be deemed to have complied with this provision.
(B) If reasonably indicated by a reputable environmental consultant engaged by Landlord, at Landlord's expense, Tenant shall remove "hazardous waste" or "hazardous waste" attributable to Tenant's occupancy at the Premises in a manner which complies with NJDEP requirements under ISRA, at Tenant's expense, as if ISRA applied to Tenant and/or the Premises.
(vi) In the event Tenant is obligated, under this Article or otherwise, to perform and/or cooperate in performing any ISRA obligations and/or obtain and/or cooperate in obtaining any ISRA approval, by way of a non-applicability letter, "negative declaration", the performance of an approved remedial action work plan, the obtaining of a no further action letter, the performance under a remediation agreement and/or otherwise (collectively the "ISRA Obligations") and, prior to fully performing such ISRA Obligations, there occurs the scheduled expiration of the Term of this Lease or any other termination of this Lease (collectively, a "Lease Termination"), and in the event (i) Landlord is obligated to deliver possession to a new tenant and (ii) Landlord is prevented from being able to deliver lawful possession because of such failure of Tenant to fully perform same, then Tenant shall, following such Lease Termination, pay, at the time and in the manner Fixed Rent payments were due during the term, an amount equal to: (i) Fixed Rent at twice the rate in effect immediately prior to such Lease Termination; and (ii) Additional Rent as provided under the Lease until such time as all such ISRA Obligations have been fully completed.
(c) Additional Terms. In the event of Tenant's failure to comply in full with this Article, Landlord may, after written notice to Tenant and Tenant's failure to cure (or commence to cure and thereafter diligently continue to do so) within thirty (30) days of its receipt of such notice, at Landlord's option, perform any and all of Tenant's obligations as aforesaid and all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in the exercise of this right shall be deemed to be Additional Rent payable on demand and with interest at the Default Rate. The parties acknowledge and agree that Tenant shall not be held responsible for any environmental issue at the Premises unless such issue was caused by an action or omission of Tenant or its agents, employees, consultants or invitees. This Article 9 shall survive the expiration or sooner termination of this Lease.
10. TENANT'S ALTERATIONS.
Tenant will not cut or drill into or secure any fixture, apparatus or equipment or make alterations, improvements or physical additions (collectively, "Alterations") of any kind to any part of the Premises without first obtaining the written consent of Landlord, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord's consent shall not be required for (i) the installation of any office equipment or fixtures including internal partitions which do not require disturbance of any structural elements or systems (other than attachment thereto) within the Building costing less than $50,000, or (ii) minor work, including decorations, which does not require disturbance of any structural elements or systems (other than attachment thereto) within the Building which costs in the aggregate less than $250,000. If no approval is required or if Landlord approves Tenant's Alterations and agrees to permit Tenant's contractors to do the work, Tenant, prior to the commencement of labor or supply of any materials, must furnish to Landlord (i) a duplicate or original policy or certificates of insurance evidencing (a) general public liability insurance for personal injury and property damage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 combined single limit, (b) statutory workman's compensation insurance, and (c) employer's liability insurance from each contractor to be employed (all such policies shall be non-cancelable without thirty (30) days prior written notice to Landlord and shall be in amounts and with companies reasonably satisfactory to Landlord); (ii) construction documents prepared and sealed by a registered New Jersey architect if such alteration causes the aggregate of all Alterations to be in excess of $250,000; (iii) all applicable
building permits required by law; and (iv) an executed, effective Waiver of Mechanics Liens from such contractors and all sub-contractors in states allowing for such waivers or the cost of such alteration exceeds $250,000 must be bonded by Tenant. Any approval by Landlord permitting Tenant to do any or cause any work to be done in or about the Premises shall be and hereby is conditioned upon Tenant's work being performed by workmen and mechanics working in harmony and not interfering with labor employed by Landlord, Landlord's mechanics or their contractors or by any other tenant or their contractors. If at any time any of the workmen or mechanics performing any of Tenant's work shall be unable to work in harmony or shall interfere with any labor employed by Landlord, other tenants or their respective mechanics and contractors, then the permission granted by Landlord to Tenant permitting Tenant to do or cause any work to be done in or about the Premises, may be withdrawn by Landlord upon forty-eight (48) hours written notice to Tenant.
All Alterations (whether temporary or permanent in character) made in or upon the Premises, either by Landlord or Tenant, shall be Landlord's property upon installation and shall remain on the Premises without compensation to Tenant unless Landlord provides written notice to Tenant at the time approval is granted, to remove same at the expiration of the Lease, in which event Tenant shall promptly remove such Alterations and restore the Premises to good order and condition. Landlord hereby notifies Tenant that unless Landlord states differently at the time approval is granted, all Alterations must be removed at the expiration of the Lease. All furniture, movable trade fixtures and equipment (including telephone, security and communication equipment system wiring and cabling) installed by Landlord at Tenant's request, Tenant, its assignees and sublessees shall be removed by Tenant at the termination of this Lease. All such installations, removals and restoration shall be accomplished in a good and workmanlike manner so as not to damage the Premises or Building and in such manner so as not to disturb other tenants in the Building. If Tenant fails to remove any items required to be removed pursuant to this Article, Landlord may do so and the reasonable costs and expenses thereof shall be deemed Additional Rent hereunder and shall be reimbursed by Tenant to Landlord within fifteen (15) business days of Tenant's receipt of an invoice therefor from Landlord.
11. CONSTRUCTION LIENS.
(a) Tenant will not suffer or permit any contractor's, subcontractor's or supplier's lien (a "Construction Lien") to be filed against the Premises or any part thereof by reason of work, labor services or materials supplied or claimed to have been supplied to Tenant; and if any Construction Lien shall at any time be filed against the Premises or any part thereof, Tenant, within the shorter of ten (10) business days after notice of the filing thereof or within one (1) business day of notification from Landlord of a threatened forfeiture of Landlord's fee interest in the Building if such threat requires sooner action to avoid such forfeiture, shall cause it to be discharged of record by payment, deposit, bond, order of a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise. If Tenant shall fail to cause such Construction Lien to be discharged within the period aforesaid, then in addition to any other right or remedy, Landlord may, but shall not be obligated to, discharge it either by paying the amount claimed to be due or by procuring the discharge of such lien by deposit or by bonding proceedings. Any amount so paid by Landlord, plus all of Landlord's costs and expenses associated therewith (including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees), shall constitute Additional Rent payable by Tenant under this
Lease and shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord on demand with interest from the date of advance by Landlord at the Default Rate.
(b) Nothing in this Lease, or in any consent to the making of alterations or improvements shall be deemed or construed in any way as constituting authorization by Landlord for the making of any alterations or additions by Tenant within the meaning of Section 3 of the Construction Lien Law (P.L. 1993, c. 318) or any amendment thereof, or constituting a request by Landlord, express or implied, to any contractor, subcontractor or supplier for the performance of any labor or the furnishing of any materials for the use or benefit of Landlord.
12. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING.
(a) Subject to the remaining subsections of Article 12, except as
expressly permitted pursuant to this section and except for any leasehold
mortgage granted by Tenant to a lender, Tenant shall not, without the prior
written consent of Landlord, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or
delayed, assign, transfer or hypothecate this Lease or any interest herein or
sublet the Premises or any part thereof. Any of the foregoing acts without such
consent shall be void and shall constitute an Event of Default under Section
22(d). Subject to subparagraph 12(i) below, this Lease shall not, nor shall any
interest herein, be assignable as to the interest of Tenant by operation of law
or by merger, consolidation or asset sale, without the written consent of
Landlord.
(b) If at any time or from time to time during the term of this Lease Tenant desires to assign this Lease or sublet all or any part of the Premises, Tenant shall give notice to Landlord of such desire, including the name, address and contact party for the proposed assignee or subtenant, a description of such party's business history, the effective date of the proposed assignment or sublease (including the proposed occupancy date by the proposed assignee or sublessee), and in the instance of a proposed sublease, the square footage to be subleased, a floor plan professionally drawn to scale depicting the proposed sublease area, and a statement of the duration of the proposed sublease (which shall in any and all events expire by its terms prior to the scheduled expiration of this Lease, and immediately upon the sooner termination hereof). Landlord may, at its option, and in its sole and absolute discretion, exercisable by notice given to Tenant within thirty (30) days next following Landlord's receipt of Tenant's notice (which notice from Tenant shall, as a condition of its effectiveness, include all of the above-enumerated information), elect to recapture the Premises if Tenant is proposing to sublet or assign the Premises or such portion as is proposed by Tenant to be sublet (and in each case, the designated and non-designated parking spaces included in this demise, or a pro-rata portion thereof in the instance of the recapture of less than all of the Premises), and terminate this Lease with respect to the space being recaptured. If Landlord fails to notify Tenant that it elects to recapture or not recapture the Premises (or so much thereof as Tenant proposed to sublease) after two notices from Tenant of its intent to sublease or assign, then Landlord shall be deemed to have elected not to recapture the Premises (or so much thereof as Tenant proposed to sublease). Tenant may revoke its notice to Landlord requesting consent to an assignment or sublet at any time prior to Landlord's election on recapture. However, once Landlord elects to recapture such Tenant notice shall be binding and Tenant shall be obligated to surrender such space within the time period set forth in such notice.
(c) If Landlord elects to recapture the Premises or a portion thereof as aforesaid, then from and after the effective date thereof as set forth in such initial notice, after Tenant shall have fully performed such obligations as are enumerated herein to be performed by Tenant in connection with such recapture, and except as to obligations and liabilities accrued and unperformed (and any other obligations expressly stated in this Lease to survive the expiration or sooner termination of this Lease), Tenant shall be released of and from all lease obligations thereafter otherwise accruing with respect, to the Premises (or such lesser portion as shall have been recaptured by Landlord). The Premises, or such portion thereof as Landlord shall have elected to recapture, shall be delivered by Tenant to Landlord free and clear of all furniture, furnishings, personal property and removable fixtures, with Tenant repairing and restoring any and all damage to the Premises resulting from the installation, handling or removal thereof, and otherwise in the same condition as Tenant is, by the terms of this Lease, required to redeliver the Premises to Landlord upon the expiration or sooner termination of this Lease. In the event of a sublease of less than all of the Premises, the cost of erecting any required demising walls, entrances and entrance corridors, and any other or further improvements required in connection therewith, including without limitation, modifications to HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire, life safety and security systems (if any), painting, wallpapering and other finish items as may be acceptable to or specified by Landlord shall be paid by Landlord. All of the foregoing improvements shall be made in accordance with applicable legal requirements and Landlord's then-standard base building specifications and shall be performed by Landlord's contractors. Upon the completion of any recapture and termination as provided herein, Tenant's Fixed Rent, Recognized Expenses and other monetary obligations hereunder shall be adjusted pro-rated based upon the reduced rentable square footage then comprising the Premises.
(d) If Landlord provides written notification to Tenant electing not to recapture the Premises (or so much thereof as Tenant had proposed to sublease) or is deemed to have elected not to recapture the Premises (or so much thereof as Tenant had proposed to sublease), then Tenant may proceed to market the designated space and may complete such transaction and execute an assignment of this Lease or a sublease agreement (in each case in form reasonably acceptable to Landlord) within a period of five (5) months next following Landlord's notice to Tenant that it declines to recapture such space or deemed election not to recapture such space, provided that Tenant shall have first obtained in any such case the prior written consent of Landlord to such transaction, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. If Landlord fails to notify Tenant whether it approves or disapproves of its consent to such transaction (and Landlord does not elect to recapture), within the 30-day recapture notice period, or if not applicable, within 10 business days after Tenant's submission of its written request to assign or sublease, Landlord shall be deemed to have approved such transaction. If, however, Tenant shall not have assigned this Lease or sublet the Premises with Landlord's prior written consent as aforesaid within five (5) months next following Landlord's notice to Tenant that Landlord declines to recapture the Premises (or such portion thereof as Tenant initially sought to sublease), then in such event, Tenant shall again be required to request Landlord's consent to the proposed transaction, whereupon Landlord's right to recapture the Premises (or such portion as Tenant shall desire to sublease) shall be renewed upon the same terms and as otherwise provided in subsection (b) above.
For purposes of this Section 12(d), and without limiting the basis upon which Landlord may withhold its consent to any proposed assignment or sublease, the parties agree that it shall
not be unreasonable for Landlord to withhold its consent to such assignment or sublease if: (i) the portion of the Premises requested to be subleased renders the balance of the Premises unleasable as a separate area; or (ii) Tenant is proposing to assign or sublease to an existing tenant of the Building or another property owned by Landlord or by its partners, or to another prospect with whom Landlord or its partners, or their affiliates are then negotiating; (iii) the proposed assignee or sublessee will cause Landlord's existing parking facilities to be reasonably inadequate, or in violation of code requirements, or require Landlord to increase the parking area or the number of parking spaces to meet code requirements, or the nature of such party's business shall reasonably require more than four (4) parking spaces per 1,000 rentable square feet of floor space.
(e) Except to a subsidiary, parent or affiliate of Tenant, any sums or other economic consideration received by Tenant as a result of any subletting, assignment or license (except rental or other payments received which are attributable to the amortization of the cost of leasehold improvements made to the sublet or assigned portion of the premises by Tenant for subtenant or assignee, and other reasonable expenses incident to the subletting or assignment, including standard leasing commissions) whether denominated rentals under the sublease or otherwise, which exceed, in the aggregate, the total sums which Tenant is obligated to pay Landlord under this Lease (prorated to reflect obligations allocable to that portion of the premises subject to such sublease or assignment) shall be retained in its entirety by Landlord if Landlord or its agents procure a replacement tenant or it shall be split equally between Landlord and Tenant if Tenant is the procuring cause of such replacement Tenant and Landlord's portion paid to Landlord as Additional Rental under this Lease without affecting or reducing any other obligation of Tenant hereunder.
(f) Regardless of Landlord's consent, no subletting or assignment shall release Tenant of Tenant's obligation or alter the primary liability of Tenant to pay the Rent and to perform all other obligations to be performed by Tenant hereunder. The acceptance of rental by Landlord from any other person shall not be deemed to be a waiver by Landlord of any provision hereof. Consent to one assignment or subletting shall not be deemed consent to any subsequent assignment or subletting. In the event of default by any assignee of Tenant or any successor of Tenant in the performance of any of the terms hereof, Landlord may proceed directly against Tenant without the necessity of exhausting remedies against such assignee or successor.
(g) In the event that (i) the Premises or any part thereof are sublet and an Event of Default exists under this Lease, or (ii) this Lease is assigned by Tenant, then, Landlord may collect Rent from the assignee or subtenant and apply the net amount collected to the rent herein reserved; but no such collection shall be deemed a waiver of the provisions of this Article 12 with respect to assignment and subletting, or the acceptance of such assignee or subtenant as Tenant hereunder, or a release of Tenant from further performance of the covenants herein contained.
(h) In connection with each proposed assignment or subletting of the Premises by Tenant, Tenant shall pay to Landlord (i) an administrative fee of $250 per request (including requests for non-disturbance agreements and Landlord's or its lender's waivers) in order to defer
Landlord's administrative expenses arising from such request, plus (ii) Landlord's reasonable attorneys' fees (not to exceed $1,000 per request).
(i) Tenant may, after notice to, but without the consent of Landlord, assign this Lease to an affiliate (i.e., a corporation 50% or more of whose capital stock is owned by the same stockholders owning 50% or more of Tenant's capital stock), parent or subsidiary corporation of Tenant or to a corporation to which it sells or assigns all of substantially all of its assets or stock or with which it may be consolidated or merged ("Affiliate"), provided such purchasing, consolidated, merged, affiliated or subsidiary corporation shall, in writing, assume and agree to perform all of the obligations of Tenant under this Lease, shall have a net worth at least equal to $10,000,000, and it shall deliver such assumption with a copy of such assignment to Landlord within ten (10) days thereafter, and provided further that Tenant shall not be released or discharged from any liability under this Lease by reason of such assignment. Tenant represents to Landlord that as of the Commencement Date, its net worth is approximately $160,000,000.
(j) Anything in this Article 12 to the contrary notwithstanding, no assignment or sublease shall be permitted under this Lease if Tenant is in default at the time of such assignment.
13. LANDLORD'S RIGHT OF ENTRY.
(a) Tenant, its employees, agents and invitees shall have access to the Premises twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven days a week. During non-business hours Landlord may restrict access by requiring persons to show a badge or identification card issued by Landlord. Landlord shall not be liable for denying entry persons unable to show proper identification. Landlord shall provide an electronic key pad system on the exterior entrances of the building or another means of entry.
(b) Landlord and persons authorized by Landlord may enter the
Premises at all reasonable times, after two business, days prior telephonic
notice to Tenant (except in the case of an emergency in which case no prior
notice is necessary) for the purpose of inspections, repairs, alterations to
adjoining space, appraisals, or other reasonable purposes; including enforcement
of Landlord's rights under this Lease. Except in the event of Landlord's sole
negligence or willful misconduct, Landlord shall not be liable for inconvenience
to or disturbance of Tenant by reason of any such entry; provided, however, that
in the case of repairs or work, such shall be done, so far as practicable, so as
to not unreasonably interfere with Tenant's use of the Premises. Provided,
however, that such efforts shall not require Landlord to use overtime labor
unless Tenant shall pay for the increased costs to be incurred by Landlord for
such overtime labor. Landlord also shall have the right to enter the Premises at
all reasonable times after giving prior oral notice to Tenant, to exhibit the
Premises to any prospective purchaser and/or mortgagee. During the last twelve
(12) months of the Term (unless Tenant has elected to extend the Term), Landlord
also shall have the right to enter the Premises at all reasonable times after
giving prior oral notice to Tenant to exhibit the Premises to any prospective
tenants.
14. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE.
(a) Except as specifically otherwise provided in subparagraphs (b) and (c) of this Article, Tenant, at its sole cost and expense and throughout the Term of this Lease, shall keep and maintain the Premises in good order and condition, free of accumulation of dirt and rubbish, and shall promptly make all non-structural repairs necessary to keep and maintain such good order and condition. Tenant shall have the option of replacing lights, ballasts, tubes, ceiling tiles, outlets and similar equipment itself or it shall have the ability to advise Landlord of Tenant's desire to have Landlord make such repairs. If requested by Tenant, Landlord shall make such repairs to the Premises within a reasonable time of notice to Landlord and shall charge Tenant for such services at Landlord's standard rate (such rate not to exceed the market rate for such services). When used in this Article 14, the term "repairs" shall include replacements and renewals when necessary. All repairs made by Tenant shall utilize materials and equipment which are at least equal in quality and usefulness to those originally used in constructing the Building and the Premises.
(b) Landlord, throughout the Term of this Lease and at Landlord's sole cost and expenses, shall make all necessary repairs to the footings and foundations and the structural steel columns and girders forming a part of the Premises.
(c) Landlord shall maintain all HVAC systems, plumbing and electric systems serving the Building and the Premises. Tenant's Allocated Share of Landlord's cost for HVAC, electric and plumbing service, maintenance and repairs, as limited under Article 6 with respect to capital expenditures, shall be included as a portion of Recognized Expenses as provided in Article 6 hereof.
(d) Landlord, throughout the Term of this Lease, shall make all necessary repairs to the Building outside of the Premises and the common areas, including the roof, walls, exterior portions of the Premises and the Building, utility lines, equipment and other utility facilities in the Building, which serve more than one tenant of the Building, and to any driveways, sidewalks, curbs, loading, parking and landscaped areas, and other exterior improvements for the Building; provided, however, that Landlord shall have no responsibility to make any repairs unless and until Landlord receives written notice of the need for such repair or Landlord has actual knowledge of the need to make such repair. Tenant shall pay its Allocated Share of the cost of all repairs, as limited under Article 6 with respect to capital repairs, to be performed by Landlord pursuant to this Article 14(d) as Additional Rent as provided in Article 6 hereof.
(e) Landlord shall keep and maintain all common areas appurtenant to the Building and any sidewalks, parking areas, curbs and access ways adjoining the Property in a clean and orderly condition, free of accumulation of dirt, rubbish, snow and ice, and shall keep and maintain all landscaped areas in a neat and orderly condition. Tenant shall pay its Allocated Share of the cost of all work to be performed by Landlord pursuant to this subparagraph (e) as Additional Rent as provided in Article 6 hereof. Landlord's obligation to provide snow removal services shall be limited to the parking areas and the sidewalk entrances to the Building.
(f) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, repairs to the Premises, Building or Project and its appurtenant common areas made necessary by a negligent or willful act or omission of Tenant or any employee, agent, contractor, or invitee of Tenant shall be made at the sole cost and expense of Tenant (to the extent caused by such person's act or omission), except to the extent of insurance proceeds received by Landlord.
(g) Landlord shall provide Tenant with janitorial services for the Premises Monday through Friday of each week in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Exhibit "D" attached hereto and the Tenant shall pay its Allocated Share of the cost thereof as Additional Rent as provided in Article 6 hereof.
(h) Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall be responsible for all maintenance and repair of trade fixtures and cafeteria (i.e. Freezers, research labs).
(i) Multiple elevator facilities, Monday through Friday from 6:30
a.m to 6:00 p.m and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. (holidays recognized
by the US Government excepted) and at least one elevator available on a 24-hour
basis.
(j) Adequate hot and cold water for all of Tenant's reasonable needs.
(k) Adequate gas supply for all of Tenant's reasonable needs
(l) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if any essential services (such as HVAC, passenger elevators if necessary for reasonable access, electricity, water) supplied by Landlord are interrupted, and the interruption does not result from the negligence or willful misconduct of Tenant, its employees, invitees, or agents, Tenant shall be entitled to an equitable abatement of Fixed Rent. The abatement shall begin on the fourth (4th) consecutive business day of the interruption. The abatement shall end when the services are restored. Such right shall be construed as an additional remedy granted to Tenant and not in limitation of any other rights or remedies which Tenant may have.
15. INSURANCE; SUBROGATION RIGHTS.
(a) Tenant shall obtain and keep in force at all times during the term hereof, at its own expense, commercial general liability insurance including contractual liability and personal injury liability and all similar coverage, with combined single limits of $3,000,000.00 on account of bodily injury to or death of one or more persons as the result of any one accident or disaster and on account of damage to property, or in such other amounts as Landlord may from time to time require. Tenant shall also require its movers to procure and deliver to Landlord a certificate of insurance naming Landlord as an additional insured.
(b) Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense, maintain in full force and effect on all Tenant's trade fixtures, equipment and personal property on the Premises, a policy of "special form" property insurance covering the full replacement value of such property.
(c) All liability insurance required hereunder shall not be subject to cancellation without at least thirty (30) days prior notice to all insureds, and shall name Landlord, Brandywine Realty Trust, Landlord's Agent and Tenant as insureds, as their interests
may appear, and, if requested by Landlord, shall also name as an additional
insured any mortgagee or holder of any mortgage which may be or become a lien
upon any part of the Premises. Prior to the commencement of the Term, Tenant
shall provide Landlord with certificates which evidence that the coverages
required have been obtained for the policy periods. Tenant shall also furnish to
Landlord throughout the term hereof replacement certificates at least thirty
(30) days prior to the expiration dates of the then current policy or policies.
All the insurance required under this Lease shall be issued by insurance
companies authorized to do business in the State of New Jersey with a financial
rating of at least an A-X as rated in the most recent edition of Best's
Insurance Reports and in business for the past five years. The limit of any such
insurance shall not limit the liability of Tenant hereunder. If Tenant fails to
procure and maintain such insurance, Landlord may, but shall not be required to,
procure and maintain the same, at Tenant's expense to be reimbursed by Tenant as
Additional Rent within ten (10) days of written demand. Any deductible under
such insurance policy or self-insured retention under such insurance policy in
excess of Twenty Five Thousand ($25,000) must be approved by Landlord in writing
prior to issuance of such policy. Tenant shall not self-insure without
Landlord's prior written consent. The policy limits set forth herein shall be
subject to periodic review, and Landlord reserves the right to require that
Tenant increase the liability coverage limits if, in the reasonable opinion of
Landlord, the coverage becomes inadequate or is less than commonly maintained by
tenants of similar buildings in the area making similar uses.
(d) Landlord shall obtain and maintain the following insurance during the Term of this Lease: (i) replacement cost insurance including "special form" property insurance on the Building and on the Project, (ii) builder's risk insurance for the Landlord Work to be constructed by Landlord in the Project, and (iii) commercial general liability insurance (including bodily injury and property damage) covering Landlord's operations at the Project in amounts reasonably required by the Landlord's lender or Landlord, but in no event less than $3,000,000.
(e) Each party hereto, and anyone claiming through or under them by way of subrogation, waives and releases any cause of action it might have against the other party and Brandywine Realty Trust and their respective employees, officers, members, partners, trustees and agents, on account of any loss or damage that is insured against under any insurance policy required to be obtained hereunder (to the extent that such loss or damage is recoverable under such insurance policy) that covers the Project, Building or Premises, Landlord's or Tenant's fixtures, personal property, leasehold improvements or business and which names Landlord and Brandywine Realty Trust or Tenant, as the case may be, as a party insured. Each party hereto agrees that it will cause its insurance carrier to endorse all applicable policies waiving the carrier's right of recovery under subrogation or otherwise against the other party. During any period while such waiver of right of recovery is in effect, each party shall look solely to the proceeds of such policies for compensation for loss, to the extent such proceeds are paid under such policies.
16. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Tenant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Landlord, Brandywine Realty Services Corp. and Brandywine Realty Trust and their respective employees and agents from and against any and all third-party claims, actions, damages, liability and expense
(including all reasonable attorney's fees, expenses and liabilities incurred in defense of any such claim or any action or proceeding brought thereon) arising from (i) Tenant's improper use of the Premises, (ii) the improper conduct of Tenant's business, (iii) any activity, work or things done, permitted or suffered by Tenant or its agents, licensees or invitees in or about the Premises or elsewhere contrary to the requirements of the Lease, (iv) any breach or default in the performance of any obligation of Tenant's part to be performed under the terms of this Lease, and (v) any negligence or willful act of Tenant or any of Tenant's agents, contractors, employees or invitees. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Tenant's obligations shall include any case in which Landlord, Brandywine Realty Services Corp. or Brandywine Realty Trust shall be made a party to any litigation commenced by or against Tenant, its agents, subtenants, licensees, concessionaires, contractors, customers or employees, then Tenant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Landlord, Brandywine Realty Services Corp. and Brandywine Realty Trust and shall pay all costs, expenses and reasonable attorney's fees incurred or paid by Landlord, Brandywine Realty Services Corp. and Brandywine Realty Trust in connection with such litigation, after notice to Tenant and Tenant's refusal to defend such litigation, and upon notice from Landlord shall defend the same at Tenant's expense by counsel satisfactory to Landlord.
(b) Landlord shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Tenant, its
affiliates, agents and employees (collectively a "Tenant Party") from and
against any and all third-party claims, actions, damages, liability and expense
(including all attorney's fees, expenses and liabilities incurred in defense of
any such claim or any action or proceeding brought thereon) arising from (i)
Landlord's improper use of the Premises or Building, (ii) the improper conduct
of Landlord's business, (iii) any activity, work or things done, permitted or
suffered by Landlord in or about the Premises or elsewhere contrary to the
requirements of the Lease, (iv) any breach or default in the performance of any
obligation of Landlord's part to be performed under the terms of this Lease, and
(v) any negligence or willful act of Landlord or any of Landlord's agents,
contractors, employees or invitees without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, Landlord's obligations shall include any case in which a Tenant Party
shall be made a party to any litigation commenced by or against Landlord, its
agents, subtenants, licensees, concessionaires, contractors, customers or
employees, then Landlord shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless such Tenant
Party and shall pay all costs, expenses and reasonable attorney's fees incurred
or paid by such Tenant Party in connection with such litigation, after notice to
Landlord and Landlord's refusal to defend such litigation, and upon notice from
Tenant shall defend the same at Landlord's expense by counsel satisfactory to
such Tenant Party.
17. QUIET ENJOYMENT.
Provided no Event of Default exists, including the payment of Fixed Rent and Additional Rent, to be performed by Tenant, Tenant shall peaceably and quietly hold and enjoy the Premises for the Term, without hindrance from Landlord, or anyone claiming by through or under Landlord under and subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease and of any mortgages now or hereafter affecting all of or any portion of the Premises.
18. DAMAGE.
(a) Except as provided below, in case of damage to the Premises by fire or other insured casualty, Landlord shall repair the damage. Such repair work shall be commenced promptly following notice of the damage and completed with due diligence, taking into account the time required for Landlord to effect a settlement with and procure insurance proceeds from the insurer, except for delays due to governmental regulation, scarcity of or inability to obtain labor or materials, intervening acts of God or other causes beyond Landlord's reasonable control.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (i) the damage is of a nature or extent that, in Landlord's reasonable judgment (to be communicated to Tenant within sixty (60) days from the date of the casualty), the repair and restoration work would require more than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days to complete after the casualty (assuming normal work crews not engaged in overtime) or (ii) the casualty occurs in the last Lease Year of the Term and Tenant has not exercised a renewal right, either party shall have the right to terminate this Lease and all the unaccrued obligations of the parties hereto, by sending written notice of such termination to the other within ten (10) days of Tenant's receipt of the notice from Landlord described above. Such notice is to specify a termination date no less than fifteen (15) days after its transmission.
(c) If the insurance proceeds received by Landlord (or the proceeds Landlord would have received had Landlord carried the insurance required to be maintained by Landlord under Section 15(d) as dictated by the terms and conditions of any financing then existing on the Building, (excluding any rent insurance proceeds) would not be sufficient to pay for repairing the damage or are required to be applied on account of any mortgage which encumbers any part of the Premises or Building, or if the nature of loss is not covered by Landlord's insurance coverage, Landlord may elect either to (i) repair the damage as above provided notwithstanding such fact or (ii) terminate this Lease by giving Tenant notice of Landlord's election as aforesaid.
(d) In the event Landlord has not completed restoration of the Premises within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of casualty (subject to delay due to weather conditions, shortages of labor or materials or other reasons beyond Landlord's control, Tenant may terminate this Lease by written notice to Landlord within thirty (30) business days following the expiration of such 180 day period (as extended for reasons beyond Landlord's control as provided above) unless, within thirty (30) business days following receipt of such notice, Landlord has substantially completed such restoration and delivered the Premises to Tenant for legal occupancy. If Landlord does substantially complete such work within such time period, Landlord shall complete all punch list items within sixty (60) days thereafter, provided such items can be completed within such time and if not, within a reasonable time thereafter provided Landlord is diligently pursuing such completion.
(e) In the event of damage or destruction to the Premises or any part thereof, Tenant's obligation to pay Fixed Rent and Additional Rent shall be equitably adjusted or abated.
19. SUBORDINATION; RIGHTS OF MORTGAGEE.
(a) This Lease shall be subject and subordinate at all times to the lien of any mortgages now or hereafter placed upon the Premises, Building and/or Project and land of which they are a part without the necessity of any further instrument or act on the part of Tenant to effectuate such subordination. Landlord hereby represents to Tenant that as of the date hereof no mortgage encumbers the Building or Project. Tenant further agrees to execute and deliver upon demand such further instrument or instruments evidencing such subordination of this Lease to the lien of any such mortgage and such further instrument or instruments of attornment as shall be desired by any mortgagee or proposed mortgagee or by any other person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any mortgagee may at any time subordinate its mortgage to this Lease, without Tenant's consent, by notice in writing to Tenant, and thereupon this Lease shall be deemed prior to such mortgage without regard to their respective dates of execution and delivery and in that event such mortgagee shall have the same rights with respect to this Lease as though it had been executed prior to the execution and delivery of the mortgage. Upon written request of Tenant, Landlord shall use its reasonable efforts to deliver a subordination, attornment and nondisturbance agreement ("Nondisturbance Agreement") from Landlord's Mortgagee, on each such mortgagee's standard form, which shall provide, inter alia, that the leasehold estate granted to Tenant under this Lease will not be terminated or disturbed by reason of the foreclosure of the mortgage held by Landlord's Mortgagee, so long as Tenant shall not be in default under this Lease and shall pay all sums due under this Lease without offsets or defenses thereto (except as expressly permitted herein) and shall fully perform and comply with all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease on the part of Tenant to be performed and/or complied with, and in the event a mortgagee or its respective successor or assigns shall enter into and lawfully become possessed of the Premises covered by this Lease and shall succeed to the rights of Landlord hereunder, Tenant will attorn to the successor as its landlord under this Lease and, upon the request of such successor landlord, Tenant will execute and deliver an attornment agreement in favor of the successor landlord.
(b) In the event Landlord shall be or is alleged to be in default of any of its obligations owing to Tenant under this Lease, Tenant agrees to give to the holder of any mortgage (collectively the "Mortgagee") now or hereafter placed upon the Premises, Building and/or Project, notice by overnight mail of any such default which Tenant shall have served upon Landlord, provided that prior thereto Tenant has been notified in writing (by way of Notice of Assignment of Rents and/or Leases or otherwise in writing to Tenant) of the name and addresses of any such Mortgagee. Tenant shall not be entitled to exercise any right or remedy (except for any abatement of Fixed Rent or self-help rights expressly provided herein) as there may be because of any default by Landlord without having given such notice to the Mortgagee; and Tenant further agrees that if Landlord shall fail to cure such default the Mortgagee shall have forty-five (45) additional days (measured from the later of the date on which the default should have been cured by Landlord or the Mortgagee's receipt of such notice from Tenant) but in no event more than sixty (60) days from the original date of notice to Landlord of such default, within which to cure such default, provided that if such default be such that the same could not be cured within such period and Mortgagee is diligently pursuing the remedies necessary to effectuate the cure (including but not limited to foreclosure proceedings if necessary to effectuate the cure); then Tenant shall not exercise any right or remedy as there may be arising because of Landlord's default, including but not limited to, termination of this Lease as may be expressly
provided for herein or available to Tenant as a matter of law, if the Mortgagee either has cured the default within such applicable time periods, or as the case may be, has initiated the cure of same within such period and is diligently pursuing the cure of same as aforesaid.
Provided Tenant leases 15,000 square feet or more, Landlord shall deliver a subordination, attornment and nondisturbance agreement ("Nondisturbance Agreement") from each future Landlord's Mortgagee, on each such mortgagee's standard form, which shall provide, inter alia, that the leasehold estate granted to Tenant under this Lease will not be terminated or disturbed by reason of the foreclosure of the mortgage held by Landlord's Mortgagee, so long as Tenant shall not be in default under this Lease and shall pay all sums due under this Lease without offsets or defenses thereto (except as expressly permitted herein) and shall fully perform and comply with all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease on the part of Tenant to be performed and/or complied with, and in the event a future mortgagee or its respective successor or assigns shall enter into and lawfully become possessed of the Premises covered by this Lease and shall succeed to the rights of Landlord hereunder, Tenant will attorn to the successor as its landlord under this Lease and, upon the request of such successor landlord, Tenant will execute and deliver an attornment agreement in favor of the successor landlord. In the event a future mortgagee shall be unwilling to enter into a Nondisturbance Agreement as aforesaid, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect and the obligations of Tenant shall not in any manner be affected except that, anything to the contrary contained in this Lease notwithstanding, this Lease shall not be subject and subordinate to such future mortgage.
20. CONDEMNATION.
(a) If more than twenty (20%) percent of the floor area of the Premises is taken or condemned for a public or quasi-public use (a sale in lieu of condemnation to be deemed a taking or condemnation for purposes of this Lease), or less than twenty percent (20%) of the floor area of the Premises or any portion of the Building taken or sold if such taking or sale will prevent Tenant from conducting its business in the Premises in a manner reasonably comparable to that conduct immediately before such taking or sale for a period of more than sixty (60) days, this Lease shall, at either party's option, terminate as of the date title to the condemned real estate vests in the condemnor, and the Fixed Rent and Additional Rent herein reserved shall be apportioned and paid in full by Tenant to Landlord to that date and all rent prepaid for period beyond that date shall forthwith be repaid by Landlord to Tenant and neither party shall thereafter have any liability hereunder.
(b) If neither Landlord nor Tenant have elected to terminate this Lease pursuant to the preceding sentence, Landlord shall do such work as may be reasonably necessary to restore the portion of the Premises not taken to the condition immediately prior to such taking (to the extent reasonably practicable) for Tenant's uses, but shall not be required to expend more than the net award Landlord reasonably expects to be available for restoration of the Premises. If Landlord determines that the damages available for restoration of the Building and/or Project will not be sufficient to pay the cost of restoration, or if any material portion of the condemnation damage award is required to be applied on account of any mortgage which encumbers any part of the Premises, Building and/or Project, Landlord may terminate this Lease by giving Tenant thirty (30) days prior notice specifying the termination date.
(c) If this Lease is not terminated after any such taking or condemnation, the Fixed Rent and the Additional Rent shall be equitably reduced in proportion to the area of the Premises which has been taken for the balance of the Term.
(d) INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.
21. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE.
Each party agrees at any time and from time to time, within ten (10) business days after the other party's written request, to execute, acknowledge and deliver to the other party a written instrument in recordable form certifying all information reasonably requested, including but not limited to, the following: that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or if there have been modifications, that it is in full force and effect as modified and stating the modifications), the Commencement Date, the expiration date of this Lease, the square footage of the Premises, the rental rates applicable to the Premises, the dates to which Rent, Additional Rent, and other charges have been paid in advance, if any, and stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the party signing such certificate, the requesting party is in default in the performance of any covenant, agreement or condition contained in this Lease and, if so, specifying each such default of which the signer may have knowledge. It is intended that any such certification and statement delivered pursuant to this Article may be relied upon by any prospective purchaser of the Project or any mortgagee thereof or any assignee of Landlord's or Tenant's interest in this Lease or of any mortgage upon the fee or leasehold of the Premises or any part thereof.
22. DEFAULT.
If:
(a) Tenant fails to pay any installment of Fixed Rent or any amount of Additional Rent when due; provided, however, Landlord shall provide written notice of the failure to pay such Rent and Tenant shall have a five (5) business day grace period from its receipt of such Landlord's notice (facsimile receipt being deemed to be notice hereunder) within which to pay such Rent without creating a default hereunder; provided, however, an Event of Default shall occur hereunder without any obligation of Landlord to give any notice if Tenant fails to pay Rent when due and during the 12 month interval preceding such failure, Landlord has given Tenant written notice of failure to pay Rent on one or more occasions. NO ADDITIONAL NOTICE SHALL BE REQUIRED THEREAFTER AND LANDLORD SHALL BE ENTITLED TO IMMEDIATELY EXERCISE ITS REMEDIES HEREUNDER IF PAYMENT IS NOT RECEIVED DURING THE GRACE PERIOD,
(b) Tenant "vacates" the first floor for more than sixty (60) days (other than in the case of a permitted subletting or assignment) or permits the, same to be unoccupied. The first floor shall be deemed "vacated" or "unoccupied" if such space is not kept in an orderly, neat fashion or if typical office furniture or a receptionist is not located on the first floor.
(c) Tenant fails to bond over a construction or mechanics lien within the time period set forth in Article 11,
(d) Tenant fails to observe or perform any of Tenant's other non-monetary agreements or obligations herein contained within thirty (30) days after written notice specifying the default, or the expiration of such additional time period as is reasonably necessary to cure such default, provided Tenant immediately commences and thereafter proceeds with all due diligence and in good faith to cure such default,
(e) Tenant makes any assignment for the benefit of creditors,
(f) a petition is filed or any proceeding is commenced against Tenant under any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency law and such petition or proceeding is not dismissed within ninety (90) days or a voluntary petition is filed or a proceeding is commenced by Tenant under any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency law and such petition or proceeding is not dismissed within thirty (30) days,
(g) a receiver or other official is appointed for Tenant or for a substantial part of Tenant's assets or for Tenant's interests in this Lease,
(h) any attachment or execution against a substantial part of Tenant's assets or of Tenant's interests in this Lease remains unstayed or undismissed for a period of more than ninety (90) days, or
(i) a substantial part of Tenant's assets or of Tenant's interest in this Lease is taken by legal process in any action against Tenant.
Each of the foregoing, after the expiration of any applicable cure period shall constitute an "Event of Default".
If an Event of Default shall occur, the following provisions shall apply and Landlord shall have, in addition to all other rights and remedies available at law or in equity, the rights and remedies set forth therein, which rights and remedies may be exercised upon or at any time following the occurrence of an Event of Default unless, prior to such exercise, Landlord shall agree in writing with Tenant that the Event(s) of Default has been cured by Tenant in all respects.
(a) Acceleration of Rent. Upon one (1) business day's prior notice to Tenant and Tenant's failure to cure same within such cure period (upon such cure no Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred), Landlord shall have the right to accelerate all Fixed Rent and all expense installments due hereunder and otherwise payable in installments over the remainder of the Term, and, at Landlord's option, any other Additional Rent to the extent that such Additional Rent can be determined and calculated to a fixed sum; and the amount of accelerated rent to the termination date, without further notice or demand for payment, shall be due and payable by Tenant within five (5) days after Landlord has so notified Tenant, such amount collected from Tenant shall be discounted to present value using an interest rate of six percent (6%) per annum. Additional Rent which has not been included, in whole or in part, in accelerated rent, shall be due and payable by Tenant during the remainder of the Term, in the amounts and at the times otherwise provided for in this Lease.
Notwithstanding the foregoing or the application of any rule of law based on election of remedies or otherwise, if Tenant fails to pay the accelerated rent in full when due, Landlord thereafter shall have the right by notice to Tenant, (i) to terminate Tenant's further right to possession of the Premises and (ii) to terminate this Lease under subparagraph (b) below; and if Tenant shall have paid part but not all of the accelerated rent, the portion thereof attributable to the period equivalent to the part of the Term remaining after Landlord's termination of possession or termination of this Lease shall be applied by Landlord against Tenant's obligations owing to Landlord, as determined by the applicable provisions of subparagraphs (c) and (d) below.
In the event Landlord accelerates and Tenants pays such accelerated Rent, Landlord shall use best efforts to mitigate its loss and relet the Premises. Landlord shall, as required by law and subsection (d) below, promptly refund to Tenant any net funds received from successful mitigation after costs and commissions.
(b) Termination of Lease. By notice to Tenant, Landlord shall have the right to terminate this Lease as of a date specified in the notice of termination and in such case, Tenant's rights, including any based on any option to renew, to the possession and use of the Premises shall end absolutely as of the termination date; and this Lease shall also terminate in all respects except for the provisions hereof regarding Landlord's damages and Tenant's liabilities arising prior to, out of and following the Event of Default and the ensuing termination.
Following such termination and the notice of same provided above (as well as upon any other termination of this Lease by expiration of the Term or otherwise) Landlord immediately shall have the right to recover possession of the Premises; and to that end, Landlord may enter the Premises and take possession, without the necessity of giving Tenant any notice to quit or any other further notice, with or without legal process or proceedings, and in so doing Landlord may remove Tenant's property (including any improvements or additions to the Premises which Tenant made, unless made with Landlord's consent which expressly permitted Tenant to not remove the same upon expiration of the Term), as well as the property of others as may be in the Premises, and make disposition thereof in such manner as Landlord may deem to be commercially reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.
(c) Tenant's Continuing Obligations/Landlord's Reletting Rights.
(i) Unless and until Landlord shall have terminated this Lease under subparagraph (b) above, Tenant shall remain fully liable and responsible to perform all of the covenants and to observe all the conditions of this Lease throughout the remainder of the Term to the early termination date; and, in addition, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, upon demand and as Additional Rent, the total sum of all costs, losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, as Landlord incurs, directly or indirectly, because of any Event of Default having occurred.
(ii) If Landlord either terminates Tenant's right to possession without terminating this Lease or terminates this Lease and Tenant's leasehold estate as above provided, then, subject to the provisions below, Landlord shall have the unrestricted right to relet the Premises or any part(s) thereof to such tenant(s) on such provisions and for such period(s) as
Landlord may deem appropriate. Landlord agrees, however, to use reasonable efforts to mitigate its damages, provided that Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for its inability to mitigate damages if it shall endeavor to relet the Premises in like manner as it offers other comparable vacant space or property available for leasing to others in the Project of which the Building is a part. If Landlord relets the Premises after such a default, the costs recovered from Tenant shall be reallocated to take into consideration any additional rent which Landlord receives from the new tenant which is in excess to that which was owed by Tenant.
(d) Landlord's Damages.
(i) The damages which Landlord shall be entitled to recover from Tenant shall be the sum of:
(A) all Fixed Rent and Additional Rent accrued and unpaid as of the termination date; and
(B) (i) all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in recovering possession of the Premises, including removal and storage of Tenant's property, (ii) the costs and expenses of restoring the Premises to the condition in which the same were to have been surrendered by Tenant as of the expiration of the Term, and (iii) the costs of reletting commissions; and
(C) all Fixed Rent and Additional Rent (to the extent that the amount(s) of Additional Rent has been then determined) otherwise payable by Tenant over the remainder of the Term as reduced to present value.
Less deducting from the total determined under subparagraphs (A), (B) and (C) all Rent and all other Additional Rent to the extent determinable as aforesaid, (to the extent that like charges would have been payable by Tenant) which Landlord receives from other tenant(s) by reason of the leasing of the Premises or part during or attributable to any period falling within the otherwise remainder of the Term.
(ii) The damage sums payable by Tenant under the preceding provisions of this subparagraph (d) shall be payable on demand from time to time as the amounts are determined; and if from Landlord's subsequent receipt of rent as aforesaid from reletting, there be any excess payment(s) by Tenant by reason of the crediting of such rent thereafter received, the excess payment(s) shall be refunded by Landlord to Tenant, without interest.
(iii) Landlord may enforce and protect the rights of Landlord hereunder by a suit or suits in equity or at law for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained herein, and for the enforcement of any other appropriate legal or equitable remedy, including, without limitation, injunctive relief, and for recovery of consequential damages and all moneys due or to become due from Tenant under any of the provisions of this Lease.
(e) Landlord's Right to Cure. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if Tenant shall be in default in the performance of any of its obligations hereunder, Landlord, without being required to give Tenant any notice or opportunity to cure, may (but shall not be obligated to do so), in addition to any other rights it may have in law or in equity, cure
such default on behalf of Tenant, and Tenant shall reimburse Landlord upon demand for any sums paid or costs incurred by Landlord in curing such default, including reasonable attorneys' fees and other legal expenses, together with interest at 10% per annum Rate from the dates of Landlord's incurring of costs or expenses.
(f) Interest on Damage Amounts. Any sums payable by Tenant hereunder, which are not paid after the same shall be due, shall bear interest from that day until paid at the rate of four (4%) percent over the then Prime Rate as published daily under the heading "Money Rates" in The Wall Street Journal, unless such rate be usurious as applied to Tenant, in which case the highest permitted legal rate shall apply (the "Default Rate").
(g) Landlord's Statutory Rights. Landlord shall have all rights and remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity with respect to the enforcement of Tenant's obligations hereunder and the recovery of the Premises. No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to Landlord shall be exclusive of any other right or remedy, but shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights and remedies given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law. Landlord shall be entitled to injunctive relief in case of the violation, or attempted or threatened violation, of any covenant, agreement, condition or provision of this Lease, or to a decree compelling performance of any covenant, agreement, condition or provision of this Lease.
(h) Remedies Not Limited. Nothing herein contained shall limit or prejudice the right of Landlord to exercise any or all rights and remedies available to Landlord by reason of default or to prove for and obtain in proceedings under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws, an amount equal to the maximum allowed by any law in effect at the time when, and governing the proceedings in which, the damages are to be proved, whether or not the amount be greater, equal to, or less than the amount of the loss or damage referred to above.
(i) No Waiver. No delay or forbearance by either party in exercising any right or remedy hereunder, or either party's undertaking or performing any act or matter which is not expressly required to be undertaken by such party shall be construed, respectively, to be a waiver of such party's rights or to represent any agreement by such party to undertake or perform such act or matter thereafter. Waiver by either party hereto of any breach by the other party of any covenant or condition herein contained (which waiver shall be effective only if so expressed in writing by such party) or failure by either party hereto to exercise any right or remedy in respect of any such breach shall not constitute a waiver or relinquishment for the future of such party's right to have any such covenant or condition duly performed or observed by Landlord or Tenant, or of either party' rights arising because of any subsequent breach of any such covenant or condition nor bar any right or remedy of Landlord or Tenant in respect of such breach or any subsequent breach. Landlord's receipt and acceptance of any payment from Tenant which is tendered not in conformity with the provisions of this Lease or following an Event of Default (regardless of any endorsement or notation on any check or any statement in any letter accompanying any payment) shall not operate as an accord and satisfaction or a waiver of the right of Landlord to recover any payments then owing by Tenant which are not paid in full, or act as a bar to the termination of this Lease and the recovery of the Premises because of Tenant's previous default.
(j) Default By Landlord. If Landlord defaults in the performance or
observance of any provision of this Lease or there is a breach of a material
representation contained in this Lease, Tenant shall give Landlord written
notice specifying in what manner Landlord has defaulted or the nature of such
breach and if such default or breach shall not be cured by Landlord within the
period of time provided for elsewhere in this Lease, and otherwise within thirty
(30) days after the delivery of such notice (except that if such default or
breach cannot be cured within said thirty (30) day period, this period shall be
extended for a reasonable additional time, provided that Landlord commences to
cure such default or breach within the thirty (30) day period and proceeds
diligently thereafter to effect such cure) Tenant may cure such default or
breach and invoice Landlord for reasonable costs and expenses (including,
without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and court costs) incurred by
Tenant therefor, which amount shall be paid to Tenant within thirty (30) days
thereafter, failing which Tenant may offset Fixed Rent in such amount.
