Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended October 3, 2010
OR
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number: 000-49850
BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   95-4388794
 
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
2525 East El Segundo Boulevard    
El Segundo, California   90245
 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (310) 536-0611
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer
  o   Accelerated filer   þ
Non-accelerated filer
  o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Smaller reporting company   o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
     There were 21,819,662 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share outstanding as of October 29, 2010.

 


 

BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
INDEX
             
        Page
       
  Financial Statements        
 
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 3, 2010 and January 3, 2010     3  
 
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Thirteen and Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 3, 2010 and September 27, 2009     4  
 
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 3, 2010 and September 27, 2009     5  
 
  Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements     6  
 
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     17  
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     18  
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     32  
  Controls and Procedures     32  
       
  Legal Proceedings     33  
  Risk Factors     34  
  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds     34  
  Defaults Upon Senior Securities     34  
  (Removed and Reserved)     34  
  Other Information     34  
  Exhibits     35  
    36  
  EX-10.1
  EX-10.2
  EX-10.3
  EX-15.1
  EX-31.1
  EX-31.2
  EX-32.1
  EX-32.2

 


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  
Financial Statements
BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
                 
    October 3,     January 3,  
    2010     2010  
 
               
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,140     $ 5,765  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $93 and $223, respectively
    8,628       13,398  
Merchandise inventories, net
    251,310       230,911  
Prepaid expenses
    10,336       9,683  
Deferred income taxes
    8,330       7,723  
 
           
Total current assets
    282,744       267,480  
 
           
Property and equipment, net
    79,976       81,817  
Deferred income taxes
    13,697       11,327  
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $0 and $346, respectively
    1,491       1,065  
Goodwill
    4,433       4,433  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 382,341     $ 366,122  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 90,817     $ 85,721  
Accrued expenses
    54,388       59,314  
Current portion of capital lease obligations
    2,060       1,904  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    147,265       146,939  
 
           
Deferred rent, less current portion
    24,092       23,832  
Capital lease obligations, less current portion
    1,886       2,278  
Long-term revolving credit borrowings
    55,228       54,955  
Other long-term liabilities
    6,538       6,257  
 
           
Total liabilities
    235,009       234,261  
 
           
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued 23,299,657 and 23,050,061 shares, respectively; outstanding 21,816,362 and 21,566,766 shares, respectively
    233       230  
Additional paid-in capital
    97,379       95,259  
Retained earnings
    71,086       57,738  
Less: Treasury stock, at cost; 1,483,295 shares
    (21,366 )     (21,366 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    147,332       131,861  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 382,341     $ 366,122  
 
           
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
                                 
    13 Weeks Ended     39 Weeks Ended  
    October 3,     September 27,     October 3,     September 27,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
                               
Net sales
  $ 231,753     $ 231,582     $ 670,102     $ 657,913  
 
                               
Cost of sales
    154,337       153,073       448,170       441,002  
 
                       
 
                               
Gross profit
    77,416       78,509       221,932       216,911  
 
                               
Selling and administrative expense
    66,301       65,327       194,366       190,194  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income
    11,115       13,182       27,566       26,717  
 
                               
Interest expense
    603       562       1,370       1,883  
 
                       
 
                               
Income before income taxes
    10,512       12,620       26,196       24,834  
 
                               
Income taxes
    3,689       4,609       9,588       9,409  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income
  $ 6,823     $ 8,011     $ 16,608     $ 15,425  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.32     $ 0.37     $ 0.77     $ 0.72  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted
  $ 0.31     $ 0.37     $ 0.76     $ 0.72  
 
                       
 
                               
Dividends per share
  $ 0.05     $ 0.05     $ 0.15     $ 0.15  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding:
                               
Basic
    21,580       21,435       21,539       21,426  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted
    21,845       21,747       21,873       21,545  
 
                       
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
                 
    39 Weeks Ended  
    October 3,     September 27,  
    2010     2009  
 
               
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 16,608     $ 15,425  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    13,975       14,417  
Share-based compensation
    1,333       1,589  
Excess tax benefit related to share-based awards
    (294 )      
Amortization of debt issuance costs
    66       40  
Deferred income taxes
    (2,977 )     (3,305 )
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment
    18       (59 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable, net
    4,770       9,991  
Merchandise inventories, net
    (20,399 )     569  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (693 )     694  
Accounts payable
    6,746       4,701  
Accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities
    (6,506 )     3,330  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    12,647       47,392  
 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (8,603 )     (3,169 )
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
    4        
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (8,599 )     (3,169 )
 
           
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net payments under revolving credit facility and book overdraft
    (1,593 )     (44,446 )
Debt issuance costs
    (102 )      
Principal payments under capital lease obligations
    (1,524 )     (1,758 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    641       95  
Excess tax benefit related to share-based awards
    294        
Tax withholding payments for share-based compensation
    (143 )     (47 )
Dividends paid
    (3,246 )     (3,222 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (5,673 )     (49,378 )
 
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,625 )     (5,155 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    5,765       9,058  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 4,140     $ 3,903  
 
           
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Property and equipment acquired under capital leases
  $ 1,310     $ 1,837  
 
           
Property and equipment purchases accrued
  $ 2,557     $ 787  
 
           
Stock awards vested and issued to employees
  $ 456     $ 182  
 
           
Debt issuance costs accrued
  $ 350     $  
 
           
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Interest paid
  $ 1,114     $ 2,007  
 
           
Income taxes paid
  $ 10,618     $ 674  
 
           
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1)  
Description of Business
     Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation (the “Company”) is a leading sporting goods retailer in the western United States, operating 391 stores in 12 states at October 3, 2010. The Company provides a full-line product offering in a traditional sporting goods store format that averages approximately 11,000 square feet. The Company’s product mix includes athletic shoes, apparel and accessories, as well as a broad selection of outdoor and athletic equipment for team sports, fitness, camping, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, snowboarding and in-line skating. The Company is a holding company that operates as one business segment through Big 5 Corp., its wholly-owned subsidiary, and Big 5 Services Corp., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Big 5 Corp. Big 5 Services Corp. provides a centralized operation for the issuance and administration of gift cards.
     The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (“Interim Financial Statements”) of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these Interim Financial Statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These Interim Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A. In the opinion of management, the Interim Financial Statements included herein contain all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.
     The operating results and cash flows of the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or the full year.
(2)  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Consolidation
     The accompanying Interim Financial Statements include the accounts of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation, Big 5 Corp. and Big 5 Services Corp. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reporting Period
     The Company follows the concept of a 52-53 week fiscal year, which ends on the Sunday nearest December 31. Fiscal year 2010 is comprised of 52 weeks and ends on January 2, 2011. Fiscal year 2009 was comprised of 53 weeks and ended on January 3, 2010. The four quarters of fiscal 2010 are each comprised of 13 weeks, while the first three quarters of fiscal 2009 were each comprised of 13 weeks, and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 was comprised of 14 weeks.

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Table of Contents

BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
Recently Issued Accounting Updates
     There have been no recently issued accounting updates that had a material impact on the Company’s Interim Financial Statements for the period ended October 3, 2010.
Use of Estimates
     Management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Interim Financial Statements and reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period to prepare these Interim Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP. Certain items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of merchandise inventories, property and equipment, and goodwill; valuation allowances for receivables, sales returns and deferred income tax assets; estimates related to gift card breakage and the valuation of share-based compensation awards; and obligations related to asset retirements, litigation, self-insurance liabilities and employee benefits. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.
Revenue Recognition
     The Company earns revenue by selling merchandise primarily through its retail stores. Revenue is recognized when merchandise is purchased by and delivered to the customer and is shown net of estimated returns during the relevant period. The allowance for sales returns is estimated based upon historical experience.
     Cash received from the sale of gift cards is recorded as a liability, and revenue is recognized upon the redemption of the gift card or when it is determined that the likelihood of redemption is remote (“gift card breakage”) and no liability to relevant jurisdictions exists. The Company determines the gift card breakage rate based upon historical redemption patterns and recognizes gift card breakage on a straight-line basis over the estimated gift card redemption period (20 quarters as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2010). The Company recognized approximately $107,000 and $323,000 in gift card breakage revenue for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010, respectively, compared to approximately $113,000 and $344,000 for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended September 27, 2009, respectively.
     The Company records sales tax collected from its customers on a net basis, and therefore excludes it from revenue as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605, Revenue Recognition .
     Included in revenue are sales of returned merchandise to vendors specializing in the resale of defective or used products, which accounted for less than 1% of net sales in each of the periods reported.
Valuation of Merchandise Inventories
     The Company’s merchandise inventories are made up of finished goods and are valued at the lower of cost or market using the weighted-average cost method that approximates the first-in,

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Table of Contents

BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
first-out (“FIFO”) method. Average cost includes the direct purchase price of merchandise inventory, net of vendor allowances and cash discounts, and allocated overhead costs associated with the Company’s distribution center.
     Management regularly reviews inventories and records valuation reserves for merchandise damage and defective returns, merchandise items with slow-moving or obsolescence exposure and merchandise that has a carrying value that exceeds market value. Because of its merchandise mix, the Company has not historically experienced significant occurrences of obsolescence.
     Inventory shrinkage is accrued as a percentage of merchandise sales based on historical inventory shrinkage trends. The Company performs physical inventories of its stores at least once per year and cycle counts inventories at its distribution center throughout the year. The reserve for inventory shrinkage represents an estimate for inventory shrinkage for each store since the last physical inventory date through the reporting date.
     These reserves are estimates, which could vary significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from actual results if future economic conditions, consumer demand and competitive environments differ from expectations.
Leases and Deferred Rent
     The Company accounts for its leases under the provisions of ASC 840, Leases .
     The Company evaluates and classifies its leases as either operating or capital leases for financial reporting purposes. Operating lease commitments consist principally of leases for the Company’s retail store facilities, distribution center and corporate office. Capital lease obligations consist principally of leases for some of the Company’s distribution center delivery tractors, management information systems hardware and point-of-sale equipment for the Company’s stores.
     Certain of the leases for the Company’s retail store facilities provide for payments based on future sales volumes at the leased location, which are not measurable at the inception of the lease. These contingent rents are expensed as they accrue.
     Deferred rent represents the difference between rent paid and the amounts expensed for operating leases. Certain leases have scheduled rent increases, and certain leases include an initial period of free or reduced rent as an inducement to enter into the lease agreement (“rent holidays”). The Company recognizes rent expense for rent increases and rent holidays on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying leases, without regard to when rent payments are made. The calculation of straight-line rent is based on the “reasonably assured” lease term as defined in ASC 840 and may exceed the initial non-cancelable lease term.
     Landlord allowances for tenant improvements, or lease incentives, are recorded as deferred rent and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a component of rent expense.

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BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
(3)  
Fair Value Measurements
     The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate the fair values of these instruments due to their short-term nature. The carrying amount for borrowings under the Company’s financing agreement approximates fair value because of the variable market interest rate charged to the Company for these borrowings.
(4)  
Accrued Expenses
     Accrued expenses consist of the following:
                 
    October 3,     January 3,  
    2010     2010  
    (In thousands)  
 
               
Payroll and related expense
  $ 17,506     $ 18,472  
Occupancy costs
    8,982       7,634  
Sales tax
    7,359       10,379  
Advertising
    4,095       6,202  
Other
    16,446       16,627  
 
           
Accrued expenses
  $ 54,388     $ 59,314  
 
           
(5)  
Revolving Credit Borrowings
     The Company’s prior financing agreement with The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. (“CIT”) and a syndicate of other lenders, as amended (the “Prior Financing Agreement”, which was terminated and replaced on October 18, 2010 as discussed below), originally provided for a line of credit up to $175.0 million. In the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company permanently reduced the line of credit available under the Prior Financing Agreement to $140.0 million. The Prior Financing Agreement had an initial termination date of March 20, 2011.
     On October 18, 2010, the Company entered into a new credit agreement (the “New Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as administrative agent, and a syndicate of other lenders. The New Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with an aggregate committed availability of up to $140.0 million, which amount may be increased at the Company’s option up to a maximum of $165.0 million. The Company used proceeds from its initial borrowing under the New Credit Agreement to repay all of its outstanding indebtedness under the Prior Financing Agreement at which time the Prior Financing Agreement was terminated.
     The Company may borrow under the Credit Facility from time to time, provided the amounts outstanding will not exceed the lesser of the then aggregate availability (as described above) and the Borrowing Base (such lesser amount being referred to as the “Loan Cap”). The “Borrowing Base” generally is comprised of the sum, at the time of calculation of (a) 90.00% of eligible credit card accounts receivable; plus (b)(i) during the period of September 15 through December 15 of each year, the cost of eligible inventory, net of inventory reserves, multiplied by 90.00% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory (expressed as a percentage of the cost of eligible inventory); and (ii) at all other times, the cost of eligible inventory, net of inventory reserves, multiplied by 85.00% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory (expressed as a percentage of the cost of eligible inventory); plus (c) the lesser of (i) the cost of eligible in-transit inventory, net of inventory reserves, multiplied by 85.00% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible in-transit inventory (expressed as a percentage of the cost of eligible in-transit inventory), or (ii) $10.0 million, minus (d) certain reserves established by Wells Fargo in its role as the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.
     Generally, the Company may designate specific borrowings under the Credit Facility as either base rate loans or LIBO rate loans. In each case, the applicable interest rate will be a function of the daily average, over the preceding fiscal quarter, of the excess of the Loan Cap over amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility (such amount being referred to as the “Average Daily Excess Availability”).

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BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
     Those loans designated as LIBO rate loans shall bear interest at a rate equal to the then applicable LIBO rate plus an applicable margin as shown in the table below. Those loans designated as base rate loans shall bear interest at a rate equal to the applicable margin for base rate loans (as shown below) plus the highest of (a) the Federal funds rate, as in effect from time to time, plus one-half of one percent (0.50%), (b) the LIBO rate, as adjusted to account for statutory reserves, plus one percent (1.00%), or (c) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Wells Fargo as its “prime rate”.
     The applicable margin shall be as set forth for Level II in the table below from October 18, 2010 through January 2, 2011. Thereafter, the applicable margin for all loans will be as set forth below as a function of Average Daily Excess Availability for the preceding fiscal quarter.
                                   
 
                  LIBO Rate     Base Rate  
            Average Daily Excess     Applicable     Applicable  
  Level     Availability     Margin     Margin  
           
 
                     
    I      
Greater than 50% of the Loan Cap
      2.00 %       1.00 %  
  II    
Less than or equal to 50% of the Loan Cap
      2.25 %       1.25 %  
 
     Obligations under the New Credit Agreement are secured by a general lien and perfected security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets, including accounts receivable, documents, equipment, general intangibles and inventory.
     In connection with the termination of the Prior Financing Agreement, the Company recorded in interest expense a one-time early termination fee and wrote off the remaining deferred

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BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
debt issuance costs totaling $0.3 million. The Company also capitalized $0.5 million of debt issuance costs associated with the New Credit Agreement into other assets as of October 3, 2010.
     The Company classified its revolving credit borrowings as long-term as of October 3, 2010 in accordance with ASC 470, Debt , as such borrowings were refinanced on a long-term basis under the New Credit Agreement. Long-term revolving credit borrowings were $55.2 million and $55.0 million as of October 3, 2010, and January 3, 2010, respectively, and total remaining borrowing availability under the Prior Financing Agreement, after subtracting letters of credit, was $84.0 million and $94.3 million as of October 3, 2010 and January 3, 2010, respectively.
(6)  
Income Taxes
     Under the asset and liability method prescribed under ASC 740, Income Taxes , the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The realizability of deferred tax assets is assessed throughout the year and a valuation allowance is recorded if necessary to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized.
     The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and files tax returns in various state and local jurisdictions. The statutes of limitations for consolidated federal income tax returns are open for tax years 2007 and after, and state and local income tax returns are open for tax years 2005 and after.
     At October 3, 2010 and January 3, 2010, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective income tax rate over the next 12 months. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expense. At October 3, 2010 and January 3, 2010, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties.

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BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
(7)  
Share-based Compensation
     At its discretion, the Company grants share option awards or nonvested share awards to certain employees, as defined by ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation , under the Company’s 2007 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and accounts for its share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718. The Company recognized approximately $0.4 million and $1.3 million in share-based compensation expense, including share option awards and nonvested share awards, for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010, respectively, compared to $0.6 million and $1.6 million for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended September 27, 2009, respectively.
Share Option Awards
     Share option awards granted by the Company generally vest and become exercisable at the rate of 25% per year with a maximum life of ten years. The exercise price of the share option awards is equal to the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. In the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010, the Company granted 12,000 share option awards. The weighted-average grant-date fair value per option for share option awards granted in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 and September 27, 2009 was $6.26 and $1.92, respectively.
     The fair value of each share option award on the date of grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes method based on the following weighted-average assumptions:
                                 
    13 Weeks Ended   39 Weeks Ended
    October 3,   September 27,   October 3,   September 27,
    2010*   2009*   2010   2009
 
                               
Risk-free interest rate
      2.4%   2.3%
Expected term
      6.50 years   6.50 years
Expected volatility
      55.2%   55.2%
Expected dividend yield
      1.54%   4.07%
 
*  
No share options were granted during the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010 and September 27, 2009.
     The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected term of the share option award; the expected term represents the weighted-average period of time that share option awards granted are expected to be outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules and historical participant exercise behavior; the expected volatility is based upon historical volatility of the Company’s common stock; and the expected dividend yield is based upon the Company’s current dividend rate and future expectations.
     As of October 3, 2010, there was $1.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share option awards granted. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

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BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
Nonvested Share Awards
     In the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010, the Company granted 172,000 nonvested share awards. The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of the Company’s nonvested share awards granted in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 was $15.52.
     The following table details the Company’s nonvested share awards activity for the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010:
                 
            Weighted-  
            Average  
            Grant-Date  
    Shares     Fair Value  
 
               
Balance at January 3, 2010
    92,925     $ 8.60  
Granted
    172,000       15.52  
Vested
    (29,875 )     8.45  
Forfeited
    (1,000 )     11.81  
 
           
Balance at October 3, 2010
    234,050     $ 13.69  
 
           
     The weighted-average grant-date fair value of nonvested share awards is the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, as shown in the table above.
     Nonvested share awards granted by the Company vest from the date of grant in four equal annual installments of 25% per year.
     As of October 3, 2010, there was $2.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.0 years.
     To satisfy employee minimum statutory tax withholding requirements for nonvested share awards that vest, the Company withholds and retires a portion of the vesting common shares, unless an employee elects to pay cash. In the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010, the Company withheld 9,104 common shares with a total value of $143,000. This amount is presented as a cash outflow from financing activities in the accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

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BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
(8)  
Earnings Per Share
     The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share , which requires a dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, reduced by shares repurchased and held in treasury, during the period. Diluted earnings per share represents basic earnings per share adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of outstanding share option awards and nonvested share awards.
     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share:
                                 
    13 Weeks Ended     39 Weeks Ended  
    October 3,     September 27,     October 3,     September 27,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
 
                               
Net income
  $ 6,823     $ 8,011     $ 16,608     $ 15,425  
 
                       
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding:
                               
Basic
    21,580       21,435       21,539       21,426  
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents arising from share option and nonvested share awards
    265       312       334       119  
 
                       
Diluted
    21,845       21,747       21,873       21,545  
 
                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.32     $ 0.37     $ 0.77     $ 0.72  
 
                       
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.31     $ 0.37     $ 0.76     $ 0.72  
 
                       
     The computation of diluted earnings per share for the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010, the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010, the 13 weeks ended September 27, 2009 and the 39 weeks ended September 27, 2009 does not include share option awards in the amounts of 922,948, 892,575, 896,342 and 1,391,737, respectively, that were outstanding and antidilutive (i.e., including such share option awards would result in higher earnings per share), since the exercise prices of these share option awards exceeded the average market price of the Company’s common shares.
     The computation of diluted earnings per share for the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010, the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 and the 39 weeks ended September 27, 2009 does not include nonvested share awards in the amounts of 159,610, 244 and 4,879 shares that were outstanding and antidilutive. No nonvested share awards were antidilutive for the 13 weeks ended September 27, 2009.

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BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
     The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock in fiscal 2009 or the first three quarters of fiscal 2010. Since the inception of its initial share repurchase program in May 2006 through October 3, 2010, the Company has repurchased a total of 1,369,085 shares for $20.8 million, leaving a total of $14.2 million available for share repurchases under the current share repurchase program.
(9)  
Commitments and Contingencies
     On August 6, 2009, the Company was served with a complaint filed in the California Superior Court for the County of San Diego, entitled Shane Weyl v. Big 5 Corp., et al., Case No. 37-2009-00093109-CU-OE-CTL, alleging violations of the California Labor Code and the California Business and Professions Code. The complaint was brought as a purported class action on behalf of the Company’s hourly employees in California for the four years prior to the filing of the complaint. The plaintiff alleges, among other things, that the Company failed to provide hourly employees with meal and rest periods and failed to pay wages within required time periods during employment and upon termination of employment. The plaintiff seeks, on behalf of the class members, an award of one hour of pay (wages) for each workday that a meal or rest period was not provided; restitution of unpaid wages; actual, consequential and incidental losses and damages; pre-judgment interest; statutory penalties including an additional thirty days’ wages for each hourly employee in California whose employment terminated in the four years preceding the filing of the complaint; civil penalties; an award of attorneys’ fees and costs; and injunctive and declaratory relief. On December 14, 2009, the parties engaged in mediation and agreed to settle the lawsuit. On February 4, 2010, the parties filed a joint settlement and a motion to preliminarily approve the settlement with the court. On July 16, 2010, the court granted preliminary approval of the settlement and scheduled a hearing for December 10, 2010, to consider final approval of the settlement. Under the terms of the settlement, the Company agreed to pay up to a maximum amount of $2.0 million, which includes payments to class members who submit valid and timely claim forms, plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees and expenses, an enhancement payment to the class representative, claims administrator fees and payment to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. Under the settlement, in the event that fewer than all class members submit valid and timely claims, the total amount required to be paid by the Company will be reduced, subject to a minimum payment amount calculated in the manner provided in the settlement agreement. The Company’s anticipated total payments pursuant to this settlement have been reflected in a legal settlement accrual recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company admitted no liability or wrongdoing with respect to the claims set forth in the lawsuit. Once final approval is granted, the settlement will constitute a full and complete settlement and release of all claims related to the lawsuit. If the court does not grant final approval of the settlement, the Company intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously. If the settlement is not finally approved by the court and the lawsuit is resolved unfavorably to the Company, this litigation, the costs of defending it and any required change in the Company’s labor practices could have a material negative impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
     On August 13, 2009, the Company was served with a complaint filed in the California Superior Court for the County of San Diego, entitled Michael Kelly v. Big 5 Sporting Goods

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BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
Corporation, et al., Case No. 37-2009-00095594-CU-MC-CTL, alleging violations of the California Business and Professions Code and California Civil Code. The complaint was brought as a purported class action on behalf of persons who purchased certain tennis, racquetball and squash racquets from the Company. The plaintiff alleges, among other things, that the Company employed deceptive pricing, marketing and advertising practices with respect to the sale of such rackets. The plaintiff seeks, on behalf of the class members, unspecified amounts of damages and/or restitution; attorneys’ fees and costs; and injunctive relief to require the Company to discontinue the allegedly improper conduct. On July 20, 2010, the plaintiff filed with the court a Motion for Class Certification. On September 1, 2010, the plaintiff and the Company engaged in mediation in an effort to negotiate a settlement agreement, but the mediation adjourned without a settlement. Any settlement agreement would be subject to court approval. On September 24, 2010, the Company filed with the court an Opposition to Plaintiff’s Motion for Class Certification. Currently the court is scheduled to conduct a hearing regarding plaintiff’s Motion for Class Certification on November 30, 2010, and a trial on the merits of plaintiff’s claims on February 18, 2011. If the plaintiff and the Company are unable to negotiate a settlement agreement, the Company intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously. Because this dispute remains in the preliminary stages and, among other things, discovery is still ongoing, the Company is not able to evaluate the likelihood of a settlement or an unfavorable outcome in this case or to estimate a range of potential loss in the event of a settlement or an unfavorable outcome in this case at the present time. If settled or resolved unfavorably to the Company, this litigation, the costs of defending it and any resulting required change in the business practices of the Company could have a material negative impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
     The Company is involved in various other claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material negative impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
(10)  
Subsequent Event
     In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share of outstanding common stock, which will be paid on December 15, 2010 to stockholders of record as of December 1, 2010.
     On October 18, 2010, the Company entered into a new credit agreement, as described more fully in Note 5 of these Interim Financial Statements, as well as in Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations , in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation
El Segundo, California
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) as of October 3, 2010 and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations for the 13 week and 39 week periods ended October 3, 2010 and September 27, 2009, and of cash flows for the 39 week periods ended October 3, 2010 and September 27, 2009. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation and subsidiaries as of January 3, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 3, 2010, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 3, 2010 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Los Angeles, California
November 3, 2010

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Item 2.  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
     The following discussion and analysis of the Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation (“we”, “our”, “us”) financial condition and results of operations includes information with respect to our plans and strategies for our business and should be read in conjunction with our interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes (“Interim Financial Statements”) included herein and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010.
Overview
     We are a leading sporting goods retailer in the western United States, operating 391 stores in 12 states under the name “Big 5 Sporting Goods” at October 3, 2010. We provide a full-line product offering in a traditional sporting goods store format that averages approximately 11,000 square feet. Our product mix includes athletic shoes, apparel and accessories, as well as a broad selection of outdoor and athletic equipment for team sports, fitness, camping, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, snowboarding and in-line skating.
Executive Summary
     Our operating results for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 and the third quarter of fiscal 2009 reflect a difficult environment for retailers resulting from the economic recession and uncertainty in the financial sector. If measures implemented by the federal and state governments or private sector spending fail to stimulate a prolonged economic recovery, this economic recession could continue, which may continue to impact our operating results.
   
Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 increased 0.1% to $231.8 million compared to $231.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The net sales comparison to the prior year was negatively impacted by a calendar shift as we transition to a 52-week fiscal year in 2010 from a 53-week fiscal year in 2009. This calendar shift resulted in net sales for a higher volume sales week leading up to the Fourth of July holiday being included in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, while net sales for this period were included in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. This period was replaced in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 by a lower volume sales week which was included in net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.
   
Same store sales increased 2.0% in the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010 versus the comparable 13-week period in the prior year. Same store sales for a period reflect net sales from stores that operated throughout the period as well as the corresponding prior period; e.g., comparable quarterly reporting periods for quarterly comparisons.
 
   
Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 decreased 15.0% to $6.8 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to $8.0 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The decrease in net income primarily reflected lower

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merchandise margins and the deleveraging of selling and administrative expense due in part to the impact of the calendar shift, as discussed under net sales above.
 
   
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 decreased by approximately 50 basis points to 33.4% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2009, primarily as a result of lower merchandise margins and higher store occupancy costs as a percentage of net sales due in part to the impact of the calendar shift, as discussed under net sales above.
   
Selling and administrative expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 increased 1.5% to $66.3 million, or 28.6% of net sales, compared to $65.3 million, or 28.2% of net sales, for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The increase was primarily attributable to higher store-related expense, excluding occupancy, as a result of new store openings. Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales was also negatively impacted by the calendar shift, as discussed under net sales above.
 
   
Operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 decreased 15.9% to $11.1 million, or 4.8% of net sales, compared to $13.2 million, or 5.7% of net sales, for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The lower operating income primarily reflects a lower gross margin percentage and higher selling and administrative expense and occupancy costs as a percentage of net sales, due in part to the impact of the calendar shift, as discussed under net sales above.

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Results of Operations
     The results of the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire fiscal year.
      13 Weeks Ended October 3, 2010 Compared to 13 Weeks Ended September 27, 2009
     The following table sets forth selected items from our interim unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations by dollar and as a percentage of our net sales for the periods indicated:
                                 
    13 Weeks Ended  
    October 3, 2010     September 27, 2009  
            (In thousands, except percentages)          
 
                               
Net sales
  $ 231,753       100.0 %   $ 231,582       100.0 %
Cost of sales (1)
    154,337       66.6       153,073       66.1  
 
                       
Gross profit
    77,416       33.4       78,509       33.9  
Selling and administrative expense (2)
    66,301       28.6       65,327       28.2  
 
                       
Operating income
    11,115       4.8       13,182       5.7  
Interest expense
    603       0.3       562       0.2  
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    10,512       4.5       12,620       5.5  
Income taxes
    3,689       1.6       4,609       2.0  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 6,823       2.9 %   $ 8,011       3.5 %
 
                       
 
(1)  
Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise, net of discounts or allowances earned, freight, inventory shrinkage, buying, distribution center costs and store occupancy costs. Store occupancy costs include rent, amortization of leasehold improvements, common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance.
 
(2)  
Selling and administrative expense includes store-related expense, other than store occupancy costs, as well as advertising, depreciation and amortization and expense associated with operating our corporate headquarters.
      Net Sales . Net sales increased by $0.2 million, or 0.1%, to $231.8 million in the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010 from $231.6 million in the third quarter last year. The change in net sales reflected the following:
   
New store sales increased, reflecting the opening of nine new stores, net of relocations, since June 28, 2009.
 
   
Same store sales increased 2.0% in the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010 versus the comparable 13-week period in the prior year. Same store sales for a period reflect net sales from stores that operated throughout the period as well as the corresponding prior period; e.g., comparable quarterly reporting periods for quarterly comparisons.
 
   
Customer traffic into our retail stores increased for the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010 versus the comparable 13-week period in the prior year.

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Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the prior year reflected a negative effect of approximately $7.3 million related to a calendar shift, as we transition to a 52-week fiscal year in 2010 from a 53-week fiscal year in 2009. This calendar shift resulted in net sales for a higher volume sales week leading up to the Fourth of July holiday being included in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, while net sales for this period were included in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. This period was replaced in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 by a lower volume sales week which was included in net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.
     Store count at October 3, 2010 was 391 versus 382 at September 27, 2009. We opened three new stores in the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010, while we did not open any new stores in the 13 weeks ended September 27, 2009. We expect to open 11 new stores and four relocations in fiscal 2010. Of the four relocations, we closed one store in fiscal 2010 and expect to close the three remaining stores relocated in fiscal 2010 in early fiscal 2011.
      Gross Profit . Gross profit decreased by $1.1 million, or 1.4%, to $77.4 million, or 33.4% of net sales, in the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010 from $78.5 million, or 33.9% of net sales, in the 13 weeks ended September 27, 2009. The change in gross profit was primarily attributable to the following:
   
Merchandise margins, which exclude buying, occupancy and distribution costs, decreased approximately 50 basis points versus the third quarter last year, primarily reflecting shifts in product sales mix.
 
   
Store occupancy costs increased by $0.5 million year over year, primarily reflecting the expense for new stores.
 
   
Distribution costs, including costs capitalized into inventory, decreased $1.1 million, or 9.8%, compared to the same period last year.
 
   
Gross profit was also negatively impacted by the calendar shift, as discussed under Net Sales above.
      Selling and Administrative Expense . Selling and administrative expense increased by $1.0 million to $66.3 million, or 28.6% of net sales, in the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010 from $65.3 million, or 28.2% of net sales, in the same period last year. The increase in selling and administrative expense compared to the prior year was largely attributable to an increase in store-related expense, excluding occupancy, of $1.4 million due mainly to higher labor and operating costs to support the increase in store count, partially offset by a decline in advertising and administrative support expense. Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales was also negatively impacted by the calendar shift, as discussed under Net Sales above.
      Interest Expense . Interest expense remained relatively unchanged at $0.6 million in the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010 compared to the same period last year. Interest expense on our borrowings decreased $0.2 million in the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010 compared to the same period last year. This decrease was due to a reduction in average debt levels of approximately $22.2 million to $51.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 from $74.0

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million in the third quarter last year, combined with a reduction in average interest rates of approximately 20 basis points to 1.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 from 2.1% in the same period last year. Interest expense in the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010 also reflects a one-time early termination fee and the write off of the remaining deferred debt issuance costs of $0.3 million associated with the termination of our prior financing agreement with The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. (“CIT”) and a syndicate of other lenders as discussed in the Financing Agreement section of Liquidity and Capital Resources below.
      Income Taxes . The provision for income taxes was $3.7 million for the 13 weeks ended October 3, 2010 and $4.6 million for the 13 weeks ended September 27, 2009. Our effective tax rate was 35.1% for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared with 36.5% for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Our lower effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the same period last year primarily reflects an increased benefit from income tax credits taken in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.
      39 Weeks Ended October 3, 2010 Compared to 39 Weeks Ended September 27, 2009
     The following table sets forth selected items from our interim unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations by dollar and as a percentage of our net sales for the periods indicated:
                                 
    39 Weeks Ended  
    October 3, 2010     September 27, 2009  
    (In thousands, except percentages)  
 
                               
Net sales
  $ 670,102       100.0 %   $ 657,913       100.0 %
Cost of sales (1)
    448,170       66.9       441,002       67.0  
 
                       
Gross profit
    221,932       33.1       216,911       33.0  
Selling and administrative expense (2)
    194,366       29.0       190,194       28.9  
 
                       
Operating income
    27,566       4.1       26,717       4.1  
Interest expense
    1,370       0.2       1,883       0.3  
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    26,196       3.9       24,834       3.8  
Income taxes
    9,588       1.4       9,409       1.4  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 16,608       2.5 %   $ 15,425       2.4 %
 
                       
 
(1)  
Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise, net of discounts or allowances earned, freight, inventory shrinkage, buying, distribution center costs and store occupancy costs. Store occupancy costs include rent, amortization of leasehold improvements, common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance.
 
(2)  
Selling and administrative expense includes store-related expense, other than store occupancy costs, as well as advertising, depreciation and amortization and expense associated with operating our corporate headquarters.
      Net Sales . Net sales increased by $12.2 million, or 1.9%, to $670.1 million in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 from $657.9 million in the 39 weeks ended September 27, 2009. The increase in net sales was primarily attributable to the following:
   
New store sales increased, reflecting the opening of ten new stores, net of relocations, since December 28, 2008.

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Same store sales increased 1.3% in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 versus the comparable 39-week period in the prior year. Same store sales for a period reflect net sales from stores that operated throughout the period as well as the corresponding prior period; e.g., comparable year-to-date reporting periods for year-to-date comparisons.
   
Customer traffic into our retail stores increased for the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 when compared with the 39 weeks ended September 27, 2009.
     Store count at October 3, 2010 was 391 versus 382 at September 27, 2009. We opened seven new stores, net of relocations, in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010, while we opened one new store in the 39 weeks ended September 27, 2009. We expect to open 11 new stores and four relocations in fiscal 2010. Of the four relocations, we closed one store in fiscal 2010 and expect to close the three remaining stores relocated in fiscal 2010 in early fiscal 2011.
      Gross Profit . Gross profit increased by $5.0 million, or 2.3%, to $221.9 million, or 33.1% of net sales, in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 from $216.9 million, or 33.0% of net sales, in the 39 weeks ended September 27, 2009. The change in gross profit was primarily attributable to the following:
   
Net sales increased by $12.2 million in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 compared to the 39 weeks ended September 27, 2009.
 
   
Distribution costs, including costs capitalized into inventory, decreased $2.3 million compared to the same period last year. Distribution costs as a percentage of net sales decreased approximately 40 basis points year over year.
 
   
Store occupancy costs increased by $1.8 million, or approximately 10 basis points, year over year, primarily reflecting the expense for new stores.
 
   
Merchandise margins, which exclude buying, occupancy and distribution costs, decreased approximately ten basis points year over year, primarily reflecting shifts in product sales mix.
      Selling and Administrative Expense . Selling and administrative expense increased by $4.2 million to $194.4 million, or 29.0% of net sales, in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 from $190.2 million, or 28.9% of net sales, in the same period last year. The increase in selling and administrative expense compared to the same period last year was largely attributable to an increase in store-related expense, excluding occupancy, of $4.2 million due mainly to higher labor and operating costs to support the increase in store count.
      Interest Expense . Interest expense decreased by $0.5 million, or 27.2%, to $1.4 million in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 from $1.9 million in the same period last year. This decrease was due to a reduction in average debt levels of approximately $26.1 million to $55.1 million in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 from $81.2 million in the same period last year, combined with a reduction in average interest rates of approximately 50 basis points to 1.7% in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 from 2.2% in the same period

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last year. Interest expense in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 reflects a one-time early termination fee and the write off of the remaining deferred debt issuance costs of $0.3 million associated with the termination of our prior financing agreement with CIT as discussed in the Financing Agreement section of Liquidity and Capital Resources below.
      Income Taxes . The provision for income taxes was $9.6 million for the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 and $9.4 million for the 39 weeks ended September 27, 2009, primarily reflecting our higher pre-tax income. Our effective tax rate was 36.6% for the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 compared with 37.9% for the 39 weeks ended September 27, 2009. Our lower effective tax rate for the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 compared to the same period last year primarily reflects an increased benefit from income tax credits taken in fiscal 2010.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Our principal liquidity requirements are for working capital, capital expenditures and cash dividends. We fund our liquidity requirements primarily through cash on hand, cash flows from operations and borrowings from our revolving credit facility. On October 18, 2010, we replaced our Prior Financing Agreement (as defined in the Financing Agreement section below). We believe our cash on hand, future funds from operations and borrowings from our Credit Facility (as defined in the Financing Agreement section below) will be sufficient to fund our cash requirements for at least the next 12 months. There is no assurance, however, that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations or maintain our ability to borrow under our Credit Facility (as defined in the Financing Agreement section below).
     We ended the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 with $4.1 million of cash and cash equivalents compared with $3.9 million at the end of the same period in fiscal 2009. Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 and September 27, 2009 were as follows:
                 
    39 Weeks Ended  
    October 3,     September 27,  
    2010     2009  
    (In thousands)  
 
               
Net cash provided by (used in):
               
Operating activities
  $ 12,647     $ 47,392  
Investing activities
    (8,599 )     (3,169 )
Financing activities
    (5,673 )     (49,378 )
 
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (1,625 )   $ (5,155 )
 
           
      Operating Activities . Net cash provided by operating activities for the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 and September 27, 2009 was $12.6 million and $47.4 million, respectively. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities for the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 compared to the same period last year primarily reflects increased merchandise inventory purchases along with increased funding of accrued expenses and a smaller reduction in accounts receivable. Our increase in inventory purchasing year-to-date during fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 primarily reflected an anticipated improvement in business conditions, increased availability of certain products this year, opportunistic

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buying, bringing in seasonal product earlier to avoid potential delivery delays and the one-week calendar shift, as described in the Results of Operations section above, that resulted in the fiscal 2010 third quarter ending one week closer to the holiday selling season.
      Investing Activities . Net cash used in investing activities for the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 and September 27, 2009 was $8.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively. Capital expenditures, excluding non-cash property and equipment acquisitions, represented substantially all of the net cash used in investing activities for both periods. This increase was primarily attributable to the resumption in store expansion activity, after a slowdown in fiscal 2009 due to the economic recession, and a corresponding increase in new store capital expenditures.
      Financing Activities . Net cash used in financing activities for the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010 and September 27, 2009 was $5.7 million and $49.4 million. For both periods, cash was used primarily to pay dividends and pay down our revolving credit borrowings. The lower paydown of our revolving credit borrowings in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 primarily reflects this year’s increased funding of inventory purchases along with the resumption of our new store expansion program after scaling back such investments in fiscal 2009 in response to the recession.
     As of October 3, 2010, we had revolving credit borrowings of $55.2 million and letter of credit commitments of $0.8 million outstanding. These balances compare to revolving credit borrowings of $55.0 million and letter of credit commitments of $2.7 million outstanding as of January 3, 2010 and revolving credit borrowings of $59.7 million and letter of credit commitments of $4.6 million outstanding as of September 27, 2009.
      Financing Agreement . As of October 3, 2010, we had a financing agreement with The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc. (“CIT”) and a syndicate of other lenders, as amended (the “Prior Financing Agreement”, which was terminated and replaced on October 18, 2010 as discussed below), which originally provided for a line of credit up to $175.0 million that was permanently reduced to $140.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. The initial termination date of the Prior Financing Agreement was March 20, 2011. The Prior Financing Agreement provided for interest at various rates based on our overall borrowings, with a floor of the LIBO rate plus 1.00% or the JP Morgan Chase Bank prime lending rate and a ceiling of the LIBO rate plus 1.50% or the JP Morgan Chase Bank prime lending rate. An annual fee of 0.325%, payable monthly, was assessed on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. As of October 3, 2010 and January 3, 2010, our total remaining borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility, after subtracting letters of credit, was $84.0 million and $94.3 million, respectively.
     On October 18, 2010, we entered into a new credit agreement (the “New Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as administrative agent, and a syndicate of other lenders.
     We borrowed $67.4 million under the New Credit Agreement on October 18, 2010 and used the proceeds from such borrowing to, among other things, repay all of our

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outstanding indebtedness under the Prior Financing Agreement with CIT, at which time the Prior Financing Agreement was terminated.
     The New Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with an aggregate committed availability of up to $140.0 million, which amount may be increased at our option up to a maximum of $165.0 million. We may also request additional increases in aggregate availability, up to a maximum of $200.0 million, in which case the existing lenders under the New Credit Agreement will have the option to increase their commitments to accommodate the requested increase. If such existing lenders do not exercise that option, we may (with the consent of Wells Fargo, not to be unreasonably withheld) seek other lenders willing to provide such commitments. The Credit Facility includes a $50.0 million sublimit for issuances of letters of credit and a $20.0 million sublimit for swingline loans.
     We may borrow under the Credit Facility from time to time, provided the amounts outstanding will not exceed the lesser of the then aggregate availability (as described above) and the Borrowing Base (such lesser amount being referred to as the “Loan Cap”). The “Borrowing Base” generally is comprised of the sum, at the time of calculation of (a) 90.00% of our eligible credit card accounts receivable; plus (b)(i) during the period of September 15 through December 15 of each year, the cost of our eligible inventory, net of inventory reserves, multiplied by 90.00% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory (expressed as a percentage of the cost of eligible inventory); and (ii) at all other times, the cost of our eligible inventory, net of inventory reserves, multiplied by 85.00% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory (expressed as a percentage of the cost of eligible inventory); plus (c) the lesser of (i) the cost of our eligible in-transit inventory, net of inventory reserves, multiplied by 85.00% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of our eligible in-transit inventory (expressed as a percentage of the cost of eligible in-transit inventory), or (ii) $10.0 million, minus (d) certain reserves established by Wells Fargo in its role as the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.
     Generally, we may designate specific borrowings under the Credit Facility as either base rate loans or LIBO rate loans. In each case, the applicable interest rate will be a function of the daily average, over the preceding fiscal quarter, of the excess of the Loan Cap over amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility (such amount being referred to as the “Average Daily Excess Availability”).
     Those loans designated as LIBO rate loans shall bear interest at a rate equal to the then applicable LIBO rate plus an applicable margin as shown in the table below. Those loans designated as base rate loans shall bear interest at a rate equal to the applicable margin for base rate loans (as shown below) plus the highest of (a) the Federal funds rate, as in effect from time to time, plus one-half of one percent (0.50%), (b) the LIBO rate, as adjusted to account for statutory reserves, plus one percent (1.00%), or (c) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Wells Fargo as its “prime rate”.

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     The applicable margin shall be as set forth for Level II in the table below from October 18, 2010 through January 2, 2011. Thereafter, the applicable margin for all loans will be as set forth below as a function of Average Daily Excess Availability for the preceding fiscal quarter.
                                   
 
                  LIBO Rate     Base Rate  
            Average Daily Excess     Applicable     Applicable  
  Level     Availability     Margin     Margin  
           
 
                     
    I      
Greater than 50% of the Loan Cap
      2.00 %       1.00 %  
  II    
Less than or equal to 50% of the Loan Cap
      2.25 %       1.25 %  
 
     If any amount payable under the Credit Facility is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter generally bear interest at a default rate equal to the interest rate otherwise applicable plus 2.00% per annum. So long as any other event of default exists, the lenders have the right to raise the applicable interest rate on all outstanding amounts to the above described default rate.
     An annual commitment fee of 0.375% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, is assessed on the unused portion of the Credit Facility, if Average Daily Excess Availability for the preceding fiscal quarter is less than or equal to 50.00% of the commitments under the Credit Facility. An annual commitment fee of 0.50% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, is assessed on the unused portion of the Credit Facility, if the Average Daily Excess Availability for the preceding fiscal quarter is greater than 50.00% of the commitments under the Credit Facility.
     All amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility will mature and become due on October 18, 2014. We may prepay any amounts outstanding at any time, subject to payment of certain breakage and redeployment costs relating to LIBO rate loans. The commitments under the Credit Facility may be irrevocably reduced or terminated by us at any time without premium or penalty.
     If at any time the aggregate amount of the loans outstanding under the Credit Facility, together with letters of credit, exceeds the Loan Cap as of that date, then we must immediately repay loans and, if necessary thereafter, cash collateralize letters of credit in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.
     Our New Credit Agreement contains covenants that limit our ability to, among other things: incur liens, incur additional indebtedness, transfer or dispose of assets, change the nature of the business, guarantee obligations, pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase stock, and make advances, loans or investments.

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     In addition, if at any time the excess of the Loan Cap over amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility (the “Excess Availability”) falls below 12.50% of the Loan Cap, we must maintain a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the New Credit Agreement), calculated monthly on a trailing twelve months basis, of not less than 1.0:1.0, until such time as Excess Availability has equaled or exceeded 12.50% of the Loan Cap at all times for 60 consecutive calendar days.
     We may declare or pay cash dividends or repurchase stock only if (i) no default or event of default then exists or would arise from such dividend or repurchase of stock, (ii) after giving effect to such payment, Adjusted Excess Availability (an amount equal to the Borrowing Base minus the outstanding amount of Loans and Letters of Credit) on a pro forma basis is projected to be equal to or greater than $30.0 million for the immediately following 90 days, (iii) after giving effect to such payment, Excess Availability on a pro forma basis is projected to be equal to or greater than $10.0 million for the immediately following 90 days, and (iv) after giving effect to such payment, the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio on a pro forma basis for the immediately preceding 12 fiscal months is greater than 1.0:1.0.
     The New Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including, without limitation, failure to pay when due principal amounts with respect to the Credit Facility, failure to pay any interest or other amounts under the Credit Facility for five days after becoming due, failure to comply with certain agreements or covenants contained in the New Credit Agreement, failure to satisfy certain judgments against us, failure to pay when due (or any other default which does or may lead to the acceleration of) certain other material indebtedness in principal amount in excess of $5.0 million, and certain insolvency and bankruptcy events.
     Obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by a general lien and security interest in substantially all of our assets, including accounts receivable, documents, equipment, general intangibles and inventory.
     The New Credit Agreement and certain related documents are filed as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
      Future Capital Requirements . We had cash on hand of $4.1 million at October 3, 2010. We expect capital expenditures for the last quarter of fiscal 2010, excluding non-cash property and equipment acquisitions, to range from approximately $6.0 million to $7.0 million, primarily to fund the opening of new stores, store-related remodeling, distribution center equipment and computer hardware and software purchases. As a result of the economic recession, we slowed our store expansion efforts substantially in fiscal 2009 by opening only three net new stores. We anticipate opening 14 net new stores in fiscal 2010.
     During fiscal 2009 and for the first three quarters of fiscal 2010, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.05 per share of outstanding common stock. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share of outstanding common stock, which will be paid on December 15, 2010 to stockholders of record as of December 1, 2010.

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     As of October 3, 2010, a total of $14.2 million remained available for share repurchases under our share repurchase program. We did not make any share repurchases in fiscal 2009 or the first three quarters of fiscal 2010 due to the economic recession and expect limited, if any, share repurchases in fiscal 2010.
     We believe we will be able to fund our cash requirements from cash on hand, operating cash flows and borrowings from our Credit Facility for at least the next 12 months. However, our ability to satisfy such cash requirements depends upon our future performance, which in turn is subject to general economic conditions and regional risks, and to financial, business and other factors affecting our operations, including factors beyond our control. There is no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations or maintain our ability to borrow under our Credit Facility.
     If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to meet our obligations and commitments, or if we are unable to maintain our ability to borrow sufficient amounts under our Credit Facility, we will be required to refinance or restructure our indebtedness or raise additional debt or equity capital. Additionally, we may be required to sell material assets or operations, suspend or further reduce dividend payments or delay or forego expansion opportunities. We might not be able to implement successful alternative strategies on satisfactory terms, if at all.
      Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations . Our material off-balance sheet arrangements are operating lease obligations and letters of credit. We excluded these items from the balance sheet in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
     Operating lease commitments consist principally of leases for our retail store facilities, distribution center and corporate office. Our facility leases frequently include options which permit us to extend the terms beyond the initial fixed lease term. With respect to most of those leases, we intend to renegotiate those leases as they expire.
     Issued and outstanding letters of credit were $0.8 million at October 3, 2010, and were related primarily to importing merchandise and funding insurance program liabilities.
     Our material contractual obligations include capital lease obligations, revolving credit borrowings, certain occupancy costs related to our leased properties and other liabilities. Capital lease obligations consist principally of leases for some of our distribution center delivery tractors, management information systems hardware and point-of-sale equipment for our stores. Our revolving credit borrowings fluctuate daily depending on operating, investing and financing cash flows. Occupancy costs include estimated property maintenance fees and property taxes for our stores, distribution center and corporate headquarters. Other liabilities consist principally of actuarially-determined reserve estimates related to self-insurance liabilities, a contractual obligation for the surviving spouse of Robert W. Miller, our co-founder, and asset retirement obligations related to the removal of leasehold improvements for certain stores upon termination of their leases.
     Included in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations , of

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our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010, is a discussion of our future obligations and commitments as of January 3, 2010. In the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010, our revolving credit borrowings remained relatively unchanged from the end of fiscal 2009. As described in the Financing Agreement section of Liquidity and Capital Resources above, on October 18, 2010 we replaced our Prior Financing Agreement which was scheduled to mature on March 11, 2011 with the New Credit Agreement which matures on October 18, 2014. Our annual interest payments would not materially change as originally presented due to the replacement of our financing agreement. We entered into new operating lease agreements in relation to our business operations during the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010, but do not believe that these operating leases would materially change our contractual obligations or commitments presented as of January 3, 2010.
     In the ordinary course of business, we enter into arrangements with vendors to purchase merchandise in advance of expected delivery. Because most of these purchase orders do not contain any termination payments or other penalties if cancelled, they are not included as outstanding contractual obligations.
Critical Accounting Estimates
     As discussed in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations , of our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010, we consider our estimates on inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets and self-insurance reserves to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing our consolidated financial statements. There have been no significant changes to these estimates in the 39 weeks ended October 3, 2010.
Seasonality and Impact of Inflation
     We experience seasonal fluctuations in our net sales and operating results and typically generate higher net sales in the fourth fiscal quarter, which includes the holiday selling season. Accordingly, in the fourth fiscal quarter we experience normally higher purchase volumes and increased expense for staffing and advertising. Seasonality influences our buying patterns which directly impacts our merchandise and accounts payable levels and cash flows. We purchase merchandise for seasonal activities in advance of a season. If we miscalculate the demand for our products generally or for our product mix during the fourth fiscal quarter, our net sales can decline, resulting in excess inventory, which can harm our financial performance. A shortfall from expected fourth fiscal quarter net sales can negatively impact our annual operating results.
     In the first half of fiscal 2009, we experienced increasing inflation in the purchase cost of certain products, while during the last half of fiscal 2009 the trend of inflation in product purchase costs generally appeared to stabilize. In the first half of fiscal 2010, the impact of inflation was minimal, although there appears to be increasing inflationary cost pressure in the second half of this year. If we are unable to adjust our merchandise selling prices to cover purchase cost increases then our merchandise margins will decline, which could adversely impact our operating results.

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Recently Issued Accounting Updates
     See Note 2 to Interim Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements , of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Forward-Looking Statements
     This document includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, our financial condition, our results of operations, our growth strategy and the business of our company generally. In some cases, you can identify such statements by terminology such as “may”, “could”, “project”, “estimate”, “potential”, “continue”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends” or other such terminology. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, continued or worsening weakness in the consumer spending environment and the U.S. financial and credit markets, the competitive environment in the sporting goods industry in general and in our specific market areas, inflation, product availability and growth opportunities, seasonal fluctuations, weather conditions, changes in cost of goods, operating expense fluctuations, disruption in product flow, changes in interest rates, credit availability, higher costs associated with sources of credit resulting from uncertainty in financial markets and economic conditions in general. Those and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors , in this report and in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors , in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution that the risk factors set forth in this report are not exclusive. In addition, we conduct our business in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment. Accordingly, new risk factors may arise. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor to assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any individual risk factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf.

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Item 3.  
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
     We are subject to risks resulting from interest rate fluctuations since interest on our borrowings under our Credit Facility is based on variable rates. We enter into borrowings under our Credit Facility principally for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. We routinely evaluate the best use of our cash and manage financial statement exposure to interest rate fluctuations by managing our level of indebtedness and the interest base rate options on such indebtedness. We do not utilize derivative instruments and do not engage in foreign currency transactions or hedging activities to manage our interest rate risk. If the interest rate on our debt was to change 1.0% as compared to the rate at October 3, 2010, our interest expense would change approximately $0.6 million on an annual basis based on the outstanding balance of our borrowings under our Credit Facility at October 3, 2010.
Item 4.  
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
     We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective, at a reasonable assurance level, in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
     During the fiscal quarter ended October 3, 2010, no changes occurred with respect to our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.  
Legal Proceedings
     On August 6, 2009, the Company was served with a complaint filed in the California Superior Court for the County of San Diego, entitled Shane Weyl v. Big 5 Corp., et al., Case No. 37-2009-00093109-CU-OE-CTL, alleging violations of the California Labor Code and the California Business and Professions Code. The complaint was brought as a purported class action on behalf of the Company’s hourly employees in California for the four years prior to the filing of the complaint. The plaintiff alleges, among other things, that the Company failed to provide hourly employees with meal and rest periods and failed to pay wages within required time periods during employment and upon termination of employment. The plaintiff seeks, on behalf of the class members, an award of one hour of pay (wages) for each workday that a meal or rest period was not provided; restitution of unpaid wages; actual, consequential and incidental losses and damages; pre-judgment interest; statutory penalties including an additional thirty days’ wages for each hourly employee in California whose employment terminated in the four years preceding the filing of the complaint; civil penalties; an award of attorneys’ fees and costs; and injunctive and declaratory relief. On December 14, 2009, the parties engaged in mediation and agreed to settle the lawsuit. On February 4, 2010, the parties filed a joint settlement and a motion to preliminarily approve the settlement with the court. On July 16, 2010, the court granted preliminary approval of the settlement and scheduled a hearing for December 10, 2010, to consider final approval of the settlement. Under the terms of the settlement, the Company agreed to pay up to a maximum amount of $2.0 million, which includes payments to class members who submit valid and timely claim forms, plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees and expenses, an enhancement payment to the class representative, claims administrator fees and payment to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. Under the settlement, in the event that fewer than all class members submit valid and timely claims, the total amount required to be paid by the Company will be reduced, subject to a minimum payment amount calculated in the manner provided in the settlement agreement. The Company’s anticipated total payments pursuant to this settlement have been reflected in a legal settlement accrual recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company admitted no liability or wrongdoing with respect to the claims set forth in the lawsuit. Once final approval is granted, the settlement will constitute a full and complete settlement and release of all claims related to the lawsuit. If the court does not grant final approval of the settlement, the Company intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously. If the settlement is not finally approved by the court and the lawsuit is resolved unfavorably to the Company, this litigation, the costs of defending it and any required change in the Company’s labor practices could have a material negative impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
     On August 13, 2009, the Company was served with a complaint filed in the California Superior Court for the County of San Diego, entitled Michael Kelly v. Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation, et al., Case No. 37-2009-00095594-CU-MC-CTL, alleging violations of the California Business and Professions Code and California Civil Code. The complaint was brought as a purported class action on behalf of persons who purchased certain tennis, racquetball and squash racquets from the Company. The plaintiff alleges, among other things, that the Company employed deceptive pricing, marketing and advertising practices

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with respect to the sale of such rackets. The plaintiff seeks, on behalf of the class members, unspecified amounts of damages and/or restitution; attorneys’ fees and costs; and injunctive relief to require the Company to discontinue the allegedly improper conduct. On July 20, 2010, the plaintiff filed with the court a Motion for Class Certification. On September 1, 2010, the plaintiff and the Company engaged in mediation in an effort to negotiate a settlement agreement, but the mediation adjourned without a settlement. Any settlement agreement would be subject to court approval. On September 24, 2010, the Company filed with the court an Opposition to Plaintiff’s Motion for Class Certification. Currently the court is scheduled to conduct a hearing regarding plaintiff’s Motion for Class Certification on November 30, 2010, and a trial on the merits of plaintiff’s claims on February 18, 2011. If the plaintiff and the Company are unable to negotiate a settlement agreement, the Company intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously. Because this dispute remains in the preliminary stages and, among other things, discovery is still ongoing, the Company is not able to evaluate the likelihood of a settlement or an unfavorable outcome in this case or to estimate a range of potential loss in the event of a settlement or an unfavorable outcome in this case at the present time. If settled or resolved unfavorably to the Company, this litigation, the costs of defending it and any resulting required change in the business practices of the Company could have a material negative impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
     The Company is involved in various other claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material negative impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
     There have been no material changes to the risk factors identified in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors , of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010.
Item 2.  
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
     None.
Item 3.  
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
     None.
Item 4.  
(Removed and Reserved)
Item 5.  
Other Information
     None.

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Item 6.  
Exhibits
     (a) Exhibits
         
Exhibit Number   Description of Document
  10.1    
Credit Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2010, among Big 5 Corp., Big 5 Services Corp. and Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent and Swingline Lender, the Lenders named therein, and Bank of America, N.A. as Documentation Agent.
  10.2    
Security Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2010, among Big 5 Corp., Big 5 Services Corp. and Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Collateral Agent.
  10.3    
Guaranty, dated as of October 18, 2010, by Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the Lenders described therein.
  15.1    
Independent Auditors’ Awareness Letter Regarding Interim Financial Statements.
  31.1    
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
  31.2    
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
  32.1    
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
  32.2    
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

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SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION,  
  a Delaware corporation  
 
       
Date: November 3, 2010
By:   /s/ Steven G. Miller    
 
 
Steven G. Miller
 
 
  Chairman of the Board of Directors,  
 
  President and Chief Executive Officer  
 
       
 
Date: November 3, 2010
By: /s/ Barry D. Emerson    
 
 
Barry D. Emerson
 
 
  Senior Vice President,  
 
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  
 
  (Principal Financial and  
 
  Accounting Officer)  

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Exhibit 10.1
 
 
CREDIT AGREEMENT
Dated as of October 18, 2010
among
Big 5 Corp. ,
as the Lead Borrower
For
The Borrowers Named Herein
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation ,
as Guarantor
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent and Swing Line Lender,
and
The Other Lenders Party Hereto
Bank of America, N.A. ,
as Documentation Agent
Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC ,
as
Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager
 
 
 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Section   Page
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
    1  
 
       
1.01 Defined Terms
    1  
1.02 Other Interpretive Provisions
    42  
1.03 Accounting Terms
    43  
1.04 Rounding
    43  
1.05 Times of Day
    43  
1.06 Letter of Credit Amounts
    43  
 
       
ARTICLE II THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS
    44  
 
       
2.01 Committed Loans; Reserves
    44  
2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans
    44  
2.03 Letters of Credit
    46  
2.04 Swing Line Loans
    54  
2.05 Prepayments
    56  
2.06 Termination or Reduction of Commitments
    57  
2.07 Repayment of Loans
    58  
2.08 Interest
    58  
2.09 Fees
    59  
2.10 Computation of Interest and Fees
    59  
2.11 Evidence of Debt
    59  
2.12 Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback
    60  
2.13 Sharing of Payments by Lenders
    61  
2.14 Settlement Amongst Lenders
    62  
2.15 Increase in Commitments
    62  
 
       
ARTICLE III TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY; APPOINTMENT OF LEAD BORROWER
    64  
 
       
3.01 Taxes
    64  
3.02 Illegality
    66  
3.03 Inability to Determine Rates
    66  
3.04 Increased Costs; Reserves on LIBO Rate Loans
    67  
3.05 Compensation for Losses
    68  
3.06 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders
    68  
3.07 Survival
    69  
3.08 Designation of Lead Borrower as Borrowers’ Agent
    69  
 
       
ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS
    69  
 
       
4.01 Conditions of Initial Credit Extension
    69  
4.02 Conditions to all Credit Extensions
    73  
 
       
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
    74  
 
       
5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power
    74  
5.02 Authorization; No Contravention
    74  
5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents
    74  
5.04 Binding Effect
    75  
5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect
    75  

(i)


 

         
    Section   Page
5.06 Litigation
    75  
5.07 No Default
    76  
5.08 Ownership of Property; Liens
    76  
5.09 Environmental Compliance
    76  
5.10 Insurance
    77  
5.11 Taxes
    77  
5.12 ERISA Compliance
    78  
5.13 Subsidiaries; Equity Interests
    78  
5.14 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act;
    78  
5.15 Disclosure
    79  
5.16 Compliance with Laws
    79  
5.17 Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.
    79  
5.18 Labor Matters
    79  
5.19 Security Documents
    80  
5.20 Solvency
    81  
5.21 Deposit Accounts; Credit Card Arrangements
    81  
5.22 Brokers
    81  
5.23 Intentionally Omitted
    81  
5.24 Material Contracts
    81  
5.25 Casualty
    81  
 
       
ARTICLE VI AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
    81  
 
       
6.01 Financial Statements
    81  
6.02 Certificates; Other Information
    82  
6.03 Notices
    84  
6.04 Payment of Obligations
    85  
6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc.
    85  
6.06 Maintenance of Properties
    85  
6.07 Maintenance of Insurance
    85  
6.08 Compliance with Laws
    86  
6.09 Books and Records; Accountants
    87  
6.10 Inspection Rights
    87  
6.11 Use of Proceeds
    87  
6.12 Additional Loan Parties
    87  
6.13 Cash Management
    88  
6.14 Information Regarding the Collateral
    89  
6.15 Physical Inventories
    90  
6.16 Environmental Laws
    90  
6.17 Further Assurances
    90  
6.18 Compliance with Terms of Leaseholds
    91  
6.19 Material Contracts
    91  
 
       
ARTICLE VII NEGATIVE COVENANTS
    91  
 
       
7.01 Liens
    91  
7.02 Investments
    91  
7.03 Indebtedness; Disqualified Stock
    91  
7.04 Fundamental Changes
    91  
7.05 Dispositions
    92  
7.06 Restricted Payments
    92  
7.07 Prepayments of Indebtedness
    92  
7.08 Change in Nature of Business
    93  

(ii)


 

         
    Section   Page
7.09 Transactions with Affiliates
    93  
7.10 Burdensome Agreements
    93  
7.11 Use of Proceeds
    93  
7.12 Amendment of Material Documents
    93  
7.13 Fiscal Year
    94  
7.14 Deposit Accounts; Credit Card Processors
    94  
7.15 Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
    94  
 
       
ARTICLE VIII EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
    94  
 
       
8.01 Events of Default
    94  
8.02 Remedies Upon Event of Default
    96  
8.03 Application of Funds
    97  
 
       
ARTICLE IX ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
    98  
 
       
9.01 Appointment and Authority
    98  
9.02 Rights as a Lender
    99  
9.03 Exculpatory Provisions
    99  
9.04 Reliance by Agents
    100  
9.05 Delegation of Duties
    100  
9.06 Resignation and Removal of Agents
    100  
9.07 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders
    101  
9.08 No Other Duties, Etc.
    102  
9.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim
    102  
9.10 Collateral and Guaranty Matters
    102  
9.11 Notice of Transfer
    103  
9.12 Reports and Financial Statements
    103  
9.13 Agency for Perfection
    104  
9.14 Indemnification of Agents
    104  
9.15 Relation among Lenders
    104  
9.16 Defaulting Lender
    104  
9.17 Syndication Agent; Documentation Agent
    105  
 
       
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS
    105  
 
       
10.01 Amendments, Etc.
    105  
10.02 Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communications
    107  
10.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies
    109  
10.04 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver
    109  
10.05 Payments Set Aside
    110  
10.06 Successors and Assigns
    111  
10.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality
    114  
10.08 Right of Setoff
    114  
10.09 Interest Rate Limitation
    114  
10.10 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness
    115  
10.11 Survival
    115  
10.12 Severability
    115  
10.13 Replacement of Lenders
    115  
10.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.
    116  
10.15 Waiver of Jury Trial
    117  
10.16 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility
    117  
10.17 USA PATRIOT Act Notice
    118  
10.18 Foreign Asset Control Regulations
    118  

(iii)


 

         
    Section   Page
10.19 Time of the Essence
    118  
10.20 Press Releases
    118  
10.21 Additional Waivers
    119  
10.22 No Strict Construction
    120  
10.23 Attachments
    121  
 
       
    SIGNATURES
    S-1  

(iv)


 

SCHEDULES
     
1.01
  Borrowers
2.01
  Commitments and Applicable Percentages
5.01
  Loan Parties Organizational Information
5.05
  Supplement to Interim Financial Statements
5.06
  Litigation
5.08(b)(1)
  Owned Real Estate
5.08(b)(2)
  Leased Real Estate
5.09
  Environmental Matters
5.10
  Insurance
5.13
  Subsidiaries; Other Equity Investments
5.17
  Intellectual Property Matters
5.18
  Collective Bargaining Agreements
5.21(a)
  DDAs
5.21(b)
  Credit Card Arrangements
5.24
  Material Contracts
6.02
  Financial and Collateral Reporting
7.01
  Existing Liens
7.02
  Existing Investments
7.03
  Existing Indebtedness
10.02
  Administrative Agent’s Office; Certain Addresses for Notices
EXHIBITS
     
 
  Form of
 
   
A
  Committed Loan Notice
B
  Swing Line Loan Notice
C
  Note
D
  Compliance Certificate
E
  Assignment and Assumption
F
  Borrowing Base Certificate
G
  DDA Notification
H
  Credit Card Notification

(v)


 

CREDIT AGREEMENT
     This CREDIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of October 18, 2010, among
      Big 5 Corp. , a Delaware corporation (the “Lead Borrower”), as agent for itself and Big 5 Services Corp. , a Virginia corporation (together with the Lead Borrower, individually, a “Borrower”, and collectively, the “Borrowers”),
      Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation , a Delaware corporation (the “Parent”),
     each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”),
      Wells Fargo Bank, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, and Swing Line Lender, and
      Bank of America, N.A. , as Documentation Agent.
     The Borrowers have requested that the Lenders provide a revolving credit facility, and the Lenders have indicated their willingness to lend and Agent has indicated its willingness to cause the L/C Issuer to issue Letters of Credit, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
     In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
      1.01 Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
     “Accelerated Borrowing Base Delivery Event” means either (i) the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default, or (ii) the failure of the Borrowers to maintain Availability at least equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the Loan Cap. For purposes of this Agreement, the occurrence of an Accelerated Borrowing Base Delivery Event shall be deemed continuing (i) so long as such Event of Default has not been waived, and/or (ii) if the Accelerated Borrowing Base Delivery Event arises as a result of the Borrowers’ failure to achieve Availability as required hereunder, until Availability has equaled or exceeded fifteen percent (15%) of the Loan Cap for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days, in which case an Accelerated Borrowing Base Delivery Event shall no longer be deemed to be continuing for purposes of this Agreement.
     “Acceptable Document of Title” means, with respect to any Inventory, a tangible bill of lading or other Document (as defined in the UCC) that (a) is issued by a common carrier which is not an Affiliate of the Approved Foreign Vendor or any Loan Party which is in actual possession of such Inventory, (b) is issued to the order of the Borrower, (c) is the subject of Customs Broker Agreement on terms reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, (d) is not subject to any Lien (other than in favor of the Collateral Agent), and (e) is on terms otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent.
     “ACH” means automated clearing house transfers.
     “Accommodation Payment” as defined in Section 10.21(d) .

-1-


 

     “Account” means “accounts” as defined in the UCC.
     “Acquisition” means, with respect to any Person (a) a purchase of a Controlling interest in the Equity Interests of any other Person (whether by means of merger, consolidation or otherwise), (b) a purchase or other acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets or properties of, another Person or of any business unit of another Person, or (c) any acquisition of Store locations of any Person in any Fiscal Year in an amount greater than five (5%) percent of the aggregate amount of the Loan Parties’ Stores at the beginning of such Fiscal Year, in each case in any transaction or group of transactions which are part of a common plan.
     “Act” shall have the meaning provided in Section 10.17 .
     “Additional Commitment Lender” shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.15(b)(iii) .
     “Adjusted Availability” means, as of any date of determination thereof, the result, if a positive number, of:
     (a) The Borrowing Base
      Minus
     (b) The aggregate unpaid balance of Credit Extensions.
     “Adjusted LIBO Rate” means:
     (a) for any Interest Period with respect to any LIBO Borrowing, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of one percent) equal to (i) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (ii) the Statutory Reserve Rate; and
     (b) for any interest rate calculation with respect to any Base Rate Loan, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of one percent) equal to (i) the LIBO Rate for an Interest Period commencing on the date of such calculation and ending on the date that is thirty (30) days thereafter multiplied by (ii) the Statutory Reserve Rate.
     The Adjusted LIBO Rate will be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in the Statutory Reserve Rate.
     “Adjustment Date” means January 3, 2011, and the first day of each Fiscal Quarter occurring thereafter.
     “Administrative Agent” means Wells Fargo in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.
     “Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02 , or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Lead Borrower and the Lenders.
     “Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

-2-


 

     “Affiliate” means, with respect to any 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.
     “Agent(s)” means, individually, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, and collectively means both of them.
     “Agent Parties” shall have the meaning specified in Section 10.02(c) .
     “Aggregate Commitments” means the Commitments of all the Lenders. As of the Closing Date, the Aggregate Commitments are $140,000,000.
     “Agreement” means this Credit Agreement.
     “Allocable Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 10.21(d) .
     “Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage” means the applicable percentage set forth in the grid below:
         
Average Daily Availability for the immediately
preceding Fiscal Quarter
  Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage
Less than or equal to 50% of the Aggregate Commitments
  0.375%
Greater than 50% of the Aggregate Commitments
  0.50%
     “Applicable Lenders” means the Required Lenders, all affected Lenders, or all Lenders, as the context may require.
     “Applicable Margin” means:
     (a) From and after the Closing Date until the first Adjustment Date, the percentages set forth in Level II of the pricing grid below; and
     (b) From and after the first Adjustment Date and on each Adjustment Date thereafter, the Applicable Margin shall be determined from the following pricing grid based upon the Average Daily Availability as of the Fiscal Quarter ended immediately preceding such Adjustment Date; provided , however, that until the Adjustment Date which is January 3, 2011, the Applicable Margin shall not be established at Level I (even if the Average Daily Availability requirements for Level I have been met; provided further that notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, interest shall accrue at the Default Rate; provided further if any Borrowing Base Certificates are at any time restated or otherwise revised because the information set forth therein proves to be false or incorrect such that the Applicable Margin would have been higher than was otherwise in effect during the period covered thereby, without constituting a waiver of any Default or Event of Default arising as a result thereof, interest due under this Agreement shall be immediately recalculated at such higher rate for any applicable periods and shall be due and payable on demand.

-3-


 

                                     
                        Commercial   Standby
    Average Daily   LIBOR   Base Rate   Letter of Credit   Letter of
Level   Availability   Margin   Margin   Fee   Credit Fee
I
  Greater than 50% of the Loan Cap     2.00 %     1.00 %     1.50 %     2.00 %
II
  Less than or equal to 50% of the Loan Cap     2.25 %     1.25 %     1.75 %     2.25 %
     “Applicable Percentage” means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments represented by such Lender’s Commitment at such time. If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 2.06 or Section 8.02 or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.
     “Appraised Value” means the appraised orderly liquidation value with respect to the Borrowers’ Eligible Inventory, net of costs and expenses to be incurred in connection with any such liquidation, which value is expressed as a percentage of Cost of Eligible Inventory as set forth in the inventory stock ledger of the Lead Borrower, which value shall be determined from time to time by the most recent appraisal undertaken by an independent appraiser engaged by the Administrative Agent.
     “Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender, (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender or (d) the same investment advisor or an advisor under common control with such Lender, Affiliate or advisor, as applicable.
     “Approved Foreign Vendor” means a Foreign Vendor which (a) is located in any country acceptable to the Collateral Agent in its discretion, (b) has received timely payment or performance of all obligations owed to it by the Loan Parties, and (c) has not asserted and has no right to assert any reclamation, repossession, diversion, stoppage in transit, Lien or title retention rights in respect of such Inventory.
     “Arranger” means Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, in its capacity as sole lead arranger and sole book manager.
     “Assignee Group” means two or more Eligible Assignees that are Affiliates of one another or two or more Approved Funds managed by the same investment advisor.
     “Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 10.06(b) ), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit E or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

-4-


 

     “Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, (a) in respect of any Capital Lease Obligation of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease or similar payments under the relevant lease or other applicable agreement or instrument that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease, agreement or instrument were accounted for as a capital lease.
     “Audited Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, Shareholders’ Equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto.
     “Auto-Extension Letter of Credit” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.03(b)(iii) .
     “Availability” means, as of any date of determination thereof, the result, if a positive number, of:
     (a) The Loan Cap
      Minus
     (b) The aggregate unpaid balance of Credit Extensions.
     “Availability Period” means the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (a) the Maturity Date, (b) the date of termination of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.06 , and (c) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and of the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions pursuant to Section 8.02 .
     “Availability Reserves” means, without duplication of any other Reserves or items to the extent such items are otherwise addressed or excluded through eligibility criteria, such reserves as the Administrative Agent, from time to time and in compliance with Section 2.01(c), determines in its reasonable discretion as being appropriate (a) to reflect the impediments to the Agents’ ability to realize upon the Collateral, (b) to reflect claims and liabilities that the Administrative Agent reasonably determines will need to be satisfied in connection with any realization upon the Collateral, (c) to reflect criteria, events, conditions, contingencies or risks which adversely affect any component of the Borrowing Base, or the assets, business, financial performance or financial condition of any Loan Party, or (d) to reflect that a Default or an Event of Default then exists. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Availability Reserves may include, in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable discretion, (but are not limited to) reserves based on: (i) rent; (ii) customs duties, and other costs to release Inventory which is being imported into the United States; (iii) outstanding Taxes and other governmental charges, including, without limitation, ad valorem, real estate, personal property, sales, claims of the PBGC and other Taxes which may have priority over the interests of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral; (iv) salaries, wages and benefits due to employees of any Borrower, (v) Customer Credit Liabilities, (vi) Customer Deposits, (vii) reserves for reasonably anticipated changes in the Appraised Value of Eligible Inventory between appraisals, (viii) warehousemen’s or bailee’s charges and other Permitted Encumbrances which may have priority over the interests of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral, (ix) amounts due to vendors on account of consigned goods, (x) Cash Management Reserves, (xi) Bank Products Reserves and (xii) royalties payable in respect of licensed merchandise.
     “Average Daily Availability” shall mean the average daily Availability as reflected in the Administrative Agent’s books and records (absent manifest error) for the immediately preceding Fiscal Quarter.

-5-


 

     “Bank Products” means any services or facilities provided to any Loan Party by any Lender or any of its Affiliates (but excluding Cash Management Services) including, without limitation, on account of (a) Swap Contracts, (b) merchant services constituting a line of credit, and (c) leasing, but excluding any factoring services or Supply Chain Financing.
     “Bank Product Reserves” means such reserves as the Administrative Agent from time to time determines as appropriate to reflect the credit exposure of the Loan Parties in respect of Bank Products, as such exposure has been reasonably determined by the providers of such Bank Products.
     “Base Rate” means, for any day, a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate, as in effect from time to time, plus one-half of one percent (0.50%), (b) the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus one percent (1.00%), or (c) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Wells Fargo as its “prime rate.” The “prime rate” is a rate set by Wells Fargo based upon various factors including Wells Fargo’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such rate announced by Wells Fargo shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.
     “Base Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
     “Blocked Account” has the meaning provided in Section 6.13(a)(ii) .
     “Blocked Account Agreement” means with respect to an account established by a Loan Party, an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, establishing control (as defined in the UCC) of such account by the Collateral Agent and whereby the bank maintaining such account agrees, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event, to comply only with the instructions originated by the Collateral Agent without the further consent of any Loan Party.
     “Blocked Account Bank” means each bank with whom deposit accounts are maintained in which any funds of any of the Loan Parties from one or more DDAs are concentrated and with whom a Blocked Account Agreement has been, or is required to be, executed in accordance with the terms hereof.
     “Borrower Materials” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02 .
     “Borrower(s)” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
     “Borrowing” means a Committed Borrowing or a Swing Line Borrowing, as the context may require.
     “Borrowing Base” means, at any time of calculation, an amount equal to:
     (a) the face amount of Eligible Credit Card Receivables multiplied by 90%;
      plus
     (b) (i) during the period of September 15 through December 15 of each year, the Cost of Eligible Inventory (other than Eligible In-Transit Inventory), net of Inventory Reserves, multiplied by 90% of the Appraised Value of Eligible Inventory (other than Eligible In-Transit Inventory), and (ii) at all other times, the Cost of Eligible Inventory (other than Eligible In-

-6-


 

Transit Inventory), net of Inventory Reserves, multiplied by 85% of the Appraised Value of Eligible Inventory (other than Eligible In-Transit Inventory);
      plus
     (c) the lesser of (i) the Cost of Eligible In-Transit Inventory, net of Inventory Reserves, multiplied by 85% of the Appraised Value of Eligible In-Transit Inventory, or (ii) $10,000,000;
      minus
     (g) the then amount of all Availability Reserves.
     “Borrowing Base Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto (with such changes therein as may be required by the Administrative Agent to reflect the components of and reserves against the Borrowing Base as provided for hereunder from time to time), executed and certified as accurate and complete by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower which shall include appropriate exhibits, schedules, supporting documentation, and additional reports as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.
     “Budget” means the annual budget for the year following the most recently completed Fiscal Year prepared by management of the Lead Borrower, including each month of the year, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and which budget shall contain an Availability model, and a consolidated balance sheet and statements of income from operations and cash flows of the Parent and its Subsidiaries on a monthly basis.
     “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located and, if such day relates to any LIBO Rate Loan, means any such day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank market.
     “Capital Expenditures” means, with respect to any Person for any period, (a) the aggregate of all expenditures made (whether made in the form of cash or other property) during such period that are capital expenditures as determined in accordance with GAAP, and (b) Capital Lease Obligations incurred by a Person during such period.
     “Capital Lease Obligations” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the portion of 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, required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.
     “Cash Collateralize” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(g) . Derivates of such term have corresponding meanings.
     “Cash Dominion Event” means either (i) the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default, or (ii) the failure of the Borrowers to maintain Availability of at least $10,000,000, or (iii) the failure of the Borrowers to maintain Adjusted Availability of at least 12.5% of the Borrowing Base. For purposes of this Agreement, the occurrence of a Cash Dominion Event shall be deemed continuing at the Administrative Agent’s option (i) so long as such Event of Default has not been waived, and/or (ii) if the Cash Dominion Event arises as a result of the Borrowers’ failure to achieve Availability or Adjusted

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Availability as required hereunder, until Availability has exceeded $10,000,000 and Adjusted Availability has exceeded 12.5% of the Borrowing Base for sixty (60) consecutive days, in which case a Cash Dominion Event shall no longer be deemed to be continuing for purposes of this Agreement; provided that a Cash Dominion Event occurring at any time after a Cash Dominion Event has occurred and been discontinued on two (2) occasions after the Closing Date shall be deemed continuing (even if an Event of Default is no longer continuing and/or Availability or Adjusted Availability, as applicable, exceeds the required amount for sixty (60) consecutive days). The termination of a Cash Dominion Event as provided herein shall in no way limit, waive or delay the occurrence of a subsequent Cash Dominion Event in the event that the conditions set forth in this definition again arise.
     “Cash Management Reserves” means such reserves as the Administrative Agent, from time to time and in compliance with Section 2.01(c), determines in its reasonable discretion as being appropriate to reflect the reasonably anticipated liabilities and obligations of the Loan Parties with respect to Cash Management Services then provided or outstanding.
     “Cash Management Services” means any one cash management services or facilities provided to any Loan Party by any Lender or any of its Affiliates, including, without limitation: (a) ACH transactions, (b) controlled disbursement services, treasury, depository, overdraft, and electronic funds transfer services, (c) foreign exchange facilities, (d) credit or debit cards, (e) credit card processing services and (f) purchase cards.
     “CERCLA” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.
     “CERCLIS” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System maintained by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
     “CFC” means a Person that is a controlled foreign corporation under Section 957 of the Code.
     “Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority.
     “Change of Control” means an event or series of events by which:
     (a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time (such right, an “ option right ”)), directly or indirectly, of 30% or more of the Equity Interests of the Parent entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Parent on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such Equity Interests that such “person” or “group” has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right); or
     (b) during any period of 12 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of the Parent cease to be composed of

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individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body; or
     (c) any “change in control” or “sale” or “disposition” or similar event as defined in any Organizational Document of any Loan Party or in any Material Contract, or any document governing Material Indebtedness of any Loan Party; or
     (d) the Parent fails at any time to own, directly or indirectly, 100% of the Equity Interests of each other Loan Party free and clear of all Liens (other than the Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent and other Permitted Encumbrances), except where such failure is as a result of a transaction permitted by the Loan Documents.
     “Closing Date” means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 10.01 .
     “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended and in effect.
     “Collateral” means any and all “Collateral” as defined in any applicable Security Document and all other property that is or is intended under the terms of the Security Documents to be subject to Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent.
     “Collateral Access Agreement” means an agreement reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Agents executed by (a) a bailee or other Person in possession of Collateral, and (b) any landlord of Real Estate leased by any Loan Party where Collateral is located, pursuant to which such Person (i) acknowledges the Collateral Agent’s Lien on such Collateral, (ii) releases such Person’s Liens in such Collateral, (iii) provides the Collateral Agent with access to such Collateral, (iv) as to any landlord, provides the Collateral Agent with a reasonable time to sell and dispose of such Collateral from such Real Estate, and (v) makes such other agreements with the Collateral Agent as the Agents may reasonably require.
     “Collateral Agent” means Wells Fargo, acting in such capacity for its own benefit and the ratable benefit of the other Credit Parties.
     “Commercial Letter of Credit” means any Letter of Credit issued for the purpose of providing the primary payment mechanism in connection with the purchase of any materials, goods or services by a Borrower in the ordinary course of business of such Borrower.
     “Committed Increase” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15(a) .
     “Commitment” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to (a) make Committed Loans to the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.01 , (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations, and (c) purchase participations in Swing Line Loans, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

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     “Commitment Increases” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15(b)(i) .
     “Committed Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Committed Loans of the same Type and, in the case of LIBO Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01 .
     “Committed Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(a) .
     “Committed Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Committed Borrowing, (b) a Conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of LIBO Rate Loans, pursuant to 2.02(b), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A .
     “Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D .
     “Concentration Account” has the meaning provided in Section 6.13(c) .
     “Consolidated” means, when used to modify a financial term, test, statement, or report of a Person, the application or preparation of such term, test, statement or report (as applicable) based upon the consolidation, in accordance with GAAP, of the financial condition or operating results of such Person and its Subsidiaries.
     “Consolidated EBITDA” means, at any date of determination, an amount equal to Consolidated Net Income of the Parent and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis for the most recently completed Measurement Period, plus (a) the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i) Consolidated Interest Charges, (ii) the provision for Federal, state, local and foreign income Taxes, (iii) depreciation and amortization expense and (iv) other non-recurring expenses reducing such Consolidated Net Income which do not represent a cash item in such period or any future period (in each case of or by the Parent and its Subsidiaries for such Measurement Period), minus (b) the following to the extent included in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i) Federal, state, local and foreign income tax credits and (ii) all non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income (in each case of or by the Parent and its Subsidiaries for such Measurement Period), all as determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
     “Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, at any date of determination, the ratio of (a) (i) Consolidated EBITDA for such period minus (ii) Capital Expenditures (other than Capital Expenditures financed with proceeds of Permitted Indebtedness (other than Borrowings)) made during such period minus (iii) the aggregate amount of Federal, state, local and foreign income taxes paid in cash during such period to (b) the sum of (i) Debt Service Charges plus (ii) the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments, in each case, of or by the Parent and its Subsidiaries for the most recently completed Measurement Period, all as determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
     “Consolidated Interest Charges” means, for any Measurement Period, the sum of (a) all interest, premium payments, debt discount, fees, charges and related expenses in connection with borrowed money (including capitalized interest) or in connection with the deferred purchase price of assets, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, including, without limitation, all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing and net costs under Swap Contracts, but excluding any non-cash or deferred interest financing costs, and (b) the portion of rent expense with respect to such period under Capital Lease Obligations that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP minus (d) interest income during such period (excluding any portion of interest income representing accruals of amounts received in a previous period), in each

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case of or by the Parent and its Subsidiaries for the most recently completed Measurement Period, all as determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
     “Consolidated Net Income” means, as of any date of determination, the net income of the Parent and its Subsidiaries for the most recently completed Measurement Period, all as determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, provided, however, that there shall be excluded (a) extraordinary gains and extraordinary losses for such Measurement Period, (b) the income (or loss) of the Parent and its Subsidiaries during such Measurement Period in which any other Person has a joint interest, except to the extent of the amount of cash dividends or other distributions actually paid in cash to the Parent and its Subsidiaries during such period, (c) the income (or loss) of the Parent and its Subsidiaries during such Measurement Period and accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of the Parent and its Subsidiaries or any of such Person’s Subsidiaries or is merged into or consolidated with a Person or any of its Subsidiaries or that Person’s assets are acquired by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, and (d) the income of any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Parent and its Subsidiaries to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of that income is not at the time permitted by operation of the terms of its Organization Documents or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary, except that the Parent’s equity in any net loss of any such Subsidiary for such Measurement Period shall be included in determining Consolidated Net Income.
     “Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
     “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.
     “Convert”, “Conversion” and “Converted” each refers to a conversion of Committed Loans of one Type into Committed Loans of the other Type.
     “Cost” means the lower of cost or market value of Inventory, on a basis consistent with the Borrowers’ accounting practices known to the Administrative Agent and in effect on the Closing Date, which for in-transit Inventory shall be the landed cost thereof. “Cost” shall not include inventory capitalization costs.
     “Covenant Compliance Event” means that Availability at any time is less than 12.5% of the Loan Cap. For purposes hereof, the occurrence of a Covenant Compliance Event shall be deemed continuing until Availability has equaled or exceeded 12.5% of the Loan Cap for sixty (60) consecutive days, in which case a Covenant Compliance Event shall no longer be deemed to be continuing for purposes of this Agreement. The termination of a Covenant Compliance Event as provided herein shall in no way limit, waive or delay the occurrence of a subsequent Covenant Compliance Event in the event that the conditions set forth in this definition again arise.
     “Credit Card Notification” has the meaning provided in Section 6.13(a)(i) .
     “Credit Card Receivables” means each Account together with all income, payments and proceeds thereof, owed by a major credit or debit card issuer (including, but not limited to, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, and such other issuers approved by the Administrative Agent in the exercise of its reasonable discretion) to a Borrower resulting from charges by a customer of a Loan Party on credit or debit cards issued by such issuer in connection with the sale of goods by a Loan Party, or services performed by a Loan Party, in each case in the ordinary course of its business.

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     “Credit Extensions” mean each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension (including any L/C Borrowing).
     “Credit Party” or “Credit Parties” means (a) individually, (i) each Lender and its Affiliates, (ii) each Agent, (iii) each L/C Issuer, (iv) the Arranger, (v) each beneficiary of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan Document, (vi) any other Person to whom Obligations under this Agreement and other Loan Documents are owing, and (vii) the permitted successors and assigns of each of the foregoing, and (b) collectively, all of the foregoing.
     “Credit Party Expenses” means, without limitation, (a) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agents in connection with (i) the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, (ii) the preparation, negotiation, administration, management, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (iii) the enforcement or protection of their rights in connection with this Agreement or the Loan Documents or efforts to preserve, protect, collect, or enforce the Collateral, or (iv) any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of any Obligations, and (b) with respect to the L/C Issuer, all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder; and (c) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Credit Parties who are not the Agents or the L/C Issuer, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, provided that such Credit Parties shall be entitled to reimbursement for no more than one counsel representing all such Credit Parties (absent a conflict of interest in which case the applicable Credit Party or Credit Parties desiring separate counsel shall inform the Lead Borrower or such conflict in writing, which writing shall set forth the basis for such claimed conflict and reasons why the same cannot be waived, after which such Credit Party or Credit Parties may engage and be reimbursed for additional counsel).
     “Customer Credit Liabilities” means at any time, the aggregate remaining value at such time of (a) outstanding gift certificates and gift cards of the Borrowers entitling the holder thereof to use all or a portion of the certificate or gift card to pay all or a portion of the purchase price for any Inventory, (b) outstanding merchandise credits of the Borrowers and (c) liabilities in connection with frequent shopping programs of the Borrowers.
     “Customer Deposits” means deposits made by customers with respect to the purchase of goods or the performance of services, and layaway obligations of the Borrowers.
     “Customs Broker Agreement” means an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, among a Loan Party, a customs broker, freight forwarder or other carrier, and the Collateral Agent, in which the customs broker, freight forwarder or other carrier acknowledges that it has control over and holds the documents evidencing ownership of the subject Inventory for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and agrees, upon notice from the Collateral Agent, to hold and dispose of the subject Inventory solely as directed by the Collateral Agent.
     “DDA” means each checking, savings or other demand deposit account maintained by any of the Loan Parties. All funds in each DDA shall be conclusively presumed to be Collateral and proceeds of Collateral and the Agents and the Lenders shall have no duty to inquire as to the source of the amounts on deposit in any DDA.
     “DDA Notification” has the meaning provided therefor in Section 6.13(b) .