23. LANDLORD'S LIEN; TENANT FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
Tenant hereby represents to Landlord that the credit facility Tenant enters will affirmatively prohibit Tenant from recognizing a landlord's lien in favor of Landlord and requires that Landlord waive such lien, failing which Tenant will be in default under such credit facility. In order to avoid a potential default under Tenant's current or prospective credit facility, Landlord waives all lien, right, interest and claim it might otherwise have in and waives its right of distraint of, the machinery, fixtures and other property of Tenant, and many other property of any nature whether on or off the Premises, belonging to Tenant. The provisions of this Section are intended to apply to Landlord's common law (if any) and statutory right of distraint because of failure to pay Fixed Rent and Additional Rent.
In return for this waiver, Tenant agrees to: (i) provide to Landlord by
November 15th of each calendar year during the Term, a current, accurate,
complete and detailed set of financial statements of Tenant audited by an
independent certified public accountant for the last applicable fiscal year
together with a certification of its chief financial officer, in the form of
Exhibit "E" attached hereto and made a part hereof, certifying that Tenant's net
worth less aggregate cash losses exceeds $80,000,000 ("Certification") and (ii)
provide to Landlord (but not more than once during any twelve month period
unless a default has occurred under this Lease or Landlord has a reasonable
basis to suspect that Tenant has suffered a material adverse change in its
financial position) within five (5) business days of Landlord's request, the
most recent monthly financial statements (including a current, accurate,
complete and detailed balance sheet of Tenant (dated no more than forty five
(45) days prior to such delivery), a profit and loss statement, a cash flow
summary and all relevant accounting footnotes, all prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied and certified by
the Chief Financial Officer (or like financial officer at least of the level of
Vice President) of Tenant to be a fair and true presentation of Tenant's current
financial position, all of which are provided to Tenant's lender, which Landlord
understands are provided to such lender within forty-five days of the end of
each calendar month, together with the aforesaid Certification. In the event
Tenant fails to provide either (x) the annual audited financials and
Certification or (y) upon request, the monthly financials and Certification,
then upon one (1) business days' prior written notice from Landlord and failure
by Tenant to produce the requested information, Tenant shall be required to
immediately post with Landlord a Security Deposit in the amount of $125,000.
Notwithstanding
that the events noted in the previous sentence have not become operative such that Tenant has not historically been required to post a Security Deposit, if any Certification indicates that Tenant's net worth less aggregate cash losses do NOT exceed $80,000,000, Tenant shall be required to provide with such Certification a Security Deposit in the amount of $125,000. If Tenant is required by this Section to post a Security Deposit, thereafter, on a monthly basis, Tenant shall provide to Landlord the same monthly financial statements at the same time such statements are provided to Tenant's lender, forty-five (45) days following the end of every calendar month. Tenant agrees that its failure to strictly comply with the required time periods set forth in this Article 23 and the failure to post the Security Deposit when required hereunder shall constitute an immediate Event of Default by Tenant under this Lease and no additional notice or cure period shall be provided. Landlord shall keep all information provided hereunder strictly confidential.
24. LANDLORD'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that: (a) Landlord is the owner of the Building and the Project; (b) Landlord has the authority to enter into this Lease and (c) the person executing this Lease is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Lease on behalf of Landlord and (d) Landlord has not received any written notice of violation and to Landlord's knowledge, the Building, including its structure and common areas is in substantial compliance with all laws effecting the Building in existence as of the date of the Lease.
25. SURRENDER.
Tenant shall, at the expiration of the Term, promptly quit and surrender the Premises in good order and condition and in conformity with the applicable provisions of this Lease, excepting only reasonable wear and tear and damage by fire or other insured casualty. Tenant shall have no right to hold over beyond the expiration of the Term and in the event Tenant shall fail to deliver possession of the Premises as herein provided, such occupancy shall not be construed to effect or constitute other than a tenancy at sufferance. During the first thirty (30) days of occupancy beyond the expiration of the Term the amount of rent owed to Landlord by Tenant shall automatically become two hundred percent (200%) the sum of the Rent as those sums are at that time calculated under the provisions of the Lease. If Tenant fails to surrender the space within thirty (30) days of the termination date, Landlord may elect to automatically extend the Term for an additional month, at Landlord's option, with a Rent of two hundred percent (200%) the sum of the Rent as those sums are at that time calculated under the provisions of the Lease. The acceptance of rent by Landlord or the failure or delay of Landlord in notifying or evicting Tenant following the expiration or sooner termination of the Term shall not create any tenancy rights in Tenant and any such payments by Tenant may be applied by Landlord against its costs and expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by Landlord as a result of such holdover.
26. RULES AND REGULATIONS.
Tenant agrees that at all times during the terms of this Lease (as same may be extended) it, its employees, agents, invitees and licenses shall comply with all rules and regulations specified on Exhibit "C" attached hereto and made a part hereof, together with all reasonable
Rules and Regulations as Landlord may from time to time promulgate provided (a) they do not increase the financial burdens of Tenant or unreasonably restrict Tenant's rights under this Lease or use of the Premises and (b) such changes are applicable to all tenants of the Building. In case of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this Lease and any Rules and Regulations, the provisions of this Lease shall control. Landlord shall have no duty or obligation to enforce any Rule and Regulation, or any term, covenant or condition of any other lease, against any other tenant, and Landlord's failure or refusal to enforce any Rule or Regulation or any term, covenant of condition of any other lease against any other tenant shall be without liability of Landlord to Tenant. However, if Landlord does enforce Rules or Regulations, Landlord shall enforce same equally in a non-discriminatory manner.
27. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS.
(a) Tenant shall, in the use and occupancy of the Premises and the conduct of Tenant's business or profession therein, at all times comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, orders, notices, rules and regulations of the federal, state and municipal governments, or any of their departments and the regulations of the insurers of the Premises, Building and/or Project.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Tenant shall
(i) obtain, at Tenant's expense, before engaging in Tenant's business or
profession within the Premises, all necessary licenses and permits including
(but not limited to) state and local business licenses or permits, and (ii)
remain in compliance with and keep in full force and effect at all times all
licenses, consents and permits necessary for the lawful conduct of Tenant's
business or profession at the Premises. Tenant shall pay all personal property
taxes, income taxes and other taxes, assessments, duties, impositions and
similar charges which are or may be assessed, levied or imposed upon Tenant and
which, if not paid, could be liened against the Premises or against Tenant's
property therein or against Tenant's leasehold estate.
(c) Landlord shall be responsible for compliance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. Section 12181 et seq. and its regulations, (collectively, the "ADA") (i) as to the design and construction of exterior common areas (e.g. sidewalks and parking areas) and (ii) with respect to the initial design and construction by Landlord of Landlord's Work (as defined in Article 4 hereof). Except as set forth above in the initial sentence hereto, Tenant shall be responsible for compliance with the ADA in all other respects concerning the use and occupancy of the Premises, which compliance shall include, without limitation (i) provision for full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages or accommodations of the Premises as contemplated by and to the extent required by the ADA, (ii) compliance relating to requirements under the ADA or amendments thereto arising after the date of this Lease and (iii) compliance relating to the design, layout, renovation, redecorating, refurbishment, alteration, or improvement to the Premises made or requested by Tenant at any time following completion of the Landlord's Work.
28. NOTICES.
Wherever in this Lease it shall be required or permitted that notice or demand be given or served by either party to this Lease to or on the other party, such notice or demand shall be deemed to have been duly given or served if in writing and either: (i) personally served;
(ii) delivered by pre-paid nationally recognized overnight courier service
(e.g., Federal Express) with evidence of receipt required for delivery; (iii)
forwarded by Registered or Certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid; (iv) facsimile with a copy mailed by first class United States mail or
(v) e-mail provided that a copy of such e-mail is sent overnight mail; in all
such cases addressed to the parties at the addresses set forth in Article 1(k)
hereof. Each such notice shall be deemed to have been given to or served upon
the party to which addressed on the date the same is delivered or delivery is
refused. Either party hereto may change its address to which said notice shall
be delivered or mailed by giving written notice of such change to the other
party hereto, as herein provided.
29. BROKERS.
Landlord and Tenant each represents and warrants to the other that such party has had no dealings, negotiations or consultations with respect to the Premises or this transaction with any broker or finder other than the Broker identified in Article 1(j); and that otherwise no broker or finder called the Premises to Tenant's attention for lease or took any part in any dealings, negotiations or consultations with respect to the Premises or this Lease. Each party agrees to indemnify and hold the other harmless from and against all liability, cost and expense, including attorney's fees and court costs, arising out of any misrepresentation or breach of warranty under this Article.
30. CHANGE OF BUILDING/PROJECT NAME.
Landlord reserves the right at any time and from time to time to change the name by which the Building and/or Project is designated. Landlord agrees to pay for the reasonably documented costs of stationery charges (including letterhead and cards) necessitated by any such name change, such cost not to exceed $2,500.
31. LANDLORD'S LIABILITY; TENANT'S LIABILITY.
(a) Landlord's obligations hereunder shall be binding upon Landlord only for the period of time that Landlord is in ownership of the Building; and, upon termination of that ownership, Tenant, except as to any obligations which are then due and owing, shall look solely to Landlord's successor in interest in the Building for the satisfaction of each and every obligation of Landlord hereunder. Landlord shall have no personal liability under any of the terms, conditions or covenants of this Lease and Tenant shall look solely to the equity of Landlord in the Building of which the Premises form a part, net proceeds derived from the sale thereof, and, to the extent actually received by Landlord (thus excluding amounts paid to Landlord's mortgagee), insurance proceeds, and condemnation awards for the satisfaction of any claim, remedy or cause of action accruing to Tenant as a result of the breach of any section of this Lease by Landlord. In addition to the foregoing, no recourse shall be had for an obligation of Landlord hereunder, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, against any past, present or future trustee, member, partner, shareholder, officer, director, partner, agent or employee of Landlord, whether by virtue of any statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such other liability being expressly waived and released by Tenant with respect to the above-named individuals and entities.
(b) Except for any damages which Landlord may suffer because of Tenant's holding over in the Premises following the expiration of the Term (for which Landlord may recover consequential damages from Tenant), the liability of Tenant to Landlord for any monetary damages arising from any default by Tenant under the terms of this Lease shall be limited to Landlord's actual direct, but not consequential dams ages therefor. Nothing in this Section 31(b) shall affect or limited Landlord's right to file legal actions to recover the possession of the Premises, or if injunctive relief against Tenant, or any other non-monetary relief as provided elsewhere in this Lease.
32. AUTHORITY.
Tenant represents and warrants that (a) Tenant is duly organized, validly
existing and legally authorized to do business in the State of New Jersey and,
(b) the persons executing this Lease are duly authorized to execute and deliver
this Lease on behalf of Tenant.
33. NO OFFER.
The submission of the Lease by Landlord to Tenant for examination does not constitute a reservation of or option for the Premises or of any other space within the Building or in other buildings owned or managed by Landlord or its affiliates. This Lease shall become effective as a Lease only upon the execution and legal delivery thereof by both parties hereto.
34. RELOCATION.
INTENTIONALLY DELETED.
35. RENEWAL.
Provided Tenant is neither in default at the time of exercise nor has an Event of Default occurred (irrespective of the fact that Tenant cured such default) for Tenant's failure to pay monetary obligations under this Lease more than twice during the Term and such monetary default aggregates in excess of $200,000, and the Lease is in full force and effect, Tenant shall have the right to renew this Lease for two (2) terms of five years each beyond the end of the initial Term (each, a "Renewal Term"). Tenant shall furnish written notice of intent to renew one (1) year prior to the expiration of the applicable Term, failing which, such renewal right shall be deemed waived; time being of the essence. The terms and conditions of this Lease during each Renewal Term shall remain unchanged except that the annual Fixed Rent for each Renewal Term shall be Fair Market Rent (as such term is hereinafter defined). All factors regarding Additional Rent shall remain unchanged, and no tenant allowance shall be included in the absence of further agreement by the parties (except in determining Fair Market Rent). Anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, Tenant shall have no right to renew the term hereof other than or beyond the two (2) consecutive five (5) year terms hereinabove described. Subject to the timely determination of Fair Market Rent, it shall be a condition of each such Renewal Term that Landlord and Tenant shall have executed, not less than nine (9) months prior to the expiration of the then expiring term hereof, an appropriate amendment to this Lease, in form and content satisfactory to each of them, memorializing the extension of the term hereof for the next ensuing Renewal Term. In any event, Landlord and Tenant shall agree to the form of
amendment not less than nine (9) months prior to the end of the Term with the only remaining term being the Fixed Rent.
For purposes of this Lease, "Fair Market Rent" shall mean the base rent, for comparable space. In determining the Fair Market Rent, Landlord, Tenant and any appraiser shall take into account applicable measurement and the loss factors, applicable lengths and nature of lease and lease term (i.e. renewal of existing lease, expansion of existing premises, etc.), differences in size of the space demised, the location of the Building and comparable buildings, amenities in the Building and comparable buildings the ages of the Building and comparable buildings, renovations completed in the Building, differences in base years or stop amounts for operating expenses and tax escalations, brokerage costs and other factors normally taken into account in determining Fair Market Rent. The Fair Market Rent shall reflect the level of improvement made or to be made by Landlord to the space and the Recognized Expenses and Taxes under this Lease. If Landlord and Tenant cannot agree on the Fair Market Rent, the Fair Market Rent shall be established by the following procedure: (1) Tenant and Landlord shall agree on a single MAI certified appraiser who shall have a minimum of ten (10) years experience in real estate leasing in the market in which the Premises is located, (2) Landlord and Tenant shall each notify the other (but not the appraiser), of its determination of such Fair Market Rent and the reasons therefor, (3) during the next seven (7) days both Landlord and Tenant shall prepare a written critique of the other's determination and shall deliver it to the other party, (4) on the tenth (10th) day following delivery of the critiques to each other, Landlord's and Tenant's determinations and critiques (as originally submitted to the other party, with no modifications whatsoever) shall be submitted to the appraiser, who shall decide whether Landlord's or Tenant's determination of Fair Market Rent is more correct. The determinations so chosen shall be the Fair Market Rent. The appraiser shall not be empowered to choose any number other than the Landlord's or Tenant's. The fees of the appraiser shall be paid by the non-prevailing party.
36. RIGHT OF EXPANSION.
Subject to (a) Tenant not being in default at the time of exercise nor an Event of Default having occurred (irrespective of the fact that Tenant cured such default) for Tenant's failure to pay monetary obligations under this Lease more than twice during the Term and such monetary defaults aggregates in excess of $200,000; (b) Tenant or its affiliate occupying not less than one hundred (100%) percent of the Premises originally demised hereunder; (c) the rights of other tenants within the Building from time to time, and (d) such limitations as are imposed by other tenant leases; then provided that Tenant has notified Landlord that it requires additional space, Landlord shall notify Tenant with regard to space that is or Landlord expects to become vacant and available for lease in the Building, and Landlord shall propose to Tenant the Fair Market Rent for such space as of the date of vacancy (subject to Tenant's rights to contest same as provided above) (and, except for Rent, such space shall be leased on all of the same terms and conditions as are set forth in this Lease) and present an amendment to this Lease with which the parties would add such space to the description of the "Premises," for a term which would be coterminous with this Lease, whereupon Tenant shall have thirty (30) days next following Landlord's delivery of such notice within which to accept such terms (subject to the timely determination of Fair Market Rent as provided above), time being of the essence. In the absence of any further agreement by the parties, such additional space shall be delivered in "AS-IS" condition, and Rent for such additional space shall commence on that date which is the earlier of:
(x) Tenant's occupancy thereof, and (y) five (5) days after Landlord delivers such additional space to Tenant free of other tenants and occupants. If Tenant shall not accept Landlord's terms (subject to the timely determination of Fair Market Rent as provided above) within such thirty (30) day period, or if the parties shall not have executed and delivered a mutually satisfactory new lease or lease amendment within forty (40) days next following Landlord's original notice under this Article 36, then Tenant's rights to lease such space shall lapse and terminate, and Landlord may, at its discretion, lease such space on such terms and conditions as Landlord shall determine. Tenant's rights hereunder shall not include the right to lease less than all of the space identified in Landlord's notice, provided Landlord may not lease a premises consisting of materially less square footage then originally presented to Tenant, without offering such portion to Tenant on the terms and conditions of this Section 36.
Anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, Landlord may at any time modify or extend any existing or future tenant lease, or choose to use any space that is or about to become vacant within the Building for marketing or property management purposes (provided such rights of Landlord must be exercised in good faith), without in any such case notifying or offering such space to Tenant, or giving rise to any right of Tenant hereunder. Nothing contained in this Article 36 is intended nor may anything herein be relied upon by Tenant as a representation by Landlord as to the availability of expansion space within the Building at any time, except to the extent such space becomes available as provided above.
37. ROOF RIGHTS.
So long as it (i) does not impact Landlord's roof warranty and (ii) complies with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, Tenant, at Tenant's sole cost and expense, shall have access to the roof of the Building in designated areas mutually agreed upon for the purpose of installation of microwave satellite, antenna and other communications devices ("Roof Equipment"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, all such Roof Equipment shall be for the sole benefit of Tenant, shall relate specifically to Tenant's use of the Premises or its operations therein, and shall not be used by or for the benefit of other tenants or third parties. Tenant shall make a request for approval of the Roof Equipment hereunder by submission of specific plans and specifications for the work to be performed by Tenant. Landlord shall respond in writing within fifteen (15) business days from receipt of the same, advising Tenant of approved contractors and those portions of the work that are acceptable and disapproving those portions of the work that are, in Landlord's judgment, reasonably exercised, unacceptable and with respect to the plans, specifying in detail the nature of Landlord's objection. Tenant shall be solely responsible for all damages caused by its Roof Equipment, for the removal of all Roof Equipment and the restoration of the roof upon the expiration or early termination of this Lease unless directed in writing by Landlord otherwise prior to Tenant's installation thereof. Landlord shall be named as an additional insured on all Tenant insurance relating to the Roof Equipment. All installation, repair, replacement and modification of the Roof Equipment shall be coordinated with Landlord, shall only use those approved contractors and shall be in accordance with the Rules and Regulations set forth herein.
38. Intentionally Omitted.
39. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
(a) Successors. The respective rights and obligations provided in this Lease shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their successors and assigns; provided, however, that no rights shall inure to the benefit of any successors or assigns of Tenant unless Landlord's written consent for the transfer to such successor and/or assignee has first been obtained as provided in Article 12 hereof.
(b) Governing Law. This Lease shall be construed, governed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to principles relating to conflicts of law.
(c) Severability. If any provisions of this Lease shall be held to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof shall in no way be affected or impaired and such remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
(d) Captions. Marginal captions, titles or exhibits and riders and the table of contents in this Lease are for convenience and reference only, and are in no way to be construed as defining, limiting or modifying the scope or intent of the various provisions of this Lease.
(e) Gender. As used in this Lease, the word "person" shall mean and include, where appropriate, an individual, corporation, partnership or other entity; the plural shall be substituted for the singular, and the singular for the plural, where appropriate; and the words of any gender shall mean to include any other gender.
(f) Entire Agreement. This Lease, including the Exhibits and any Riders hereto (which are hereby incorporated by this reference, except that in the event of any conflict between the printed portions of this Lease and any Exhibits or Riders, the term of such Exhibits or Riders shall control), supersedes any prior discussions, proposals, negotiations and discussions between the parties and the Lease contains all the agreements, conditions, understandings, representations and warranties made between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified orally or in any manner other than by an agreement in writing signed by both parties hereto or their respective successors in interest. Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Lease can only be extended pursuant to the terms hereof, and in Tenant's case, with the terms hereof, with the due exercise of an option (if any) contained herein pursuant to a written agreement signed by both Landlord and Tenant specifically extending the term. No negotiations, correspondence by Landlord or offers to extend the term shall be deemed an extension of the termination date for any period whatsoever.
(g) Counterparts. This Lease may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when taken together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument.
(h) Telefax Signatures. The parties acknowledge and agree that notwithstanding any law or presumption to the contrary a telefaxed signature of either party whether upon this Lease or any related document shall be deemed valid and binding and admissible by either party against the other as if same were an original ink signature.
(i) Calculation of Time. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by any provision of this Lease, the day of the act, event or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Unless otherwise provided herein, all Notices and other periods expire as of 5:00 p.m. (local time in Cherry Hill, New Jersey) on the last day of the Notice or other period.
(j) No Merger. There shall be no merger of this Lease or of the leasehold estate hereby created with the fee estate in the Premises or any part thereof by reason of the fact that the same person, firm, corporation, or other legal entity may acquire or hold, directly or indirectly, this Lease of the leasehold estate and the fee estate in the Premises or any interest in such fee estate, without the prior written consent of Landlord's mortgagee.
(k) Time of the Essence. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE IN ALL PROVISIONS OF THIS LEASE, INCLUDING ALL NOTICE PROVISIONS TO BE PERFORMED BY OR ON BEHALF OF TENANT AND LANDLORD.
(l) Recordation of Lease. Tenant shall not record this Lease without the written consent of Landlord. Tenant may however record a short memorandum of lease in connection with its leasehold mortgage, provided such memorandum does not contain any financial terms and has been forwarded to Landlord for its review prior to recordation.
(m) Accord and Satisfaction. No payment by Tenant or receipt by Landlord of a lesser amount than any payment of Fixed Rent or Additional Rent herein stipulated shall be deemed to be other than on account of the earliest stipulated Fixed Rent or Additional Rent due and payable hereunder, nor shall any endorsement or statement or any check or any letter accompanying any check or payment as Rent be deemed an accord and satisfaction. Landlord may accept such check or payment without prejudice to Landlord's right to recover the balance of such Rent or pursue any other right or remedy provided for in this Lease, at law or in equity.
(n) No Partnership. Landlord does not, in any way or for any purpose, become a partner of Tenant in the conduct of its business, or otherwise, or joint venturer or a member of a joint enterprise with Tenant. This Lease establishes a relationship solely of that of a landlord and tenant.
(o) Guaranty. INTENTIONALLY DELETED.
(p) No Presumption Against Drafter. Landlord and Tenant understand, agree, and acknowledge that: (i) this Lease has been freely negotiated by both parties; and (ii) that, in the event of any controversy, dispute, or contest over the meaning, interpretation, validity, or enforceability of this Lease, or any of its terms or conditions, there shall be no inference, presumption, or conclusion drawn whatsoever against either party by virtue of that party having drafted this Lease or any portion thereof.
(q) Force Majeure. If by reason of strikes or other labor disputes, fire or other casualty (or reasonable delays in adjustment of insurance), accidents, orders or regulations of any Federal, State, County or Municipal authority, or any other cause beyond either party's
reasonable control, Landlord is unable to furnish or is delayed in furnishing any utility or service required to be furnished by Landlord under the provisions of this Lease or either party is unable to perform or make or is delayed in performing or making any installations, decorations, repairs, alterations, additions or improvements, or is unable to fulfill or is delayed in fulfilling any of such party's other obligations under this Lease, no such inability or delay shall constitute an actual or constructive eviction, in whole or in part, or, except as expressly provided herein, entitle Tenant to any abatement or diminution of Fixed Rent, or relieve either party from any of its obligations under this Lease, so long as the party incurring the applicable delay gives written notification to the other party hereto within ten (10) business days after the discovery of the occurrence of such delay.
40. WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, LANDLORD AND TENANT WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BASED UPON, OR RELATED TO, THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS LEASE. THIS WAIVER IS KNOWINGLY, INTENTIONALLY, AND VOLUNTARILY MADE BY TENANT AND LANDLORD AND TENANT AND LANDLORD ACKNOWLEDGE THAT NEITHER LANDLORD NOR TENANT NOR ANY PERSON ACTING ON BEHALF OF EITHER OF THEM HAS MADE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OF FACT TO INDUCE THIS WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY OR IN ANY WAY TO MODIFY OR NULLIFY ITS EFFECT. TENANT AND LANDLORD FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT HAS BEEN REPRESENTED (OR HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE REPRESENTED) IN THE SIGNING OF THIS LEASE AND IN THE MAKING OF THIS WAIVER BY INDEPENDENT LEGAL COUNSEL, SELECTED OF ITS OWN FREE WILL, AND THAT EACH HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THIS WAIVER WITH COUNSEL. TENANT AND LANDLORD FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE MEANING AND RAMIFICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER PROVISION AND AS EVIDENCE OF SAME HAS EXECUTED THIS LEASE.
41. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.
Tenant hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state courts located in Camden and Burlington County and to the federal courts located in the District of New Jersey.
42. COMPETITORS.
So long as Tenant is conducting its Permitted Uses in 50% of the Building, Landlord shall not lease any space in the Building on a floor occupied by Tenant, to a company which has Campbell's, Heinz, Con-Agra and Nestle' in its name and which is a competitor of Tenant.
43. ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS
Tenant has received from Landlord the following reports prepared by REACT Environmental Services: (i) Phase One Environmental Site Assessment dated November 21, 1997 with respect to 5 Cherry Hill Executive Campus, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 and (ii) Phase One Environmental Site Assessment dated December 9, 1997 with respect to 6 Cherry Hill Executive Campus, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 (jointly, the "Environmental Reports"). Tenant has relied on
these studies in analyzing this site and entering into this Lease. Landlord represents that the Environmental Reports are the only reports commissioned by Landlord in connection with its acquisition of the Property and to the best of Landlord's knowledge such Environmental Reports are accurate and no other environmental reports or studies regarding the Project are in Landlord's possession.
44. EARLY TERMINATION. Provided no Event of Default has occurred, Tenant
shall have the option to terminate this Lease at the end of the eighty-fourth
(84) month of the Term by paying Landlord the sum of $1,750,000 ("Termination
Fee") provided that not less than one year prior to the end of the eighty-fourth
(84th) mouth, Tenant (i) gives Landlord written notice of its election to
terminate this Lease and (ii) pays the Termination Fee. Tenant and Landlord
acknowledge and agree that the Termination Fee is not a penalty and is fair and
reasonable compensation to Landlord for the loss of expected rentals from Tenant
over the remainder of the scheduled term. The Termination Fee is not subject to
waiver or reduction if Landlord is able to relet the Premises.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Lease, under Seal, the day and year first above written.
LANDLORD:
BRANDYWINE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.
By: Brandywine Realty Trust,
its general partner
By: /S/ GEORGE D. SOWA ------------------ George D. Sowa, Senior Vice President |
TENANT:
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION,
By: /S/ ANDREW S. ROSEN ------------------- Name: Andrew S. Rosen Title: Senior Vice President |
EXHIBIT 10.26
THIS IS A CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT
This Lease (this "Lease"), dated as of the 10 day of August, 2001 (the "Effective Date"), is made by and between LANDLORD (as hereinafter defined) and TENANT (as hereinafter defined).
ARTICLE I: DEFINITIONS
1.01 DEFINED TERMS. The following terms shall have the meanings specified in this Section, unless otherwise specifically provided. Other terms may be defined in other parts of this Lease.
(a) LANDLORD: 485 Properties, LLC a Delaware limited liability company
(b) LANDLORD'S ADDRESS: 485 Properties, LLC c/o TIAA 730 Third Avenue New York, New York 10017 Attn: Director, Real Estate Department, North East Region
WITH A COPY TO MANAGER: Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc. 155 Passaic Avenue Fairfield, NJ 07004
(c) TENANT: Pinnacle Foods Corporation
(d) TENANT'S ADDRESS: 6 Executive Campus Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002
(e) BROKER: T.R. Alter & Associates, Inc. and Grubb & Ellis Co.
(f) PROJECT: The land known as Lot 2, Block 118.04 on the Tax Map of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, the address of which is One Old Bloomfield Avenue, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, and all buildings and other improvements now or hereafter located thereon.
(g) BUILDING: The building located in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, known as Mountain Lakes Corporate Center I.
(h) PREMISES: The portion of the Building located on the 1st floor thereof as shown by cross-hatching on the Building floor plan(s) attached hereto as Exhibit A, known as Suite 100, containing approximately 17,352 rentable square feet (approximately 15,443 usable square feet).
(i) TERM: As defined in Section 4.01
(j) TERM COMMENCEMENT DATE: As defined in Section 4.01
(k) RENT COMMENCEMENT DATE: The date upon which the Premises shall be deemed Ready for Occupancy (as defined in Section 3.01)
(l) EXPIRATION DATE: Five (5) years and two (2) months following the Term Commencement Date. If the Term has been extended or this Lease has been renewed, the Expiration Date shall be the last day of the Term as so extended or renewed.
(m) LEASE YEAR: The period from the Rent Commencement Date through the day before the one-year anniversary of the Rent Commencement Date (or if the Rent Commencement Date is not the first day of a calendar month, the one-year anniversary of the last day of the month in which the Rent Commencement Date occurs), and each one-year period (or portion thereof if the Lease is terminated during any such one-year period) thereafter during the Term.
(n) ANNUAL BASE RENT: $390,420.00, payable in equal monthly installments of $32,535.00.
(o) TENANT'S SHARE: 35.6%
(p) SECURITY DEPOSIT: $200,000.00 Irrevocable and Unconditional Letter of Credit in accordance with Section 18.27. (q) TENANT IMPROVEMENT ALLOWANCE: $312,336.00 (r) OPERATING EXPENSE BASE YEAR: The calendar year 2002. (s) OPERATING EXPENSE BASE: Tenant's Share of the Operating Expenses (as defined in Section 6.02(b)(ii)) for the Operating Expense Base Year. (t) TAX BASE YEAR: The calendar year 2002. (u) TAX BASE: Tenant's Share of the Real Property Taxes (as defined in Section 6.02(b)(i)) for the Tax Base Year. (v) TENANT'S SIC NUMBER: _______________ (w) PARKING SPACES: Tenant's Share of the unreserved parking spaces in the parking lot(s) and facilities serving the Building. |
ARTICLE II: DEMISE AND LEASE
2.01 DEMISE AND LEASE. Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant
hereby leases from Landlord, subject to the provisions of this Lease, the
"Premises" specified in Section 1.01(h) hereof located within the "Building"
specified in Section 1.01(g) hereof, which Building is a portion of the
"Project" identified in Section 1.01(f) hereof. Landlord shall deliver, and
Tenant shall accept, the Premises in its "as is" condition as set forth in the
Building profile attached hereto as Exhibit "H", and Landlord shall not be
responsible for constructing any improvements in the Premises or otherwise on
the Project for the benefit of Tenant or any other party, except as provided in
Section 3.01 below. The Premises are shown by cross-hatching on the Building
floor plan(s) attached hereto as Exhibit A. Tenant acknowledges that the sole
purpose of the attached floor plan(s) is to identify the location of the
Premises in the Building. Landlord makes no representation or warranty in the
attached floor plan(s) as to the usable or rentable square footage of the
Premises.
2.02 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; TAKING OF POSSESSION. Tenant
acknowledges that neither Landlord nor any agent of Landlord has made any
representation or warranty with respect to the suitability of the Premises for
the conduct of Tenant's business. By taking possession of the Premises, Tenant
accepts the Premises, the Tenant Improvements (as set forth in Section 3.01
below), and the Building as completed or substantially completed (as defined in
Section 3.01 below).
2.03 COMMON AREAS. In addition to the Premises, Tenant shall have the
non-exclusive right to use in common with other tenants and/or occupants of the
Building and the Project, subject to the Rules and Regulations referred to in
Section 18.09 hereof and all covenants, conditions and restrictions now or
hereafter affecting or encumbering the Project, the following areas appurtenant
to the Premises: the Building's common entrances, lobbies, rest rooms,
elevators, stairways and accessways, loading and unloading areas, trash areas,
parking areas and facilities, roadways, sidewalks, walkways, parkways, plazas,
driveways and landscaped areas, and similar areas and facilities situated within
the Building and the exterior areas of the Project (collectively, the "Common
Areas"). Tenant acknowledges that Landlord shall have no obligation to construct
or complete any additional buildings or improvements to the Common Areas.
Tenant's right to utilize the Common Areas shall at all times be subject to
Landlord's reserved rights therein as described in Section 18.08 hereof
ARTICLE III: IMPROVEMENTS
3.01 TENANT IMPROVEMENTS. Upon execution of this Lease, Landlord shall forthwith proceed with the preparation of the Premises ("Landlord's Work") in accordance with and as shown on space plan, standard improvement specifications, and workletter (collectively, the "Tenant's Plan") annexed hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit B. Landlord shall have the right to designate contractors and subcontractors to perform Landlord's Work. Landlord agrees to solicit and obtain a minimum of three (3) contractor bids for the performance of Landlord's Work, which bids shall be subject to Tenant's review. Tenant shall have the right to select one (1) contractor who may bid on the performance of Landlord's Work, which contractor shall be subject to Landlord's approval, provided, however, that Tenant's right to participate shall not
delay construction of Landlord's Work. Unless otherwise stated in Tenant's Plan, Landlord shall use Building standard materials in the performance of Landlord's Work. Landlord shall have the right to substitute comparable materials or finishes in the event any item set forth in Tenant's Plan is unavailable. Except as provided in Tenant's Plan, the Premises, its fixtures and finishes, shall be delivered and accepted in its "as is" condition. The Landlord's Work shall be made and performed by Landlord at Tenant's cost and expense and diligently pursued to completion. Landlord shall select and install window treatments in the Premises at Landlord's cost and expense. Landlord shall in no event be liable for any direct or indirect damages as a result of delays due to Force Majeure (as defined in Section 18.23 below) or other acts or omissions of Tenant (or anyone performing services on behalf of Tenant). Tenant shall be responsible for the installation of all telephone, computer, and data cabling in the Premises. The Premises shall be deemed ready for occupancy ("Ready for Occupancy") when the Landlord's Work has been completed or substantially completed by Landlord in accordance with Exhibit B and delivered, tendered or made available to Tenant. Landlord agrees to use reasonable commercial efforts to provide Tenant with one: (1) week prior advance notice of the date the Premises shall be Ready for Occupancy, provided, however, Landlord's failure to provide such prior notice shall not be deemed a breach by Landlord under the Lease. The Rent Commencement Date shall be the date upon which the Premises are deemed Ready for Occupancy. The term "substantially completed" as used in this Lease shall mean the date of issuance of a certificate of occupancy (temporary or permanent) for the Premises by the municipality in which the Premises are located, or if no certificate of occupancy is required, the date of substantial completion of the Landlord's Work as certified by Landlord's architect, which certification shall be conclusive and binding upon Landlord and Tenant. The Landlord's Work shall be deemed substantially completed notwithstanding the fact that minor details of construction, mechanical adjustments or decorations which do not materially interfere with Tenant's use and enjoyment of the Premises (items normally referred to as "punch list" items) remain to be performed. Landlord agrees to repair and correct "punch list" items within a reasonable time following receipt of written notice from Tenant.
3.02 TENANT ALLOWANCE. Landlord agrees that it shall contribute the Tenant Allowance [as set forth in Section 1.01(q)] toward the cost and expense of Landlord's Work ("Tenant Allowance") under a finished ceiling, which cost and expense shall include, but not be limited to, all construction labor and materials, including demolition and removal of debris, and installation of partitioning doors, floor covering, architectural and engineering costs, space plan preparation and reproduction, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural drawings, procurement of permits and approvals, and construction management and inspection fees. Landlord, at Landlord's cost and expense, shall provide a finished ceiling to include 2x2 grid, 2x2 reveal edge acoustical tile, 2x4 T8 fluorescent deep cell parabolic fixtures, light switches, and HVAC distribution consistent with and in compliment to Tenant's Plan, the cost of which will not be applied to the Tenant Allowance. The cost of relocation of sprinkler heads required by Tenant's Plan will be applied to the Tenant Allowance. Tenant shall have the right to review, upon request, invoices for the performance of Landlord's Work, however, Tenant shall have no right to disapprove such invoices or delay the payment thereof. To the extent the cost of Landlord's Work exceeds the Tenant Allowance, such excess cost shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord upon Landlord's demand. If Tenant shall fail to pay such excess cost within ten (10) days of demand from Landlord therefor, such failure shall be an Event of Default (as defined in Section 14.01 below) under this Lease. To the extent that Landlord's Work shall be less than the
Tenant's Allowance, Landlord shall not be required to contribute or pay such differential to Tenant, nor shall such differential be available to Tenant as a credit against any obligations of Tenant under this Lease. It is expressly understood and agreed that all improvements installed within the Premises in accordance with Landlord's Work shall, upon completion and installation, be deemed the property of Landlord, including any fixtures or equipment (except for trade fixtures and equipment, moveable office partitions, furniture or other personal property) for which Landlord has provided allowances to Tenant in connection with the performance of Landlord's Work. In addition, Landlord may, upon notice to Tenant, relinquish its rights to the improvements installed pursuant to Landlord's Work and compel Tenant to remove same prior to expiration of the Lease Term.
ARTICLE IV: TERM
4.01 TERM. The Term shall commence on the Rent Commencement Date set forth in Section 1.01(k), or, in the event the Rent Commencement Date is not the first day of a calendar month, the Term shall commence on the first day of the next succeeding month following the Rent Commencement Date (the "Term Commencement Date"). The Term shall expire at 11:59 P.M. on the Expiration Date set forth in Section 1.01(l), unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided.
ARTICLE V: RENT
5.01 BASE RENT. The Base Rent shall be in the amount(s) set forth in
Section 1.01(n) hereof. One-twelfth (1/12th) of the annual Base Rent shall be
paid in advance on the first day of each and every month during the Term
commencing as of the Rent Commencement Date, without notice, demand or setoff.
If the Rent Commencement Date is not the first day of a calendar month, Base
Rent for the fraction of the month in which the Rent Commencement Date occurs
shall be prorated based upon the actual number of days in such fractional month.
Upon executing this Lease, Tenant shall pay the installment of Base Rent
attributable to the first full calendar month of the Term for which a full
monthly installment of Base Rent is payable hereunder. Anything herein contained
to the contrary notwithstanding, is expressly understood and agreed that Tenant
shall not be responsible to pay any installment of Base Rent applicable to the
first two (2) full months of the Term, it being understood and agreed, however,
that all of the terms and conditions of this Lease shall apply during said two
(2) month period, including Tenant's obligation for all additional rent and
other charges set forth herein.
5.02 ADDITIONAL RENT. In addition to Base Rent, Tenant shall pay to Landlord all sums of money or other charges required to be paid by Tenant under this Lease, including but not limited to charges required to be paid by Tenant under this Lease for Operating Expenses, Real Property Taxes, (both as defined in Article VI hereof) (all such sums being herein deemed "Additional Rent", which term excludes Base Rent), and whether or not same are designated "Additional Rent" and whether or not same are payable to Landlord or any other entity. Any Additional Rent provided for in this Lease shall become due with each monthly installment of Base Rent unless otherwise provided.
5.03 MANNER OF PAYMENT. Rent payable under this Lease shall be paid in lawful money of the United States of America without prior notice or demand therefor and without any
deduction, defense, counterclaim, setoff or abatement whatsoever. Rent shall be paid to Landlord at the office of the Manager set forth in Section 1.01(b) hereof or at such other place as Landlord may direct in writing. The term "Rent" as used in this Lease shall refer collectively to "Base Rent" and "Additional Rent".
5.04 LATE PAYMENT AND INTEREST. If any payment of Rent or any other charge payable by Tenant hereunder is not paid promptly when due, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a late payment charge equal to five percent (5%) of the amount of such delinquent payment in addition to the delinquent payment, regardless of whether or not a notice of default has been given by Landlord. In addition, Tenant shall pay interest on such late payment and late charge from and after the expiration of ten (10) days following the original due date of the late payment at an interest rate (the "Interest Rate") equal to the lesser of (a) the prevailing prime rate as published by Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., at its New York office (or a successor bank selected by Landlord upon written notice to Tenant), plus three (3) percentage points, or (b) the maximum rate permitted by applicable law, until such amounts, are paid. Landlord and Tenant recognize that the damages which Landlord will suffer as a result of Tenant's failure to timely pay Rent or other amounts due to Landlord are difficult or impracticable to ascertain, and agree that said interest and late charge constitute a reasonable estimate of the damages which Landlord will suffer in the event of Tenant's late payment. This Section 5.04 shall not relieve Tenant from payment of Rent or other amounts due to Landlord at the times and in thee manners herein specified. Acceptance by Landlord of any such interest and late charge shall not constitute a waiver of Tenant's default with respect to said overdue amount, nor prevent Landlord from exercising any other rights or remedies available to Landlord.
ARTICLE VI: ADDITIONAL RENT AND CHARGES
6.01 TENANT'S OBLIGATION FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES. In addition to amounts due from Tenant in accordance with Section 6.02 below, Tenant shall pay or cause to be paid, prior to delinquency, any and all taxes and assessments levied upon all trade fixtures, inventories and other personal property placed in and/or upon the Premises by Tenant or at Tenant's direction or request. If any such taxes on Tenant's personal property or trade fixtures are levied against Landlord or Landlord's property or if the assessed value of the Premises is increased by the inclusion therein of a value placed upon such personal property or trade fixtures of Tenant, and if Landlord pays the taxes based upon such increased assessment, Tenant shall, upon demand, repay to Landlord the taxes so levied or the portion of such taxes resulting from such increase in the assessment.
6.02 TENANT'S SHARE OF OPERATING EXPENSES.
(a) ESTIMATED EXPENSES. Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as Additional Rent, the following (the "Escalation Amounts"):
(i) REAL PROPERTY TAXES. The amount by which Tenant's Share of Real Property Taxes (as defined below) paid by Landlord during each calendar year or portion thereof during the Term (except for the Tax Base Year) exceeds the Tax Base (as .defined in Section 1.01(u)) (or in the event of a portion of a calendar year, the fraction of the Tax Base that is equivalent to the portion of the calendar year in question);
(ii) OPERATING EXPENSES. The amount by which Tenant's Share of Operating Expenses (as defined below) paid by Landlord during each calendar year or portion thereof during the Term (except for the Operating Expense Base Year) exceeds the Operating Expense Base (as defined in Section 1.01(s)) (or in the event of a portion of a calendar year, the fraction of the Operating Expense Base that is equivalent to the portion of the calendar year in question);
Each calendar year of the Term, except for the Tax Base Year, Operating Expense Base Year, and Utility Base Year, as applicable, Landlord shall deliver to Tenant an estimate of the annual Escalation Amounts payable by Tenant pursuant to this provision, and Tenant shall pay to Landlord on the first of each month in advance, one-twelfth (1/12th) of Landlord's estimated amount. At the end of each year there shall be an adjustment made to account for any difference between the actual and the estimated Escalation Amounts for such calendar year. If Tenant has overpaid the Escalation Amounts owing pursuant to this provision, and provided Tenant is not in default hereunder, Landlord shall refund such overpayment to Tenant; provided, however, that Landlord. shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to credit such overpayment to unpaid Rent payable by Tenant under this Lease, whether or not same is then due. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Lease, if Tenant's Share of Real Property Taxes or Operating Expenses daring any calendar year during the Term of this Lease is less than the Tax Base or Operating Expense Base, as applicable, for such item, such shortfall shall not be applied to reduce the amounts payable by Tenant for Tenant's Share of such other items. If Tenant has underpaid the Escalation Amounts owing pursuant to this provision, Tenant shall pay the total amount of such deficiency to Landlord as Additional Rent with the next payment of Rent due under this Lease following written notice of said deficiency from Landlord to Tenant. Any Escalation Amounts attributable to the Term of this Lease which would not otherwise be due until after the date of the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, shall, if the exact amount is uncertain at the time this Lease expires or terminates, be paid by Tenant to Landlord upon such expiration or termination in an amount to be reasonably determined by Landlord, with an adjustment to be made once the exact amount is known. Such obligation shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.
Tenant shall be provided, following the end of each calendar year during
the Term of this Lease, with a statement showing in reasonable detail the
separate charges for Real Property Taxes and Operating Expenses for the such
calendar year for which such charges were due (the "Operating Statement").
Tenant shall have the right, at its sole cost and expense, to audit Landlord's
records upon which such Operating Statement is based, provided Tenant's first
pays all sums due as shown on the Operating Statement. However, Tenant may only
conduct an audit (i) upon reasonable notice to Landlord so as to allow Landlord
sufficient time to compile its records and make them available to Tenant, (ii)
not more than sixty (60) days after Tenant receives the Operating Statement for
the subject year, and (iii) not more than once during any Lease Year. Any audit
and subsequent adjustment in payment shall be deemed to be conclusive settlement
of the dispute. If Tenant does not notify Landlord of a dispute within sixty
(60) days of receipt of such Operating Statement, Tenant shall be deemed to have
accepted Landlord's calculations as conclusive.
(b) DEFINED TERMS.
(i) REAL PROPERTY TAXES. For purposes of this Lease, "Real Property Taxes" shall consist of all real estate taxes, and all other taxes relating to the Building or the Project, all other taxes which may be levied in lieu of real estate taxes, all assessments, assessment bonds, levies, fees and other governmental charges including but not limited to, charges for traffic facilities and improvements, water service studies, and improvements or amounts necessary to be expended because of governmental orders, whether general or special, ordinary or extraordinary, unforeseen as well as foreseen, of any kind and nature for public improvements, services, benefits, or any other purpose, which are assessed, levied, confirmed, imposed or become a lien upon the Building or the Project or become payable during the Term (or which become payable after the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease and are attributable in whole or in part to any period during the Term), together with all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in good faith in contesting, resisting, or appealing any such taxes, rates, duties, levies or assessments, including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees. "Real Property Taxes" shall exclude any franchise, estate, inheritance or succession transfer tax of Landlord, or any federal or state income, profits or revenue tax or charge upon the net income of Landlord from all sources; provided, however, that if at any time during the Term there is levied or assessed against Landlord a federal, state or local tax or excise tax on rent, or any other tax however described on account of rent or gross receipts or any portion thereof, Tenant shall pay as Additional Rent one hundred percent (100%) of any said tax or excise applicable to Rent collected from Tenant. If at any time during the Term, the method or scope of taxation shall be altered, modified, or repealed, so as to cause the method or scope of taxation to be changed, in whole or in part, so that in substitution for the real estate taxes now assessed there may be, in whole or in part, a capital levy, tax, assessment, or other imposition of any kind or nature upon, against, or with respect to the Building or the Project or the rents payable by Tenant or on the income derived from the Building or the Project, or with respect to Landlord's ownership interest in the Building or the Project, then such capital levy, tax, assessment, or imposition shall be included within the definition of "Real Property Taxes".
(ii) OPERATING EXPENSES. For purposes of this Lease,
"Operating Expenses" shall consist of the total (without duplication) of all
actual expenses and costs of ownership, administration, operation, management,
maintenance and repair of the Project (other than Real Property Taxes),
including, without limitation: (1) premiums for insurance maintained by Landlord
pursuant to this Lease or otherwise for the benefit of the Project; (2) wages,
salaries and related expenses of all on-site and off-site employees-engaged in
operation, management, maintenance and security, including without limitation,
payroll taxes and similar government charges with respect thereto, insurance,
retirement, fringe benefits and uniform allowances payable to employees; (3) all
supplies, materials and equipment (including rentals) used in such operation,
management, maintenance and repair (4) all maintenance, security and service
costs; (5) all janitorial costs, including refuse removal and window cleaning;
(6) costs incurred in the management of the Project (including supplies),
together with a fee for the management of the Project and the rental cost of an
on-site management office; (7) consultant, legal and accounting expenses,
including the cost of audits by certified public accountants; (8) costs of
operating and maintaining elevator(s) (if any); (9) all maintenance, repair and
replacement costs relating to the Project, including sidewalks, landscaping,
snow removal, signs (other than tenant signs), service areas, mechanical rooms,
parking and plaza areas, Project exterior, driveways, including any
assessments against the Project pursuant to any covenants, conditions or restrictions, reciprocal easement agreements, tenancy in common agreements or similar restrictions or agreements; (10) painting, decorating and furbishing of the Project and repairing, restriping and resurfacing the parking facilities and parking areas of the Project; (11) roof system maintenance and repairs; (12) amortization of capital improvements to the extent such capital improvements are installed or used to reduce the costs of other items included in Operating Expenses (whether or not such costs in respect of the same are in fact reduced) or to the extent such improvements are required by laws, rules, ordinances or regulations; (13) any personal property taxes levied on or attributable to personal property used in connection with the operation, management, maintenance and/or repair of the Project; (14) the cost of permits, certificates and licenses required in connection with the Project or any portion thereof or any areas used in connection therewith (except building permits and other development permits), and any other costs levied, assessed or imposed by or at the direction of, or resulting from statutes or regulations or interpretations thereof promulgated by any federal or governmental authority in connection with the use or occupancy of the Project; and (15) water and sewer costs and charges, and the charges and costs of electricity for the operation of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems serving the Project, excluding the Premises, and including the Common Areas of the Project; and (16) any other expenses of any kind whatsoever reasonably incurred in managing, operating, maintaining and repairing the Project.