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     “Debt Service Charges” means for any Measurement Period, the sum of (a) Consolidated Interest Charges paid or required to be paid for such Measurement Period, plus (b) principal payments made or required to be made on account of Indebtedness (excluding the Obligations and any Synthetic Lease Obligations but including, without limitation, Capital Lease Obligations) for such Measurement Period, in each case determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
     “Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.
     “Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of notice of same, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
     “Default Rate” means (a) when used with respect to Obligations other than Letter of Credit Fees, an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) the Applicable Margin then applicable to Base Rate Loans, plus (iii) 2% per annum; provided, however, that with respect to a LIBO Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Margin) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum, and (b) when used with respect to Letter of Credit Fees, a rate equal to the Applicable Margin for Standby Letters of Credit or Commercial Letters of Credit, as applicable, plus 2% per annum.
     “Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund any portion of the Committed Loans, participations in L/C Obligations or participations in Swing Line Loans required to be funded by it hereunder on the date required to be funded by it hereunder, (b) has notified the Administrative Agent or the Borrowers in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations generally under agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date when due, (d) has failed within three (3) Business Days after receipt of written request therefor, to confirm to the Administrative Agent or any Borrower in writing that it will comply with its obligations under this Agreement to fund and otherwise comply with all of its other obligations hereunder, or (e) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that (i) has become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws, (ii) has a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or a custodian appointed for it, or (iii) has taken any other steps or actions in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment.
     “Deteriorating Lender” means any Defaulting Lender or any Lender as to which (a) the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender has a good faith belief that such Lender has defaulted in fulfilling its obligations under one or more other syndicated credit facilities, or (b) a Person that Controls such Lender has been deemed insolvent or become the subject of a bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding.
     “Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any sale, transfer, license or other disposition of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) of any property (including, without limitation, any Equity Interests) by any Person (or the granting of any option or other right to do any of the foregoing), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

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     “Disqualified Stock” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the Loans mature; provided , however , that (i) only the portion of such Equity Interests which so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date shall be deemed to be Disqualified Stock and (ii) with respect to any Equity Interests issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Lead Borrower or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interest shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Lead Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, resignation, death or disability and if any class of Equity Interest of such Person that by its terms authorizes such Person to satisfy its obligations thereunder by delivery of an Equity Interest that is not Disqualified Stock, such Equity Interests shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Stock. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Equity Interest that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require a Loan Party to repurchase such Equity Interest upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale shall not constitute Disqualified Stock. The amount of Disqualified Stock deemed to be outstanding at any time for purposes of this Agreement will be the maximum amount that the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries may become obligated to pay upon maturity, or pursuant to any mandatory redemption provisions of, such Disqualified Stock or portion thereof, plus accrued dividends.
     “Documentation Agent” means Bank of America, N.A.
     “Dollars” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States.
     “Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of any political subdivision of the United States.
     “Eligible Assignee” means (a) a Credit Party or any of its Affiliates; (b) a bank, insurance company, or company engaged in the business of making commercial loans, which Person, together with its Affiliates, has a combined capital and surplus in excess of $250,000,000; (c) an Approved Fund; (d) any Person to whom a Credit Party assigns its rights and obligations under this Agreement as part of an assignment and transfer of such Credit Party’s rights in and to a material portion of such Credit Party’s portfolio of asset based credit facilities, and (e) any other Person (other than a natural person) approved by (i) the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender, and (ii) unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Lead Borrower (each such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, “Eligible Assignee” shall not include a Loan Party or any of the Loan Parties’ Affiliates or Subsidiaries.
     “Eligible Credit Card Receivables” means at the time of any determination thereof, each Credit Card Receivable that satisfies the following criteria at the time of creation and continues to meet the same at the time of such determination: such Credit Card Receivable (i) has been earned by performance and represents the bona fide amounts due to a Borrower from a credit card payment processor and/or credit card issuer, and in each case originated in the ordinary course of business of such Borrower, and (ii) is not ineligible for inclusion in the calculation of the Borrowing Base pursuant to any of clauses (a) through (i) below or any other category of ineligibility determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion; provided that , so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall provide the Lead Borrower with three (3) days’ prior notice of any new category of ineligibility (during which period the Administrative Agent shall be available to discuss any such proposed new category of ineligibility with the Borrowers). Without limiting the foregoing, to

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qualify as an Eligible Credit Card Receivable, an Account shall indicate no Person other than a Borrower as payee or remittance party. In determining the amount to be so included, the face amount of an Account shall be reduced by, without duplication, to the extent not reflected in such face amount, (i) the amount of all accrued and actual discounts, claims, credits or credits pending, promotional program allowances, price adjustments, finance charges or other allowances (including any amount that a Borrower may be obligated to rebate to a customer, a credit card payment processor, or credit card issuer pursuant to the terms of any agreement or understanding (written or oral)) and (ii) the aggregate amount of all cash received in respect of such Account but not yet applied by the Borrowers to reduce the amount of such Credit Card Receivable. Except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, any Credit Card Receivable included within any of the following categories shall not constitute an Eligible Credit Card Receivable:
     (a) Credit Card Receivables which do not constitute an Account;
     (b) Credit Card Receivables that have been outstanding for more than five (5) Business Days from the date of sale;
     (c) Credit Card Receivables (i) that are not subject to a perfected first-priority security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent, or (ii) with respect to which a Borrower does not have good, valid and marketable title thereto, free and clear of any Lien (other than Liens granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Documents, those Liens specified in clauses (a) and (e) of the definition of Permitted Encumbrances and Permitted Encumbrances having priority by operation of applicable Laws over the Lien of the Collateral Agent);
     (d) Credit Card Receivables which are disputed, are with recourse, or with respect to which a claim, counterclaim, offset or chargeback has been asserted (to the extent of such claim, counterclaim, offset or chargeback);
     (e) Credit Card Receivables as to which the processor has the right under certain circumstances to require a Borrower to repurchase the Accounts from such credit card processor;
     (f) Credit Card Receivables due from an issuer or payment processor of the applicable credit card which is the subject of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings;
     (g) Credit Card Receivables which are not a valid, legally enforceable obligation of the applicable issuer with respect thereto;
     (h) Credit Card Receivables which are evidenced by “chattel paper” or an “instrument” of any kind unless such “chattel paper” or “instrument” is in the possession of the Collateral Agent, and to the extent necessary or appropriate, endorsed to the Collateral Agent; or
         (i) Credit Card Receivables which the Administrative Agent determines in its discretion to be uncertain of collection or which do not meet such other reasonable eligibility criteria for Credit Card Receivables as the Administrative Agent may determine.
     “Eligible In-Transit Inventory” means, as of any date of determination thereof, without duplication of other Eligible Inventory, either (x) unless an Accelerated Borrowing Base Delivery Event has occurred and is continuing, Inventory that has been received by a Borrower within seven (7) days of the end of each Fiscal Month and that would otherwise constitute Eligible Inventory, but which has not yet been entered into the inventory stock ledger of the Lead Borrower, or (y) In-Transit Inventory which meets all of the following requirements:

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     (a) Which has been shipped (i) from a foreign location for receipt by a Borrower, but which has not yet been delivered to such Borrower, which In-Transit Inventory has been in transit for forty-five (45) days or less from the date of shipment of such Inventory or (ii) from a domestic location for receipt by a Borrower, but which has not yet been delivered to such Borrower, which In-Transit Inventory has been in transit for seven (7) days or less from the date of shipment of such Inventory;
     (b) For which the purchase order is in the name of a Borrower and title and risk of loss has passed to such Borrower;
     (c) With respect to foreign In-Transit Inventory, for which an Acceptable Document of Title has been issued, and in each case with respect to foreign In-Transit Inventory and domestic In-Transit Inventory as to which the Collateral Agent has control (as defined in the UCC) over the documents of title which evidence ownership of the subject Inventory (such as, if requested by the Collateral Agent, by the delivery of a Customs Broker Agreement);
     (d) Which is insured to the reasonable satisfaction of the Collateral Agent (including, without limitation, marine cargo insurance);
     (e) With respect to foreign In-Transit Inventory, the Foreign Vendor with respect to such foreign In-Transit Inventory is an Approved Foreign Vendor;
     (f) With respect to foreign In-Transit Inventory, for which (i) payment of the purchase price has been made by the Borrower or the purchase price is supported by a Commercial Letter of Credit or (ii) if payment of the purchase price is to be made by the Borrower within applicable trade terms made available to the Borrower by the applicable Foreign Vendor, such Foreign Vendor has entered into a Foreign Vendor Agreement and the Borrower has not breached such trade terms made available to the Borrower by the applicable Foreign Vendor; and
     (g) Which otherwise would constitute Eligible Inventory;
     provided that the Administrative Agent may, in its reasonable discretion, exclude any particular Inventory from the definition of “Eligible In-Transit Inventory” in the event the Administrative Agent determines that (i) such Inventory is subject to any Person’s right or claim which is senior to, or pari passu with, the Lien of the Collateral Agent (such as, without limitation, a right of stoppage in transit) or may otherwise adversely impact the ability of the Collateral Agent to realize upon such Inventory, or (ii) such Inventory is not able to be properly tracked by the Borrowers; provided further that, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and no Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would be reasonably likely to occur prior to the expiration of such notice period, the Administrative Agent shall provide the Lead Borrower with three (3) days’ prior notice of any such exclusion (during which period the Administrative Agent shall be available to discuss any such exclusion with the Borrowers).
     “Eligible Inventory” means, as of the date of determination thereof, without duplication, (i) Eligible In-Transit Inventory, and (ii) items of Inventory of a Borrower that are finished goods, merchantable and readily saleable to the public in the ordinary course of a Borrower’s business, and that is not excluded as ineligible by virtue of one or more of the criteria set forth below or any other category of ineligibility determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion; provided that , so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall provide the Lead Borrower with three (3) days’ prior notice of any new category of ineligibility (during which period the Administrative Agent shall be available to discuss any such proposed new category of ineligibility with

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the Borrowers). Except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, the following items of Inventory shall not be included in Eligible Inventory:
     (a) Inventory that is not solely owned by a Borrower or a Borrower does not have good and valid title thereto;
     (b) Inventory that is leased by or is on consignment to a Borrower or which is consigned by a Borrower to a Person which is not a Loan Party;
     (c) Inventory (other than Eligible In-Transit Inventory) that is not located in the United States of America (excluding territories or possessions of the United States) at a location that is owned or leased by a Borrower, except (i) Inventory in transit between such owned or leased locations, or (ii) to the extent that the Borrowers have furnished the Administrative Agent with (A) any UCC financing statements or other documents that the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to perfect its security interest in such Inventory at such location, and (B) a Collateral Access Agreement executed by the Person owning any such location on terms reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent;
     (d) Inventory that is located in a distribution center leased by a Borrower, unless the applicable lessor has delivered to the Collateral Agent a Collateral Access Agreement;
     (e) Inventory that is comprised of goods which (i) are damaged, defective, “seconds,” or otherwise unmerchantable, (ii) are to be returned to the vendor, (iii) are obsolete or slow moving, or custom items, work-in-process, raw materials, or that constitute spare parts, promotional, marketing, packaging and shipping materials or supplies used or consumed in a Borrower’s business, (iv) not in compliance with all standards imposed by any Governmental Authority having regulatory authority over such Inventory, its use or sale, or (v) are bill and hold goods;
     (f) Inventory that is not subject to a perfected first-priority security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent;
     (g) Inventory that consists of samples, labels, bags, packaging, and other similar non-merchandise categories;
     (h) Inventory that is not insured in compliance with the provisions of Section 5.10 hereof;
     (i) Inventory that has been sold but not yet delivered or as to which a Borrower has accepted a deposit;
     (j) Inventory that is subject to any licensing, patent, royalty, trademark, trade name or copyright agreement with any third party from which any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of a dispute in respect of any such agreement, but only to the extent that such dispute would preclude the Loan Parties or the Collateral Agent or any other Credit Party from disposing of such Inventory; or
     (k) Inventory acquired in a Permitted Acquisition or which is of the type usually sold in the ordinary course of a Borrower’s business, unless and until the Collateral Agent has completed or received (A) an appraisal of such Inventory from appraisers satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and establishes Inventory Reserves (if applicable) therefor, and otherwise agrees

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that such Inventory shall be deemed Eligible Inventory, and (B) such other due diligence as the Agents may require, all of the results of the foregoing to be reasonably satisfactory to the Agents.
     “Environmental Laws” means any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public systems.
     “Environmental Liability” means any liability, obligation, damage, loss, claim, action, suit, judgment, order, fine, penalty, fee, expense, or cost, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of any Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal or presence of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
     “Equipment” has the meaning set forth in the UCC.
     “Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination.
     “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
     “ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with the Lead Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).
     “ERISA Event” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by the Lead Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Lead Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (f) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Lead Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

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     “Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01 . An Event of Default shall be deemed to be continuing unless and until that Event of Default has been duly waived as provided in Section 10.01 hereof.
     “Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to the Agents, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Loan Parties hereunder, (a) taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income (however denominated), and franchise taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes), by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) 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 or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which any Loan Party is located and (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Loan Parties under Section 10.13 ), any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new Lending Office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lender’s failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to comply with Section 3.01(e) , 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 Loan Parties with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a) .
     “Executive Order” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.18 .
     “Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Financing Agreement dated as of December 15, 2004 among the Borrower, The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc., as agent, and a syndicate of lenders, as amended, together with all of the documents executed pursuant thereto or in connection therewith other than documents purposed to effect the termination thereof.
     “Extraordinary Receipt” means any cash received by or paid to or for the account of any Person not in the ordinary course of business, including tax refunds, pension plan reversions, proceeds of insurance (other than proceeds of business interruption insurance to the extent such proceeds constitute compensation for lost earnings), condemnation awards (and payments in lieu thereof), indemnity payments and any purchase price adjustments.
     “Facility Guaranty” means the Guaranty made by the Guarantor in favor of the Agents and the other Credit Parties, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
     “Factored Receivables” means any Accounts of a Loan Party which have been factored or sold by an account debtor of a Loan Party to Wells Fargo, or any of its Affiliates pursuant to a factoring arrangement or otherwise.
     “Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Wells Fargo on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.
     “Fee Letter” means the letter agreement, dated August 13, 2010, by and between the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

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     “Fiscal Month” means any fiscal month of any Fiscal Year, which month shall generally end on the Sunday closest to the end of each calendar month in accordance with the fiscal accounting calendar of the Loan Parties.
     “Fiscal Quarter” means any fiscal quarter of any Fiscal Year, which quarters shall generally end on the Sunday closest to the end of each calendar quarter in accordance with the fiscal accounting calendar of the Loan Parties.
     “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Parent determined in accordance with the method used for such determination in the Audited Financial Statements.
     “Forecast Updates” means the quarterly revisions to the Budget to reflect significant or material changes thereto based on revised assumptions and the actual results obtained during the period or periods then elapsed during the Fiscal Year covered by the Budget.
     “Foreign Assets Control Regulations” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.18 .
     “Foreign Lender” means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Lead Borrower is resident for tax purposes. For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.
     “Foreign Vendor” means a Person that sells In-Transit Inventory to a Borrower.
     “Foreign Vendor Agreement” means an agreement between a Foreign Vendor and the Collateral Agent in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and pursuant to which, among other things, the parties shall agree upon their relative rights with respect to In-Transit Inventory of a Borrower purchased from such Foreign Vendor.
     “Fronting Fee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.03(j) .
     “FRB” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
     “Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business.
     “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied.
     “Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of 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 (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).
     “Guarantee” means, as to any Person, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable

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or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
     “Guarantor” means the Parent, each Subsidiary of the Parent (other than the Borrowers and any CFC) and each other Subsidiary of the Parent that shall be required to execute and deliver a Facility Guaranty pursuant to Section 6.12 .
     “Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
     “Honor Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i) .
     “Increase Effective Date” shall have the meaning provided therefor in Section 2.15(c) .
     “Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:
     (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;
     (b) the maximum amount of all reimbursement or other obligations of such Person arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments;
     (c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;
     (d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business and, in each case, not past due for more than 60 days);
     (e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;

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     (f) All Attributable Indebtedness of such Person;
     (g) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise make any payment in respect of any Disqualified Stock; and
     (h) all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.
     For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to such Person.
     “Indemnified Taxes” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.
     “Indemnitees” has the meaning specified in Section 10.04(b) .
     “Information” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07 .
     “Intellectual Property” means all present and future: trade secrets, know-how and other proprietary information; trademarks, trademark applications, internet domain names, service marks, trade dress, trade names, business names, designs, logos, slogans (and all translations, adaptations, derivations and combinations of the foregoing) indicia and other source and/or business identifiers, and all registrations or applications for registrations which have heretofore been or may hereafter be issued thereon throughout the world; copyrights and copyright applications; (including copyrights for computer programs) and all tangible and intangible property embodying the copyrights, unpatented inventions (whether or not patentable); patents and patent applications; industrial design applications and registered industrial designs; license agreements related to any of the foregoing and income therefrom; books, records, writings, computer tapes or disks, flow diagrams, specification sheets, computer software, source codes, object codes, executable code, data, databases and other physical manifestations, embodiments or incorporations of any of the foregoing; all other intellectual property; and all common law and other rights throughout the world in and to all of the foregoing.
     “Interest Payment Date” means, (a) as to any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date; provided, however, that if any Interest Period for a LIBO Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan (including a Swing Line Loan), the first day after the end of each month and the Maturity Date.
     “Interest Period” means, as to each LIBO Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such LIBO Rate Loan is disbursed or Converted to or continued as a LIBO Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Lead Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice; provided that:
     (i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;
     (ii) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of

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such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period;
     (iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date; and
     (iv) notwithstanding the provisions of clause (iii), no Interest Period shall have a duration of less than one (1) month, and if any Interest Period applicable to a LIBO Borrowing would be for a shorter period, such Interest Period shall not be available hereunder.
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.
     “Internal Control Event” means a material weakness in, or fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in, the Parent’s and/or its Subsidiaries’ internal controls over financial reporting, in each case as described in the Securities Laws and of which the Lead Borrower has Knowledge.
     “In-Transit Inventory” means Inventory of a Borrower which is in the possession of a common carrier and (i) is in transit from a Foreign Vendor of a Borrower from a location outside of the continental United States or (ii) is in transit from a domestic vendor of a Borrower from a location within the continental United States, in each case to a location of a Borrower that is within the continental United States.
     “Inventory” has the meaning given that term in the UCC.
     “Inventory Reserves” means such reserves as may be established from time to time and in compliance with Section 2.01(c) by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion, with respect to the determination of the saleability, at retail, of the Eligible Inventory or which reflect such other factors as affect the market value of the Eligible Inventory. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Inventory Reserves may, in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable discretion, include (but are not limited to) reserves based on:
     (a) Obsolescence;
     (b) Seasonality;
     (c) Shrink;
     (d) Imbalance;
     (e) Change in Inventory character;
     (f) Change in Inventory composition;
     (g) Change in Inventory mix;
     (h) Mark-downs (both permanent and point of sale);
     (i) Retail mark-ons and mark-ups inconsistent with prior period practice and performance, industry standards, current business plans or advertising calendar and planned advertising events; and

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     (j) Out-of-date and/or expired Inventory.
     “Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of debt of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or interest in, another Person, or (c) any Acquisition, or (d) any other investment of money or capital in order to obtain a profitable return. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
     “IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
     “ISP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).
     “Issuer Documents” means with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Letter Credit Application, and any other document, agreement and instrument entered into by the L/C Issuer and any Borrower (or any Subsidiary) or in favor of the L/C Issuer and relating to any such Letter of Credit.
     “Knowledge” means the actual knowledge of a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party after reasonable inquiry.
     “Joinder Agreement” means an agreement, in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent pursuant to which, among other things, a Person becomes a party to, and bound by the terms of, this Agreement and/or the other Loan Documents in the same capacity and to the same extent as either a Borrower or a Guarantor, as the Administrative Agent may determine.
     “Landlord Lien State” means such state(s) in which a landlord’s claim for rent may have priority over the Lien of the Collateral Agent in any of the Collateral.
     “Laws” means each international, foreign, Federal, state and local statute, treaty, rule, guideline, regulation, ordinance, code and administrative or judicial precedent or authority, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and each applicable administrative order, directed duty, request, license, authorization and permit of, and agreement with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law.
     “L/C Advance” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.
     “L/C Borrowing” means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the date when made or refinanced as a Committed Borrowing.
     “L/C Credit Extension” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the increase of the amount thereof.
     “L/C Issuer” means (a) Wells Fargo in its capacity as issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder (which successor may only be a Lender selected by the Lead Borrower with the consent of the Administrative Agent), and (b) any other Lender selected by the Administrative Agent in its discretion. The L/C Issuer may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more

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Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of the L/C Issuer if consented to by the Lead Borrower, in which case the term “L/C Issuer” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate.
     “L/C Obligations” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate undrawn amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings. For purposes of computing the amounts available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06 . For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.
     “Lease” means any agreement, whether written or oral, no matter how styled or structured, pursuant to which a Loan Party is entitled to the use or occupancy of any space in a structure, land, improvements or premises for any period of time.
     “Lender” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto and, as the context requires, includes the Swing Line Lender.
     “Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
     “Letter of Credit” means each Standby Letter of Credit and each Commercial Letter of Credit issued hereunder.
     “Letter of Credit Application” means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in use by the L/C Issuer.
     “Letter of Credit Expiration Date” means the day that is seven days prior to the Maturity Date then in effect (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day).
     “Letter of Credit Fee” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(i) .
     “Letter of Credit Sublimit” means an amount equal to $50,000,000. The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments. A permanent reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall not require a corresponding pro rata reduction in the Letter of Credit Sublimit; provided, however, that if the Aggregate Commitments are reduced to an amount less than the Letter of Credit Sublimit, then the Letter of Credit Sublimit shall be reduced to an amount equal to (or, at Lead Borrower’s option, less than) the Aggregate Commitments.
     “LIBO Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of LIBO Rate Loans.
     “LIBO Rate” means for any Interest Period with respect to a LIBO Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (“BBA LIBOR”), as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source providing quotations of BBA LIBOR as designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period. If such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “LIBO Rate” for such Interest Period shall be the rate per annum determined by the

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Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the LIBO Rate Loan being made, continued or Converted by Wells Fargo and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered to Wells Fargo by major banks in the London interbank eurodollar market in which Wells Fargo participates at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.
     “LIBO Rate Loan” means a Committed Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Adjusted LIBO Rate.
     “Lien” means (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale, Capital Lease Obligation, Synthetic Lease Obligation, or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) and (b) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.
     “Liquidation” means the exercise by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent of those rights and remedies accorded to such Agents under the Loan Documents and applicable Law as a creditor of the Loan Parties with respect to the realization on the Collateral, including (after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default) the conduct by the Loan Parties acting with the consent of the Administrative Agent, of any public, private or “going out of business”, “store closing”, or other similarly themed sale or any other disposition of the Collateral for the purpose of liquidating the Collateral. Derivations of the word “Liquidation” (such as “Liquidate”) are used with like meaning in this Agreement.
     “Loan” means an extension of credit by a Lender to the Borrower under Article II in the form of a Committed Loan or a Swing Line Loan.
     “Loan Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(a) .
     “Loan Cap” means, at any time of determination, the lesser of (a) the Aggregate Commitments or (b) the Borrowing Base.
     “Loan Documents” means this Agreement, each Note, each Issuer Document, the Fee Letter, all Borrowing Base Certificates, the Blocked Account Agreements, the DDA Notifications, the Credit Card Notifications, the Security Documents, the Facility Guaranty, and any other instrument or agreement now or hereafter executed and delivered in connection herewith evidencing or securing the Obligations, each as amended and in effect from time to time.
     “Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrowers and the Guarantors.
     “Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent) or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Loan Parties taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of the Loan Parties to perform their obligations under the Loan Documents, taken as a whole; (c) a material impairment of the rights and remedies of the Agent or the Lenders under the Loan Documents, taken as a whole; or (d) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the Loan Parties of the Loan Documents, taken as a whole. In determining whether any individual event would result in a Material Adverse Effect, notwithstanding that such event in and of itself does not have

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such effect, a Material Adverse Effect shall be deemed to have occurred if the cumulative effect of such event and all other then existing events would result in a Material Adverse Effect.
     “Material Contract” means, with respect to any Person, (i) each contract to which such Person is a party involving aggregate consideration payable to or by such Person of $5,000,000 or more (not including purchase orders or real property leases) or (ii) each contract or agreement, the loss of which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
     “Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) of the Loan Parties in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $5,000,000. For purposes of determining the amount of Material Indebtedness at any time, (a) the amount of the obligations in respect of any Swap Contract at such time shall be calculated at the Swap Termination Value thereof, (b) undrawn committed or available amounts shall be included, and (c) all amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement shall be included.
     “Maturity Date” means October 18, 2014.
     “Maximum Rate” has the meaning provided therefor in Section 10.09 .
     “Measurement Period” means, at any date of determination, the most recently completed twelve Fiscal Months.
     “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.
     “Multiemployer Plan” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Lead Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.
     “Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning provided therefor in Section 10.01 .
     “Non-Extension Notice Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(b)(iii) .
     “Note” means (a) a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit C-1 , and (b) the Swing Line Note, as each may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.
     “NPL” means the National Priorities List under CERCLA.
     “Obligations” means (a) all advances to, and debts (including principal, interest, fees, costs, and expenses), liabilities, obligations, covenants, indemnities, and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit (including payments in respect of reimbursement of disbursements, interest thereon and obligations to provide cash collateral therefor), whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest, fees, costs, expenses and indemnities that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest, fees, costs, expenses and indemnities are allowed claims in such proceeding, and (b) any Other Liabilities.

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     “Organization Documents” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity, and (d) in each case, all shareholder or other equity holder agreements, voting trusts and similar arrangements to which such Person is a party or which is applicable to its Equity Interests and all other arrangements relating to the Control or management of such Person.
     “Other Liabilities” means (a) any obligation on account of (i) any Cash Management Services furnished to any of the Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries and/or (ii) any transaction with any Lender or any of its Affiliates, which arises out of any Bank Product entered into with any Loan Party and any such Person, as each may be amended from time to time; and (b) any liability with respect to Factored Receivables or any Supply Chain Financing.
     “Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
     “Outstanding Amount” means (i) with respect to Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date; and (ii) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the amount of such L/C Obligations on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes in the aggregate amount of the L/C Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements by the Borrower of Unreimbursed Amounts.
     “Overadvance” means a Credit Extension to the extent that, immediately after its having been made, Availability is less than zero.
     “Parent” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
     “Participant” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(d) .
     “Payment Conditions” means, at the time of determination with respect to any specified transaction or payment, that (a) no Default or Event of Default then exists or would arise as a result of entering into such transaction or the making such payment, (b) after giving effect to such transaction or payment, the Pro Forma Availability Condition and the Pro Forma Adjusted Availability Condition have been satisfied, and (c) the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, on a pro-forma basis after giving effect to such transaction or payment, will be greater than 1.0:1.0. Prior to undertaking any transaction or payment which is subject to the Payment Conditions, the Loan Parties shall deliver to the Administrative Agent evidence of satisfaction of the conditions contained in clause (b) and (c) above on a basis (including, without limitation, giving due consideration to results for prior periods) reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
     “PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

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     “PCAOB” means the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
     “Pension Plan” means any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by the Lead Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Lead Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five plan years.
     “Permitted Acquisition” means an Acquisition in which all of the following conditions are satisfied:
     (a) No Default then exists or would arise from the consummation of such Acquisition;
     (b) Such Acquisition shall have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Person (or similar governing body if such Person is not a corporation) which is the subject of such Acquisition and such Person shall not have announced that it will oppose such Acquisition or shall not have commenced any action which alleges that such Acquisition shall violate applicable Law;
     (c) The Lead Borrower shall have furnished the Administrative Agent with thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of such intended Acquisition and shall have furnished the Administrative Agent with a current draft of the Acquisition Documents (and final copies thereof as and when executed), a summary of any due diligence undertaken by the Loan Parties in connection with such Acquisition, appropriate financial statements of the Person which is the subject of such Acquisition, pro forma projected financial statements for the twelve (12) month period following such Acquisition after giving effect to such Acquisition (including balance sheets, cash flows and income statements by month for the acquired Person, individually, and on a Consolidated basis with all Loan Parties), and such other information as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require, all of which shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
     (d) If proceeds of Loans will be used to pay all or any portion of the consideration for such Acquisition, the legal structure of the Acquisition shall be acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its discretion;
     (e) After giving effect to the Acquisition, if the Acquisition is an Acquisition of Equity Interests, a Loan Party shall acquire and own, directly or indirectly, a majority of the Equity Interests in the Person being acquired and shall Control a majority of any voting interests or shall otherwise Control the governance of the Person being acquired;
     (f) Any assets acquired shall be utilized in, and if the Acquisition involves a merger, consolidation or stock acquisition, the Person which is the subject of such Acquisition shall be engaged in, a business otherwise permitted to be engaged in by a Borrower under this Agreement;
     (g) If the Person which is the subject of such Acquisition will be maintained as a Subsidiary of a Loan Party, or if the assets acquired in an Acquisition will be transferred to a Subsidiary which is not then a Loan Party, such Subsidiary shall have been joined as a “Borrower” hereunder or as a Guarantor, as the Administrative Agent shall determine, and the Collateral Agent shall upon closing of such Acquisition receive a first priority security in such

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Subsidiary’s Equity Interests, Inventory, Accounts and other property of the same nature as constitutes collateral under the Security Documents;
     (h) The total consideration paid for all such Acquisitions (whether in cash, tangible property, notes or other property) after the Closing Date shall not exceed in the aggregate the sum of $25,000,000; and
     (i) The Loan Parties shall have satisfied the Payment Conditions.
     “Permitted Disposition” means any of the following:
     (a) Dispositions of Inventory in the ordinary course of business;
     (b) bulk sales or other Dispositions of the Inventory of a Loan Party not in the ordinary course of business in connection with Store closings, at arm’s length, provided, that such Store closures and related Inventory dispositions shall not exceed (i) in any Fiscal Year of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, five percent (5%) of the number of the Loan Parties’ Stores as of the beginning of such Fiscal Year (net of new Store openings) and (ii) in the aggregate from and after the Closing Date, ten percent (10%) of the number of the Loan Parties’ Stores in existence as of the Closing Date (net of new Store openings), provided, that all sales of Inventory in connection with Store closings shall be in accordance with liquidation agreements and with professional liquidators reasonably acceptable to the Agents; provided, further that all net proceeds received in connection therewith are applied to the Obligations;
     (c) non-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
     (d) licenses for the conduct of licensed departments within the Loan Parties’ Stores in the ordinary course of business; provided that, if requested by the Agents, the Agents shall have entered into an intercreditor agreement with the Person operating such licensed department on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Agents;
     (e) Dispositions of Equipment in the ordinary course of business that is substantially worn, damaged, obsolete or, in the judgment of a Loan Party, no longer useful or necessary in its business or that of any Subsidiary;
     (f) Sales, transfers and dispositions among the Loan Parties or by any Subsidiary to a Loan Party;
     (g) Sales, transfers and dispositions by any Subsidiary which is not a Loan Party to another Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party;
     (h) terminations of contracts, licenses, leases or subleases (other than any Material Contract unless such Material Contract is replaced or is no longer necessary to the conduct of the Loan Parties’ business) to the extent that the Loan Parties determine that they are no longer necessary in the conduct of the Loan Parties’ business;
     (i) Dispositions of Real Estate of any Loan Party; provided that , with respect to any sale leaseback transaction, if requested by the Collateral Agent, the Loan Parties shall cause the purchaser of any such Real Estate to enter into a Collateral Access Agreement on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent;

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     (j) Dispositions of Intellectual Property in the ordinary course of business that is obsolete or, in the judgment of a Loan Party, no longer used or useful or necessary in, or material to, its business; and
     (k) Dispositions of assets (other than assets included in the Borrowing Base) of the Loan Parties to the extent not permitted under any of the foregoing clauses of “Permitted Dispositions” so long as the value of the assets so Disposed would not exceed $5,000,000 during any Fiscal Year.
     “Permitted Encumbrances” means:
     (a) Liens imposed by law for Taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 6.04 ;
     (b) Carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by applicable Law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue or are being contested in compliance with Section 6.04 ;
     (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, other than any Lien imposed by ERISA;
     (d) Deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;
     (e) Liens in respect of judgments that would not constitute an Event of Default hereunder;
     (f) Easements, covenants, conditions, restrictions, building code laws, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of a Loan Party;
     (g) Liens existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.01 and any renewals or extensions thereof, provided that (i) the property covered thereby is not changed (other than to be decreased), (ii) the amount secured or benefited thereby is not increased, (iii) the direct or any contingent obligor with respect thereto is not changed, and (iv) any renewal or extension of the obligations secured or benefited thereby is otherwise permitted hereunder);
     (h) Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired by any Loan Party which are permitted under clause (c) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness so long as (i) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within ninety (90) days after such acquisition, (ii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of acquisition of such fixed or capital assets and (iii) such Liens shall not extend to any other property or assets of the Loan Parties;
     (i) Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent;

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     (j) interests of Landlords’ and lessors’ under operating leases and licensors under license agreements, and Liens in respect of rents or royalties not in default or being contested in accordance with Section 6.04;
     (k) Possessory Liens in favor of brokers and dealers arising in connection with the acquisition or disposition of Investments owned as of the date hereof and Permitted Investments, provided that such liens (a) attach only to such Investments and (b) secure only obligations incurred in the ordinary course and arising in connection with the acquisition or disposition of such Investments and not any obligation in connection with margin financing;
     (l) Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provisions relating to banker’s liens, liens in favor of securities intermediaries, rights of setoff or similar rights and remedies as to deposit accounts or securities accounts or other funds maintained with depository institutions or securities intermediaries;
     (m) Liens arising from precautionary UCC filings regarding “true” operating leases or, to the extent permitted under the Loan Documents, the consignment of goods to a Loan Party;
     (n) voluntary Liens on property (other than property of the type included in the Borrowing Base) in existence at the time such property is acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition or on such property of a Subsidiary of a Loan Party in existence at the time such Subsidiary is acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition; provided , that such Liens are not incurred in connection with or in anticipation of such Permitted Acquisition and do not attach to any other assets of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary;
     (o) Liens in favor of customs and revenues authorities imposed by applicable Law arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with the importation of goods and securing obligations that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, provided that (A) the applicable Loan Party or Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (B) such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation;
     (p) Liens solely on deposits made by the Loan Parties in connection with any letter of intent, purchase agreements with respect to a proposed acquisition, or in connection with any proposed financing; and
     (r) other Liens not securing Indebtedness in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding.
     “Permitted Indebtedness” means each of the following:
     (a) Indebtedness outstanding on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.03 and any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions thereof; provided that (i) the amount of such Indebtedness is not increased at the time of such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension except by an amount equal to a reasonable premium or other reasonable amount paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such refinancing and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, and the direct or contingent obligor with respect thereto is not changed as a result of or in connection with such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension, (ii) the result of such extension, renewal or replacement shall not be an earlier maturity date or decreased weighted average life of such Indebtedness, and (iii) the amortization, maturity, collateral (if any) and subordination (if any), and other material terms thereof (other than the

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interest rate applicable thereto) taken as a whole, of any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness, and of any agreement entered into and of any instrument issued in connection therewith, are not materially less favorable to the Loan Parties or the Lenders than the terms of any agreement or instrument governing the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended and the interest rate applicable to any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness does not exceed the then applicable market interest rate;
     (b) Indebtedness of any Loan Party to any other Loan Party;
     (c) Without duplication of Indebtedness described in clause (f) of this definition, purchase money Indebtedness of any Loan Party to finance the acquisition of any fixed or capital assets, including Capital Lease Obligations and Synthetic 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 that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof or result in an earlier maturity date or decreased weighted average life thereof, provided that the amortization, maturity, collateral (if any) and subordination (if any), and other material terms thereof (other than the interest rate applicable thereto) taken as a whole, of any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness, and of any agreement entered into and of any instrument issued in connection therewith, are not materially less favorable to the Loan Parties or the Lenders than the terms of any agreement or instrument governing the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended and the interest rate applicable to any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness does not exceed the then applicable market interest rate, provided , however , that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (c) shall not exceed $10,000,000 at any time outstanding and further provided that, if requested by the Collateral Agent, the Loan Parties shall cause the holders of any such Indebtedness which is secured by a Lien permitted pursuant to clause (h) of the definition of Permitted Encumbrances to enter into a Collateral Access Agreement on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent;
     (d) Obligations (contingent or otherwise) of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof existing or arising under any Swap Contract, provided that such obligations are (or were) entered into by such Person in the ordinary course of business for the purpose of directly mitigating risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates or foreign exchange rates, and not for purposes of speculation or taking a “market view;”;
     (e) Contingent liabilities (i) under surety bonds or similar instruments incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the construction, improvement or operation of Stores, (ii) in respect of indemnification obligations, obligations to make customary purchase price adjustments for working capital, non-compete obligations or similar obligations of the Loan Parties incurred in connection with a Permitted Acquisition, (iii) in respect of indemnification obligations under the Existing Credit Agreement or any credit agreement or securities offerings evidencing any Permitted Indebtedness, or (iv) in respect of any agreement or instrument relating to a transaction that is permitted hereunder;
     (f) Indebtedness incurred for the construction or acquisition or improvement of, or to finance or to refinance, any Real Estate owned by any Loan Party (including therein any Indebtedness incurred in connection with sale-leaseback transactions permitted hereunder), provided that, the Loan Parties shall cause the holders of such Indebtedness to enter into a Collateral Access Agreement on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent;

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     (g) Indebtedness with respect to the deferred purchase price for any Permitted Acquisition, provided that such Indebtedness does not require the payment in cash of principal (other than in respect of working capital adjustments) prior to the Maturity Date, has a final maturity which extends beyond the Maturity Date, and is subordinated to the Obligations on terms reasonably acceptable to the Agents;
     (h) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary of a Loan Party in a Permitted Acquisition, which Indebtedness is existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of a Loan Party (other than Indebtedness incurred solely in contemplation of such Person’s becoming a Subsidiary of a Loan Party);
     (i) The Obligations;
     (j) Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the financing of insurance premiums;
     (k) Deferred compensation payable to employees, officers or directors under any deferred compensation plans; and
     (l) Indebtedness not specifically described herein in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $10,000,000 at any time outstanding.
     “Permitted Investments” means each of the following:
     (a) As long as no Event of Default exists at the time such Investment is made or would arise from the making of such Investment, readily marketable obligations issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof having maturities of not more than one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof; provided that the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged in support thereof;
     (b) As long as no Event of Default exists at the time such Investment is made or would arise from the making of such Investment, commercial paper issued by any Person organized under the laws of any state of the United States of America and rated at least “Prime-1” (or the then equivalent grade) by Moody’s or at least “A-1” (or the then equivalent grade) by S&P, in each case with maturities of not more than 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof;
     (c) As long as no Event of Default exists at the time such Investment is made or would arise from the making of such Investment, time deposits with, or insured certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances of, any commercial bank that (i) (A) is a Lender or (B) is organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia or is the principal banking subsidiary of a bank holding company organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, and is a member of the Federal Reserve System and (ii) has combined capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000, in each case with maturities of not more than one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof;
     (d) As long as no Event of Default exists at the time such Investment is made or would arise from the making of such Investment, fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than thirty (30) days for securities described in clause (a) above (without regard to the limitation on maturity contained in such clause) and entered into with a financial

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institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above or with any primary dealer and having a market value at the time that such repurchase agreement is entered into of not less than 100% of the repurchase obligation of such counterparty entity with whom such repurchase agreement has been entered into;
     (e) As long as no Event of Default exists at the time such Investment is made or would arise from the making of such Investment, Investments, classified in accordance with GAAP as current assets of the Loan Parties, in any money market fund, mutual fund, or other investment companies that are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which are administered by financial institutions satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above, and which invest solely in one or more of the types of securities described in clauses (a) through (d) above;
     (f) Investments existing on the Closing Date, and set forth on Schedule 7.02, but not any increase in the amount thereof or any other modification of the terms thereof;
     (g) (i) Investments by any Loan Party and its Subsidiaries in their respective Subsidiaries outstanding on the date hereof, (ii) additional Investments by any Loan Party and its Subsidiaries in Loan Parties (other than the Parent), (iii) Investments by any Loan Party in the Parent consisting of advances or intercompany loans to pay expenses incurred by the Parent on behalf of the Loan Parties with respect to director and officer compensation, legal fees, taxes, insurance premiums, accounting audits, other public reporting expenses and other usual and customary expenses of a holding company incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with the business and activities permitted to be undertaken by the Parent pursuant to Section 7.08(a) hereof, and (iv) additional Investments by Subsidiaries of the Loan Parties that are not Loan Parties in other Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties;
     (h) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit loss, or advances in connection with the purchase price of goods or services in the ordinary course of business;
     (i) Guarantees constituting Permitted Indebtedness;
     (j) As long as no Event of Default exists at the time such Investment is made or would arise from the making of such Investment, Investments by any Loan Party in Swap Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business and for bona fide business (and not speculative purposes) to protect against fluctuations in interest rates or foreign exchange rates in a notional principal amount not to exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding;
     (k) Investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with, customers and suppliers, in each case in the ordinary course of business;
     (l) Advances to officers, directors and employees of the Loan Parties and Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to any individual at any time or in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000 at any time outstanding, for travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes;

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     (m) As long as no Event of Default exists at the time such Investment is made or would arise from the making of such Investment, Investments constituting Permitted Acquisitions;
     (n) Capital contributions made by any Loan Party to another Loan Party;
     (o) Deposits made to secure performance of operating leases in the ordinary course of business; and
     (p) As long as no Event of Default exists at the time such Investment is made or would arise from the making of such Investment, Investments not otherwise permitted under any of the foregoing clauses of this definition of Permitted Investments in an amount (valued at cost) not to exceed $2,500,000 at any one time outstanding;
provided , however , that notwithstanding the foregoing, after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event, further Investments under clauses (a) through (e) shall no longer be permitted during such period unless (i) either (A) no Loans are then outstanding, or (B) the Investment is a temporary Investment pending expiration of an Interest Period for a LIBO Rate Loan, the proceeds of which Investment will be applied to the Obligations after the expiration of such Interest Period, and (ii) such Investments are pledged to the Collateral Agent as additional collateral for the Obligations pursuant to such agreements as may be reasonably required by the Collateral Agent.
     “Permitted Overadvance” means an Overadvance made by the Administrative Agent, in its discretion, which:
     (a) Is made to maintain, protect or preserve the Collateral and/or the Credit Parties’ rights under the Loan Documents or which is otherwise for the benefit of the Credit Parties; or
     (b) Is made to enhance the likelihood of, or to maximize the amount of, repayment of any Obligation;
     (c) Is made to pay any other amount chargeable to any Loan Party hereunder; and
     (d) Together with all other Permitted Overadvances then outstanding, shall not (i) exceed ten percent (10%) of the Borrowing Base at any time or (ii) unless a Liquidation is occurring, remain outstanding for more than forty-five (45) consecutive Business Days, unless in each case, the Required Lenders otherwise agree;
provided however , that the foregoing shall not (i) modify or abrogate any of the provisions of Section 2.03 regarding the Lenders’ obligations with respect to Letters of Credit, or (ii) result in any claim or liability against the Administrative Agent (regardless of the amount of any Overadvance) for Unintentional Overadvances, and such Unintentional Overadvances shall not reduce the amount of Permitted Overadvances allowed hereunder, and further provided that in no event shall the Administrative Agent make an Overadvance, if after giving effect thereto, the principal amount of the Credit Extensions would exceed the Aggregate Commitments (as in effect prior to any termination of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.06 hereof).
     “Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, limited partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

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     “Plan” means any “employee benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) established by the Lead Borrower or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate.
     “Platform” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02 .
     “Prepayment Event” means:
     (a) Any Disposition of any property or asset of a Loan Party of the type included in the Borrowing Base (other than sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of business);
     (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 a Loan Party constituting Collateral, unless (i) the proceeds therefrom are required to be paid to the holder of a Lien on such property or asset having priority over the Lien of the Collateral Agent or (ii) prior to the occurrence of a Cash Dominion Event, the proceeds therefrom are utilized for purposes of replacing or repairing the assets in respect of which such proceeds, awards or payments were received;
     (c) The issuance by a Loan Party of any Equity Interests, other than any such issuance of Equity Interests (i) by the Parent or to a Loan Party, (ii) as consideration for a Permitted Acquisition or (iii) as a compensatory issuance to any employee, director, or consultant (including under any option plan);
     (d) The incurrence by a Loan Party of any Indebtedness for borrowed money other than Permitted Indebtedness; or
     (e) The receipt by any Loan Party of any Extraordinary Receipts.
     “Pro Forma Adjusted Availability” shall mean, for any date of calculation, after giving pro forma effect to the transaction then to be consummated or payment to be made, the projected Adjusted Availability for the immediately following ninety (90) days.
     “Pro Forma Adjusted Availability Condition” shall mean, for any date of calculation with respect to any transaction or payment, the Pro Forma Adjusted Availability following, and after giving effect to, such transaction or payment, will be equal to or greater than $30,000,000.
     “Pro Forma Availability” shall mean, for any date of calculation, after giving pro forma effect to the transaction then to be consummated or payment to be made, the projected Availability for the immediately following ninety (90) days.
     “Pro Forma Availability Condition” shall mean, for any date of calculation with respect to any transaction or payment, the Pro Forma Availability following, and after giving effect to, such transaction or payment, will be equal to or greater than $10,000,000.
     “Public Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02 .
     “Real Estate” means all Leases and all land, together with the buildings, structures, parking areas, and other improvements thereon, now or hereafter owned by any Loan Party, including all easements, rights-of-way, and similar rights relating thereto and all leases, tenancies, and occupancies thereof.

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     “Register” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(c) .
     “Registered Public Accounting Firm” has the meaning specified by the Securities Laws and shall be independent of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as prescribed by the Securities Laws.
     “Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.
     “Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.
     “Reports” has the meaning provided in Section 9.12(b) .
     “Request for Credit Extension” means (a) with respect to a Borrowing, Conversion or continuation of Committed Loans, a Committed Loan Notice, (b) with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Application, and (c) with respect to a Swing Line Loan, a Swing Line Loan Notice.
     “Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, at least two Lenders holding more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitments or, if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 , at least two Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of the Total Outstandings (with the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans being deemed “held” by such Lender for purposes of this definition); provided that the Commitment of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender or Deteriorating Lender shall be excluded from Aggregate Commitments and Total Outstandings for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.
     “Reserves” means all (if any) Inventory Reserves and Availability Reserves (including, without limitation, Bank Product Reserves and Cash Management Reserves).
     “Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer of a Loan Party or any of the other individuals designated in writing to the Administrative Agent by an existing Responsible Officer of a Loan Party as an authorized signatory of any certificate or other document to be delivered hereunder. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.
     “Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any capital stock or other Equity Interest of any Person or any of its Subsidiaries, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, defeasance, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such capital stock or other Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to such Person’s stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent of any thereof), or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such dividend or other distribution or payment. Without limiting the foregoing, “Restricted Payments” with respect to any Person shall also include all payments made by such Person with any proceeds of a dissolution or liquidation of such Person.
     “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and any successor thereto.

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     “Sarbanes-Oxley” means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
     “Securities Laws” means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sarbanes-Oxley, and the applicable accounting and auditing principles, rules, standards and practices promulgated, approved or incorporated by the SEC or the PCAOB.
     “Security Agreement” means the Security Agreement dated as of the Closing Date among the Loan Parties and the Collateral Agent.
     “Security Documents” means the Security Agreement, the Blocked Account Agreements, the DDA Notifications, the Credit Card Notifications, and each other security agreement or other instrument or document executed and delivered to the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and granting a Lien to secure any of the Obligations.
     “Settlement Date” has the meaning provided in Section 2.14(a) .
     “Shareholders’ Equity” means, as of any date of determination, consolidated shareholders’ equity of the Lead Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of that date determined in accordance with GAAP.
     “Shrink” means Inventory which has been lost, misplaced, stolen, or is otherwise unaccounted for.
     “Solvent” and “Solvency” means, with respect to any Person on a particular date, that on such date (a) at fair valuation, all of the properties and assets of such Person are greater than the sum of the debts (and for the purposes of this definition including contingent liabilities), of such Person, (b) the present fair saleable value of the properties and assets of such Person is not less than the amount that would be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person is able to realize upon its properties and assets and pay its debts as they mature in the normal course of business, (d) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts beyond such Person’s ability to pay as such debts mature, and (e) such Person is not engaged in a business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or transaction, for which such Person’s properties and assets would constitute unreasonably small capital after giving due consideration to the prevailing practices in the industry in which such Person is engaged. The amount of all contingent liabilities (including guarantees) at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at the time, can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.
     “Standby Letter of Credit” means any Letter of Credit that is not a Commercial Letter of Credit and that (a) is used in lieu or in support of performance guaranties or performance, surety or similar bonds (excluding appeal bonds) arising in the ordinary course of business, (b) is used in lieu or in support of stay or appeal bonds, (c) supports the payment of insurance premiums for reasonably necessary casualty insurance carried by any of the Loan Parties, or (d) supports payment or performance for identified purchases or exchanges of products or services in the ordinary course of business.
     “Stated Amount” means at any time the maximum amount for which a Letter of Credit may be honored.

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     “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 FRB to which 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. LIBO 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.
     “Store” means any retail store (which may include any real property, fixtures, equipment, inventory and other property related thereto) operated, or to be operated, by any Loan Party.
     “Subordinated Indebtedness” means Indebtedness which is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of the Obligations and which is in form and on terms approved in writing by the Administrative Agent.
     “Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of a Loan Party.
     “Supply Chain Financing” means any supply chain finance services including, without limitation, trade payable services and supplier accounts receivable purchases.
     “Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
     “Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).

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     “Swing Line” means the revolving credit facility made available by the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.04 .
     “Swing Line Borrowing” means a borrowing of a Swing Line Loan pursuant to Section 2.04 .
     “Swing Line Lender” means Wells Fargo in its capacity as provider of Swing Line Loans, or any successor swing line lender hereunder.
     “Swing Line Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.04(a) .
     “Swing Line Loan Notice” means a notice of a Swing Line Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.04(b) , which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B .
     “Swing Line Note” means the promissory note of the Borrowers substantially in the form of Exhibit C-2 , payable to the order of the Swing Line Lender, evidencing the Swing Line Loans made by the Swing Line Lender.
     “Swing Line Sublimit” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $20,000,000 and (b) the Aggregate Commitments. The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments.
     “Synthetic Lease Obligation” means the monetary obligation of a Person under (a) a so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property (including sale and leaseback transactions), in each case, creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the application of any Debtor Relief Laws to such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment).
     “Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
     “Termination Date” means the earliest to occur of (i) the Maturity Date, (ii) the date on which the maturity of the Obligations is accelerated (or deemed accelerated) and the Commitments are irrevocably terminated (or deemed terminated) in accordance with Article VII , or (iii) the termination of the Commitments in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.06 hereof.
     “Total Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and all L/C Obligations.
     “Trading with the Enemy Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.18 .
     “Type” means, with respect to a Committed Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a LIBO Rate Loan.
     “UCC” or “Uniform Commercial Code” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York; provided, however, that if a term is defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code differently than in another Article thereof, the term shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9; provided further that, if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, perfection, or the effect of perfection or non-perfection, of a security interest in any Collateral or the availability of any remedy hereunder is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than

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the State of New York, “Uniform Commercial Code” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection or effect of perfection or non-perfection or availability of such remedy, as the case may be.
     “UFCA” has the meaning specified in Section 10.21(d) .
     “UFTA” has the meaning specified in Section 10.21(d) .
     “Uncommitted Increase” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15(b) .
     “Unfunded Pension Liability” means the excess of a Pension Plan’s benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value of that Pension Plan’s assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code for the applicable plan year.
     “Unintentional Overadvance” means an Overadvance which, to the Administrative Agent’s knowledge, did not constitute an Overadvance when made but which has become an Overadvance resulting from changed circumstances beyond the control of the Credit Parties, including, without limitation, a reduction in the Appraised Value of property or assets included in the Borrowing Base or misrepresentation by the Loan Parties.
     “United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America.
     “Unreimbursed Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i) .
     “Wells Fargo” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and its successors.
      1.02 Other Interpretive Provisions. With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:
     (a) 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, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Organization Document) 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 or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “ herein ,” “ hereof ” and “ hereunder ,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words “ asset ” and “ property ” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer

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to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
     (b) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “ from ” means “ from and including ;” the words “ to ” and “ until ” each mean “ to but excluding ;” and the word “ through ” means “ to and including .”
     (c) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
      1.03 Accounting Terms
     (a) Generally . All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.
     (b) Changes in GAAP . If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Lead Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Lead Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that , until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Lead Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial schedules and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.
      1.04 Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrowers pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).
      1.05 Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).
      1.06 Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time; provided, however, that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Issuer Documents related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the Stated Amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum Stated Amount is in effect at such time.

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ARTICLE II
THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS
      2.01 Committed Loans; Reserves. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a “ Committed Loan ”) to the Borrowers from time to time, on any Business Day during the Availability Period, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the lesser of (x) the amount of such Lender’s Commitment, or (y) such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Borrowing Base; subject in each case to the following limitations:
          (i) after giving effect to any Committed Borrowing, the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Loan Cap,
          (ii) after giving effect to any Committed Borrowing, the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, and
          (iii) The Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations shall not at any time exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit.
Within the limits of each Lender’s Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01 , prepay under Section 2.05 , and reborrow under this Section 2.01 . Committed Loans may be Base Rate Loans or LIBO Rate Loans, as further provided herein.
          (b) The Inventory Reserves and Availability Reserves as of the Closing Date are set forth on the form of Borrowing Base Certificate attached hereto as Exhibit F .
          (c) The Administrative Agent shall have the right, at any time and from time to time after the Closing Date in its reasonable discretion, to establish, modify or eliminate Reserves; provided that , so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall provide the Lead Borrower with three (3) days’ prior notice of any new Reserve or modification to increase any existing Reserve (during which period the Administrative Agent shall be available to discuss any such proposed Reserve with the Borrowers); provided further that no such prior notice shall be required for (1) changes to any Reserves resulting solely by virtue of mathematical calculations of the amount of the Reserve in accordance with the methodology of calculation previously utilized (such as, but not limited to, rent and Customer Credit Liabilities), or (2) changes to Reserves or establishment of additional Reserves if a Material Adverse Effect has occurred or it would be reasonably likely that a Material Adverse Effect to the Lenders would occur were such Reserve not changed or established prior to the expiration of such three (3) day period.
      2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans .
          (a) Committed Loans (other than Swing Line Loans) shall be either Base Rate Loans or LIBO Rate Loans as the Lead Borrower may request subject to and in accordance with this Section 2.02 . All Swing Line Loans shall be only Base Rate Loans. Subject to the other provisions of this Section 2.02 , Committed Borrowings of more than one Type may be incurred at the same time.
          (b) Each Committed Borrowing, each Conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of LIBO Rate Loans shall be made upon the Lead Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, Conversion to or continuation of LIBO Rate Loans or of any

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Conversion of LIBO Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans, and (ii) on the requested date (which shall be a Business Day) of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans. Each telephonic notice by the Lead Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(b) must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Committed Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower. Each Borrowing of, Conversion to or continuation of LIBO Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $3,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Except as provided in Sections 2.03(c) and 2.04(c) , each Borrowing of or Conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether the Lead Borrower is requesting a Committed Borrowing, a Conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of LIBO Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, Conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Committed Loans to be borrowed, Converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Committed Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Committed Loans are to be Converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Lead Borrower fails to specify a Type of Committed Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or if the Lead Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a Conversion or continuation, then the applicable Committed Loans shall be made as, or Converted to, Base Rate Loans. Any such automatic Conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable LIBO Rate Loans. If the Lead Borrower requests a Borrowing of, Conversion to, or continuation of LIBO Rate Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Swing Line Loan may not be Converted to a LIBO Rate Loan.
          (c) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the applicable Committed Loans, and if no timely notice of a Conversion or continuation is provided by the Lead Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic Conversion to Base Rate Loans described in Section 2.02(b) . In the case of a Committed Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Committed Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (and, if such Borrowing is the initial Credit Extension, Section 4.01 ), the Administrative Agent shall use reasonable efforts to make all funds so received available to the Borrowers in like funds by no later than 4:00 p.m. on the day of receipt by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Lead Borrower on the books of Wells Fargo with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Lead Borrower; provided , however , that if, on the date the Committed Loan Notice with respect to such Borrowing is given by the Lead Borrower, there are L/C Borrowings outstanding, then the proceeds of such Borrowing, first , shall be applied to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings, and second , shall be made available to the Borrowers as provided above.
          (d) The Administrative Agent, without the request of the Lead Borrower, may advance any interest, fee, service charge, Credit Party Expenses, or other payment to which any Credit Party is entitled from the Loan Parties pursuant hereto or any other Loan Document and may charge the same to the Loan Account notwithstanding that an Overadvance may result thereby. The Administrative Agent shall advise the Lead Borrower of any such advance or charge promptly after the making thereof. Such action on the part of the Administrative Agent shall not constitute a waiver of the Administrative Agent’s rights and the Borrowers’ obligations under Section 2.05(c) . Any amount which is added to the principal balance of the Loan Account as provided in this Section 2.02(d) shall bear interest at the interest rate then and thereafter applicable to Base Rate Loans.

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          (e) Except as otherwise provided herein, a LIBO Rate Loan may be continued or Converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such LIBO Rate Loan. During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, Converted to or continued as LIBO Rate Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders.
          (f) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Lead Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for LIBO Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Lead Borrower and the Lenders of any change in Wells Fargo’s prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.
          (g) After giving effect to all Committed Borrowings, all Conversions of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Committed Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than six Interest Periods in effect with respect to LIBO Loans.
          (h) The Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuer shall have no obligation to make any Loan or to provide any Letter of Credit if an Overadvance would result. The Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, make Permitted Overadvances without the consent of the Borrowers, the Lenders, the Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuer, and the Borrowers and each Lender shall be bound thereby. Any Permitted Overadvance may constitute a Swing Line Loan. A Permitted Overadvance is for the account of the Borrowers and shall constitute a Base Rate Loan and an Obligation and shall be repaid by the Borrowers in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.05(c) . The making of any such Permitted Overadvance on any one occasion shall not obligate the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make or permit any Permitted Overadvance on any other occasion or to permit such Permitted Overadvances to remain outstanding. The making by the Administrative Agent of a Permitted Overadvance shall not modify or abrogate any of the provisions of Section 2.03 regarding the Lenders’ obligations to purchase participations with respect to Letter of Credits or of Section 2.04 regarding the Lenders’ obligations to purchase participations with respect to Swing Line Loans. The Administrative Agent shall have no liability for, and no Loan Party or Credit Party shall have the right to, or shall, bring any claim of any kind whatsoever against the Administrative Agent with respect to Unintentional Overadvances regardless of the amount of any such Overadvance(s).
      2.03 Letters of Credit .
          (a) The Letter of Credit Commitment .
               (i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (A) the Administrative Agent, in reliance upon the agreements of the Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03 , shall endeavor to cause the L/C Issuer from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrowers, and to amend or extend Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with Section 2.03(b) below; and (B) the Lenders severally agree to participate in Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Borrowers and any drawings thereunder; provided that after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, (x) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Loan Cap, (y) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, and (z) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations shall not exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit. Each request by the Lead Borrower for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a representation by the Borrowers that the L/C Credit Extension so requested complies with the conditions set forth in the proviso to the preceding sentence. Within the foregoing

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limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrowers’ ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrowers may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.
               (ii) No Letter of Credit shall be issued if:
               (A) subject to Section 2.03(b)(iii) , the expiry date of such requested Standby Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance or last extension, unless the Required Lenders have approved such expiry date; or
               (B) subject to Section 2.03(b)(iii) , the expiry date of such requested Commercial Letter of Credit would occur more than 120 days after the date of issuance or last extension, unless the Required Lenders have approved such expiry date; or
               (C) the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, unless either such Letter of Credit is Cash Collateralized on or prior to the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit (or such later date as to which the Administrative Agent may agree) or all the Lenders have approved such expiry date.
               (iii) No Letter of Credit shall be issued without the prior consent of the Administrative Agent if:
               (A) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the L/C Issuer from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to the L/C Issuer or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or request that the L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date and which the L/C Issuer in good faith deems material to it;
               (B) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the L/C Issuer applicable to letters of credit generally;
               (C) such Letter of Credit is to be denominated in a currency other than Dollars; provided that if the L/C Issuer, in its discretion, issues a Letter of Credit denominated in a currency other than Dollars, all reimbursements by the Borrowers of the honoring of any drawing under such Letter of Credit shall be paid in the currency in which such Letter of Credit was denominated;
               (D) such Letter of Credit contains any provisions for automatic reinstatement of the Stated Amount after any drawing thereunder; or
               (E) a default of any Lender’s obligations to fund under Section 2.03(c) exists or any Lender is at such time a Defaulting Lender or Deteriorating Lender hereunder, unless the Administrative Agent or L/C Issuer has entered into satisfactory arrangements with the Borrowers or such Lender to eliminate the L/C Issuer’s risk with respect to such Lender.

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               (iv) The Borrowers shall not permit any Letter of Credit to be amended if (A) the L/C Issuer would not be permitted at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof or (B) the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to such Letter of Credit.
               (v) The L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and the L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the Administrative Agent in Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and Issuer Documents pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent” as used in Article IX included the L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as additionally provided herein with respect to the L/C Issuer.
          (b) Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit; Auto-Extension Letters of Credit .
               (i) Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of the Lead Borrower delivered to the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower. Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. at least two Business Days (or such other date and time as the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in their sole discretion) prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be. In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer: (A) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (B) the amount thereof; (C) the expiry date thereof; (D) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (E) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (F) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; and (G) such other matters as the Administrative Agent or L/C Issuer may require. In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer (A) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (B) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (C) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (D) such other matters as the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer may require. Additionally, the Lead Borrower shall furnish to the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent such other documents and information pertaining to such requested Letter of Credit issuance or amendment, including any Issuer Documents, as the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent may require.
               (ii) Unless the L/C Issuer has received written notice from any Lender, the Administrative Agent or any Loan Party, at least one Business Day prior to the requested date of issuance or amendment of the applicable Letter of Credit, that one or more applicable conditions contained in Article IV shall not then be satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the applicable Borrower (or the applicable Loan Party) or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be, in each case in accordance with the L/C Issuer’s usual and customary business practices. Immediately upon the issuance or amendment of each Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to (without any further action), and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the L/C Issuer, without recourse or warranty, a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Letter of Credit. Upon any change in the Commitments under this Agreement, it is hereby agreed that with respect to all L/C Obligations, there shall be an

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automatic adjustment to the participations hereby created to reflect the new Applicable Percentages of the assigning and assignee Lenders.
               (iii) If the Lead Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer shall issue a Standby Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an “ Auto-Extension Letter of Credit ”); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit the L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Standby Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “ Non-Extension Notice Date ”) in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Standby Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, the Lead Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the L/C Issuer to permit the extension of such Standby Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided , however , that the Administrative Agent shall instruct the L/C Issuer not to permit any such extension if (A) the Administrative Agent has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation, at such time to endeavor to cause the L/C Issuer to issue such Standby Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of clause (ii) or (iii) of Section 2.03(a) or otherwise), or (B) the L/C Issuer has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is five Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Lead Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing the L/C Issuer not to permit such extension.
               (iv) Promptly after its delivery of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit to an advising bank with respect thereto or to the beneficiary thereof, the L/C Issuer will also deliver to the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment.
          (c) Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations .
               (i) Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any notice of a drawing under such Letter of Credit, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Lead Borrower thereof; provided , however , that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse the L/C Issuer and the Lenders with respect to any such payment. Not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date of any payment by the L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit (each such date, an “ Honor Date ”), the Borrowers shall reimburse the L/C Issuer through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing. If the Borrowers fail to so reimburse the L/C Issuer by such time, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the Honor Date, the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (the “ Unreimbursed Amount ”), and the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. In such event, the Borrowers shall be deemed to have requested a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than the delivery of a Committed Loan Notice). Any notice given by the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)(i) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.

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               (ii) Each Lender shall upon any notice from the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) make funds available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer at the Administrative Agent’s Office in an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.03(c)(iii) , each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to the Borrowers in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the L/C Issuer.
               (iii) With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully refinanced by a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Borrowers shall be deemed to have incurred from the L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall, unless Cash Collateralized in accordance with Section 2.03(g) hereof, bear interest at the Default Rate. In such event, each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute an L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.03 .
               (iv) Until each Lender funds its Committed Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) to reimburse the L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such amount shall be solely for the account of the L/C Issuer.
               (v) Each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse the L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.03(c) , shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the L/C Issuer, any Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided , however , that each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than delivery by the Lead Borrower of a Committed Loan Notice). No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrowers to reimburse the L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by the L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein.
               (vi) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(c) by the time specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii) , the L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the L/C Issuer in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the L/C Issuer in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in the relevant Committed Borrowing or L/C Advance in respect of the relevant L/C Borrowing, as the case may be. A certificate of the L/C Issuer submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

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          (d) Repayment of Participations .
               (i) At any time after the L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Lender such Lender’s L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.03(c) , if the Administrative Agent receives for the account of the L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from the Borrowers or otherwise, including proceeds of cash collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.03(g)), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s L/C Advance was outstanding) in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent.
               (ii) If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
          (e) Obligations Absolute . The obligation of the Borrowers to reimburse the L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit and to repay each L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:
               (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other Loan Document;
               (ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that the Borrowers or any Subsidiary may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction;
               (iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;
               (iv) any payment by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law;
               (v) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries; or
               (vi) the fact that any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

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     The Lead Borrower shall promptly examine a copy of each Letter of Credit and each amendment thereto that is delivered to it and, in the event of any claim of noncompliance with the Lead Borrower’s instructions or other irregularity, the Lead Borrower will immediately notify the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer. The Borrowers shall be conclusively deemed to have waived any such claim against the L/C Issuer and its correspondents unless such notice is given as aforesaid.
          (f) Role of L/C Issuer . Each Lender and the Borrowers agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct; (iii) any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit or any error in interpretation of technical terms; or (iv) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document. The Borrowers hereby assume all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided , however , that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude the Borrowers’ pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (v) of Section 2.03(e) ; provided , however , that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrowers may have a claim against the L/C Issuer, and the L/C Issuer may be liable to the Borrowers, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrowers which the Borrowers prove were caused by the L/C Issuer’s willful misconduct or gross negligence or the L/C Issuer’s willful failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary (or the L/C Issuer may refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit), and the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason.
          (g) Cash Collateral . Upon the request of the Administrative Agent, (i) if the L/C Issuer has honored any full or partial drawing request under any Letter of Credit and such drawing has resulted in an L/C Borrowing that remains outstanding, or (ii) if, as of the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any L/C Obligation for any reason remains outstanding, the Borrowers shall, in each case, immediately Cash Collateralize the then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations. Sections 2.05 and 8.02(c) set forth certain additional requirements to deliver Cash Collateral hereunder. For purposes of this Section 2.03 , Section 2.05 and Section 8.02(c) , “ Cash Collateralize ” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, as collateral for the L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances in an amount equal to 105% of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer (which documents are hereby consented to by the Lenders). The Borrowers hereby grant to the Collateral Agent a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and

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all balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing to secure the Obligations. Such cash collateral shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts at Wells Fargo except that Permitted Investments of the type listed in clauses (a) through (f) of the definition thereof may be made at the request of the Lead Borrower at the option and in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent (and at the Borrowers’ risk and expense); interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that any funds held as cash collateral are subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent or that the total amount of such funds is less than the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, the Borrowers will, forthwith upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay to the Administrative Agent, as additional funds to be deposited as cash collateral, an amount equal to the excess of (x) such aggregate Outstanding Amount over (y) the total amount of funds, if any, then held as cash collateral that the Administrative Agent determines to be free and clear of any such right and claim. Upon the drawing of any Letter of Credit for which funds are on deposit as cash collateral, such funds shall be applied, to the extent permitted under applicable Laws, to reimburse the L/C Issuer and, to the extent not so applied, shall thereafter be applied to satisfy other Obligations.
          (h) Applicability of ISP and UCP . Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the L/C Issuer and the Lead Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued, (i) the rules of the ISP shall apply to each Standby Letter of Credit, and (ii) the rules of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, as most recently published by the International Chamber of Commerce at the time of issuance shall apply to each Commercial Letter of Credit.
          (i) Letter of Credit Fees . The Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage a Letter of Credit fee (the “ Letter of Credit Fee ”) for each Letter of Credit equal to the Applicable Margin times the daily Stated Amount under each such Letter of Credit (whether or not such maximum amount is then in effect under such Letter of Credit). For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of the Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06 . Letter of Credit Fees shall be (i) due and payable on the first day after the end of each month commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand, and (ii) computed on a monthly basis in arrears. If there is any change in the Applicable Margin during any quarter, the daily amount available to be drawn under of each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Margin separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Margin was in effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, while any Event of Default exists, all Letter of Credit Fees shall accrue at the Default Rate as provided in Section 2.12(b) hereof unless all outstanding Letters of Credit have been Cash Collateralized as provided in Section 2.03(g) hereof.
          (j) Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuer . The Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the L/C Issuer, a fronting fee (the “ Fronting Fee ”) (i) with respect to each Commercial Letter of Credit, at a rate equal to 0.125% per annum, computed on the amount of such Letter of Credit, and payable upon the issuance or amendment thereof, and (ii) with respect to each Standby Letter of Credit, at a rate equal to 0.125% per annum, computed on the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit and on a monthly basis in arrears. Such Fronting Fees shall be due and payable on the first day after the end of each month, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of the Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06 . In addition, the Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the L/C Issuer, the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in

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effect. Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable.
          (k) Conflict with Issuer Documents . In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Issuer Document, the terms hereof shall control.
      2.04 Swing Line Loans .
          (a) The Swing Line . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swing Line Lender may, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in this Section 2.04 , make loans (each such loan, a “ Swing Line Loan ”) to the Borrowers from time to time on any Business Day during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit, notwithstanding the fact that such Swing Line Loans, when aggregated with the Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of Committed Loans and L/C Obligations of the Lender acting as Swing Line Lender, may exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment; provided , however , that after giving effect to any Swing Line Loan, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Loan Cap, and (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of any Lender at such time, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations at such time, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans at such time shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, and provided , further , that the Borrowers shall not use the proceeds of any Swing Line Loan to refinance any outstanding Swing Line Loan, and provided further that the Swing Line Lender shall not be obligated to make any Swing Line Loan at any time when any Lender is at such time a Defaulting Lender or Deteriorating Lender hereunder, unless the Swing Line Lender has entered into satisfactory arrangements with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate the Swing Line Lender’s risk with respect to such Lender. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrowers may borrow under this Section 2.04 , prepay under Section 2.05 , and reborrow under this Section 2.04 . Each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest only at a rate based on the Base Rate. Immediately upon the making of a Swing Line Loan, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swing Line Lender a risk participation in such Swing Line Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage multiplied by the amount of such Swing Line Loan. The Swing Line Lender shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the Administrative Agent in Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the Swing Line Lender in connection with Swing Line Loans made by it or proposed to be made by it as if the term “Administrative Agent” as used in Article IX included the Swing Line Lender with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as additionally provided herein with respect to the Swing Line Lender.
          (b) Borrowing Procedures . Each Swing Line Borrowing shall be made upon the Lead Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 2:00 p.m. on the requested borrowing date, and shall specify (i) the amount to be borrowed, which shall be a minimum of $100,000, and (ii) the requested borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day. Each such telephonic notice must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent of a written Swing Line Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower. Promptly after receipt by the Swing Line Lender of any telephonic Swing Line Loan Notice, the Swing Line Lender will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has also received such Swing Line Loan Notice and, if not, the Swing Line Lender will notify the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) of the contents thereof. Unless the Swing Line Lender has received notice (by telephone or in writing) from the Administrative Agent at the request of the Required Lenders prior to 2:00 p.m. on the date of the proposed Swing Line Borrowing (A) directing the Swing Line Lender not to

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make such Swing Line Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in the proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.04(a) , or (B) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Article IV is not then satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swing Line Lender may, not later than 4:00 p.m. on the borrowing date specified in such Swing Line Loan Notice, make the amount of its Swing Line Loan available to the Borrowers at its office by crediting the account of the Lead Borrower on the books of the Swing Line Lender in immediately available funds.
          (c) Refinancing of Swing Line Loans .
               (i) The Swing Line Lender at any time in its sole and absolute discretion may request, on behalf of the Borrowers (which hereby irrevocably authorize the Swing Line Lender to so request on their behalf), that each Lender make a Base Rate Loan in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding. Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a Committed Loan Notice for purposes hereof) and in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02 , without regard to the minimum and multiples specified therein for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 . The Swing Line Lender shall furnish the Lead Borrower with a copy of the applicable Committed Loan Notice promptly after delivering such notice to the Administrative Agent. Each Lender shall make an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the amount specified in such Committed Loan Notice available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds for the account of the Swing Line Lender at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day specified in such Committed Loan Notice, whereupon, subject to Section 2.04(c)(ii) , each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to the Borrowers in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Swing Line Lender.
               (ii) If for any reason any Swing Line Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Committed Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.04(c)(i) , the request for Base Rate Loans submitted by the Swing Line Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by the Swing Line Lender that each of the Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan and each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(i) shall be deemed payment in respect of such participation.
               (iii) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04(c) by the time specified in Section 2.04(c)(i) , the Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Swing Line Lender at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Swing Line Lender in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Swing Line Lender in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in the relevant Committed Borrowing or funded participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan, as the case may be. A certificate of the Swing Line Lender submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iii) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
               (iv) Each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim,

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recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Swing Line Lender, the Borrowers or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided , however , that each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 . No such funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrowers to repay Swing Line Loans, together with interest as provided herein.
          (d) Repayment of Participations .
               (i) At any time after any Lender has purchased and funded a risk participation in a Swing Line Loan, if the Swing Line Lender receives any payment on account of such Swing Line Loan, the Swing Line Lender will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage of such payment (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s risk participation was funded) in the same funds as those received by the Swing Line Lender.
               (ii) If any payment received by the Swing Line Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swing Line Loan is required to be returned by the Swing Line Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Swing Line Lender in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Swing Line Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate. The Administrative Agent will make such demand upon the request of the Swing Line Lender. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
          (e) Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender . The Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the Borrowers for interest on the Swing Line Loans. Until each Lender funds its Base Rate Loan or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.04 to refinance such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of any Swing Line Loan, interest in respect of such Applicable Percentage shall be solely for the account of the Swing Line Lender.
          (f) Payments Directly to Swing Line Lender . The Borrowers shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Swing Line Loans directly to the Swing Line Lender.
      2.05 Prepayments .
          (a) The Borrowers may, upon irrevocable notice from the Lead Borrower to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Committed Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (A) three Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of LIBO Rate Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (ii) any prepayment of LIBO Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $3,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (iii) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid and, if LIBO Rate Loans, the Interest Period(s) of such Loans. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Lead Borrower, the Borrowers shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on

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the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a LIBO Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05 . Each such prepayment shall be applied to the Committed Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.
          (b) The Borrowers may, upon irrevocable notice from the Lead Borrower to the Swing Line Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at any time or from time to time, voluntarily prepay Swing Line Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date of the prepayment, and (ii) any such prepayment shall be in a minimum principal amount of $100,000. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Lead Borrower, the Borrowers shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein.
          (c) If for any reason the Total Outstandings at any time exceed the Loan Cap as then in effect, the Borrowers shall immediately prepay Loans, Swing Line Loans and L/C Borrowings and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations (other than L/C Borrowings) in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided , however , that the Borrowers shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.05(c) unless after the prepayment in full of the Loans the Total Outstandings exceed the Loan Cap as then in effect.
          (d) The Borrowers shall prepay the Loans and Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.13 hereof.
          (e) Unless such net proceeds are deposited by the Loan Parties in a DDA which is subject to a Blocked Account Agreement, the Borrowers shall prepay the Loans and Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an amount equal to the net proceeds received by a Loan Party on account of any Prepayment Event occurring pursuant to clause (a) of the definition thereof, irrespective of whether a Cash Dominion Event then exists and is continuing.
          (f) Prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.05(c) and (d) above, first , shall be applied ratably to the L/C Borrowings and the Swing Line Loans, second , shall be applied ratably to the outstanding Committed Loans, third , shall be used to Cash Collateralize the remaining L/C Obligations; and, fourth, the amount remaining, if any, after the prepayment in full of all L/C Borrowings, Swing Line Loans and Committed Loans outstanding at such time and the Cash Collateralization of the remaining L/C Obligations in full may be retained by the Borrowers for use in the ordinary course of its business. Upon the drawing of any Letter of Credit that has been Cash Collateralized, the funds held as Cash Collateral shall be applied (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrowers or any other Loan Party) to reimburse the L/C Issuer or the Lenders, as applicable.
2.06 Termination or Reduction of Commitments . (a) The Borrowers may, upon irrevocable notice from the Lead Borrower to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. five Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (iii) the Borrowers shall not terminate or reduce (A) the Aggregate Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Outstandings would exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (B) the Letter of Credit Sublimit if, after giving effect thereto, the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations not fully Cash

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Collateralized hereunder would exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit, and (C) the Swing Line Sublimit if, after giving effect thereto, and to any concurrent payments hereunder, the Outstanding Amount of Swing Line Loans hereunder would exceed the Swing Line Sublimit.
     (b) If, after giving effect to any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit exceeds the amount of the Aggregate Commitments, such Letter of Credit Sublimit or Swing Line Sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess.
     (c) The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any termination or reduction of the Letter of Credit Sublimit, Swing Line Sublimit or the Aggregate Commitments under this Section 2.06 . Upon any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments, the Commitment of each Lender shall be reduced by such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such reduction amount. All fees (including, without limitation, commitment fees and Letter of Credit Fees) and interest in respect of the Aggregate Commitments accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.
      2.07 Repayment of Loans .
          (a) The Borrower shall repay to the Lenders on the Termination Date the aggregate principal amount of Committed Loans outstanding on such date.
          (b) To the extent not previously paid, the Borrower shall repay the outstanding balance of the Swing Line Loans on the Termination Date.
      2.08 Interest .
          (a) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.08(b) below, (i) each LIBO Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin; (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin; and (iii) each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin.
          (b) (i) If any amount payable under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
               (ii) If any other Event of Default exists, then the Administrative Agent may, and upon the request of the Required Lenders shall, notify the Lead Borrower that the aggregate amount of all Credit Extensions then outstanding shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate, and thereafter such Obligations shall bear interest at the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
               (iii) Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.
          (c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder

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shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.
      2.09 Fees . In addition to certain fees described in subsections (i) and (j) of Section 2.03 :
          (a) Commitment Fee . The Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a commitment fee equal to the Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage multiplied by the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Commitments exceed the Total Outstandings. The commitment fee shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the first day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the last day of the Availability Period. The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears.
          (b) Other Fees . The Borrowers shall pay to the Arranger and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letter. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.
      2.10 Computation of Interest and Fees . All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by Wells Fargo’s “prime rate” shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a) , bear interest for one day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
      2.11 Evidence of Debt .
          (a) The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent (the “ Loan Account ”) in the ordinary course of business. In addition, each Lender may record in such Lender’s internal records, an appropriate notation evidencing the date and amount of each Loan from such Lender, each payment and prepayment of principal of any such Loan, and each payment of interest, fees and other amounts due in connection with the Obligations due to such Lender. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrowers and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrowers hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto. Upon receipt of an affidavit of a Lender as to the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of such Lender’s Note and upon cancellation of such Note, the Borrowers will issue, in lieu thereof, a replacement Note in favor of such Lender, in the same principal amount thereof and otherwise of like tenor.

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          (b) In addition to the accounts and records referred to in Section 2.11(a) , each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts or records evidencing the purchases and sales by such Lender of participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the accounts and records of any Lender in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.
      2.12 Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback .
          (a) General . All payments to be made by the Borrowers shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrowers hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall, at the option of the Administrative Agent, be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by the Borrowers shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.
          (b) (i) Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent . Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing of LIBO Rate Loans (or in the case of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, prior to 12:00 noon on the date of such 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 Section 2.02 (or in the case of a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02 ) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrowers a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Committed Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrowers severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrowers to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation plus any administrative processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing, and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrowers, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If the Borrowers and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrowers the amount of such interest paid by the Borrowers for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Committed Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in such Committed Borrowing. Any payment by the Borrowers shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrowers may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.
               (ii)  Payments by Borrowers; Presumptions by Administrative Agent . Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Lead Borrower prior to the time at which

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any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer hereunder that the Borrowers will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrowers have made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrowers have not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, in immediately available funds 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 Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
     A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Lead Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
          (c) Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent . If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II , and such funds are not made available to the Borrowers by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof (subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 4.02 hereof), the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.
          (d) Obligations of Lenders Several . The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Committed Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans and to make payments hereunder are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Committed Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment hereunder on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Committed Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment hereunder.
          (e) Funding Source . Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.
      2.13 Sharing of Payments by Lenders . If any Credit Party shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of, interest on, or other amounts with respect to, any of the Obligations resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Obligations greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein (including as in contravention of the priorities of payment set forth in Section 8.03 ), then the Credit Party receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Obligations of the other Credit Parties, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Credit Parties ratably and in the priorities set forth in Section 8.03 , provided that:
     (i) if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and
     (ii) the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by the Loan Parties pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement

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or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Committed Loans or subparticipations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrowers or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).
     Each Loan Party 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 such Loan Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Loan Party in the amount of such participation.
      2.14 Settlement Amongst Lenders.
     (a) The amount of each Lender’s Applicable Percentage of outstanding Loans (including outstanding Swing Line Loans, shall be computed no less frequently than weekly (or more frequently in the Administrative Agent’s discretion) and shall be adjusted upward or downward based on all Loans (including Swing Line Loans) and repayments of Loans (including Swingline Loans) received by the Administrative Agent as of 3:00 p.m. on the first Business Day (such date, the “ Settlement Date ”) following the end of the period specified by the Administrative Agent.
     (b) The Administrative Agent shall deliver to each of the Lenders promptly after a Settlement Date a summary statement of the amount of outstanding Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans for the period and the amount of repayments received for the period. As reflected on the summary statement, (i) the Administrative Agent shall transfer to each Lender its Applicable Percentage of repayments, and (ii) each Lender shall transfer to the Administrative Agent (as provided below) or the Administrative Agent shall transfer to each Lender, such amounts as are necessary to insure that, after giving effect to all such transfers, the amount of Committed Loans made by each Lender shall be equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of all Committed Loans outstanding as of such Settlement Date. If the summary statement requires transfers to be made to the Administrative Agent by the Lenders and is received prior to 1:00 p.m. on a Business Day, such transfers shall be made in immediately available funds no later than 3:00 p.m. that day; and, if received after 1:00 p.m., then no later than 3:00 p.m. on the next Business Day. The obligation of each Lender to transfer such funds is irrevocable, unconditional and without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent. If and to the extent any Lender shall not have so made its transfer to the Administrative Agent, such Lender agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, forthwith on demand such amount, together with interest thereon, for each day from such date until the date such amount is paid to the Administrative Agent, equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation plus any administrative, processing, or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing.
      2.15 Increase in Commitments .
          (a) Committed Increase . Provided no Default or Event of Default then exists or would arise therefrom, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, the Lead Borrower may from time to time request an increase in the Aggregate Commitments by an amount (for all such requests) not exceeding $25,000,000 (the “ Committed Increase ”); provided that (i) any such Committed Increase shall be in a minimum amount of $5,000,000, (ii) the amount of the Aggregate Commitments, as the same may be increased pursuant to any Committed Increase and/or Uncommitted Increase, shall not exceed $200,000,000 at any time, and (iii) the Lead Borrower may make a maximum of five such requests. Any

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such Committed Increase shall be effectuated as soon as reasonably practicable after the request of the Lead Borrower therefor. Any such Committed Increase shall be provided solely by Wells Fargo (or any permitted assignee or Participant of Wells Fargo) and shall otherwise be on the same terms as the existing facility under this Agreement; provided that the upfront fees payable in connection with any such Committed Increase shall be in an amount equal to the upfront fees payable to Wells Fargo under the Fee Letter.
          (b) Uncommitted Increase.
               (i) Request for Increase . Provided no Default or Event of Default then exists or would arise therefrom, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders), the Lead Borrower may, from time to time, request an increase in the Aggregate Commitments by an amount equal to $60,000,000 less the aggregate amount of all Committed Increases made pursuant to Section 2.15(a) hereof (the “ Uncommitted Increase ”, and, together with all Committed Increases, collectively, the “ Commitment Increases ”); provided that (i) any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000, (ii) the Lead Borrower may make a maximum of six (6) requests, and (iii) the amount of the Aggregate Commitments, as the same may be increased pursuant to any Committed Increase and/or this Section 2.15(b) , shall not exceed $200,000,000 at any time. At the time of sending such notice, the Lead Borrower (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each Lender is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to the Lenders).
               (ii) Lender Elections to Increase . Each Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to increase its Commitment and, if so, whether by an amount equal to, greater than, or less than its Applicable Percentage of such requested increase. Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to increase its Commitment.
               (iii) Notification by Administrative Agent; Additional Lenders . The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lead Borrower and each Lender of the Lenders’ responses to any request made hereunder. To achieve the full amount of a requested increase and subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender (which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld), to the extent that the existing Lenders decline to increase their Commitments, or decline to increase their Commitments to the amount requested by the Lead Borrower, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Lead Borrower, will use its reasonable efforts to arrange for other Eligible Assignees to become a Lender hereunder and to issue commitments in an amount equal to the amount of the increase in the Aggregate Commitments requested by the Lead Borrower and not accepted by the existing Lenders (and the Lead Borrower may also invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders) (each such Eligible Assignee, an “ Additional Commitment Lender ”), provided, however, that without the consent of the Administrative Agent, at no time shall the Commitment of any Additional Commitment Lender be less than $10,000,000.
          (c) Effective Date and Allocations . If the Aggregate Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Lead Borrower, shall determine the effective date (the “ Increase Effective Date ”) and, with respect to any increase made pursuant to Section 2.15(b) hereof, the final allocation of such increase. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Lead Borrower and the Lenders of the final allocation of such increase made pursuant to Section 2.15(b) hereof and the Increase Effective Date and on the Increase Effective Date (i) the Aggregate Commitments under, and for all purposes of, this Agreement shall be increased by the

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aggregate amount of such Commitment Increases, and (ii) Schedule 2.01 shall be deemed modified, without further action, to reflect the revised Commitments and Applicable Percentages of the Lenders.
          (d) Conditions to Effectiveness of Commitment Increase . As a condition precedent to any such Commitment Increase, (i) the Lead Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the Increase Effective Date (in sufficient copies for each Lender) signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party (A) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such Commitment Increase, and (B) in the case of the Borrowers, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such Commitment Increase, (1) the representations and warranties contained in Article V and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the Increase Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.15 , the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 , (ii) the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, and any Additional Commitment Lender shall have executed and delivered a joinder to the Loan Documents in such form as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably require; (iii) the Borrowers shall have paid such fees and other compensation to, in the case of any Committed Increase, Wells Fargo, and in the case of the Uncommitted Increase, the Additional Commitment Lenders, as the Lead Borrower and Wells Fargo or such Additional Commitment Lenders, as applicable, shall agree; (iv) the Borrowers shall have paid such arrangement fees to the Administrative Agent as the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent may agree; (v) the Borrowers and the Additional Commitment Lender shall have delivered such other instruments, documents and agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably have requested; and (vi) no Default exists. The Borrowers shall prepay any Committed Loans outstanding on the Increase Effective Date (and pay any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05 ) to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Committed Loans ratable with any revised Applicable Percentages arising from any nonratable increase in the Commitments under this Section.
          (e) Conflicting Provisions . This Section shall supersede any provisions in Sections 2.13 or 10.01 to the contrary.
ARTICLE III
TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY;
APPOINTMENT OF LEAD BORROWER
      3.01 Taxes .
          (a) Payments Free of Taxes . Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrowers hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, provided that if the Borrowers shall be required by applicable Law to deduct any Indemnified Taxes (including any 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 Agents, Lenders or L/C Issuer, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrowers shall make such deductions and (iii) the Borrowers shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law.
          (b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrowers . Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Borrowers shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law.

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          (c) Indemnification by the Loan Parties . The Loan Parties shall indemnify the Agents, each Lender and the L/C Issuer, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) paid by such Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, 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 Lead Borrower by a Lender or the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of the Collateral Agent, a Lender or the L/C Issuer, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
          (d) Evidence of Payments . As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Borrowers to a Governmental Authority, the Lead 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) Status of Lenders . Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which any Borrower is resident for tax purposes, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall deliver to the Lead Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable Law as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. Such delivery shall be provided on the Closing Date and on or before such documentation expires or becomes obsolete or after the occurrence of an event requiring a change in the documentation most recently delivered. In addition, any Lender, if requested by the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.
     Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that any Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the United States, any Foreign Lender shall deliver to the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of the Lead Borrower or the Administrative Agent, but only if such Foreign Lender is legally entitled to do so), whichever of the following is applicable:
               (i) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party,
               (ii) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI,
               (iii) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrowers within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and (y) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or

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               (iv) any other form prescribed by applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States Federal withholding tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable Law to permit the Lead Borrower to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.
          (f) Treatment of Certain Refunds . If the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Loan Parties or with respect to which the Borrowers have paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to the Borrowers an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrowers under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Agents, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the Loan Parties, upon the request of such Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, agree to repay the amount paid over to the Borrowers (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to such Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer in the event the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. This subsection shall not be construed to require the Agents, any Lender or the L/C Issuer to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the Loan Parties or any other Person.
      3.02 Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund LIBO Rate Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the LIBO Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Lead Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue LIBO Rate Loans or to Convert Base Rate Loans to LIBO Rate Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Lead Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrowers shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, Convert all LIBO Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such LIBO Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such LIBO Rate Loans. Upon any such prepayment or Conversion, the Borrowers shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or Converted.
      3.03 Inability to Determine Rates. If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason in connection with any request for a LIBO Rate Loan or a Conversion to or continuation thereof that (a) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such LIBO Rate Loan, (b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the LIBO Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBO Rate Loan, or (c) the LIBO Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBO Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Lead Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain LIBO Rate Loans shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Lead Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, Conversion to or continuation of LIBO Rate Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have Converted such request into a request for a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.