Operating Expenses shall be reduced by the following: (a) to the extent actually received by Landlord, the net proceeds (after deduction of all costs of recovery thereof, including insurance deductible and reasonable legal fees) of insurance and damages paid by third parties and which are not applied to reconstruction or required to be paid to Landlord's mortgagee; (b) specific costs incurred for the account of, separately billed to, and paid by specific tenants; (c) repairs or replacements to the extent that the cost of the same is recovered by Landlord pursuant to original construction warranties; (d) interest on debt or capital retirement of debt; and (e) Landlord's cost of tenant leasehold improvements, leasing commissions and reasonable legal fees arising from lease disputes.
(iii) TENANT'S SHARE. For purposes of this Lease "Tenant's Share" means the percentage set forth in Section 1.01(o). Tenant's Share is not meant, nor shall Tenant's Share be construed, to be a representation by Landlord as to the rentable or usable square footage of the Premises.
(c) ADJUSTMENT FOR OCCUPANCY. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, in the event the Project is less than ninety-five percent (95%) occupied during all or any portion of any calendar year of the Term, an adjustment shall be made in computing Taxes and Operating Expenses for such year so that the same shall be computed for such year as though the Project had been ninety-five percent (95%) occupied during such year.
ARTICLE VII: SERVICES AND UTILITIES
7.01 LANDLORD'S SERVICES.
(a) BASIC SERVICES. Landlord shall furnish: (1) heat and air conditioning for the Building Common Areas between 8 A.M. and 6 P.M. Monday through Friday and between
8 A.M. and 1 P.M. Saturday ("Business Hours"), excluding Holidays (as defined and set forth in Exhibit "G" attached hereto and made a part hereof), and the electricity to power same; (ii) 24 hours, 7 days per week access and elevator service, including at least one weekend elevator, (iii) rest room supplies; (iv) cleaning services as set forth in the Building Janitorial Specifications, annexed hereto as Exhibit C, on weekdays, excluding Holidays and weekends; (v) snow removal; and (vi) such other services as Landlord may elect to provide from time to time. Landlord shall have the right to modify the terms and/or frequency of the services provided, so long as Landlord gives at least five (5) days notice of any changes, and such changes do not materially diminish the services described herein.
(b) INTERRUPTION OF SERVICES. Landlord shall not be in default
hereunder or be liable for any damages directly or indirectly resulting from,
nor shall the Rent be abated or suspended by reason of, (i) the interruption or
curtailment of the use of the Premises as a result of the installation of any
equipment in connection with the Premises or the Building; (ii) any failure to
furnish or delay in furnishing any services required to be provided by Landlord;
(iii) the limitation, curtailment, rationing or restriction of the use of water
or electricity, gas or any other form of energy or any other service or utility
whatsoever serving the Premises, the Building or the Project; (iv) any defects
to, or damage from, heating, ventilating or air conditioning systems, or
components of the foregoing, which are installed, repaired or modified by Tenant
in or serving the Premises; (v) damage caused by water leakage, sewage, steam,
gas, odors or plumbing overflows; or (vi) any circumstance beyond Landlord's
control. Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to remedy any interruption in the
furnishing of such services so as to minimize any interference with the use of
the Building by the tenants thereof (including Tenant).
(c) LIGHT BULBS. Replacement bulbs for lighting fixtures shall be provided and installed by Landlord at Tenant's expense.
7.02 TENANT'S PAYMENT OF ELECTRICITY CHARGES. Landlord shall install an electric meter to measure the electricity actually consumed by Tenant at the Premises for lighting, heat, ventilation, and air conditioning, and other uses. Tenant shall pay the charges for its electrical usage based on such metering directly to the utility company providing the electricity. In addition Tenant shall continue to pay, as Additional Rent, in the manner set forth in Section 6.02(a)(ii), Tenant's Share of the charges incurred by Landlord during the Term of the Lease for all electricity consumed at the Project by Common Areas.
ARTICLE VIII: INSURANCE
8.01 PUBLIC LIABILITY. Tenant shall, at its own cost and expense, keep and maintain in full force during the Term and any other period of occupancy of the Premises by Tenant a policy or policies of commercial general liability insurance insuring Tenant's activities with respect to the Premises, the Building, the Common Areas and the Project, against loss, damage, or liability for personal injury or death of any person, or loss or damage to property occurring in, upon or about the Premises in an amount of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit or such larger amounts as may hereafter be reasonably requested by Landlord. The policy shall (a) insure the hazards of the Premises and Tenant's operations thereon, (b) include independent contractor and contractual liability coverage (covering the indemnity contained in Section 8.09 hereof), (c) name Landlord, Landlord's property management firm for the Project
and any mortgagees designated by Landlord as an additional insured; (d) contain a cross-liability provision; and (e) contain a provision that the insurance provided Landlord hereunder shall be primary and non-contributing. In addition, Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep and maintain in full force and effect during the Term a Four Million Dollar ($4,000,000.00) umbrella policy on terms reasonably acceptable to Landlord.
8.02 TENANT'S PROPERTY AND OTHER INSURANCE. Tenant shall, at its own cost and expense, keep and maintain in full force during the Term and any other period of occupancy of the Premises by Tenant, a policy or policies of standard form property insurance insuring against the perils of fire, extended coverage, vandalism, malicious mischief, special extended coverage ("all-risk") and sprinkler leakage. This insurance policy shall be upon all property owned by Tenant, for which Tenant is legally liable or that was installed at Tenant's expense, and which is located in the Building, including, without limitation, furniture, fittings, installations, fixtures (other than the Tenant Improvements installed by Landlord), and any other personal property, in an amount not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the full replacement cost thereof. This insurance policy shall also insure direct or indirect loss of Tenant's earnings attributable to Tenant's inability to use fully or obtain access to the Premises or the Building, together with workers' compensation coverage as required by state law.
8.03 ADDITIONAL INSURANCE. Tenant shall carry such insurance against such other hazards and in such amounts as may be customarily carried by tenants of similar properties as Landlord may reasonably require for its protection from time to time.
8.04 FORM OF INSURANCE/CERTIFICATES. All policies required to be carried by Tenant hereunder shall be written in form and content satisfactory to Landlord and shall be issued by insurance companies approved by Landlord which are licensed in the state in which the Project is located and holding a general policy holder's rating of "A" and a financial size rating of "X" or better, as set forth in the most current issue of Best's Insurance Guide, and shall provide that the policy is not subject to invalidation as to Landlord's interest by reason of any act or omission of Tenant, its officers, agents, employees, invitees, licensees, servants, subtenants, concessionaires or contractors ("Tenant's Agents"). Tenant shall furnish to Landlord, prior to Tenant's entry on the Premises and thereafter within thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of each such policy, a certificate of insurance (or renewal thereof) issued by the insurance carrier of each policy of insurance carried by Tenant pursuant hereto. Said certificates shall expressly provide that such policies shall not be cancelable or subject to reduction of coverage or otherwise be subject to modification except after thirty (30) days prior written notice to Landlord and any designated mortgagee. Tenant may carry the insurance required hereunder under a blanket policy, provided such blanket policy allocates to the Premises coverage in amounts satisfactory to Landlord, and further provided that all other requirements for insurance set forth in this Article VIII are met by such blanket policy.
8.05 TENANT'S FAILURE. If Tenant fails to maintain any insurance required in this. Lease, Tenant shall be liable for any loss or cost resulting from said failure. This Section shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any of Landlord's rights and remedies under any other section of this Lease. If Landlord obtains any insurance which it is the responsibility of Tenant to obtain under this Article VIII, Landlord shall deliver to Tenant a written statement setting forth the cost of any such insurance, and Tenant shall promptly reimburse said amount to Landlord upon
demand, together with interest thereon at the Interest Rate from the date of demand until payment in full.
8.06 WAIVER OF SUBROGATION. Landlord and Tenant each hereby release the other, its officers, directors, employees and agents, from liability or responsibility (to the other or anyone claiming through or under them by way of subrogation or otherwise) for any loss or damage to property covered by valid and collectible fire insurance with standard extended coverage endorsement, even if such loss or damage shall have been caused by the fault or negligence of the other party, or anyone for whom such party may be responsible. However, this release shall apply only if the releasor's insurance policy contains a clause or endorsement providing that any such release shall not adversely affect or impair such policy or prejudice the right of the releasor to recover thereunder. Landlord and Tenant each agree that any fire and extended coverage insurance policies carried by each of them respectively and covering the Premises or their contents will include such clauses or endorsements as long as the same shall be obtainable without extra cost, or, if extra cost shall be charged therefor, so long as the other party pays such extra cost upon advice to the other of the amount of the extra cost.
8.07 TENANT'S PROPERTY AND FIXTURES. Tenant assumes the risk of damage to any furniture, equipment, machinery, goods, supplies or fixtures which are or remain the property of Tenant or as to which Tenant retains the right of removal from the Premises.
8.08 INDEMNIFICATION OF LANDLORD. In amplification of Article XVII and not in limitation thereof, Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Landlord, Landlord's agents, contractors and employees, the Premises, the Building and the Project from and against (i) any and all liability, penalties, losses, damages, costs and expenses, demands, causes of action, claims or judgments arising from any injury to any person or persons (including death) or any damage to any property as a result of the use, maintenance, occupation or operation of the Premises, the Building or the Project by Tenant or Tenant's Agents or resulting from any breach or default in the performance of any obligation to be performed by Tenant under the terms of this Lease, or arising from any act, neglect, fault or omission of Tenant or any of Tenant's Agents, and (ii) all reasonable legal fees, expert fees or other professional fees and court charges incurred in connection with any of such matters and the defense of any action arising out of the same or in discharging the Premises, the Building or the Project, or any part thereof, from any and all liens, charges or judgments which may accrue or be placed thereon by reason of any act or omission of Tenant or any of Tenant's Agents; provided, however, that Tenant shall not be required to indemnify Landlord for any damage or injury of any kind arising as a result of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord. In no event shall Landlord nor any partner, director, officer, agent or employee of Landlord be liable for damages arising out of any loss of the use of the Premises or any equipment or facilities therein by Tenant or any persons claiming through or under Tenant; nor shall Landlord or any partner, director, officer, employee or agent of Landlord be liable for (i) any damage to property entrusted to employees or security officers of the Building or the Project, (ii) loss or damage to any property by theft, (iii) any injury or damage to persons or property, resulting from fire, explosion, electricity, water or rain which may leak from any part of the Building, the Common Areas or the Project or from the pipes, appliances or plumbing work therein or from the root, street or subsurface or from any other place or resulting from dampness or any other cause, or (iv) any interference with light or other incorporeal hereditaments.
8.09 NOTIFICATION FROM TENANT. Tenant shall give prompt notice to Landlord in case Tenant is or becomes aware of fire or accidents in the Premises, the Building, the Common Areas or any other portion of the Project or of any defects therein.
ARTICLE IX: REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
9.01 TENANT REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE. Except as otherwise set forth in
Section 9.02 below, Tenant shall, at Tenant's sole cost and expense, keep and
maintain the entire Premises, including without limitation, all interior walls,
doors, ceilings, fixtures, drapes, lights (including emergency lighting fixtures
in the Premises), ballasts, and floor coverings thereof in good repair and in a
clean and safe condition. Tenant shall also comply with and observe the
requirements of all laws and regulations of any applicable public authority and
the requirements of all insurance policies relating to the Premises.
9.02 LANDLORD REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE. Subject to reimbursement pursuant to Section 6.02 hereof, Landlord shall, except as otherwise set forth in this Lease, maintain in good condition and repair the Common Areas and the structural and exterior portions of the Project, and the plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, elevator and electrical systems installed or furnished by Landlord. Landlord shall invoke the benefits of all system and Building warranties. In the event any of such maintenance and repairs are (i) necessitated by or attributable in part or in whole to the act, neglect or omission of Tenant, or Tenant's Agents, or (ii) required to any equipment that might be considered a part of the Project plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, elevator and/or electrical systems, but which was installed by or on behalf or at the request of Tenant (with or without Landlord's consent thereto), then in any of said foregoing events Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as Additional Rent, the cost of such maintenance and repairs. Landlord shall not be liable for any failure to make any repairs or to perform any maintenance unless such failure shall persist for an unreasonable time after written notice of the need for such repairs or maintenance is given to Landlord by Tenant. Except as set forth in Article XII hereof, there shall be no abatement of Rent due to, and Landlord shall have no liability by reason of any injury to or interference with Tenant's business arising from, the making of any repairs, alterations or improvements in or to any portion of the Project or the Premises or in or to fixtures, appurtenances and equipment therein. Except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein, Tenant affirms that Landlord shall not be obligated to undertake any remodeling, improvement, painting or decorating at any time during the Term or any renewal or extension thereof. Tenant waives the right to make repairs at Landlord's expense under any law, statute or ordinance now or hereafter in effect.
9.03 NON-LIABILITY OF LANDLORD. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 9.02 above or elsewhere in this Lease, Landlord shall not be, in default hereunder nor be liable for any damages directly or indirectly resulting from, nor shall the Rent be abated or suspended by reason of, (a) the interruption or curtailment of the use of the Premises as a result of the performance of Landlord's obligations under this Article or the installation of any equipment in connection with the Premises or the Project or Building or (b) any other condition described in Section 7.01(c) which may occur during the performance of Landlord's obligations hereunder. Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to perform its required obligations under this Lease so as to minimize any interference with the use of the Project or Building by the tenants thereof (including Tenant).
9.04 INSPECTION OF PREMISES. Upon reasonable prior notice to Tenant, Landlord may enter the Premises to complete construction undertaken by Landlord on the Premises or the Building, to inspect, clean, improve or repair the same, to inspect the performance by Tenant of the terms and conditions hereof, to show the Premises to prospective purchasers, tenants and lenders, and for all other purposes as Landlord shall reasonably deem necessary or appropriate. Landlord agrees to use reasonable commercial efforts to minimize any interference with Tenant's use and occupancy of the Premises. Tenant hereby waives any claim for damages or any injury or inconvenience to or interference with Tenant's business, any loss of occupancy or quiet enjoyment of the Premises, and any other loss in, upon or about the Premises, except as otherwise provided in Article XII hereof
ARTICLE X: FIXTURES, PERSONAL PROPERTY AND ALTERATIONS
10.01 FIXTURES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY. Tenant, at Tenant's expense, may install any necessary trade fixtures, equipment and furniture in the Premises, provided that such items are installed and are removable without damage to the structure of or systems and/or equipment serving the Building. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall not install any vending machines or ice machines in the Premises without Landlord's prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld provided such machines are for Tenant's use only. Said trade fixtures, equipment and furniture shall remain Tenant's property and shall be removed by Tenant upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease. Landlord reserves the right to approve or disapprove installation of curtains, draperies, shades, paint or other interior improvements on wholly aesthetic grounds; same must be approved in writing by Landlord prior to installation, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, or Landlord may remove or replace such items at Tenant's sole expense. As a covenant which shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant shall repair, at Tenant's sole expense, all damage caused by the installation or removal of said trade fixtures, equipment, furniture or aesthetic improvements and shall restore the affected areas to a condition reasonably compatible with the remainder of the Premises as determined by Landlord. If Tenant fails to remove the foregoing items prior to or upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Landlord, at its option and without any liability whatsoever to Tenant for loss thereof or damage thereto, may keep and use same or remove any or all of them and cause them to be stored or sold in accordance with applicable law, and Tenant shall, upon demand of Landlord, pay to Landlord as Additional Rent hereunder all costs and expenses incurred by Landlord in so storing and/or selling said items.
10.02 ALTERATIONS. Excepting Landlord's Work, Tenant shall not make or allow to be made any alterations, additions or improvements to the Premises ("Alterations"), either at the inception of this Lease or subsequently during the Term, without obtaining the prior written consent of Landlord. No Alterations shall be permitted to the outside dimensions of the Premises or the Building, existing bearing walls and columns, exterior walls, roof, structural ceiling or foundations, nor shall Tenant install any electrical equipment that would overload the lines in the Premises or interfere with the electrical usage of other tenants, unless approved in writing by Landlord. Tenant shall deliver to Landlord full and complete plans and specifications of all requested Alterations, and, any subsequent modifications or additions to such plans and specifications, prior to undertaking same, and as-built plans when completed, and no proposed work shall be commenced or continued by Tenant until Landlord has given its written approval thereof. By approving any request for Alterations submitted by Tenant, Landlord does not (i)
expressly or implicitly covenant or warrant that any plans or specifications are accurate, safe or sufficient or that the same comply with any applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, or the like, or (ii) consent to the imposition of any lien on the Premises or the Building for any work performed or materials delivered in connection with any such Alterations. Tenant shall be solely responsible for compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and/or the like, and for obtaining all necessary permits and governmental approvals and for construction of said improvements in compliance with same. Further, Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Landlord and the Premises from any loss, cost or expense, including legal fees, incurred by Landlord as a result of any defects in design, materials or workmanship resulting from such Alterations.
All Alterations shall become the property of Landlord, unless Landlord directs that such Alterations be removed by Tenant at the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease. In such case, Tenant, at Tenant's sole expense, shall remove the Alterations and repair all damage resulting from such removal and shall restore the affected areas to a condition reasonably compatible with the remainder of the Premises as reasonably determined by Landlord, or, at Landlord's option, shall pay to Landlord all reasonable and necessary costs arising from such removal and restoration.
All Alterations, and all removal of same, shall be done in a good and workmanlike manner in compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, regulations and orders of any federal, state, county, municipal or other public authority and of the insurers of the Building. If required by Landlord, Tenant shall secure at Tenant's own cost and expense a completion and lien indemnity bond satisfactory to Landlord for said work. Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for Landlord's reasonable charges including any professional fees, incurred by Landlord and a review fee of fifteen percent (15%) of the cost of construction of such Alterations for expenses incurred by Landlord or Landlord's designated property management firm for the Project, in reviewing and approving or disapproving plans and specifications for any Alterations proposed by Tenant and/or coordinating and overseeing the construction of such Alterations. Landlord shall be entitled to approve and/or designate the contractors/subcontractors to be used to construct Alterations. Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Landlord and Landlord's agents, contractors and employees from and against any liability or damages, and will take all measures necessary to eliminate any negative impact on the operation of the Building, resulting from any non-union contractor or subcontractor being used for the Alterations. Tenant shall require that any contractors used by Tenant comply with all requirements for insurance set forth in Article VIII and carry a comprehensive liability insurance policy naming Landlord and any mortgagee designated by Landlord as additional insureds, covering bodily injury in such amounts as set forth in Section 8.01. Tenant shall provide proof of such insurance prior to commencement of any work on the Premises.
10.03 LIENS. Tenant shall promptly pay and discharge all claims for work or labor done, supplies furnished or services rendered at the request of Tenant or at request of Landlord on behalf of Tenant, and shall keep the Premises, the Building and the Project free and clear of all mechanic's and materialman's liens in connection therewith. Landlord shall have the right, and shall be given ten (10) business days written notice by Tenant prior to commencement of the work, to post or keep posted on Premises, or in the immediate vicinity thereof, any notices of non-responsibility for any construction, alteration, or repair of the Premises by Tenant. If any
such lien is filed, Tenant shall cause same to be discharged of record (by bond or otherwise) within ten (10) days. If said lien is not timely discharged Landlord may, but shall not be required to, take such action or pay such amount as may be necessary to remove such lien and Tenant shall pay to Landlord on demand any such amounts expended by Landlord, together with interest thereon at the Interest Rate from the date of demand until paid in full.
ARTICLE XI: USE AND COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
11.01 SIGNS. Tenant shall not paint, display, inscribe, place or affix any sign, picture, advertisement, notice, lettering, or direction on any part of the outside of the Premises, the Building or Project or visible from the outside of the Premises, the Building or the Project or in any lobby corridor, hallway, entrance or other public part of the Building or the Project; however, Landlord shall prescribe a uniform pattern for tenant identification signs to be placed on the outside of the main door leading into the Premises, at Tenant's expense. Tenant shall be entitled to representation in the interior building directory or similar listing of all of the tenants in the Building. Landlord shall have the right at any time and from time to time to remove any sign in order to paint or make repairs, alterations or improvements to the Premises, the Building or the Common Areas, and to charge Tenant for the cost incurred by Landlord to remove Tenant's sign at the termination or earlier expiration of this Lease.
11.02 USE. Tenant shall only use the Premises for general office purposes and for no other use without the prior written consent of Landlord, which use shall include a kitchenette and electric stove for use by Tenant and its employees only. Tenant, in Tenant's use and occupancy of the Premises, shall not subject or permit the Premises, the Building and/or the Project to be used in any manner which would tend to damage any portion thereof, or which would increase the cost of any insurance paid by Landlord with respect thereto. Tenant shall not do or permit anything to be done in or about the Premises, the Building, the Common Areas and/or the Project which will in any way obstruct or interfere with the rights of other tenants or occupants of the Building, the Common Areas and/or Project, or use or allow the Premises or any portion of the Project to be used for any improper, immoral, unlawful or objectionable purpose, nor shall Tenant cause, maintain or permit a nuisance in, on or about the Premises, Building, the Common Areas and/or the Project. Tenant shall comply with all restrictive covenants and obligations created by private contracts which affect the use and operation of the Premises, the Building, the Common Areas and/or the Project. Landlord reserves the right to prescribe the weight and position of any files, safes or heavy equipment which Tenant desires to place in the Premises so as to properly distribute the weight thereof. Further, Tenant's business machines and mechanical equipment which cause vibration or noise that may be transmitted to the Building structure or to any other space in the Building shall be so installed, maintained and used by Tenant so as to eliminate such vibration or noise. Tenant shall be responsible for all structural engineering, fees and costs required to determine structural load.
11.03 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS. Tenant shall, at Tenant's sole costs and expense, (a) comply with all "Legal Requirements" and "Insurance Requirements," (as such terms are hereinafter defined) applicable to the Premises and use thereof (b) maintain and comply with all permits, licenses and other authorizations required by any government authority or agency or quasi-government authority or agency for Tenant's use of the Premises and for the proper operation, maintenance and repair of the Premises, and (c) promptly
and accurately respond in writing to all reasonable inquiries (including without limitation requests for documents) of Landlord pertaining to Legal Requirements, Insurance Requirements or related matters. For purposes herein, "Insurance Requirements" means all terms of any insurance policy maintained by Landlord or Tenant with respect to the Premises and all requirements of the National Board of Fire Underwriters (or any other body exerting similar functions) applicable to or affecting all or any part of the Premises. "Legal Requirements" means all statutes, codes, ordinances, orders regulations or directives of any government authority or agency or quasi-government authority or agency, which now or at any time hereafter may be applicable to Tenant or to the Premises, or any part thereof; or any means of access thereto, including, without limitation any laws pertaining to the regulation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the environment and Hazardous Materials (as hereafter defined).
11.04 LANDLORD'S INSPECTION AND TESTING.
(a) TENANT'S NONCOMPLIANCE. Landlord and any employee, representative, agent or contractor of Landlord may enter the Premises at any time and from time to time during normal business hours for purposes of inspecting same, and conducting tests thereupon, as Landlord deems reasonably necessary to determine whether Tenant is in compliance with all applicable Legal Requirements and Insurance Requirements (as such terms are defined above), but Landlord shall not be obligated to do so. In the event Landlord has determined that Tenant is in noncompliance, Landlord shall notify Tenant of such fact, setting forth in such notice the basis for Landlord's determination, and Tenant shall promptly remedy the noncompliance. If Tenant fails to promptly remedy the noncompliance, Landlord shall have the right, but not the obligation, to take such actions as it deems advisable to remedy the noncompliance and all costs and expenses incurred thereby, including without limitation legal fees and consultant fees, shall be deemed to be Additional Rent payable by Tenant upon demand, together with interest thereon at the Interest Rate from the date of demand until paid in full.
(b) NOTICE TO TENANT; COSTS. Unless an emergency exists, as determined by Landlord in its reasonable discretion, Landlord agrees to notify Tenant at least one (1) business day prior to the date Landlord desires to conduct such investigation and testing at the Premises, and agrees to conduct same in a commercially reasonable manner so as to minimize the disruption to Tenant's operations. The costs of such investigation and tests shall be included in Operating Expenses; provided, however, that if it is determined that Tenant is not in compliance with this Lease, said costs and expenses shall be deemed Additional Rent payable by Tenant upon demand, together with interest thereon at the Interest Rate from the date of demand until paid in full.
11.05 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.
(a) TENANT'S COMPLIANCE. In amplification of Tenant's obligations under Section 11.03 above and not in limitation thereof, Tenant further agrees to conduct its business operations at the Premises in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, orders, regulations and ordinances now existing or hereafter enacted, and to perform any act or obligation, at Tenant's sole cost and expense, arising from or in connection with such compliance, to the extent such compliance is required due to the nature of Tenant's business or due to Tenant's specific use and/or occupancy of, or any act or omission of Tenant in or about,
the Premises. Tenant shall not cause or permit any Hazardous Materials (as
defined herein below) to be generated, disposed of, or brought upon, kept or
used in or about the Premises, the Building and/or the Project by Tenant, its
agents, employees, contractors, licensees or invitees, except such incidental
quantities of Hazardous Materials as are commonly used in offices (such as
copier fluid, typewriter correction fluids and ordinary cleaning solvents),
provided that such incidental quantities are at all times used, kept and stored
in a manner that complies with all Legal Requirements now or hereafter
pertaining to any such Hazardous Materials. As used herein, "Hazardous
Materials" means any toxic or hazardous waste, pollutant or substance,
including, without limitation, asbestos, PCBs, petroleum products and
by-products, substances defined or listed as hazardous substances or toxic
substances or similarly defined in or pursuant to the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C.
Section 9601, et seq.; the Resource Conservation Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section
6901, et seq.; the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1251, et seq.; and the
Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 7401, et seq.; together with all regulations to
the foregoing, and any hazardous or toxic substance or pollutant now or
hereafter regulated under any federal, state or local environmental law,
regulation or ordinance, including those yet to be enacted, as all of such laws
and regulations may be amended from time to time.
(b) ENVIRONMENTAL LIENS. Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any liens of which Tenant becomes aware, threatened or attached against the Premises, the Building or the Project pursuant to any environmental law, rule, regulation or ordinance. Tenant further agrees, at its sole cost and expense, to promptly discharge and remove any such lien arising from the violation by Tenant of any environmental law, rule, regulation or ordinance, within thirty (30) days from the date Tenant first receives notice of such lien or in such shorter period off time in the event that the holder of such lien has commenced steps to cause the Premises, the Building or the Project to be sold pursuant to such lien, in which event Tenant shall also immediately pay the claim and remove the lien from the Premises, the Building and/or the Project. If Tenant fails to do so within said period, Landlord shall be entitled to exercise all of its available rights and remedies.
(c) INDEMNIFICATION. If Tenant breaches the covenants and obligations set forth in this Section 11.05, or, if the presence of Hazardous Materials on, in or about the Premises, the Building or the Project caused by Tenant, its agents, employees, contractors, licensees or invitees results in contamination of all or any portion of the Project or any other property, whether or not adjacent thereto, or if contamination by Hazardous Materials otherwise occurs for which Tenant is legally liable for damage resulting therefrom, then Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold free and harmless Landlord from and against any and all claims, judgments, damages, penalties, fines, costs, liabilities and losses (including, without limitation, sums paid in private rights of action or in settlement of claims reasonable and necessary legal fees, consultant fees and expert fees) which arise during or after the Term as a result of such contamination. This indemnification by Tenant of Landlord shall include, without limitation, any and all reasonable and necessary costs incurred with respect to any investigation of site conditions and any cleanup, remedial, removal or restoration work required by any federal, state or local governmental agency or political subdivision because of the presence of such Hazardous Materials in, on or about the Premises, the Building, the Project, or the soil or groundwater on or under the Project.
(d) LANDLORD'S RIGHT TO CURE. In the event Tenant fails to comply with any provision of this Section 11.05, Landlord may, at its option but without obligation, and without notice to Tenant, perform any and all of Tenant's required obligations and otherwise cure such default as it deems appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion. All costs and fees incurred by Landlord in the exercise of such right, including without limitation consultant fees and legal fees, shall be deemed Additional Rent payable by Tenant upon demand, together with interest thereon at the Interest Rate from the date of demand until paid in full.
(e) ISRA. Tenant shall, at Tenant's own expense, comply with the
Industrial Site Recovery Act ("ISRA") (N.J.S.A. 13: K-6 et seq.) to the extent
applicable to Tenant's use and occupancy of the Premises, and any and all
amendments thereto and the regulations and orders promulgated thereunder. In
connection with such compliance, Tenant shall, at Tenant's own expense, make all
submissions to, provide all information to, and comply with all requirements of
the Bureau of Industrial Site Evaluation (the "Bureau") of the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (the "NJDEP"). Should the Bureau or any
other division of the NJDEP determine that a clean-up plan be prepared and that
a clean-up be undertaken because of any spills or discharges of Hazardous
Materials or wastes in or about the Building or Project which occurred during
the Term of this Lease as a result of Tenant's actions or negligence, then
Tenant shall, at Tenant's own expense, prepare and submit the required plans and
financial assurances, and carry out the approved plans. Tenant's obligations
under this Section 11.05 (e) shall arise if there is any closing, terminating or
transferring of operations of an industrial establishment utilizing the Premises
during the term of this Lease. At no expense to Landlord, Tenant shall promptly
provide all information requested by Landlord necessary for preparation of
non-applicability affidavits and shall promptly sign such affidavits when
requested by Landlord. Tenant shall indemnify, defend and save Landlord harmless
from all fines, suits, procedures, claims and actions of any kind arising out of
Tenant's failure to provide all information, make all submissions and take all
actions required by the Bureau or any other division of NJDEP. Tenant represents
that its Standard Industrial Classification number is as set forth in Section
1.01(v). Tenant shall not be obligated for compliance with ISRA to the extent
ISRA is triggered as a result of the acts of Landlord or any other tenant, in
the Building.
(f) SURVIVAL. The provisions of this Section 11.05 shall survive the termination or earlier expiration of this Lease. Without limiting the foregoing, the indemnities, environmental representations and covenants, and the obligations imposed by this Section 11.05 on Tenant shall survive the scheduled expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, and, in addition to performance of the obligations required hereby, Tenant shall continue to pay Rent, even though this Lease has terminated, until Tenant has completed the performance of all of its obligations under this Section 11.05, at the holdover rate described in Section 18.05 below. The parties hereto expressly acknowledge and agree that Landlord would not enter into this Lease but for the provisions of this Section 11.05 and the survival thereof.
ARTICLE XII: DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION
12.01 RECONSTRUCTION. If the Premises are damaged or destroyed during the Term, Landlord shall, except as hereinafter provided, diligently repair or rebuild them to substantially the condition in which they existed immediately prior to such damage or destruction as reasonably determined by Landlord. If Landlord is obligated or elects to repair or restore as
herein provided, Landlord shall be obligated to make repair or restoration of only those portions of the Building and the Premises which were initially provided at Landlord's expense, and the repair and/or restoration of items within the Premises not provided at Landlord's expense, including but not limited to Tenant's furniture, fixtures, and equipment, shall be the obligation of Tenant. If any damage or destruction is caused by Tenant or Tenant's Agents, then Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of all necessary repair and reconstruction.
12.02 RENT ABATEMENT. Rent due and payable hereunder shall be abated proportionately during any period in which, by reason of any damage or destruction, the Premises are unfit for occupancy by Tenant or rendered inaccessible, as reasonably determined by Landlord. Such abatement shall continue for the period commencing with such damage or destruction and ending with a substantial completion (as defined in Section 3.01) by Landlord of the work of repair or reconstruction which Landlord is obligated or undertakes to perform. Landlord agrees to use reasonable commercial efforts to provide Tenant with one (1) week prior advance notice of the completion date, however, Landlord's failure to provide such prior notice shall not be deemed a breach by Landlord under the Lease. If Landlord determines that the Premises are unfit for occupancy or inaccessible pending reconstruction, and if Landlord does not elect to or is unable to provide alternative temporary space, then Rent due and payable hereunder shall abate until reconstruction is substantially completed or until the Tenant resumes occupancy of the Premises, whichever is the earlier. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 12.02, however, there shall be no abatement of Rent to the extent any of such damage is a result of the negligence or intentional wrongdoing of Tenant or Tenant's Agents. In no case shall Tenant be entitled to any compensation or damages for loss in the use in the whole or any part of the Premises and/or any inconvenience or annoyance occasioned by such damage, repair, reconstruction or restoration. For purposes herein, the term "substantially completed," or any variation thereof, shall have the same meaning as set forth in Section 3.01 hereof
12.03 EXCESSIVE DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION. If the Building is or the Premises
are damaged or destroyed to the extent that Landlord determines that such damage
or destruction cannot, with reasonable diligence, be fully repaired or restored
by Landlord by the earlier of (i) one hundred eighty (180) days after the date
of the damage or destruction or (ii) the expiration of the Term hereof (either,
as applicable, the "Repair Date"), Landlord may terminate this Lease.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Premises have been damaged or destroyed,
Landlord shall reasonably determine whether the Building can be fully repaired
or restored by the Repair Date, and Landlord's reasonable determination shall be
binding upon Tenant. Landlord shall notify Tenant of its determination, in
writing, within forty-five (45) days after the date of the damage or
destruction. If Landlord determines that the Building can be fully repaired or
restored by the Repair Date, or if it is determined that such repair or
restoration cannot be made by the Repair Date but Landlord does not elect to
terminate, then this Lease shall remain in full force and effect and Landlord
shall diligently repair and restore the damage as soon as reasonably possible.
If Landlord is delayed from repairing and/or restoring the damage to the
Premises within two hundred seventy (270) days after the occurrence of such
damage or destruction (subject to extension for Force Majeure, as described in
Section 18.23 below), Landlord or Tenant may at any time thereafter (but prior
to the substantial completion of said repair and/or restoration by Landlord)
terminate this Lease by ten (10) days prior written notice to the other,
whereupon
Landlord and Tenant shall (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease) be released from any further obligations under this Lease.
12.04 UNINSURED CASUALTY. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease to the contrary, in the event, of damage to or destruction of all or any portion of the Premises or the Building for which Landlord is responsible, which damage or destruction is not fully covered by the insurance proceeds received by Landlord under the insurance policies required under Article VIII herein above, Landlord may terminate this Lease by written notice to Tenant given within ninety (90) days after the date of notice to Landlord that said damage or destruction is not so covered. If Landlord does not elect to terminate this Lease (and does not terminate this Lease pursuant to any other Section of this Article XII), the Lease shall remain in full force and effect and the Premises and/or the Building shall be repaired and rebuilt in accordance with the provisions for repair set forth in this Article XII.
12.05 WAIVER. With respect to any destruction which Landlord is obligated to repair or may elect to repair under the terms of this Article XII, Tenant hereby waives all rights to terminate this Lease pursuant to right, otherwise presently or hereafter accorded by law to tenants, except as expressly provided herein.
12.06 MORTGAGEE'S RIGHT. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
if the holder of any indebtedness secured by a mortgage or deed of trust
covering the Building and/or the Project requires that the insurance proceeds be
applied to such indebtedness, then Landlord shall have the right to terminate
this Lease by delivering written notice of termination to Tenant within sixty
(60) days after such requirement is made upon Landlord. Upon any termination of
this Lease under the provisions hereof, the parties shall be released without
further obligation to the other from the date possession of the Premises is
surrendered to Landlord, except for items which are theretofore accrued and are
then unpaid and for obligations which survive termination of this Lease.
12.07 DAMAGE NEAR END OF TERM. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article XII, Landlord shall not have any obligation whatsoever to repair, reconstruct or restore the Premises when the damage resulting from any casualty covered under this Article XII occurs during the last two (2) years, of the Term of this Lease or any extension thereof, and in such event, and upon Landlord's determination not to repair, reconstruct, or restore the Premises, Landlord shall have the option to terminate this Lease in the manner set forth in Section 12.03 above.
ARTICLE XIII: EMINENT DOMAIN
13.01 EMINENT DOMAIN. In case the whole of the Premises, or such part thereof as, in the reasonable determination of Landlord, shall substantially interfere with Tenant's use and occupation thereof, or such portion of the Building or Project as, in the reasonable determination of Landlord, shall substantially interfere with Landlord's ability to perform its obligations under this Lease, shall be taken for any public or quasi-public purpose by any lawful, power or authority by exercise of the right of appropriation, condemnation or eminent domain, or be sold in lieu of or to prevent such taking, either party shall have the right to terminate this Lease effective as of the date possession is required to be surrendered to said authority. In the case of a
taking of a portion of the Promises, in the event the amount of property or the type of estate taken shall not, in the reasonable determination of Landlord, substantially interfere with the conduct of Tenant's business, Landlord shall promptly proceed to restore the Premises to substantially their same condition prior to such partial taking (less the portion thereof lost in such condemnation), and the Base Rent and Tenant's Share shall be proportionately reduced by the portion of Premises which Tenant shall have been deprived of on account of said taking, effective as of the date possession is required to be surrendered to the condemning authority. In the event, however, that such taking is for temporary use only, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Tenant shall continue to comply with all of the provisions hereof, except as such compliance shall be rendered impossible or impracticable by reason of such temporary taking. Rent shall abate during the course of a temporary taking of the Premises or a portion thereof to the extent and for the period of time that the Premises or portion thereof so taken shall have been rendered untenantable.
13.02 DISPOSITION OF AWARDS. All awards to be paid in connection with any exercise of eminent domain shall belong to Landlord without any participation by Tenant. Tenant hereby assigns to Landlord any share of any award which may be granted to Tenant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant may apply separately to the condemning authority for any compensation which may be separately awarded to Tenant by law, such as moving expenses, provided that such compensation does not form any part of or diminish Landlord's award.
13.03 MORTGAGEE'S RIGHT. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
if the holder of any indebtedness secured by a mortgage or deed of trust
covering the Building and/or the Project requires that condemnation proceeds be
applied to such indebtedness, then Landlord shall have the right to terminate
this Lease by delivering written notice of termination to Tenant within fifteen
(15) days after such requirement is made upon Landlord. Upon any termination of
this Lease under the provisions hereof the parties shall be released without
further obligation to the other from the date possession of the Premises is
surrendered to Landlord, except for items which are theretofore accrued and are
then unpaid and for obligations which survive termination of this Lease.
ARTICLE XIV: DEFAULT
14.01 EVENTS OF DEFAULT. In addition to Events of Defaults specified in
other sections of this Lease, the occurrence of any of the following events
shall constitute an "Event of Default" on the part of Tenant with or without
notice from Landlord: (a) Tenant shall fail to pay Rent on its due date or fail
to make any other payment when required pursuant to this Lease; (b) Tenant shall
abandon or vacate any substantial portion of the Premises, whether or not Tenant
is in default of the Rent payments due under this Lease; (c) Tenant shall file a
petition or be adjudged a debtor or bankrupt or insolvent under the United
States Bankruptcy Code, as amended, or any similar law or statute of the United
States or any State, or if a petition under any of such laws shall be filed
involuntarily against Tenant and such petition is not dismissed within ninety
(90) days after Tenant receives notice of same; (d) a receiver or trustee shall
be appointed for all or substantially all of the assets of Tenant; (e) Tenant
shall make a transfer in fraud of creditors or shall make an assignment for the
benefit of creditors; or (f) except as otherwise provided in subsections (a)
through (e) above or otherwise expressly provided in other Sections of this
Lease, Tenant shall fail to comply with any term, provision or covenant of this
Lease and such failure is
not cured within fifteen (15) days after written notice thereof to Tenant (said notice being in lieu of, and not in addition to, any notice required as a prerequisite to an unlawful detainer or similar action or claim).
14.02 REMEDIES.
(a) ACCELERATION AND DAMAGES. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default set forth in this Lease, and in addition to any other remedies available to Landlord at law or in equity, Landlord shall have the immediate option to terminate this Lease and all rights of Tenant hereunder. In addition to any other remedies Landlord may have, Landlord may recover from Tenant: (i) any unpaid Rent which had accrued, plus (ii) unpaid Rent for the unexpired balance of the Term and any exercised renewal option, plus (iii) any other amount necessary to compensate Landlord for all the damage proximately caused by Tenants failure to perform Tenant's obligations under this Lease or which in the ordinary course of events would be likely to result therefrom, less (iv) the net proceeds of any refitting after deducting all costs incurred by Landlord in connection with such refitting including without limitation costs of cleaning, altering or refitting the Premises, advertising, broker fees, and legal fees for preparation and negotiation of replacement leases ("Relet Charges"). All of such unpaid Rent and other amounts shall be immediately due and payable by Tenant to Landlord. Rent which accrued, and Rent which would have accrued for the unexpired balance of the Term and any exercised renewal option, shall accrue interest at the Interest Rate until paid in full.
(b) SUMMARY DISPOSSESS. Landlord may regain possession of the Premises (but Landlord shall have no obligation to do so) through summary dispossess proceedings or through any other lawful means.
(c) REMOVAL OF CONTENTS BY LANDLORD. Upon the occurrence of any
Event of Default, Landlord also shall have the right, with or without
terminating this Lease, to re-enter the Premises and remove all persons and
property from the Premises; such property may be removed and stored in a public
warehouse or elsewhere, or disposed in any way Landlord deems fit (not in
contravention of applicable law), at the cost of and for thee account of Tenant,
without service of notice or resort to legal process (all of which Tenant
expressly waives), and Landlord shall have no liability whatsoever to Tenant
therefor, including without limitation liability for trespass or conversion. No
re-entry or taking possession of the Premises by Landlord pursuant to this
Section 14.02(c) shall be construed as an acceptance of a surrender of the
Premises or an election to terminate this Lease unless a written notice of such
intention is given to Tenant or unless the termination thereof is decreed by a
court of competent jurisdiction, and Tenant's liability under this Lease shall
continue until the date the Term and any exercised renewal option would have
expired had such termination not occurred.
(d) OPTION TO RELET. In the event of the vacation or abandonment of the Premises by Tenant or in the event that Landlord shall elect to re-enter as provided above or shall take possession of the Premises pursuant to legal proceedings or pursuant to any notice provided by law, then, if Landlord does not elect to terminate this Lease, Landlord may from time to time, without terminating this Lease, either recover all Rent as it becomes due or relet the Premises or any part thereof on such terms and conditions as Landlord as its sole discretion may deem advisable, with the right to make alterations and repairs to the Premises. In the event Landlord
re-lets the Premises, Tenant shall remain responsible for the difference in Rent received by Landlord on account of such reletting and the Rent which would have been paid by Tenant hereunder during the Term of this Lease and any exercised renewal option plus all reasonable and necessary Relet Charges incurred by Landlord. Landlord shall be entitled to all surplus earned on such reletting without accounting to Tenant therefor.
In the event that Landlord shall elect to so relet, then rents received by Landlord from such reletting shall be applied: first, to the payment of any Relet Charges; second, to the payment of any, indebtedness other than Rent due hereunder from Tenant to Landlord; third, to the payment of Rent due and unpaid hereunder, and the residual, if any, shall be held by Landlord and applied to payment of future Rent as the same shall become due and payable hereunder. Should that portion of such rents received from such reletting during the month which is applied to the payment of Rent be less than the Rent payable during that month by Tenant hereunder, then Tenant shall pay any such deficiency to Landlord immediately upon demand therefor by Landlord and such amount shall accrue interest at the interest Rate from the date of demand until paid in full. Landlord shall have the right to bring suit for collection of Rent on a monthly basis without prejudice to Landlord's right to enforce collection of Rent for any subsequent month.
Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, Landlord shall have no obligation or duty to relet or attempt to relet the Premises if other unoccupied space exists and is available for lease at the Building. Landlord may give priority to lease any or all available space in the Building before offering the Premises for relet.
(e) WAIVER OF REDEMPTION. Tenant hereby waives, to the extent legally permissible, for itself and all persons claiming by, through or under it, any right of redemption or for restoration of this Lease under any present or future law in the event Tenant shall be dispossessed for any cause or in case Landlord shall obtain possession of the Premises as herein provided.
(f) INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.
(g) CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. All rights, options and remedies of Landlord contained in this Lease shall be construed and held to be cumulative, and no one of them shall be exclusive of the other, and Landlord shall have the right to pursue any one or all of such remedies or any other remedy or relief which maybe provided by law or equity, whether or not stated in this Lease. Landlord shall, be entitled to injunctive relief in case of the violation or attempted or threatened violation of any covenant or provision of this Lease or to a decree compelling performance of any covenant or provision of this Lease.
(h) NO WAIVER. No waiver of any default of Tenant hereunder shall be implied from any acceptance by Landlord of any Rent or other payments due hereunder or any omission by Landlord to take any action on account of such default or if such default persists or is repeated unless such waiver is in writing and signed by Landlord, and no written waiver shall affect defaults other than as specified in said waiver. The consent or approval of Landlord to or of any act by Tenant requiring Landlord's consent or approval shall not be deemed to waive or render unnecessary Landlord's consent or approval to or of any subsequent similar acts by
Tenant. Tenant shall be responsible for all legal fees incurred by Landlord in enforcing its rights hereunder.
ARTICLE XV: ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING
15.01 PROHIBITION. Tenant shall not assign, mortgage, pledge or otherwise
transfer or encumber this Lease, in whole or in part, nor sublet, assign or
permit occupancy of all or any part of the Premises by any party other than
Tenant, without the prior written consent of Landlord in each instance. Tenant
shall, at the time Tenant requests the consent of Landlord, deliver to Landlord
such information in writing as Landlord may reasonably require respecting the
proposed assignee or subtenant including, without limitation, the name, address,
nature of business, ownership, financial responsibility and standing of such
proposed assignee or subtenant; and Landlord shall have not less than twenty
(20) business days after receipt of all required information to elect one of the
following: (a) consent to such proposed assignment, encumbrance or sublease; (b)
refuse such consent, which refusal shall be in Landlord's sole discretion; or
(c) elect to terminate this Lease or, in the case of a partial sublease,
terminate this Lease as to the portion of the Premises proposed to be sublet. As
a condition for Landlord's consent to any assignment, encumbrance or release,
Landlord may require that the assignee or subtenant remit directly to Landlord
on a monthly basis all monies due to Tenant by said assignee or subtenant. In
addition, a condition to Landlord's consent to any assignment, sublease or
encumbrance of this Lease shall be the delivery to Landlord of a true copy of
the fully executed instrument of assignment, transfer or encumbrance and an
agreement executed by the assignee, subtenant or other transferee, in form and
substance reasonable satisfactory to Landlord and expressly enforceable by
Landlord, whereby the assignee, subtenant or transferee assumes and agrees to be
bound by the terms and provisions of this Lease and perform all the obligations
of Tenant hereunder, including, without limitation, the environmental warranties
and covenants set forth in Article XI. In the event that Landlord shall elect to
exercise its right to terminate this Lease upon a proposed assignment,
subletting or other encumbrance of this Lease by Tenant, Tenant shall have the
right, within ten (10) days following receipt-of written notice of Landlord's
election to terminate, to elect to withdraw its request for Landlord's consent
to such proposed assignment, subletting or other encumbrance, in which event
Landlord's termination notice shall be null and void and this Lease shall remain
in full force and effect. If Landlord does not elect to so terminate this Lease
with respect to a proposed assignment or subletting, then Landlord shall not
unreasonably withhold its consent to a proposed assignment or subletting
provided that, in addition to all other requirements of this Article XV being
satisfied:
(i) The proposed subtenant or assignee is not already a tenant in the Building;
(ii) The stated or advertised rent that Tenant proposes to charge the proposed subtenant or assignee is not less than Tenant's Base Rent;
(iii) The subtenant or assignee is not a party with whom Landlord has had discussions within nine (9) months prior to the date of the proposed sublease or assignment concerning the possibility of such party leasing space in the Building;
(iv) The proposed subtenant or assignee is a reputable party whose financial net worth, credit and financial responsibility is, considering the responsibilities involved, reasonably satisfactory to Landlord;
(v) The nature and character of the proposed subtenant or assignee, its business or activities and intended use of the Premises is, in Landlord's reasonable judgment, in keeping with the standards of the Building; and
(vi) All costs incurred with respect to providing reasonably appropriate means of ingress and egress from the sublet space or to separate the sublet space from the remainder of the Premises shall be borne by Tenant.
No assignment or subletting by Tenant (even if such assignment or subletting is consented to by Landlord) shall relieve Tenant of any obligation under this Lease. Any purported assignment or subletting contrary to the provisions hereof without Landlord's consent shall be void. The consent by Landlord to any assignment or subletting shall not constitute a waiver of the necessity for such consent to any subsequent assignment or subletting. Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for reasonable legal and other expenses and administrative costs incurred by Landlord in connection with any request by Tenant for consent to assignment or subletting upon demand with interest thereon at the Interest Rate from the date of demand until paid in full.
15.02 EXCESS RENTAL. If, in connection with any assignment or sublease, Tenant receives rent or other consideration, either initially or over the term of the assignment or sublease, in excess of the Rent called for hereunder, or, in case of the sublease of a portion of the Premises, in excess of such Rent fairly allocable to such portion, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, as Additional Rent hereunder, one hundred percent (100%) of the excess of each such payment of rent or other consideration received by Tenant promptly after its receipt.
15.03 SCOPE. The prohibition against assigning or subletting contained in this Article XV shall be construed to include a prohibition against any assignment or subletting by operation of law. If this Lease be assigned, or if the underlying beneficial interest of Tenant is transferred, or if the Premises or any part thereof be sublet or occupied by anybody other than Tenant, Landlord shall have the right to immediately terminate this Lease or Landlord may elect to collect Rent from the assignee, subtenant or occupant and apply the net amount collected to the Rent herein reserved and retain any excess Rent so collected in accordance with the terms of Section 15.02, but no such assignment, subletting, occupancy or collection shall be deemed a waiver of this covenant, or the acceptance of the assignee, subtenant or occupant as Tenant, or a release of Tenant from the further performance by Tenant of covenants on the part of Tenant herein contained. No assignment or subletting, regardless of whether consented to by Landlord, shall affect in any way the continuing primary liability of Tenant (which, following any assignment or subletting, shall be joint and several with the assignee or subtenant), and Tenant shall not be released from performing any. of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease.
15.04 EFFECT OF ASSIGNMENT. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Landlord, any renewal option or expansion option or similar right granted to Tenant in this Lease shall be personal to the original Tenant named in Section 1.01(c) hereof and void upon any assignment or subletting or, with respect to a partial subletting, void as to the portion of the Premises sublet.
15.05 WAIVER. Notwithstanding any assignment or sublease, or any indulgences, waivers or extensions of time granted by Landlord to any assignee or subtenant or failure of Landlord to take action against any assignee or subtenant, Tenant hereby waives notice of any default of any assignee or subtenant and agrees that Landlord may, at its option, proceed against Tenant without having taken action against or joined such assignee or subtenant, except that Tenant shall have the benefit of any indulgences, waivers and extensions of time granted to any such assignee or subtenant.
15.06 CHANGE IN CONTROL.
(a) If Tenant is a non-reporting or closely held company, a change in the. control of such company shall be deemed for the purposes hereof to be an assignment of this Lease. If Tenant is a partnership, a withdrawal or change, in one or more transfers, of partners owning more than a fifty percent (50%) interest in the partnership, shall constitute an assignment Any such assignments shall be subject to the provisions of this Article XV. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything contained in Section 15.03 above, Tenant shall not be required to obtain the consent of Landlord, as described in Section 15.01 hereof (but all other provisions of Section 15.01 not specifically relating to the obtaining of Landlord's consent shall apply) to an assignment or subletting to a "Related Party." A "Related Party" shall be a legal entity which controls Tenant, which Tenant controls, or which is controlled by the same entity which controls Tenant. "Control" shall mean the ownership of at least a fifty-one percent (51%) equity interest. Tenant shall, however, notify Landlord in writing of an assignment or subletting to a "Related Party" at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of such assignment or subletting.
(b) Tenant may, without Landlord's prior consent, but upon written
notice to Landlord, assign this Lease and the leasehold estate hereby created to
a successor corporation of Tenant (as hereinafter defined). A "successor
corporation", as used in this subsection (b), shall mean (x) a corporation or
other business entity into which or with which Tenant, its successors or
assigns, is merged or consolidated, in accordance with applicable statutory
provisions for the merger or consolidation of corporations, provided that by
operation of law or by effective provisions contained in the instruments of
merger or consolidation, the liabilities of the corporations or other business
entities participating in such merger or consolidation are assumed by the
corporation or other business entity surviving such merger or consolidation, or
(y) a corporation or other business entity acquiring all or substantially all of
the assets or outstanding shares of stock of Tenant, its corporate successors or
assigns, including the leasehold estate created by this Lease, and assuming the
obligations of Tenant under this Lease, or (z) any corporate successor or other
business entity successor to a successor corporation becoming such by either of
the methods described in subdivisions (x) and (y) above; provided that (1) such
merger or consolidation, or such acquisition and assumption, as the case maybe,
is not principally for the purpose of transferring the leasehold estate created
hereby, and (2) immediately after giving effect to any such merger or
consolidation, or such acquisition and assumption, as the case may be, the
successor corporation surviving such merger or created by such consolidation or
acquiring such assets and assuming such liabilities as the case may be, shall
have a net worth, as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied, equal to or greater than the net worth of
Tenant immediately preceding such merger, consolidation or, acquisition.
ARTICLE XVI: OFFSET STATEMENT, ATTORNMENT AND SUBORDINATION
16.01 OFFSET STATEMENT. Within ten (10) days after request therefor by
Landlord, or if, in connection with any sale, assignment or hypothecation by
Landlord of Landlord's interest in the Premises, the Building and/or the
Project, or any part thereof, an offset statement or estoppel certificate shall
be required from Tenant, Tenant shall complete, execute and deliver a
certificate in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F or in such other form as
requested by Landlord to any proposed mortgagee or purchaser, and to Landlord,
certifying (if such be the case) (i) that this Lease is in full force and effect
without modification; (ii) the date of Tenant's most recent payment of Rent,
(iii) the amount of the Security Deposit; (iv) that Tenant has no defenses or
offsets outstanding, or stating those claimed by Tenant; and (v) any other
information contained in such Exhibit E or reasonably requested by Landlord or
such proposed mortgagee or purchaser. Tenant's failure to deliver said statement
within said period shall, at Landlord's option, be an Event of Default hereunder
and shall in any event be conclusive upon Tenant that: (i) this Lease is in full
force and effect, without modification except as may be represented by Landlord;
(ii) there are no uncured defaults in Landlord's performance and Tenant has no
right to offset, counterclaim or deduction against Rent hereunder; (iii) no more
than one month's Base Rent has been paid in advance; and (iv) the Security
Deposit is as stated in the Lease.
16.02 ATTORNMENT. Tenant shall, in the event any proceedings are brought for the foreclosure of, or in the event of exercise of the power of sale under, any mortgage or deed of trust encumbering the Premises, the Building or the Project, or any part thereof, made by Landlord, its successors or assigns, or in the event of termination of a ground lease, if any, and if so requested, attorn to the purchaser upon such foreclosure or sale or upon any grant of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or to the lessor of such terminated ground lease and recognize such purchaser or ground lease lessor as landlord under this Lease.
16.03 SUBORDINATION. The rights of Tenant hereunder are and shall be, at the election of Landlord or any mortgagee or the beneficiary of a deed of trust encumbering the Premises, the Building or the Project, subject and subordinate to the lien of such mortgage or deed of trust, or the lien resulting from any other method of financing or refinancing, now or hereafter in force against the Premises, the Building or the Project, and to all advances made or hereafter to be made upon the security thereof. At the election of Landlord or any such mortgagee or beneficiary, this clause shall be self-operative and no further instrument shall be required. In the event of subordination of this Lease, such subordination shall be conditioned upon the agreement of the mortgagee that in the event of foreclosure or the assertion of any other rights under the mortgage, this Lease and Tenant's rights shall continue in effect and shall not be terminated or disturbed so long as Tenant continues to perform and no Event of Default exists. If requested, Tenant agrees to execute whatever documentation may be required to further effect the provisions of this Article XVI.
16.04 MORTGAGEE'S RIGHTS. If Landlord shall notify Tenant that the Premises, the Building or the Project are encumbered by a mortgage or deed of trust, and in such notice set forth the name and address of the mortgagee or beneficiary/trustee under such deed of trust, then, notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, no notice intended for Landlord shall be deemed properly given unless a copy thereof is simultaneously sent to such designee in the manner provided in Section 18.01 hereof. If any mortgagee or trustee/beneficiary shall perform
any obligation that Landlord is required to perform hereunder, such performance, insofar as Tenant is concerned, shall be deemed performance on behalf of Landlord and shall be accepted by Tenant as if performed by Landlord. Tenant further agrees that it shall not exercise any right against Landlord without affording such mortgagee or trustee/beneficiary a reasonable opportunity to cure any default of Landlord but that such mortgagee or trustee/beneficiary is not obligated to undertake any action on Landlord's behalf
16.05 RECORDING. Tenant covenants and agrees with Landlord that Tenant shall not record this Lease. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 16.03, in the event that Landlord or its lender requires this Lease to be recorded in priority to any mortgage, deed of trust or other encumbrance which may now or at anytime hereafter affect in whole or in part the Premises, the Building, or the Project, and whether or not any such mortgage, deed of trust or other encumbrance shall affect only the Premises, Building, or the Project, or shall be a blanket mortgage, deed of trust or encumbrance affecting other premises as well, Tenant covenants and agrees with Landlord that Tenant shall execute promptly upon request from Landlord any certificate, priority agreement or other instrument which may from time to time be requested to give effect thereto; and Tenant hereby irrevocably appoints Landlord as its agent and attorney-in-fact with full power and authority to execute and deliver such instruments for and in the name of Tenant.
16.06 RELEASE OF LANDLORD. Whenever Landlord conveys its interest in the Premises, the Building or the Project to a purchaser thereof or successor in title, the party so conveying its interest shall be automatically released from the further performance of covenants on the part of Landlord herein contained, and from any and all further liability, obligations, costs and expenses, demands, causes of action, claims or judgments arising out of this Lease from and after the effective date of said conveyance, it being the intent of the parties hereto that the term "Landlord" as used in this Lease shall mean only the then-current owner of the Premises. This Section 16.06 shall be applicable to each owner from time to time, and shall not be limited to the first owner of the Premises, the Building or the Project. If requested, Tenant shall execute a form of release and such other documentation as may be required to further effect the provisions of this Section. Failure to comply with such request shall, at Landlord's option, constitute an Event of Default hereunder.
ARTICLE XVII: INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY
17.01 INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) INDEMNIFIED CLAIMS. In addition to Tenant's promises of indemnification provided elsewhere in this Lease, Tenant hereby indemnifies and agrees to defend and hold harmless Landlord, its officers, employees and agents, and any mortgagee or beneficiary/trustee under a deed of trust, from and against any and all claims, suits, proceedings, actions, causes of action, responsibility, liabilities, payments, demands and expenses (including reasonable and necessary legal fees, expert fees, and other professional fees) in connection with or arising from: (i) Tenant's possession, use, occupation, management, repair, maintenance or control of the Premises, the Building or the Project, or any portion thereof; (ii) any act, omission, negligence or willful misconduct of Tenant and/or Tenant's Agents; (iii) any default, breach, violation or nonperformance of this Lease or any provision therein by Tenant; and (iv) injury or damages to
person(s) or property or loss of life sustained in or about the Premises. Tenant shall defend any actions, suits and proceedings which may be brought against Landlord, its officers, employees or agents, or any mortgagee or beneficiary/trustee under a deed of trust, with respect to the foregoing or in which they may be impleaded, using legal counsel acceptable to Landlord, and shall pay, satisfy and discharge any judgments, orders and decrees which may be recovered against same. However, this indemnification shall not apply to any liability caused by or resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its officers, agents or employees.
(b) NOTICE OF CLAIMS. Landlord shall promptly notify Tenant of any claims for which Landlord seeks indemnification pursuant to this Section 17.01.
(c) PARTIES COVERED. Any indemnification of Landlord under this Lease shall be deemed to extend to the entity named as Landlord in Section 1.01(a) hereof, and, in case landlord shall be a joint venture, partnership, tenancy-in-common, association, or other form of joint ownership, to the members of any such joint venture, partnership, tenancy-in-common, association or other form of joint ownership, and to all officers, directors, employees and agents, and to all who succeed to Landlord's interest.
17.02 WAIVER AND RELEASE.
(a) CLAIMS AGAINST LANDLORD. Tenant hereby waives and releases all claims against Landlord with respect to all matters for which Landlord has disclaimed liability pursuant to the provisions of this Lease.
(b) LANDLORD'S CONSENT OR APPROVAL. Tenant will not be entitled to make any claim, nor will Tenant make any claim, and Tenant waives any claim, for, money damages (nor will Tenant claim any money damages by way of setoff, counterclaim or defense) based upon any claim or assertion by Tenant that Landlord has unreasonably withheld or unreasonably delayed its consent or approval with respect to any provision of this Lease providing for such consent or approval. Tenant's sole remedy will be an action or proceeding to enforce any such provision, or for specific performance, injunction or declaratory judgment. However, unless otherwise expressly provided in this Lease, Landlord's consent may be given or withheld in Landlord's sole discretion.
17.03 LIABILITY OF LANDLORD.
(a) LIABILITY TO TENANT. Neither Landlord nor any officer, agent or employee of Landlord nor any mortgagee or beneficiary/trustee under a deed of trust shall be liable to Tenant for any injury or damage to Tenant or to any other person, or damage to or loss (by theft or otherwise) of property of any other person unless caused by or due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its officers, agents or employees without contributory negligence on the part of Tenant. This Lease and the obligation of Tenant to pay Rent hereunder and perform all of the other covenants and agreements hereunder on the part of Tenant to be performed shall in no way be affected, impaired or excused because Landlord is unable to fulfill any of its obligations under this Lease or is unable to supply or is delayed in supplying any service expressly or impliedly to be supplied, or is unable to make, or is delayed in making, any
repairs, additions, alterations, or decorations, or is unable to supply, or is delayed in supplying, any equipment or fixtures, if Landlord is prevented or delayed from doing so by reasons of shortages of materials, acts of God, governmental restrictions, strike or labor troubles, or any cause beyond Landlord's reasonable control, including, but not limited to, government preemption in connection with a national emergency or by reason of any rule, order, or regulation of any department or subdivision thereof of any government agency, or by reason of the conditions of supply and demand which have been or are affected by war or other emergency.
(b) NO PERSONAL LIABILITY. Landlord (and, in case Landlord shall be a joint venture, partnership, tenancy-in-common, association or other form of joint ownership, the members of any such joint venture, partnership, tenancy-in-common, association or other form of joint ownership) shall have absolutely no personal liability with respect to any provision of this Lease, or any obligation or liability arising therefrom or in connection therewith. Tenant shall look solely to the equity of Landlord in the Projector to any insurance which Landlord is obligated to provide under the terms of this Lease for the satisfaction of any remedies of Tenant in the event of a breach by Landlord of any of its obligations hereunder. Such exculpation of liability shall be absolute and without any exception whatsoever.
(c) TENANT'S PROPERTY. All property (whether real, personal or mixed) at any time located in or upon the Premises shall be at the risk of Tenant only, and Landlord shall not become liable for any damage to said property or to Tenant, or which maybe caused by water leakage, steam, sewerage, gas or odors or for any damage whatsoever done or occasioned by or from any boiler, plumbing, gas, water, steam or other pipes, or any fixtures or equipment or appurtenances whatsoever, or for any damage arising from any act or neglect or arising by reason of the use of, or any defect in the Premises or any of the fixtures, equipment or appurtenances therein contained, or by the act or neglect of any other person or caused in any other manner whatsoever, or occasioned by theft, act of God, riot, strike or other labor difficulty.
(d) DELAYS. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Lease and the obligations of Tenant hereunder shall be in no way affected, impaired or excused because Landlord is unable to fulfill, or is delayed in fulfilling, any of its obligations under this Lease.
(e) DEFINITION OF LANDLORD. The term "Landlord" as used in this Lease, so far as covenants, agreements, stipulations or obligations on the part of Landlord are concerned, is limited to mean and include only the owner or owners of the Project at the time in question, and in the event of any transfer or transfers of title to the Project, the Landlord herein named (and in the case of any subsequent transfers or conveyances the then grantor) shall automatically be freed and relieved from and after the date of such transfer or conveyance of all personal liability for the performance of any covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord contained in this Lease thereafter to be performed.
ARTICLE XVIII: MISCELLANEOUS
18.01 NOTICES. All notices required to be given hereunder shall be in writing and delivered to the other party by (i) certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. and postage prepaid, (ii) personal delivery against signed receipt therefor by such carrier, or (iii) by
overnight delivery by recognized carrier, postage prepaid, against signed
receipt therefor by such carrier, to the appropriate address indicated in
Section 1.01 hereof or at such other place or places as either Landlord or
Tenant may, from time to time, respectively, designate in a written notice given
to the other in accordance with this Section. Notices shall be deemed
sufficiently served upon the earlier of actual receipt or the expiration of
three (3) business days after the date of mailing thereof and one (1) business
day after posting with a recognized overnight carrier.
18.02 SUCCESSORS BOUND. This Lease and each of its covenants and conditions shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective assignees, subject to the provisions hereof. Any successor or assignee of the Tenant who accepts an assignment or the benefit of this Lease and enters into possession or enjoyment hereunder shall thereby assume and agree to perform and be bound by the covenants and conditions thereof. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed in any manner to give a right of assignment to Tenant without the prior written consent of Landlord and other than in compliance with Article XV hereof.
18.03 GUARANTOR OF TENANT. Any restriction on or requirement imposed upon Tenant hereunder shall be deemed to extend to any guarantor of Tenant, and to Tenant's subtenants, concessionaires and licensees, and it shall be Tenant's obligation to cause the foregoing persons to comply with such restriction or requirement.
18.04 WAIVER. No waiver of any default or breach of any covenant by either party hereunder shall be implied from any omission by either party to take action on account of such default if such default persists or is repeated, and no express waiver shall affect any default other than the default specified in the waiver, and said waiver shall be operative only for the time and to the extent therein stated. Waivers of any covenant, term or condition contained herein by either party shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same covenant, term or condition. The consent or approval by either party to or of any act by either party requiring further consent or approval shall not be deemed to waive or render unnecessary their consent or approval to or of any subsequent similar acts.
18.05 SURRENDER OF PREMISES AND HOLDING OVER. Upon expiration or other termination of this Lease, Tenant shall immediately surrender possession of the Premises to Landlord in substantially the same condition existing as on the Commencement Date, reasonable wear and tear, damage by fire or other insured casualty excepted (provided that all insurance proceeds are assigned to Landlord), shall surrender to Landlord all keys for the Premises and shall inform Landlord of all combinations on locks, safes and vaults, if any, in the Premises. Should Tenant, or any of its successors in interest, hold over the Premises or any part thereof after the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease without Landlord's prior written consent, such holding over shall constitute and be construed as tenancy at sufferance only, at a monthly rent equal to two (2) times the Base Rent owed during the final, full calendar month of the Term of this Lease and otherwise upon the terms and conditions in this Lease, so far as applicable. Should Tenant, or any of its successors in interest, hold over the Premises or any part thereof after the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease with Landlord's prior written consent, such holding over shall constitute and be construed as a tenancy from month to month only, at a monthly rent equal to two (2) times the Base Rent owed during the final month of the Term of this Lease and otherwise upon the terms and conditions of this Lease, so far as applicable. The
acceptance by Landlord of Rent after such expiration or early termination shall not result in a renewal or extension of this Lease or be deemed Landlord's consent to any holding over. The foregoing provisions of this Section are in addition to and do not affect Landlord's right of re-entry or any other rights of Landlord hereunder or as otherwise provided by law. If Tenant fails to surrender the Premises on the expiration of this Lease, Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Landlord from and against all loss and liability, including without limitation, any damages suffered by Landlord due to Landlord's inability to make the Premises available for occupancy by another party or any claim made by any succeeding tenant, resulting from such failure to surrender by Tenant and any legal fees and costs incurred by Landlord with respect to any such claim.
18.06 LANDLORD'S RIGHT TO PERFORM. Upon Tenant's failure to perform any obligation of Tenant hereunder, including without limitation payment of Tenant's insurance premiums, or charges to contractors who have supplied materials or labor to the Premises, Landlord shall have the right to perform such obligation of Tenant on behalf of Tenant and/or to make payment on behalf of Tenant to such parties but shall have no obligation to do so. Tenant shall reimburse Landlord the cost of Landlord's performing any such obligation on Tenant's behalf, including reimbursement of any amounts that may by expended by Landlord for legal fees and consulting fees, together with interest at the Interest Rate from the date reimbursement is demanded until payment is received in full.
18.07 SUBDIVISION AND EASEMENTS. Landlord reserves the right to (i) subdivide the Project or the land on which it is located, (ii) alter the boundaries of the Project or the land on which it is located, and (iii) grant easements on the Project or the land on which it is located, and dedicate for public use portions thereof; provided, however, that no such grant or dedication shall materially interfere with Tenant's use of the Premises or materially reduce the type or quality of services provided by Landlord under this Lease. Tenant hereby consents to such subdivision, boundary revision, and/or grant or dedication of easements and agrees from time to time, at Landlord's request, to execute, acknowledge and deliver to Landlord, in accordance with Landlord's instructions, any and all documents, instruments, maps or plats necessary to effectuate Tenant's consent thereto.
18.08 LANDLORD'S RESERVED RIGHTS IN COMMON AREAS. Landlord reserves the right from time to time, provided that Tenant's use and enjoyment of the Premises or the type or quality of services provided by Landlord under this Lease is not substantially and adversely affected thereby, to: (a) install, use, maintain, repair and replace pipes, ducts, conduits, wires and appurtenant meters and equipment for service to other parts of the Building above the ceiling surfaces, below the floor surfaces, within the walls and in the central core areas, and to relocate any pipes, ducts, conduit, wires and appurtenant meters in the Premises which are so located or located elsewhere outside the premises; (b) make changes to the Common Areas and/or the parking facilities located thereon, including, without limitation, change in the location, size, shape and number of driveways, entrances, parking spaces, parking areas, loading and unloading areas, ingress, egress, direction of traffic, landscaped areas and walkways; (c) close temporarily all or any portion of the Common Areas and/or the Building in order to perform any of the foregoing or any of Landlord's obligations under this Lease, so long as reasonable access to the Premises remains available during normal business hours; and (d) alter, relocate or expand
and/or to add additional structure and improvements to, or remove same from, all or any portion of the Common Areas.
18.09 RULES AND REGULATIONS. At all times during the Term, Tenant shall comply with Rules and Regulations for the Building and the Project, as set forth in Exhibit E attached hereto, together with such amendments and supplements thereto as Landlord may from time to time reasonably adopt and enforce in a non-discriminatory fashion.
18.10 PARKING. Tenant shall be entitled to Tenant's Share of unreserved vehicle parking spaces as set forth in Section 1.01(w) hereof; provided that a portion of such spaces may be designated by Landlord as visitor parking for the tenants of the Building and/or the Project. Except as otherwise designated by Landlord, parking spaces shall be available for the common use of the tenants, subtenants and invitees of the Project on a non-exclusive basis, subject to any reasonable restrictions from time to time imposed by Landlord. Tenant shall not use or permit its officers, employees or invitees to use any spaces which have been specifically reserved by Landlord to other tenants or for such other uses as have been designated by appropriate governmental entities as being restricted to certain uses. Tenant shall at all times comply and cause its officers, employees and invitees to comply with any parking Rules and Regulations as Landlord may from time to time reasonably adopt.
18.11 NO NUISANCE. Tenant shall conduct its business and control its agents, employees, invitees and visitors in such a manner as not to create any nuisance, or interfere with, annoy or disturb any other tenant or Landlord in its operation of the Building or Project.
18.12 RELOCATION. At any time and from time to time after Tenant's execution of this Lease, Landlord shall have the right, upon providing Tenant thirty (30) days notice in writing, to provide Tenant with reasonably similar space elsewhere in the Building of approximately the same size, condition and build out as the Premises and to move Tenant to said space. In the event that Landlord shall exercise such right subsequent to the actual occupancy of the Premises by Tenant, Landlord shall arrange for moving Tenant and shall pay the costs of moving Tenant to such new space and all other reasonable expenses related to such relocation. Following any such relocation, this Lease, and each and all of the terms and covenants and conditions hereof shall remain in full force and effect and thereupon be deemed applicable to such new space except that a revised floor plan shall become part of this Lease and shall reflect the location of the new space. Tenant's Share and Base Rent shall be adjusted to reflect the size of the new premises, but such adjustment shall not increase the Base Rent by more than five percent (5.0%), regardless of the size of the substituted premises. Should Tenant refuse to move to such new space at the end of said thirty (30) day period, Landlord shall have the right, in addition to exercising any other remedies provided in this Lease, to terminate this Lease by notice given to Tenant in writing within ten (10) days following the end of said thirty (30) day period, which termination shall be effective sixty (60) days after the date of the original notice of relocation by Landlord. Tenant shall continue to pay Rent and perform all of its obligations hereunder until termination of this Lease.
18.13 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Tenant agrees, at the request of Landlord, to furnish its current annual financial statements certified by its certified public accountants, and, if applicable,
such annual or quarterly reports as Tenant may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other government agency.
18.14 CORPORATE AUTHORITY. Tenant represents that the undersigned officer(s) or partner(s) have been duly authorized to enter into this Lease and that the execution and consummation of this Lease by Tenant does not and shall not violate any provision of any bylaws, certificate of incorporation, partnership or agreement, or other agreement, order, judgment, governmental regulation or any other obligations to which Tenant is a party or is subject.
18.15 QUIET ENJOYMENT. Subject to the provisions of this Lease and conditioned upon the performance of all of the provisions to be performed by Tenant hereunder, Landlord shall not during the Term hereof disturb the quiet and peaceful possession of the Premises and all rights and privileges appertaining thereto by Tenant hereunder.
18.16 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. Landlord and Tenant each agree to and they hereby waive trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either of the parties hereto against the other on any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with the Lease, the relationship of Landlord and Tenant, or Tenant's use or occupancy of the Premises, and any claim or injury or damage and/or any statutory remedy.
18.17 BROKER. Tenant warrants that it has had no discussions, negotiations and/or other dealings with any real estate broker or agent other than the broker(s) listed in Section 1.01(e) hereof ("Broker") in connection with the negotiation of this Lease, and that it knows of no other real estate broker or agent who is or may be entitled to any commission or finder's fee in connection with this Lease. Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Landlord from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, lawsuits, judgments, costs and reasonably necessary expenses (including without limitation, attorneys' fees and costs) with respect to any leasing commission or equivalent compensation alleged to be owing on account of Tenant's discussion, negotiations and/or dealings with any real estate broker or agent other than Broker. This Section 18.17 is not intended to benefit any third parties and shall not be deemed to give any rights to brokers or finders. Landlord shall pay any commission(s) owing to Broker with respect to this Lease pursuant to a separate agreement or agreements.
18.18 ACCORD AND SATISFACTION. No payment by Tenant or receipt by Landlord of a lesser amount than the Rent herein stipulated shall be deemed to be other than on account of the Rent, nor shall any endorsement or statement on any check or any letter accompanying any check or payment as Rent be deemed an accord and satisfaction, and Landlord may accept such check or payment without prejudice to Landlord's right to recover the balance of such Rent or pursue any other remedy provided in this Lease.
18.19 CAPTIONS AND ARTICLE NUMBERS. The captions, article and section numbers and table of contents appearing in this Lease are inserted only as a matter of convenience and in no way define, limit, construe or describe the scope or intent or such sections or articles of this Lease nor in any way affect this Lease.
18.20 SEVERABILITY. If any term, covenant, condition or provision of this Lease, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall to any extent be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.
18.21 APPLICABLE LAW. This Lease, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto, shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Premises are located.
18.22 SUBMISSION OF LEASE. The submission of this document for examination and negotiation does not constitute an offer to lease, or a reservation of or option for leasing the Premises. This document shall become effective and binding only upon execution and delivery hereof by Landlord and Tenant. No act or omission of any officer, employee or agent of Landlord or Tenant shall alter, change, or modify any of the provisions hereof.
18.23 TIME. Time is of the essence of every provision hereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall not be liable for any delays caused by events beyond Landlord's reasonable control ("Force Majeure"), and any time limit provided herein for an action on Landlord's part shall be automatically extended for the amount of any delay attributable to Force Majeure. Force Majeure shall include all events beyond Landlord's reasonable control, including without limitation: acts of God; strikes, lock-outs, riot or civil commotion; act of war, fire or other casualty; requirements of governing authorities or inability to obtain necessary governmental permits and approvals.
18.24 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Lease sets forth all covenants, promises, agreements, conditions and understandings between Landlord and Tenant concerning: the Premises, the Building and the Project, and there are no covenants, promises, agreements, conditions or understandings, either oral or written, between Landlord and Tenant other than as are herein set forth. No subsequent alteration, amendment, change or addition to the Lease shall be binding upon Landlord or Tenant unless reduced to writing and signed by Landlord and Tenant.
18.25 LANDLORD'S MANAGEMENT. Any services which Landlord is required to furnish pursuant to the provisions of this Lease may, at Landlord's option, be furnished from time to time, in whole or in part, by employees of Landlord or by Landlord's designated property management firm for the Project or by one or more third parties, and Landlord further reserves the right to require Tenant to enter into reasonable agreements with any such parties in form and content approved by Landlord for the furnishing of such services.
18.26 EXHIBITS. The following Exhibits are attached to this Lease after the signatures and by reference hereto are incorporated herein:
Exhibit A - Depiction of Premises Exhibit B - Tenant's Plan Exhibit C - Building Janitorial Specifications Exhibit D - Offset Statement and Estoppel Certificate
Exhibit E - Rules and Regulations
Exhibit F - Special Provisions
Exhibit G - Holidays
Exhibit H - Building Profile
18.27 SECURITY DEPOSIT.
(a) (i) Simultaneously with the execution of this Lease, Tenant has deposited with Landlord a letter of credit (the "Letter of Credit") in the amount of TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND AND 00/100 ($200,000.00) DOLLARS as security for the full and punctual performance by Tenant of Tenant's covenants and obligations under this Lease.
(ii) The Letter of Credit shall be (i) unconditional and irrevocable, (ii) issued by a New York Clearing House Association member bank, or a bank with a corresponding relationship with such New York Clearing House Association member bank, (iii) payable at a bank designated by Landlord from time to time as the paying and corresponding bank, (iv) payable to Landlord solely upon presentation of a sight draft, (v) transferable by the beneficiary without additional charge, (vi) payable in multiple drafts, (vii) subject to subparagraph (c), for a period expiring no earlier than the Termination Date (the "L/C Expiration Date").
(b) If Tenant defaults in the performance and observance of any of
the material terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease (including without
limitation, the payment of Base Rent, Additional Rent or any other sums due
under this Lease, and further including the occurrence of any event specified in
Article XIV of this Lease) beyond the expiration of any applicable notice and
grace period, Landlord may, at its option, draw upon the Letter of Credit in an
amount equal to any sum as to which Tenant is in default in respect of any of
the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease, including, without
limitation, any damages or deficiency in the reletting of the Premises, whether
such damages or deficiency accrue or accrues before or after summary proceedings
of re-entry by Landlord. If Landlord draws upon the Letter of Credit, Tenant
shall deposit with Landlord within five (5) business days thereafter a
supplemental or a new letter of credit meeting the same requirements set forth
in subparagraph (a) (ii), or cash in a like amount, such that the total of all
undrawn letters of credit issued on behalf of Tenant and then held by Landlord
pursuant to this Section 18.27 plus the amount of any cash deposited by Tenant
(but excluding any cash proceeds of any Letter of Credit drawn by Landlord)
shall not be less than the L/C Amount.
(c) (i) Notwithstanding anything in subparagraph (a)(ii) to the contrary, Tenant may deliver a Letter of Credit that expires prior to the L/C Expiration Date, provided that (i) such Letter of Credit shall be for a term of not less than one (1) year and expressly provides that the Letter of Credit shall automatically be renewed for successive one-year periods unless the issuer shall have provided the beneficiary with written notice of such non-renewal at least thirty (30) days prior to the then expiration date of the Letter of Credit and (ii) at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of said Letter of Credit, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord a supplemental or new letter of credit meeting the same requirements set forth in subparagraph (a) (ii) The failure of Tenant to timely deliver a new or supplemental letter of credit in accordance with the provisions of this Section 18.27 or Landlord's receipt of notice from the issuing bank that the Letter of Credit will not be renewed shall entitle Landlord to draw down the Letter of Credit and hold and apply such proceeds to Tenant on the terms and conditions of this Section
18.27. In the event of a drawdown pursuant to this subparagraph, Tenant shall thereafter have the right to substitute a Letter of Credit pursuant to all of the terms of this Section 18.27.
(ii) All letters of credit held by Landlord pursuant to this
Section 18.27 in an aggregate amount equal to the L/C Amount shall collectively
be deemed to be the Letter of Credit.
(d) (i) If at the L/C Expiration Date, Landlord has not drawn upon the Letter of Credit (unless Landlord shall have been prevented or restrained from doing so by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction), the Letter of Credit shall be returned to Tenant within ten (10) business days thereafter.
(ii) If the Letter of Credit shall be drawn down by Landlord, the proceeds of which shall not be used, applied or retained by Landlord pursuant to this Section 18.27, such unused proceeds shall be held by Landlord in a separate bank account and all interest accrued shall be paid to Tenant.
(e) In the event of a sale of the Building, Landlord, with
acknowledgment to Tenant, shall transfer the Letter of Credit and the unutilized
proceeds of any draw down thereof to the transferee and, upon such written
acceptance by transferee of such security deposit, and the written assumption by
transferee of the obligations of Landlord under this Lease, Landlord shall
thereupon be released by Tenant from all liability for the return of such
security. Tenant shall look solely to the new landlord for the return of the
security. The provisions hereof shall apply to every transfer or assignment made
of the security to a new landlord. If thirty (30) days prior to the date of such
sale, Landlord shall be holding the Letter of Credit, Tenant shall, upon fifteen
(15) days prior written notice, deliver a substitute letter of credit meeting
the same requirements set forth in subparagraph (a) (ii) and naming the new
landlord as the new beneficiary thereof provided that Landlord simultaneously
delivers to Tenant (or to the issuing bank) the Letter of Credit held by
Landlord for cancellation. In the event Tenant shall fail to comply with its
obligations to deliver a new letter of credit as set forth herein, Landlord may
draw upon the Letter of Credit and transfer the proceeds thereof to the new
landlord. In the event of a drawdown pursuant to this subparagraph, Tenant shall
thereafter have the right to substitute a Letter of Credit pursuant to all of
the terms of this Section 18.27.
(f) Tenant shall not assign or encumber or attempt to assign or encumber the Letter of Credit or any moneys drawn from such Letter of Credit and neither Landlord nor its successors or assigns shall be bound by any such assignment, encumbrance, attempted assignment or attempted encumbrance. In the event that any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other debtor-creditor proceedings shall be instituted by or against Tenant, its successors or assigns, or any guarantor of Tenant hereunder, Landlord may draw upon the Letter of Credit, in whole or in part, and use, apply or retain all or a portion of such money for the payment of any rent as to which Tenant is in default for periods prior to the institution of such proceedings and the balance, if any, shall be held by Landlord in accordance with subparagraph (a) (ii).
(g) Upon the expiration of this Lease or the termination of this Lease under Article XII (Damage and Destruction) or any other termination not resulting from Tenant's
default, and after Tenant has vacated the Premises in the manner required by this Lease, Landlord shall return the Letter of Credit, or, if applicable, refund or credit to Tenant (or Tenant's successor) the unused portion of the Security Deposit.
(h) Provided Tenant shall not then be in default, beyond any applicable grace and cure periods, under the terms and conditions of this Lease, on each of the second and third yearly anniversaries of the Commencement Date, Tenant shall be entitled to reduce the amount of the Letter of Credit to $100,000.00 and $50,000.00, respectively, by delivery of a substitute Letter of Credit in accordance with Section 18.27(a)(ii) above. Provided Tenant shall not then be in default, beyond any applicable grace and cure periods, under the terms and conditions of this Lease, on the fourth yearly anniversary of the Commencement Date, Landlord shall release and return the Letter of Credit to Tenant.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Lease as of the date first above-written.
"LANDLORD"
485 PROPERTIES, LLC
By: /s/ NICHOLAS E. STOLATIS ---------------------------- NAME: NICHOLAS E. STOLATIS ITS: ASSISTANT SECRETARY |
"TENANT"
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION
By: /s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ---------------------------- NAME: M. KELLEY MAGGS ITS: SR. VICE PRESIDENT |
EXHIBIT A
DEPICTION OF PREMISES
Suite #100
PINNACLES FOOD CORPORATION
Center I
First Floor
Suite #100
15,443 usable s.f.
17,352 rentable s.f.
EXHIBIT B
TENANT'S PLAN
(Attach Space Plan and Workletter)
EXHIBIT C
CLEANING SPECIFICATIONS
DAILY:
1. Empty and clean all waste receptacles. Remove waste from premises. Wash interior of waste cans when necessary. Liners furnished by Landlord and replaced as needed.
2. Dust and polish office furniture with treated cloths. Wipe down table tops and counters (exposed surfaces only).
3. Spot clean woodwork and partition; including any glass partitions.
4. Dry mop resilient floors with treated mops.
5. Water fountains are to be wiped down.
6. Telephones to be wiped down.
7. Damp mop all hard composition floors.
8. Vacuum carpeted areas, spot clean as necessary.
9. Sweep and damp mop stairwells.
10. Clean common area washrooms
a. sweep, then wet mop floors with solution which incorporates a disinfectant and a deodorizer.
b. wash and sanitize all fixtures in washrooms with antiseptic solution and scouring powder where necessary to remove stains.
c. clean all urinals and commodes with disinfectant.
d. wash both sides of commode with disinfectant.
e. polish flushmaster, piping, commode hinges and other bright work including mirrors.
f. wash down stalls from trim to floor with solution and treat with liquid finish as needed.
g. fill and maintain mechanical operation of all towel, tissue and soap dispensers.
h. all bathroom mirrors are to be cleaned daily.
MONTHLY:
1. Very high spots (i.e. paintings, bookshelves, etc.) are to be dusted.
2. Window sills are to be cleaned.
3. Vacuum clean all vents and air diffusers.
4. Dust all surfaces not normally reached in nightly cleaning.
5. All bathroom floors will be stripped and cleaned.
SEMI-ANNUALLY:
1. Strip and wax tile floors.
2. Dust blinds.
EXHIBIT D
OFFSET STATEMENT AND ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE
Re: Lease dated _________________________________________ ("Lease") by and between 485 PROPERTIES, LLC ("Landlord") and ____________________ ("Tenant")
Sir/Madam:
Reference is made to the above-described Lease in which the undersigned is Tenant. We understand that you are accepting an assignment of Landlord's rights under the Lease as __________________, and we hereby, as a material inducement for you to consummate the transaction, represent that:
1. A true and correct copy of the Lease is attached hereto as Schedule "A" and incorporated herein by reference thereto. There are no modifications, amendments, supplements, arrangements, side letters or understandings, oral or written, of any sort, modifying, amending, altering, supplementing or changing the terms of the Lease, except for those attached hereto as. part of Schedule "A".
2. The Lease is for a term of________________ commencing on ________________, 19___ and ending as of 11:59 P.M. on _____________, and the Lease covers the real property (the "Premises") described in the Lease, the Premises being part of certain real property (the "Property") located in _____________, County of _____________, State of _____________.
3. The Lease is in full force and effect, and the Lease has been duly executed and delivered by, and is a binding obligation of, Tenant as set forth therein.
4. The undersigned acknowledges (a) that rent on the Lease has been
paid up to and including _____________, 20__, (b) that monthly Base Rent (as
defined in the Lease) during the remaining term of the Lease is $__________, and
(c) that rent has not been paid for any period after _____________, 20___, and
shall not, except for any prepaid rent as specified in the Lease, be paid for a
period in excess of one (1) month in advance.
5. To the best knowledge of the undersigned, the improvements on the Premises are free from defects in design, materials and workmanship; and the improvements meet all governmental requirements, including, but not limited to, zoning and environmental requirements.
6. To the best knowledge of the undersigned, the Lease is not in default, and Landlord has performed the obligations required to be performed by Landlord under the terms thereof through the date hereof.
7. The Lease shall be subordinate to a deed of trust or mortgage on the Premises and an assignment of Landlord's interest in the Lease given by Landlord to______; and in the event of a merger of Landlord and Tenant in any manner, the interest of Tenant and Landlord shall not merge.
8. Tenant agrees not to modify, amend, terminate or otherwise change the Lease without ten (10) days prior written notice to you.
9. In the event of a default by Landlord under any of the terms or provisions of the Lease, Tenant shall give you adequate notice and reasonable time to cure such default before Tenant shall exercise any right or remedy available to it.
Dated _____________, 20__.
Very truly yours,
"Tenant"
By:____________________________________
Its:___________________________________
EXHIBIT E
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. The streets, sidewalks, entrances, lobbies, elevators, stairways, public corridors and other Common Areas provided by Landlord shall be used only as means of ingress and egress and shall remain unobstructed at all times. The entrance and exit doors of all suites are to be kept closed at all times except as required for orderly passage to and from a suite. At the close of business each day, Tenant shall turn off all lights and office equipment in the Premises and lock all entrance and exit doors of the Premises. Loitering in any part of the Building or obstruction of any means of ingress or egress shall not be permitted. No smoking or eating shall be permitted in the Common Areas. Tenant shall not cover or obstruct any window, skylight, door or transom that admits light. Tenant shall not place door mats in any public corridors.
2. Plumbing fixtures, toilet rooms, water closets and other water apparatus shall not be used for any purposes other than those for which they were constructed, and no rubbish, food products, newspapers, trash or other substances of any kind shall be thrown into them. No cleaning of coffee pots, dishes, utensils, etc., shall be permitted in common lavatory sinks. Walls, floors, ceilings, elevators, lavatories, windows and/or doors shall not be defaced in any way and no one shall be permitted to mark, drive nails or screws, or drill into, paint, or in any way mar any Building surface, except that pictures, certificates, licenses and similar items normally used in Tenant's business may be carefully attached to the interior walls of the Premises by Tenant in a manner to be prescribed by Landlord. Upon removal of such items by Tenant any damage to the walls or other surfaces, except minor nail holes, shall be repaired by Tenant at Tenant's sole cost.
3. No awning, shade, sign, advertisement or notice shall be inscribed, painted, displayed or affixed on, in or to any window, door or any other part of the outside or inside of the Building or the Premises, including without limitation any roof setbacks, window ledges and other projections. No window displays or other public displays shall be permitted without the prior written consent of Landlord. All tenant identification on public corridor doors will be installed by Landlord with the size and type of letters to be prescribed by Landlord. The directory of the Building will be provided exclusively for the names and locations of tenants only and Landlord reserves the right to exclude all other names therefrom. All requests for listing on the Building directory shall be submitted to the office of Landlord in writing. Landlord reserves the right to approve all listing requests. Any change requested by Tenant of Landlord of the name or names posted in the directory, after initial posting, will be charged to Tenant.
4. The cost of any special electrical circuits for items such as copying machines, computers, microwaves, etc., shall be borne by Tenant. Prior to installation of any equipment requiring special electrical circuits or extraordinary utility usage Tenant must receive written approval from Landlord.
5. The weight, size and position of all safes and other unusually heavy objects used or placed in the Building shall be prescribed by Landlord and shall, in all cases, stand on metal plates of such size as shall be prescribed by Landlord. The repair of any damage done to the
Building or property therein by putting in or taking out or maintaining such safes or other unusually heavy objects shall be paid for by Tenant.
6. All freight, furniture, fixtures and other personal property shall be moved into, within and out of the Building at times designated by and under the supervision of Landlord and in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by Landlord. In no event will Landlord be responsible for any loss or damage to such freight, furniture, fixtures or personal property from any cause.
7. No improper noises, vibrations or odors will be permitted in the Building, nor shall any person be permitted to interfere in any way with tenants or those having business with them or otherwise to do anything that might tend to injure the reputation of the Building. No singing or playing or operating of any musical instrument, radio or television in the Building shall be permitted without the consent of Landlord. No person will be permitted to bring or keep within the Building any animal, bird or bicycle. No person shall throw trash, refuse, cigarettes or other substances of any kind any place within or out of the Building except in the refuse containers provided therefor. Landlord reserves the right to exclude or expel from the Building any person who, in the judgment of Landlord, is intoxicated or under the influence of liquor or drugs or who shall in any manner do any act in violation of the rules and regulations of the Building. No portion of the Building or the Premises shall be used for living or sleeping quarters. Tenant shall not manufacture in the Premises any commodity, or prepare or dispense any foods or beverages, tobacco, drugs, flowers or other commodities or articles without the prior written consent of Landlord.
8. All re-keying of office doors, after occupancy, will be at the expense of Tenant. Tenant shall not re-key any doors or install additional locks, bolts or security systems therein without making prior arrangements with Landlord. Tenant shall not secure duplicate keys for the Building or the Premises, except from Landlord.
9. Tenant will not install or use any window coverings except those provided or approved by Landlord, nor shall Tenant use the balconies or any portion of the Common Areas, if any, for storage, barbecues, drying of laundry or any other activity which would detract from the appearance of the Building or interfere in any way with the use of the Building by other tenants.
10. Any tenant using the Building after normal business hours or on non-business days shall lock any entrance doors to the Building used by Tenant immediately after entering or leaving the Building. Normal business hours for the Building shall be Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Landlord reserves the right to exclude the general public from the Building upon such days and at such hours as in Landlord's judgment will be for the best interest of the Building and its tenants. Persons entering the Building after 6:00 p.m. on business days and at all times on weekends and holidays must sign the register, if any, maintained for that purpose.
11. Tenant shall be deemed to have read these Rules and Regulations and to have agreed to abide by them as a condition to Tenant's occupancy of the Premises.
12. Tenant and Tenant's employees, agents, invitees, etc., shall not use more than the number of Parking Spaces set forth in the Lease for use by Tenant (after allowance is made by Landlord, from time to time, for visitor parking).
13. Tenant and Tenant's employees, agents, invitees, etc., shall not hang or display any items from the Building's balconies, if any, or permit any furniture or other items to be place or stored thereon, without the prior written consent of Landlord.
14. If Tenant requires telegraphic, telephonic, burglar alarm or similar services, it shall first obtain, and comply with, Landlord's instruction in their installation.
15. The Building freight elevator(s), if any, shall be available for use by all tenants in the Building, subject to such reasonable scheduling as Landlord, in its discretion, shall deem appropriate. No equipment, materials, furniture, packages, supplies, merchandise or other property will be received in the Building or carried in the elevators except between such hours and in such elevators as may be designated by Landlord. Tenant's initial move in and subsequent deliveries of bulky items, such as furniture, safes and similar items shall, unless otherwise agreed by Landlord, be made during the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. or on Saturday or Sunday, and on at least 24 hours prior written notice to Landlord. Deliveries during normal hours shall be limited to normal office supplies and other small items. No deliveries shall be made which impede or interfere with other tenants or the operation of the Building.
16. Except as may be otherwise approved by Landlord in writing, Tenant shall not use any method of heating or air conditioning other than that supplied by Landlord.
17. Tenant shall not waste electricity, water or air conditioning and agrees to cooperate fully with Landlord to assure the most effective and cost-effective and cost-efficient operation of the Building's heating and air conditioning and to comply with any governmental energy-saving rules, laws or regulations of which Tenant has actual notice, and shall refrain from attempting to adjust controls in an unauthorized manner. Tenant shall keep corridor doors closed, and shall close window coverings at the end of each business day.
18. Tenant shall not obtain for use on the Premises ice, drinking water, food, beverages, towel or other similar services or accept barbering or bootblacking service upon the Premises, except at such hours and under such regulations as may be fixed by Landlord, if any. .
19. Tenant shall store all its trash and garbage within the Premises or in other facilities provided by Landlord. Tenant shall not place in any trash box or receptacle any material which cannot be disposed of in the ordinary and customary manner of trash and garbage disposal. All garbage and refuse disposal shall be made in accordance with directions issued from time to time by Landlord.
20. Canvassing, soliciting and distribution of handbills or any other written material and peddling in the Building are prohibited, and Tenant shall cooperate to prevent such activities. Tenant shall not use the name of the Building in any way in connection with its business except for Tenant's address. Landlord shall also have the right to prohibit any advertising by Tenant, which, in Landlord's opinion, tends to impair the reputation of the Building or its desirability as
a building for offices; and upon written notice from Landlord, Tenant shall refrain from or discontinue such advertising.
21. Tenant assumes any and all responsibility for protecting the Premises from theft, robbery and pilferage, which includes keeping doors locked and other means of entry to the Premises closed.
22. Except with the written consent of the Landlord, no person or persons other than those approved by Landlord shall be permitted to enter the Building or the Premises for the purpose of cleaning the same and such person or persons shall, while in the Building and outside the Premises, comply with all instructions issued by the Building superintendent and/or Building engineer. No tenant shall cause any unnecessary labor by reason of such tenant's carelessness or indifference in the preservation of good order and cleanliness. Landlord shall not be responsible to Tenant for any loss of property on the Premises, however occurring or for any damage done to the effects of Tenant by the janitor or any other employee or any other person.
23. Tenant shall be responsible for the observance of all of the foregoing rules by Tenant's employees, agents, clients, customers, invitees and guests, and shall be liable to Landlord for all acts of such persons committed in the Building.
24. These Rules and Regulations are in addition to, and shall not be construed to in any way modify or amend, in whole or in part, the agreements, covenants, conditions and provisions of the Lease.
25. Landlord shall have the right to make such other and further reasonable Rules and Regulations as in the judgment of Landlord may from time to time be needful for the safety, appearance, care and cleanliness of the Building and for the preservation of good order therein. Landlord shall not be responsible to Tenant for any violation of Rules and Regulations by other tenants. Such other and further Rules and Regulations shall become effective thirty (30) days after prior written notice thereof from Landlord to Tenant.