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      3.04 Increased Costs; Reserves on LIBO Rate Loans .
          (a) Increased Costs Generally . If any Change in Law shall:
               (i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the LIBO Rate) or the L/C Issuer;
               (ii) subject any Lender or the L/C Issuer to any tax of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, any participation in a Letter of Credit or any LIBO Rate Loan made by it, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender or the L/C Issuer in respect thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes covered by Section 3.01 and the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax payable by such Lender or the L/C Issuer); or
               (iii) impose on any Lender or the L/C Issuer or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or LIBO 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 LIBO Rate Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender or the L/C Issuer of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Loan Parties will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
          (b) Capital Requirements . If any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or the L/C Issuer or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the L/C Issuer, to a level below that which such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Loan Parties will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.
          (c) Certificates for Reimbursement . A certificate of a Lender or the L/C Issuer setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to the Lead Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Loan Parties shall pay such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

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          (d) Delay in Requests . Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the L/C Issuer to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Loan Parties shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, notifies the Lead Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).
          (e) Reserves on LIBO Rate Loans . The Borrowers shall pay to each Lender, as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits (currently known as “Eurocurrency liabilities”), additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each LIBO Rate Loan equal to the actual costs of such reserves allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive), which shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided the Lead Borrower shall have received at least 10 days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice 10 days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest shall be due and payable 10 days from receipt of such notice.
      3.05 Compensation for Losses. Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrowers shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:
     (a) any continuation, Conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);
     (b) any failure by the Borrowers (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or Convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Lead Borrower; or
     (c) any assignment of a LIBO Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Lead Borrower pursuant to Section 10.13 ;
including any actual loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained. The Borrowers shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing.
     For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrowers to the Lenders under this Section 3.05 , each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each LIBO Rate Loan made by it at the LIBO Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London interbank market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such LIBO Rate Loan was in fact so funded.
      3.06 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders .
          (a) Designation of a Different Lending Office . If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04 , or the Borrowers are required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any

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Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01 , or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to Section 3.02 , 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 3.01 or 3.04 , as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.02 , as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
          (b) Replacement of Lenders . If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04 , or if the Borrowers are required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01 , the Borrowers may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 10.13 .
      3.07 Survival. All of the Borrowers’ obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.
      3.08 Designation of Lead Borrower as Borrowers’ Agent.
          (a) Each Borrower hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Lead Borrower as such Borrower’s agent to obtain Credit Extensions, the proceeds of which shall be available to each Borrower for such uses as are permitted under this Agreement. As the disclosed principal for its agent, each Borrower shall be obligated to each Credit Party on account of Credit Extensions so made as if made directly by the applicable Credit Party to such Borrower, notwithstanding the manner by which such Credit Extensions are recorded on the books and records of the Lead Borrower and of any other Borrower. In addition, each Loan Party other than the Borrowers hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Lead Borrower as such Loan Party’s agent to represent such Loan Party in all respects under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
          (b) Each Borrower recognizes that credit available to it hereunder is in excess of and on better terms than it otherwise could obtain on and for its own account and that one of the reasons therefor is its joining in the credit facility contemplated herein with all other Borrowers. Consequently, each Borrower hereby assumes and agrees to discharge all Obligations of each of the other Borrowers.
          (c) The Lead Borrower shall act as a conduit for each Borrower (including itself, as a “Borrower”) on whose behalf the Lead Borrower has requested a Credit Extension. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Credit Party shall have any obligation to see to the application of such proceeds therefrom.
ARTICLE IV
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS
      4.01 Conditions of Initial Credit Extension. The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Credit Extension hereunder and of the Administrative Agent to endeavor to cause the L/C Issuer to make its initial Credit Extension hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
     (a) The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals, telecopies or other electronic image scan transmission (e.g., “pdf” or “tif” via e-mail) (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a

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Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party or the Lenders, as applicable, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:
     (i) executed counterparts of this Agreement sufficient in number for distribution to the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Lead Borrower;
     (ii) a Note executed by the Borrowers in favor of each Lender requesting a Note;
     (iii) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing (A) the authority of each Loan Party to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or is to become a party and (B) the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or is to become a party;
     (iv) copies of each Loan Party’s Organization Documents and such other documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and that each Loan Party is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to engage in business in each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except to the extent that failure to so qualify in such jurisdiction could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
     (v) a favorable opinion of Irell and Manella LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, as to such matters concerning the Loan Parties and the Loan Documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request;
     (vi) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower certifying (A) that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied, (B) that there has been no event or circumstance since the date of the Audited Financial Statements that has had or could be reasonably expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, (C) to the Solvency of the Loan Parties as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby, and (D) that no consents, licenses or approvals are required in connection with the execution and delivery by such Loan Party and the validity against such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, except for (a) the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Security Documents (including the first priority nature thereof) or (b) such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect;
     (vii) evidence that all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Loan Documents and all endorsements in favor of the Agents required under the Loan Documents have been obtained and are in effect;
     (viii) a payoff letter from the agent for the lenders under the Existing Credit Agreement satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent evidencing that the Existing Credit Agreement and all commitments to lend thereunder have been or concurrently with the Closing Date are being terminated, all obligations (other than

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contingent indemnification obligations for which no claim has been asserted) thereunder are being paid in full, and all Liens securing obligations under the Existing Credit Agreement have been or concurrently with the Closing Date are being released;
     (ix) the Security Documents and certificates evidencing any stock being pledged thereunder, together with undated stock powers executed in blank, each duly executed by the applicable Loan Parties;
     (x) all other Loan Documents, each duly executed by the applicable Loan Parties;
     (xi) (A) appraisals (based on net liquidation value) by a third party appraiser acceptable to the Collateral Agent of all Inventory of the Borrowers, the results of which are satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and (B) a written report regarding the results of a commercial finance examination of the Loan Parties, which shall be satisfactory to the Collateral Agent;
     (xii) results of searches or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent (in each case dated as of a date reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent) indicating the absence of Liens on the assets of the Loan Parties, except for Permitted Encumbrances and Liens for which termination statements and releases or subordination agreements satisfactory to the Collateral Agent are being tendered concurrently with such extension of credit or other arrangements satisfactory to the Collateral Agent for the delivery of such termination statements and releases or subordination agreements have been made;
     (xiii) (A) all documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, required by law or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to be filed, registered or recorded to create or perfect the first priority Liens intended to be created under the Loan Documents and all such documents and instruments shall have been so filed, registered or recorded to the satisfaction of the Collateral Agent, (B) the Credit Card Notifications and Blocked Account Agreements required pursuant to Section 6.13 hereof, (C) control agreements with respect to the Loan Parties’ securities and investment accounts, and (D) Collateral Access Agreements for the Loan Parties’ distribution centers and warehouses as required by the Collateral Agent; and
     (xiv) such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or opinions as the Agents reasonably may require.
     (b) After giving effect to (i) the first funding under the Loans, (ii) any charges to the Loan Account made in connection with the establishment of the credit facility contemplated hereby and (iii) all Letters of Credit to be issued at, or immediately subsequent to, such establishment, Availability shall be not less than $50,000,000.
     (c) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Base Certificate dated the Closing Date, relating to the month ended on October 3, 2010, and executed by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower.
     (d) The Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied that any financial statements delivered to it fairly present the business and financial condition of the Loan Parties

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and that there has been no Material Adverse Effect since the date of the most recent financial information delivered to the Administrative Agent.
     (e) The Administrative Agent shall have received and be satisfied with (i) detailed financial projections and business assumptions for the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries on (x) a monthly basis for the twelve month period following the Closing Date and (y) on a quarterly basis, for each fiscal year thereafter through the Maturity Date, including, in each case, a consolidated income statement, balance sheet, statement of cash flow and Availability analysis, each prepared in conformity with GAAP and consistent with the Loan Parties’ then current practices and (b) such other information (financial or otherwise) reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.
     (f) There shall not have occurred since January 3, 2010 (i) any event or condition that has had or could reasonably be expected, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) any action, suit, investigation or proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Borrowers, threatened in any court or before any arbitrator or governmental authority that if determined adversely to the Loan Parties could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
     (g) Each Material Contract of any Loan Party shall be in full force and effect and no default or event of default shall have occurred and be continuing thereunder.
     (h) The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall not violate any applicable Laws or any Organization Document.
     (i) All fees required to be paid to the Agents or the Arranger on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid in full, and all fees required to be paid to the Lenders on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid in full.
     (j) The Borrowers shall have paid all fees, charges and disbursements of examiners and appraisers to the Administrative Agent to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing proceedings (provided that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent).
     (k) The Administrative Agent shall have received all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the USA PATRIOT Act.
     (l) The Arranger shall have successfully arranged the syndication of the Loans as contemplated in its engagement letter with the Loan Parties.
     (m) All governmental consents and approvals, and all third party consents required for the Loan Parties to consummate the financing shall have been obtained.
     (n) The Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied with the capital structure of the Loan Parties. Without limiting the foregoing, the Loan Parties shall not have any Indebtedness outstanding as of the Closing Date other than Permitted Indebtedness and prior to the Credit Extensions hereunder and application of part or all of the proceeds thereof to satisfy the

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obligations outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement, Indebtedness under the Existing Credit Agreement.
Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 9.04 , for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01 , each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.
      4.02 Conditions to all Credit Extensions. The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a Conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of LIBO Rate Loans) and of the Administrative Agent to endeavor to cause the L/C Issuer to issue each Letter of Credit is subject to the following conditions precedent:
     (a) The representations and warranties of each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations or warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except (i) to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and (ii) for purposes of this Section 4.02 , the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 .
     (b) No Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof.
     (c) The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the Swing Line Lender shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.
     (d) No Overadvance shall result from such Credit Extension.
     provided, however, if any criminal indictment of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof has occurred under any federal, state, municipal, or other criminal statute, rule, regulation, order, or other requirement having the force of law for a felony for fraud or other felony which would (in each case based on, among other considerations, the likelihood of a conviction thereunder) have a negative impact on the ability of the Collateral Agent to exercise on, or the value of, the Collateral, which indictment has remained unquashed or undismissed for a period of thirty (30) days or more, the Required Lenders (which shall for these purposes include at least two Lenders) may direct the Administrative Agent to cease honoring any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a Conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of LIBO Rate Loans); provided that, upon the quashing or dismissal of any such indictment, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall thereafter honor any Request for Credit Extension so long as the conditions precedent set forth in this Article IV have been met.
Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a Conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type or a continuation of LIBO Rate Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Borrowers that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension. The

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conditions set forth in this Section 4.02 are for the sole benefit of the Credit Parties but until the Required Lenders otherwise direct the Administrative Agent to cease making Committed Loans, the Lenders will fund their Applicable Percentage of all Loans and L/C Advances and participate in all Swing Line Loans and Letters of Credit whenever made or issued, which are requested by the Lead Borrower and which, notwithstanding the failure of the Loan Parties to comply with the provisions of this Article IV , agreed to by the Administrative Agent, provided, however, the making of any such Loans or the issuance of any Letters of Credit shall not be deemed a modification or waiver by any Credit Party of the provisions of this Article IV on any future occasion or a waiver of any rights or the Credit Parties as a result of any such failure to comply.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
     To induce the Credit Parties to enter into this Agreement and to make Loans and to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, each Loan Party represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties that:
      5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary thereof (a) is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or limited partnership, duly incorporated, organized or formed, validly existing and, where applicable, in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, organization, or formation (b) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, permits, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (c) is duly qualified and is licensed and, where applicable, in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; except in each case referred to in clause (b)(i) or (c), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Schedule 5.01 annexed hereto sets forth, as of the Closing Date, each Loan Party’s name as it appears in official filings in its state of incorporation or organization, its state of incorporation or organization, organization type, organization number, if any, issued by its state of incorporation or organization, and its federal employer identification number.
      5.02 Authorization; No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is or is to be a party, has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and does not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents; (b) other than with respect to the Existing Credit Agreement, conflict with or result in any breach, termination, or contravention of, or constitute a default under, or require any mandatory prepayment to be made under (i) any Material Contract or any Material Indebtedness to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; (c) result in or require the creation of any Lien upon any asset of any Loan Party (other than Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent under the Security Documents); or (d) violate any Law.
      5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents. No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except for (a) the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Security Documents (including the first priority nature thereof) or (b) such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect or (c) those that the failure to obtain could not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

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      5.04 Binding Effect. This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered, will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, the legally valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is party thereto 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.
      5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect .
          (a) The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (iii) show all Material Indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.
          (b) The unaudited Consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries dated July 4, 2010, and the related Consolidated statements of income or operations, Shareholders’ Equity and cash flows for the fiscal quarter ended on that date (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments. Schedule 5.05 sets forth all Material Indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Loan Parties and their Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the date of such financial statements, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Material Indebtedness.
          (c) Since the date of the Audited Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
          (d) To the best Knowledge of the Lead Borrower, no Internal Control Event exists or has occurred since the date of the Audited Financial Statements that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to result in a misstatement in any material respect, in any financial information delivered or to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, of (i) covenant compliance calculations provided hereunder or (ii) the assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of operations of the Parent and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis.
          (e) The Consolidated forecasted balance sheet and statements of income and cash flows of the Parent and its Subsidiaries delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(d) were prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were fair in light of the conditions existing at the time of delivery of such forecasts, and represented, at the time of delivery, the Loan Parties’ best estimate of its future financial performance.
      5.06 Litigation. There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the Knowledge of the Loan Parties, threatened or contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or against any of its properties or revenues that (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, or (b) except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.06 or

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as disclosed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.03 hereof, either individually or in the aggregate, if determined adversely, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
      5.07 No Default . No Loan Party or any Subsidiary is in default with respect to any material term or provision of any Material Contract (other than any Material Contract which has been replaced or is no longer necessary to the conduct of the Loan Parties’ business). No Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
      5.08 Ownership of Property; Liens . (a) Each of the Loan Parties and each Subsidiary thereof has good record and marketable title in fee simple to or valid leasehold interests in, all real property necessary or used in the ordinary conduct of its business, except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Loan Parties and each Subsidiary has good and marketable title to, valid leasehold interests in, or valid licenses to use all personal property and assets material to the ordinary conduct of its business, except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
          (b) Schedule 5.08(b)(1) sets forth, as of the Closing Date, the address (including street address, county and state) of all Real Estate that is owned by the Loan Parties and each of their Subsidiaries, together with a list of the holders of any mortgage or other Lien thereon. Schedule 5.08(b)(2) sets forth, as of the Closing Date, the address (including street address, county and state) of all Leases of the Loan Parties, together with a list of the lessor and its contact information with respect to each such Lease. Each of such Leases is in full force and effect and the Loan Parties are not in default of the terms thereof.
          (c) Schedule 7.01 sets forth, as of the Closing Date, a complete and accurate list of all Liens of record on the personal property or assets of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries, showing the lienholder thereof, the principal amount of the obligations secured thereby (if any) and the personal property or assets of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary subject thereto. The property of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries is subject to no Liens, other than Permitted Encumbrances.
          (d) Schedule 7.02 sets forth, as of the Closing Date, a complete and accurate list of all Investments consisting of (i) a loan, advance or capital contribution described in clause (b) of the definition thereof made to any Person other than a Loan Party, and (ii) any other Investment of money described in clause (d) of the definition thereof, in each case held by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party, showing the amount, obligor or issuer and maturity, if any, thereof.
          (e) Schedule 7.03 sets forth, as of the Closing Date, a complete and accurate list of all Indebtedness for borrowed money of each Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party, showing the amount, obligor or issuer and maturity thereof.
5.09 Environmental Compliance . (a) Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.09 , to the Loan Parties’ Knowledge, as of the Closing Date, no Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof (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, except, in each case, as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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     (b) Except as otherwise set forth in Schedule 5.09 , to the Loan Parties’ Knowledge, as of the Closing Date, (i) none of the properties currently or formerly owned or operated by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is listed or proposed for listing on the NPL or on the CERCLIS or any analogous foreign, state or local list or is adjacent to any such property, (ii) there are no and never have been any underground or above-ground storage tanks or any surface impoundments, septic tanks, pits, sumps or lagoons in which Hazardous Materials are being or have been treated, stored or disposed on any property currently owned or operated by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, (iii) there is no asbestos or asbestos-containing material on any property currently owned or operated by any Loan Party or Subsidiary thereof, and (iv) Hazardous Materials have not been released, discharged or disposed of on any property currently or formerly owned or operated by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof other than in compliance with Laws applicable thereto, except, in each case, as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
     (c) Except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 5.09 , as of the Closing Date, except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is undertaking, and no Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof has completed, either individually or together with other potentially responsible parties, any investigation or assessment or remedial or response action relating to any actual or threatened release, discharge or disposal of Hazardous Materials at any site, location or operation, either voluntarily or pursuant to the order of any Governmental Authority or the requirements of any Environmental Law. To the Loan Parties’ Knowledge, all Hazardous Materials generated, used, treated, handled or stored at, or transported to or from, any property currently owned or operated by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof have been disposed of in a manner not reasonably expected to result in any Environmental Liability, except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
      5.10 Insurance. The properties of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies which are not Affiliates of the Loan Parties, in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance), with such deductibles and covering such risks (including, without limitation, workmen’s compensation, public liability, business interruption and property damage insurance) as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in localities where the Loan Parties or the applicable Subsidiary operates. Schedule 5.10 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date. Each insurance policy listed on Schedule 5.10 is in full force and effect as of the Closing Date and all premiums in respect thereof that are due and payable have been paid.
      5.11 Taxes. The Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have filed all Federal, state and other material tax returns and reports required to be filed, and have paid all Federal, state and other material taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges levied or imposed upon them or their properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings being diligently conducted, for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP, which contest effectively suspends the collection of the contested obligation and the enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation, and the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No tax assessment has been levied against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary that could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. No Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is a party to any tax sharing agreement.

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      5.12 ERISA Compliance .
          (a) Each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state Laws. Each Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS or an application for such a letter is currently being processed by the IRS with respect thereto and, to the best Knowledge of the Lead Borrower, nothing has occurred which would prevent, or cause the loss of, such qualification. The Loan Parties and each ERISA Affiliate have made all required contributions to each Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code, and no application for a funding waiver or an extension of any amortization period pursuant to Section 412 of the Code has been made with respect to any Plan. No Lien imposed under the Code or ERISA exists or is likely to arise on account of any Plan.
          (b) There are no pending or, to the best Knowledge of the Lead Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
          (c) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) no Pension Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability; (iii) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iv) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; and (v) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.
      5.13 Subsidiaries; Equity Interests. As of the Closing Date, the Loan Parties have no Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in Part (a) of Schedule 5.13 , which Schedule sets forth the legal name, jurisdiction of incorporation or formation and authorized Equity Interests of each such Subsidiary. All of the outstanding Equity Interests in such Subsidiaries have been validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and are owned by a Loan Party (or a Subsidiary of a Loan Party) in the amounts specified on Part (a) of Schedule 5.13 free and clear of all Liens except for those created or permitted under the Security Documents. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.13, there are no outstanding rights to purchase any Equity Interests in any Subsidiary. The Loan Parties have no equity investments in any other corporation or entity other than those specifically disclosed in Part(b) of Schedule 5.13 . All of the outstanding Equity Interests in the Subsidiaries of the Loan Parties have been validly issued, and are fully paid and non-assessable and are owned in the amounts specified on Part (c) of Schedule 5.13 free and clear of all Liens except for those created or permitted under the Security Documents. The copies of the Organization Documents of each Loan Party and each amendment thereto provided pursuant to Section 4.01 are true and correct copies of each such document, each of which is valid and in full force and effect.
      5.14 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act;
          (a) No Loan Party is engaged or will be engaged, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock. None of the proceeds of the Credit Extensions shall be used directly or indirectly for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock, for the purpose of reducing or retiring any Indebtedness that was originally incurred to purchase or carry any margin stock or for any other purpose that might cause any of the Credit Extensions to be considered a “purpose credit” within the meaning of Regulations T, U, or X issued by the FRB.

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          (b) None of the Loan Parties, any Person Controlling any Loan Party, or any Subsidiary is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
      5.15 Disclosure . Each Loan Party has disclosed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, and all other matters which, to the Knowledge of the Loan Parties, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of the Loan Parties, no report, financial statement, certificate or other information furnished (whether in writing or orally) by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case, as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Loan Parties represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.
      5.16 Compliance with Laws. Each of the Loan Parties and each Subsidiary is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its properties, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
      5.17 Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc. The Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries own, or possess the right to use, all of the Intellectual Property, licenses, permits and other authorizations that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses, without conflict with the rights of any other Person, other than conflicts that could not, individually, or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of the Lead Borrower, no Person has made any claim that any slogan or other advertising device, product, process, method, substance, part or other material now employed, or now contemplated to be employed, by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary infringes upon any rights held by any other Person which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.17 , as of the Closing Date, no claim or litigation regarding any of the foregoing is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Lead Borrower, threatened, which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
      5.18 Labor Matters .
     There are no strikes, lockouts, slowdowns or other material labor disputes against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof pending or, to the Knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Loan Parties comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act and any other applicable federal, state, local or foreign Law dealing with such matters, except for such instances of noncompliance which could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any liability or obligation under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act or similar state Law, except for such liabilities and obligations as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All payments due from any Loan Party and its Subsidiaries, or for which any claim may be made against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or properly accrued in accordance with

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GAAP as a liability on the books of such Loan Party, except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.18 , as of the Closing Date, no Loan Party or any Subsidiary is a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, management agreement, employment agreement, bonus, restricted stock, stock option, or stock appreciation plan or agreement or any similar plan, agreement or arrangement. There are no representation proceedings pending or, to any Loan Party’s Knowledge, threatened to be filed with the National Labor Relations Board, and no labor organization or group of employees of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary has made a pending demand for recognition, in each case that could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There are no complaints, unfair labor practice charges, grievances, arbitrations, unfair employment practices charges or any other claims or complaints against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary pending or, to the Knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened to be filed with any Governmental Authority or arbitrator based on, arising out of, in connection with, or otherwise relating to the employment or termination of employment of any employee of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case that could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any material collective bargaining agreement to which any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is bound.
      5.19 Security Documents .
     (a) The Security Agreement creates in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties referred to therein, a legal, valid, continuing and enforceable security interest in the Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement), the enforceability of which is 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. The financing statements, releases and other filings are in appropriate form and have been or will be filed in the offices specified in Schedule II of the Security Agreement. Upon such filings and/or the obtaining of “control,” (as defined in the UCC) the Collateral Agent will have a perfected Lien on, and security interest in, to and under all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in all Collateral that may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a financing statement or analogous document (including without limitation the proceeds of such Collateral subject to the limitations relating to such proceeds in the UCC) or by obtaining control, under the UCC (in effect on the date this representation is made) in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person. The Pledged Securities (as defined in the Security Agreement) have been delivered to the Collateral Agent (together with stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank form), and the Collateral Agent has a fully perfected first priority Lien on, and security interest in, to and under all right, title and interest of each pledgor thereunder in such Collateral, and such security interest is in each case prior and superior in right and interest to any other Person.
     (b) When the Security Agreement (or a short form thereof) is filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office and when financing statements, releases and other filings in appropriate form are filed in the offices specified on Schedule II of the Security Agreement, the Collateral Agent shall have a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the applicable Loan Parties in the IP Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a security agreement, financing statement or analogous document in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office, as applicable, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person (it being understood that subsequent recordings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States

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Copyright Office may be necessary to perfect a Lien on registered trademarks, trademark applications and copyrights acquired by the Loan Parties after the date hereof).
      5.20 Solvency
     After giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and before and after giving effect to each Credit Extension, the Loan Parties, on a Consolidated basis, are Solvent. No transfer of property has been or will be made by any Loan Party and no obligation has been or will be incurred by any Loan Party in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud either present or future creditors of any Loan Party.
      5.21 Deposit Accounts; Credit Card Arrangements .
          (a) Annexed hereto as Schedule 5.21(a) is a list of all DDAs maintained by the Loan Parties as of the Closing Date, which Schedule includes, with respect to each DDA (i) the name and address of the depository; (ii) the account number(s) maintained with such depository; (iii) a contact person at such depository, and (iv) the identification of each Blocked Account Bank.
          (b) Annexed hereto as Schedule 5.21(b) is a list describing all arrangements as of the Closing Date to which any Loan Party is a party with respect to the processing and/or payment to such Loan Party of the proceeds of any credit card charges and debit card charges for sales made by such Loan Party.
      5.22 Brokers . No broker or finder brought about the obtaining, making or closing of the Loans or transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, and no Loan Party or Affiliate thereof has any obligation to any Person in respect of any finder’s or brokerage fees in connection therewith.
      5.23 Intentionally Omitted .
      5.24 Material Contracts . Schedule 5.24 sets forth all Material Contracts to which any Loan Party is a party or is bound as of the Closing Date. The Loan Parties have delivered true, correct and complete copies of such Material Contracts to the Administrative Agent on or before the date hereof.
      5.25 Casualty . Neither the businesses nor the properties of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries are affected by any fire, explosion, accident, strike, lockout or other labor dispute, drought, storm, hail, earthquake, embargo, act of God or of the public enemy or other casualty (whether or not covered by insurance) that, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
ARTICLE VI
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
     So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Loan Parties shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01 , 6.02 , and 6.03 ) cause each Subsidiary to:
      6.01 Financial Statements. Deliver to the Administrative Agent, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

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     (a) as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Parent, a Consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, Shareholders’ Equity and cash flows for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by (i) a report and unqualified opinion of a Registered Public Accounting Firm of nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit and (ii) an opinion of such Registered Public Accounting Firm independently assessing Loan Parties’ internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Item 308 of SEC Regulation S-K, PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 2, and Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley expressing a conclusion that contains no statement that there is a material weakness in such internal controls, except for such material weaknesses as to which the Required Lenders do not object;
     (b) as soon as available, but in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year of the Parent, a Consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Quarter, and the related consolidated statements of income from operations, Shareholders’ Equity and cash flows for such Fiscal Quarter and for the portion of the Parent’s Fiscal Year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for (A) such period set forth in the projections delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(d) hereof, (B) the corresponding Fiscal Quarter of the previous Fiscal Year and (C) the corresponding portion of the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail, certified by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations, Shareholders’ Equity and cash flows of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
     (c) as soon as available, but in any event within 30 days after the end of each of the Fiscal Months of each fiscal year of the Parent, a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Month, and the related consolidated statements of income from operations, Shareholders’ Equity and cash flows for such Fiscal Month, and for the portion of the Parent’s Fiscal Year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for (A) such period set forth in the projections delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(d) hereof, (B) the corresponding Fiscal Month of the previous Fiscal Year and (C) the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, certified by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations, Shareholders’ Equity and cash flows of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such Fiscal Month in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes
     (d) as soon as available, but in any event (i) within 45 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Parent, a draft Budget for the immediately following Fiscal Year as prepared by management of the Lead Borrower, (ii) within 60 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Parent, a final Budget, and (iii) within 45 days after the end of each Fiscal Quarter, a Forecast Update for the remainder of such Fiscal Year.
      6.02 Certificates; Other Information. Deliver to the Administrative Agent, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

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     (a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) , (b) and (c), (i) a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower, (ii) in the event of any change in generally accepted accounting principles used in the preparation of such financial statements, the Lead Borrower shall also provide a statement of reconciliation conforming such financial statements to GAAP, and (iii) a copy of management’s discussion and analysis with respect to such financial statements;
     (b) on the tenth (10 th ) Business Day of each Fiscal Month, a Borrowing Base Certificate showing the Borrowing Base as of the close of business as of the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Month, each Borrowing Base Certificate to be certified as complete and correct by a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower; provided that at any time that an Accelerated Borrowing Base Delivery Event has occurred and is continuing, at the election of the Administrative Agent, such Borrowing Base Certificate shall be delivered on Wednesday of each week (or, if Wednesday is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day), as of the close of business on the immediately preceding Saturday;
     (c) promptly upon receipt, copies of any detailed audit reports, management letters or recommendations submitted to the board of directors (or the audit committee of the board of directors) of any Loan Party by its Registered Public Accounting Firm in connection with the accounts or books of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary, or any audit of any of them, including, without limitation, specifying any Internal Control Event;
     (d) promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders of the Loan Parties, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which any Loan Party may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or with any national securities exchange;
     (e) The financial and collateral reports described on Schedule 6.02 hereto, at the times set forth in such Schedule;
     (f) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any statement or report furnished to any holder of debt securities of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan or credit or similar agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.01 or any other clause of this Section 6.02 ;
     (g) as soon as available, but in any event within 30 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Loan Parties, a report summarizing the insurance coverage (specifying type, amount and carrier) in effect for each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries and containing such additional information as the Administrative Agent, or any Lender through the Administrative Agent, may reasonably specify;
     (h) promptly after the Administrative Agent’s request therefor, copies of all Material Contracts and documents evidencing Material Indebtedness; and
     (i) promptly, such additional information regarding the business affairs, financial condition or operations of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

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Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a), (b), or (c) or Section 6.02(a)(ii) , (a)(iii) or 6.02(c) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Lead Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Lead Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02 ; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Lead Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) the Lead Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or any Lender that requests the Lead Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (ii) the Lead Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by telecopier or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions ( i.e. , soft copies) of such documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Loan Parties with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.
The Loan Parties hereby acknowledge that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arranger will make available to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Loan Parties hereunder (collectively, “ Borrower Materials ”) by posting the Borrower Materials on SyndTrak or another similar electronic system (the “ Platform ”).
      6.03 Notices. Promptly notify the Administrative Agent:
     (a) of the occurrence of any Default;
     (b) of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, including, if the same will have such result: (i) breach or non-performance of, or any default under, a Material Contract or with respect to Material Indebtedness of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof; (ii) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension between any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof and any Governmental Authority; (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws; (iv) any proceeding with, or investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by any Governmental Authority regarding financial or other operational results of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof; or (v) the failure to pay rent at any of such Loan Party’s locations for more than ten (10) days following the day on which such rent first came due;
     (c) of the occurrence of any ERISA Event;
     (d) of any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof;
     (e) of any change in the Responsible Officers of any Loan Party;
     (f) of the discharge by any Loan Party of its present Registered Public Accounting Firm or any withdrawal or resignation by such Registered Public Accounting Firm; or

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     (g) of any collective bargaining agreement or other labor contract to which a Loan Party becomes a party.
Each notice pursuant to this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Lead Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant to Section 6.03(a) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.
      6.04 Payment of Obligations . Pay and discharge as the same shall become due and payable, all its obligations and liabilities, including (a) all tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, (b) all lawful claims (including, without limitation, claims of landlords, warehousemen, customs brokers, and carriers) which, if unpaid, would by Law become a Lien upon its property having priority over the Lien of the Collateral Agent; and (c) all Material Indebtedness, as and when due and payable, but subject to any subordination provisions contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing such Material Indebtedness, except, in each case, where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) such Loan Party has established adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP, (c) such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and 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. Nothing contained in this Section 6.04 shall be deemed to limit the rights of the Agents with respect to determining Reserves pursuant to this Agreement.
      6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc. (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence and good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization or formation except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05 ; (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its Intellectual Property, except to the extent such Intellectual Property is no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Loan Parties or to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
      6.06 Maintenance of Properties . (a) Maintain, preserve and protect all of its material properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and (b) make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof, except in each case where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
      6.07 Maintenance of Insurance. Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies that are not Affiliates of any Loan Party and having an A.M. Best Rating of at least A- and otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business and operating in the same or similar locations or as is required by applicable Law, of such types and in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance compatible with the following standards) as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons and as are reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
          (a) Fire and extended coverage policies maintained with respect to any Collateral shall be endorsed or otherwise amended to include (i) a lenders’ loss payable clause (regarding personal property), in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, which endorsements or amendments shall provide that the insurer shall pay all proceeds otherwise payable to the Loan Parties under the

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policies directly to the Collateral Agent, (ii) a provision to the effect that none of the Loan Parties, Credit Parties or any other Person shall be a co-insurer and (iii) such other provisions as the Collateral Agent may reasonably require from time to time to protect the interests of the Credit Parties with respect to the Collateral. 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 a loss payee and shall be endorsed or amended to include (i) a provision that, from and after the Closing Date, the insurer shall pay all proceeds otherwise payable to the Loan Parties under the policies directly to the Collateral Agent, (ii) a provision to the effect that none of the Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any other party shall be a co-insurer and (iii) such other provisions as the Collateral Agent may reasonably require from time to time to protect the interests of the Credit Parties. Each such policy referred to in this Section 6.07(d) shall also provide that it shall not be canceled, modified or not renewed (i) by reason of nonpayment of premium except upon not less than thirty (30) 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 thirty (30) days’ prior written notice thereof by the insurer to the Collateral Agent. The Lead Borrower shall deliver to the Collateral Agent, prior to the cancellation, modification or non-renewal of any such policy of insurance, evidence of a renewal or replacement policy (including an insurance binder) together with evidence satisfactory to the Collateral Agent of payment of the premium therefor (unless such payment will be made in accordance with the trade terms available therefor or has been financed pursuant to any insurance premium financing permitted under clause (j) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness).
          (b) Maintain for themselves and their Subsidiaries, a Directors and Officers insurance policy, and a “Blanket Crime” policy including employee dishonesty, forgery or alteration, theft, disappearance and destruction, robbery and safe burglary, property, and computer fraud coverage with responsible companies in such amounts as are customarily carried by business entities engaged in similar businesses similarly situated, and will upon request by the Administrative Agent furnish the Administrative Agent certificates evidencing renewal of each such policy.
          (c) Permit any representatives that are designated by the Collateral Agent to inspect the insurance policies maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and to inspect books and records related thereto and any properties covered thereby.
          (d) None of the Credit Parties, or their agents or employees shall be liable for any loss or damage insured by the insurance policies required to be maintained under this Section 6.07 . Each Loan Party shall look solely to its insurance companies or any other parties other than the Credit Parties for the recovery of such loss or damage and such insurance companies shall have no rights of subrogation against any Credit Party or its agents or employees. If, however, the insurance policies do not provide waiver of subrogation rights against such parties, as required above, then the Loan Parties hereby agree, to the extent permitted by law, to waive their right of recovery, if any, against the Credit Parties and their agents and employees. The designation of any form, type or amount of insurance coverage by the any Credit Party under this Section 6.07 shall in no event be deemed a representation, warranty or advice by such Credit Party that such insurance is adequate for the purposes of the business of the Loan Parties or the protection of their properties.
      6.08 Compliance with Laws. Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside and maintained by the Loan Parties in accordance with GAAP; (b) such contest effectively suspends enforcement of the contested Laws, and (c) the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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6.09 Books and Records; Accountants . (a) Maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Loan Parties or such Subsidiary, as the case may be; and (ii) maintain such books of record and account in material conformity with all applicable requirements of any Governmental Authority having regulatory jurisdiction over the Loan Parties or such Subsidiary, as the case may be.
     (b) at all times retain a Registered Public Accounting Firm which is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and shall instruct such Registered Public Accounting Firm to cooperate with, and be available to, the Administrative Agent or its representatives to discuss the Loan Parties’ financial performance, financial condition, operating results, controls, and such other matters, within the scope of the retention of such Registered Public Accounting Firm, as may be raised by the Administrative Agent.
6.10 Inspection Rights . (a) Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and Registered Public Accounting Firm, all at the expense of the Loan Parties and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Lead Borrower; provided , however , that when an Event of Default exists the Administrative Agent (or any of its representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Loan Parties at any time during normal business hours and without advance notice.
     (b) Upon the request of the Administrative Agent after reasonable prior notice, permit the Administrative Agent or professionals (including investment bankers, consultants, accountants, lawyers and appraisers) retained by the Administrative Agent to conduct appraisals, commercial finance examinations and other evaluations, including, without limitation, of (i) the Lead Borrower’s practices in the computation of the Borrowing Base and (ii) the assets included in the Borrowing Base and related financial information such as, but not limited to, sales, gross margins, payables, accruals and reserves. The Loan Parties shall pay the fees and expenses of the Administrative Agent and such professionals with respect to one (1) appraisal of the Loan Parties’ Inventory and one (1) commercial finance examination during each Fiscal Year; provided that , if Availability is at any time less than twenty (20%) of the Loan Cap, the Loan Parties shall pay the fees and expenses of the Administrative Agent and such professionals with respect to two (2) appraisals of the Loan Parties’ Inventory and two (2) commercial finance examinations during such Fiscal Year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent may undertake additional appraisals and commercial finance examinations (i) as it in its discretion deems necessary or appropriate, at its own expense or, (ii) if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, at the expense of the Loan Parties.
      6.11 Use of Proceeds . Use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions (a) to repay Indebtedness under the Existing Credit Agreement and to pay related transaction expenses on the Closing Date, (b) to finance the acquisition of working capital assets of the Borrowers, including the purchase of inventory and equipment, in each case in the ordinary course of business, (c) to finance Capital Expenditures of the Borrowers, and (d) for general corporate purposes of the Loan Parties, in each case to the extent expressly permitted under applicable Law and the Loan Documents.
      6.12 Additional Loan Parties. Notify the Administrative Agent at the time that any Person becomes a Subsidiary, and promptly thereafter (and in any event within fifteen (15) days), cause any such Person (a) which is not a CFC, to (i) become a Loan Party by executing and delivering to the

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Administrative Agent a Joinder to this Agreement or a counterpart of the Facility Guaranty or such other document as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate for such purpose, (ii) grant a Lien to the Collateral Agent on such Person’s assets to secure the Obligations, and (iii) deliver to the Administrative Agent documents of the types referred to in clauses (iii) and (iv) of Section 4.01(a) and favorable opinions of counsel to such Person (which shall cover, among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of the documentation referred to in clause (a)), and (b) if any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of such Person are owned by or on behalf of any Loan Party, to pledge such Equity Interests and promissory notes evidencing such Indebtedness (except that, if such Subsidiary is a CFC, the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary to be pledged may be limited to 65% of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of such Subsidiary and 100% of the non-voting Equity Interests of such Subsidiary and such time period may be extended based on local law or practice), in each case in form, content and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. In no event shall compliance with this Section 6.12 waive or be deemed a waiver or consent to any transaction giving rise to the need to comply with this Section 6.12 if such transaction was not otherwise expressly permitted by this Agreement or constitute or be deemed to constitute, with respect to any Subsidiary, an approval of such Person as a Borrower or permit the inclusion of any acquired assets in the computation of the Borrowing Base.
      6.13 Cash Management .
          (a) On or prior to the Closing Date:
          (i) deliver to the Administrative Agent copies of notifications (each, a “ Credit Card Notification ”) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H which have been executed on behalf of such Loan Party and delivered to such Loan Party’s credit card clearinghouses and processors listed on Schedule 5.21(b) ; and
          (ii) enter into a Blocked Account Agreement satisfactory in form and substance to the Agents with each Blocked Account Bank (collectively, the “ Blocked Accounts ”).
          (b) At the request of the Administrative Agent, the Loan Parties shall deliver to the Administrative Agent copies of notifications (each, a “ DDA Notification ”) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G which have been executed on behalf of such Loan Party and delivered to each depository institution listed on Schedule 5.21(a) .
          (c) The Loan Parties shall ACH or wire transfer or make an intra bank transfer no less frequently than daily (and whether or not there are then any outstanding Obligations) to a Blocked Account all amounts on deposit in each such DDA and all payments due from credit card processors.
          (d) On or before February 15, 2011, the Loan Parties shall establish with Wells Fargo or, if the Administrative Agent consents, Bank of America, N.A. or any other bank or financial institution reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, a cash management system reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent which shall include, without limitation, the establishment of a concentration account maintained by the Collateral Agent (the “ Concentration Account ”) and a separate operating account from which disbursements shall be funded.
          (e) Each Blocked Account Agreement shall require after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event, the ACH or wire transfer or intra bank transfer no less frequently than daily (and whether or not there are then any outstanding Obligations) to (i) prior to the establishment of the Loan Parties’ cash management system as required pursuant to Section 6.13(d) above, the concentration account (account number 1459701000) maintained by the Lead Borrower at Bank of America, N.A., which concentration account shall be a Blocked Account, and (ii) upon the

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establishment of the Loan Parties’ cash management system as required pursuant to Section 6.13(d) above, the Concentration Account, of all cash receipts and collections, including, without limitation, the following:
          (i) all available cash receipts from the sale of Inventory and other assets (whether or not constituting Collateral);
          (ii) all proceeds of collections of Accounts;
          (iii) all other cash payments received by a Loan Party from any Person or from any source or on account of any sale or other transaction or event, including, without limitation, all net proceeds on account of any Prepayment Event;
          (iv) the then contents of each DDA (net of any minimum balance, not to exceed $2,500.00, as may be required to be kept in the subject DDA by the depository institution at which such DDA is maintained);
          (v) the then entire ledger balance of each Blocked Account (net of any minimum balance, not to exceed $2,500.00, as may be required to be kept in the subject Blocked Account by the Blocked Account Bank); and
          (vi) the proceeds of all credit card charges.
          (f) The Concentration Account shall at all times be under the sole dominion and control of the Collateral Agent. The Loan Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (i) the Loan Parties have no right of withdrawal from the Concentration Account, (ii) the funds on deposit in the Concentration Account shall at all times be collateral security for all of the Obligations and (iii) the funds on deposit in the Concentration Account shall be applied as provided in this Agreement. In the event that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6.13 , any Loan Party receives or otherwise has dominion and control of any such proceeds or collections, such proceeds and collections shall be held in trust by such Loan Party for the Collateral Agent, shall not be commingled with any of such Loan Party’s other funds or deposited in any account of such Loan Party and shall, not later than the Business Day after receipt thereof, be deposited into the Concentration Account or dealt with in such other fashion as such Loan Party may be instructed by the Collateral Agent.
          (g) Upon the request of the Administrative Agent, the Loan Parties shall cause bank statements and/or other reports to be delivered to the Administrative Agent not less often than monthly, accurately setting forth all amounts deposited in each Blocked Account to ensure the proper transfer of funds as set forth above.
      6.14 Information Regarding the Collateral .
     Furnish to the Administrative Agent at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of any change in: (i) any Loan Party’s name or in any trade name used to identify it in the conduct of its business or in the ownership of its properties; (ii) the location of any Loan Party’s chief executive office, its principal place of business, any office in which it maintains books or records relating to Collateral owned by it (other than any Store location) or any distribution center (including the establishment of any new distribution center); (iii) any Loan Party’s organizational structure or jurisdiction of incorporation or formation; or (iv) any Loan Party’s Federal Taxpayer Identification Number or organizational identification number assigned to it by its state of organization. The Loan Parties shall not effect or permit any change referred to in the preceding sentence unless (if the same shall be necessary to continue perfection) all filings have

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been made under the UCC or otherwise that are required in order for the Collateral Agent to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected first priority security interest in all of the Collateral for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties.
      6.15 Physical Inventories .
          (a) Cause not less than one physical inventory to be undertaken, at the expense of the Loan Parties, in each twelve (12) month period and periodic cycle counts, in each case consistent with past practices, conducted by such inventory takers as are satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and following such methodology as is consistent with the methodology used in the immediately preceding inventory count or as otherwise may be satisfactory to the Collateral Agent. The Collateral Agent, at the expense of the Loan Parties, may participate in and/or observe each scheduled physical count of Inventory which is undertaken on behalf of any Loan Party. The Lead Borrower, within 30 days following the end of each Fiscal Month, shall provide the Collateral Agent with a reconciliation of the results of the physical count of the Loan Parties’ Inventory, and shall post such results to the Loan Parties’ stock ledgers and general ledgers, as applicable.
          (b) Permit the Collateral Agent, in its discretion, if any Event of Default exists, to cause additional such inventories to be taken as the Collateral Agent determines (each, at the expense of the Loan Parties).
      6.16 Environmental Laws .
          (a) Conduct its operations and keep and maintain its Real Estate in material compliance with all Environmental Laws; (b) obtain and renew all environmental permits necessary for its operations and properties; and (c) implement any and all investigation, remediation, removal and response actions that are appropriate or necessary to maintain the value and marketability of the Real Estate or to otherwise comply with Environmental Laws pertaining to the presence, generation, treatment, storage, use, disposal, transportation or release of any Hazardous Materials on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of its Real Estate, provided , however , that neither a Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to undertake any such cleanup, removal, remedial or other action to the extent that its obligation to do so is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and adequate reserves have been set aside and are being maintained by the Loan Parties with respect to such circumstances in accordance with GAAP.
      6.17 Further Assurances.
          (a) 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 and other documents), that may be required under any applicable Law, or which any Agent may request, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or to grant, preserve, protect or perfect the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents or the validity or priority of any such Lien, all at the expense of the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties also agree to provide to the Agents, from time to time upon request, evidence satisfactory to the Agents as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents.
          (b) Upon the reasonable request of the Collateral Agent, use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each of its customs brokers, freight forwarders, consolidators and/or carriers to deliver an agreement (including, without limitation, a Customs Broker Agreement) to the Collateral Agent covering such matters and in such form as the Collateral Agent may reasonably require.

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          (c) Upon the reasonable request of the Collateral Agent, use commercially reasonable efforts cause any landlords of any distribution center to deliver a Collateral Access Agreement to the Collateral Agent.
      6.18 Compliance with Terms of Leaseholds . Except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, perform all of its obligations under Leases of real property to which any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to do so.
      6.19 Material Contracts . Perform and observe all the material terms and provisions of each Material Contract to be performed or observed by it, maintain each such Material Contract in full force and effect, and enforce each such Material Contract in accordance with its terms, in each case other than any Material Contract that has been replaced or that is no longer necessary to the conduct of the Loan Parties’ business.
ARTICLE VII
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
     So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, no Loan Party shall, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly:
      7.01 Liens. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or sign or file or suffer to exist under the UCC or any similar Law or statute of any jurisdiction a financing statement that names any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof as debtor; sign or suffer to exist any security agreement authorizing any Person thereunder to file such financing statement; sell any of its property or assets subject to an understanding or agreement (contingent or otherwise) to repurchase such property or assets with recourse to it or any of its Subsidiaries; or assign or otherwise transfer any accounts or other rights to receive income, other than, as to all of the above, Permitted Encumbrances.
      7.02 Investments. Make any Investments, except Permitted Investments.
      7.03 Indebtedness; Disqualified Stock.
          (a) Create, incur, assume, guarantee, suffer to exist or otherwise become or remain liable with respect to, any Indebtedness, except Permitted Indebtedness or (b) issue Disqualified Stock.
      7.04 Fundamental Changes. Merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, (or agree to do any of the foregoing), except that, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing prior to or immediately after giving effect to any action described below or would result therefrom:
     (a) any Subsidiary which is not a Loan Party may merge with (i) a Loan Party, provided that the Loan Party shall be the continuing or surviving Person, or (ii) any one or more other Subsidiaries which are not Loan Parties, provided that when any wholly-owned Subsidiary is merging with another Subsidiary, a wholly-owned Subsidiary shall be the continuing or surviving Person;

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     (b) any Subsidiary which is a Loan Party may merge into any Subsidiary which is a Loan Party or into a Borrower, provided that in any merger involving a Borrower, such Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person;
     (c) in connection with a Permitted Acquisition, any Subsidiary of a Loan Party may merge with or into or consolidate with any other Person or permit any other Person to merge with or into or consolidate with it; provided that (i) the Person surviving such merger shall be a wholly-owned Subsidiary of a Loan Party and (ii) in the case of any such merger to which any Loan Party is a party, such Loan Party is the surviving Person; and
     (d) any CFC that is not a Loan Party may merge into any CFC that is not a Loan Party.
      7.05 Dispositions . Make any Disposition or enter into any agreement to make any Disposition, except Permitted Dispositions.
      7.06 Restricted Payments . Declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, or issue or sell any Equity Interests or accept any capital contribution, except that:
     (a) each Subsidiary of a Loan Party may make Restricted Payments to any Loan Party whether or not a Default or Event of Default then exists;
     (b) the Loan Parties and each Subsidiary may declare and make dividend payments or other distributions payable solely in the common stock or other common Equity Interests of such Person;
     (c) if the Payment Conditions are satisfied, the Loan Parties and each Subsidiary may purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire Equity Interests issued by it;
     (d) if the Payments Conditions are satisfied, the Parent may declare or pay cash dividends to its stockholders; and
     (e) (i) the Parent may issue and sell Equity Interests other than Disqualified Stock, and (ii) the other Loan Parties and any Subsidiary thereof may issue additional Equity Interests to a Loan Party.
      7.07 Prepayments of Indebtedness. Prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner any Indebtedness, or make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of any Subordinated Indebtedness, except (a) as long as no Event of Default then exists, regularly scheduled or mandatory repayments, repurchases, redemptions or defeasances of Permitted Indebtedness (other than Subordinated Indebtedness), (b) as long as no Event of Default then exists, repayments and prepayments of Subordinated Indebtedness in accordance with the subordination terms thereof, (c) voluntary prepayments, repurchases, redemptions or defeasances of Permitted Indebtedness (but excluding on account of any Subordinated Indebtedness) as long as the Payment Conditions are satisfied, and (d) refinancings and refundings of such Indebtedness in compliance with Section 7.02(e) .

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      7.08 Change in Nature of Business.
     (a) In the case of the Parent, engage in any business or activity other than (i) the direct or indirect ownership of all outstanding Equity Interests in the other Loan Parties, (ii) maintaining its corporate existence, (iii) participating in tax, accounting and other administrative activities as the parent of the consolidated group of companies, including the Loan Parties, (iv) the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and the performance of its obligations thereunder, and (v) activities incidental to the businesses or activities described in clauses (i) through (iv) of this Section 7.08(a) .
     (b) In the case of each of the Loan Parties, engage in any line of business substantially different from the business conducted by the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries on the date hereof or any business substantially related or incidental thereto.
      7.09 Transactions with Affiliates. Enter into, renew, extend or be a party to any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of any Loan Party, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, other than on fair and reasonable terms substantially as favorable to the Loan Parties or such Subsidiary as would be obtainable by the Loan Parties or such Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate, provided that the foregoing restriction shall not apply to a transaction between or among the Loan Parties, and any employment agreements and other transactions as between an employee, officer or director of any of the Loan Parties and a Loan Party or the Loan Parties, including, without limitation, stock options or other grants to acquire capital stock, deferred compensation plans and any indemnity provided by the Loan parties or any of them to such Persons.
      7.10 Burdensome Agreements. Enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that (a) limits the ability (i) of any Subsidiary to make Restricted Payments or other distributions to any Loan Party or to otherwise transfer property to or invest in a Loan Party, (ii) of any Subsidiary to Guarantee the Obligations, (iii) of any Subsidiary to make or repay loans to a Loan Party, or (iv) of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person in favor of the Collateral Agent; provided , however , that this clause (iv) shall not prohibit any negative pledge incurred or provided in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under clauses (c) or (f) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness solely to the extent any such negative pledge relates to the property financed by or the subject of such Indebtedness; or (b) requires the grant of a Lien to secure an obligation of such Person if a Lien is granted to secure another obligation of such Person.
      7.11 Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, (a) to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund Indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose; or (b) for purposes other than those permitted under this Agreement.
      7.12 Amendment of Material Documents .
     Amend, modify or waive any of a Loan Party’s rights under (a) its Organization Documents in a manner materially adverse to the Credit Parties, or (b) any Material Contract or Material Indebtedness (other than on account of any refinancing thereof otherwise permitted hereunder), in each case to the extent that such amendment, modification or waiver would result in a Default or Event of Default under any of the Loan Documents, would be materially adverse to the Credit Parties or otherwise would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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      7.13 Fiscal Year .
     Change the Fiscal Year of any Loan Party, or the accounting policies or reporting practices of the Loan Parties, except as required by GAAP, the SEC or any other Governmental Authority.
      7.14 Deposit Accounts; Credit Card Processors .
     Open new DDAs or Blocked Accounts unless the Loan Parties shall have delivered to the Collateral Agent appropriate DDA Notifications or Blocked Account Agreements consistent with the provisions of Section 6.13 and otherwise satisfactory to the Collateral Agent. No Loan Party shall maintain any bank accounts or enter into any agreements with credit card processors other than the ones expressly contemplated herein or in Section 6.13 hereof.
      7.15 Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio .
     During the continuance of a Covenant Compliance Event, permit the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, calculated as of the last day of each month on a trailing twelve month basis, to be less than 1.0:1.0.
ARTICLE VIII
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
      8.01 Events of Default. Any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default:
     (a) Non-Payment . The Borrowers or any other Loan Party fails to pay when and as required to be paid herein, (i) any amount of principal of any Loan or any L/C Obligation, or deposit any funds as Cash Collateral in respect of L/C Obligations, or (ii) any interest on any Loan or on any L/C Obligation, or any fee within five (5) days of the date when due hereunder, or (iii) any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document is not paid within five (5) days of Lead Borrower’s receipt of an invoice therefor with supporting documentation; or
     (b) Specific Covenants . (i) Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.01 , 6.02 (other than 6.02(d)), 6.03 , 6.05 , 6.07 , 6.10 , 6.11, 6.12 , 6.13 , 6.14 (other than 6.14 (ii)) or Article VII; or
     (c) Other Defaults . Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in subsection (a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for 30 days; or
     (d) Representations and Warranties . Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Borrower or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith (including, without limitation, any Borrowing Base Certificate) shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made; or
     (e) Cross-Default . (i) Any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof (A) fails to make any payment when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise and giving effect to any applicable grace and/or cure periods) in respect of any Material Indebtedness (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement), or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Material Indebtedness or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to

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permit the holder or holders of such Material Indebtedness or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of any Guarantee thereof (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, or such Guarantee to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; or (ii) there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap Contract as to which a Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Swap Contract) or (B) any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Swap Contract as to which a Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value owed by the Loan Party or such Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than $5,000,000; or
     (f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or a proceeding shall be commenced or a petition filed, without the application or consent of such Person, seeking or requesting the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed and the appointment continues undischarged, undismissed or unstayed for 30 calendar days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 30 calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
     (g) Judgments . There is entered against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof (i) one or more judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments and orders) exceeding $5,000,000 (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage), or (ii) any one or more non-monetary judgments that have, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and, in either case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (B) there is a period of 30 consecutive days at any time after the entry of any such judgment, order, or award during which (i) the same is not discharged or satisfied, or (ii) a stay of enforcement thereof is not in effect; or
     (h) ERISA . (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Loan Party under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in excess of $2,500,000 or which would reasonably likely result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount in excess of $2,500,000 or which would reasonably likely result in a Material Adverse Effect; or
     (i) Invalidity of Loan Documents . (i) Any Loan Party contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any material provision of any Loan Document, or denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any material provision of any Loan Document, or

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purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any material provision of any Loan Document or seeks to avoid, limit or otherwise adversely affect any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document; or (ii) the Liens purported to be created under any Security Document shall cease to be (other than pursuant to any act or omission by the Agents) valid and perfected Liens on the Collateral with the priority required by the applicable Security Document; or
     (j) Change of Control . There occurs any Change of Control; or
     (k) Cessation of Business . Except as otherwise expressly permitted hereunder, any Loan Party shall adopt a plan of liquidation or the board of directors of any Loan party shall resolve to suspend the operation of its business in the ordinary course, liquidate all or a material portion of its assets or Store locations, or employ an agent or other third party to conduct a program of closings, liquidations or “Going-Out-Of-Business” sales of any material portion of its business; or
     (l) Subordination . (i) The subordination provisions of the documents evidencing or governing any Subordinated Indebtedness (the “ Subordinated Provisions ”) shall, in whole or in part, terminate, cease to be effective or cease to be legally valid, binding and enforceable against any holder of the applicable Subordinated Indebtedness; or (ii) any Borrower or any other Loan Party shall, directly or indirectly, disavow or contest in any manner (A) the effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any of the Subordination Provisions, (B) that the Subordination Provisions exist for the benefit of the Credit Parties, or (C) that all payments of principal of or premium and interest on the applicable Subordinated Indebtedness, or realized from the liquidation of any property of any Loan Party, shall be subject to any of the Subordination Provisions.
      8.02 Remedies Upon Event of Default. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may, or, at the request of the Required Lenders shall, take any or all of the following actions:
     (a) declare the Commitments of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated, whereupon such Commitments and obligation shall be terminated;
     (b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Loan Parties;
     (c) require that the Loan Parties Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations; and
     (d) whether or not the maturity of the Obligations shall have been accelerated pursuant hereto, proceed to protect, enforce and exercise all rights and remedies of the Credit Parties under this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or applicable Law, including, but not limited to, by suit in equity, action at law or other appropriate proceeding, whether for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any instrument pursuant to which the Obligations are evidenced, and, if such amount shall have become due, by declaration or otherwise, proceed to enforce the payment thereof or any other legal or equitable right of the Credit Parties;
provided , however , that upon the entry of an order for relief with respect to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof under any Debtor Relief Laws, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and any

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obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of the Loan Parties to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
     No remedy herein is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or any other provision of Law.
      8.03 Application of Funds. After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02 ), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:
      First , to payment of that portion of the Obligations (excluding the Other Liabilities) constituting fees, indemnities, Credit Party Expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent and amounts payable under Article III ) payable to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, each in its capacity as such;
      Second , to payment of that portion of the Obligations (excluding the Other Liabilities) constituting indemnities, Credit Party Expenses, and other amounts (other than principal, interest and fees) payable to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and the L/C Issuer and amounts payable under Article III ), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;
      Third , to the extent not previously reimbursed by the Lenders, to payment to the Agents of that portion of the Obligations constituting principal and accrued and unpaid interest on any Permitted Overadvances;
      Fourth , to the extent that Swing Line Loans have not been refinanced by a Committed Loan, payment to the Swing Line Lender of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid principal and interest on the Swing Line Loans;
      Fifth , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans L/C Borrowings and other Obligations, and fees (including Letter of Credit Fees), ratably among the Lenders and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fifth payable to them;
      Sixth , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and L/C Borrowings, ratably among the Lenders and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Sixth held by them;
      Seventh , to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer, to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit;

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      Eighth , to payment of all other Obligations (including without limitation the cash collateralization of unliquidated indemnification obligations as provided in Section 10.04(g) , but excluding any Other Liabilities), ratably among the Credit Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Eighth held by them
      Ninth , to payment of that portion of the Obligations arising from Cash Management Services, ratably among the Credit Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Ninth held by them;
      Tenth , to payment of all other Obligations arising from Bank Products, ratably among the Credit Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Tenth held by them;
      Eleventh , to payment of all other Obligations arising from Factored Receivables and Supply Chain Financing, ratably among the Credit Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Eleventh held by them; and
      Last , the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Loan Parties or as otherwise required by Law.
Subject to Section 2.03(c) , amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Seventh above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur. If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above.
ARTICLE IX
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
      9.01 Appointment and Authority .
     (a) Each of the Lenders and the Swing Line Lender hereby irrevocably appoints Wells Fargo to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents 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 hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, and no Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.
     (b) Each of the Lenders (in its capacities as a Lender) and the Swing Line Lender hereby irrevocably appoints Wells Fargo as Collateral Agent and authorizes the Collateral Agent to act as the agent of such Lender for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by any of the Loan Parties to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto. In this connection, the Collateral Agent, as “collateral agent” and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 9.05 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Collateral Agent), shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article IX and Article X (including Section

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10.04(c)) , as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents, as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.
      9.02 Rights as a Lender. The Persons serving as the Agents hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in their capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though they were not the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.
      9.03 Exculpatory Provisions. The Agents shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agents:
     (a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;
     (b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that no Agent shall be required to take any action that, in its respective opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose such Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable Law; and
     (c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Loan Parties or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.
No Agent shall be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as such Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02 ) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final and non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
     The Agents shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given to such Agent by the Loan Parties, a Lender or the L/C Issuer. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Agents shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Applicable Lenders. Unless and until the Agents shall have received such direction, the Agents may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to any such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interest of the Credit Parties. In no event shall the Agents be required to comply with any such directions to the extent that any Agent believes that its compliance with such directions would be unlawful.

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     The Agents 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 this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or the creation, perfection or priority of any Lien purported to be created by the Security Documents, (v) the value or the sufficiency of any Collateral, or (vi) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Agents.
      9.04 Reliance by Agents .
     Each 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 (including, but not limited to, any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. Each Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or the L/C Issuer unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice to the contrary from such Lender or the L/C Issuer prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit. Each Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for any Loan Party), 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.
      9.05 Delegation of Duties. Each Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by such Agent. Each Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Agents 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 such Agent.
      9.06 Resignation and Removal of Agents. Either Agent may at any time give written notice of its resignation to the Lenders and the Lead Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Lead Borrower, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Agent may on behalf of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, appoint a successor Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, meeting the qualifications set forth above; provided that if the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent shall notify the Lead Borrower and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (1) the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any Collateral held by the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring Collateral Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Collateral Agent is appointed) and (2) all payments, communications and determinations

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provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and the L/C Issuer directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrowers to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Lead Borrower and such successor. After the retiring Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 10.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring 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 the retiring Agent was acting as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder.
     In addition, if any Agent has materially breached or failed to perform any material provision of this Agreement or of applicable Law, all of the remaining Lenders who are not the applicable Agent may agree in writing to remove and replace such Agent with a successor Agent from among the Lenders, and so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing the consent of Lead Borrower shall be required for any such change (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned). Upon the replacement of the Agent, the successor Agent shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the removed Agent, and the removed Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations as agent (but not as a Lender) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrowers to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Lead Borrower and such successor. After any such agent removal hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 10.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such removed 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 acting as Agent hereunder.
     Any resignation by Wells Fargo as Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section shall also constitute its resignation as Swing Line Lender and the resignation of Wells Fargo as L/C Issuer. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, (b) the retiring L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender shall be discharged from all of their respective duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and (c) the successor L/C Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to the retiring L/C Issuer to effectively assume the obligations of the retiring L/C Issuer with respect to such Letters of Credit.
      9.07 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agents or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties 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 and the L/C Issuer also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agents or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties 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 any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder. Except as provided in Section 9.12 , the Agents shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Credit Party with any other credit or other information concerning

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the affairs, financial condition or business of any Loan Party that may come into the possession of the Agents.
      9.08 No Other Duties, Etc. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Bookrunners, Arrangers, Syndication Agent or Documentation Agent listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, a Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder.
      9.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Loan Parties) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise
     (a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent and the other Credit Parties (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, such Credit Parties and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the L/C Issuer the Administrative Agent and such Credit Parties under Sections 2.03(i), 2.03(j) and 2.03(k) as applicable, 2.09 and 10.04 ) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
     (b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and the L/C Issuer to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, if the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04 .
     Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender or the L/C Issuer any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or the L/C Issuer or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or the L/C Issuer in any such proceeding.
      9.10 Collateral and Guaranty Matters. The Credit Parties irrevocably authorize the Agents, at their option and in their discretion,
     (a) to release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations for which no claim has been asserted) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit, (ii) that is sold or to be sold as part of or in connection with any sale permitted hereunder or under any other Loan

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Document, or (iii) if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Applicable Lenders in accordance with Section 10.01 ;
     (b) to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by clause (h) of the definition of Permitted Encumbrances; and
     (c) to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Facility Guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder.
Upon request by any Agent at any time, the Applicable Lenders will confirm in writing such Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Facility Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.10 . In each case as specified in this Section 9.10 , the Agents will, at the Loan Parties’ expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such documents as such Loan Party may reasonably request to evidence the release of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Security Documents or to subordinate its interest in such item, or to release such Guarantor from its obligations under the Facility Guaranty, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 9.10.
      9.11 Notice of Transfer .
     The Agents may deem and treat a Lender party to this Agreement as the owner of such Lender’s portion of the Obligations for all purposes, unless and until, and except to the extent, an Assignment and Acceptance shall have become effective as set forth in Section 10.06 .
      9.12 Reports and Financial Statements .
     By signing this Agreement, each Lender:
     (a) agrees to furnish the Administrative Agent after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Cash Dominion Event (and thereafter at such frequency as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request) with a summary of all Other Liabilities due or to become due to such Lender. In connection with any distributions to be made hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to assume that no amounts are due to any Lender on account of Other Liabilities unless the Administrative Agent has received written notice thereof from such Lender;
     (b) is deemed to have requested that the Administrative Agent furnish such Lender, promptly after they become available, copies of all financial statements required to be delivered by the Lead Borrower hereunder and all commercial finance examinations and appraisals of the Collateral received by the Agents (collectively, the “ Reports ”);
     (c) expressly agrees and acknowledges that the Administrative Agent makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the Reports, and shall not be liable for any information contained in any Report;
     (d) expressly agrees and acknowledges that the Reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, that the Agents or any other party performing any audit or examination will inspect only specific information regarding the Loan Parties and will rely significantly upon the Loan Parties’ books and records, as well as on representations of the Loan Parties’ personnel;

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     (e) agrees to keep all Reports confidential in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07 hereof; and
     (f) without limiting the generality of any other indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, agrees: (i) to hold the Agents and any such other Lender preparing a Report harmless from any action the indemnifying Lender may take or conclusion the indemnifying Lender may reach or draw from any Report in connection with any Credit Extensions that the indemnifying Lender has made or may make to the Borrowers, or the indemnifying Lender’s participation in, or the indemnifying Lender’s purchase of, a Loan or Loans; and (ii) to pay and protect, and indemnify, defend, and hold the Agents and any such other Lender preparing a Report harmless from and against, the claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including attorney costs) incurred by the Agents and any such other Lender preparing a Report as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain all or part of any Report through the indemnifying Lender.
      9.13 Agency for Perfection .
     Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens for the benefit of the Agents and the Lenders, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC or any other applicable Law of the United States can be perfected only by possession or control. Should any Lender (other than the Agents) obtain possession or control of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Agents thereof, and, promptly upon the Collateral Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Collateral Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Collateral Agent’s instructions.
      9.14 Indemnification of Agents . The Lenders hereby agree to indemnify the Agents, the L/C Issuer and any Related Party, as the case may be (to the extent not reimbursed by the Loan Parties and without limiting the obligations of Loan Parties hereunder), ratably according to their Applicable Percentages, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against any Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any action taken or omitted to be taken by any Agent in connection therewith; provided , that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from such Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final and nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
      9.15 Relation among Lenders . The Lenders are not partners or co-venturers, and no Lender shall be liable for the acts or omissions of, or (except as otherwise set forth herein in case of the Agents) authorized to act for, any other Lender.
      9.16 Defaulting Lender.
     (a) If for any reason any Lender shall fail or refuse to abide by its obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation its obligation to make available to Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of any Loans, expenses or setoff or purchase its Applicable Percentage of a participation interest in the Swingline Loans or L/C Borrowings and such failure is not cured within one (1) Business Day after receipt from the Administrative Agent of written notice thereof, then, in addition to the rights and remedies that may be available to the other Credit Parties, the Loan Parties or any other party at law or in equity, and not at limitation thereof, (i) such Defaulting Lender’s right to participate in the administration of, or decision-

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making rights related to, the Obligations, this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be suspended during the pendency of such failure or refusal, and (ii) a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have assigned any and all payments due to it from the Loan Parties, whether on account of outstanding Loans, interest, fees or otherwise, to the remaining non-Defaulting Lenders for application to, and reduction of, their proportionate shares of all outstanding Obligations until, as a result of application of such assigned payments the Lenders’ respective Applicable Percentages of all outstanding Obligations shall have returned to those in effect immediately prior to such delinquency and without giving effect to the nonpayment causing such delinquency, and (iii) at the option of the Administrative Agent, any amount payable to such Defaulting Lender hereunder (whether on account of principal, interest, fees or otherwise) shall, in lieu of being distributed to such Defaulting Lender, be retained by the Administrative Agent as cash collateral for future funding obligations of the Defaulting Lender in respect of any Loan or existing or future participating interest in any Swing Line Loan or Letter of Credit. The Defaulting Lender’s decision-making and participation rights and rights to payments as set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) hereinabove shall be restored only upon the payment by the Defaulting Lender of its Applicable Percentage of any Obligations, any participation obligation, or expenses as to which it is delinquent, together with interest thereon at the rate set forth in Section 2.13(c) hereof from the date when originally due until the date upon which any such amounts are actually paid.
     (b) The non-Defaulting Lenders shall also have the right, but not the obligation, in their respective, sole and absolute discretion, to cause the termination and assignment, without any further action by the Defaulting Lender for no cash consideration ( pro rata , based on the respective Commitments of those Lenders electing to exercise such right), of the Defaulting Lender’s Commitment to fund future Loans. Upon any such purchase of the Applicable Percentage of any Defaulting Lender, the Defaulting Lender’s share in future Credit Extensions and its rights under the Loan Documents with respect thereto shall terminate on the date of purchase, and the Defaulting Lender shall promptly execute all documents reasonably requested to surrender and transfer such interest, including, if so requested, an Assignment and Acceptance.
     (c) Each Defaulting Lender shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each non-Defaulting Lender from and against any and all loss, damage or expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees and funds advanced by the Administrative Agent or by any non-Defaulting Lender, on account of a Defaulting Lender’s failure to timely fund its Applicable Percentage of a Loan or to otherwise perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.
     9.17 Syndication Agent; Documentation Agent.
    Notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, no Person who is or becomes a Syndication Agent or a Documentation Agent shall have any powers, rights, duties, responsibilities or liabilities with respect to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
     10.01 Amendments, Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Administrative Agent, with the consent of the Required Lenders, and the Lead Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided , however , that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:

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     (a) extend or, increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 ) without the written consent of such Lender;
     (b) as to any Lender, postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for (i) any scheduled payment (including the Maturity Date) or mandatory prepayment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents without the written consent of such Lender, or (ii) any scheduled or mandatory reduction of the Aggregate Commitments hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of such Lender;
     (c) as to any Lender, reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (iv) of the second proviso to this Section 10.01 ) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document, without the written consent of such Lender; provided , however , that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrowers to pay interest or Letter of Credit Fees at the Default Rate;
     (d) as to any Lender, change Section 2.13 or Section 8.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of such Lender;
     (e) change any provision of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders”, or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender;
     (f) except as expressly permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document, release, or limit the liability of, any Loan Party without the written consent of each Lender;
     (g) except for Permitted Dispositions, release all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens of the Security Documents without the written consent of each Lender;
     (h) change the definition of the term “Borrowing Base” or any component definition thereof if as a result thereof the amounts available to be borrowed by the Borrowers would be increased without the written consent of each Lender, provided that the foregoing shall not limit the discretion of the Administrative Agent to change, establish or eliminate any Reserves in accordance with Section 2.01(c);
     (i) modify the definition of Permitted Overadvance so as to increase the amount thereof or, except as provided in such definition, the time period for a Permitted Overadvance without the written consent of each Lender; and
     (j) except as expressly permitted herein or in any other Loan Document, subordinate the Obligations hereunder or the Liens granted hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, to any other Indebtedness or Lien, as the case may be without the written consent of each Lender;
and, provided further , that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Issuer Document relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Swing Line Lender in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Swing Line Lender under this Agreement;

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(iii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iv) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Collateral Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Collateral Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and (v) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Commitment of such Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender.
     If any Lender does not consent (a “ Non-Consenting Lender ”) to a proposed amendment, waiver, consent or release with respect to any Loan Document that requires the consent of each Lender and that has been approved by the Required Lenders, the Lead Borrower may replace such Non-Consenting Lender in accordance with Section 10.13 ; provided that such amendment, waiver, consent or release can be effected as a result of the assignment contemplated by such Section (together with all other such assignments required by the Lead Borrower to be made pursuant to this paragraph).
      10.02 Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communications .
     (a) Notices Generally . Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), 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 telecopier as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:
          (i) if to the Loan Parties, the Agents, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02 ; and
          (ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire.
     Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient). Notices delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b).
     (b) Electronic Communications . Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Article II if such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Lead 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.

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     Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.
     (c) The Platform . THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Agents or any of their Related Parties (collectively, the “ Agent Parties ”) have any liability to any Loan Party, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Loan Parties’ or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Borrower Materials through the Internet, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent Party; provided , however , that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to any Loan Party, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other Person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages).
     (d) Change of Address, Etc . Each of the Loan Parties, the Agents, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Lead Borrower, the Agents, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender. In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, telecopier number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender.
     (e) Reliance by Agents, L/C Issuer and Lenders . The Agents, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Committed Loan Notices and Swing Line Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Loan Parties even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Loan Parties shall indemnify the Agents, the L/C Issuer, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Loan Parties. All telephonic notices to and other

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telephonic communications with the Agents may be recorded by the Agents, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.
      10.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No failure by any Credit Party to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided herein and in the other Loan Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law. 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 any Credit Party may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
      10.04 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver .
     (a) Costs and Expenses . The Borrowers shall pay all Credit Party Expenses.
     (b) Indemnification by the Loan Parties . The Loan Parties shall indemnify the Agents (and any sub-agent thereof), each other Credit Party, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee ”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless (on an after tax basis) from, any and all losses, claims, causes of action, damages, liabilities, settlement payments, costs, and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by any Borrower or any other Loan Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or, in the case of the Agents (and any sub-agents thereof) and their Related Parties only, the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the L/C Issuer 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 property owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, (iv) any claims of, or amounts paid by any Credit Party to, a Blocked Account Bank or other Person which has entered into a control agreement with any Credit Party hereunder, or (v) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by any Borrower or any other Loan Party or any of the Loan Parties’ directors, shareholders or creditors, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the comparative, contributory or sole negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by a Borrower or any other Loan Party against an Indemnitee for intentional breach of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if the Borrowers or such Loan Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

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     (c) Reimbursement by Lenders . Without limiting their obligations under Section 9.14 hereof, to the extent that the Loan Parties for any reason fail to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Agents (or any such sub-agent), the L/C Issuer or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (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 Agents (or any such sub-agent) or the L/C Issuer in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Agents (or any such sub-agent) or L/C Issuer in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.12(d) .
     (d) Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the Loan Parties shall not assert, and hereby waive, 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, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed to such unintended recipients by such Indemnitee through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than for direct or actual damages resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee as determined by a final and nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
     (e) Payments . All amounts due under this Section shall be payable on demand therefor.
     (f) Survival . The agreements in this Section shall survive the resignation of any Agent and the L/C Issuer, the assignment of any Commitment or Loan by any Lender, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.
     10.05 Payments Set Aside. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Loan Parties is made to any Credit Party, or any Credit Party exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such Credit Party in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender and the L/C Issuer severally agrees to pay to the Agents upon demand its Applicable Percentage (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Agents, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

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      10.06 Successors and Assigns .
               (a)  Successors and Assigns Generally . 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, except that no Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Eligible Assignee in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.06(b) , (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection Section 10.06(d) , or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 10.06(f) (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). 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, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Credit Parties) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
               (b)  Assignments by Lenders . Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment(s) and the Loans (including for purposes of this Section 10.06(b) , participations in L/C Obligations and in Swing Line Loans) at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:
                    (i) Minimum Amounts
                         (A) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to a Lender, no minimum amount need be assigned; and
                         (B) in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing, the Lead Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided , however , that concurrent assignments to members of an Assignee Group and concurrent assignments from members of an Assignee Group to a single Eligible Assignee (or to an Eligible Assignee and members of its Assignee Group) will be treated as a single assignment for purposes of determining whether such minimum amount has been met;
                    (ii) Proportionate Amounts . Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned, except that this clause (ii) shall not apply to the Swing Line Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of Swing Line Loans;
                    (iii) Required Consents . No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsection (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition:

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                         (A) the consent of the Lead Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (1) a Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; and
                         (B) the consent of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for assignments in respect of any Commitment if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender.
                    (iv) Assignment and Assumption . 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, provided , however , that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.
Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement 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 3.01 , 3.04 , 3.05 , and 10.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment. Upon request, the Borrowers (at their expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 10.06(d) .
               (c)  Register . The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office 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 Commitments of, and principal amounts of the Loans and L/C Obligations owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Lead Borrower and any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
               (d)  Participations . Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Loan Parties or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person or the Loan Parties or any of the Loan Parties’ Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender’s participations in L/C Obligations and/or Swing Line Loans) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Loan Parties, the Agents, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under

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this Agreement. Any Participant shall agree in writing to comply with all confidentiality obligations set forth in Section 10.07 as if such Participant was a Lender hereunder.
     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, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 10.01 that affects such Participant. Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, the Loan Parties agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01 , 3.04 and 3.05 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 10.06(b) . To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender.
               (e)  Limitations upon Participant Rights . A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01 or 3.04 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 Lead 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 3.01 unless the Lead Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Loan Parties, to comply with Section 3.01(e) as though it were a Lender.
               (f)  Certain Pledges . Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
               (g)  Electronic Execution of Assignments . The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
               (h)  Resignation as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender after Assignment . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time Wells Fargo assigns all of its Commitment and Loans pursuant to subsection (b) above, Wells Fargo may, (i) upon 30 days’ notice to the Lead Borrower and the Lenders, resign as L/C Issuer and/or (ii) upon 30 days’ notice to the Lead Borrower, Wells Fargo may resign as Swing Line Lender. In the event of any such resignation as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, the Lead Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; provided , however , that no failure by the Lead Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of Wells Fargo as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be. If Wells Fargo resigns as L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c) ). If Wells Fargo resigns as Swing Line Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Line Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swing Line

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Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(c) . Upon the appointment of a successor L/C Issuer and/or Swing Line Lender, (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be, and (b) the successor L/C Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to Wells Fargo to effectively assume the obligations of Wells Fargo with respect to such Letters of Credit.
      10.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality. Each Lender agrees that material non-public information regarding the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, their operations, assets and existing business plans, including the Borrower Materials, shall be treated by each Lender in a confidential manner, and shall not be disclosed by it to persons who are not parties hereto, except: (i) to attorneys for and other advisors, accountants, auditors, and consultants to such Lender on a “need to know” basis, (ii) to Subsidiaries, Affiliates and Approved Funds of such Lender, provided that any such Subsidiary, Affiliate or Approved Fund shall have agreed to receive such information subject to the terms of these confidentiality requirements, (iii) as may be required by regulatory authorities so long as such authorities are informed of the confidential nature of such information, (iv) as may be required by statute, judicial or administrative order, rule or regulation, provided that prior to any such disclosure under this clause (iv), the disclosing party agrees to provide the Lead Borrower with prior notice thereof, (v) as may be agreed to in advance by the Lead Borrower, (vi) as requested or required by any governmental authority pursuant to subpoena or other legal process, provided that prior to any disclosure pursuant to this clause (vi) the disclosing party agrees to provide the Lead Borrower with prior notice thereof, (vii) as to any information that is or becomes generally available to the public (other than as a result of a prohibited disclosure by a Lender), (viii) in connection with any proposed assignment of, or grant of a participation in, such Lender’s interest under this Agreement, provided that any such proposed assignee or participant shall have agreed in writing to receive such information subject to these confidentiality provisions.
      10.08 Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or if any Lender shall have been served with a trustee process or similar attachment relating to property of a Loan Party, each Lender, the L/C Issuer and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, after obtaining the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, the L/C Issuer or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrowers or any other Loan Party against any and all of the Obligations now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, regardless of the adequacy of the Collateral, and irrespective of whether or not such Lender or the L/C Issuer shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrowers or such Loan Party may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or the L/C Issuer different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of each Lender, the L/C Issuer and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, the L/C Issuer or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer agrees to notify the Lead Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.
      10.09 Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the

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maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “ Maximum Rate ”). If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrowers. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.
      10.10 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents 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 that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy, pdf or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
      10.11 Survival. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Credit Parties, regardless of any investigation made by any Credit Party or on their behalf and notwithstanding that any Credit Party may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding. Further, the provisions of Sections 3.01 , 3.04 , 3.05 and 10.04 and Article IX shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the repayment of the Obligations, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof. In connection with the termination of this Agreement and the release and termination of the security interests in the Collateral, the Agents may require such indemnities and collateral security as they shall reasonably deem necessary or appropriate to protect the Credit Parties against (x) loss on account of credits previously applied to the Obligations that may subsequently be reversed or revoked, (y) any obligations that may thereafter arise with respect to the Other Liabilities and (z) any Obligations that may thereafter arise under Section 10.04 .
      10.12 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
      10.13 Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04 , or if the Borrowers are required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01 , or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting Lender, then the Borrowers may, at their sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender

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and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 10.06 ), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:
     (a) the Borrowers shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 10.06(b) ;
     (b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and L/C Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.05 ) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts);
     (c) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01 , such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and
     (d) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws.
A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrowers to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.
      10.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc .
          (a)  GOVERNING LAW . THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
          (b)  SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION . EACH LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS 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 LOAN PARTIES HERETO 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 COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE LOAN 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 IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ANY CREDIT PARTY MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST ANY LOAN PARTY OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

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          (c)  WAIVER OF VENUE . EACH LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY 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 LOAN PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
          (d)  SERVICE OF PROCESS . EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 10.02 . NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
          (e)  ACTIONS COMMENCED BY LOAN PARTIES . EACH LOAN PARTY AGREES THAT ANY ACTION COMMENCED BY ANY LOAN PARTY ASSERTING ANY CLAIM OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT SOLELY IN A COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING THEREIN AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT MAY ELECT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION AND CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH ACTION.
      10.15 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY 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 OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON 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 AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
      10.16 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility . In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby, the Loan Parties each acknowledge and agree that: (i) the credit facility provided for hereunder and any related arranging or other services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) are an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Loan Parties, on the one hand, and the Credit Parties, on the other hand, and each of the Loan Parties is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof); (ii) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, the each Credit Party is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for the Loan Parties or any of their respective Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other Person; (iii) none of the Credit Parties has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Loan Parties with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan

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Document (irrespective of whether any of the Credit Parties has advised or is currently advising any Loan Party or any of its Affiliates on other matters) and none of the Credit Parties has any obligation to any Loan Party or any of its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; (iv) the Credit Parties and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates, and none of the Credit Parties has any obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship; and (v) the Credit Parties have not provided and will not provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) and each of the Loan Parties has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate. Each of the Loan Parties hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that it may have against each of the Credit Parties with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty.
      10.17 USA PATRIOT Act Notice. Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Loan Parties that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “ Act ”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of each Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify each Loan Party in accordance with the Act. Each Loan Party is in compliance, in all material respects, with the Patriot Act. No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used by the Loan Parties, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
      10.18 Foreign Asset Control Regulations. Neither of the advance of the Loans nor the use of the proceeds of any thereof will violate the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., as amended) (the “ Trading With the Enemy Act ”) or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) (the “ Foreign Assets Control Regulations ”) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto (which for the avoidance of doubt shall include, but shall not be limited to (a) Executive Order 13224 of September 21, 2001 Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism (66 Fed. Reg. 49079 (2001)) (the “ Executive Order ”) and (b) the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-56)). Furthermore, none of the Borrowers or their Affiliates (a) is or will become a “blocked person” as described in the Executive Order, the Trading With the Enemy Act or the Foreign Assets Control Regulations or (b) engages or will engage in any dealings or transactions, or be otherwise associated, with any such “blocked person” or in any manner violative of any such order.
      10.19 Time of the Essence. Time is of the essence of the Loan Documents.
      10.20 Press Releases .
     (a) Each Credit Party executing this Agreement agrees that neither it nor its Affiliates will in the future issue any press releases or other public disclosure (i) using the name of Administrative Agent or its Affiliates, (ii) referring to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or (iii) using the name of any of the Loan Parties, in each case without at least two (2) Business Days’ prior notice to Administrative Agent, and to the Lead Borrower with respect

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to disclosures involving the use of, or reference to, the name of any of the Loan Parties (hereafter, the “Loan Parties’ Disclosure”), and without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent, and of the Lead Borrower with respect to Loan Parties’ Disclosures, unless (and only to the extent that) such Credit Party or Affiliate is required to do so under applicable Law and then, in any event, such Credit Party or Affiliate will consult with Administrative Agent, and with the Lead Borrower with respect to the Loan Parties’ Disclosures before issuing such press release or other public disclosure.
     (b) Each Loan Party consents to the publication by Administrative Agent or any Lender of advertising material relating to the financing transactions contemplated by this Agreement using any Loan Party’s name, product photographs, logo or trademark. Administrative Agent or such Lender shall provide a draft reasonably in advance of any advertising material to the Lead Borrower for review and comment prior to the publication thereof. Administrative Agent reserves the right to provide to industry trade organizations information necessary and customary for inclusion in league table measurements.
     10.21 Additional Waivers .
          (a) The Obligations are the joint and several obligation of each Loan Party. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the obligations of each Loan Party shall not be affected by (i) the failure of any Credit Party to assert any claim or demand or to enforce or exercise any right or remedy against any other Loan Party under the provisions of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or otherwise, (ii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any release from any of the terms or provisions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or (iii) the failure to perfect any security interest in, or the release of, any of the Collateral or other security held by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent or any other Credit Party.
          (b) The obligations of each Loan Party shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Obligations after the termination of the Commitments), including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise of any of the Obligations, and shall not be subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any of the Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Loan Party hereunder shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of any Agent or any other Credit Party to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any provision of any thereof, any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of any of the Obligations, or by any other act or omission that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Loan Party or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Loan Party as a matter of law or equity (other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all the Obligations after the termination of the Commitments).
          (c) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, each Loan Party waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of 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 any other Loan Party, other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all the Obligations and the termination of the Commitments. The Collateral Agent and the other Credit Parties may, at their election, foreclose on any security held by one or more of them by one or more judicial or non-judicial 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 any other Loan Party, or exercise any other right or remedy available to them against any other Loan Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the

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liability of any Loan Party hereunder except to the extent that all the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and the Commitments have been terminated. Each Loan Party 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 Loan Party against any other Loan Party, as the case may be, or any security.
          (d) Each Borrower is obligated to repay the Obligations as joint and several obligors under this Agreement. Upon payment by any Loan Party of any Obligations, all rights of such Loan Party against 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 subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior indefeasible payment in full in cash of all the Obligations and the termination of the Commitments. In addition, any indebtedness of any Loan Party now or hereafter held by any other Loan Party is hereby subordinated in right of payment to the prior indefeasible payment in full of the Obligations and no Loan Party will demand, sue for or otherwise attempt to collect any such indebtedness. If any amount shall erroneously be paid to any Loan Party on account of (i) such subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar right or (ii) any such indebtedness of any Loan Party, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Credit Parties and shall forthwith be paid to the Administrative Agent to be credited against the payment of the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Subject to the foregoing, to the extent that any Borrower shall, under this Agreement as a joint and several obligor, repay any of the Obligations constituting Revolving Loans made to another Borrower hereunder or other Obligations incurred directly and primarily by any other Borrower (an “ Accommodation Payment ”), then the Borrower making such Accommodation Payment shall be entitled to contribution and indemnification from, and be reimbursed by, each of the other Borrowers in an amount, for each of such other Borrowers, equal to a fraction of such Accommodation Payment, the numerator of which fraction is such other Borrower’s Allocable Amount and the denominator of which is the sum of the Allocable Amounts of all of the Borrowers. As of any date of determination, the “ Allocable Amount ” of each Borrower shall be equal to the maximum amount of liability for Accommodation Payments which could be asserted against such Borrower hereunder without (a) rendering such Borrower “insolvent” within the meaning of Section 101 (31) of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (“ UFTA ”) or Section 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act (“ UFCA ”), (b) leaving such Borrower with unreasonably small capital or assets, within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 4 of the UFTA, or Section 5 of the UFCA, or (c) leaving such Borrower unable to pay its debts as they become due within the meaning of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or Section 4 of the UFTA, or Section 5 of the UFCA.
          (e) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, or of any other waiver or other provision set forth in this Agreement, each Loan Party hereby absolutely, knowingly, unconditionally, and expressly waives any and all claim, defense or benefit arising directly or indirectly under any one or more of Sections 2787 to 2855 inclusive of the California Civil Code or any similar law of California.
      10.22 No Strict Construction.
     The parties hereto 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 hereto 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.

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      10.23 Attachments.
     The exhibits, schedules and annexes attached to this Agreement are incorporated herein and shall be considered a part of this Agreement for the purposes stated herein, except that in the event of any conflict between any of the provisions of such exhibits and the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail.

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      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the date first above written.
         
  BIG 5 CORP. , as Lead Borrower
 
 
  By:   /s/ Barry D. Emerson    
  Name:  Barry D. Emerson   
  Title:  Senior V.P. and CFO   
 
  BIG 5 SERVICES CORP. , as a Borrower
 
 
  By:   /s/ Barry D. Emerson    
  Name:  Barry D. Emerson   
  Title:  Senior V.P. and CFO   
 
  BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS
CORPORATION
, as Guarantor
 
 
  By:   /s/ Barry D. Emerson    
  Name:  Barry D. Emerson   
  Title:  Senior V.P. and CFO   
 
Signature Page to Credit Agreement

 


 

         
  WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as Administrative Agent, as Collateral Agent, as L/C Issuer, as Swing Line Lender and as a Lender
 
 
  By:   /s/ David C. Lipkin    
  Name:  David C. Lipkin   
  Title:  Senior Vice President   
 
Signature Page to Credit Agreement

 


 

         
  BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender
 
 
  By:   /s/ Stephen King    
  Name:  Stephen King   
  Title:  SVP   
 
Signature Page to Credit Agreement

 


 

         
  PNC BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as a Lender
 
 
  By:   /s/ Thomas Hayes    
  Name:  Thomas Hayes   
  Title:  V.P.   
 
Signature Page to Credit Agreement

 


 

         
  UNION BANK, N.A., as a Lender
 
 
  By:   /s/ Peter Ettinger   
  Name:  Peter Ettinger   
  Title:  Vice President   
 
Signature Page to Credit Agreement

 


 

SCHEDULE 2.01
Commitments and Applicable Percentages
         
Lender   Commitment   Applicable Percentage
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
  $  70,000,000   50.000000000%
Bank of America, N.A.
  $  30,000,000   21.428571428%
PNC Bank National Association
  $  20,000,000   14.285714286%
Union Bank, N.A.
  $  20,000,000   14.285714286%
TOTAL
  $140,000,000   100.00000000%

 


 

SCHEDULE 6.02
Collateral Reporting
In addition to the other materials and information required to be provided pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Loan Parties shall provide Administrative Agent, on the applicable day specified below, the following documents (each in such form and detail as the Administrative Agent from time to time may specify):
Monthly Reports . Monthly, the Loan Parties shall provide to Administrative Agent original counterparts of:
  a.   On the tenth (10th) Business Day of each Fiscal Month, provided , however , upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Accelerated Borrowing Base Delivery Event on Wednesday of each week:
  i.   On such day, supporting source documents for the Borrowing Base Certificate delivered in accordance with the Credit Agreement.
  b.   Within fifteen (15) days of the end of each Fiscal Month for the immediately preceding Fiscal Month:
  i.   Purchases and accounts payable analysis report, (together with account payable aging) for each Loan Party, in Administrative Agent’s format; and
 
  ii.   Inventory summary by Store location;
 
  iii.   Inventory summary by department; and
 
  iv.   Inventory certificate in Loan Parties’ format but including a certification in Administrative Agent’s format;
  c.   Within 30 days of the end of each Fiscal Month for the immediately preceding Fiscal Month:
  i.   Reconciliation of the stock ledger to the general ledger and the calculation of Availability; and
 
  ii.   Reconciliation of stock ledger gross margin to general ledger gross margin;
 
  iii.   Statement of Store Activity in Administrative Agent’s format; and
 
  iv.   Such other information as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.
For purposes of Sections (a), (b), and (c) above, the first “preceding Fiscal Month” in respect of which the items required by such Section shall be provided shall be September 2010.