EXHIBIT F
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
A. OPTION TO RENEW
1. RENEWAL TERM. Subject to the terms and conditions of paragraph 3 below, Tenant shall have the option to renew this Lease for one (1) five (5) year renewal period (the "Renewal Term"). The Renewal Term shall commence upon the date immediately succeeding the Expiration Date. The terms, covenants and conditions applicable to the Renewal Term shall be as then promulgated by Landlord, except as hereinafter specifically set forth.
2. ANNUAL BASE RENT. The Annual Base Rent during the Renewal Term shall be equal to 100% of Market Rent (as hereinafter defined). "Market Rent" shall mean the fair market rent for comparable renewal space in the Project.
3. CONDITIONS OF RENEWAL. Tenant's option to renew, as provided in paragraph l above, shall be strictly conditioned upon and subject to each of the following:
(a) Tenant shall notify Landlord in writing of Tenant's exercise of its option to renew at least twelve (12) months prior to the Expiration Date;
(b) At the time Landlord receives Tenant's notice as provided in paragraph 3(a) above, and on the Expiration Date, Tenant shall not have been in default, beyond any applicable notice and cure periods, under the terms or provisions of this Lease;
(c) Landlord shall have no obligation to do any work or perform any services for the Renewal Term with respect to the Premises or the Building which Tenant agrees to accept in their then "as is" condition;
(d) The Annual Base Rent during the Renewal Term shall not be less than the Rent (Base Rent and Additional Rent) payable at the end of the expiring Lease Term; and
(e) The option to renew granted herein to Tenant is personal to Tenant and may not be exercised by any other person or entity other than Tenant or a permitted assignee pursuant to Article 15 of this Lease.
EXHIBIT G
HOLIDAYS
New Year's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
EXHIBIT H
BUILDING DESCRIPTION - MT. LAKES CORPORATE CENTER I
BUILDING PROFILE
PROPERTY: Mt. Lakes Corporate Center I One Old Bloomfield Avenue ADDRESS: Mt. Lakes, New Jersey 07046 (Morris County) LOCATION: - 1/2 mile north of Cherry Hill Road Interchange with I-80 - 1 Mile west of I-287 and Route 202 - 1 Block off Route 46 - 7 Miles to Morristown Airport OWNER/DEVELOPER: 485 Properties LLC (a subsidiary of TIAA-CREF) MANAGEMENT: Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Inc. EXCLUSIVE LEASING AGENT: Grubb & Ellis 155 Passaic Avenue Suite 400 Fairfield, New Jersey 07004 John Beers/Larry Martin Phone 973.486.2500 Fax 973.486.2501 ARCHITECT: MJS Architects Dover, NJ CONTRACTOR: March Associates Wayne, NJ AVAILABILITY: December 2000 BUILT: 1978/Totally Redeveloped 2000 BLOCK & LOT #: Block 118.04 Lot 2 Borough of Mt. Lakes, Morris Co. LOT SIZE: 12+ Acres (Additional 60,000+ SF may be developed) ZONING: Office Building |
BUILDING DESCRIPTION - MT. LAKES CORPORATE CENTER I
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION: Steel Frame - Type 2C non-combustable FACADE: Brick & glass exterior BUILDING: 49,843 square feet gross ROOF: EPDM membrane roof on insulation board FLOORS: Two (2) Gross Sq. Ft. ------------- 1ST Floor 25,062 2nd Floor 24,781 ------ Total 49,843 OFFICE LAY-OUT: Tenant design WINDOWS: Combination of ribbon windows and curtain wall with custom color glass CEILING HEIGHT: 9'-0" FLOOR HEIGHT: Floor to floor ht. 13'-4" BAY SIZE: 24' x 24' & 24' x 36' CEILING GRID: Lobbies - 2' x 2' Offices - 2' x 2' LIGHTING: Office lighting - 2' x 4' T-8 3 lamp fluorescent, deep cell parabolic FLOOR LOAD: 100 lbs/SF on 1st Floor 80 lbs/SF on 2nd Floor ELEVATOR: 1 Hydraulic Elevator Size: 6'-8" x 4'-4" interior Oak & Brushed Aluminum Finish PARKING: 201 spaces total |
BUILDING DESCRIPTION - MT. LAKES CORPORATE CENTER I
HVAC: Entirely new rooftop units and distribution system throughout -- Trane Equipment Core area and exterior stairway - (2) rooftop, single-zone HVAC units with electric cooling and heating; 20 tons total capacity First Floor - (3) rooftop variable air volume HVAC units with supplemental electric heat; economizer (free cooling) cycle; 85 tons total capacity; (38) variable air volume terminal units with individual zone thermostats. Second Floor - (3) rooftop variable air volume HVAC units with supplemental electric heat; economizer (free cooling) cycle; 100 tons total capacity; (39) variable air volume terminal units with individual zone thermostats. HVAC DESIGN CRITERIA: Heating: 70 DB inside 0(degree) DB outside Cooling: 76(degree)DB inside @ 50% RH 91(degree)DB/73(degree)WB outside ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: State of the art Trane Summit HVAC control and fire alarm system ELECTRIC: Supplier - GPU Energy Main Service - 2,000 amps, 3 phase, 4 wire; 480/277 volt Landlord 400 amp, 277/480 volt service with 400 amp 277/480 volt, 42 pole main panel, 125 amp 277/480 volt 30 pole subpanels, 30 KVA transformer and 100 amp 120/208 volt 30 pole subpanels (4) tenant services, 400 amp, 277/480 volt, 42 pole panel for each tenant (2) tenant services, 250 amp, 277/480 volt, 42 pole panel for each tenant |
BUILDING DESCRIPTION - MT. LAKES CORPORATE CENTER I
UPS PROVISIONS: Pad area provided with conduit installed under the floor and into the main electric room FIBER OPTICS: Into the building TOILET FACILITIES: Per Floor: 1 each per gender Fixtures per facility: Men - 2T + 2U Women - 3T Handicap Accessible - Yes WATER: SMCMUA (municipal) AFTER-HOURS ACCESS: Cardkey System Available FIRE SURPRESSION & ALARM: Wet, hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler system throughout the building along with fire alarm system with duct mounted smoke-detection, fire alarm signaling and fire sprinkler flow detection. AMENITIES: - Hotels and conference centers nearby - Vast labor pool and diverse housing - Courier Service drop on site CORPORATE NEIGHBORS: GPU Energy Anheuser Busch Mercedes Benz New York Life Roche Vitamins Champion Mortgage ADP |
485 PROPERTIES, LLC
MOUNTAIN LAKES CORPORATE CENTER I
MOUNTAIN LAKES, NEW JERSEY
LEASE
between
485 PROPERTIES, LLC,
Landlord
and
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION
Tenant
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE ARTICLE I: DEFINITIONS............................................................................... 1 1.01 Defined Terms................................................................................. 1 ARTICLE II: DEMISE AND LEASE.......................................................................... 3 2.01 Demise and Lease.............................................................................. 3 2.02 Representations and Warranties; Taking of Possession.......................................... 3 2.03 Common Areas.................................................................................. 3 ARTICLE III: IMPROVEMENTS.............................................................................. 3 3.01 Tenant Improvements........................................................................... 3 3.02 Tenant Allowance.............................................................................. 4 ARTICLE IV: TERM...................................................................................... 5 4.01 Term.......................................................................................... 5 ARTICLE V: RENT...................................................................................... 5 5.01 Base Rent..................................................................................... 5 5.02 Additional Rent............................................................................... 5 5.03 Manner of Payment............................................................................. 5 5.04 Late Payment and Interest..................................................................... 6 ARTICLE VI: ADDITIONAL RENT AND CHARGES............................................................... 6 6.01 Tenant's Obligation for Personal Property Taxes............................................... 6 6.02 Tenant's Share of Operating Expenses.......................................................... 6 ARTICLE VII: SERVICES AND UTILITIES.................................................................... 9 7.01 Landlord's Services........................................................................... 9 7.02 Tenant's Payment of Electricity Charges....................................................... 10 ARTICLE VIII: INSURANCE................................................................................. 10 8.01 Public Liability.............................................................................. 10 8.02 Tenant's Property and Other Insurance......................................................... 11 8.03 Additional Insurance.......................................................................... 11 8.04 Form of Insurance/Certificates................................................................ 11 8.05 Tenant's Failure.............................................................................. 11 8.06 Waiver of Subrogation......................................................................... 12 8.07 Tenant's Property and Fixtures................................................................ 12 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
PAGE 8.08 Indemnification of Landlord................................................................... 12 8.09 Notification from Tenant...................................................................... 13 ARTICLE IX: REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE................................................................... 13 9.01 Tenant Repairs and Maintenance................................................................ 13 9.02 Landlord Repairs and Maintenance.............................................................. 13 9.03 Non-liability of Landlord..................................................................... 13 9.04 Inspection of Premises........................................................................ 14 ARTICLE X: FIXTURES, PERSONAL PROPERTY AND ALTERATIONS............................................... 14 10.01 Fixtures and Personal Property................................................................ 14 10.02 Alterations................................................................................... 14 10.03 Liens......................................................................................... 15 ARTICLE XI: USE AND COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.............................................................. 16 11.01 Signs......................................................................................... 16 11.02 Use........................................................................................... 16 11.03 Compliance with Laws and Insurance Requirements............................................... 16 11.04 Landlord's Inspection and Testing............................................................. 17 11.05 Hazardous Materials........................................................................... 17 ARTICLE XII: DAMAGE AND DESTRUCTION.................................................................... 19 12.01 Reconstruction................................................................................ 19 12.02 Rent Abatement................................................................................ 20 12.03 Excessive Damage or Destruction............................................................... 20 12.04 Uninsured Casualty............................................................................ 21 12.05 Waiver........................................................................................ 21 12.06 Mortgagee's Right............................................................................. 21 12.07 Damage Near End of Term....................................................................... 21 ARTICLE XIII: EMINENT DOMAIN............................................................................ 21 13.01 Eminent Domain................................................................................ 21 13.02 Disposition of Awards......................................................................... 22 13.03 Mortgagee's Right............................................................................. 22 ARTICLE XIV: DEFAULT................................................................................... 22 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
PAGE 14.01 Events of Default............................................................................. 22 14.02 Remedies...................................................................................... 23 ARTICLE XV: ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING................................................................. 25 15.01 Prohibition................................................................................... 25 15.02 Excess Rental................................................................................. 26 15.03 Scope......................................................................................... 26 15.04 Effect of Assignment.......................................................................... 26 15.05 Waiver........................................................................................ 27 15.06 Change in Control............................................................................. 27 ARTICLE XVI: OFFSET STATEMENT, ATTORNMENT AND SUBORDINATION............................................ 28 16.01 Offset Statement.............................................................................. 28 16.02 Attornment.................................................................................... 28 16.03 Subordination................................................................................. 28 16.04 Mortgagee's Rights............................................................................ 28 16.05 Recording..................................................................................... 29 16.06 Release of Landlord........................................................................... 29 ARTICLE XVII: INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY............................................................. 29 17.01 Indemnification............................................................................... 29 17.02 Waiver and Release............................................................................ 30 17.03 Liability of Landlord......................................................................... 30 ARTICLE XVIII: MISCELLANEOUS............................................................................. 31 18.01 Notices....................................................................................... 31 18.02 Successors Bound.............................................................................. 32 18.03 Guarantor of Tenant........................................................................... 32 18.04 Waiver........................................................................................ 32 18.05 Surrender of Premises and Holding Over........................................................ 32 18.06 Landlord's Right to Perform................................................................... 33 18.07 Subdivision and Easements..................................................................... 33 18.08 Landlord's Reserved Rights in Common Areas.................................................... 33 18.09 Rules and Regulations......................................................................... 34 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
PAGE 18.10 Parking....................................................................................... 34 18.11 No Nuisance................................................................................... 34 18.12 Relocation.................................................................................... 34 18.13 Financial Statements.......................................................................... 34 18.14 Corporate Authority........................................................................... 35 18.15 Quiet Enjoyment............................................................................... 35 18.16 Waiver of Jury Trial.......................................................................... 35 18.17 Broker........................................................................................ 35 18.18 Accord and Satisfaction....................................................................... 35 18.19 Captions and Article Numbers.................................................................. 35 18.20 Severability.................................................................................. 36 18.21 Applicable Law................................................................................ 36 18.22 Submission of Lease........................................................................... 36 18.23 Time.......................................................................................... 36 18.24 Entire Agreement.............................................................................. 36 18.25 Landlord's Management......................................................................... 36 18.26 Exhibits...................................................................................... 36 18.27 Security Deposit.............................................................................. 37 |
Exhibit A - Depiction of Premises Exhibit B - Tenant's Plan Exhibit C - Building Janitorial Specifications Exhibit D - Offset Statement and Estoppel Certificate Exhibit E - Rules and Regulations Exhibit F - Special Provisions Exhibit G - Holidays Exhibit H - Building Profile |
FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE
THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE (the "First Amendment"), made on the 23 day of November, 2001, between 485 PROPERTIES, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, having an address at 730 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017 ("Landlord"); and PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION, having an address at 6 Executive Campus, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002 ("Tenant").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant have heretofore entered into a certain Lease dated August 10, 2001 (the "Original Lease"), pursuant to which Tenant has leased approximately 17,352 rentable square feet, known as Suite 100, in the building located in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, known as Mountain Lakes Corporate Center I; and
WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant desire to amend the Lease to extend the Term and increase the Tenant Improvement Allowance; and
WHEREAS, the Original Lease and this First Amendment are herein collectively referred to as the "Lease".
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, terms and conditions herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the Landlord and Tenant covenant and agree as follows:
1. Section 1.01(1) of the Original Lease is hereby amended to provide that the Expiration Date shall be six (6) years and two (2) months following the Term Commencement Date.
2. Section 1.01(1) is hereby amended to provide that the Tenant Improvement Allowance shall be in the amount of $347,040.00
3. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Original Lease.
4. Except as in this First Amendment provided, all of the terms and conditions of the Original Lease shall remain in full force and effect.
5. This First Amendment shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this First Amendment the date first above written.
485 PROPERTIES, LLC, "LANDLORD"
By: /s/ NICHOLAS E. STOLATIS ------------------------ Name: Nicholas E. Stolatis Title: Assistant Secretary |
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION, "TENANT"
By: /s/ M. KELLEY MAGGS ------------------- Name: M. Kelley Maggs Title: Senior Vice President |
SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEASE
THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO LEASE (the "Second Amendment"), made on the 16th day of October, 2003 (the "Effective Date"), between 485 PROPERTIES, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, having an address at c/o TIAA-CREF, 730 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017, attn: Real Estate Director, Northeast Region ("Landlord"), and PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION, having an address at 6 Executive Campus, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002 ("Tenant").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Landlord is the Owner of a building commonly known as Mountain Lakes Corporate Center I, One Old Bloomfield Avenue, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey (the "Building"); and
WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant have heretofore entered into a certain Lease dated August 10, 2001 (the "Original Lease"), pursuant to which Tenant has leased approximately 17,352 rentable square feet on the first floor of the Building (the "First Floor Space"); and
WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant have heretofore entered into a certain First Amendment to Lease dated November 23, 2001 (the "First Amendment"), pursuant to which the Term was extended and the Tenant Improvement Allowance with respect to the First Floor Space was increased; and
WHEREAS, Landlord desires to Lease to Tenant, and Tenant desires to Lease from Landlord, additional space on the second floor of the Building, consisting of the entire second floor, containing approximately 25,351 rentable square feet, as shown on the Building second floor plan attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Second Floor Space"); and
WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant desire to further extend the Term through and including the expiration of ninety-six (96) months from and after the Second Floor Space Commencement Date (as defined below); and
WHEREAS, the Original Lease, First Amendment, and this Second Amendment are herein collectively referred to as the "Lease"; and
WHEREAS, the First Floor Space and the Second Floor Space are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Premises"); and
WHEREAS, the Landlord and Tenant by this Second Amendment, wish to modify, supplement and amend the terms and conditions of the Lease to (i) provide for the Second Floor Space, Rent and other Lease obligations as same shall be required and attributable to the Premises, and (ii) extend the Term for a period of ninety-six (96) months from and after the Second Floor Space Commencement Date.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, terms and conditions herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, Landlord and Tenant covenant and agree as follows:
1. As of the Second Floor Space Commencement Date, the Premises shall be deemed to be the First Floor Space and Second Floor Space located on the first and second floors of the Building, containing approximately 42,703 rentable square feet for all purposes of the Lease. The Second Floor Space shall be the second floor of the Building as shown on the Building second floor plan attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit A.
2. Within twenty-one (21) days following the Effective Date of this Second Amendment, Tenant shall provide Landlord with a space plan for the preparation of the Second Floor Space (the "Second Floor Plan"), which Second Floor Plan shall be annexed hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit B. Upon delivery to Landlord of the Second Floor Plan, Landlord shall forthwith proceed with the preparation of the Second Floor Space (the "Second Floor Work") in accordance with and as shown on the Second Floor Plan and the Building standard improvement specifications. Landlord shall have the right to designate contractors and subcontractors to perform the Second Floor Work. Landlord agrees to solicit and obtain a minimum of three (3) contractor bids for the performance of the Second Floor Work, which bids shall be subject to Tenant's review. Tenant shall have the right to select one (1) contractor who may bid on the performance of the Second Floor Work, which contractor shall be subject to Landlord's approval, provided, however, Tenant's right to participate shall not delay construction of the Second Floor Work. Unless otherwise stated in the Second Floor Plan, Landlord shall use Building standard materials in the performance of the Second Floor Work. Landlord shall have the right to substitute comparable materials or finishes in the event any item set forth in the Second Floor Plan is unavailable. Except as provided in the Second Floor Plan, the Second Floor Space, its fixtures and finishes, shall be delivered and accepted in its "as is" condition. The Second Floor Work shall be made and performed by Landlord at Tenant's cost and expense and diligently pursued to completion. Landlord shall select and install window treatments in the Second Floor Space at Landlord's cost and expense equivalent to or better than the window treatments provided in the First Floor Space. Landlord shall in no event be liable for any direct or indirect damages as a result of delays due to Force Majeure or other acts or omissions of Tenant (or anyone performing services on behalf of Tenant). Tenant shall be responsible for the installation of all telecommunication, computer, and data cabling in the Second Floor Space. The Second Floor Space shall be deemed ready for occupancy ("Ready for Occupancy") when the Second Floor Work has been completed or substantially completed by Landlord in accordance with Exhibit B and delivered, tendered or made available to Tenant. Landlord agrees to use reasonable commercial efforts to provide Tenant with one (1) week prior advance notice of the date the Second Floor Space shall be Ready for Occupancy, provided, however, Landlord's failure to provide such prior notice shall not be deemed a breach by Landlord under the Lease. The Rent Commencement Date with respect to the Second Floor Space shall be the date upon which the Second Floor Space is deemed Ready for Occupancy. The term "substantially completed" as used in this Second Amendment shall mean the date of issuance of a certificate of occupancy (temporary or permanent) for the Second Floor Space by the Borough of Mountain Lakes, or if no certificate of occupancy is required, the date of substantial completion of the Second Floor Work as certified by Landlord's architect, which certification shall be conclusive and binding upon Landlord and Tenant. The Landlord's Second
Floor Work shall be deemed substantially completed notwithstanding the fact that minor details of construction, mechanical adjustments or decorations which do not materially interfere with Tenant's use and enjoyment of the Second Floor Space ("punch list" items) remain to be performed. Landlord agrees to repair and correct "punch list" items within a reasonable time following receipt of written notice from Tenant. Landlord agrees that it shall contribute the sum of $545,047.00 toward the cost and expense of the Second Floor Work (the "Improvement Allowance") under a finished ceiling, which cost and expense shall include, but not be limited to, all construction labor and materials, including demolition and removal of debris, and installation of partitioning doors, floor covering, architectural and engineering costs, space plan preparation and reproduction, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural drawings, procurement of permits and approvals, and construction management and inspection fees. Landlord, at Landlord's cost and expense, shall provide a finished ceiling to include 2x2 grid, 2x2 reveal edge acoustical tile, 2x4 T8 fluorescent deep cell parabolic fixtures, light switches, and HVAC distribution consistent with and in compliment to the Second Floor Plan, the cost of which will not be applied to the Improvement Allowance. The cost of relocation of sprinkler heads required by the Second Floor Plan will be applied to the Improvement Allowance. Tenant shall have the right to review, upon request, invoices for the performance of the Second Floor Work, however, Tenant shall have no right to disapprove such invoices or delay the payment thereof. Tenant shall have the right to apply the cost of Alterations to the First Floor Space to the Improvement Allowance, any such Alterations being subject to the terms and conditions of Section 10.02 of the Original Lease. To the extent the cost of the Second Floor Work and any Alterations to the First Floor Space exceeds the Improvement Allowance, such excess cost shall be paid by Tenant (to Landlord upon Landlord's demand with respect to the Second Floor Work). If Tenant shall fail to pay such excess cost within thirty (30) days of demand from Landlord therefor, such failure shall be an Event of Default under the Lease. To the extent that the Second Floor Work and Tenant's Alterations, if any, shall be less than the Improvement Allowance, Landlord shall not be required to contribute or pay such differential to Tenant, nor shall such differential be available to Tenant as a credit against any obligations of Tenant under the Lease; provided any remaining amount shall be available to Tenant, through October 16, 2005 only, for future qualifying Alterations work in the Premises. It is expressly understood and agreed that all improvements installed within the Second Floor Space in accordance with the Second Floor Work shall, upon completion and installation, be deemed the property of Landlord, including any fixtures or equipment (except for trade fixtures and equipment, moveable office partitions, furniture or other personal property) for which Landlord has provided allowances to Tenant in connection with the performance of the Second Floor Work. In addition, Landlord may, upon notice to Tenant, relinquish its rights to the improvements installed pursuant to the Second Floor Work and compel Tenant to remove same prior to expiration of the Lease Term.
3. The Term with respect to the Second Floor Space shall commence upon the date that the Second Floor Space shall be deemed Ready for Occupancy (the "Second Floor Space Commencement Date"). The Expiration Date of the Lease Term shall be such date which is ninety-six (96) months from the Second Floor Space Commencement Date, unless sooner terminated as in the Lease provided (or if the Second Floor Space Commencement Date is not the first day of a calendar month, the Expiration Date shall be ninety-six (96) months from the first day of the month next following the Second Floor Space Commencement Date).
4. Commencing upon the Second Floor Space Commencement Date and through the Expiration Date, Tenant shall pay Base Rent for the Premises as follows:
MONTHLY PERIOD ANNUAL BASE RENT INSTALLMENT ------ ---------------- ----------- Second Floor Space $ 390,420.00 $32,535.00 Commencement Date through month 3 Months 4 through 60 $ 960,817.56 $80,068.13 Months 61 through 96 $1,067,574.96 $88,964.58 |
As stated in the table above, Base Rent for the First Floor Space shall continue to accrue and be payable as set forth in the Original Lease through the Second Floor Space Commencement Date. In addition to Base Rent as herein provided, Tenant shall pay all other Rent, charges and Additional Rent as in the Lease required. Anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, it is expressly understood and agreed that Tenant shall not be responsible to pay any installment of Base Rent applicable to the Second Floor Space ($47,533.13 per month) for the first three (3) full months following the Second Floor Space Commencement Date, it being understood and agreed, however, that all the terms and conditions of the Lease shall apply during said three (3) month period, including Tenant's obligation for Base Rent for the First Floor Space, all Additional Rent for the First Floor Space and Second Floor Space, and other charges set forth in the Lease.
5. As of the Second Floor Space Commencement Date, the Premises shall be deemed to contain approximately 42,703 rentable square feet and Tenant's Share shall be deemed to be 86.31%. Effective as of the Second Floor Space Commencement Date, the Operating Expense Base Year and Tax Base Year shall be the calendar year ending December 31, 2004.
6. Subject to Landlord's receipt of applicable governmental approvals, Landlord shall, at Landlord's cost and expense, install, and Tenant shall be represented on, a Project monument sign at the intersection of Cherry Hill Road and Route 46. In addition, subject to Landlord's receipt of applicable governmental approvals, Landlord shall, at Landlord's cost and expense, install a Building monument sign upon which Tenant shall be solely and exclusively represented. The design of such Project and Building monument signs are shown on Exhibit C annexed hereto and made a part hereof.
7. As of the execution of this Amendment, Section 18.27 (Security Deposit) of the Original Lease shall be deleted and Landlord shall promptly thereafter release and return the Letter of Credit to Tenant.
8. Landlord and Tenant represent and warrant that they have had no discussions, negotiations and/or other dealings with any real estate broker or agent other than Grubb & Ellis Co. and TR Alter & Associates, Inc. (collectively the "Broker") in connection with the negotiation of this Second Amendment, and that they know of no other real estate broker or
agent who is or may be entitled to any commission or finders fee in connection with this Second Amendment. Landlord and Tenant agree to indemnify, defend and hold each other harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, judgments, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and costs, with respect to any leasing commission or equivalent compensation alleged to be owing on account of discussions, negotiations and/or dealings with any real estate broker or agent other than Broker claiming to have acted on behalf of or to have dealt with Landlord or Tenant, as applicable. Landlord shall pay any commissions owing to broker with respect to this Second Amendment pursuant to a separate agreement or agreements.
9. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Original Lease.
10. Except as in this Second Amendment provided, all of the terms and conditions of the Lease shall remain in full force and effect.
11. This Second Amendment shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their successors and assigns.
SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Second Amendment on the date above written.
LANDLORD
485 PROPERTIES, LLC
By: /s/ NICHOLAS E. STOLATIS ------------------------ Name: Nicholas E. Stolatis |
TENANT
PINNACLE FOODS CORPORATION,
By: /s/ JOHN F. KROEGER ------------------- Name: John F. Kroeger |
EXHIBIT 10.27
SWANSON TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT (U.S.)
THIS IS A TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT, dated as of March 24, 1998 (this AGREEMENT), by and between CSC Brands, Inc. (LICENSOR) and Vlasic International Brands Inc. (LICENSEE).
Background
A. Licensor owns and has the right to license the Licensed Marks set forth in Section 1(d) below.
B. Licensor has licensed the Licensed Marks to Campbell Soup Company, which has manufactured, distributed, marketed, advertised, promoted and sold a wide variety of food products, including frozen foods such as dinners, breakfasts, pot pies, sandwiches and the like using the Licensed Marks for many years.
C. Licensor has formed Licensee and wishes to grant the perpetual license created hereby to Licensee in exchange for the issuance by Licensee to Licensor of ninety-six (96) shares of Licensee's capital stock, in a transaction governed by Section 351 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
D. Licensee desires to utilize the Licensed Marks in connection with the manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertisement, promotion and sale of the products described in Section 1(e) below.
Terms
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and covenants herein contained and with the intent to be legally bound, the parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this Agreement:
(a) AFFILIATE makes any corporation, partnership or other entity which is owned by or controlled by or is under common ownership or control with a party to this Agreement. Ownership or control for the purpose of this action shall mean ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock or general partnership interest of such corporation, partnership or other entity.
(b) CODE means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(c) LICENSE means the license granted hereunder.
(d) LICENSED MARKS means the names, logos, symbols, designs and/or identifications, which are used in the United States, as set forth on Exhibit "A" attached to this Agreement.
(e) LICENSED PRODUCTS means frozen foods and beverages of any type except for frozen soup or broth, defined to include European-style soups and broth concentrates or stocks.
(f) TERRITORY means the United States of America.
SECTION 2. LICENSING RIGHTS.
(a) Grant of License. In exchange for ninety-six (96( shares of Licensee's capital stock, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee the royalty-free, sole and exclusive license to use the Licensed Marks in connection with the manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertising, promotion and sale of Licensed Products in the Territory in jurisdiction where Licensor has acquired rights in the Licensed Marks and only to the extent Licensor has obtained the rights in the Licensed Marks and only to the extent Licensor has obtained the rights to use the Licensed Marks in such product categories. No license is granted hereunder for the use of the Licensed Marks for any purposes other than upon the Licensed Products and in the promotion and advertisement thereof, except that Licensee may make reference to the Licensed Marks and/or the "Swanson" name in relation to the identification of business units or manufacturing and sales facilities, provided that such use is always in conjunction with the phrase "frozen foods." Use of the Licensed Marks or the "Swanson" name in this regard shall not include use as a trade name on product labels or in billing involving or other correspondence with customers or vendors and shall also not include use in a way that may cause confusion for customers or vendors.
(b) Licensee shall have the right to sublicense to sublicensees, approved in writing in advance by Licensor, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. Such sublicensee shall be in a commercially reasonable form which is acceptable to Licensor, such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld. A fully executed copy of any sublicense granted by Licensee hereunder shall be delivered promptly to the party identified in Section 16 below upon execution. The grant of any such sublicense by Licensee shall not relieve Licensee of its obligations to Licensor under this Agreement.
(c) From time to time, Licensor and Licensee may add new trademarks and new trademark registrations to this Agreement. The new trademarks may be either new renderings of existing trademarks or trademarks created by combining some element of a Licensed Mark with new material. The new trademark registrations may cover new trademarks and/or new countries in which the trademarks would be registered. To the extent the description of goods in any application for registration of a new trademark or rendering of existing trademarks is limited to Licensed Products, Licensee shall bear the costs of searching for, obtaining and/or renewing any such trademarks.
(d) To add a new trademark to this Agreement, Licensee may at any
time submit to Licensor a notice requesting an amendment of Exhibit "A" to add
(i) a new rendering of a Licensed Mark or (ii) a new Licensed Mark combining
some element of an existing Licensed Mark with new material such that the new
Licensed Mark is properly a trademark associated with an existing Licensed Mark
(hereinafter "2(d) Notice"). Upon receipt of a 2(d) Notice, Exhibit "A" shall be
amended in accordance with the terms of the 2(d) Notice unless Licensor delivers
to Licensee, with in 30 days of receipt of the 2(d) Notice, written notice of
its determination that the requested addition to Exhibit "A" would create a
substantial risk that the Licensed Marks would be unenforceable as against third
parties, would disparage or would bring the Licensed Marks into disrepute, or
would harm the goodwill of the Licensed Marks, and the basis for such
determination. The basis for such a determination must be reasonable.
(e) Licensor shall, at Licensee's expense, use its best reasonable efforts to file new trademark applications as requested by Licensee in respect of any new trademarks as referred to in section 2(d) and any new countries as referred to in section 5 of this Agreement and prosecute all such applications and maintain all resulting registrations for the duration of this Agreement unless Licensee agrees in writing that they may lapse.
SECTION 3. TERM OF LICENSE.
The License shall be perpetual unless it is sooner terminated in accordance with any other provision hereof.
SECTION 4. APPROVAL.
(a) Licensee shall use the licensed Marks in the same manner as they were used by Licensor immediately before the date of this License and shall obtain the prior written approval of Licensor (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed by more than five (5) working days from receipt of a notice requesting approval) to the visual appearance and labeling of all packaging, advertising materials and promotions bearing the Licensed Marks which it intends to use. The notice which is sent to Licensor must specify that Licensor must respond within five (5) days or such use is deemed to be approved. If License fails to comply with such notice requirement, then there shall be no such deemed approval. Licensor may withhold its approval only by means of a written description of the reason or reasons why approval has been withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing Licensee shall not be required to obtain the approval of Licensor of non-material changes to labeling advertising or promotional materials, including but not limited to minor changes in product ingredients, product description or nutrition information. All submissions for approval shall be made to the Trademark Counsel of Licensor at the address set forth in Section 16.
(b) On reasonable request by Licensor, Licensee agrees to supply Licensor, at Licensor's expense, samples of licensed Products offered for sale or otherwise provided to third parties under the Licensed Marks, and samples of the advertising and promotional materials in or on which the Licensed Marks appear. Such requests shall occur no more than once per contract year.
(c) If Licensor finds that any of the Licensed Products bearing or
intended to bear the Licensed Marks are not in conformity with any of Licensee's
obligations under this Section, Licensor shall give Licensee written notice of
such fact setting forth evidence of such lack of conformity. Licensee shall have
sixty (60) says to cure such lack of conformity. If Licensee cannot cure such
lack of conformity, Licensee undertakes that it will not sell any such
nonconforming products under the Licensed Marks without first conforming them to
such obligation or without the prior written consent of Licensor; subject to
licensee's right to dispute such alleged nonconformity in accordance with
Section 23 hereof.
(d) The parties hereby undertake that:
(i) Neither party will use the Licensed Marks, or in the case of Licensor, related marks, in a manner which causes or is likely to cause harm to the goodwill attached to the Licensed Marks; and
(ii) Each party will maintain all necessary approvals and licenses in relation to the products on which the Licensed Marks are used as may be required in any jurisdiction.
SECTION 5. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]
SECTION 6. QUALITY CONTROL; RIGHT TO INSPECT
(a) Licensee shall comply in all material respects with established industry standards, good manufacturing and storage practices, and laws and regulations having application to the production, manufacture, advertisement or sale of Licensed Products, and shall maintain a vigorous quality control and safety assurance program with respect to the Licensed Products (hereinafter LICENSOR'S QUALITY CONTROL STANDARDS). Licensee further agrees that the Licensed Products and labeling used in conjunction with such Licensed Products will not at any time be misbranded, adulterated or otherwise unlawful. All Licensed Products manufactured and distributed prior to the date of this Agreement by Licensor shall be deemed to conform to the standards set forth in this Section 6 and Licensee agrees to continue manufacturing these product lines at comparable or better quality.
(b) Licensee agrees to manufacture any newly developed or newly formulated products bearing the Licensed Marks in accordance with Licensor's Quality Control Standards. During the development of such newly developed or newly formulated products, Licensee shall submit laboratory samples of such products to Licensor from time to time for approval not to be unreasonably withheld in respect of the taste and other physical characteristics (e.g. viscosity, texture, color) of the products as well as their overall character. Such approval shall be in writing and shall be delivered within twenty-one (21) days following receipt.
(c) Licensor shall have the right to conduct, during regular business hours, on three (3) business days notice, an examination of Licensed Products manufactured by Licensee at Licensee's facilities, or at a third party manufacturer's facilities, to ensure compliance with Licensor's Quality Control Standards established in accordance with this Agreement.
SECTION 7. PROTECTION OF RIGHTS.
(a) Goodwill: The parties hereto recognize the great value of the goodwill associated with the Licensed Marks and acknowledge that, subject to the License granted hereunder, all rights therein and goodwill attached thereto belong exclusively to Licensor, and that the Licensed Marks have secondary meaning in the minds of the public. The parties agree that they will not, during the term of this Agreement or thereafter, attack each other's respective property rights in and to the Licensed Marks, or attack the validity, legality or enforceability of this Agreement.
(b) Assistance in Protecting Marks: The parties shall cooperate to the fullest extent necessary to assist each other in the protection of their respective property rights with respect to the Licensed Marks against third parties, including, without limitation, executing and delivering any and all documents necessary or desirable in connection with obtaining, defending or maintaining rights in and to the Licensed Marks. They party whose rights are being challenged shall reimburse the other party for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs actually
incurred by such other party in providing such cooperation and assistance. Licensor shall take all actions reasonably necessary to maintain registrations of the Licensed Marks in full force and effect.
(c) Ownership of Marks: Licensee acknowledges that Licensor is the owner of the Licensed Marks, subject to the License granted hereunder. Any intellectual property rights in the Licensed Marks that may accrue to Licensee, including those rights in countries not identified in Exhibit A, shall, except as provided in this License, inure to the benefit of Licensor and shall be assigned to Licensor upon its request. Licensee acknowledges that it has received a perpetual license to use the Licensed Marks and that this Agreement does not constitute any form of assignment or transfer of ownership in the Licensed Marks except as provided in this License, or the right to register any trademark(s) similar to the Licensed Marks so as to suggest association with or sponsorship by Licensor in the United States or in any other country in the world, or the right to use any trademark or trademarks similar to the Licensed Marks, except as provided in this License. Licensee shall take all necessary steps to secure an assignment to Licensor of the copyright from a creator of work incorporating the Licensed Marks that is not a work-for-hire.
(d) Notices, Labeling and Records: In every instance in which may Licensed Mark is used, Licensee shall cause to appear on the packaging of each Licensed Product sold, the notice "(TM)" "(R)" "(C)" or such other copyright, trademark or service mark notices (including the form, location and content of such notice) as Licensor reasonably designates together with the statement "used under license." Licensee shall keep appropriate records, and advise Licensor, of the date when products approved under the terms of Section 4(a) have been first placed on sale or sold (along with a copy of the invoice) and when promotional or packaging materials have first been used (i) in the case of additional to Exhibit "A" pursuant to Section 2(c) and (ii) in additional countries pursuant to Section 5, all in order to support the efforts of Licensor to secure and maintain valid registration of the Licensed Marks.
(e) Licensee Trade Names and Trademarks: Licensee shall not incorporate the Licensed Marks into Licensee's corporate or business name or trademark in any manner whatsoever and shall place its trade names and trademarks on Licensed Products only as approved by Licensor.
SECTION 8. INFRINGEMENTS.
(a) Licensor and Licensee shall promptly notify each other of any actual or threatened infringement or dilution of or act of unfair competition with respect to the Licensed Marks in the Territory and shall consult with each other about any material action to be taken. Licensor shall use its best reasonable efforts and exercise diligence to successfully prosecute such infringements or acts of unfair competition or dilution. All costs, disbursements and expenses of any actions which Licensor prosecutes fix the benefits of Licensee shall be borne by Licensee, and all other costs, disbursements and expenses shall be borne by Licensor.
(b) If Licensor elects not to initiate legal action against infringement relating to the Licensed Products, Licensee shall have the right at its own expense to take legal action to obtain appropriate relief, and Licensor shall be joint as a party in any such action and shall
reasonably cooperate with and assist Licensee in its prosecution of such action. The costs of such joinder and any assistance by Licensor shall be reimbursed by Licensee.
(c) If the parties agree to jointly take action against an infringement, or act of unfair competition or dilution, with respect to the Licensed Marks, the cost of the action and any damages accruing shall be shared equally. If one party takes action against an infringer, it shall be entitled to retain all damages, costs or other compensation it may recover.
(d) The parties agree to fully cooperate with each other in relation to any legal, administrative or other proceedings relating to the Licensed Marks or Licensed Products and to sign any and all necessary documents as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Agreement.
SECTION 9. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
(a) Each party represents and warrants that it has the right and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and to grant the rights and render the performances required under this Agreement. Licensee represents and warrants that the shares of its capital stock issued to Licensor hereunder are duly authorized and issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares. Licensee represents and warrants that all advertising and promotional materials shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and standards. Licensor's approval of such materials is not a representation that Licensor believes such materials are sufficient to meet applicable laws, regulations and standards, nor is it a representation that Licensor agrees with or supports any claims made by Licensee in any advertising materials relating to the Licensed Products. Licensee further represents and warrants that all advertising and promotional material sand all graphics used on Licensed Products will not violate the intellectual property rights of any third party.
(b) Breaches of warranties under this Section 9 trigger the right to indemnification in accordance with Section 10 below. Such breaches shall not form the basis for termination in accordance with Section 13 below.
SECTION 10. INDEMNIFICATIONS.
(a) Licensor shall be solely responsible for and shall defend, hold
harmless and indemnify Licensee its subsidiaries and each of their respective
Affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents against any claims,
demands, causes of action or damages, including reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses (collectively CLAIMS) arising out of: (i) a claim that the use of the
Licensed Marks as authorized by this Agreement violates or infringes upon the
trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights of a third party in
or to the Licensed Marks, (ii) any defect in a product produced by or under the
authority of Licensor other than under this Agreement or any packaging or other
materials (including advertising materials), or arising from personal injury or
damages or loss to property or any infringement of any rights of any other
person or entity by the manufacture, sale, possession or use of such products or
their failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and standards, or
(iii) any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by
Licensor herein, provided Licensor is given prompt written notice of and shall
have the option to undertake and conduct the defense of
any such Claim. In any instance to which the foregoing indemnities pertain, Licensee shall cooperate fully with and assist Licensor in all respect in connection with any such defense. Licensor shall reimburse Licensee for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs actually incurred by Licensee in connection with such cooperation and assistance. In any instance to which such indemnities pertain, Licensor shall not enter into a settlement of such Claim or admit liability or fault without Licensee's prior written approval.
(b) Licensee shall be solely responsible for, and shall defend, hold harmless and indemnify Licensor, its subsidiaries and each of their respective Affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents against Claims arising out of or in connection with: (i) any act or omission of Licensee in relation to this License; (ii) any unauthorized use by Licensee of the Licensed Marks; (iii) any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by Licensee herein; (iv) any defect (whether obvious or hidden and whether or not present in any sample approved by Licensor) in the Licensed Products or any packaging or other materials (including advertising material), or arising from personal injury or damages or loss to property or any infringement of any rights of any other person or entity by the manufacture, sale, possession or use of Licensed Products or their failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and standards or (v) any Claim that the use of any design or other graphics component of any Licensed Product (other than the Licensed Marks) violates or infringes upon the trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights (including trade dress) of a third party, provided Licensee is given prompt written notice of and shall have the option to undertake and conduct the defense of any such Claim. In any instance to which the foregoing indemnities pertain, Licensor shall cooperate fully with and assist Licensee in all respects in connection with any such defense. Licensee shall reimburse Licensor for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs actually incurred by Licensor in connection with such cooperation and assistance. In any instance to which such indemnities pertain, Licensee shall not enter into a settlement of such Claim or admit liability or fault without Licensor's prior written approval.
(c) Each party hereto shall obtain and maintain, at its sole cost, comprehensive general liability insurance coverage, including, but not limited to, Products Liability, Contractual Liability and Advertising Liability, which policy shall be written for the benefit of such party and which shall name the other party and/or its Affiliates as an additional insured with respect to third party liability. The amount of coverage (which may be comprised of a primary general liability policy and an excess liability policy) shall be a minimum of Two Million U.S. dollars (USD 2,000,000) per occurrence combined single limit and Three Million U.S. dollars (USD 3,000,000) annual general aggregate. The policy and certificate of insurance shall be endorsed to indicate that the acquiring party's insurance is primary and not in excess of or contributory to any other insurance in effect for the other party and all related entities. Such insurance shall be carried by an insurer authorized to conduct business in the State of New Jersey with a rating by A.M. Best & Co. of at least A- or other rating satisfactory to the party being named as the additional insured. Such insurance policy shall also provide that the party being named as the additional insured receive written notice within thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of the cancellation, non renewal or any material change in coverage. Each party (i) shall deliver to the other party a certificate of such insurance evidencing satisfactory coverage prior to or simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, and (ii) shall not modify such policy so as not to comply wit the terms of this section. Such insurance obligations shall not limit either party's indemnity obligations, except to the extent that one party's insurance
company actually pays the other party amounts which the insured party would otherwise be obligated to pay the other party.
SECTION 11. CONFIDENTIALITY.
The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that all technical and/or commercial information, whether written or oral, furnished by either party (DISCLOSING PARTY) to the other (RECEIVING PARTY) or an officer, director, employee, agent or representative thereof (REPRESENTATIVE) and relating to the formulation, production, marketing, advertising, promotion, distribution or sale of the Licensed Products shall be deemed to be confidential information and shall not be used for its own commercial purposes or disclosed to any third party, but shall be safeguarded and maintained by each Receiving Party and Representative in confidence, provided, however, that this obligation of confidentiality with respect to the confidential information of a Disclosing Party shall not apply to information which (a) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by a Receiving Party or its Representative; (b) was available to Receiving Party on a non confidential basis prior to its disclosure by Disclosing Party; or (c) becomes available to Receiving Party on a non confidential basis from a person other than Disclosing Party who is not otherwise bound by a confidentiality agreement with Disclosing Party or its Representatives, or is not otherwise prohibited from transmitting the information to Receiving Party.
SECTION 12. THIRD PARTY MANUFACTURE; COMPLIANCE
If Licensee desires to have a third party manufacture the Licensed Products, Licensee must first notify Licensor of the name and address of such third party. Licensor shall have the right to withhold approval for such third party manufacturer, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. If any of Licensee's authorized manufacturers use the Licensed Marks for any unauthorized purpose, Licensee shall be responsible for, and shall cooperate fully and use its best efforts in stopping such unauthorized use.
SECTION 13. TERMINATION
(a) Without prejudice to any other rights Licensor may have pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, Licensor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time it:
(i) Licensee or any guarantor under this Agreement shall be unable to pay its liabilities when due, or shall make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or under any applicable law admits in writing its inability to meet its obligation when due or commit any other act of bankruptcy, institute voluntary proceeding in bankruptcy or insolvency or permit institution of such proceedings against it.
(ii) Licensee shall fail to perform or shall be in breach of any other material term or condition of this Agreement; provided, however, that if such breach can be cured, termination shall take effect sixty (60) days after written notice of such breach is sent by Licensor if such breach has not been cured during such sixty (60) day period.
(iii) Licensee shall fail to sell Licensed Products in the Territory for a continuous period of three (3) years.
(b) Licensee shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time if:
(i) Licensor or any guarantor under this Agreement shall be unable to pay its liabilities when due, or shall make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or under any applicable law admits in writing its inability to meet its obligations when due or commit any other act of bankruptcy, institute voluntary proceedings in bankruptcy or insolvency or permit institution of such proceedings against it.
(ii) Licensor shall fail to perform or shall be in breach of any other material term or condition of this Agreement; provided, however, that if such breach can be cured, termination shall take effect sixty (60) days after written notice of such breach is sent by Licensee if such breach has not been cured during such sixty (60) day period.
(iii) In the event the events set out in Section 13(b)(i) or 13(b)(ii) occur, Licensee shall have the continued rights as Licensee to use the Licensed Marks in connection with Licensed Products in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth hereunder.
SECTION 14. DISPOSAL OF STOCK.
After termination of this Agreement, Licensee shall have no further right to manufacture, authorize any third party to manufacture, advertise, distribute, sell, promote or otherwise deal in any Licensed Products or use the Licensed Marks except as provided below. For a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days following the effective date of termination of this Agreement, Licensee may sell-off and deliver completed Licensed Products which are on hand at the effective date of termination (the SELL-OFF PERIOD), Licensor shall have the option to conduct physical inventories before the termination of this Agreement until the end of the Sell-Off Period in order to verify disposal of stock. If Licensee refuses to permit such physical inventory, Licensee shall forfeit its right to dispose of its inventory. Upon termination of the Agreement or after the Sell-Off Period, as the case may be, all inventory on hand or in process (including all promotional and packaging materials) will either be returned to Licensor or destroyed and Licensee shall deliver to Licensor a certified statement signed by Licensee's President or Chief Financial Officer that such materials have been returned to Licensor or destroyed.
SECTION 15. EQUITABLE RELIEF
The parties acknowledge that the Licensed Marks possess a special, unique and extraordinary character which makes difficult the assessment of the monetary damage which a party would sustain as a result of the unauthorized use of the Licensed Marks or any challenge to the validity of the Licensed Marks. The parties further acknowledge that; (i) a failure to manufacture, advertise, distribute, sell and promote the Licensed Products in accordance with this Agreement, including a failure to satisfy an obligation to maintain and not to detract from the value of the Licensed Marks, (ii) the unauthorized use of the Licensed Marks, (iii) a failure to protect the Licensed Marks and prosecute any action against infringement (or to cooperate in such prosecution), or (iv) failure to reach agreement as to the reasonableness of the consent to assign in accordance with Section 21 below, will cause immediate and irreparable damage to the
injured party for which such party would not have an adequate remedy at law. Therefore, the parties agree that, in the event of a breach of this Agreement by a party, in addition to such other legal and equitable rights and remedies as shall be available to the other party, such other party shall be entitled to injunctive and other equitable relief, without the necessity of proving damages or furnishing a bond or other security.
SECTION 16. NOTICES.
All notices, request, claims and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery by hand, by reputable overnight courier service, by facsimile transmission, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 16) listed below:
If to Licensor: CSC BRANDS, INC. Suite 102 200 Continental Drive Newark, Delaware 19713 Attn: Trademark Counsel or Vice President Fax No (302) 292-2509 If to Licensee: VLASIC INTERNATIONAL BRANDS INC. Box 625 Route 331 South Millsboro, Delaware 19966 Attn: Vice President Fax No. (302) 934-3819 |
or to such other address as any party may, from time to time, designate in a written notice given in a like manner. Notice given by hand shall be deemed delivered when received by the recipient. Notice given by mail as set out above shall be deemed delivered five calendar days after the date the same is mailed. Notice given by reputable overnight courier shall be deemed delivered on the next following business day after the same is sent. Notice given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed delivered on the day of transmission provided telephone confirmation of receipt is obtained promptly after completion of transmission.
SECTION 17. NO JOINT VENTURE.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to place the parties in the relationship of partners or joint venturers or principal and agent or employer and employee and no party shall have the power to obligate or bind the other party in any manner whatsoever.
SECTION 18. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
This Agreement constitute the entire Agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter and terminates and supersedes any such prior agreement or understanding, oral or written, between licensor and Licensee with respect to the Licensed Marks
and/or the Licensed Products. None of the provisions of this Agreement can be waived or modified except in writing signed by both parties. THERE ARE NO REPRESENTATIONS, PROMISES, AGREEMENTS, WARRANTIES, COVENANTS OR UNDERTAKINGS MADE BY Licensor OR BY Licensee OTHER THAN THOSE EXPRESSLY CONTAINED HEREIN.
SECTION 19. SEVERABILITY.
In the event any provision of this Agreement shall for any reason be void or unenforceable by reason of any provision of applicable law, it shall be deleted and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect and be amended to the extent, if at all, necessary to give effect to the intentions of the parties as of the date of this Agreement.
SECTION 20. TAX CONSISTENCY.
The parties shall treat the grant of the License in exchange for Licensee's capital stock as an exchange of property governed by Section 351 of the Code (and related provisions). No party shall take a position inconsistent with the foregoing on any tax return or in any tax examination, tax administrative proceeding or tax litigation.
SECTION 21. ASSIGNMENT; CHANGES IN CONTROL.
This Agreement and any rights granted under this Agreement are personal to Licensee and shall not be assigned or encumbered, directly or indirectly, by law or by contract, except to an Affiliate, without Licensor's prior written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. The notice which is sent to Licensor must specify that Licensor must respond within twenty (20) days or such assignment or encumbrance is deemed to be approved. If Licensee fails to comply with such notice requirement then there shall be no such deemed approval. Licensor may withhold its approval only by means of a written description of the reason or reasons why approval has been withheld. Any transfer of a controlling interest in Licensee or in any party which controls Licensee as of the effective date of this Agreement, directly or indirectly, shall be deemed an assignment governed by the preceding sentences. Any nonconsensual assignment or encumbrance of this Agreement by Licensee shall be invalid and of no force or effect. Upon any such nonconsensual assignment or encumbrance, this Agreement shall terminate and all rights granted under this Agreement shall immediately revert to licensor.
SECTION 22. COOPERATION.
(a) The parties agree to consult with one another in good faith in an effort to resolve any situation arising out of their respective uses of the Licensed Marks where customers or consumers may misdirect communications.
(b) The parties shall sign all documents and do all things reasonably necessary to effectuate the terms and intent of this Agreement including, but not limited to, cooperating with efforts to register the Licensed Marks anywhere in the world.
SECTION 23. ARBITRATION OF CERTAIN MATTERS.
Except as set forth in Section 15 above, any dispute or claims arising out of or related to
this Agreement, or the breach, termination or validity thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the then current Center for Public Resources/International Trademark Association Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration of Trademark Disputes, by three arbitrators, of whom each party shall appoint one selected from the CPR/INTA Panel of Neutrals in accordance with its process as the first resource for possible arbitrators. If a good faith attempt by the parties to select from this Panel does not result in the selection of an available suitable neutral, the parties will request CPR to further assist in the selection in accordance with its standard selection process using other panels. The arbitration shall be governed by the United States Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections. 1-16, and judgment upon the award rendered by the Arbitrator(s) may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. The place of arbitration shall be New Jersey.
SECTION 24. SURVIVAL.
The provisions of Section 10, 11 and 14 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 25. NO WAIVER.
No waiver by either party of a breach or a default hereunder shall be deemed a waiver by such party of a subsequent breach or default of like or similar nature.
SECTION 26. CAPTIONS.
The captions used in connection with the sections of this Agreement are inserted only for the purpose of reference and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have respectively caused copies of this Agreement to be executed by a fully authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
CSC BRANDS, INC.
By: /S/ BASIL ANDERSON --------------------------------- Name: Basil Anderson Title: President |
Attested to:
By: /S/ JOHN J. FUREY --------------------------------- Name: John J. Furey Title: Secretary |
VLASIC INTERNATIONAL BRANDS INC.
By: /S/ ROBERT F. BERNSTOCK --------------------------------- Name: Robert F. Bernstock Title: President |
Attested to:
By: /S/ JOHN J. FUREY --------------------------------- Name: John J. Furey Title: Secretary |
UNITED STATES
[SWANSON MARKS]
EXHIBIT A
REGISTERED TRADEMARKS
Mark Reg. No. Reg. Date ------------------ --------- --------- SWANSON 2,069,011 06/10/97 SWANSON & Design 2,079,568 07/15/97 SWANSON & S Design 678,973 05/19/59 SWANSON & S Design 729,530 04/03/62 SWANSON & Design 981,243 03/26/74 SWANSON & S Design 704,075 09/06/60 SWANSON & S Design 686,419 10/06/59 SWANSON & Design 726,781 01/23/62 SWANSON & S Design 981,242 03/26/74 SWANSON & S Design 704,073 09/06/60 SWANSON & S Design 657,519 01/21/58 SWANSON KIDS 1,786,903 08/10/93 |
TRADEMARK APPLICATIONS
Mark App. No. Filing Date ------------------ ---------- ----------- SWANSON, GOOD FOOD MADE SIMPLE 75/205,600 11/29/96 |
EXHIBIT 10.28
SWANSON TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT (NON-U.S.)
THIS IS A TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT, dated as of March 26, 1998 (this AGREEMENT), by and between Campbell Soup Company (LICENSOR) and Vlasic International Brands Inc. (LICENSEE).
Background
A. Licensor owns and has the right to license the Licensed Marks set forth in Section 1(d) below.
B. Licensor has manufactured, distributed, marketed, advertised, promoted and sold a wide variety of food products, including frozen foods such as dinners, breakfasts, pot pies, sandwiches and the like using the Licensed Marks for many years.
C. Licensor owns all of the outstanding stock of Licensee and wishes to grant the perpetual license created hereby to Licensee in exchange for the issuance by Licensee to Licensor of four (4) shares of Licensee's capital stock, in a transaction governed by Section 351 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
D. Licensee desires to utilize the Licensed Marks in connection with the manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertisement, promotion and sale of the products described in Section 1(e) below.
Terms
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises and covenants herein contained and with the intent to be legally bound, the parties agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this Agreement:
(a) AFFILIATE means any corporation, partnership or other entity which is owned by or controlled by or is under common ownership or control with a party to this Agreement. Ownership or control for the purpose of this section shall mean ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock or general partnership interest of such corporation, partnership or other entity.
(b) CODE means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(c) LICENSE means the license granted hereunder.
(d) LICENSED MARKS means the names, logos, symbols, designs and/or IDENTIFICATIONS, which are used in the Territory, excluding the United States, as set forth on Exhibit "A" attached to this Agreement.
(e) LICENSED PRODUCTS means frozen foods and beverages of any type except for frozen soup or broth, defined to include European-style soups and broth concentrates or stocks.
(f) TERRITORY means the world, excluding the United States of America.
Section 2. Licensing Rights.
(a) Grant of License: In exchange for four (4) shares of Licensee's capital stock, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee the royalty-free, sole and exclusive license to use the Licensed Marks in connection with the manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertising, promotion and sale of Licensed Products in the Territory in jurisdictions where Licensor has acquired rights in the Licensed Marks and only to the extent Licensor has obtained the rights in the Licensed Marks and only to the extent Licensor has obtained the rights to use the Licensed Marks in such product categories. No license is granted hereunder for the use of the Licensed Marks for any purposes other than upon the Licensed Products and in the promotion and advertisement thereof, except that Licensee may make reference to the Licensed Marks and/or the "Swanson" name in relation to the identification of business units or manufacturing and sales facilities, provided that such use is always to conjunction with the phrase "frozen foods." Use of the Licensed Marks or the "Swanson" name in this regard shall not include use as a trade name on product labels or in billing, invoicing or other correspondence with customers or vendors and shall also not include use in a way that may cause confusion for customers or vendors.
(b) Licensee shall have the right to sublicense to sublicensees, approved in writing in advance by Licensor, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. Such sublicenses shall be in a commercially reasonable form which is acceptable to Licensor, such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld. A fully executed copy of any sublicense granted by Licensee hereunder shall be delivered promptly to the party identified in Section 16 below upon execution. The grant of any such sublicense by Licensee shall not relieve Licensee of its obligations to Licensor under this Agreement.
(c) From time to time, Licensor and Licensee may add new trademarks and new trademark registrations to this Agreement. The new trademarks may be either new renderings of existing trademarks or trademarks created by combining some element of a Licensed Mark with new material. The new trademark registrations may cover new trademarks and/or new countries in which the trademarks would be registered. To the extent the description of goods in any application for registration of a new trademark or rendering of existing trademarks is limited to Licensed Products, Licensee shall bear the costs of searching for, obtaining and/or renewing any such trademarks.
(d) To add a new trademark to this Agreement, Licensee may at any
time submit to Licensor a notice requesting an amendment of Exhibit "A" to add
(i) a new rendering of a Licensed Mark or (ii) a new Licensed Mark combining
some element of an existing Licensed Mark with new material such that the new
Licensed Mark is properly a trademark associated with an existing Licensed Mark
(hereinafter "2(d) Notice"). Upon receipt of a 2(d) Notice, Exhibit "A" shall be
amended in accordance with the terms of the 2(d) Notice unless Licensor delivers
to Licensee, within 30 days of receipt of the 2(d) Notice, written notice of its
determination that the requested addition to Exhibit "A" would create a
substantial risk that the Licensed Marks would be unenforceable as against third
parties, would disparage or would bring
the Licensed Marks into disrepute, or would harm the goodwill of the Licensed Marks, and the basis for such determination. The basis for such a determination must be reasonable.
(e) Licensor shall, at Licensee's expense, use its best reasonable efforts to file new trademark applications as requested by Licensee in respect of any new trademarks as referred to in section 2(d) and any new countries as referred to in section 5 of this Agreement and prosecute all such applications and maintain all resulting registrations for the duration of this Agreement unless Licensee agrees in writing that they may lapse.
Section 3. Terms of License.
The License shall be perpetual unless it is sooner terminated in accordance with any other provision hereof.
Section 4. Approval.
(a) Licensee shall use the Licensed Marks in the same manner as they were used by Licensor immediately before the date of this License and shall obtain the prior written approval of Licensor (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed by more than five (5) working days from receipt of a notice requesting approval) to the visual appearance and labeling of all packaging, advertising materials and promotions bearing the Licensed Marks which it intends to use. The notice which is sent to Licensor must specify that Licensor must respond within five (5) days or such use is deemed to be approved. If Licensee fails to comply with such notice requirement then there shall be no such deemed approval. Licensor may withhold its approval only by means of a written description of the reason or reasons why approval has been withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Licensee shall not be required to obtain the approval of Licensor of non-material changes to labeling, advertising or promotional materials, including but not limited to minor changes in product ingredients, product description or nutrition information. All submissions for approval shall be made to the Trademark Counsel of Licensor at the address set forth in Section 16.
(b) On reasonable request by Licensor, Licensee agrees to supply Licensor, at Licensor's expense, samples of Licensed Products offered for sale or otherwise provided to third parties under the Licensed Marks, and samples of the advertising and promotional materials in or on which the Licensed Marks appear. Such requests shall occur no more than once per contract year.
(c) If Licensor finds that any of the Licensed Products bearing or
intended to bear the Licensed Marks are not in conformity with any of Licensee's
obligations under this Section, Licensor shall give Licensee written notice of
such fact setting forth evidence of such lack of conformity. Licensee shall have
sixty (60) days to cure such lack of conformity. If Licensee cannot cure such
lack of conformity, Licensee undertakes that it will not sell any such
nonconforming products under the Licensed Marks without first conforming them to
such obligation, or without the prior written consent of Licensor; subject to
Licensee's right to dispute such alleged nonconformity in accordance with
Section 23 hereof.
(d) The parties hereby undertake that:
(i) Neither party will use the Licensed Marks, or in the case of Licensor, related marks, in a manner which causes or is likely to cause harm to the goodwill attached to the Licensed Marks; and
(ii) Each party will maintain all necessary approvals and licenses in relation to the products on which the Licensed Marks are used as may be required in any jurisdiction.
Section 5. Market Expansion.
The Licensed Marks are not registered in all jurisdictions throughout the world and may not be available for use, and/or registration, in specific jurisdictions. Licensee shall notify Licensor in the event Licensee desires to expand the sale of products bearing the Licensed Marks in countries outside of those identified in Exhibit A. Upon such notice, Licensor shall, at Licensee's expense, undertake to register some or all of the Licensed Marks in that country or countries.
Section 6. Quality Control; Right to Inspect.
(a) Licensee shall comply in all material respects with established industry standards, good manufacturing and storage practices, and laws and regulations having application to the production, manufacture, advertisement or sale of Licensed Products, and shall maintain a vigorous quality control and safety assurance program with respect to the Licensed Products (hereinafter LICENSOR'S QUALITY CONTROL STANDARDS). Licensee further agrees that the Licensed Products and labeling used in conjunction with such Licensed Products will not at any time be misbranded, adulterated or otherwise unlawful. All Licensed Products manufactured and distributed prior to the date of this Agreement by Licensor shall be deemed to conform to the standards set forth in this Section 6 and Licensee agrees to continue manufacturing these product lines at comparable or better quality.
(b) Licensee agrees to manufacture any newly developed or newly formulated products bearing the Licensed Marks in accordance with Licensor's Quality Control Standards. During the development of such newly developed or newly formulated products, Licensee shall submit laboratory samples of such products to Licensor from time to time for approval not to be unreasonably withheld in respect of the taste and other physical characteristics (e.g., viscosity, texture, color) of the products as well as their overall character. Such approval shall be in writing and shall be delivered within twenty-one (21) days following receipt.
(c) Licensor shall have the right to conduct, during regular business hours, on three (3) business days notice, an examination of Licensed Products manufactured by Licensee at Licensee's facilities, or at a third party manufacturer's facilities, to ensure compliance with Licensor's Quality Control Standards established in accordance with this Agreement.
Section 7. Protection of Rights.
(a) Goodwill: The parties hereto recognize the great value of the goodwill associated with the Licensed Marks and acknowledge that, subject to the License granted hereunder, all rights therein and goodwill attached thereto belong exclusively to Licensor, and that the Licensed Marks have secondary meaning in the minds of public. The parties agree that
they will not, during the term of this Agreement or thereafter, attack each other's respective property rights in and to the Licensed Marks, or attack the validity, legality or enforceability of this Agreement.
(b) Assistance in Protecting Marks: The parties shall cooperate to the fullest extent necessary to assist each other in the protection of their respective property rights with respect to the Licensed Marks against third parties, including, without limitation, executing and delivering any and all documents necessary or desirable in connection with obtaining, defending or maintaining rights in and to the Licensed Marks. The party whose rights are being challenged shall reimburse the other party for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs actually incurred by such other party in providing such cooperation and assistance. Licensor shall take all actions reasonably necessary to maintain registrations of the Licensed Marks in full force and effect.
(c) Ownership of Marks: Licensee acknowledges that Licensor is the owner of the Licensed Marks, subject to the License granted hereunder. Any intellectual property rights in the Licensed Marks that may accrue to Licensee, including those rights in countries not identified in Exhibit A, shall, except as provided in this License, inure to the benefit Licensor and shall be assigned to Licensor upon its request. Licensee acknowledges that it has received a perpetual license to use the Licensed Marks and that this Agreement does not constitute any form of assignment or transfer of ownership in the Licensed Marks except as provided in this License, or the right to register any trademark(s) similar to the Licensed Marks so as to suggest association with or sponsorship by Licensor in the United States or in any other country in the wor1d, or the right to use any trademark or trademarks similar to the Licensed Marks, except as provided in this License. Licensee shall take all necessary steps to secure an assignment to Licensor of the copyright from a creator of work incorporating the Licensed Marks that is not a work-for-hire.
(d) Notices, Labeling and Records: In every instance in which any Licensed Mark is used, Licensee shall cause to appear on the packaging of each Licensed Product sold, the notice "(TM)" "(R)" "(C)" or such other copyright, trademark or service mark notices (including the form, location and content of such notices) as Licensor reasonably designates together with the statement "used under license." Licensee shall keep appropriate records, and advise Licensor, of the date when products approved under the terms of Section 4(a) have been first placed on sale or sold (along with a copy of the invoice) and when promotional or packaging materials have first been used (i) in the case of additions to Exhibit "A" pursuant to Section 2(c) and( ii) in additional countries pursuant to Section 5, all in order to support the efforts of Licensor to secure and maintain valid registrations of the Licensed Marks. (e) Licensee Trade Names and Trademarks: Licensee shall not incorporate the Licensed Marks into Licensee's corporate or business name or trademark in any manner whatsoever and shall place its trade names and trademarks on Licensed Products only as approved by Licensor.
Section 8. Infringements.
(a) Licensor and Licensee shall promptly notify each other of any actual or threatened infringement or dilution of or act of unfair competition with respect to the Licensed
Marks in the Territory and shall consult with each other about any material action to be taken. Licensor shall use its best reasonable efforts and exercise diligence to successfully prosecute such infringements or acts of unfair competition or dilution. All costs, disbursements and expenses of any actions which Licensor prosecutes for the benefit of Licensee shall be borne by Licensee, and all other costs, disbursements and expenses shall be borne by Licensor.
(b) If Licensor elects not to initiate legal action against infringement relating to the Licensed Products, Licensee shall have the right at its own expanse to take legal action to obtain appropriate relief and Licensor shall be joined as a party in any such action and shall reasonably cooperate with and assist Licensee in its prosecution of such action. The costs of such joinder and any assistance by Licensor shall be reimbursed by Licensee.
(c) If the parties agree to jointly take action against an infringement, or act of unfair competition or dilution, with respect to the Licensed Marks, the cost of the action and any damages accruing shall be shared equally. If one party takes action against an infringer, it shall be entitled to retain all damage, costs or other compensation it may recover.
(d) The parties agree to fully cooperate with each other in relation to any legal, administrative or other proceedings relating to the Licensed Marks or Licensed Products and to sign any and all necessary documents as may be necessary to effectuate the purpose of this Agreement.
Section 9. Representations and Warranties.
(a) Each party represents and warrants that it has the right and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and to grant the rights and render the performances required under this Agreement. Licensee represents and warrants that the shares of its capital stock issued to Licensor hereunder are duly authorized and issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares. Licensee represents and warrants that all advertising and promotional materials shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and standards. Licensor's approval of such materials is not a representation that Licensor believes such materials are sufficient to meet applicable laws, regulations and standards, nor is it a representation that Licensor agrees with or supports any claims made by Licensee in any advertising materials relating to the Licensed Products. Licensee further represents and warrants that all advertising and promotional materials and all graphics used on Licensed Products will not violate the intellectual property rights of any third party.
(b) Breaches of warranties under thus Section 9 trigger the right to indemnification in accordance with Section 10 below. Such breaches shall not form the basis for termination in accordance with Section 13 below.
Section 10. Indemnifications.
(a) Licensor shall be solely responsible for, and shall defend, hold harmless and indemnify Licensee, its subsidiaries and each of their respective Affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents against any claims, demands, causes of action or damages, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses (collectively CLAIMS) arising out of: (i) a claim that the use of the Licensed Marks as authorized by this Agreement violates or infringes upon the
trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights of a third party in
or to the Licensed Marks, (ii) any defect in a product produced by or under the
authority of Licensor other than under this Agreement or any packaging or other
materials (including advertising materials), or arising from personal injury or
damages or loss to property or any infringement of any rights of any other
person or entity by the manufacture, sale, possession use of such products or
their failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and standards, or
(iii) any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by
Licensor herein, provided Licensor is given prompt written notice of and shall
have the option to undertake and conduct the defense of any such Claim. In any
instance to which the foregoing indemnities pertain, Licensee shall cooperate
fully with and assist Licensor in all respects in connection with any such
defense. Licensor shall reimburse Licensee for all reasonable out-of-pocket
costs actually incurred by Licensee in connection with such cooperation and
assistance. In any instance to which such indemnities pertain, Licensor shall
not enter into a settlement of such Claim or admit liability or fault without
Licensee's prior written approval.
(b) Licensee shall be solely responsible for, and shall defend, hold harmless and indemnify Licensor, its subsidiaries and each of their respective Affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents against Claims arising out of or in connection with: (i) any act or omission of Licensee in relation to this License; (ii) any unauthorized use by Licensee of the Licensed Marks; (iii) any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by Licensee herein; (iv) any defect (whether obvious or hidden and whether or not present in any sample approved by Licensor) in the Licensed Products or any packaging or other materials (including advertising materials), or arising from personal injury or damages or loss to property or any infringement of any rights of any other person or entity by the manufacture, sale, possession or use of Licensed Products or their failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and standards or (v) any Claim that the use of any design or other graphic component of any Licensed Product (other than the Licensed Marks) violates or infringes upon the trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights (including trade dress) of a third party, provided Licensee is given prompt written notice of and shall have the option to undertake and conduct the defense of any such Claim. In any instance to which the foregoing indemnities pertain, Licensor shall cooperate fully with and assist Licensee in all respects in connection with any such defense. Licensee shall reimburse Licensor for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs actually incurred by Licensor in connection with such cooperation and assistance. In any instance to which such indemnities pertain, Licensee shall not enter into a settlement of such Claim or admit liability or fault without Licensor's prior written approval.
(c) Each party hereto shall obtain and maintain, at its sole cost, comprehensive general liability insurance coverage, including, but not limited to, Products Liability, Contractual Liability and Advertising Liability, which policy shall be written for the benefit of such party and which shall name the other party and/or its Affiliates as an additional insured with respect to third party liability. The amount of coverage (which may be comprised of a primary general liability policy and an excess liability policy) shall be a minimum of Two Million U.S. dollars (USD 2,000,000) per occurrence combined single limit and Three Million U.S. dollars (USD 3,000,000) annual general aggregate. The policy and certificate of insurance shall be endorsed to indicate that the acquiring party's insurance is primary and not in excess of or contributory to any other insurance in effect for the other party and all related entities. Such insurance shall be carried by an insurer authorized to conduct business in the State of New Jersey with a rating by
A.M. Best & Co. of at least A- or other rating satisfactory to the party being named as the additional insured. Such insurance policy shall also provide that the party being named as the additional insured receive written notice within thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of the cancellation, nonrenewal or any material change in coverage. Each party (i) shall deliver to the other party a certificate of such insurance evidencing satisfactory coverage prior to or simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, and (ii) shall not modify such policy so as not to comply with the terms of this section. Such insurance obligations shall not limit either party's indemnity obligations, except to the extent that one party's insurance company actually pays the other party amounts which the insured party would otherwise be obligated to pay the other party.
Section 11. Confidentiality.
The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that all technical and/or commercial information, whether written or oral, furnished by either party (DISCLOSING PARTY) to the other (RECEIVING PARTY) or an officer, director, employee, agent or representative thereof (REPRESENTATIVE) and relating to the formulation, production, marketing, advertising, promotion, distribution or sale of the Licensed Products shall be deemed to be confidential information and shall not be used for its own commercial purposes or disclosed to any third party, but shall be safeguarded and maintained by each Receiving Party and Representative in confidence, provided, however, that this obligation of confidentiality with respect to the confidential information of a Disclosing Party shall not apply to information which (a) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by a Receiving Party or its Representatives; (b) was available to Receiving Party on a nonconfidential basis prior to its disclosure by Disclosing Party, or (c) becomes available to Receiving Party on a nonconfidential basis from a person other than Disclosing Party who is not otherwise bound by a confidentiality agreement with Disclosing Party or its Representatives, or is not otherwise prohibited from transmitting the information to Receiving Party.
Section 12. Third Party Manufacture; Compliance.
If Licensee desires to have a third party manufacture the Licensed Products, Licensee must first notify Licensor of the name and address of such third party. Licensee shall have the right to withhold approval for such third party manufacturer, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. If any of Licensee's authorized manufacturers use the Licensed Marks for any unauthorized purpose, Licensee shall be responsible for, and shall cooperate fully and use its best efforts in stopping such unauthorized use.
Section 13. Termination.
(a) Without prejudice to any other rights Licensor may have pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, Licensor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time if:
(i) Licensee or any guarantor under this Agreement shall be unable to pay its liabilities when due, or shall make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or under any applicable law admits in writing its inability to meet its obligations when due or commit any
other act of bankruptcy, institute voluntary proceedings in bankruptcy or insolvency or permit institution of such proceedings against it.
(ii) Licensee shall fail to perform or shall be in breach of any other material term or condition of this Agreement; provided, however, that if such breach can be cured, termination shall take effect sixty (60) days after written notice of such breach is sent by Licensor if such breach has not been cured during such sixty (60) day period.
(iii) Licensee shall fail to sell Licensed Products in the Territory for a continuous period of three (3) years.
(b) Licensee shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time if:
(i) Licensor or any guarantor under this Agreement shall be unable to pay its liabilities when due, or shall make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or under any applicable law admits in writing its inability to meet its obligations when due or commit any other act of bankruptcy, institute voluntary proceedings in bankruptcy or insolvency or permit institution of such proceedings against it.
(ii) Licensor shall fail to perform or shall be in breach of any other material term or condition of this Agreement; provided, however, that if such breach can be cured, termination shall take effect sixty (60) days after written notice of such breach is sent by Licensee if such breach has not been cured during such sixty (60) day period.
(iii) In the event the events set out in Section 13(b)(i) or 13(b)(ii) occur, Licensee shall have the continued rights as Licensee to use the Licensed Marks in connection with Licensed Products in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth hereunder.
Section 14. Disposal of Stock.
After termination of this Agreement, Licensee shall have no further right to manufacture, authorize any third party to manufacture, advertise, distribute, sell, promote or otherwise deal in any Licensed Products or use the Licensed Marks except as provided below. For a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days following the effective date of termination of this Agreement, Licensee may sell-off and deliver completed Licensed Products which are on hand at the effective date of termination (the SELL-OFF PERIOD); Licensor shall have the option to conduct physical inventories before the termination of this Agreement until the end of the Sell-Off Period in order to verify disposal of stock. If Licensee refuses to permit such physical inventory, Licensee shall forfeit its right to dispose of its inventory. Upon termination of the Agreement or after the Sell-Off Period, as the case may be, all inventory on hand or in process (including all promotional and packaging materials) will either be returned to Licensor or destroyed and Licensee shall deliver to Licensor a certified statement signed by Licensee's President or Chief Financial Officer that such materials have been returned to Licensor or destroyed.
Section 15. Equitable Relief.
The parties acknowledge that the Licensed Marks possess a special, unique and
extraordinary character which makes difficult the assessment of the monetary damage which a party would sustain as a result of the unauthorized use of the Licensed Marks or any challenge to the validity of the Licensed Marks. The parties further acknowledge that: (i) a failure to manufacture, advertise, distribute, sell and promote the Licensed Products in accordance with this Agreement, including a failure to satisfy an obligation to maintain and not to detract from the value of the Licensed Marks, (ii) the unauthorized use of the Licensed Marks, (iii) a failure to protect the Licensed Marks and prosecute any action against infringement (or to cooperate in such prosecution), or (iv) failure to reach agreement as to the reasonableness of the consent to assign in accordance with Section 21 below, will cause immediate and irreparable damage to the injured party for which such party would not have an adequate remedy at law. Therefore, the parties agree that, in the event of a breach of this Agreement by a party, in addition to such other legal and equitable rights and remedies as shall be available to the other party, such other party shall be entitled to injunctive and other equitable relief, without the necessity of proving damages or furnishing a bond or other security.
Section 16. Notices.
All notices, requests, claims and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery by hand, by reputable overnight courier service by facsimile transmission, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the address (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 16) listed below:
If to Licensor: CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY Campbell Place Camden, New Jersey 08101 Attn.: Trademark Counsel Fax No. (609) 342-3936
If to Licensee: VLASIC INTERNATIONAL BRANDS INC.
Box 625
Route 331 South
Millsboro, Delaware 19966
Attn.: Vice President
Fax No. (302) 934-3819
or to such other address as any party may, from time to time, designate in a written notice given in a like manner. Notice given by hand shall be deemed delivered five calendar days after the date the same is mailed. Notice given by reputable overnight courier shall be deemed delivered on the next following business day after the same is sent. Notice given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed delivered on the day of transmission provided telephone confirmation of receipt is obtained promptly after completion of transmission.
Section 17. No Joint Venture.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to place the parties in the relationship of
partners or joint venturers or principal and agent or employer and employee and no party shall have the power to obligate or bind the other party in any manner whatsoever.
Section 18. Entire Agreement.
This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter and terminates and supersedes any such prior agreement or understanding, oral or written, between Licensor and Licensee with respect to the Licensed Marks and/or the Licensed Products. None of the provisions of this Agreement can be waived or modified except in writing signed by both parties. THERE ARE NO REPRESENTATIONS, PROMISES, AGREEMENTS, WARRANTIES, COVENANTS OR UNDERTAKINGS MADE BY Licensor OR BY Licensee OTHER THAN THOSE EXPRESSLY CONTAINED HEREIN.
Section 19. Severability.
In the event any provision of this Agreement shall for any reason be void or unenforceable by reason of any provision of applicable law, it shall be deleted and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect and be amended to the extent, if at all, necessary to give effect to the intentions of the parties as of the date of this Agreement.
Section 20. Tax Consistency.
The parties shall treat the grant of the License in exchange for Licensee's capital stock as an exchange of property governed by Section 351 of the Code (and related provisions). No party shall take a position inconsistent with the foregoing on any tax return in any tax examination, tax administrative proceeding or tax litigation.
Section 21. Assignment; Change In Control.
This Agreement and any rights granted under this Agreement are personal to Licensee and shall not be assigned or encumbered, directly or indirectly, by law or by contract, except to an Affiliate, without Licensor's prior written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. The notice which is sent to Licensor must specify that Licensor must respond within twenty (20) days or such assignment or encumbrance is domed to be approved. If Licensee fails to comply with such notice requirement then there shall be no such deemed approval. If Licensee fails to comply with such notice requirement then there shall be no such deemed approval. Licensor may withhold its approval only by means of a written description of the reason or reasons why approval has been withheld. Any transfer of a controlling interest in Licensee or in any party which controls Licensee as of the effective date of this Agreement, directly or indirectly, shall be deemed an assignment governed by the proceeding sentences. Any nonconsensual assignment or encumbrance of this Agreement by Licensee shall be invalid and of no force or effect. Upon any such nonconsensual assignment or encumbrance, this Agreement shall terminate and all rights granted under this Agreement shall immediately revert to Licensor.
Section 22. Cooperation.
(a) The parties agree to consult with one another in good faith in an effort to resolve any situation arising out of their respective uses of the Licensed Marks where customers or consumers may misdirect communications.
(b) The parties shall sign all documents and do all things reasonably necessary to effectuate the terms and intent of this Agreement including, but not limited to, cooperating with efforts to register the Licensed Marks anywhere in the world.
Section 23. Arbitration of Certain Matters.
Except as set forth in Section 15 above, any dispute or claim arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the breach, termination or validity thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the then current Center for Public Resources/International Trademark Association Rules for Non-Administered Arbitration of Trademark Disputes, by three arbitrators, of whom each party shall appoint one selected from the CPR/INTA Panel of Neutrals in accordance with its process as the first resource for possible arbitrators. If a good faith attempt by the parties to select from this Panel does not result in the selection of an available suitable neutral, the parties will request CPR to further assist in the selection in accordance with its standard selection process using other panels. The arbitration shall be governed by the United States Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections. 1 - 16, and judgment upon the award rendered by the Arbitrator(s) may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof. The place of arbitration shall be New Jersey.
Section 24. Survival.
The provisions of Sections 10, 11 and 14 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
Section 25. No Waiver.
No waiver by either party of a breach or a default hereunder shall be deemed a waiver by such party of a subsequent breach or default of like or similar nature.
Section 26. Captions.
The captions used in connection with the sections of this Agreement are inserted only for the purpose of reference and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have respectively caused copies of this Agreement to be executed by a fully authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY
By: /S/ BASIL ANDERSON ----------------------------------- Name: Basil Anderson Title: Executive Vice President/CFO |
Attested to:
By: /S/ JOHN J. FUREY ----------------------------------- Name: John J. Furey Title: Secretary |
VLASIC INTERNATIONAL BRANDS INC.
By: /S/ ROBERT F. BERNSTOCK ----------------------------------- Name: Robert F. Bernstock Title: President |
Attested to:
By: /S/ JOHN J. FUREY ----------------------------------- Name: John J. Furey Title: Secretary |
FOREIGN
[SWANSON MARKS]
EXHIBIT A
REGISTERED TRADEMARKS
Jurisdiction Mark Reg. No. Reg. Date ------------ -------------------- --------- --------- Argentina SWANSON 1,510,930 03/31/94 Argentina SWANSON and S Design 1,510,931 03/31/94 Argentina SWANSON and S Design 1,510,932 03/31/94 Australia SWANSON & S Design B 205,769 10/25/66 Austria SWANSON & S Design 40,485 01/30/59 Bahamas S & Design 2,640 04/16/56 Bahamas SWANSON & S Design 3,010 02/24/59 Benelux SWANSON 55,529 08/02/71 Benelux SWANSON & S Design 55,530 08/02/71 Bermuda S & Design 3,094 05/05/56 Canada SWANSON 463,723 09/27/96 Canada SWANSON 43,819 09/29/52 Canada SWANSON & S Design 214/839 07/16/76 Canada SWANSON & S Design 160,025 12/13/68 Canada SWANSON & S Design 173,660 12/31/70 Canada SWANSON & S Design 159,798 12/06/68 Canada SWANSON & S Design 298,147 12/14/84 Canada SWANSON & S Design 173,664 12/31/70 Canada SWANSON & S Design 122,458 06/09/61 Canada SWANSON & S Design 120,872 01/20/61 Canada SWANSON & S Design 137,233 09/04/64 Canada SWANSON & S Design 137,234 09/04/64 Canada SWANSON & S Design 122,457 06/09/61 Canada SWANSON & Design 121,572 03/17/61 Canada SWANSON (Chinese) 454,345 02/16/96 Canada SWANSON FOR KIDS 404,640 11/06/92 Canada SWANSON GOURMET 376,498 12/07/90 Canada SWANSON POUR ENFANTS 404,641 11/6/92 Canada SWANSON & S Design 324,528 03/06/87 China (PRC) SWANSON 267,454 10/30/86 China (PRC) SWANSON 361,212 09/20/89 China (PRC) SWANSON 267,475 10/30/86 China (PRC) SWANSON 354,315 07/10/89 China (PRC) SWANSON 359,609 08/30/89 China (PRC) SWANSON 360,561 01/21/91 China (PRC) SWANSON 361,206 09/20/89 China (PRC) SWANSON 358,518 08/20/89 |
China (PRC) SWANSON 355,108 07/20/89 China (PRC) SWANSON 360,569 09/10/89 China (PRC) SWANSON & S Design 267,453 10/30/86 China (PRC) SWANSON & S Design 267,470 10/39/86 China (PRC) SWANSON (Chinese) 267,455 10/30/86 China (PRC) SWANSON (Chinese) 361,214 09/20/89 China (PRC) SWANSON (Chinese) 267,469 10/30/86 China (PRC) SWANSON (Chinese) 354,316 07/10/89 China (PRC) SWANSON (Chinese) 359,608 08/30/89 China (PRC) SWANSON (Chinese) 360,562 09/10/89 China (PRC) SWANSON (Chinese) 361,202 09/20/89 China (PRC) SWANSON (Chinese) 358,519 08/20/89 China (PRC) SWANSON (Chinese) 355,109 07/20/89 China (PRC) SWANSON (Chinese) 360,568 09/10/89 Cuba SWANSON (Stylized) 98,521 04/02/59 Denmark SWANSON (Stylized) 1723-1957 10/26/57 Denmark SWANSONS 1787-1959 10/03/59 Dominican SWANSON (Stylized) 9,484 05/25/56 Republic Egypt S & Design 32,021 04/21/56 El Salvador SWANSON (Stylized) 4,471 12/12/56 France SWANSON & S Design 1,239,608 08/06/58 Germany SWANSON (Stylized) 699,410 04/25/56 Greece SWANSON & S Design 23,467 07/28/58 Greece SWANSON (Stylized) 23,466 07/28/58 Hong Kong SWANSON & S Design 8/1981 12/02/78 Hong Kong SWANSON & S Design 3063/91 09/17/91 Hong Kong SWANSON & S Design B 875/1958 01/06/58 Hong Kong SWANSON (Chinese) B 1929/1984 09/21/84 Hong Kong SWANSON (Chinese) 3061/91 09/17/91 Hong Kong SWANSON (Chinese) 3062/91 09/17/91 Italy SWANSON 361,918 03/10/60 Italy SWANSON & S Design 356,252 03/21/60 Italy SWANSON (Stylized) 325,214 02/25/57 Jamaica S & Design 6,795 04/23/56 |
Lebanon SWANSON (Stylized) 24,626 05/26/56 Liberia SWANSON 41285/3977 10/02/69 Liberia SWANSON & S Design 151084/3539 10/02/69 Malaysia SWANSON & S Design M/B31,522 04/30/59 Mexico SWANSON 434,226 07/26/91 Mexico SWANSON 434,753 07/26/91 Netherlands SWANSON (Stylized) 3,245 04/14/56 Antilles Norway SWANSON & S Design 51,897 07/28/58 Norway SWANSON (Stylized) 48,114 04/16/56 Panama SWANSON (Stylized) 5,239 06/14/57 Poland SWANSON R-75889 02/12/92 Poland SWANSON & S Design R-75883 02/12/92 Saudi Arabia SWANSON 36/87 05/20/69 Saudi Arabia SWANSON & S Design 36/88 05/20/69 Singapore SWANSON & S Design B519/91 01/30/91 Singapore SWANSON & S Design B 24,874 04/29/59 Singapore SWANSON (Chinese) 7832/90 11/14/90 Singapore SWANSON (Chinese) 7833/90 11/14/90 Spain SWANSON & S Design 336,956 01/19/59 Spain SWANSON (Stylized) 306,797 07/28/56 Switzerland SWANSON (Stylized) 396,102 10/17/52 Taiwan SWANSON 397,742 04/16/88 Taiwan SWANSON & S. Design 397,741 04/16/88 Taiwan SWANSON (Chinese) 397,743 04/16/88 Taiwan SWANSON (English & Chinese) 397,714 04/16/88 Thailand SWANSON 132,365 01/13/89 Thailand SWANSON & S Design 130,807 01/13/89 Thailand SWANSON (Chinese) 154544 Trinidad and S & Design 83/1956 04/16/56 Tobago Venezuela SWANSON & S Design 33237-F 01/15/58 |
Vietnam SWANSON 9,890 03/19/93 Vietnam SWANSON (Chinese) 14,307 03/11/94 Zaire SWANSON (Stylized) 3230/C 05/07/56 |
TRADEMARK APPLICATIONS
JURISDICTION MARK APP. NO. FILING DATE -------------------- ------------------ --------- ----------- Argentina SWANSON 1,875,402 Japan SWANSON & S Design 8-14651 02/15/96 Japan SWANSON & S Design 8-14652 02/15/96 Japan SWANSON & S Design 8-14653 02/15/96 Japan SWANSON & S Design 8-14654 02/15/96 Macao SWANSON (Chinese) 9221/DSE 05/09/89 Macao SWANSON (Chinese) 9220/DSE 05/09/89 Malaysia SWANSON & S Design 91/706 01/30/91 Malaysia SWANSON & S Design 91/707 02/05/91 Malaysia SWANSON & S Design 91/708 01/30/91 Malaysia SWANSON & S Design 91/709 01/30/91 Malaysia SWANSON (Chinese) 91/710 01/30/91 Malaysia SWANSON (Chinese) 91/711 01/30/91 Russian Federation SWANSON 97711471 08/01/97 Russian Federation SWANSON (Cyrillic) 97714154 09/23/97 United Arab Emirates SWANSON 11108 06/14/95 United Arab Emirates SWANSON 11109 06/14/95 |
EXHIBIT 10.29
TECHNOLOGY SHARING AGREEMENT
This is a Technology Sharing Agreement (hereinafter, the AGREEMENT) dated as of March 26,1998 by and among Campbell Soup Company, a New Jersey corporation (CSC) and Vlasic Foods International Inc., a New Jersey corporation (together with is successors and permitted assigns, SPINCO).
BACKGROUND
A. Spinco is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of CSC. Pursuant to a Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of March 26, 1999 (the DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT), CSC shall distribute the stock of Spinco to CSC's shareowners (the DISTRIBUTION), following which Distribution each of CSC and Spinco shall continue in existence as independent, publicly-traded companies.
B. This Agreement is entered into in conjunction with the Distribution Agreement in order to facilitate (i) the transfer to Spinco of certain patent rights and technical information currently owned by CSC, (ii) the license to Spinco of certain patent rights and technical information currently owned by CSC, (iii) the license to CSC of certain patent rights currently owned by Spinco, and (iv) the license back to CSC of certain patents currently owned by CSC but which will be transferred to Spinco under this Agreement.
C. CSC wishes to grant the assignments and licenses to Spinco set forth in this Agreement and Spinco wishes to accept such assignments and licenses on the terms and conditions set forth herein. Spinco wishes to grant the licenses to CSC set forth in this Agreement and CSC wishes to accept such licenses on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
TERMS
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the respective agreements and covenants contain herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.
(a) As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:
ACTION means any claim, suit, arbitration, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by or before any court, governmental or other regulatory or administrative agency or commission or any other tribunal.
ASSIGNED CSC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS means collectively the
ASSIGNED CSC PATENTS and the ASSIGNED CSC TECHNICAL INFORMATION.
ASSIGNED CSC PATENTS means any and all Patents currently owned by the CSC which, as of the date of this Agreement, are or have in the past been used exclusively or primarily in the Spinco Business, including, without limitation, the Patents listed on Schedule A.
ASSIGNED CSC TECHNICAL INFORMATION means any and all Technical Information currently owned by the CSC which, as of the date of this Agreement, is or has in the past been used or is intended for use exclusively or primarily in the Spinco Business, including, without limitation, the Technical Information specified on Schedule B.
CSC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS means collectively the ASSIGNED CSC
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS and the SHARED CSC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
PATENTS means any and all issued patents, patent applications, industrial design rights and the inventions covered by such patents, patent applications and industrial design rights (including all corresponding patents, patent application and industrial design rights throughout the world, and all continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, extensions, reissues, reexaminations and renewals thereof) that are (i) owned by CSC, or (ii) owned by Spinco, and which, as of the date of this Agreement, are or have in the past been used in the Spinco Business as such business or businesses are or were previously conducted by CSC and its Subsidiaries.
SHARED CSC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS means collectively the
SHARED CSC PATENTS and the SHARED CSC TECHNICAL INFORMATION.
SHARED CSC PATENTS means any and all patents currently owned by CSC (other than the Assigned CSC Patents) which, as of the date of this Agreement, are used in both the Spinco Business and the CSC Business, including, without limitation, the Patents listed on Schedule C.
SHARED CSC TECHNICAL INFORMATION means any and all Technical Information owned by CSC (other than the Assigned CSC Technical Information) which, as of the date of this Agreement, is used or is intended for use in both the Spinco Business and the CSC Business, including, without limitation, the Technical Information listed on Schedule D.
SHARED SPINCO PATENTS means any and all Patents currently owned by Spinco and the Assigned CSC Patents, which, as of the date of this Agreement, are used in both the Spinco Business and the CSC Business, including, without limitation, the Patents listed on Schedule E.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION means any and all information and data (including, without limitation, any trade secrets, product formulas, processing and equipment design and information, specifications, know how, show how, manufacturing, research, unpatented inventions, industrial property rights, and other technical information and data) that is (i) owned by CSC, or (ii) owned by Spinco, and which, as of the date of this Agreement, is or has in the past been used or reduced to practice for use or is intended for use in the Spinco Business.
(b) All other capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Distribution Agreement.
SECTION 2. ASSIGNMENTS FROM CSC TO SPINCO.
(a) Effective as of the Distribution Date, CSC hereby assigns and
transfers to Spinco, its successors and assigns, all of CSC's right, title, and
interest, in the United States of America and all foreign countries, in and to
(i) the Assigned CSC Intellectual Property, (ii) all income, royalties, fees,
damages, and payments now or hereafter due or payable by third parties in
respect thereto, and (iii) any and all causes of action (either in law or in
equity), and the right to enforce any rights and file any causes of action,
including the right to recover damages, for any past, present, or future
infringement or misappropriation thereof.
(b) Spinco shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense, for filing any documents, paying any fees or other payments, or taking any other action necessary or advisable to record, evidence, perfect, maintain and effectuate the rights assigned to Spinco hereunder, including, without limitation, filing a recordation of the assignments of the Assigned CSC Patents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and applicable foreign governmental offices. At Spinco's reasonable request and Spinco's expense, CSC shall from time to time after the date hereof, execute and deliver such other instruments and documents, in form or substance reasonably satisfactory to Spinco and otherwise take reasonable steps to cooperate with Spinco, to record, evidence, perfect, maintain and effectuate the rights assigned to Spinco hereunder.
(c) The assignments under this Section 2 are contributions to the capital of Spinco.
SECTION 3. LICENSE TO SPINCO. CSC hereby grants to Spinco, effective as of the Distribution Date and subject to the terms, covenants, conditions, and limitations set forth in this Agreement, the Distribution Agreement, and any other Ancillary Agreements, an exclusive (except as to CSC and its Affiliates) license throughout the world to use in the Spinco Business (a) the Shared CSC Patents for the remainder of the terms of such Patents (including any extensions and renewals thereof and (b) the Shared CSC Technical Information in perpetuity, for a combined single royalty payment of Twenty-Seven Thousand Dollars (US$27,000), payable within thirty (30) days after the date hereof. The parties acknowledge and agree that use of the Shared CSC Intellectual Property by either party or its Affiliates shall be deemed to include any direct or indirect use in the furtherance of the business of such party and its Affiliates.
SECTION 4. LICENSES TO CSC. Spinco hereby grants to CSC, effective as of the Distribution Date and subject to the terms, covenants, conditions, and limitations set forth in this Agreement, the Distribution Agreement, and any other Ancillary Agreements, an exclusive (except as to Spinco and its Affiliates) license to use the Shared Spinco Patents for the remainder of the terms of such Patents (including any extensions and renewals thereof) throughout the world in the CSC Business for a combined single royalty payment of Twenty-Three Thousand Dollars (US$23,000), payable within thirty (30) days after the date hereof. The parties acknowledge and agree that use of the Shared Spinco Patents by either party or its Affiliates shall be deemed to include any direct or indirect use in the furtherance of the business of such party and its Affiliates.
SECTION 5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
(a) Spinco acknowledges that, as between CSC and Spinco, CSC owns all title to the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights, in each case subject to the license granted to Spinco hereunder. Spinco acknowledges that it has received a license to use the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights and that this Agreement does not constitute any form of assignment or transfer of ownership therein to Spinco.
(b) CSC acknowledges that, as between Spinco and CSC, Spinco owns all title to the Shared Spinco Patents, in each case subject to the license granted to CSC hereunder. CSC acknowledges that it has received a license to use the Shared Spinco Patents and that this Agreement does not constitute any form of assignment or transfer of ownership therein to CSC.
(c) CSC shall be responsible in the first instance, at its sole cost and expense, for filing any documents, paying any fees or other payments, or taking any other action which it deems necessary or advisable, in its reasonable business judgment, to protect, maintain and enforce the parties' rights in and to the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights, including, without limitation, filing and prosecuting such patent and copyright applications as it deems advisable and Spinco agrees to provide CSC, at CSC's expense, with such assistance and cooperation in connection therewith as CSC may reasonably request. In the event that CSC chooses to file and prosecute any patent and copyright applications in connection with the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights, it shall do so in its own name. In the event that CSC chooses not to or fails to take such action as Spinco deems necessary or prudent to protect, maintain and enforce the parties' rights in and to the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights, Spinco shall have the right, at its sole cost and expense, to file any documents, pay any fees or other payments, or take any other action which it deems necessary or advisable, in its reasonable business judgment, to protect, maintain and enforce the parties' rights therein and thereto, including, without limitation, filing and prosecuting such patent and copyright applications as it deems advisable and CSC agrees to provide Spinco, at Spinco's expense, with such assistance and cooperation in connection therewith as Spinco may reasonably request. In the event that Spinco chooses to file and prosecute any patent and copyright applications in connection with the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights, it shall do so in CSC's name.
(d) Spinco shall be responsible in the first instance, at its sole cost and expense, for filing any documents, paying any fees or other payments, or taking any other action which it deems necessary or advisable, in its reasonable business judgment, to protect, maintain and enforce the parties' rights in and to the Shared Spinco Patents including, without limitation, filing and prosecuting such patent applications as it deems advisable and CSC agrees to provide Spinco, at Spinco's expense, with such assistance and cooperation in connection therewith as Spinco may reasonably request. In the event that Spinco chooses to file and prosecute any patent applications in connection with the Shared Spinco Patents, it shall do so in it own name. In the event that Spinco chooses not to or fails to take such action as CSC deems necessary or prudent to protect, maintain and enforce the parties' rights in and to the Shared Spinco Patents, CSC shall have the right, at its sole cost and expense, to file any documents, pay any fees or other payments, or take any other action which it deems necessary or advisable, in its reasonable business judgment, to protect, maintain and enforce the parties' right therein and thereto, including, without limitation, filing and prosecuting such patent and copyright applications as it
deems advisable and Spinco agrees to provide CSC, at CSC's expense, with such assistance and cooperation in connection therewith as CSC may reasonably request. In the event that CSC chooses to file and prosecute any patent and copyright applications in connection with the Shared Spinco Patents, it shall do so in Spinco's name.