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EXHIBIT A
FORM OF COMMITTED LOAN NOTICE
Date: ___________, _____
To: Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent
Ladies and Gentlemen:
     Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 18, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated hereafter, the “ Credit Agreement ”) by and among (i) Big 5 Corp. , a Delaware corporation, for itself and as Lead Borrower (in such capacity, the “ Lead Borrower ”) for the other Borrowers party thereto from time to time (individually, a “ Borrower ” and, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”), (ii) the Borrowers party thereto from time to time, (iii) Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation , a Delaware corporation, as Guarantor (the “ Parent ”), (iv) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties referred to therein, (v) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties, (vi) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, and (vii) the lenders from time to time party thereto (individually, a “ Lender ” and, collectively, the “ Lenders ”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the same meaning herein as in the Credit Agreement.
1.  
The Lead Borrower hereby requests [a Borrowing][a conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other][a continuation of LIBO Rate Loans] 1 :
  (a)  
On                      (a Business Day) 2
 
  (b)  
In the amount of $                      3
 
  (c)  
Comprised of [Base Rate][LIBO Rate]Loans (Type of Committed Loan) 4
 
  (d)  
For LIBO Rate Loans: with an Interest Period of ___ months 5
 
1  
A Borrowing must be a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Loans of the same Type and, in the case of LIBO Rate Loans, must have the same Interest Period.
 
2  
Each notice of a Borrowing must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of LIBO Rate Loans, and (ii) on the requested date of any Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans.
 
3  
Each Borrowing, conversion to, or continuation of LIBO Rate Loans must be in a principal amount of $3,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Each Borrowing of, or conversion to, Base Rate Loans must be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof.
 
4  
Committed Loans may be either Base Rate Loans or LIBO Rate Loans. If the Type of Committed Loan is not specified, then the applicable Committed Loans will be made as Base Rate Loans.

 


 

     The Lead Borrower hereby represents and warrants (for itself and on behalf of the other Borrowers) that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a), (b) and (d) of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied and, if the Borrowing requested herein is the initial Credit Extension, the conditions specified in Section 4.01 of the Credit Agreement will be satisfied, in each case on and as of the date specified in Item 1(a) above.
[signature page follows]
 
5  
The Lead Borrower may request a Borrowing of LIBO Rate Loans with an Interest Period of one, two, three or six months. If no election of Interest Period is specified, then the Lead Borrower will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month.

2


 

Dated as of the date above first written.
         
  BIG 5 CORP. , as Lead Borrower
 
 
  By:      
  Name:      
  Title:        
 
Signature Page to Committed Loan Notice

 


 

EXHIBIT B
FORM OF SWING LINE LOAN NOTICE
Date: ___________, _____
To:  
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Swing Line Lender
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent
Ladies and Gentlemen:
     Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 18, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated hereafter, the “ Credit Agreement ”) by and among (i) Big 5 Corp. , a Delaware corporation, for itself and as Lead Borrower (in such capacity, the “ Lead Borrower ”) for the other Borrowers party thereto from time to time (individually, a “ Borrower ” and, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”), (ii) the Borrowers party thereto from time to time, (iii) Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation , a Delaware corporation, as Guarantor (the “ Parent ”), (iv) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties referred to therein, (v) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties, (vi) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, and (vii) the lenders from time to time party thereto (individually, a “ Lender ” and, collectively, the “ Lenders ”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the same meaning herein as in the Credit Agreement.
     The Borrower hereby requests a Swing Line Borrowing:
  1.  
On                                                                (a Business Day) 1
 
  2.  
In the amount of $                                           2
     The Swing Line Borrowing requested herein complies with the provisions of Section 2.04 of the Credit Agreement.
         
  BIG 5 CORP., as Lead Borrower
 
 
  By:      
  Name:        
  Title:        
 
 
1  
Each notice of a Swing Line Borrowing must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 2:00 p.m. on the requested date of any Swing Line Borrowing.
 
2  
Each Swing Line Borrowing must be in a minimum amount of $100,000.

 


 

EXHIBIT C-1
FORM OF NOTE
NOTE
     
$                                                                                           , 2010
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED , the undersigned (individually, a “ Borrower ” and, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”), jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of                                           (hereinafter, with any subsequent holders, the “ Lender ”), c/o Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, One Boston Place, 18th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, the principal sum of                                            ($                                             ), or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal balance of Committed Loans made by the Lender to or for the account of any Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 18, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated and in effect from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) by and among (i) the Borrowers, (ii) Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation, as Parent, (iii) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties referred to therein, (iv) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties, (v) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, and (vi) the Lender and the other lenders from time to time party thereto, with interest at the rate and payable in the manner stated therein.
     This is a “ Note ” to which reference is made in the Credit Agreement and is subject to all terms and provisions thereof. The principal of, and interest on, this Note shall be payable at the times, in the manner, and in the amounts as provided in the Credit Agreement and shall be subject to prepayment and acceleration as provided therein. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
     The Administrative Agent’s books and records concerning the Committed Loans, the accrual of interest thereon, and the repayment of such Committed Loans, shall be prima facie evidence of the indebtedness to the Lender hereunder.
     No delay or omission by any Agent or the Lender in exercising or enforcing any of such Agent’s or the Lender’s powers, rights, privileges, remedies, or discretions hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof on that occasion nor on any other occasion. No waiver of any Event of Default shall operate as a waiver of any other Event of Default, nor as a continuing waiver of any such Event of Default.

1


 

     Each Borrower, and each endorser and guarantor of this Note, waives presentment, demand, notice, and protest, and also waives any delay on the part of the holder hereof. Each Borrower assents to any extension or other indulgence (including, without limitation, the release or substitution of Collateral) permitted by any Agent and/or the Lender with respect to this Note and/or any Collateral or any extension or other indulgence with respect to any other liability or any collateral given to secure any other liability of any Borrower or any other Person obligated on account of this Note.
     This Note shall be binding upon each Borrower, and each endorser and guarantor hereof, and upon their respective successors, assigns, and representatives, and shall inure to the benefit of the Lender and its permitted successors, endorsees, and assigns.
     The liabilities of each Borrower, and of any endorser or guarantor of this Note, are joint and several, provided, however , the release by any Agent or the Lender of any one or more such Persons shall not release any other Person obligated on account of this Note. Each reference in this Note to any Borrower, any endorser, and any guarantor, is to such Person individually and also to all such Persons jointly. No Person obligated on account of this Note may seek contribution from any other Person also obligated unless and until all of the Obligations have been paid in full in cash.
     THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
     EACH OF THE BORROWERS IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING THEREIN, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS NOTE OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE BORROWERS 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 COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE BORROWERS 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 NOTE OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR THE LENDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS NOTE OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST ANY OF THE BORROWERS OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

2


 

     EACH OF THE BORROWERS IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS NOTE OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO ABOVE. EACH OF THE BORROWERS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
     Each Borrower makes the following waiver knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally, and understands that the Agents and the Lender, in the establishment and maintenance of their respective relationship with the Borrowers contemplated by this Note, are each relying thereon. EACH BORROWER, EACH GUARANTOR, ENDORSER AND SURETY, AND THE LENDER, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY 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 NOTE OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH BORROWER (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE AGENTS AND THE LENDER HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THIS NOTE BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS HEREIN.
[ SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW ]

3


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrowers have caused this Note to be duly executed as of the date set forth above.
         
  BORROWERS :

BIG 5 CORP.
 
 
  By:      
  Name:        
  Title:        
 
  BIG 5 SERVICES CORP.
 
 
  By:      
  Name:        
  Title:        
 
Signature Page to Note

 


 

EXHIBIT C-2
FORM OF SWING LINE NOTE
SWING LINE NOTE
     
$20,000,000                                             , 2010
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED , the undersigned (individually, a “ Borrower ” and, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”), jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (hereinafter, with any subsequent holders, the “ Swing Line Lender ”), One Boston Place, 18th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, the principal sum of TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS ($20,000,000), or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal balance of Swing Line Loans made by the Swing Line Lender to or for the account of any Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 18, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated and in effect from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) by and among (i) the Borrowers, (ii) Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation, as Parent, (iii) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties referred to therein, (iv) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties, (v) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, and (vi) the Swing Line Lender and the other lenders from time to time party thereto, with interest at the rate and payable in the manner stated therein.
     This is a “ Swing Line Note ” to which reference is made in the Credit Agreement and is subject to all terms and provisions thereof. The principal of, and interest on, this Swing Line Note shall be payable at the times, in the manner, and in the amounts as provided in the Credit Agreement and shall be subject to prepayment and acceleration as provided therein. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
     The Administrative Agent’s books and records concerning the Swing Line Loans, the accrual of interest thereon, and the repayment of such Swing Line Loans, shall be prima facie evidence of the indebtedness to the Lender hereunder.
     No delay or omission by any Agent or the Swing Line Lender in exercising or enforcing any of such Agent’s or the Swing Line Lender’s powers, rights, privileges, remedies, or discretions hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof on that occasion nor on any other occasion. No waiver of any Event of Default shall operate as a waiver of any other Event of Default, nor as a continuing waiver of any such Event of Default.

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     Each Borrower, and each endorser and guarantor of this Swing Line Note, waives presentment, demand, notice, and protest, and also waives any delay on the part of the holder hereof. Each Borrower assents to any extension or other indulgence (including, without limitation, the release or substitution of Collateral) permitted by any Agent and/or the Lender with respect to this Swing Line Note and/or any Collateral or any extension or other indulgence with respect to any other liability or any collateral given to secure any other liability of any Borrower or any other Person obligated on account of this Swing Line Note.
     This Swing Line Note shall be binding upon each Borrower, and each endorser and guarantor hereof, and upon their respective successors, assigns, and representatives, and shall inure to the benefit of the Lender and its permitted successors, endorsees, and assigns.
     The liabilities of each Borrower, and of any endorser or guarantor of this Swing Line Note, are joint and several, provided, however , the release by any Agent or the Lender of any one or more such Persons shall not release any other Person obligated on account of this Swing Line Note. Each reference in this Swing Line Note to any Borrower, any endorser, and any guarantor, is to such Person individually and also to all such Persons jointly. No Person obligated on account of this Swing Line Note may seek contribution from any other Person also obligated unless and until all of the Obligations have been paid in full in cash.
     THIS SWING LINE NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
     EACH OF THE BORROWERS IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING THEREIN, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SWING LINE NOTE OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE BORROWERS 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 COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE BORROWERS 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 SWING LINE NOTE OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR THE SWING LINE LENDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS SWING LINE NOTE OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST ANY OF THE BORROWERS OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

2


 

     EACH OF THE BORROWERS IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SWING LINE NOTE OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO ABOVE. EACH OF THE BORROWERS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
     Each Borrower makes the following waiver knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally, and understands that the Agents and the Lender, in the establishment and maintenance of their respective relationship with the Borrowers contemplated by this Swing Line Note, are each relying thereon. EACH BORROWER, EACH GUARANTOR, ENDORSER AND SURETY, AND THE SWING LINE LENDER, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY 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 SWING LINE NOTE OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH BORROWER (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE AGENTS AND THE SWING LINE LENDER HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THIS NOTE BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS HEREIN.
[ SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW ]

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrowers have caused this Swing Line Note to be duly executed as of the date set forth above.
             
    BORROWERS :    
 
           
    BIG 5 CORP.    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
  Name:  
 
   
 
  Title:  
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
           
    BIG 5 SERVICES CORP.    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
  Name:  
 
   
 
  Title:  
 
   
 
     
 
   
Signature Page to Note

 


 

EXHIBIT D
FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
             
To:
  Wells Fargo Bank, National Association   Date:                                            
 
  One Boston Place, 18 th Floor        
 
  Boston, Massachusetts 02108        
 
  Attention: Brent E. Shay, Vice President        
     Re: Credit Agreement dated as of October 18, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated hereafter, the “ Credit Agreement ”) by and among (i) Big 5 Corp. , a Delaware corporation, for itself and as Lead Borrower (in such capacity, the “ Lead Borrower ”) for the other Borrowers party thereto from time to time (individually, a “ Borrower ” and, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”), (ii) the Borrowers, (iii) Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation, a Delaware corporation, as Guarantor (“ Parent ”), (iv) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties referred to therein, (v) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties, (vi) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, and (vii) the lenders from time to time party thereto (individually, a “ Lender ” and, collectively, the “ Lenders ”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the same meaning herein as in the Credit Agreement.
     The undersigned, a duly authorized and acting Responsible Officer of the Lead Borrower, hereby certifies to you as of the date hereof as follows:
1.  
No Default .
  a.  
To the Knowledge of the undersigned Responsible Officer, except as set forth in Appendix I , no Default or Event of Default exists and is continuing.
 
  b.  
If a Default or Event of Default exists and is continuing, the Borrowers have taken or propose to take the action(s) as set forth on Appendix I with respect to such Default or Event of Default.
2.  
Financial Calculations . Attached hereto as Appendix II are reasonably detailed calculations necessary to determine the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the last day of the Fiscal Month ended                      on a trailing twelve month basis (whether or not compliance therewith is then required under Section 7.15 of the Credit Agreement).
 
3.  
No Material Accounting Changes, Etc . The financial statements furnished to the Administrative Agent for the month/quarter/year ended [             ] were prepared in accordance with GAAP and present fairly in all material respects the financial condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at the close of, and the results of the Loan Parties’ operations and cash flows for, the period(s) covered, subject to, with

 


 

   
respect to the monthly/quarterly financial statements, normal year end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes. Except as provided in any statement of reconciliation delivered or deemed delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a) of the Credit Agreement, there has been no material change in GAAP or the application thereof, as either pertain to the Loan Parties’ financial statements, since the date of the audited financial statements furnished to the Administrative Agent for the year ended [             ].
 
4.  
Except as set forth on Appendix IV hereto, to the Knowledge of the Loan Parties, no Lien for unpaid Taxes which has (or would have with the passage of time) priority over the Lien of the Collateral Agent has been filed against any Loan Party during the month/quarter/year ended [             ].
 
5.  
Except as set forth on Appendix V hereto, no material damage or destruction has occurred with respect to any distribution center of the Loan Parties or a material number of Store locations of the Loan Parties during the month/quarter/year ended [             ].
 
6.  
Set forth on Appendix VI hereto is a list of any transaction undertaken by the Loan Parties during the month/quarter/year ended [             ] involving (i) the entry by a Loan Party into a Material Contract, (ii) the incurrence by a Loan Party of Material Indebtedness, or (iii) the making of any Acquisition by a Loan Party.
 
7.  
Except as set forth on Appendix VII hereto, no Loan Party is a beneficiary under a Letter of Credit issued in favor of such Loan Party (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any Letter of Credit issued pursuant to the Credit Agreement).
 
8.  
Except as set forth on Appendix VIII hereto, no Loan Party holds any Commercial Tort Claims.

 


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this certificate as of the date first written above.
       
 
  By:
 
        Responsible Officer of Lead Borrower
 
 
  Name:
 
  Title:

 


 

Appendix I
     Except as set forth below, no Default or Event of Default presently exists. [If a Default or Event of Default exists, the following describes the nature of the Default in reasonable detail and the steps being taken or contemplated by the Loan Parties to be taken on account thereof.]

 


 

Appendix II
A. Calculation of Consolidated Fixed Charge Ratio : Calculated monthly on a trailing twelve months basis.
                 
1.  
Consolidated EBITDA for such period (all calculated on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP):
   
 
               
 
  (a)  
Consolidated Net Income of the Parent and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis for the most recently completed Measurement Period:
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
 
     
Plus the following, to the
extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:
       
 
               
 
  (b)  
Consolidated Interest Charges for such period:
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
 
  (c)  
the provision for Federal, state, local and foreign income Taxes:
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
 
  (d)   depreciation and amortization expense:        
 
         
 
   
 
               
 
  (e)  
other non-recurring expenses reducing such Consolidated Net Income which do not represent a cash item in such period or any future period (in each case of or by the Parent and its Subsidiaries for such Measurement Period):
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
 
     
Minus the following, to the
extent included in Consolidated Net Income for such period:
       
 
               
 
  (f)  
Federal, state, local and foreign income tax credits:
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
 
  (g)  
all non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income (in each case of or by the Parent and its Subsidiaries for such Measurement Period):
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
 
  (h)  
Consolidated EBITDA [Line 1(a), plus the sum of Lines 1(b) through 1(e), minus the sum of Lines 1(f) through 1(g)]:
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
2.   Minus the following :    
 
               
 
  (a)  
Capital Expenditures made during such period (other than Capital Expenditures financed with proceeds of Permitted Indebtedness (other than Borrowings):
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
 
  (b)  
the aggregate amount of Federal, state, local and foreign income taxes paid in cash during such period:
       
 
         
 
   

 


 

                 
3.   Line 1(h), minus Lines 2(a) and 2(b):        
 
         
 
   
 
               
4.  
Debt Service Charges for the Parent and its Subsidiaries during such Measurement Period (as determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP):
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
 
  (a)  
Consolidated Interest Charges paid or required to be paid for such Measurement Period:
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
 
      Plus        
 
               
 
  (b)  
principal payments made or required to be made on account of Indebtedness (excluding the Obligations and any Synthetic Lease Obligations but including, without limitation, Capital Lease Obligations) for such Measurement Period:
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
 
  (c)  
Debt Service Charges [The sum of Lines 4(a) and 4(b)]:
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
    Plus        
 
               
5.  
The aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments made during such Measurement Period:
       
 
         
 
   
 
               
6.   The sum of Line 4(c) and Line 5:        
 
         
 
   
 
               
7.  
CONSOLIDATED FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO AS OF THE END OF THE MONTH ENDED                      , CALCULATED ON A TRAILING TWELVE MONTHS BASIS [Line 3 divided by Line 6]:
       
 
         
 
   
B. Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Covenant : During the continuance of a Covenant Compliance Event, the Borrowers will not permit the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, calculated as of the last day of each month on a trailing twelve month basis, to be less than 1.0:1.0.
             
1.
  Is covenant required to be tested?   Yes                           No                     
 
2.
  If covenant is required to be tested, in compliance?   Yes                        No                     

 


 

EXHIBIT E
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
     Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 18, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated hereafter, the “ Credit Agreement ”) by and among (i) Big 5 Corp. , a Delaware corporation, for itself and as Lead Borrower (in such capacity, the “ Lead Borrower ”) for the other Borrowers party thereto from time to time (individually, a “ Borrower ” and, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”), (ii) the Borrowers party thereto from time to time, (iii) Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation , a Delaware corporation, as Guarantor (the “ Parent ”), (iv) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties referred to therein, (iv) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties, (v) Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, and (vi) the lenders from time to time party thereto (individually, a “ Lender ” and, collectively, the “ Lenders ”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the same meaning herein as in the Credit Agreement.
                                                                     (the “ Assignor ”) and                                           (the “ Assignee ”) agree as follows:
1.  
The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, that interest in and to the Assignor’s rights and obligations as a Lender under the Credit Agreement as of the date hereof (including, without limitation, such interest in each of the Assignor’s outstanding Commitments, if any, and the Loans (and related Obligations) owing to it) specified in Section 1 of Schedule I hereto. After giving effect to such sale and assignment, the Assignor’s and the Assignee’s Commitments and the amount of the Loans owing to the Assignor and the Assignee and the amount of Letters of Credit participated in by the Assignor and the Assignee will be as set forth in Section 2 of Schedule I hereto.
2.  
The Assignor: (a) represents and warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any Liens and that it is legally authorized to enter into this Assignment and Assumption; (b) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in, or in connection with, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto, or (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (c) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of any Loan Party or the performance or observance by any Loan Party of any of their respective obligations under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (d) confirms, in the case of an Assignee who is not a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, or an Approved Fund, the

1


 

   
aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the Assignor subject to this Assignment and Assumption, is not less than $5,000,000, or, if less, the entire remaining amount of the Assignor’s Commitment and the Loans at any time owing to it, unless each of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender and, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Lead Borrower otherwise consent (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
 
3.  
The Assignee: (a) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 6.01 thereof and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption; (b) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement; (c) appoints and authorizes the Agents to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Credit Agreement as are delegated to the Agents by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (d) agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which, by the terms of the Credit Agreement, are required to be performed by it as a Lender; (e) specifies as its lending office (and address for notices) the office set forth beneath its name on the signature pages hereof; (f) agrees that, if the Assignee is a Foreign Lender entitled to an exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which the applicable Loan Party is resident for tax purposes, it shall deliver to the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) whichever of the following is applicable: (i) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party, (ii) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI, (iii) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, (A) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (1) a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (2) a “10 percent shareholder” of the Loan Parties within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (3) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and (B) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or (iv) any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from, or a reduction in, United States Federal withholding tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrowers to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and (g) represents and warrants that it is an Eligible Assignee.
 
4.  
Following the execution of this Assignment and Assumption by the Assignor and the Assignee, it will be delivered, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount required as set forth in Section 10.06 to the Credit Agreement, to the Administrative Agent for acceptance and recording by the Administrative Agent. The

2


 

   
effective date of this Assignment and Assumption shall be the date of acceptance thereof by the Administrative Agent, unless otherwise specified on Schedule I hereto (the “ Effective Date ”).
 
5.  
Upon such acceptance and recording by the Administrative Agent and, to the extent required by Section 10. 06(b)(iii) of the Credit Agreement, consent by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender and the Lead Borrower, as applicable (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), from and after the Effective Date, (a) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by this Assignment and Assumption, shall have the rights and obligations of a Lender under the Credit Agreement, and (b) the Assignor shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by this Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement.
 
6.  
Upon such acceptance and recording by the Administrative Agent, from and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments under the Credit Agreement in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including, without limitation, all payments of principal, interest and fees with respect thereto) to the Assignee. The Assignor and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the Credit Agreement for periods prior to the Effective Date directly between themselves.
 
7.  
This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

3


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Assignment and Assumption to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
             
    [ASSIGNOR]    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
  Name:  
 
   
 
  Title:  
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
           
    [ASSIGNEE]    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
  Name:  
 
   
 
  Title:  
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
           
    Lending Office (and address for notices):    
 
           
    [Address]    
         
Accepted this       day of                      ,       :    
 
       
WELL FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION    
as Administrative Agent    
 
       
By:
       
Name:
 
 
   
Title:
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
Schedule I to Assignment and Assumption

 


 

Acknowledged and, to the extent required by Section 10.06(b)(iii) of the Credit Agreement, consented to, this       day of                      ,             :
         
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT :    
 
       
WELL FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION    
 
       
By:
       
Name:
 
 
   
Title:
 
 
   
 
 
 
   

2


 

Acknowledged and, to the extent required by Section 10.06(b)(iii) of the Credit Agreement, consented to, this       day of                      ,             :
         
L/C ISSUER :    
 
       
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION    
 
       
By:
       
Name:
 
 
   
Title:
 
 
   
 
 
 
   

3


 

Acknowledged and, to the extent required by Section 10.06(b)(iii) of the Credit Agreement, consented to, this       day of                      ,             :
         
SWING LINE LENDER :    
 
       
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION    
 
       
By:
       
Name:
 
 
   
Title:
 
 
   
 
 
 
   

4


 

Acknowledged and, to the extent required by Section 10.06(b)(iii) of the Credit Agreement, consented to, this       day of                      ,             :
         
LEAD BORROWER :    
 
       
BIG 5 CORP.    
 
       
By:
       
Name:
 
 
   
Title:
 
 
   
 
 
 
   

5


 

Schedule I
Section 1 . Percentage/Amount of Commitments/Loans/Letters of Credit Assigned by Assignor to Assignee.
     
Applicable Percentage assigned by Assignor:
              %
 
   
Commitment assigned by Assignor:
  $                     
 
   
Commitment assigned by Assignor:
  $                     
 
   
Aggregate Outstanding Principal Amount of Loans assigned by Assignor:
  $                     
 
   
Aggregate Participations assigned by Assignor in L/C Obligations:
  $                     
Section 2. Percentage/Amount of Commitments/Loans/Letters of Credit Held by Assignor and Assignee after giving effect to Assignment and Assumption.
     
Assignor’s Applicable Percentage
              %
 
   
Assignee’s Applicable Percentage:
              %
 
   
Assignor’s Commitment:
  $                     
 
   
Assignee’s Commitment:
  $                     
 
   
Aggregate Outstanding Principal Amount of Loans Owing to Assignor:
  $                     
 
   
Aggregate Outstanding Principal Amount of Loans Owing to Assignee:
  $                     
 
   
Aggregate Participations by Assignor in L/C Obligations:
  $                     
 
   
Aggregate Participations by Assignee in L/C Obligations:
  $                     
Section 3 . Effective Date
     
Effective Date:
                       ,            

6


 

EXHIBIT F
FORM OF BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE
Big 5 Corp.,
                                         
                    As of Date:             10/3/2010  
Borrowing Base Certificate                   Certificate #             1  
 
Credit Card Receivables
                                       
Credit Card Receivables as of:
                    10/3/2010             $  
Less: Outstanding Credit Card Fees
                                     
 
                                     
Eligible Credit Card Receivables
                                  $  
Advance Rate
                                    90.0 %
 
                                     
Total Credit Card Receivables Availability
                                  $  
 
                                     
 
                                       
RETAIL INVENTORY
                          At Retail   At Cost
 
Beginning Inventory
                          $     $  
Add: Purchases
                                   
Net Markups
                                   
Freight
                                   
Inventory Adjustments
                                   
                             
Available for Sale
                                   
Less: Sales/Cost of Good Sold
                                   
Net Markdowns
                                   
                               
Ending Inventory as of:
                    10/2/2010     $     $  
Less: Sales/Cost of Good Sold (10/3/10)
                                  $  
 
                                     
Ending Inventory as of:
                    10/3/2010             $  
Less Ineligibles:
                                       
Shrink Reserve (Per G/L + $25,000 DC Shrink Reserve)
                                     
Recalls Merchandise (Locations #812)
                                     
Defective Inventory (Location #814)
                                     
Store Claims (Location #815)
                                     
Employee Purchase Inventory (Location #816)
                                     
Work in Process (Location #817)
                                     
Show Merchandise (Location #818)
                                     
Sample Inventory (Locations #819 & #820)
                                     
Store RTV (Location #821)
                                     
Donation / Supplies (Location #851)
                                     
Unprocessed Damages / RTV’s (Delinquent Store Returns)
                                     
Other
                                     
 
                                     
Total Ineligibles
                                  $  
 
                                       
Eligible Retail Inventory
                                  $  
 
                  NOLV                
Advance Rate (90% of NOLV)
            90.0%       76.6%               68.9 %
 
                                     
Total Retail Inventory Availability
                                  $  
 
                                     
 
                                       
In-Transit Inventory
                          At Retail   At Cost
 
In-Transit Inventory as of:
                    10/3/2010     $     $  
Less Ineligibles:
                                       
Shrink
                                     
Shortship Reserve (TBD)
                                     
 
                                     
Total Ineligibles
                                  $  
 
                                       
Eligible In-Transit Inventory
                                  $  
 
                  NOLV                
Advance Rate (90% of NOLV)
            90.0%       66.1%               59.5 %
 
                                       
 
                                     
Total In-Transit Inventory Availability
                                  $  
 
                                     
Total Inventory Availability
                                  $  
 
                                     
 
                                       
Gross Borrowing Base Availability
                                  $  
 
                                     
 
                                       
Less: Availability Reserves
          as of:     10/3/2010                  
Gift Certificates/Cards (50%)
  as of:     10/3/2010     $             $  
Customer Deposits/Layaway (100%)
                                     
Firearms Deposit
                                     
Rent Reserve (1 Mo PA, WA, and VA)
                                     
Texas Personal Property Tax (Full amount paid in prior year)
                                     
Past Due Licenses A/P
                                     
Past Due DROS Fees A/P
                                     
Foreign Freight & Duty Landed Cost Reserve (15% of Eligible In-Transit Inventory)
                                     
Domestic Freight & Duty Landed Cost Reserve (5% of Eligible In-Transit Inventory)
                                     
Other
                                     
 
                                     
Total Availability Reserves
                                  $  
 
                                     
Total Borrowing Base
                                  $  
 
                                     
Total Capped Borrowing Base (Capped at $140,000,000)
                                  $  
 
                                     
 
                                       
AVAILABILITY CALCULATION
                                  $  
 
                                       
Beginning Principal Balance
          as of:     10/18/2010                
ADD:
                  Prior days advance              
ADD:
                  Fees charged today              
ADD:
                  Legal Fees              
ADD:
                  Prior day’s requested lending              
LESS:
                  Prior day’s pay down              
 
                                     
Ending principal balance prior to advance request
                                     
 
                                     
 
                                       
ADVANCE REQUEST
                                  $  
 
                                     
 
                                       
Ending Principal Balance
                                     
 
                                       
ADD:
                  Standby Letters of Credit              
ADD:
                  Commercial Letters of Credit              
 
                                     
Total exposure
                                  $  
 
                                     
 
                                       
Net Availability After Today’s Request / Pay Down
                                  $  
 
                                     
 
                                       
Adjusted Availability (Net Borrowing Base less total exposure)
                                     
 
                                     
The undersigned, a Responsible Officer (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below) of Big 5 Corp. (the “Lead Borrower”), represents and warrants that (A) the information set forth above and the supporting documentation and information delivered herewith (i) is true and correct in all respects, (ii) has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of that certain Credit Agreement dated ___, 2010 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by, among others, (1) the Lead Borrower, as agent for itself and the other Borrowers party thereto, (2) the Lenders party thereto, and (3) Wells Fargo Bank N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (in such capacities, the “Agent”), and (iii) is based on supporting documentation that is satisfactory to the Agent, and (B) all accounts payable and Taxes are being paid on a timely basis and (C) no Default or Event of Default (as such terms are defined in the Credit Agreement) has occurred and is continuing.
Responsible Officer


 

EXHIBIT G
FORM OF DDA NOTIFICATION
PREPARE ON BORROWER LETTERHEAD — ONE FOR EACH DEPOSITORY
[DATE]
To: [Name and Address of Bank]
     Re:  
BIG 5 CORP.
The Account Numbers referenced on Exhibit A annexed hereto
Dear Sir/Madam:
     This letter relates to the Account Numbers referenced on Exhibit A annexed hereto and any other depository account(s) (collectively the “ Account ”) which BIG 5 CORP., a Delaware corporation with an address at 2525 El Segundo Boulevard, El Segundo, California 90245 (the “ Borrower ”), now or hereafter maintains with you. The term “Account” shall also mean any certificates of deposit, investments, or other evidence of indebtedness heretofore or hereafter issued by you to or for the account of the Borrower.
     Under various agreements between, among others, the Borrower and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, with an office at One Boston Place, 18th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, as collateral agent (in such capacity, herein the “ Collateral Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of a syndicate of revolving lenders and certain other credit parties (the “ Credit Parties ”), the Borrower has granted to the Collateral Agent (for its own benefit and the benefit of the Credit Parties) security interests in and to, among other things, the Borrower’s accounts, accounts receivable, inventory, and proceeds therefrom, including, without limitation, the proceeds now or hereafter deposited in the Account or evidenced thereby. Consequently, the present and all future contents of the Account constitute the Collateral Agent’s collateral.
     Until you receive written notification from the Collateral Agent that the interest of the Collateral Agent and the other Credit Parties in the Accounts has been terminated, all funds from time to time on deposit in each of the Accounts, net of such minimum balance, not to exceed $2,500.00, as may be required by you to be maintained in each of the Accounts, shall be transferred on each business day only as follows:

1


 

     (a) By ACH, Depository Transfer Check, or Electronic Depository Transfer to:
                                          
ABA #                     
Account No.                                          
Re: Big 5 Corp.
     or
     (b) As you may be otherwise instructed from time to time in writing by an officer of the Collateral Agent.
     Upon request of the Collateral Agent, a copy of each statement issued with respect to the Account should be provided to the Collateral Agent at the following addresses (which address may be changed upon seven (7) days’ written notice given to you by the Collateral Agent):

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
One Boston Place, 18th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Attention: Brent E. Shay, Vice President
Re: Big 5 Corp.
     You shall be fully protected in acting on any order or direction by the Collateral Agent respecting the Accounts without making any inquiry whatsoever as to the Collateral Agent’s right or authority to give such order or direction or as to the application of any payment made pursuant thereto. Nothing contained herein is intended to, nor shall it be deemed to, modify the rights and obligations of the Borrower and the Collateral Agent under the terms of the loan arrangement and the loan documents executed in connection therewith between, among others, the Borrower and the Collateral Agent.
     This letter may be amended only by notice in writing signed by the Borrower and an officer of the Collateral Agent and may be terminated solely by written notice signed by an officer of the Collateral Agent.
[signature page follows]

2


 

             
    Very truly yours,    
 
           
    BIG 5 CORP., as Borrower    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
  Name:  
 
   
 
  Title:  
 
   
 
     
 
   
cc: Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Signature Page to DDA Notification

 


 

Exhibit A
Accounts
[see attached]
Signature Page to DDA Notification

 


 

EXHIBIT H
FORM OF CREDIT CARD NOTIFICATION
PREPARE ON BORROWER LETTERHEAD — ONE FOR EACH PROCESSOR
__________, 2010
To:  
[Name and Address of Credit Card Processor] (The “ Processor ”)
  Re:  
Big 5 Corp. (the “ Company ”)
Merchant Account Number:                     
Dear Sir/Madam:
        Under various agreements between and among the Company, certain affiliates of the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association , with offices at One Boston Place, 18th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, as administrative agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”) and collateral agent (the “ Collateral Agent ” and, together with the Administrative Agent, the “ Agents ”) for a syndicate of lenders and other credit parties (the “ Credit Parties ”) party to a Credit Agreement dated as of October 18, 2010 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), the Company has granted to the Collateral Agent, for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties, security interests in and to, among other things, the Company’s accounts, accounts receivable, inventory and all proceeds therefrom, including, without limitation all payments with respect to credit card charges (the “ Charges ”) submitted by the Company to the Processor for processing and the amounts which the Processor owes to the Company on account thereof (the “ Credit Card Proceeds ”).
1.  
Until the Processor receives written notification from an officer of the Collateral Agent to the contrary, all amounts as may become due from time to time from the Processor to the Company shall continue to be transferred only as follows:
  (a)  
By ACH, Depository Transfer Check, or Electronic Depository Transfer to:
 
     
Bank of America, N.A.
ABA #                     

 


 

     
Account No.                     
Re: Big 5 Corp.
  or  
 
  (b)  
As the Processor may be instructed from time to time in writing by an officer of the Collateral Agent.
2.  
Upon request of the Collateral Agent, a copy of each periodic statement provided by the Processor to the Company should be provided to the Collateral Agent at the following address (which address may be changed upon seven (7) days’ written notice given to the Processor by the Collateral Agent):
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
One Boston Place, 18th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Attention: Brent E. Shay, Vice President
Re:     Big 5 Corp.
3.  
The Processor shall be fully protected in acting on any order or direction by the Agents respecting the Charges and the Credit Card Proceeds without making any inquiry whatsoever as to the Collateral Agent’s right or authority to give such order or direction or as to the application of any payment made pursuant thereto.
 
4.  
Nothing contained herein is intended to, nor shall it be deemed to, modify the rights and obligations of the Company and the Collateral Agent under the terms of the loan arrangement and the loan documents executed in connection therewith between, among others, the Borrower and the Collateral Agent.
        This letter may be amended only by the written agreement of the Processor, the Company, and an officer of the Collateral Agent and may be terminated solely by written notice signed by an officer of the Collateral Agent.
Signature Page to Credit Card Notification

 


 

             
    Very truly yours,
 
           
    BIG 5 CORP., as the Company
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
  Name:        
 
           
 
  Title:        
 
           
cc:  
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
Signature Page to Credit Card Notification

 

Exhibit 10.2
 

SECURITY AGREEMENT
by
BIG 5 CORP.
as Lead Borrower
and
THE OTHER BORROWERS AND GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO
FROM TIME TO TIME
and
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Collateral Agent
Dated as of October 18, 2010
 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page
PREAMBLE
    1  
 
       
RECITALS
    1  
 
       
AGREEMENT
    2  
 
       
ARTICLE I
       
 
       
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
       
 
       
SECTION 1.1. Definitions
    2  
SECTION 1.2. Interpretation
    7  
SECTION 1.3. Perfection Certificate
    7  
 
       
ARTICLE II
       
 
       
GRANT OF SECURITY AND SECURED OBLIGATIONS
       
 
       
SECTION 2.1. Pledge
    7  
SECTION 2.2. Secured Obligations
    8  
SECTION 2.3. Security Interest
    8  
 
       
ARTICLE III
       
 
       
PERFECTION; SUPPLEMENTS; FURTHER ASSURANCES;
       
USE OF COLLATERAL
       
 
       
SECTION 3.1. Delivery of Certificated Securities Collateral
    9  
SECTION 3.2. Perfection of Uncertificated Securities Collateral
    10  
SECTION 3.3. Financing Statements and Other Filings; Maintenance of Perfected Security Interest
    10  
SECTION 3.4. Other Actions
    11  
SECTION 3.5. Supplements; Further Assurances
    13  
 
       
ARTICLE IV
       
 
       
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS
       
 
       
SECTION 4.1. Limitation on Liens
    14  

-i- 


 

         
    Page
SECTION 4.2. Chief Executive Office; Change of Name; Jurisdiction of Organization
    14  
SECTION 4.3. Due Authorization and Issuance
    15  
SECTION 4.4. Consents, etc.
    15  
SECTION 4.5. Insurance
    15  
 
       
ARTICLE V
       
 
       
CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING SECURITIES COLLATERAL
       
 
       
SECTION 5.1. Pledge of Additional Securities Collateral
    16  
SECTION 5.2. Voting Rights; Distributions; etc.
    16  
SECTION 5.3. Evidence of Pledged Interests
    17  
SECTION 5.4. Certain Agreements of Grantors As Issuers and Holders of Equity Interests
    17  
 
       
ARTICLE VI
       
 
       
CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING INTELLECTUAL
       
PROPERTY COLLATERAL
       
 
       
SECTION 6.1. Grant of License
    18  
SECTION 6.2. Protection of Collateral Agent’s Security
    18  
SECTION 6.3. After-Acquired Property
    18  
SECTION 6.4. Modifications
    19  
SECTION 6.5. Litigation
    19  
 
       
ARTICLE VII
       
 
       
REMEDIES
       
 
       
SECTION 7.1. Remedies
    19  
SECTION 7.2. Notice of Sale
    21  
SECTION 7.3. Waiver of Notice and Claims
    21  
SECTION 7.4. Certain Sales of Collateral
    22  
SECTION 7.5. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies
    23  
SECTION 7.6. Certain Additional Actions Regarding Intellectual Property
    23  
SECTION 7.7. Application of Proceeds
    24  

-ii- 


 

         
    Page
 
       
ARTICLE VIII
       
 
       
MISCELLANEOUS
       
 
       
SECTION 8.1. Concerning Collateral Agent
    24  
SECTION 8.2. Collateral Agent May Perform; Collateral Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact
    25  
SECTION 8.3. Expenses
    26  
SECTION 8.4. Continuing Security Interest; Assignment
    26  
SECTION 8.5. Termination; Release
    26  
SECTION 8.6. Modification in Writing
    27  
SECTION 8.7. Notices
    27  
SECTION 8.8. GOVERNING LAW
    27  
SECTION 8.9. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
    27  
SECTION 8.10. Severability of Provisions
    29  
SECTION 8.11. Execution in Counterparts; Effectiveness
    29  
SECTION 8.12. No Release
    29  
SECTION 8.13. Obligations Absolute
    29  
 
       
SIGNATURES
       
     
EXHIBIT 1
  Form of Securities Pledge Amendment
SCHEDULE I
  Intercompany Notes
SCHEDULE II
  Filings, Registrations and Recordings
SCHEDULE III
  Pledged Interests

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SECURITY AGREEMENT
          SECURITY AGREEMENT dated as of October 18, 2010 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof, this “ Security Agreement ”) made by (i) BIG 5 CORP., a Delaware corporation having an office at 2525 El Segundo Boulevard, El Segundo, California 90245, as lead borrower for itself and the other Borrowers (the “ Lead Borrower ”), (ii) THE OTHER BORROWERS LISTED ON THE SIGNATURE PAGES HERETO (together with the Lead Borrower, the “ Original Borrowers ”) OR FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO BY EXECUTION OF A JOINDER AGREEMENT (the “ Additional Borrowers ,” and together with the Original Borrowers, the “ Borrowers ”), and (iii) THE GUARANTOR LISTED ON THE SIGNATURE PAGES HERETO (the “ Original Guarantor ”) AND THE OTHER GUARANTORS FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO BY EXECUTION OF A JOINDER AGREEMENT (the “ Additional Guarantors ,” and together with the Original Guarantor, the “ Guarantors ”), as pledgors, assignors and debtors (the Borrowers, together with the Guarantors, in such capacities and together with any successors in such capacities, the “ Grantors ,” and each, a “ Grantor ”), in favor of WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, having an office at One Boston Place, 18th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, in its capacity as collateral agent for the Credit Parties (as defined in the Credit Agreement defined below) pursuant to the Credit Agreement, as pledgee, assignee and secured party (in such capacities and together with any successors in such capacities, the “ Collateral Agent ”).
R E C I T A L S :
          A. The Borrowers, the Collateral Agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto, among others, have, in connection with the execution and delivery of this Security Agreement, entered into that certain Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”).
          B. The Guarantor has, pursuant to that certain Guaranty dated as of the date hereof (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Guaranty ”), among other things, unconditionally guaranteed the Guaranteed Obligations (as defined in the Guaranty).
          C. The Borrowers and the Guarantor will receive substantial benefits from the execution, delivery and performance of the Obligations and the Guaranteed Obligations and each is, therefore, willing to enter into this Security Agreement.
          D. This Security Agreement is given by each Grantor in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Credit Parties to secure the payment and performance of all of the Secured Obligations (as hereinafter defined).
          E. It is a condition to the obligations of the Lenders to make the Loans under the Credit Agreement and a condition to the L/C Issuer issuing Letters of Credit under the Credit

 


 

Agreement that each Grantor execute and deliver the applicable Loan Documents, including this Security Agreement.
A G R E E M E N T :
          NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Grantor and the Collateral Agent hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
          SECTION 1.1. Definitions .
     (a) Unless otherwise defined herein or in the Credit Agreement, capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the UCC shall have the meanings assigned to them in the UCC.
          (b) Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein that are defined in the Credit Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.
          (c) The following terms shall have the following meanings:
          “ Additional Guarantors ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereof.
          “ Borrowers ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereof.
          “ Claims ” shall mean any and all property taxes and other taxes, assessments and special assessments, levies, fees and all governmental charges imposed upon or assessed against, and all claims (including, without limitation, landlords’, carriers’, mechanics’, workmen’s, repairmen’s, laborers’, materialmen’s, suppliers’ and warehousemen’s Liens and other claims arising by operation of law) against, all or any portion of the Collateral.
          “ Collateral ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in SECTION 2.1 hereof.
          “ Collateral Agent ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereof.