(e) Spinco shall comply with the laws and relations of all relevant countries with respect to Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights, including, without limitation, all laws and regulations with regard to the import/export of such technology and the marking of goods or other materials that incorporate or utilize any of the Shared CSC Patents. CSC shall comply with the laws and regulations of all relevant countries with respect to Shared Spinco Patents, including, without limitation, all laws and regulations with regard to the import/export of such technology and the marking of goods or other materials that incorporate or utilize any of the Shared Spinco Patents.
(f) No party shall have any obligation to assign, license, share or provide to the other party any patents, patent applications, industrial design right, inventions, trade secrets, or any other proprietary information or know how created, developed or acquired by such party after the Distribution Date except to the extent contemplated by the Distribution Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements.
SECTION 6. INFRINGEMENT.
(a) CSC and Spinco shall promptly notify each other of any actual or threatened infringement with respect to the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights and shall consult with each other about any material action to be taken. CSC shall use its best reasonable efforts and exercise diligence to successfully prosecute such infringements. All costs, disbursements and expenses of any actions which CSC prosecutes for the benefit of Spinco shall be borne by Spinco, and all other costs, disbursements and expenses shall be borne by CSC. If CSC elects not to initiate legal action against infringement relating to the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights, Spinco shall have the right at its own expense to take legal action to obtain appropriate relief, and CSC shall be joined as a party in any such action and shall reasonably cooperate with and assist Spinco in its prosecution of such action. The costs of such joinder and any assistance by CSC shall be reimbursed by Spinco.
(b) CSC and Spinco shall promptly notify each other of any actual or threatened infringement with respect to the Shared Spinco Patents and shall consult with each other about any material action to be taken. Spinco shall use its best reasonable efforts and exercise diligence to successfully prosecute such infringements. All costs, disbursements and expenses of any actions which Spinco prosecutes for the benefit of CSC shall be borne by CSC, and all other costs, disbursements and expenses shall be borne by Spinco. If Spinco elects not to initiate legal action against infringement relating to the Shared Spinco Patents, CSC shall have the right at its own expense to take legal action to obtain appropriate relief, and Spinco shall be joined as a party in any such action and shall reasonably cooperate with and assist CSC in its prosecution of such action. The costs of such joinder and any assistance by Spinco shall be reimbursed by CSC.
(c) If CSC and Spinco agree to jointly take action against an infringement relating to the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights or the Shared Spinco Patents, the cost of the action
and any damages accruing shall be shared equally. If one party takes action against an infringer, it shall be entitled to retain all damages, costs or other compensation it may recover.
(d) The parties agree to fully cooperate with each other in relation to any legal, administrative or other proceedings relating to the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights or the Shared Spinco Patents.
SECTION 7. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Spinco shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless each member of the CSC Group, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees and agents (the CSC INDEMNITEES) from and against any and all damage, loss, liability and expense (including, without limitation, reasonable expenses of investigation and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses in connection with any and all Actions or threatened Actions, but expressly excluding any special or consequential damages) (collectively, INDEMNIFIABLE LOSSES) incurred or suffered by any of the CSC Indemnitees as a result of or arising out of use by Spinco and its Affiliates of the Assigned CSC Intellectual Property Rights and the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights.
(b) CSC shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless each member of the Spinco Group, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees and agents (the SPINCO INDEMNITEES) from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses incurred or suffered by any of the Spinco Indemnitees as a result of or arising out of use by CSC and its Affiliates of the Shared Spinco Patents.
SECTION 8. CONFIDENTIALITY.
(a) CSC agrees during the term of this Agreement and thereafter (i) to treat as confidential all Assigned CSC Technical Information and all non-public patent applications within the Assigned CSC Patents and the Shared Spinco Patents, (ii) to use the same level of care to prevent the disclosure thereof as it uses to protect its own similar confidential or proprietary information but in no event, not less than a reasonable degree of care, and (iii) not to disclose or to permit to be disclosed any portion thereof to any third party other than an Affiliate, without the consent of Spinco.
(b) The Spinco Group agrees during the term of this Agreement and thereafter (i) to treat as confidential all Shared CSC Technical Information and all non-public patent applications within the Shared CSC Patents, (ii) to use the same level of care to prevent the disclosure thereof as it uses to protect its own similar confidential or proprietary information but in no event, not less than a reasonable degree of care, and (iii) not to disclose or to permit to be disclosed any portion thereof to any third party other than an Affiliate, without the consent of CSC.
(c) The obligations of confidentiality and nondisclosure specified in subsections (a) and (b) above, shall not apply to any information or data that:
(i) was known to the public or generally available to the public prior to the date it was received from the disclosing party;
(ii) became known to the public or generally available to the public subsequent to the date it was received from the disclosing party without any fault of the receiving party;
(iii) is, subsequent to the date of this Agreement, disclosed to the receiving party by a third party who is under no obligation of confidentiality regarding the same; or
(iv) is, subsequent to the date of this Agreement, independently discovered or developed by the receiving party without reference to or use of any of the disclosed information or data.
(d) Each party acknowledges and agrees that the confidential information referred to in this Section 8 is valuable and that breach of this Section 8 may result in immediate irreparable injury to the other party. Each party agrees that in the event of a breach or threatened breach by it or its Affiliates of the terms of this Section 8, the other party shall be entitled to seek from any court of competent jurisdiction, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief which remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to any other rights and remedies to which the party may be entitled.
SECTION 9. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; NO INDEMNIFICATION; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
(a) ALL ASSIGNMENTS FROM CSC TO SPINCO HEREUNDER ARE ON A QUITCLAIM BASIS AND ALL LICENSES FROM CSC TO SPINCO ARE ON AN "AS IS" BASIS. ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED BY CSC. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, CSC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO SPINCO, ITS AFFILIATES OR ANY THIRD PARTY WITH RESPECT TO THE CSC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE VALIDITY, ENFORCEABILITY OR OWNERSHIP OF ANY RIGHTS THEREIN, THE RESULTS TO BE EXPECTED FROM THE USE OF SUCH CSC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, OR THAT THE USE OF SUCH CSC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS WILL NOT INFRINGE OR OTHERWISE VIOLATE THE RIGHTS OF ANY THIRD PARTY UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY COUNTRY. CSC SHALL HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO INDEMNIFY SPINCO OR ITS AFFILIATES IN THE EVENT THAT THE USE OF SUCH CSC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGES OR OTHERWISE VIOLATES OR IS CLAIMED TO INFRINGE OR OTHERWISE VIOLATE THE RIGHTS OF ANY THIRD PARTY UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY COUNTRY.
(b) ALL LICENSES FROM SPINCO TO CSC ARE ON AN "AS IS" BASIS. ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED BY SPINCO. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, SPINCO MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO CSC, ITS AFFILIATES OR ANY THIRD PARTY WITH RESPECT TO THE SPINCO SHARED PATENTS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE VALIDITY, ENFORCEABILITY OR OWNERSHIP OF ANY RIGHTS THEREIN, THE RESULTS TO BE EXPECTED FROM THE USE OF SUCH SPINCO SHARED PATENTS, OR THAT THE USE OF SUCH SPINCO
SHARED PATENTS WILL NOT INFRINGE OR OTHERWISE VIOLATE THE RIGHTS OF ANY THIRD PARTY UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY COUNTRY. SPINCO SHALL HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO INDEMNIFY CSC OR ITS AFFILIATES IN THE EVENT THAT THE USE OF SUCH SPINCO SHARED PATENTS INFRINGES OR OTHERWISE VIOLATES OR IS CLAIMED TO INFRINGE OR OTHERWISE VIOLATE THE RIGHTS OF ANY THIRD PARTY UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY COUNTRY.
(c) IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY WAS ADVISED OR AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT MANDATED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
SECTION 10. TERMINATION.
(a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated by either CSC or Spinco on written notice at any time prior to the Distribution Date.
(b) CSC shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time if:
(i) Spinco shall be unable to pay its liabilities when due, or shall make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or under any applicable law admits in writing its inability to meets it obligations when due or commit any other act of bankruptcy, institute voluntary proceedings in bankruptcy or insolvency or permit institution of such proceedings against it; or
(ii) Spinco shall fail to perform or shall be in breach of any other material term or condition of this Agreement; provided, however, that if such breach can be cured, termination shall take effect sixty (60) days after written notice of such breach is sent by CSC if such breach has not been cured during such sixty (60)-day period.
(c) Spinco shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time if:
(i) CSC shall be unable to pay its liabilities when due, or shall make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or under any applicable law admits in writing its inability to meet its obligations when due or commit any other act of bankruptcy, institute voluntary proceedings in bankruptcy or insolvency or permit institution of such proceedings against it.
(ii) CSC shall fail to perform or shall be in breach of any other material term or condition of this Agreement; provided, however, that if such breach can be cured, termination shall take effect sixty (60) days after written notice of such breach is sent by Spinco if such breach has not been cured during such sixty (60)-day period.
(d) In the event the events set out in Section 10(b)(i) or 10(b)(ii) occur, CSC shall have the continued rights to use the Shared Spinco Patents in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. In the event the events set out in Section 10(c)(i) or 10(c)(ii) occur,
Spinco shall have the continued rights to use the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein.
SECTION 11. DISPUTES.
(a) Resolution of any and all disputes arising from or in connection with this Agreement, whether based on contract, tort, statute or otherwise, including, but not limited to, disputes in connection with claims by third pates (collectively, DISPUTES), shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 11; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall preclude either party from seeking or obtaining (i) injunctive relief or (ii) equitable or other judicial relief to enforce the provisions hereof or to preserve the status quo pending resolution of Disputes hereunder.
(b) Either party may give the other party written notice of any Dispute not resolved in the normal course of business. The parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any Dispute promptly by negotiations between executives of the parties who have authority to settle the controversy and who are at a higher level of management than the persons with direct responsibility for administration of this Agreement. Within 30 days after delivery of the notice, the foregoing executives of both parties shall meet at a mutually acceptable time and place, and thereafter as often as they reasonably deem necessary for a period not to exceed 15 days, to attempt to resolve the Dispute. All reasonable requests for information made by one party to the other will be honored. If the parties do not resolve the Dispute within such 45-day period (the INITIAL NEGOTIATION PERIOD), the parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve the Dispute by negotiation between (a) in the case of CSC, the Chief Financial Officer or the Vice President - Treasurer and (b) in the case of Spinco, the Chief Financial Officer (collectively, the DESIGNATED OFFICERS). Such officers shall meet at a mutually acceptable time and place (but in any event no later than 15 days following the expiration of the Initial Negotiation Period) and thereafter as often as they reasonably deem necessary for a period not to exceed 15 days, to attempt to resolve the Dispute.
(c) If the Dispute has not been resolved by negotiation within 75 days of the first party's notice, or if the parties failed to meet within 30 days of the first party's notice, or if the Designated Officers failed to meet within 60 days of the first party's notice, either party may commence any litigation or other procedure allowed by law.
SECTION 12. ASSIGNMENT/SUBLICENSES.
(a) Neither of the parties may assign or delegate any of its rights or duties under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Spinco shall have the right to sublicense the Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights to its Affiliates subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, provided that such Affiliates shall have no right to further sublicense such Shared CSC Intellectual Property Rights without the express written permission of CSC.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, CSC shall have the right to sublicense the Shared Spinco Patents to its Affiliates subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, provided that such Affiliates shall have no right to further sublicense such Shared Spinco Patents without the express written permission of Spinco.
SECTION 13. GENERAL.
(a) Notices. All notices, requests, claims and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery by hand, by reputable overnight courier service, by facsimile transmission, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 13(a)) listed below:
if to CSC, to: Campbell Soup Company Campbell Place Camden, New Jersey 08101 Attn.: Trademark Counsel Fax No. (609) 342-3936 if to Spinco, to: Vlasic Foods International Inc. P.O. Box 5071 Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034-5071 Attn.: General Counsel Fax No. (609) 342-3936 |
or to such other address as any party may, from time to time, designate in a written notice given in a like manner. Notice given by hand shall be deemed delivered when received by the recipient. Notice given by mail as set out above shall be deemed delivered five calendar days after the date the same is mailed. Notice given by reputable overnight courier shall be deemed delivered on the next following business day after the same is sent. Notice given by facsimile transmission shall be deemed delivered on the day of transmission provided telephone confirmation of receipt is obtained promptly after completion of transmission.
(b) No Joint Venture. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to place the parties in the relationship of partners or joint venturers or principal and agent or employer and employee and no party shall have the power to obligate or bind any other party in any manner whatsoever.
(c) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter and terminates and supersedes any such prior agreement or understanding, oral or written, between the parties with respect thereto. None of the provisions of this Agreement can be waived or modified expect in writing signed by all the parties.
(d) Severability. In the event any provision of this Agreement shall for any reason be void or unenforceable by reason of any provision of applicable law, it shall be deleted and the
remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect and be amended to the extent, if at all, necessary to give effect to the intentions of the parties as of the date of this Agreement.
(e) Survival. The provisions of Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10(d), and 11 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
(f) No Waiver. No waiver by any party of a breach or a default hereunder shall be deemed a waiver by such party of a subsequent breach of default of a similar nature.
(g) Captions. The captions used in connection with the sections of this Agreement are inserted only for the purpose of reference and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
(h) Other Actions. The parties agree to cooperate and to take any additional action or sign any documents as may be necessary to effectuate the purpose of this Agreement, including, without limitation, CSC executing and delivering to Spinco assignments of any Assigned CSC Patents which may be inadvertently omitted from the Assignment of Patents in Exhibit 1.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have respectively caused this Agreement to be executed by a fully authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY VLASIC FOODS INTERNATIONAL INC. By: /S/ BASIL ANDERSON By: /S/ ROBERT F. BERNSTOCK ----------------------------------- ---------------------------- Name: Basil Anderson Name: Robert F. Bernstock Title: Executive Vice President/CFO Title: President/CEO |
SCHEDULE A - ASSIGNED CSC PATENTS
Campbell Law CSC Case No. Title Investor(s) Country App. No. Date Pat. No. Date Expire Firm Dapk. 240A Process for Chafeller USA 208900 11/14/1980 4342768 8/31/1982 8/31/1999 S&L R&D Frying Chicken Parie 280 Brownable Fulds RC/Kwis CAN 415722 11/17/1982 1192436 8/27/1995 8/27/2002 B&W R&D Dough For SH Microwave Cooking 280 Brownable Fulds RC/Kwis USA 323086 11/19/1981 44478781 5/15/1984 11/19/2001 B&W R&D Dough For SH Microwave Cooking 285 Meat Egee/Rickanarud ARO 290371 8/20/1982 238249 3/31/1989 3/31/2004 S&L R&D Processing Procedure 285 Meat Egee et al. CAN 428328 5/17/83 1180591 1/8/1985 1/8/2002 S&L R&D Processing Procedure 285 Meat Egee et al. GER P3234097,4 9/14/1982 3234097 10/13/1994 9/14/2002 S&L R&D Processing Procedure 285 Meat Egee et al. GRB 6225742 9/18/1982 2108821 4/1/1985 9/9/2002 S&L R&D Processing Procedure 285 Meat Egee et al. URG 21756 9/14/1982 12557 6/14/1980 9/26/2000 S&L R&D Processing Procedure 285 Meat Egee et al. USA 302468 9/16/1981 4388332 6/14/1983 9/18/2001 S&L R&D Processing Procedure 322 Mushroom Bretzloff CW CAN 433223 7/28/1983 1199884 1/28/1989 1/28/2003 B&W R&D Supplement Containing Protein and a Time Delay 322A Mushroom WULC CAN 498762 12/30/1986 1260860 2/26/1989 9/26/2006 B&W R&D Supplement Bratzloff CW |
Law Firms: S&L - Sytmn_____ & Lynch CSC Dept. ENG-Engineering B&W - Banner & Wilcott PACK-Packaging B&B - Baker & Botts R&D-Research & Development |
SCHEDULE A - ASSIGNED CSC PATENTS
Campbell Law CSC Case No. Title Investor(s) Country App. No. Date Pat. No. Date Expire Firm Dapk. 322 Mushroom WULC USA 402314 7/27/1982 4534781 8/13/1986 8/13/2002 B&W R&D Supplement Bratzloff CW Containing a Protein and a Time Delay 322A Mushroom Bratzloff CW USA 711006 3/12/1985 4617047 10/14/1986 10/14/2003 B&W R&D Supplement 353A Substrate for WULC USA 295319 3/18/1989 4874419 10/17/1989 10/17/2006 B&W R&D Growing Shiitake Mushrooms 453 Production of Low Contie, Joseph A. USA 305713 2/31/1989 s5092904 3/31/1992 3/31/2009 B&W R&D Cholesterol Johnson, Bobby Butter Oil by R. Vapor Sparing 455 Production of Low Johnson, Bobby USA 345576 5/2/1989 4997666 3/8/1991 5/2/2009 B&W R&D Cholesterol R. Milk Fat by Contie, Joseph A. Solvent Extraction 461 Composite F. Simon USA 783236 9/20/1991 5300747 4/5/1991 4/6/2011 B&W R&D Material for Microwave Heating Container and Container Formed Therefrom 462 A Pie Having a Swis SH et al. USA 085373 6/14/1987 4917907 4/17/1980 45/16/2007 B&W R&D Microwave Piercing, BH Brownable O'Meara JP Crust and Widieus WA Method of Baking Same 480 Novel Dahlberg, Kr USA 298727 1/19/1989 4996390 2/26/1991 1/18/2009 B&W R&D Interspecific Mushroom Strains 501 Method for Conge JA USA 444199 12/1/1999 5091203 2/25/1982 12/1/2009 B&W R&D Removing Cholesterol from Eggs |
Law Firms: S&L - Sytmn_____ & Lynch CSC Dept. ENG-Engineering B&W - Banner & Wilcott PACK-Packaging B&B - Baker & Botts R&D-Research & Development |
SCHEDULE A - ASSIGNED CSC PATENTS
Campbell Law CSC Case No. Title Investor(s) Country App. No. Date Pat. No. Date Expire Firm Dapk. 504 Method for Welsh RJ et al. USA 93740407 8/31/1992 5302406 4/12/1994 8/31/2012 B&W R&D Removing Cholesterol and Reduced- Cholesterol Egg Product 620 Container Baranowski, J CAN 20594403 1/15/1992 2057440 7/3/1996 1/10/2012 B&W ENG Filling and Sealing System 620 Container Baranowski, J USA 641136 1/10/1991 5196394 3/23/1993 3/10/2011 B&W ENG Filling and Sealing System m/k/a Flange Contaminant Remover 620A Container Baranowski, J USA 718381 6/20/1991 6193298 3/23/1993 1/15/2011 B&W ENG Filling and Sealing System 630 Mushroom Dahlberg, KRS USA 139873108 10/22/1993 5196294 4/2/1996 4/2/2013 B&W ENG Casting Spawn Lapoli, Dena L 646 Methods for Adames, et al. AUST 67790191 6/2/1994 Pending Preserving (under Foods at exam) Ambient Temperature without Preservatives (Picklet- lexPak) 646 Methods for Adames, et al. CAN 2,161,335 6/2/1994 2,161,335 11/4/1997 5/2/2014 B&B R&D Preserving Foods at Ambient Temperature without Preservatives (Picklet- FlexPak) 546 Methods for Adames, et al. EPC 94916962.8 6/2/1994 Pending B&B R&D Preserving Foods at Ambient Temperature without Preservatives (Picklet- FlexPak) |
Law Firms: S&L - Sytmn_____ & Lynch CSC Dept. ENG-Engineering B&W - Banner & Wilcott PACK-Packaging B&B - Baker & Botts R&D-Research & Development |
SCHEDULE A - ASSIGNED CSC PATENTS
Campbell Law CSC Case No. Title Investor(s) Country App. No. Date Pat. No. Date Expire Firm Dapk. 546 Methods for Preserving Adames, et al. JAPAN 524688194 6/2/1994 Pending B&B R&D Foods at Ambient Temperature without Preservatives (Picklet- FlexPak) 546 Methods for Preserving Adames, et al. MEXI 943270 6/3/1984 Pending B&B R&D Foods at Ambient Temperature without Preservatives (Picklet- FlexPak) 549 Free Fatty Acid Removal Conte JA et al. USA 4553882108 6/31/1988 5060980 10/1/1990 5/31/2016 B&W R&D from Used Frying Fat Stauffer KR 589 Mushroom Supplement McDaniele, Jack USA Pending B&W R&D Nitrogen Material |
Law Firms: S&L - Sytmn______& Lynch CSC Dept. ENG-Engineering B&W - Banner & Wilcott PACK-Packaging B&B - Baker & Botts R&D-Research & Development |
SCHEDULE B
ASSIGNED CSC TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Plant Variety Protection Application and relevant files pertaining to a jalapeno pepper plant variety known as "V10443."
Production Heating Direction Development Methodology Manual information regarding frozen foods; label preparation directions for frozen foods; heating directions and methodology for preparing frozen food products for consumer testing; and recipe research substantiation for produce names and claims in relation to frozen foods; protocepts (a/k/a new product concepts developed into recipes) for frozen foods; and information on available vendors for outsourcing heating direction preparation.
Vlasic pickle and Open Pit barbecue sauce recipes contained in the Campbell Lotus Notes Recipe Database.
SCHEDULE C - SHARED CSC PATENTS
292 Nutritionally Enriched and Von Leraner WA/ ARG 299686 3/7/1985 239461 9/29/1989 9/29/2001 B&W R&D Stabilized Meat Products and Unger BM Method of Producing Such Products 327 Hot Solution Injection Calatfeller KA/ USA 721462 4/19/1986 4663170 6/6/1987 4/8/2006 B&W R&D Story JD/Webb JE 389 Variable-Width Sauce Cramer/Brawin CAN 493099 10/16/1986 1250352 2/26/1989 2/28/2008 S&L ENG Dispenser 447 Package and Method for Daniels JA JAPAN 3648888 2/18/1988 1764550 8/31/1993 12/4/2007 B&W R&D Microwave Heating of a Food Product a/k/a Microwave pkg of frozen battered and breaded fish products 447 Package and Method for Daniels JA USA 016531 2/19/1987 4746249 6/17/1988 2/18/2007 B&W R&D Microwave Heating of a Food Product 447 Package and Method for Daniels JA ARG 310101 2/17/1988 243360 8/31/1999 8/31/2008 B&W R&D Microwave Heating of a Food Product 447 Package and Method for Daniels JA EPC 88301342.7 2/18/1988 0279669 2/24/1993 2/18/2008 B&W R&D Microwave Heating of a Food Product 566 No. Heat Jalapenos and Aravaloe et al. USA 08756,643 2/7/1997 Pending B&B R&D Products Comprising Jalapenos (Note: Case 664 is for the PVP certificate which is subject to Schedule B "Assigned Technical Information") 575 Salt Flavor Enhancing Bonorden and USA 081866,964 5/31/1997 Pending B&B R&D Compositions, Food Giordano Products Including Such Compositions, and Methods for Preparing Such Products |
Law Firms: S&L - Sytmn______& Lynch CSC Dept. ENG-Engineering B&W - Banner & Wilcott PACK-Packaging B&B - Baker & Botts R&D-Research & Development |
SCHEDULE D
SHARED CSC TECHNICAL INFORMATION
ANTIOXIDANT OF PET SYSTEMS AS IT APPLIES TO ACIDIFIED FOOD PRODUCTS
The use of antioxidants in combination with plastic packaging for acidified food products to extend the flavor profile and shelf life of those products.
MICROWAVE HEATING DIRECTION DEVELOPMENT
Information as set forth in the Memorandum of Rod Margolis to John Collier dated February 19, 1998.
SCHEDULE E - SHARED SPINCO PATENTS
280 Brownable Dough for Fulds RC/Kwis SH CAN 415723 11/27/1982 1102438 8/27/1995 5/27/2004 B&W R&D Microwave Cooking 280 Brownable Dough for Fulds RC/Kwis SH USA 323088 11/19/1981 4448791 5/15/1984 11/19/2001 B&W R&D Microwave Cooking 285 Meat Processing Procedure Egees et al. ARG 290371 8/20/1982 288219 3/31/1989 3/21/2004 S&L R&D 285 Meat Processing Procedure Egees et al. CAN 428326 5/17/1983 1180891 1/81/1980 1/8/2002 S&L R&D 285 Meat Processing Procedure Egees et al. GER P3234397.4 9/14/1982 3234097 10/13/1994 9/14/2002 S&L R&D 285 Meat Processing Procedure Egees et al. ARG 8225742 8/9/1982 2108821 4/11/88 9/9/2002 S&L R&D 285 Meat Processing Procedure Egees et al. URG 21768 8/14/1982 12337 8/4/1985 4/26/2000 S&L R&D 285 Meat Processing Procedure Egees et al. USA 302456 9/16/1981 4380332 6/14/1983 9/15/2001 S&L R&D 462 A Pie Having a Microwave Swis SH et al./ USA 085373 8/14/1987 4917907 4/17/1990 8/14/2007 B&W R&D Brownable Crust and Piercing, BH Method of Baking Same O'Meara JP Widieus WA 520 Container Filling and Baranowski, J CAN 20594403 1/15/1992 2059140 7/9/1998 4/15/2012 B&W ENG Sealing System 520 Container Filling and Baranowski, J USA 641133 1/18/1981 5130294 3/23/1993 1/15/2011 B&W ENG Sealing System a/k/a Flange Contaminent Remover 520A Container Filling and Baranowski, J USA 718384 6/20/1991 6195288 3/23/1993 1/15/2011 B&W ENG Sealing System |
Law Firms: S&L - Sytmn______& Lynch CSC Dept. ENG-Engineering B&W - Banner & Wilcott PACK-Packaging B&B - Baker & Botts R&D-Research & Development |
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Exhibit 12.1
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(In thousands) Predecessor PFGI -------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- 52 weeks 52 weeks 42 weeks 10 weeks Nine months ended ended ended ended ended Year ended July 31, April 30, August 1, July 30, May 22, July 31, ------------------- ------------------- 1999(1) 2000 2001 2001 2002 2003 2003 2004 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Fixed charges as defined: Interest expense 44,532 52,088 42,163 3,342 14,513 11,592 8,738 21,204 One-third of non-cancelable lease rent 1,542 1,149 1,329 248 1,473 1,119 869 801 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total fixed charges (A) 46,074 53,237 43,492 3,590 15,986 12,711 9,607 22,005 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Earnings as defined: Pretax income (loss) (106,557) (40,661) (50,549) (8,897) 16,112 13,964 12,546 (67,852) Add fixed charges 46,074 53,237 43,492 3,590 15,986 12,711 9,607 22,005 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Earnings and fixed charges (B) (60,483) 12,576 (7,057) (5,307) 32,098 26,675 22,153 (45,847) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Ratio of earnings to fixed charges: (B/A) NM(2) NM(2) NM(2) NM(3) 2.01 2.10 2.31 NM(3) |
(1) The predecessor financial data include all the operations of VFI, which in fiscal 1999 included VFI's operations in Argentina and Germany. VFI divested these operations in fiscal 1999 but did not treat them as discontinued operations because they did not comprise an entire segment at the time of divestiture. Consolidated fiscal 1999 net sales includes $228,679 from the Argentine and German operations and $719,262 from the North American business, which we acquired on May 22, 2001.
(2) The Predecessor's earnings for the 52 weeks ended August 1, 1999 and July 30, 2000 and the 42 weeks ended May 22, 2001, were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $106.6 million, $40.7 million and $50.5 million, respectively.
(3) PFGI's earnings for the 10 weeks ended July 31, 2001 and the nine months ended April 30, 2004, were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $8.9 million and $67.9 million, respectively.
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Exhibit 12.2
PFGI PRO FORMA COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(In thousands) Nine months Fiscal year ended ended April 30, 2003 2004 ----------- ----------- Fixed charges as defined: Interest expense 59,921 44,944 One-third of non-cancelable lease rent 1,918 1,400 ----------- ----------- Total fixed charges (A) 61,839 46,344 ----------- ----------- Earnings as defined: Pretax income (loss) (19,323) (62,292) Add fixed charges 61,839 46,344 ----------- ----------- Earnings and fixed charges (B) 42,516 (15,948) ----------- ----------- Ratio of earnings to fixed charges: (B/A) NM(4) NM(4) |
(4) For fiscal year ended 2003 and the nine months ended April 30, 2004, PFGI's pro forma earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $19.3 and $62.3 million, respectively.
Exhibit 21.1
Name Jurisdiction of Incorporation ---- ----------------------------- Pinnacle Foods Canada Corporation Ontario, Canada Pinnacle Foods Corporation Delaware Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation Delaware Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation Connecticut PF Standards Corporation New Jersey PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp. Delaware PF Sales, LLC Delaware PF Distribution, LLC Delaware Sea Coast Foods, Inc. Washington |
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. of our report dated September 19, 2003 (except for Note 21, as to which the date is October 31, 2003) relating to the financial statements of Pinnacle Foods Holding Corporation and Subsidiaries, which appears in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania August 19, 2004 |
Exhibit 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. of our report dated October 30, 2001 relating to the financial statements of the Frozen Foods and Condiments Businesses of Vlasic Foods International, Inc., which appears in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania August 19, 2004 |
Exhibit 23.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. of our report dated July 8, 2004, relating to the financial statements of Aurora Foods Inc., which appears in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP St. Louis, Missouri August 19, 2004 |
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
(Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 51-0055023
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
or incorporation or organization)
RODNEY SQUARE NORTH
1100 NORTH MARKET STREET
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19890-0001
(302) 651-1000
(Address of principal executive offices)
CYNTHIA L. CORLISS
VICE PRESIDENT AND ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
1100 NORTH MARKET STREET
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19890-0001
(302) 651-8516
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent of service)
PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.
(Exact name of registrants as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 94-3303521
(State or other jurisdiction or (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
6 EXECUTIVE CAMPUS
CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY 08002
(856) 969-7100
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants' principal executive offices)
C. DEAN METROPOULOS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
6 EXECUTIVE CAMPUS
CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY 08002
(856) 969-7100
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent of service)
8-1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013
GUARANTEES OF 8-1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013
(Title of the Indenture Securities)
State or Other Jurisdiction of Subsidiary Guarantor Incorporation or Organization I.R.S. Employer Identification Number Pinnacle Foods Corporation Delaware 22-3798975 Pinnacle Foods Brands Corporation Delaware 22-3800080 Pinnacle Foods Management Corporation Connecticut 06-1621894 PF Standards Corporation New Jersey 22-3805493 PF Sales (N. Central Region) Corp. Delaware 22-3850671 PF Sales, LLC Delaware 22-3805496 PF Distribution, LLC Delaware 22-3805495 Sea Coast Foods, Inc. Washington |
_________________ 2
ITEM 1. GENERAL INFORMATION.
Furnish the following information as to the trustee:
(a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.
Federal Deposit Insurance Co. State Bank Commissioner Five Penn Center Dover, Delaware Suite #2901 Philadelphia, PA |
(b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
ITEM 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH THE OBLIGOR.
If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each affiliation:
Based upon an examination of the books and records of the trustee and upon information furnished by the obligor, the obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee.
ITEM 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS.
List below all exhibits filed as part of this Statement of Eligibility and Qualification.
A. Copy of the Charter of Wilmington Trust Company, which includes the
certificate of authority of Wilmington Trust Company to commence
business and the authorization of Wilmington Trust Company to
exercise corporate trust powers.
B. Copy of By-Laws of Wilmington Trust Company.
C. Consent of Wilmington Trust Company required by Section 321(b) of Trust Indenture Act.
D. Copy of most recent Report of Condition of Wilmington Trust Company.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, has duly caused this Statement of Eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Wilmington and State of Delaware on the 29th day of July, 2004.
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
[SEAL] Attest: /s/ Margaret Pulgini By: /s/ Mary St. Amand ----------------------- ------------------------------- Assistant Secretary Name: Assistant Vice President Title: Vice President |
EXHIBIT A
AMENDED CHARTER
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
AS EXISTING ON MAY 9, 1987
AMENDED CHARTER
OR
ACT OF INCORPORATION
OF
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, originally incorporated by an Act of the General Assembly of the State of Delaware, entitled "An Act to Incorporate the Delaware Guarantee and Trust Company", approved March 2, A.D. 1901, and the name of which company was changed to "WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY" by an amendment filed in the Office of the Secretary of State on March 18, A.D. 1903, and the Charter or Act of Incorporation of which company has been from time to time amended and changed by merger agreements pursuant to the corporation law for state banks and trust companies of the State of Delaware, does hereby alter and amend its Charter or Act of Incorporation so that the same as so altered and amended shall in its entirety read as follows:
FIRST: - The name of this corporation is WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY.
SECOND: - The location of its principal office in the State of Delaware is at Rodney Square North, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle; the name of its resident agent is WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY whose address is Rodney Square North, in said City. In addition to such principal office, the said corporation maintains and operates branch offices in the City of Newark, New Castle County, Delaware, the Town of Newport, New Castle County, Delaware, at Claymont, New Castle County, Delaware, at Greenville, New Castle County Delaware, and at Milford Cross Roads, New Castle County, Delaware, and shall be empowered to open, maintain and operate branch offices at Ninth and Shipley Streets, 418 Delaware Avenue, 2120 Market Street, and 3605 Market Street, all in the City of Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware, and such other branch offices or places of business as may be authorized from time to time by the agency or agencies of the government of the State of Delaware empowered to confer such authority.
THIRD: - (a) The nature of the business and the objects and purposes proposed to be transacted, promoted or carried on by this Corporation are to do any or all of the things herein mentioned as fully and to the same extent as natural persons might or could do and in any part of the world, viz.:
(1) To sue and be sued, complain and defend in any Court of law or equity and to make and use a common seal, and alter the seal at pleasure, to hold, purchase, convey, mortgage or otherwise deal in real and personal estate and property, and to appoint such officers and agents as the business of the Corporation shall require, to make by-laws not inconsistent with the Constitution or laws of the United States or of this State, to discount bills, notes or other evidences of debt, to receive deposits of money, or securities for money, to buy gold and silver bullion and foreign coins, to buy and sell bills of exchange, and generally to use,
exercise and enjoy all the powers, rights, privileges and franchises incident to a corporation which are proper or necessary for the transaction of the business of the Corporation hereby created.
(2) To insure titles to real and personal property, or any estate or interests therein, and to guarantee the holder of such property, real or personal, against any claim or claims, adverse to his interest therein, and to prepare and give certificates of title for any lands or premises in the State of Delaware, or elsewhere.
(3) To act as factor, agent, broker or attorney in the receipt, collection, custody, investment and management of funds, and the purchase, sale, management and disposal of property of all descriptions, and to prepare and execute all papers which may be necessary or proper in such business.
(4) To prepare and draw agreements, contracts, deeds, leases, conveyances, mortgages, bonds and legal papers of every description, and to carry on the business of conveyancing in all its branches.
(5) To receive upon deposit for safekeeping money, jewelry, plate, deeds, bonds and any and all other personal property of every sort and kind, from executors, administrators, guardians, public officers, courts, receivers, assignees, trustees, and from all fiduciaries, and from all other persons and individuals, and from all corporations whether state, municipal, corporate or private, and to rent boxes, safes, vaults and other receptacles for such property.
(6) To act as agent or otherwise for the purpose of registering, issuing, certificating, countersigning, transferring or underwriting the stock, bonds or other obligations of any corporation, association, state or municipality, and may receive and manage any sinking fund therefor on such terms as may be agreed upon between the two parties, and in like manner may act as Treasurer of any corporation or municipality.
(7) To act as Trustee under any deed of trust, mortgage, bond or other instrument issued by any state, municipality, body politic, corporation, association or person, either alone or in conjunction with any other person or persons, corporation or corporations.
(8) To guarantee the validity, performance or effect of any contract or agreement, and the fidelity of persons holding places of responsibility or trust; to become surety for any person, or persons, for the faithful performance of any trust, office, duty, contract or agreement, either by itself or in conjunction with any other person, or persons, corporation, or corporations, or in like manner become surety upon any bond, recognizance, obligation, judgment, suit, order, or
decree to be entered in any court of record within the State of Delaware or elsewhere, or which may now or hereafter be required by any law, judge, officer or court in the State of Delaware or elsewhere.
(9) To act by any and every method of appointment as trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any other trust capacity in the receiving, holding, managing, and disposing of any and all estates and property, real, personal or mixed, and to be appointed as such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian or bailee by any persons, corporations, court, officer, or authority, in the State of Delaware or elsewhere; and whenever this Corporation is so appointed by any person, corporation, court, officer or authority such trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee, assignee in bankruptcy, executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, or in any other trust capacity, it shall not be required to give bond with surety, but its capital stock shall be taken and held as security for the performance of the duties devolving upon it by such appointment.
(10) And for its care, management and trouble, and the exercise of any of its powers hereby given, or for the performance of any of the duties which it may undertake or be called upon to perform, or for the assumption of any responsibility the said Corporation may be entitled to receive a proper compensation.
(11) To purchase, receive, hold and own bonds, mortgages, debentures, shares of capital stock, and other securities, obligations, contracts and evidences of indebtedness, of any private, public or municipal corporation within and without the State of Delaware, or of the Government of the United States, or of any state, territory, colony, or possession thereof, or of any foreign government or country; to receive, collect, receipt for, and dispose of interest, dividends and income upon and from any of the bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital stock, securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and other property held and owned by it, and to exercise in respect of all such bonds, mortgages, debentures, notes, shares of capital stock, securities, obligations, contracts, evidences of indebtedness and other property, any and all the rights, powers and privileges of individual owners thereof, including the right to vote thereon; to invest and deal in and with any of the moneys of the Corporation upon such securities and in such manner as it may think fit and proper, and from time to time to vary or realize such investments; to issue bonds and secure the same by pledges or deeds of trust or mortgages of or upon the whole or any part of the property held or owned by the Corporation, and to sell and pledge such bonds, as and when the Board of Directors shall determine, and in the promotion of its said corporate business of investment and to the extent authorized by law, to lease, purchase, hold, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, mortgage and convey real
and personal property of any name and nature and any estate or interest therein.
(b) In furtherance of, and not in limitation, of the powers conferred by the laws of the State of Delaware, it is hereby expressly provided that the said Corporation shall also have the following powers:
(1) To do any or all of the things herein set forth, to the same extent as natural persons might or could do, and in any part of the world.
(2) To acquire the good will, rights, property and franchises and to undertake the whole or any part of the assets and liabilities of any person, firm, association or corporation, and to pay for the same in cash, stock of this Corporation, bonds or otherwise; to hold or in any manner to dispose of the whole or any part of the property so purchased; to conduct in any lawful manner the whole or any part of any business so acquired, and to exercise all the powers necessary or convenient in and about the conduct and management of such business.
(3) To take, hold, own, deal in, mortgage or otherwise lien, and to lease, sell, exchange, transfer, or in any manner whatever dispose of property, real, personal or mixed, wherever situated.
(4) To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every kind with any person, firm, association or corporation, and, without limit as to amount, to draw, make, accept, endorse, discount, execute and issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures, and other negotiable or transferable instruments.
(5) To have one or more offices, to carry on all or any of its operations and businesses, without restriction to the same extent as natural persons might or could do, to purchase or otherwise acquire, to hold, own, to mortgage, sell, convey or otherwise dispose of, real and personal property, of every class and description, in any State, District, Territory or Colony of the United States, and in any foreign country or place.
(6) It is the intention that the objects, purposes and powers specified and clauses contained in this paragraph shall (except where otherwise expressed in said paragraph) be nowise limited or restricted by reference to or inference from the terms of any other clause of this or any other paragraph in this charter, but that the objects, purposes and powers specified in each of the clauses of this paragraph shall be regarded as independent objects, purposes and powers.
FOURTH: - (a) The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is forty-one million (41,000,000) shares, consisting of:
(1) One million (1,000,000) shares of Preferred stock, par value $10.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Preferred Stock"); and
(2) Forty million (40,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (hereinafter referred to as "Common Stock").
(b) Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors each of said series to be distinctly designated. All shares of any one series of Preferred Stock shall be alike in every particular, except that there may be different dates from which dividends, if any, thereon shall be cumulative, if made cumulative. The voting powers and the preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each such series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding; and, subject to the provisions of subparagraph 1 of Paragraph (c) of this Article FOURTH, the Board of Directors of the Corporation is hereby expressly granted authority to fix by resolution or resolutions adopted prior to the issuance of any shares of a particular series of Preferred Stock, the voting powers and the designations, preferences and relative, optional and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of such series, including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following:
(1) The distinctive designation of, and the number of shares of Preferred Stock which shall constitute such series, which number may be increased (except where otherwise provided by the Board of Directors) or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) from time to time by like action of the Board of Directors;
(2) The rate and times at which, and the terms and conditions on which, dividends, if any, on Preferred Stock of such series shall be paid, the extent of the preference or relation, if any, of such dividends to the dividends payable on any other class or classes, or series of the same or other class of stock and whether such dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative;
(3) The right, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such series to convert the same into or exchange the same for, shares of any other class or classes or of any series of the same or any other class or classes of stock of the Corporation and the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange;
(4) Whether or not Preferred Stock of such series shall be subject to redemption, and the redemption price or prices and the time or times at which, and the terms and conditions on which, Preferred Stock of such series may be redeemed.
(5) The rights, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock of such series upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, merger, consolidation, distribution or sale
of assets, dissolution or winding-up, of the Corporation.
(6) The terms of the sinking fund or redemption or purchase account, if any, to be provided for the Preferred Stock of such series; and
(7) The voting powers, if any, of the holders of such series of Preferred Stock which may, without limiting the generality of the foregoing include the right, voting as a series or by itself or together with other series of Preferred Stock or all series of Preferred Stock as a class, to elect one or more directors of the Corporation if there shall have been a default in the payment of dividends on any one or more series of Preferred Stock or under such circumstances and on such conditions as the Board of Directors may determine.
(c) (1) After the requirements with respect to preferential dividends on
the Preferred Stock (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section
(b) of this Article FOURTH), if any, shall have been met and after the
Corporation shall have complied with all the requirements, if any, with
respect to the setting aside of sums as sinking funds or redemption or
purchase accounts (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b)
of this Article FOURTH), and subject further to any conditions which may
be fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this Article
FOURTH, then and not otherwise the holders of Common Stock shall be
entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by
the Board of Directors.
(2) After distribution in full of the preferential amount, if any, (fixed in accordance with the provisions of section (b) of this Article FOURTH), to be distributed to the holders of Preferred Stock in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, distribution or sale of assets, dissolution or winding-up, of the Corporation, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of the remaining assets of the Corporation, tangible and intangible, of whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them respectively.
(3) Except as may otherwise be required by law or by the provisions of such resolution or resolutions as may be adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to section (b) of this Article FOURTH, each holder of Common Stock shall have one vote in respect of each share of Common Stock held on all matters voted upon by the stockholders.
(d) No holder of any of the shares of any class or series of stock or of options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any class or series of stock or of other securities of the Corporation shall have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of any class or series or any additional shares of any class or series to be issued by reason of any increase of the authorized capital stock of the Corporation of any class or series, or bonds, certificates of indebtedness, debentures or other securities
convertible into or exchangeable for stock of the Corporation of any class or series, or carrying any right to purchase stock of any class or series, but any such unissued stock, additional authorized issue of shares of any class or series of stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for stock, or carrying any right to purchase stock, may be issued and disposed of pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors to such persons, firms, corporations or associations, whether such holders or others, and upon such terms as may be deemed advisable by the Board of Directors in the exercise of its sole discretion.
(e) The relative powers, preferences and rights of each series of Preferred Stock in relation to the relative powers, preferences and rights of each other series of Preferred Stock shall, in each case, be as fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors in the resolution or resolutions adopted pursuant to authority granted in section (b) of this Article FOURTH and the consent, by class or series vote or otherwise, of the holders of such of the series of Preferred Stock as are from time to time outstanding shall not be required for the issuance by the Board of Directors of any other series of Preferred Stock whether or not the powers, preferences and rights of such other series shall be fixed by the Board of Directors as senior to, or on a parity with, the powers, preferences and rights of such outstanding series, or any of them; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may provide in the resolution or resolutions as to any series of Preferred Stock adopted pursuant to section (b) of this Article FOURTH that the consent of the holders of a majority (or such greater proportion as shall be therein fixed) of the outstanding shares of such series voting thereon shall be required for the issuance of any or all other series of Preferred Stock.
(f) Subject to the provisions of section (e), shares of any series of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such terms and for such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
(g) Shares of Common Stock may be issued from time to time as the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall determine and on such terms and for such consideration as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
(h) The authorized amount of shares of Common Stock and of Preferred Stock may, without a class or series vote, be increased or decreased from time to time by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.
FIFTH: - (a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be conducted and managed by a Board of Directors. The number of directors constituting the entire Board shall be not less than five nor more than twenty-five as fixed from time to time by vote of a majority of the whole Board, provided, however, that the number of directors shall not be reduced so as to shorten the term of any director at the time in
office, and provided further, that the number of directors constituting the whole Board shall be twenty-four until otherwise fixed by a majority of the whole Board.
(b) The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors constituting the whole Board permits, with the term of office of one class expiring each year. At the annual meeting of stockholders in 1982, directors of the first class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the next succeeding annual meeting, directors of the second class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the second succeeding annual meeting and directors of the third class shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting. Any vacancies in the Board of Directors for any reason, and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the directors, may be filled by the Board of Directors, acting by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, and any directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election of directors. At such election, the stockholders shall elect a successor to such director to hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until his successor shall be elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Charter or Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding the fact that some lesser percentage may be specified by law, this Charter or Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation), any director or the entire Board of Directors of the Corporation may be removed at any time without cause, but only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class) cast at a meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.
(d) Nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board of Directors or by any stockholder entitled to vote for the election of directors. Such nominations shall be made by notice in writing, delivered or mailed by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the Corporation not less than 14 days nor more than 50 days prior to any meeting of the stockholders called for the election of directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days' notice of the meeting is given to stockholders, such written notice shall be delivered or mailed, as prescribed, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the close of the seventh day following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed to stockholders. Notice of nominations which are proposed by the Board of Directors shall be given by the Chairman on behalf of the Board.
(e) Each notice under subsection (d) shall set forth (i) the name, age, business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee proposed in such notice, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such nominee and (iii) the number of shares of
stock of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by each such nominee.
(f) The Chairman of the meeting may, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.
(g) No action required to be taken or which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, and the power of stockholders to consent in writing, without a meeting, to the taking of any action is specifically denied.
SIXTH: - The Directors shall choose such officers, agents and servants as may be provided in the By-Laws as they may from time to time find necessary or proper.
SEVENTH: - The Corporation hereby created is hereby given the same powers, rights and privileges as may be conferred upon corporations organized under the Act entitled "An Act Providing a General Corporation Law", approved March 10, 1899, as from time to time amended.
EIGHTH: - This Act shall be deemed and taken to be a private Act.
NINTH: - This Corporation is to have perpetual existence.
TENTH: - The Board of Directors, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, may designate any of their number to constitute an Executive Committee, which Committee, to the extent provided in said resolution, or in the By-Laws of the Company, shall have and may exercise all of the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and shall have power to authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.
ELEVENTH: - The private property of the stockholders shall not be liable for the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatever.
TWELFTH: - The Corporation may transact business in any part of the world.
THIRTEENTH: - The Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation by a vote of the majority of the entire Board. The stockholders may make, alter or repeal any By-Law whether or not adopted by them, provided however, that any such additional By-Laws, alterations or repeal may be adopted only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class).
FOURTEENTH: - Meetings of the Directors may be held outside of the State of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time designated by the Board, and the Directors may keep the books of the Company outside of the State of Delaware at such places as may be from time to time designated by them.
FIFTEENTH: - (a) (1) In addition to any affirmative vote required by law, and except as otherwise expressly provided in sections (b) and (c) of this Article FIFTEENTH:
(A) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary (as hereinafter defined) with or into (i) any Interested Stockholder (as hereinafter defined) or (ii) any other corporation (whether or not itself an Interested Stockholder), which, after such merger or consolidation, would be an Affiliate (as hereinafter defined) of an Interested Stockholder, or
(B) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) to or with any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder of any assets of the Corporation or any Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, or
(C) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any Subsidiary (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of any securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary to any Interested Stockholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder in exchange for cash, securities or other property (or a combination thereof) having an aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more, or
(D) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation, or
(E) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any similar transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise involving an Interested Stockholder) which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly owned by any Interested Stockholder, or any Affiliate of any Interested Stockholder,
shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, considered for the purpose of this Article FIFTEENTH as one class ("Voting Shares"). Such affirmative vote shall be required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that some lesser percentage may be specified, by law or in any agreement with any national securities exchange or otherwise.
(2) The term "business combination" as used in this Article FIFTEENTH shall mean any transaction which is referred to in any one or more of clauses (A) through (E) of paragraph 1 of the section (a).
(b) The provisions of section (a) of this Article FIFTEENTH shall not be applicable to any particular business combination and such business combination shall require only such affirmative vote as is required by law and any other provisions of the Charter or Act of Incorporation or By-Laws if such business combination has been approved by a majority of the whole Board.
(c) For the purposes of this Article FIFTEENTH:
(1) A "person" shall mean any individual, firm, corporation or other entity.
(2) "Interested Stockholder" shall mean, in respect of any business combination, any person (other than the Corporation or any Subsidiary) who or which as of the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote on such business combination, or immediately prior to the consummation of any such transaction:
(A) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 10% of the Voting Shares, or
(B) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time within two years prior thereto was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of not less than 10% of the then outstanding voting Shares, or
(C) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded in any share of capital stock of the Corporation which were at any time within two years prior thereto beneficially owned by any Interested Stockholder, and such assignment or succession shall have occurred in the course of a transaction or series of transactions not involving a public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.
(3) A person shall be the "beneficial owner" of any Voting Shares:
(A) which such person or any of its Affiliates and Associates (as hereafter defined) beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or
(B) which such person or any of its Affiliates or Associates has (i) the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise,
or (ii) the right to vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or
(C) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other person with which such first mentioned person or any of its Affiliates or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any shares of capital stock of the Corporation.
(4) The outstanding Voting Shares shall include shares deemed owned through application of paragraph (3) above but shall not include any other Voting Shares which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options or otherwise.
(5) "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective meanings given those terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on December 31, 1981.
(6) "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which a majority of any class of equity security (as defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on December 31, 1981) is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation; provided, however, that for the purposes of the definition of Investment Stockholder set forth in paragraph (2) of this section (c), the term "Subsidiary" shall mean only a corporation of which a majority of each class of equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.
(d) majority of the directors shall have the power and duty to
determine for the purposes of this Article FIFTEENTH on the
basis of information known to them, (1) the number of Voting
Shares beneficially owned by any person (2) whether a person
is an Affiliate or Associate of another, (3) whether a person
has an agreement, arrangement or understanding with another as
to the matters referred to in paragraph (3) of section (c), or
(4) whether the assets subject to any business combination or
the consideration received for the issuance or transfer of
securities by the Corporation, or any Subsidiary has an
aggregate fair market value of $1,000,000 or more.
(e) Nothing contained in this Article FIFTEENTH shall be construed to relieve any Interested Stockholder from any fiduciary obligation imposed by law.
SIXTEENTH: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Charter or Act of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation (and in addition to any other vote that may be required by law, this Charter or Act of Incorporation by the By-Laws), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class) shall be required to amend, alter or repeal any
provision of Articles FIFTH, THIRTEENTH, FIFTEENTH or SIXTEENTH of this Charter or Act of Incorporation.
SEVENTEENTH: (a) a Director of this Corporation shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Laws as the same exists or may hereafter be amended.
(b) Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a Director of the Corporation existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification."
EXHIBIT B
BY-LAWS
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
AS EXISTING ON JANUARY 16, 2003
BY-LAWS OF WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS
Section 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held on the third Thursday in April each year at the principal office at the Company or at such other date, time or place as may be designated by resolution by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of stockholders may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President.
Section 3. Notice. Notice of all meetings of the stockholders shall be given by mailing to each stockholder at least ten (10) days before said meeting, at his last known address, a written or printed notice fixing the time and place of such meeting.
Section 4. Quorum. A majority in the amount of the capital stock of the Company issued and outstanding on the record date, as herein determined, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of stockholders for the transaction of any business, but the holders of a smaller number of shares may adjourn from time to time, without further notice, until a quorum is secured. At each annual or special meeting of stockholders, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote, either in person or by proxy, for each share of stock registered in the stockholder's name on the books of the Company on the record date for any such meeting as determined herein.
ARTICLE 2
DIRECTORS
Section 1. Management. The affairs and business of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Number. The authorized number of directors that shall constitute the Board of Directors shall be fixed from time to time by or pursuant to a resolution passed by a majority of the Board of Directors within the parameters set by the Charter of the Company. No more than two directors may also be employees of the Company or any affiliate thereof.
Section 3. Qualification. In addition to any other provisions of these Bylaws, to be qualified for nomination for election or appointment to the Board of Directors, a person must have not attained the age of sixty-nine years at the time of such election or appointment, provided however, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may waive such qualification as to a particular candidate otherwise qualified to serve as a director upon a good faith determination by such committee that such a waiver is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The
Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer shall not be qualified to continue to serve as directors upon the termination of their service in those offices for any reason.
Section 4. Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet at the principal office of the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the President.
Section 5. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, and shall be called upon the written request of a majority of the directors.
Section 6. Quorum. A majority of the directors elected and qualified shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 7. Notice. Written notice shall be sent by mail to each director of any special meeting of the Board of Directors, and of any change in the time or place of any regular meeting, stating the time and place of such meeting, which shall be mailed not less than two days before the time of holding such meeting.
Section 8. Vacancies. In the event of the death, resignation, removal, inability to act or disqualification of any director, the Board of Directors, although less than a quorum, shall have the right to elect the successor who shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred, and until such director's successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Section 9. Organization Meeting. The Board of Directors at its first meeting after its election by the stockholders shall appoint an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and shall elect from its own members a Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer and a President, who may be the same person. The Board of Directors shall also elect at such meeting a Secretary and a Chief Financial Officer, who may be the same person, and may appoint at any time such committees as it may deem advisable. The Board of Directors may also elect at such meeting one or more Associate Directors. The Board of Directors, the Executive Committee or another committee designated by the Board of Directors may elect or appoint such other officers as they may deem advisable.
Section 10. Removal. The Board of Directors may at any time remove, with or without cause, any member of any committee appointed by it or any associate director or officer elected by it and may appoint or elect his successor.
Section 11. Responsibility of Officers. The Board of Directors may designate an officer to be in charge of such departments or divisions of the Company as it may deem advisable.
Section 12. Participation in Meetings. The Board of Directors or any committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, by conference telephone, video facilities or other communications equipment. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all of the members of the Board of Directors or the committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of the Board of Directors or such committee.
ARTICLE 3
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Executive Committee.
(A) The Executive Committee shall be composed of not more than nine
(9) members, who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own
members, and who shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
(B) The Executive Committee shall have and may exercise, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all of the powers of the Board of Directors when it is not in session to transact all business for and on behalf of the Company that may be brought before it.
(C) The Executive Committee shall meet at the principal office of the Company or elsewhere in its discretion at such times to be determined by a majority of its members, or at the call of the Chairman of the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President. The majority of its members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be held at any time when a quorum is present.
(D) Minutes of each meeting of the Executive Committee shall be kept and submitted to the Board of Directors at its next meeting.
(E) In the event of an emergency of sufficient severity to prevent the conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company by its directors and officers as contemplated by these Bylaws, any two available members of the Executive Committee as constituted immediately prior to such emergency shall constitute a quorum of that Committee for the full conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company in accordance with the provisions of Article 3 of these Bylaws. In the event of the unavailability, at such time, of a minimum of two members of the Executive Committee, any three available directors shall constitute the Executive Committee for the full conduct and management of the affairs and business of the Company in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section. This Bylaw shall be subject to implementation by resolutions of the Board of Directors presently existing or hereafter passed from time to time for that purpose, and any provisions of these Bylaws (other than this Section) and any resolutions which are contrary
to the provisions of this Section or to the provisions of any such implementing resolutions shall be suspended during such a disaster period until it shall be determined by any interim Executive Committee acting under this Section that it shall be to the advantage of the Company to resume the conduct and management of its affairs and business under all of the other provisions of these Bylaws.
Section 2. Audit Committee.
(A) The Audit Committee shall be composed of not more than five (5)
members, who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members,
none of whom shall be an officer or employee of the Company, and shall hold
office at the pleasure of the Board.
(B) The Audit Committee shall have general supervision over the Audit Services Division in all matters however subject to the approval of the Board of Directors; it shall consider all matters brought to its attention by the officer in charge of the Audit Services Division, review all reports of examination of the Company made by any governmental agency or such independent auditor employed for that purpose, and make such recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect thereto or with respect to any other matters pertaining to auditing the Company as it shall deem desirable.
(C) The Audit Committee shall meet whenever and wherever its Chairperson, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a majority of the Committee's members shall deem it to be proper for the transaction of its business. A majority of the Committee's members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The acts of the majority at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute action by the Committee.
Section 3. Compensation Committee.
(A) The Compensation Committee shall be composed of not more than five (5) members, who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members, none of whom shall be an officer or employee of the Company, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
(B) The Compensation Committee shall in general advise upon all matters of policy concerning compensation, including salaries and employee benefits.
(C) The Compensation Committee shall meet whenever and wherever its Chairperson, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a majority of the Committee's members shall deem it to be proper for the transaction of its business. A majority of the Committee's members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The acts of the majority at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute action by the Committee.
SECTION 4. NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE.
(A) The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall be composed of not more than five members, who shall be selected by the Board of Directors from its own members, none of whom shall be an officer or employee of the Company, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
(B) The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall provide counsel and make recommendations to the Chairman of the Board and the full Board with respect to the performance of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, candidates for membership on the Board of Directors and its committees, matters of corporate governance, succession planning for the Company's executive management and significant shareholder relations issues.
(C) The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall meet whenever and wherever its Chairperson, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or a majority of the Committee's members shall deem it to be proper for the transaction of its business. A majority of the Committee's members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The acts of the majority at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute action by the Committee.
Section 5. Other Committees. The Company may have such other committees with such powers as the Board may designate from time to time by resolution or by an amendment to these Bylaws.
Section 6. Associate Directors.
(A) Any person who has served as a director may be elected by the Board of Directors as an associate director, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
(B) Associate directors shall be entitled to attend all meetings of directors and participate in the discussion of all matters brought to the Board of Directors, but will not have a right to vote.
Section 7. Absence or Disqualification of Any Member of a Committee. In the absence or disqualification of any member of any committee created under Article III of these Bylaws, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.
ARTICLE 4
OFFICERS
Section 1. Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and shall have such further authority and powers and shall perform such duties the Board of Directors may assign to him from time to time.
Section 2. Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall have the powers and duties pertaining to the office of Chief Executive Officer conferred or imposed upon him by statute, incident to his office or as the Board of Directors may assign to him from time to time. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall have the powers and duties of the Chairman of the Board.
Section 3. President. The President shall have the powers and duties pertaining to the office of the President conferred or imposed upon him by statute, incident to his office or as the Board of Directors may assign to him from time to time. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, the President shall have the powers and duties of the Chairman of the Board.
Section 4. Duties. The Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, as designated by the Board of Directors, shall carry into effect all legal directions of the Executive Committee and of the Board of Directors and shall at all times exercise general supervision over the interest, affairs and operations of the Company and perform all duties incident to his office.
Section 5. Vice Presidents. There may be one or more Vice Presidents, however denominated by the Board of Directors, who may at any time perform all of the duties of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and/or the President and such other powers and duties incident to their respective offices or as the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President or the officer in charge of the department or division to which they are assigned may assign to them from time to time.
Section 6. Secretary. The Secretary shall attend to the giving of notice of meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors, as well as the committees thereof, to the keeping of accurate minutes of all such meetings, recording the same in the minute books of the Company and in general notifying the Board of Directors of material matters affecting the Company on a timely basis. In addition to the other notice requirements of these Bylaws and as may be practicable under the circumstances, all such notices shall be in writing and mailed well in advance of the scheduled date of any such meeting. He shall have custody of the corporate seal, affix the same to any documents requiring such corporate seal, attest the same and perform other duties incident to his office.
Section 7. Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall have general supervision over all assets and liabilities of the Company. He shall be custodian of and responsible for all monies, funds and valuables of the Company and for the keeping of proper records of the evidence of property or indebtedness and of all transactions of the Company. He shall have general supervision of the expenditures of the Company and periodically shall report to the Board of Directors the condition of the Company, and perform such other duties incident to his office or as the
Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President may assign to him from time to time.
Section 8. Controller. There may be a Controller who shall exercise general supervision over the internal operations of the Company, including accounting, and shall render to the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee at appropriate times a report relating to the general condition and internal operations of the Company and perform other duties incident to his office.
There may be one or more subordinate accounting or controller officers however denominated, who may perform the duties of the Controller and such duties as may be prescribed by the Controller.
Section 9. Audit Officers. The officer designated by the Board of Directors to be in charge of the Audit Services Division of the Company, with such title as the Board of Directors shall prescribe, shall report to and be directly responsible to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.
There shall be an Auditor and there may be one or more Audit Officers, however denominated, who may perform all the duties of the Auditor and such duties as may be prescribed by the officer in charge of the Audit Services Division.
Section 10. Other Officers. There may be one or more officers, subordinate in rank to all Vice Presidents with such functional titles as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors, who shall ex officio hold the office of Assistant Secretary of the Company and who may perform such duties as may be prescribed by the officer in charge of the department or division to which they are assigned.
Section 11. Powers and Duties of Other Officers. The powers and duties of all other officers of the Company shall be those usually pertaining to their respective offices, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President and the officer in charge of the department or division to which they are assigned.
Section 12. Number of Offices. Any one or more offices of the Company may be held by the same person, except that (A) no individual may hold more than one of the offices of Chief Financial Officer, Controller or Audit Officer and (B) none of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President may hold any office mentioned in Section 12(A).
ARTICLE 5
STOCK AND STOCK CERTIFICATES
Section 1. Transfer. Shares of stock shall be transferable on the books of the Company and a transfer book shall be kept in which all transfers of stock shall be recorded.
Section 2. Certificates. Every holder of stock shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by or in the name of the Company by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President or a Vice President, and by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, certifying the number of shares owned by him in the Company. The corporate seal affixed thereto, and any of or all the signatures on the certificate, may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Company with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue. Duplicate certificates of stock shall be issued only upon giving such security as may be satisfactory to the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.
Section 3. Record Date. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix in advance a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, any meeting of stockholders and any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or to any allotment of rights, or to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of capital stock, or in connection with obtaining the consent of stockholders for any purpose, which record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days preceding the date of any meeting of stockholders or the date for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the allotment of rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock shall go into effect, or a date in connection with obtaining such consent.
ARTICLE 6
SEAL
The corporate seal of the Company shall be in the following form:
Between two concentric circles the words "Wilmington Trust Company" within the inner circle the words "Wilmington, Delaware."
ARTICLE 7
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Company shall be the calendar year.
ARTICLE 8
EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS OF THE COMPANY
The Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President, however denominated by the Board of Directors, shall have full power and authority to enter into, make, sign, execute, acknowledge and/or deliver and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary shall have full power and authority to attest and affix the corporate seal of the Company to any and all deeds, conveyances, assignments, releases, contracts, agreements, bonds, notes, mortgages and all other instruments incident to the business of this Company or in acting as executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, agent or in any other fiduciary or representative capacity by any and every method of appointment or by whatever person, corporation, court officer or authority in the State of Delaware, or elsewhere, without any specific authority, ratification, approval or confirmation by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, and any and all such instruments shall have the same force and validity as though expressly authorized by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE 9
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES
Directors and associate directors of the Company, other than salaried officers of the Company, shall be paid such reasonable honoraria or fees for attending meetings of the Board of Directors as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. Directors and associate directors who serve as members of committees, other than salaried employees of the Company, shall be paid such reasonable honoraria or fees for services as members of committees as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine and directors and associate directors may be authorized by the Company to perform such special services as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine in accordance with any guidelines the Board of Directors may adopt for such services, and shall be paid for such special services so performed reasonable compensation as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE 10
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. Persons Covered. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "proceeding") by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal representative, is or was a director of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity that is not a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably incurred by such person. The Company shall be required to indemnify such a person in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person only if the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors.
The Company may indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any proceeding by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal representative, is or was an officer, employee or agent of the Company or a director, officer, employee or agent of a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably incurred by such person. The Company may indemnify any such person in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Advance of Expenses. The Company shall pay the expenses incurred in defending any proceeding involving a person who is or may be indemnified pursuant to Section 1 in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that the payment of expenses incurred by such a person in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by that person to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article 10 or otherwise.
Section 3. Certain Rights. If a claim under this Article 10 for (A) payment of expenses or (B) indemnification by a director or person who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity that is not a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, is not paid in full within sixty days after a written claim therefor has been received by the Company, the claimant may file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such action, the Company shall have the burden of proving that the claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of expenses under applicable law.
Section 4. Non-Exclusive. The rights conferred on any person by this Article 10 shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Charter or Act of Incorporation, these Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
Section 5. Reduction of Amount. The Company's obligation, if any, to indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity shall be reduced by any amount such person may collect as indemnification from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity.
Section 6. Effect of Modification. Any amendment, repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article 10 shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such amendment, repeal or modification.
ARTICLE 11
AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, and any new Bylaw or Bylaws adopted at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors by a vote of a majority of all the members of the Board of Directors then in office.
ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS
Whenever used in these Bylaws, the singular shall include the plural, the plural shall include the singular unless the context requires otherwise and the use of either gender shall include both genders.
EXHIBIT C
SECTION 321(b) CONSENT
Pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, Wilmington Trust Company hereby consents that reports of examinations by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon requests therefor.
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Dated: July 29, 2004 By: /s/ Mary St. Amand --------------------------- Name: Mary St. Amand Title: Assistant Vice President |
EXHIBIT D
NOTICE
This form is intended to assist state nonmember banks and savings banks with state publication requirements. It has not been approved by any state banking authorities. Refer to your appropriate state banking authorities for your state publication requirements.
R E P O R T O F C O N D I T I O N
Consolidating domestic subsidiaries of the
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY of WILMINGTON ----------------------------------- --------------- Name of Bank City |
in the State of DELAWARE , at the close of business on March 31, 2004.
Thousands of dollars ASSETS Cash and balances due from depository institutions: Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coins.............................................. 173,842 Interest-bearing balances........................................................................ 0 Held-to-maturity securities............................................................................... 3,355 Available-for-sale securities............................................................................. 1,624,384 Federal funds sold in domestic offices.................................................................... 485,666 Securities purchased under agreements to resell........................................................... 13,700 Loans and lease financing receivables: Loans and leases held for sale...................... 0 Loans and leases, net of unearned income............ 5,839,156 LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses.......... 80,750 Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve................................. 5,758,406 Assets held in trading accounts........................................................................... 0 Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases).................................................. 141,663 Other real estate owned................................................................................... 1,061 Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies....................................... 1,755 Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding.............................................. 0 Intangible assets: a. Goodwill..................................................................................... 157 b. Other intangible assets...................................................................... 11,615 Other assets.............................................................................................. 151,998 Total assets.............................................................................................. 8,367,602 |
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
LIABILITIES Deposits: In domestic offices....................................................................................... 6,716,153 Noninterest-bearing................ 1,056,474 Interest-bearing................... 5,659,679 Federal funds purchased in domestic offices............................................................... 79,544 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase............................................................ 190,877 Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D).................................................................. 0 Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases:............ 596,427 Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding.................................................. 0 Subordinated notes and debentures......................................................................... 0 Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G).................................................................... 116,370 Total liabilities......................................................................................... 7,699,371 EQUITY CAPITAL Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus............................................................. 0 Common Stock.............................................................................................. 500 Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).................................................. 112,358 a. Retained earnings..................................................................................... 565,939 b. Accumulated other comprehensive income.............................................................. (10,566) Total equity capital...................................................................................... 668,231 Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital....................................... 8,367,602 |
EXHIBIT 99.1
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
FOR
8 1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013
OF
PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON , 2004 (THE "EXPIRATION DATE"), UNLESS EXTENDED.
The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
For Delivery by Hand, Overnight Delivery, Registered or Certified Mail:
Wilmington Trust Company
1100 North Market Street
Rodney Square North
Wilmington, Delaware 19890
Attention: Mary St. Amand
By Facsimile Transmission
(for eligible institutions only):
(302) 636-4145
Attention: Mary St. Amand
To Confirm by Telephone or for Information Call:
(302) 636-6436
Attention: Mary St. Amand
Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal to an Address other than as set forth above or transmission via facsimile to a number other than as set forth above does not constitute a valid delivery.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Prospectus dated , 2004 (the "Prospectus") of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (the "Issuer"), and this Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), which together describe the Issuer's offer (the "Exchange Offer") to exchange its 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "Exchange Notes"), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), for an equal aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, which were issued on November 25, 2003 and February 20, 2004 (the "Old Notes" and, together with the Exchange Notes, the "Notes") from the holders thereof.
The terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all material respects (including principal amount, interest rate and maturity) to the terms of the Old Notes for which they may be exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer, except that the Exchange Notes are freely tradable by holders thereof (except as provided herein or in the Prospectus).
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning given them in the Prospectus.
YOUR BANK OR BROKER CAN ASSIST YOU IN COMPLETING THIS FORM. THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MUST BE FOLLOWED. QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
The undersigned has checked the appropriate boxes below and signed this Letter of Transmittal to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take with respect to the Exchange Offer.
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND
THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE CHECKING ANY BOX BELOW.
List below the Old Notes to which this Letter of Transmittal relates. If the space provided below is inadequate, the certificate numbers and aggregate principal amounts should be listed on a separate signed schedule affixed hereto.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DESCRIPTION OF OLD NOTES TENDERED HEREWITH --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REGISTERED HOLDER(S) CERTIFICATE AMOUNT REPRESENTED PRINCIPAL AMOUNT (PLEASE FILL IN) NUMBER(S)* BY OLD NOTES* TENDERED** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- Total --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Need not be completed by book-entry holders. ** Unless otherwise indicated, the holder will be deemed to have tendered the full aggregate principal amount represented by such Old Notes. See instruction 2. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Holders of Old Notes whose Old Notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver all other required documents to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date or who cannot complete the procedures for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, must tender their Old Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the term "holder" for purposes of this Letter of Transmittal means any person in whose name Old Notes are registered or any other person who has obtained a properly completed bond power from the registered holder or any person whose Old Notes are held of record by The Depository Trust Company ("DTC").
If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of Exchange Notes. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. A broker-dealer may not participate in the Exchange Offer with
respect to Old Notes acquired other than as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. Any holder who is an "affiliate" of the Issuer or who has an arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the Exchange Notes to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer, or any broker-dealer who purchased Old Notes from the Issuer to resell pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or any other available exemption under the Securities Act must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements under the Securities Act.
[ ] CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
[ ] CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
SPECIAL EXCHANGE INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 3, 4 AND 5)
To be completed ONLY if certificates for Old Notes in a principal amount not tendered, or Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Old Notes accepted for exchange, are to be issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned.
Issue certificate(s) to:
SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 3, 4 AND 5)
To be completed ONLY if certificates for Old Notes in a principal amount not tendered, or Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Old Notes accepted for exchange, are to be sent to someone other than the undersigned, or to the undersigned at an address other than that shown above.
Deliver Certificate(s) to:
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby tenders to the Issuer the principal amount of the Old Notes indicated above. Subject to, and effective upon, the acceptance for exchange of all or any portion of the Old Notes tendered herewith in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including, if the Exchange Offer is extended or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension or amendment), the undersigned hereby exchanges, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Issuer all right, title and interest in and to such Old Notes as are being tendered herewith. The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as its true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned (with full knowledge that the Exchange Agent also acts as the agent of the Issuer, in connection with the Exchange Offer) to cause the Old Notes to be assigned, transferred and exchanged.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it has full power and authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the Old Notes and to acquire Exchange Notes issuable upon the exchange of such tendered Old Notes, and that, when the same are accepted for exchange, the Issuer will acquire good and unencumbered title to the tendered Old Notes, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim. The undersigned and any beneficial owner of the Old Notes tendered hereby further represent and warrant that (i) the Exchange Notes acquired by the undersigned and any such beneficial owner of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being obtained in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such Exchange Notes, (ii) neither the undersigned nor any such beneficial owner has an arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution of such Exchange Notes, (iii) neither the undersigned nor any such beneficial owner nor any such other person is engaging in or intends to engage in a distribution of such Exchange Notes and (iv) neither the undersigned nor any such other person is an "affiliate," as defined under Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act, of the Issuer. The undersigned and each beneficial owner acknowledge and agree that any person who is an affiliate of the Issuer or who tenders in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale transaction of the Exchange Notes acquired by such person and may not rely on the position of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission set forth in the no-action letters discussed in the Prospectus under the caption "The exchange offer -- Purpose and effect of the exchange offer." The undersigned and each beneficial owner will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Exchange Agent or the Issuer to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Old Notes tendered hereby.
For purposes of the Exchange Offer, the Issuer shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Old Notes when, as and if the Issuer has given oral notice (confirmed in writing) or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent.
If any tendered Old Notes are not accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer because of an invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth in the Prospectus or otherwise, any such unaccepted Old Notes will be returned, without expense, to the undersigned at the address shown below or at a different address as may be indicated herein under "Special Delivery Instructions" as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date.
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned and every obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned.
The undersigned understands that tenders of Old Notes pursuant to the procedures described under the caption "The exchange offer -- Procedures for tendering" in the Prospectus and in the instructions hereto will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Issuer upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, subject only to withdrawal of such tenders on the terms set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "The exchange offer -- Withdrawal of tenders."
Unless otherwise indicated under "Special Exchange Instructions," please cause the Exchange Notes to be issued, and return any Old Notes not tendered or not accepted for exchange, in the name(s) of the undersigned (and, in the case of Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer, by credit to the account at DTC). Similarly unless otherwise indicated under "Special Delivery Instructions," please mail any certificates for Old Notes not tendered or not accepted for exchange (and accompanying documents, as appropriate), and any certificates for Exchange Notes, to the undersigned at the address shown below the undersigned's signature(s). If both "Special Exchange Instructions" and "Special Delivery Instructions" are completed, please cause the Exchange Notes to be issued, and return any Old Notes not tendered or not accepted for exchange, in the name(s) of, and deliver any certificates for such Old Notes or Exchange Notes to, the person(s) so indicated (and in the case of Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer, by credit to the account at DTC so indicated). The undersigned recognizes that the Issuer has no obligation, pursuant to the "Special Exchange Instructions," to transfer any Old Notes from the name of the registered holder(s) thereof if the Issuer does not accept for exchange any of the Old Notes so tendered.
Holders of Old Notes whose Old Notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver all other required documents to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date or who cannot complete the procedures for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, must tender their Old Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus.
TENDERING HOLDER(S) SIGN HERE
-------------------------------------- Date: -----------------------------------
-------------------------------------- Date: -----------------------------------
(SIGNATURE OF REGISTERED HOLDER(S) OR AUTHORIZED
SIGNATORY)
(Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on certificate(s) for Old Notes hereby tendered or in whose name Old Notes are registered on the books of DTC or one of its participants, or by any person(s) authorized to become the registered holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth the full title of such person. See instruction 3.)
GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
(IF REQUIRED -- SEE INSTRUCTION 3)
Dated: ------------------------------ , 2004
INSTRUCTIONS
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
1. DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTIFICATES; GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES.
A holder of Old Notes may tender the same by (i) properly completing, dating and signing this Letter of Transmittal or a facsimile hereof (all references in the Prospectus to the Letter of Transmittal shall be deemed to include a facsimile thereof) and mailing or delivering the same, together with the certificate or certificates, if applicable, representing the Old Notes being tendered and any required signature guarantees and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, to the Exchange Agent at its address set forth above prior to the Expiration Date, or (ii) complying with the procedure for book-entry transfer described below, or (iii) complying with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.
Holders of Old Notes may tender Old Notes by book-entry transfer by crediting the Old Notes to the Exchange Agent's account at DTC in accordance with DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP") and by complying with applicable ATOP procedures with respect to the Exchange Offer. DTC participants that are accepting the Exchange Offer should transmit their acceptance to DTC, which will edit and verify the acceptance and execute a book-entry delivery to the Exchange Agent's account at DTC. DTC will then send a computer-generated message (an "Agent's Message") to the Exchange Agent for its acceptance in which the holder of the Old Notes acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the terms of, and makes the representations and warranties contained in, this Letter of Transmittal; the DTC participant confirms on behalf of itself and the beneficial owners of such Old Notes all provisions of this Letter of Transmittal (including any representations and warranties) applicable to it and such beneficial owner as fully as if it had completed the information required herein and executed and transmitted this Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent. Delivery of the Agent's Message by DTC will satisfy the terms of the Exchange Offer as to execution and delivery of a Letter of Transmittal by the participant identified in the Agent's Message. DTC participants may also accept the Exchange Offer by submitting a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery through ATOP.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF OLD NOTES, THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS AT THE HOLDER'S ELECTION AND RISK. RATHER THAN MAIL THESE ITEMS, WE RECOMMEND THAT HOLDERS USE AN OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY SERVICE. IN ALL CASES, HOLDERS SHOULD ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO ASSURE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE. HOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND US THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR OLD NOTES. HOLDERS MAY REQUEST THEIR RESPECTIVE BROKERS, DEALERS, COMMERCIAL BANKS, TRUST COMPANIES OR OTHER NOMINEES TO EFFECT THE ABOVE TRANSACTIONS FOR THEM.
Holders whose Old Notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver
their Old Notes and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent on or
prior to the Expiration Date or comply with book-entry transfer procedures on a
timely basis must tender their Old Notes pursuant to the guaranteed delivery
procedure set forth in the Prospectus. Pursuant to such procedure: (i) such
tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution (as defined below);
(ii) on or prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent must have received
from such Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed notice of
guaranteed delivery by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery or a
properly transmitted Agent's Message and notice of guaranteed delivery setting
forth the name and address of the tendering holder, the registered numbers of
the Old Notes, the principal amount of Old Notes tendered; stating that the
tender is being made thereby, and guaranteeing that, within three (3) New York
Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date, this Letter of
Transmittal or facsimile thereof
together with the Old Notes or a book-entry confirmation, and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal will be deposited by the eligible institution with the exchange agent; and (iii) all tendered Old Notes (or a confirmation of any book-entry transfer of such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at a book-entry transfer facility) as well as this Letter of Transmittal and all other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date, all as provided in the Prospectus.
No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tenders will be accepted. All tendering holders, by execution of this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), shall waive any right to receive notice of the acceptance of the Old Notes for exchange.
2. PARTIAL TENDERS; WITHDRAWALS.
If less than the entire principal amount of Old Notes evidenced by a submitted certificate is tendered, the tendering holder must fill in the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes tendered in the box entitled "Description of Old Notes Tendered Herewith." A newly issued certificate for the Old Notes submitted but not tendered will be sent to such holder as soon as practicable after the Expiration Date. All Old Notes delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise clearly indicated.
A tender pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date.
To be effective with respect to the tender of Old Notes, (i) a written
notice of withdrawal, which notice may be by telegram, telex, facsimile
transmission or letter, must be received by the Exchange Agent at the address
for the Exchange Agent set forth above; or (ii) holders must comply with the
appropriate procedures of DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program system. For a
notice of withdrawal to be effective, it must (i) specify the name of the person
who tendered the Old Notes to be withdrawn; (ii) identify the Old Notes to be
withdrawn (including the principal amount of such Old Notes, or, if applicable,
the serial numbers shown on the particular certificates evidencing such Old
Notes and the principal amount of Old Notes represented by such certificates);
(iii) where certificates for Old Notes have been transmitted, specify the name
in which such Old Notes were registered, if different from that of the
withdrawing holder; (iv) include a statement that such holder is withdrawing its
election to have such Old Notes exchanged; and (v) be signed by the holder in
the same manner as the original signature on this Letter of Transmittal (with
signatures guaranteed by an eligible institution unless such holder is an
eligible institution). The Exchange Agent will return the properly withdrawn Old
Notes promptly following receipt of notice of withdrawal. If Old Notes have been
tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer, any notice of
withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited
with the withdrawn Old Notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of such
facility. All questions as to the validity of notices of withdrawals, including
time of receipt, will be determined by the Issuer, and such determination will
be final and binding on all parties.
Any Old Notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the Exchange Offer. Any Old Notes which have been tendered for exchange but which are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to the holder thereof without cost to such holder (or, in the case of Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC pursuant to the procedures described above, such Old Notes will be credited to an account maintained with DTC for Old Notes) promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Old Notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under the caption "The exchange offer -- Procedures for tendering" in the Prospectus at any time prior to the Expiration Date.
3. SIGNATURE ON THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL; WRITTEN INSTRUMENTS AND ENDORSEMENTS; GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES.
If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Old Notes tendered hereby, the signature must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of the certificates without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
If any of the Old Notes tendered hereby are owned of record by two or more joint owners, all such owners must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
If a number of Old Notes registered in different names are tendered, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate copies of this Letter of Transmittal as there are different registrations of Old Notes.
When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder or holders (which term, for the purposes described herein, shall include DTC) of Old Notes listed and tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate written instruments of transfer or exchange are required unless Exchange Notes issued in exchange therefor are to be issued, or Old Notes are not tendered or not exchanged are to be returned, in the name of any person other than the registered holder. Signatures on any such certificates or separate written instruments of transfer or exchange must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or another "eligible institution" within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, unless the Old Notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on this Letter of Transmittal or (ii) for the account of an eligible institution.
If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of any Old Notes listed on the Old Notes, such Old Notes must be endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power. The bond power must be signed by the registered holder as the registered holder's name appears on the Old Notes and an eligible institution must guarantee the signature on the bond power.
If this Letter of Transmittal or any Old Notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing. Unless waived by us, they should also submit evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to deliver this Letter of Transmittal.
4. SPECIAL EXCHANGE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS.
Tendering holders should indicate, as applicable, the name and address to which the Exchange Notes or certificates for Old Notes not tendered or not accepted for exchange are to be issued or sent, if different from the name and address of the person signing this Letter of Transmittal. In the case of issuance in a different name, the tax identification number of the person named must also be indicated. Holders tendering Old Notes by book-entry transfer may request that Old Notes not exchanged be credited to such account maintained at the book-entry transfer facility as such holder may designate.
5. TRANSFER TAXES.
The Issuer shall pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of Old Notes under the Exchange Offer. If, however, certificates representing Old Notes for principal amounts not tendered or
accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of any person other than the registered holder of the Old Notes tendered hereby, or if tendered Old Notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing this Letter of Transmittal, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes under the Exchange Offer, the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes is not submitted herewith, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed to that tendering holder.
6. WAIVER OF CONDITIONS.
The Issuer reserves the absolute right to waive, in whole or in part, any of the conditions to the Exchange Offer set forth in the Prospectus.
7. MUTILATED, LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED SECURITIES.
Any holder whose Old Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, should contact the Exchange Agent at the address indicated above for further instructions.
8. IRREGULARITIES.
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), and acceptance of Letters of Transmittals or Old Notes will be resolved by the Issuers whose determination will be final and binding. The Issuer reserves the absolute right to reject any or all Letters of Transmittal or tenders that are not in proper form or the acceptance of which would, in the opinion of the Issuer's counsel, be unlawful. The Issuer also reserves the right to waive any irregularities or conditions of tender as to the particular Old Notes covered by any Letter of Transmittal or tendered pursuant to such letter. None of the Issuer, the Exchange Agent or any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or incur any liability for failure to give any such notification. The Issuer's interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer shall be final and binding.
9. SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9.
Each holder of Old Notes whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange (or other payee) is required to provide a correct taxpayer identification number ("TIN"), generally the holder's Social Security or federal employer identification number, and certain other information, on Substitute Form W-9, which is provided under "Important Tax Information" below, and to certify that the holder (or other payee) is not subject to backup withholding. Failure to provide the information on the Substitute Form W-9 may subject the holder (or other payee) to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service and 28% federal income tax backup withholding on payments made in connection with the Old Notes. The box in Part 3 of the Substitute Form W-9 may be checked if the holder (or other payee) has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a TIN or intends to apply for a TIN in the near future. If the box in Part 3 is checked and a TIN is not provided by the time any payment is made in connection with the Old Notes, 28% of all such payments will be withheld until a TIN is provided.
10. REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL COPIES.
Questions relating to the procedure for tendering, as well as requests for additional copies of the Prospectus and this Letter of Transmittal, may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address and telephone number set forth above. In addition, all questions relating to the Exchange Offer, as well as requests for assistance or additional copies of the Prospectus and this Letter of Transmittal, may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address and telephone number indicated above.
IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR A FACSIMILE OR COPY THEREOF (TOGETHER WITH CERTIFICATES OF OLD NOTES OR CONFIRMATION OF BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS) OR A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION
SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
Each tendering holder or other payee ("Payee") that is a U.S. Person is required to provide a correct taxpayer identification number ("TIN") and certain other information on Substitute Form W-9, which is provided below. If the Payee is receiving payment for a tendered Note, the Payee must certify that the Payee is not subject to backup withholding by signing and dating the Form pursuant to the instructions in Part 3. A taxpayer's TIN generally is the taxpayer's Social Security or federal Employer Identification Number.
If the tendering Payee has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a TIN or intends to apply for a TIN in the near future write "APPLIED FOR" in Part I. In such case if a TIN has not been provided by the time of payment, tax will be withheld on all payments, until a TIN is provided.
Certain Payees, including, among others, all corporations, are not subject to backup withholding tax. See the enclosed "Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9" for additional information. Such Payees should enter the correct TIN in Part 1 of the Substitute Form W-9, check the box in Part 2 of the Substitute W-9 and sign and date form.
Payments to a Payee that is not a U.S. Person will not be subject to backup withholding tax if the Payee submits a properly completely IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8 EXP or IRS Form W-8IMY.
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO FILE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
Failure to provide the information on the Substitute Form W-9 may subject the Payee to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenues Service and federal income tax backup withholding on any payment. Backup withholding is not an additional Federal income tax. Rather, the Federal income tax liability of a person subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, the Payee may claim a refund from the Internal Revenue Service.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SUBSTITUTE PART 1 -- PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN IN THE BOX Social Security Number(s) OR FORM W-9 AT RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND DATING Employer Identification Number(s) BELOW --------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY PART 2 -- For payees exempt from backup withholding, check the following box [ ]. INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE PAYOR'S REQUEST FOR PART 3 -- Under penalties of perjury, I certify that: TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION (1) The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I NUMBER (TIN) AND am waiting for a number to be issued for me); CERTIFICATION (2) I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding; (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends; or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding; and (3) I am a U.S. Person (including a U.S. resident alien). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS -- You must cross out item (2) above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because of under reporting interest or dividends on your tax returns. Signature: ------------------------------------------ Date: -------------------- Name: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (PLEASE PRINT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN A $50 PENALTY
IMPOSED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 30% OF
THE VALUE OF DEBT/EQUITY SECURITIES OR 10% SENIOR SECURED NOTES, AS
APPLICABLE, DELIVERABLE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND THE
CONSENT SOLICITATION. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR
CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER INDEMNIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU WROTE "APPLIED FOR" INSTEAD
OF A TIN IN THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9.
CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not been issued to me, and either (i) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office or (ii) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number in the near future 28% of all reportable payments made to me will be withheld until a taxpayer identification number is provided.
Signature: ------------------------------ Date: -------------------------
Name: --------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PLEASE PRINT)
EXHIBIT 99.2
NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
FOR
TENDER OF ALL OUTSTANDING
8 1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013
IN EXCHANGE FOR
NEW 8 1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013
OF
PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.
Registered holders of outstanding 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (the "Old Notes") who wish to tender their Old Notes in exchange for a like principal amount of new 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Exchange Notes"), and whose Old Notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their Old Notes and Letter of Transmittal (and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal) to Wilmington Trust Company (the "Exchange Agent") prior to the Expiration Date, may use this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery or one substantially equivalent hereto. This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand or sent by facsimile transmission (receipt confirmed by telephone and an original delivered by guaranteed overnight courier) or mail to the Exchange Agent. See "The exchange offer -- Procedures for tendering" in the Prospectus dated , 2004 of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (the "Prospectus").
The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY:
For Delivery by Hand, Overnight Delivery, By Facsimile Transmission Registered or Certified Mail: (for eligible institutions only): Wilmington Trust Company (302) 636-4145 1100 North Market Street Attention: Mary St. Amand Rodney Square North Wilmington, Delaware 19890 To Confirm by Telephone Attention: Mary St. Amand or for Information Call: (302) 636-6436 Attention: Mary St. Amand |
Delivery of this notice of guaranteed delivery to an address other than as set forth above or transmission via facsimile to a number other than as set forth above does not constitute a valid delivery.
This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is not to be used to guarantee signatures. If a signature on a Letter of Transmittal is required to be guaranteed by an eligible institution (as defined in the Prospectus), such signature guarantee must appear in the applicable space provided on the Letter of Transmittal for Guarantee of Signatures.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders for exchange to Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (the "Issuer"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the principal amount of Old Notes set forth below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "The exchange offer -- Guaranteed delivery procedures."
The undersigned understands and acknowledges that the Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2004, unless extended by the Issuer. The term "Expiration Date" shall mean 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2004 unless the Exchange Offer is extended as provided in the Prospectus, in which case the term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date and time to which the Exchange Offer is extended.
All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred by this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery shall survive the death, incapacity or dissolution of the undersigned, and every obligation of the undersigned under this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery shall be binding upon the undersigned's heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns.
SIGNATURE
------------------------------------------------------------ Date: ----------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ Date: ----------------------------- (SIGNATURE(S) OF HOLDER(S) OR AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY) |
Area Code and Telephone Number: ( __ ) __ - ___
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY (NOT TO BE USED FOR SIGNATURE GUARANTEE) The undersigned, a member of a recognized signature guarantee medallion program within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, hereby guarantees to deliver to the Exchange Agent at one of its addresses set forth on the reverse hereof, the certificates representing the Old Notes (or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at the book-entry transfer facility), together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature guarantees, and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date (as defined in the Letter of Transmittal). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name of Firm: ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- Area Code and Telephone No.: ---------------- (AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE) Name: -------------------------------------------- Address: -------------------------------------------- (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT) -------------------------------------------------------- (ZIP CODE) Title: ---------------------------------------------- Date: ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
NOTE: DO NOT SEND OLD NOTES WITH THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY. OLD NOTES
SHOULD BE SENT WITH YOUR LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
EXHIBIT 99.3
PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE UP TO $394,000,000
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF ITS
8 1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013
FOR ANY AND ALL OF ITS OUTSTANDING
8 1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M.,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON , 2004, UNLESS EXTENDED.
, 2004
To Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other Nominees:
Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (the "Issuer") is offering, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus dated , 2004 (the "Prospectus") and the accompanying Letter of Transmittal enclosed herewith (which together constitute the "Exchange Offer"), to exchange its 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Exchange Notes"), for an equal principal amount of its outstanding 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, which were issued on November 25, 2003 and February 20, 2004 (the "Old Notes" and together with the Exchange Notes, the "Notes"). As set forth in the Prospectus, the terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all material respects to the Old Notes, except that the Exchange Notes have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and therefore will not bear legends restricting their transfer and will not contain certain provisions providing for the payment of additional interest to the holders of the Old Notes under certain circumstances relating to the Registration Rights Agreements, dated November 25, 2003 and February 20, 2004, among the Issuer and the initial purchasers of the Old Notes.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CUSTOMARY CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER. SEE "THE EXCHANGE OFFER -- CERTAIN CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER" IN THE PROSPECTUS.
Enclosed herewith for your information and forwarding to your clients are copies of the following documents:
1. The Prospectus, dated , 2004;
2. The Letter of Transmittal for your use (unless Old Notes are tendered by an Agent's Message) and for the information of your clients (facsimile copies of the Letter of Transmittal may be used to tender Old Notes);
3. A form of letter which may be sent to your clients for whose accounts you hold Old Notes registered in your name or in the name of your nominee, with space provided for obtaining such clients' instructions with regard to the Exchange Offer;
4. A Notice of Guaranteed Delivery;
5. Guidelines of the Internal Revenue Service for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9; and
6. A return envelope addressed to Wilmington Trust Company, the Exchange Agent.
YOUR PROMPT ACTION IS REQUESTED. PLEASE NOTE THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON , 2004, UNLESS EXTENDED. PLEASE FURNISH COPIES OF THE ENCLOSED MATERIALS TO THOSE OF YOUR CLIENTS FOR WHOM YOU HOLD OLD NOTES REGISTERED IN YOUR NAME OR IN THE NAME OF YOUR NOMINEE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
In all cases, exchanges of Old Notes accepted for exchange pursuant to the
Exchange Offer will be made only after timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of
(a) certificates representing such Old Notes, or confirmation of book entry
transfer of such Old Notes, as the case may be, (b) the Letter of Transmittal
(or facsimile thereof), properly completed and duly executed, or an Agent's
Message and (c) any other required documents.
Holders who wish to tender their Old Notes and (i) whose Old Notes are not immediately available or (ii) who cannot deliver their Old Notes, the Letter of Transmittal or an Agent's Message and in either case together with any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date must tender their Old Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth under the caption "The exchange offer -- Guaranteed delivery procedures" in the Prospectus.
The Exchange Offer is not being made to, nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders of Old Notes residing in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Exchange Offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.
The Issuer will not pay any fees or commissions to brokers, dealers or other persons for soliciting exchanges of Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Issuer will, however, upon request, reimburse you for customary clerical and mailing expenses incurred by you in forwarding any of the enclosed materials to your clients. The Issuer will pay or cause to be paid any transfer taxes payable on the transfer of Notes to it, except as otherwise provided in Instruction 5 of the Letter of Transmittal.
Questions and requests for assistance with respect to the Exchange Offer or for copies of the Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Exchange Agent by telephone at (302) 636-6436 (Attention: Mary St. Amand) or by facsimile (for eligible institutions only) at (302) 636-4145 (Attention: Mary St. Amand).
Very truly yours,
PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.
NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON AS THE AGENT, OF THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO MAKE ANY STATEMENTS OR USE ANY DOCUMENT ON BEHALF OF ANY OF THE ISSUER IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS AND THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED THEREIN.
EXHIBIT 99.4
PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE UP TO $394,000,000
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF ITS
8 1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013
FOR ANY AND ALL OF ITS OUTSTANDING
8 1/4% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2013
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M.,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON , 2004 UNLESS EXTENDED.
To Our Clients:
Enclosed for your consideration is a Prospectus dated , 2004 (the "Prospectus") and a Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Exchange Offer") relating to the offer by Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. (the "Issuer") to exchange its 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Exchange Notes"), for an equal principal amount of its outstanding 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, which were issued on November 25, 2003 and February 20, 2004 (the "Old Notes" and together with the Exchange Notes, the "Notes"). As set forth in the Prospectus, the terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all material respects to the Old Notes, except that the Exchange Notes have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and therefore will not bear legends restricting their transfer and will not contain certain provisions providing for the payment of additional interest to the holders of the Old Notes under certain circumstances relating to the Registration Rights Agreements, dated November 25, 2003 and February 20, 2004, among the Issuer and the initial purchasers of the Old Notes (the "Registration Rights Agreements").
The enclosed material is being forwarded to you as the beneficial owner of Old Notes carried by us for your account or benefit but not registered in your name. An exchange of any Old Notes may only be made by us as the registered Holder and pursuant to your instructions. Therefore, we urge beneficial owners of Old Notes registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to contact such Holder promptly if they wish to exchange Old Notes in the Exchange Offer.
Accordingly, we request instructions as to whether you wish us to exchange any or all such Old Notes held by us for your account or benefit, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal. We urge you to read carefully the Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal before instructing us to exchange your Old Notes.
Your instructions to us should be forwarded as promptly as possible in order to permit us to exchange Old Notes on your behalf in accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2004, unless extended. The term "Expiration Date" shall mean 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2004, unless the Exchange Offer is extended as provided in the Prospectus, in which case the term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date and time to which the Exchange Offer is extended. A tender of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
Your attention is directed to the following:
1. The Issuer will issue a like principal amount of Exchange Notes in exchange for the principal amount of Old Notes surrendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer, of which $394,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Old Notes was outstanding as of the date of the Prospectus. The terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all respects to the Old Notes, except that the Exchange Notes have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and therefore will not bear legends restricting their transfer and will not contain certain provisions providing for the payment of additional interest to the holders of the Old Notes under certain circumstances relating to the Registration Rights Agreements.
2. THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CUSTOMARY CONDITIONS. SEE "THE EXCHANGE OFFER -- CERTAIN CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER" IN THE PROSPECTUS.
3. The Exchange Offer and withdrawal rights will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2004, unless extended.
4. The Issuer has agreed to pay the expenses of the Exchange Offer.
5. Any transfer taxes incident to the transfer of Old Notes from the tendering Holder to us will be paid by the Issuer, except as provided in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal.
The Exchange Offer is not being made to, nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders of Old Notes residing in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Exchange Offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.
If you wish us to tender any or all of your Old Notes held by us for your account or benefit, please so instruct us by completing, executing and returning to us the attached instruction form. The accompanying Letter of Transmittal is furnished to you for informational purposes only and may not be used by you to exchange Old Notes held by us and registered in our name for your account or benefit.
INSTRUCTIONS
The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of your letter and the enclosed material referred to therein relating to the Exchange Offer of Pinnacle Foods Group Inc.
This will instruct you to tender for exchange the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes indicated below (or, if no aggregate principal amount is indicated below, all Old Notes) held by you for the account or benefit of the undersigned, pursuant to the terms of and conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal.
Aggregate Principal Amount of Old Notes to be tendered for exchange:
$
* I (we) understand that if I (we) sign this instruction form without indicating an aggregate principal amount of Old Notes in the space above, all Old Notes held by you for my (our) account will be tendered for exchange.