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          “ Contracts ” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Grantor, all sale, service, performance, equipment or personal property lease contracts, agreements and grants and all other contracts, agreements or grants (in each case, whether written or oral, or third party or intercompany), between such Grantor and any other party, and all assignments, amendments, restatements, supplements, extensions, renewals, replacements or modifications thereof.
          “ Control ” shall mean (i) in the case of each DDA, “control,” as such term is defined in Section 9-104 of the UCC, and (ii) in the case of any security entitlement, “control,” as such term is defined in Section 8-106 of the UCC.
          “ Control Agreements ” shall mean, collectively, the Blocked Account Agreements and the Securities Account Control Agreements.
          “ Copyrights ” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Grantor, all copyrights (whether statutory or common Law, whether established or registered in the United States or any other country or any political subdivision thereof whether registered or unregistered and whether published or unpublished) and all copyright registrations and applications made by such Grantor, in each case, whether now owned or hereafter created or acquired by or assigned to such Grantor, including, without limitation, the registrations and applications listed in Section IV (if any) of the Perfection Certificate, together with any and all (i) rights and privileges arising under applicable Law with respect to such Grantor’s use of such copyrights, (ii) reissues, renewals, continuations and extensions thereof, (iii) income, fees, royalties, damages, claims and payments now or hereafter due and/or payable with respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (iv) rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (v) rights to sue for past, present or future infringements thereof.
          “ Credit Agreement ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Recital A hereof.
          “ Distributions ” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Grantor, all Restricted Payments from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed to such Grantor in respect of or in exchange for any or all of the Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes.
          “ Excluded Property ” shall mean the following:
     (a) any license, permit or lease held by any Grantor (i) that validly prohibits the creation by such Grantor of a security interest therein or thereon or (ii) to the extent that applicable Law prohibits the creation of a security interest therein or thereon;
     (b) any Intellectual Property Collateral consisting of intent-to-use trademark applications, for which the creation by a Grantor of a security interest therein is prohibited without the consent of a third party or by applicable Law;

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provided , however , that in each case described in clause (a) of this definition, such property shall constitute “Excluded Property” only to the extent and for so long as such license, permit, lease or applicable Law validly prohibits the creation of a Lien on such property in favor of the Collateral Agent and, upon the termination of such prohibition (howsoever occurring), such property shall cease to constitute “Excluded Property”; provided further, that “Excluded Property” shall not include the right to receive any proceeds arising therefrom or any other property or rights that would have otherwise been excludable, but as to which the prohibition that would have rendered them so excludable are rendered ineffective by reason of Sections 9-406(f), 9-407(a) or 9-408(a) of the UCC, or any Proceeds, substitutions or replacements of any Excluded Property (unless such Proceeds, substitutions or replacements would otherwise constitute Excluded Property).
          “ Goodwill ” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Grantor, the goodwill connected with such Grantor’s business including, without limitation, (i) all goodwill connected with the use of and symbolized by any of the Intellectual Property Collateral in which such Grantor has any interest, (ii) all know-how, trade secrets, customer and supplier lists, proprietary information, inventions, methods, procedures, formulae, descriptions, compositions, technical data, drawings, specifications, name plates, catalogs, confidential information and the right to limit the use or disclosure thereof by any Person, pricing and cost information, business and marketing plans and proposals, consulting agreements, engineering contracts and such other assets which relate to such goodwill and (iii) all product lines of such Grantor’s business.
          “ Grantor ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereof.
          “ Guarantors ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereof.
          “ Guaranty ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Recital B hereof.
          “ Intellectual Property Collateral ” shall mean, collectively, the Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Licenses and Goodwill.
          “ Intercompany Notes ” shall mean, with respect to each Grantor, all intercompany notes described on Schedule I hereto and each intercompany note hereafter acquired by such Grantor and all certificates, instruments or agreements evidencing such intercompany notes, and all assignments, amendments, restatements, supplements, extensions, renewals, replacements or modifications thereof to the extent permitted pursuant to the terms hereof.
          “ Lead Borrower ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereof.
          “ Letters of Credit ” unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the meaning given to such term in the UCC.

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          “ Licenses ” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Grantor, all license and distribution agreements with any other Person with respect to any Patent, Trademark or Copyright or any other patent, trademark or copyright, whether such Grantor is a licensor or licensee, distributor or distributee under any such license or distribution agreement, together with any and all (i) renewals, extensions, supplements and continuations thereof, (ii) income, fees, royalties, damages, claims and payments now and hereafter due and/or payable thereunder and with respect thereto including, without limitation, damages and payments for past, present or future infringements or violations thereof, (iii) rights to sue for past, present and future infringements or violations thereof and (iv) other rights to use, exploit or practice any or all of the Patents, Trademarks or Copyrights or any other patent, trademark or copyright.
          “ Patents ” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Grantor, all patents issued or assigned to and all patent applications made by such Grantor (whether established or registered or recorded in the United States or any other country or any political subdivision thereof), including, without limitation, those patents, patent applications listed in Section IV (if any) of the Perfection Certificate, together with any and all (i) rights and privileges arising under applicable Law with respect to such Grantor’s use of any patents, (ii) inventions and improvements described and claimed therein, (iii) reissues, divisions, continuations, renewals, extensions and continuations-in-part thereof, (iv) income, fees, royalties, damages, claims and payments now or hereafter due and/or payable thereunder and with respect thereto including, without limitation, damages and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (v) rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (vi) rights to sue for past, present or future infringements thereof.
          “ Perfection Certificate ” shall mean that certain perfection certificate dated as of the date hereof, executed and delivered by each Grantor in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Credit Parties, and each other Perfection Certificate (which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent) executed and delivered by the applicable Borrower or Guarantor in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Credit Parties contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of a joinder agreement hereto, in each case, as the same may be amended, amended and restated, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the Credit Agreement.
          “ Pledged Interests ” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Grantor, all Equity Interests in any issuer now existing or hereafter acquired or formed, including, without limitation, all Equity Interests of such issuer described in Schedule III hereof, together with all rights, privileges, authority and powers of such Grantor relating to such Equity Interests issued by any such issuer under the Organization Documents of any such issuer, and the certificates, instruments and agreements representing such Equity Interests and any and all interest of such Grantor in the entries on the books of any financial intermediary pertaining to such Equity Interests, from time to time acquired by such Grantor in any manner, and all other Investment Property owned by such Grantor; provided , however , that to the extent applicable, Pledged Interests shall not include any interest possessing more than 65% of the voting power or control

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of all classes of interests entitled to vote of any CFC to the extent such pledge would result in an adverse tax consequence to the Grantor.
          “ Pledged Securities ” shall mean, collectively, the Pledged Interests and the Successor Interests.
          “ Secured Obligations ” shall mean the Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and the Guaranteed Obligations; provided, however, that Other Liabilities shall be Secured Obligations solely to the extent that there is sufficient Collateral following satisfaction of the Obligations described in clause (a) of the definition of Obligations.
          “ Securities Account Control Agreement ” shall mean an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent with respect to any Securities Account of a Grantor.
          “ Securities Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the applicable regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to such Act.
          “ Securities Collateral ” shall mean, collectively, the Pledged Securities, the Intercompany Notes and the Distributions.
          “ Security Agreement ” shall have the meaning assigned to such in the Preamble hereof.
          “ Successor Interests ” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Grantor, all shares of each class of the capital stock of the successor corporation or interests or certificates of the successor limited liability company, partnership or other entity owned by such Grantor (unless such successor is such Grantor itself) formed by or resulting from any consolidation or merger in which any Person listed in Section I of the Perfection Certificate is not the surviving entity; provided , however , that Successor Interests shall not include shares or interests possessing more than 65% of the voting power or control of all classes of capital stock or interests entitled to vote of any foreign Subsidiaries to the extent such pledge would result in an adverse tax consequence to such Grantor.
          “ Trademarks ” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Grantor, all trademarks (including service marks), slogans, logos, certification marks, trade dress, uniform resource locations (URLs), domain names, corporate names and trade names, whether registered or unregistered, owned by or assigned to such Grantor and all registrations and applications for the foregoing (whether statutory or common Law and whether established or registered in the United States or any other country or any political subdivision thereof), including, without limitation, the registrations and applications listed in Section IV (if any) of the Perfection Certificate, together with any and all (i) rights and privileges arising under applicable Law with respect to such Grantor’s use of any trademarks, (ii) reissues, continuations, extensions and renewals thereof, (iii) income, fees, royalties, damages and payments now and hereafter due

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and/or payable thereunder and with respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages, claims and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (iv) rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (v) rights to sue for past, present and future infringements thereof.
          “ UCC ” or “ Uniform Commercial Code ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York; provided , however , that if a term is defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code differently than in another Article thereof, the term shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9; provided further that, if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, perfection, or the effect of perfection or non-perfection, of a security interest in any Collateral or the availability of any remedy hereunder is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, “Uniform Commercial Code” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection or effect of perfection or non-perfection or availability of such remedy, as the case may be.
          SECTION 1.2. Interpretation . The rules of interpretation specified in Article I of the Credit Agreement shall be applicable to this Security Agreement.
          SECTION 1.3. Perfection Certificate . The Collateral Agent and each Grantor agree that the Perfection Certificate, and all schedules, amendments and supplements thereto are and shall at all times remain a part of this Security Agreement.
ARTICLE II
GRANT OF SECURITY AND SECURED OBLIGATIONS
          SECTION 2.1. Pledge; Grant of Security Interest . As collateral security for the payment and performance in full of all the Secured Obligations, each Grantor hereby pledges and grants to the Collateral Agent for its benefit and for the benefit of the other Credit Parties, a lien on and security interest in and to all of the right, title and interest of such Grantor in, to and under all personal property and interests in such personal property, wherever located, and whether now existing or hereafter arising or acquired from time to time (collectively, the “ Collateral ”), including, without limitation:
  (i)  
all Accounts;
 
  (ii)  
all Goods, including Equipment, Inventory and Fixtures;
 
  (iii)  
all Documents, Instruments and Chattel Paper;
 
  (iv)  
all Letters of Credit and Letter-of-Credit Rights;

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  (v)  
all Securities Collateral;
 
  (vi)  
all Investment Property;
 
  (vii)  
all Intellectual Property Collateral;
 
  (viii)  
all Commercial Tort Claims, including, without limitation, those described in Section V of the Perfection Certificate (if any);
 
  (ix)  
all General Intangibles;
 
  (x)  
all Deposit Accounts;
 
  (xi)  
all Supporting Obligations;
 
  (xii)  
all books and records relating to the Collateral; and
 
  (xiii)  
to the extent not covered by clauses (i) through (xii) of this sentence, all other personal property of such Grantor, whether tangible or intangible and all Proceeds and products of each of the foregoing and all accessions to, substitutions and replacements for, and rents, profits and products of, each of the foregoing, any and all proceeds of any insurance, indemnity, warranty or guaranty payable to such Grantor from time to time with respect to any of the foregoing.
          Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in clauses (i) through (xiii) above, the security interest created by this Security Agreement shall not extend to, and the term “Collateral” shall not include, any Excluded Property and the Grantors shall from time to time at the request of the Collateral Agent give written notice to the Collateral Agent identifying in reasonable detail the Excluded Property and shall provide to the Collateral Agent such other information regarding the Excluded Property as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request.
          SECTION 2.2. Secured Obligations . This Security Agreement secures, and the Collateral is collateral security for, the payment and performance in full when due of the Secured Obligations.
          SECTION 2.3. Security Interest . (a) Each Grantor hereby irrevocably authorizes the Collateral Agent at any time and from time to time to authenticate and file in any relevant jurisdiction any financing statements (including fixture filings) 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 relating to the Collateral, including, without limitation, (i) whether such Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organizational identification number issued to such Grantor, (ii) a description of the Collateral as “all assets of the Grantor, wherever located, whether now owned or hereafter acquired” and (iii) in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture filing, a

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sufficient description of the real property to which such Collateral relates. Each Grantor agrees to provide all information described in the immediately preceding sentence to the Collateral Agent promptly upon request.
     (b) Each Grantor hereby ratifies its prior authorization for the Collateral Agent to file in any relevant jurisdiction any financing statements or amendments thereto relating to the Collateral if filed prior to the date hereof.
          (c) Each Grantor hereby further authorizes the Collateral Agent to file filings 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) or other necessary documents for the purpose of perfecting, confirming, continuing, enforcing or protecting the security interest granted by such Grantor hereunder in any Intellectual Property Collateral, without the signature of such Grantor, and naming such Grantor, as debtor, and the Collateral Agent, as secured party.
ARTICLE III
PERFECTION; SUPPLEMENTS; FURTHER ASSURANCES;
USE OF COLLATERAL
          SECTION 3.1. Delivery of Certificated Securities Collateral . Each Grantor represents and warrants that all certificates, agreements or instruments representing or evidencing the Securities Collateral in existence on the date hereof have been delivered to the Collateral Agent in suitable form for transfer by delivery or accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank and that the Collateral Agent has a perfected first priority security interest therein. Each Grantor hereby agrees that all certificates, agreements or instruments representing or evidencing Securities Collateral acquired by such Grantor after the date hereof, shall promptly (and in any event within three (3) Business Days) upon receipt thereof by such Grantor be delivered to and held by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent pursuant hereto. All certificated Securities Collateral shall be in suitable form for transfer by delivery or shall be accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent. The Collateral Agent shall have the right, at any time upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default and in connection with the exercise of its remedies hereunder, to endorse, assign or otherwise transfer to or to register in the name of the Collateral Agent or any of its nominees or endorse for negotiation any or all of the Securities Collateral, without any indication that such Securities Collateral is subject to the security interest hereunder. In addition, the Collateral Agent shall have the right with written notice to exchange certificates representing or evidencing Securities Collateral for certificates of smaller or larger denominations, accompanied by instruments of transfer or assignment and letters of direction duly executed in blank.

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          SECTION 3.2. Perfection of Uncertificated Securities Collateral . Each Grantor represents and warrants that the Collateral Agent has a perfected first priority security interest in all uncertificated Pledged Securities pledged by it hereunder that is in existence on the date hereof and that the applicable Organization Documents do not require the consent of the other shareholders, members, partners or other Person to permit the Collateral Agent or its designee to be substituted for the applicable Grantor as a shareholder, member, partner or other equity owner, as applicable, thereto. Each Grantor hereby agrees that if any of the Pledged Securities are at any time not evidenced by certificates of ownership, then each applicable Grantor shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law and upon the request of the Collateral Agent, cause such pledge to be recorded on the equityholder register or the books of the issuer, execute customary pledge forms or other documents necessary or reasonably requested to complete the pledge and give the Collateral Agent the right to transfer such Pledged Securities under the terms hereof and, if requested by the Collateral Agent, provide to the Collateral Agent an opinion of counsel, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, confirming such pledge and perfection thereof.
          SECTION 3.3. Financing Statements and Other Filings; Maintenance of Perfected Security Interest . Each Grantor represents and warrants that the only filings, registrations and recordings necessary and appropriate to perfect the security interest granted by each Grantor to the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of the Credit Parties) pursuant to this Security Agreement in respect of the Collateral are listed on Schedule II hereto. Each Grantor represents and warrants that all such filings, registrations and recordings have been delivered to the Collateral Agent in completed and, to the extent necessary or appropriate, duly executed form for filing in each governmental, municipal or other office specified in Schedule II . Each Grantor agrees that at the sole cost and expense of the Grantors, (i) such Grantor will maintain the security interest created by this Security Agreement in the Collateral as a perfected first priority security interest and shall defend such security interest against the claims and demands of all Persons (other than with respect to Permitted Encumbrances), (ii) such Grantor shall furnish to the Collateral Agent from time to time statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Collateral and such other reports in connection with the Collateral as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, all in reasonable detail and (iii) at any time and from time to time, upon the written request of the Collateral Agent, such Grantor shall promptly and duly execute and deliver, and file and have recorded, such further instruments and documents and take such further action as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, including the filing of any financing statements, continuation statements and other documents (including this Security Agreement) under the UCC (or other applicable Laws) in effect in any jurisdiction with respect to the security interest created hereby and the execution and delivery of Control Agreements, all in form reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and in such offices (including, without limitation, the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office) wherever required by applicable Law in each case to perfect, continue and maintain a valid, enforceable, first priority security interest in the Collateral as provided herein and to preserve the other rights and interests granted to the Collateral Agent hereunder, as against the Grantors and third parties (other than with respect to Permitted Encumbrances), with respect to the Collateral.

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          SECTION 3.4. Other Actions . In order to further evidence the attachment, perfection and priority of, and the ability of the Collateral Agent to enforce, the Collateral Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, each Grantor represents, warrants and agrees, in each case at such Grantor’s own expense, with respect to the following Collateral that:
     (a) Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper . As of the date hereof (i) no amount payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral is evidenced by any Instrument or Tangible Chattel Paper other than such Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper listed in Section III. D. of the Perfection Certificate and (ii) each Instrument and each item of Tangible Chattel Paper listed in Section III. D. of the Perfection Certificate, to the extent requested by the Collateral Agent, has been properly endorsed, assigned and delivered to the Collateral Agent, accompanied by instruments of transfer or assignment and letters of direction duly executed in blank. If any amount payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral shall be evidenced by any Instrument or Tangible Chattel Paper, the Grantor acquiring such Instrument or Tangible Chattel Paper shall forthwith endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Collateral Agent, accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request from time to time.
     (b) Investment Property . (i) As of the date hereof (1) it has no Securities Accounts other than those listed in Section III.B. of the Perfection Certificate, (2) it does not hold, own or have any interest in any certificated securities or uncertificated securities other than those constituting Pledged Securities with respect to which the Collateral Agent has a perfected first priority security interest in such Pledged Securities, and (3) it has entered into a duly authorized, executed and delivered Securities Account Control Agreement with respect to each Securities Account listed in Section III.B. of the Perfection Certificate with respect to which the Collateral Agent has a perfected first priority security interest in such Securities Accounts by Control.
          (ii) If any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any certificated securities, other than any securities of any CFC not required to be pledged hereunder, such Grantor shall promptly (a) notify the Collateral Agent thereof and endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Collateral Agent, accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent or (b) deliver such securities into a Securities Account with respect to which a Securities Account Control Agreement is in effect in favor of the Collateral Agent. If any securities now or hereafter acquired by any Grantor, other than any securities of any CFC not required to be pledged hereunder, are uncertificated, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent thereof and pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, either (a) grant Control to the Collateral Agent and 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, (b) cause a security entitlement with respect to such uncertificated security to be held in a Securities Account with respect to which the Collateral Agent has Control

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or (c) arrange for the Collateral Agent to become the registered owner of the securities. Grantor shall not hereafter make a deposit in any Securities Account with any Securities Intermediary unless (1) the applicable Grantor shall have given the Collateral Agent ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice of its intention to make such deposit and (2) such Securities Intermediary and such Grantor shall have duly executed and delivered a Control Agreement with respect to such Securities Account. Each Grantor shall accept any cash and Investment Property which are proceeds of the Pledged Interests in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and promptly upon receipt thereof, deposit any cash received by it into an account in which the Collateral Agent has Control, or with respect to any Investment Properties or additional securities, take such actions as required above with respect to such securities. The Collateral Agent agrees with each Grantor that the Collateral Agent shall not give any entitlement orders or instructions or directions to any issuer of uncertificated securities or Securities Intermediary, and shall not withhold its consent to the exercise of any withdrawal or dealing rights by such Grantor, unless a Cash Dominion Event has occurred and is continuing. No Grantor shall grant control over any Pledged Securities to any Person other than the Collateral Agent.
          (iii) As between the Collateral Agent and the Grantors, the Grantors shall bear the investment risk with respect to the Investment Property and Pledged Securities, and the risk of loss of, damage to, or the destruction of the Investment Property and Pledged Securities, whether in the possession of, or maintained as a security entitlement or deposit by, or subject to the control of, the Collateral Agent, a Securities Intermediary, any Grantor or any other Person; provided , however , that nothing contained in this SECTION 3.4(b) shall release or relieve any Securities Intermediary of its duties and obligations to the Grantors or any other Person under any Control Agreement or under applicable Law. Each Grantor shall promptly, as and when due, pay all Claims and fees of whatever kind or nature with respect to the Pledged Securities pledged by it under this Security Agreement. In the event any Grantor shall fail to make such payment contemplated in the immediately preceding sentence, the Collateral Agent may do so for the account of such Grantor and the Grantors shall promptly reimburse and indemnify the Collateral Agent for all costs and expenses incurred by the Collateral Agent under this SECTION 3.4(b) and under SECTION 8.3 hereof.
     (c) Electronic Chattel Paper and Transferable Records . As of the date hereof no amount payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral is evidenced by 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). If any amount payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral shall be evidenced by any Electronic Chattel Paper or any transferable record, the Grantor acquiring such Electronic Chattel Paper or transferable record shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent thereof and shall take such action as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request to vest in the Collateral Agent control under UCC Section 9-105 of such Electronic Chattel Paper or control under Section 201 of the Federal Electronic

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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.
     (d) If any Loan Party is a beneficiary under a Letter of Credit issued in favor of such Loan Party (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any Letter of Credit issued pursuant to the Credit Agreement), such Loan Party shall, at the request of the Collateral Agent, 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, and to pay to the Collateral Agent, the proceeds of, any drawing under the Letter of Credit or (ii) arrange for the Collateral Agent to become the 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 applied as provided in the Credit Agreement.
     (e) If any Loan Party hereafter holds any Commercial Tort Claim(s), such Loan Party shall, at the request of the Collateral Agent, grant to the Collateral Agent in such writing a security interest therein and in the Proceeds thereof, with such writing to be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.
          SECTION 3.5. Supplements; Further Assurances . Each Grantor shall take such further actions, and execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such additional assignments, agreements, supplements, powers and instruments, as the Collateral Agent may in its reasonable judgment deem necessary or appropriate, wherever required by Law, in order to perfect, preserve and protect the security interest in the Collateral as provided herein and the rights and interests granted to the Collateral Agent hereunder, to carry into effect the purposes hereof or better to assure and confirm unto the Collateral Agent or permit the Collateral Agent to exercise and enforce its rights, powers and remedies hereunder with respect to any Collateral. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent may institute and maintain, in its own name or in the name of any Grantor, such suits and proceedings as the Collateral Agent may be advised by counsel shall be necessary or expedient to prevent any impairment of the security interest in or the perfection thereof in the Collateral. All of the foregoing shall be at the sole cost and expense of the Grantors. The Grantors and the Collateral Agent acknowledge that this Security Agreement is intended to grant to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Credit

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Parties a security interest in and Lien upon the Collateral and shall not constitute or create a present assignment of any of the Collateral.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS
          In addition to, and without limitation of, each of the representations, warranties and covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, each Grantor represents, warrants and covenants as follows:
          SECTION 4.1. Limitation on Liens . Each Grantor is as of the date hereof, and, as to Pledged Interests acquired by it from time to time after the date hereof, such Grantor will be, the sole direct and beneficial owner of all such Pledged Interests free from any Lien or other right, title or interest of any Person other than the Liens and security interest created by this Security Agreement and Permitted Encumbrances.
          SECTION 4.2. Chief Executive Office; Change of Name; Jurisdiction of Organization . (a) The exact legal name, type of organization, jurisdiction of organization, federal taxpayer identification number, organizational identification number and chief executive office of such Grantor is indicated next to its name in Sections I.A. and I.B. of the Perfection Certificate. Such Grantor shall furnish to the Collateral Agent prompt written notice of any change in (i) its corporate name, (ii) the location of its chief executive office, (iii) its identity or type of organization or corporate structure, (iv) its federal taxpayer identification number or organizational identification number or (v) its jurisdiction of organization (in each case, including, without limitation, by merging with or into any other entity, reorganizing, dissolving, liquidating, reincorporating or incorporating in any other jurisdiction). Such Grantor agrees (A) not to effect or permit any such change unless all filings have been made under the UCC or otherwise that are required in order for the Collateral Agent to continue, following such change, to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest in all the Collateral of the type, scope and priority that it had before such change and (B) to take all action reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent to maintain the perfection and priority of the security interest of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Credit Parties in the Collateral intended to be granted hereunder. Each Grantor agrees to promptly provide the Collateral Agent with certified Organization Documents reflecting any of the changes described in the preceding sentence.
          (b) The Collateral Agent may rely on opinions of counsel as to whether any or all UCC financing statements of the Grantors need to be amended as a result of any of the changes described in SECTION 4.2(a). If any Grantor fails to provide information to the Collateral Agent about such changes on a timely basis, the Collateral Agent shall not be liable or responsible to any party for any failure to maintain a perfected security interest in such Grantor’s property constituting Collateral, for which the Collateral Agent needed to have information

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relating to such changes. The Collateral Agent shall have no duty to inquire about such changes if any Grantor does not inform the Collateral Agent of such changes, the parties acknowledging and agreeing that it would not be feasible or practical for the Collateral Agent to search for information on such changes if such information is not provided by any Grantor.
          SECTION 4.3. Due Authorization and Issuance . All of the Pledged Interests have been, and to the extent any Pledged Interests are hereafter issued, such shares or other equity interests will be, upon such issuance, duly authorized, validly issued and, to the extent applicable, fully paid and non-assessable. All of the Pledged Interests have been fully paid for, and there is no amount or other obligation owing by any Grantor to any issuer of the Pledged Interests in exchange for or in connection with the issuance of the Pledged Interests or any Grantor’s status as a partner or a member of any issuer of the Pledged Interests.
          SECTION 4.4. Consents, etc . Following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, if the Collateral Agent desires to exercise any remedies, voting or consensual rights or attorney-in-fact powers set forth in this Security Agreement and determines it necessary to obtain any approvals or consents of any Governmental Authority or any other Person therefor, then, upon the reasonable request of the Collateral Agent, such Grantor agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to assist and aid the Collateral Agent to obtain as soon as commercially practicable any necessary approvals or consents for the exercise of any such remedies, rights and powers.
          SECTION 4.5. Insurance . Such Grantor shall maintain or shall cause to be maintained such insurance as is required pursuant to Section 6.07 of the Credit Agreement. Each Grantor hereby 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), exercisable only after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, for the purpose of making, settling and adjusting claims in respect of the 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 in part relating thereto, the Collateral Agent may, without waiving or releasing any obligation or liability of the Grantors hereunder or any Default or 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 SECTION 4.5, 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 Secured Obligations secured hereby.

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ARTICLE V
CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING SECURITIES COLLATERAL
          SECTION 5.1. Pledge of Additional Securities Collateral . Each Grantor shall, upon obtaining any Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes of any Person required to be pledged hereunder, accept the same in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and forthwith deliver to the Collateral Agent a pledge amendment, duly executed by such Grantor, in substantially the form of Exhibit 1 annexed hereto (each, a “ Pledge Amendment ”), and the certificates and other documents required under SECTION 3.1 and SECTION 3.2 hereof in respect of the additional Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes which are to be pledged pursuant to this Security Agreement, and confirming the attachment of the Lien hereby created on and in respect of such additional Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes. Each Grantor hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to attach each Pledge Amendment to this Security Agreement and agrees that all Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes listed on any Pledge Amendment delivered to the Collateral Agent shall for all purposes hereunder be considered Collateral.
          SECTION 5.2. Voting Rights; Distributions; etc .
     (a) So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Grantor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Securities Collateral or any part thereof for any purpose not inconsistent with the terms or purposes hereof, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document evidencing the Secured Obligations. The Collateral Agent shall be deemed without further action or formality to have granted to each Grantor all necessary consents relating to voting rights and shall, if necessary, upon written request of any Grantor and at the sole cost and expense of the Grantors, from time to time execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to such Grantor all such instruments as such Grantor may reasonably request in order to permit such Grantor to exercise the voting and other rights which it is entitled to exercise pursuant to this SECTION 5.2(a).
     (b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, all rights of each Grantor to exercise the voting and other consensual rights it would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to SECTION 5.2(a) hereof without any action, other than, in the case of any Securities Collateral, or the giving of any notice shall immediately cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Collateral Agent, which shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise such voting and other consensual rights; provided that the Collateral Agent shall have the right, in its sole discretion, from time to time following the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default to permit such Grantor to exercise such rights under SECTION 5.2(a). After such Event of Default is no longer continuing, each Grantor shall have the right to

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exercise the voting, managerial and other consensual rights and powers that it would otherwise be entitled to pursuant to SECTION 5.2(a) hereof.
     (c) Each Grantor shall be entitled to receive and retain, and to utilize free and clear of the Lien hereof, any and all Distributions, but only if and to the extent made in accordance with, and to the extent permitted by, the provisions of the Credit Agreement; provided , however , that any and all such Distributions consisting of rights or interests in the form of securities shall be forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent to hold as Collateral and shall, if received by any Grantor, be received in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent, be segregated from the other property or funds of such Grantor and be forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent as Collateral in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement). The Collateral Agent shall, if necessary, upon written request of any Grantor and at the sole cost and expense of the Grantors, from time to time execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to such Grantor all such instruments as such Grantor may reasonably request in order to permit such Grantor to receive the Distributions which it is authorized to receive and retain pursuant to this SECTION 5.2(c).
     (d) Each Grantor shall, at its sole cost and expense, from time to time execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent appropriate instruments as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request in order to permit the Collateral Agent to exercise the voting and other rights which it may be entitled to exercise pursuant to SECTION 5.2(b) hereof and to receive all Distributions which it may be entitled to receive under SECTION 5.2(c) hereof.
     (e) All Distributions which are received by any Grantor contrary to the provisions of SECTION 5.2(b) hereof shall be received in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent, shall be segregated from other funds of such Grantor and shall immediately be paid over to the Collateral Agent as Collateral in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement).
          SECTION 5.3. Evidence of Pledged Interests . As of the date hereof, there are no other certificates or other writings that represent an ownership interest in the entities whose shares constitute Pledged Interests other than the stock certificates, if any, delivered to the Collateral Agent.
          SECTION 5.4. Certain Agreements of Grantors As Issuers and Holders of Equity Interests .
     (a) In the case of each Grantor which is an issuer of Securities Collateral, such Grantor agrees to be bound by the terms of this Security Agreement relating to the Securities Collateral issued by it and will comply with such terms insofar as such terms are applicable to it.

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     (b) In the case of each Grantor which is a partner in a partnership, limited liability company or other entity, such Grantor hereby consents to the extent required by the applicable Organization Documents to the pledge by each other Grantor, pursuant to the terms hereof, of the Pledged Interests in such partnership, limited liability company or other entity and, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to the transfer of such Pledged Interests to the Collateral Agent or its nominee and to the substitution of the Collateral Agent or its nominee as a substituted partner or member in such partnership, limited liability company or other entity with all the rights, powers and duties of a general partner or a limited partner or member, as the case may be.
ARTICLE VI
CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY COLLATERAL
          SECTION 6.1. Grant of License . Without limiting the rights of Collateral Agent as the holder of a Lien on the Intellectual Property Collateral, for the purpose of enabling the Collateral Agent, during the continuance of an Event of Default, to exercise rights and remedies under ARTICLE IX hereof at such time as the Collateral Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, and for no other purpose, each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, to the extent assignable, an irrevocable, non-exclusive license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to such Grantor) to use, assign, license or sublicense any of the Intellectual Property Collateral now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, wherever the same may be located, including in such license access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer programs used for the compilation or printout hereof.
          SECTION 6.2. Protection of Collateral Agent’s Security . Each Grantor shall maintain, preserve and protect all of its material Intellectual Property necessary in the operation of its business, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or could not reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the ability of such Grantor or the Collateral Agent to dispose of the Collateral.
          SECTION 6.3. After-Acquired Property . If any Grantor shall, at any time before this Security Agreement shall have been terminated in accordance with SECTION 8.5(a), (i) obtain any rights to any additional Intellectual Property Collateral or (ii) become entitled to the benefit of any additional Intellectual Property Collateral or any renewal or extension thereof, including any reissue, division, continuation, or continuation-in-part of any Intellectual Property Collateral, or any improvement on any Intellectual Property Collateral, the provisions hereof shall automatically apply thereto and any such item enumerated in clause (i) or (ii) of this SECTION 6.3 with respect to such Grantor shall automatically constitute Intellectual Property Collateral if such would have constituted Intellectual Property Collateral at the time of execution

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hereof and be subject to the Lien and security interest created by this Security Agreement without further action by any party. With respect to any federally registered Intellectual Property Collateral, each Grantor shall promptly (a) provide to the Collateral Agent written notice of any of the foregoing and (b) confirm the attachment of the Lien and security interest created by this Security Agreement to any rights described in clauses (i) and (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence of this SECTION 6.3 by execution of an instrument in form reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent.
          SECTION 6.4. Modifications . Each Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent to modify this Security Agreement by amending Section IV of the Perfection Certificate to include any Intellectual Property Collateral acquired or arising after the date hereof of such Grantor including, without limitation, any of the items listed in SECTION 6.3 hereof.
          SECTION 6.5. Litigation . Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Collateral Agent shall have the right but shall in no way be obligated to file applications for protection of the Intellectual Property Collateral and/or bring suit in the name of any Grantor, the Collateral Agent or the other Credit Parties to enforce the Intellectual Property Collateral and any license thereunder. In the event of such suit, each Grantor shall, at the reasonable request of the Collateral Agent, do any and all lawful acts and execute any and all documents requested by the Collateral Agent in aid of such enforcement and the Grantors shall promptly reimburse and indemnify the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, for all costs and expenses incurred by the Collateral Agent in the exercise of its rights under this SECTION 6.5 in accordance with SECTION 8.3 hereof.
ARTICLE VII
REMEDIES
          SECTION 7.1. Remedies . Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default the Collateral Agent may, and at the direction of the Required Lenders, shall, from time to time in respect of the Collateral, in addition to the other rights and remedies provided for herein, under applicable Law or otherwise available to it:
     (a) Personally, or by agents or attorneys, immediately take possession of the Collateral or any part thereof, from any Grantor or any other Person who then has possession of any part thereof with or without notice or process of law, and for that purpose may enter upon any Grantor’s premises where any of the Collateral is located, remove such Collateral, remain present at such premises to receive copies of all communications and remittances relating to the Collateral and use in connection with such removal and possession any and all services, supplies, aids and other facilities of any Grantor;

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     (b) Demand, sue for, collect or receive any money or property at any time payable or receivable in respect of the Collateral including, without limitation, instructing the obligor or obligors on any agreement, instrument or other obligation constituting part of the Collateral to make any payment required by the terms of such agreement, instrument or other obligation directly to the Collateral Agent, and in connection with any of the foregoing, compromise, settle, extend the time for payment and make other modifications with respect thereto; provided , however , that in the event that any such payments are made directly to any Grantor, prior to receipt by any such obligor of such instruction, such Grantor shall segregate all amounts received pursuant thereto in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and shall promptly pay such amounts to the Collateral Agent;
     (c) Sell, assign, grant a license to use or otherwise liquidate, or direct any Grantor to sell, assign, grant a license to use or otherwise liquidate, any and all investments made in whole or in part with the Collateral or any part thereof, and take possession of the proceeds of any such sale, assignment, license or liquidation;
     (d) Take possession of the Collateral or any part thereof, by directing any Grantor in writing to deliver the same to the Collateral Agent at any place or places so designated by the Collateral Agent, in which event such Grantor shall at its own expense: (A) forthwith cause the same to be moved to the place or places designated by the Collateral Agent and therewith delivered to the Collateral Agent, (B) store and keep any Collateral so delivered to the Collateral Agent at such place or places pending further action by the Collateral Agent and (C) while the Collateral shall be so stored and kept, provide such security and maintenance services as shall be necessary to protect the same and to preserve and maintain them in good condition. Each Grantor’s obligation to deliver the Collateral as contemplated in this SECTION 7.1 is of the essence hereof. Upon application to a court of equity having jurisdiction, the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to a decree requiring specific performance by any Grantor of such obligation;
     (e) Withdraw all moneys, instruments, securities and other property in any bank, financial securities, deposit or other account of any Grantor constituting Collateral for application to the Secured Obligations;
     (f) Retain and apply the Distributions to the Secured Obligations as provided in Article V hereof;
     (g) Exercise any and all rights as beneficial and legal owner of the Collateral, including, without limitation, perfecting assignment of and exercising any and all voting, consensual and other rights and powers with respect to any Collateral; and
     (h) Exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC, and the Collateral Agent may also in its sole discretion, without notice except as specified in SECTION 7.2 hereof, sell, assign or grant a license to use the Collateral or any part

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thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any exchange, broker’s board or at any of the Collateral Agent’s offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit or for future delivery, and at such price or prices and upon such other terms as the Collateral Agent may deem commercially reasonable. The Collateral Agent or any other Credit Party or any of their respective Affiliates may be the purchaser, licensee, assignee or recipient of any or all of the Collateral at any such sale and shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the Collateral sold, assigned or licensed at such sale, to use and apply any of the Secured Obligations owed to such Person as a credit on account of the purchase price of any Collateral payable by such Person at such sale. Each purchaser, assignee, licensee or recipient at any such sale shall acquire the property sold, assigned or licensed absolutely free from any claim or right on the part of any Grantor, and each Grantor hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, all rights of redemption, stay and/or appraisal which it 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 not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given. The Collateral Agent may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned. To the fullest extent permitted by Law, each Grantor hereby waives any claims against the Collateral Agent arising by reason of the fact that the price at which any Collateral may have been sold, assigned or licensed at such a private sale was less than the price which might have been obtained at a public sale, even if the Collateral Agent accepts the first offer received and does not offer such Collateral to more than one offeree.
          SECTION 7.2. Notice of Sale . Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that, to the extent notice of sale or other disposition of Collateral shall be required by applicable Law and unless the Collateral is perishable or threatens to decline speedily in value, or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market (in which event the Collateral Agent shall provide such Grantor such advance notice as may be practicable under the circumstances), ten (10) days’ prior notice to such Grantor of the time and place of any public sale or of the time after which any private sale or other intended disposition is to take place shall be commercially reasonable notification of such matters. No notification need be given to any Grantor if it has signed, after the occurrence of an Event of Default, a statement renouncing or modifying (as permitted under Law) any right to notification of sale or other intended disposition.
          SECTION 7.3. Waiver of Notice and Claims . Each Grantor hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, notice or judicial hearing in connection with the Collateral Agent’s taking possession or the Collateral Agent’s disposition of any of the Collateral, including, without limitation, any and all prior notice and hearing for any prejudgment remedy or remedies and any such right which such Grantor would otherwise have under law, and each Grantor hereby further waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law: (i) all damages occasioned by such taking of possession, (ii) all other requirements as to the time, place and terms of sale or other requirements with respect to the enforcement of the

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Collateral Agent’s rights hereunder and (iii) all rights of redemption, appraisal, valuation, stay, extension or moratorium now or hereafter in force under any applicable Law. The Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any incorrect or improper payment made pursuant to this Article VIII in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Any sale of, or the grant of options to purchase, or any other realization upon, any Collateral shall operate to divest all right, title, interest, claim and demand, either at law or in equity, of the applicable Grantor therein and thereto, and shall be a perpetual bar both at law and in equity against such Grantor and against any and all Persons claiming or attempting to claim the Collateral so sold, optioned or realized upon, or any part thereof, from, through or under such Grantor.
          SECTION 7.4. Certain Sales of Collateral .
     (a) Each Grantor recognizes that, by reason of certain prohibitions contained in law, rules, regulations or orders of any Governmental Authority, the Collateral Agent may be compelled, with respect to any sale of all or any part of the Collateral, to limit purchasers to those who meet the requirements of such Governmental Authority. Each Grantor acknowledges that any such sales may be at prices and on terms less favorable to the Collateral Agent than those obtainable through a public sale without such restrictions, and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such restricted sale shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner and that, except as may be required by applicable Law, the Collateral Agent shall have no obligation to engage in public sales.
     (b) Each Grantor recognizes that, by reason of certain prohibitions contained in the Securities Act, and applicable state securities Laws, the Collateral Agent may be compelled, with respect to any sale of all or any part of the Securities Collateral and Investment Property, to limit purchasers to Persons who will agree, among other things, to acquire such Securities Collateral or Investment Property for their own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Each Grantor acknowledges that any such private sales may be at prices and on terms less favorable to the Collateral Agent than those obtainable through a public sale without such restrictions (including, without limitation, a public offering made pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act), and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such private sale shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner and that the Collateral Agent shall have no obligation to engage in public sales and no obligation to delay the sale of any Securities Collateral or Investment Property for the period of time necessary to permit the issuer thereof to register it for a form of public sale requiring registration under the Securities Act or under applicable state securities Laws, even if such issuer would agree to do so.
     (c) If the Collateral Agent determines to exercise its right to sell any or all of the Securities Collateral or Investment Property, upon written request, the applicable Grantor shall from time to time furnish to the Collateral Agent all such information as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request in order to determine the number of securities

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included in the Securities Collateral or Investment Property which may be sold by the Collateral Agent as exempt transactions under the Securities Act and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, as the same are from time to time in effect.
     (d) Each Grantor further agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in this SECTION 7.4 will cause irreparable injury to the Collateral Agent and the other Credit Parties, that the Collateral Agent and the other Credit Parties have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breach and, as a consequence, that each and every covenant contained in this SECTION 7.4 shall be specifically enforceable against such Grantor, and such Grantor hereby waives and agrees not to assert any defenses against an action for specific performance of such covenants except for a defense that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
          SECTION 7.5. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies .
     (a) No failure on the part of the Collateral Agent to exercise, no course of dealing with respect to, and no delay on the part of the Collateral Agent in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy; nor shall the Collateral Agent be required to look first to, enforce or exhaust any other security, collateral or guaranties. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.
     (b) In the event that the Collateral Agent shall have instituted any proceeding to enforce any right, power or remedy under this Security Agreement by foreclosure, sale, entry or otherwise, and such proceeding shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason or shall have been determined adversely to the Collateral Agent, then and in every such case, the Grantors, the Collateral Agent and each other Credit Party shall be restored to their respective former positions and rights hereunder with respect to the Collateral, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Collateral Agent and the other Credit Parties shall continue as if no such proceeding had been instituted.
          SECTION 7.6. Certain Additional Actions Regarding Intellectual Property . If any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, upon the written demand of Collateral Agent, each Grantor shall execute and deliver to Collateral Agent an assignment or assignments of the registered Patents, Trademarks and/or Copyrights and such other documents as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the intent and purposes hereof to the extent such assignment does not result in any loss of rights therein under applicable Law. Within five (5) Business Days of written notice thereafter from Collateral Agent, each Grantor shall make available to Collateral Agent, to the extent within such Grantor’s power and authority, such personnel in such Grantor’s employ on the date of the Event of Default as Collateral Agent may reasonably designate to permit such Grantor to continue, directly or indirectly, to produce,

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advertise and sell the products and services sold by such Grantor under the registered Patents, Trademarks and/or Copyrights, and such Persons shall be available to perform their prior functions on Collateral Agent’s behalf.
          SECTION 7.7. Application of Proceeds . The proceeds received by the Collateral Agent in respect of any sale of, collection from or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral pursuant to the exercise by the Collateral Agent of its remedies shall be applied, together with any other sums then held by the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Security Agreement, in accordance with and as set forth in Section 8.03 of the Credit Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
          SECTION 8.1. Concerning Collateral Agent .
     (a) The Collateral Agent has been appointed as collateral agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement. The actions of the Collateral Agent hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement. The Collateral Agent shall have the right hereunder to make demands, to give notices, to exercise or refrain from exercising any rights, and to take or refrain from taking action (including, without limitation, the release or substitution of the Collateral), in accordance with this Security Agreement and the Credit Agreement. The Collateral Agent may employ agents and attorneys-in-fact in connection herewith and shall not be liable for the negligence or misconduct of any such agents or attorneys-in-fact. The Collateral Agent may resign and a successor Collateral Agent may be appointed in the manner provided in the Credit Agreement. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Collateral Agent by a successor Collateral Agent, that successor Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Collateral Agent under this Security Agreement, and the retiring Collateral Agent shall thereupon be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Security Agreement. After any retiring Collateral Agent’s resignation, the provisions hereof shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it under this Security Agreement while it was the Collateral Agent.
     (b) The Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of the Collateral in its possession if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equivalent to that which the Collateral Agent, in its individual capacity, accords its own property consisting of similar instruments or interests, it being understood that neither the Collateral Agent nor any of the other Credit Parties shall have responsibility for, without limitation (i) ascertaining or taking action with respect to calls, conversions, exchanges, maturities, tenders or other matters relating

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to any Securities Collateral, whether or not the Collateral Agent or any other Credit Party has or is deemed to have knowledge of such matters or (ii) taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any Person with respect to any Collateral.
     (c) The Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any written notice, statement, certificate, order or other document or any telephone message believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person, and, with respect to all matters pertaining to this Security Agreement and its duties hereunder, upon advice of counsel selected by it.
     (d) If any item of Collateral also constitutes collateral granted to Collateral Agent under any other deed of trust, mortgage, security agreement, pledge or instrument of any type, in the event of any conflict between the provisions hereof and the provisions of such other deed of trust, mortgage, security agreement, pledge or instrument of any type in respect of such collateral, Collateral Agent, in its sole discretion, shall select which provision or provisions shall control.
          SECTION 8.2. Collateral Agent May Perform; Collateral Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact . If any Grantor shall fail to perform any covenants contained in this Security Agreement or in the Credit Agreement (including, without limitation, such Grantor’s covenants to (i) pay the premiums in respect of all required insurance policies hereunder, (ii) pay Claims, (iii) make repairs, (iv) discharge Liens or (v) pay or perform any other obligations of such Grantor with respect to any Collateral) or if any warranty on the part of any Grantor contained herein shall be breached, the Collateral Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) do the same or cause it to be done or remedy any such breach, and may expend funds for such purpose; provided , however , that Collateral Agent shall in no event be bound to inquire into the validity of any tax, lien, imposition or other obligation which such Grantor fails to pay or perform as and when required hereby. Any and all amounts so expended by the Collateral Agent shall be paid by the Grantors in accordance with the provisions of SECTION 8.3 hereof. Neither the provisions of this SECTION 8.2 nor any action taken by Collateral Agent pursuant to the provisions of this SECTION 8.2 shall prevent any such failure to observe any covenant contained in this Security Agreement nor any breach of warranty from constituting an Event of Default. Each Grantor hereby appoints the Collateral Agent its attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Grantor and in the name of such Grantor, or otherwise, from time to time after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default in the Collateral Agent’s discretion to take any action and to execute any instrument consistent with the terms of the Credit Agreement and the other Security Documents which the Collateral Agent may deem necessary to accomplish the purposes hereof. The foregoing grant of authority is a power of attorney coupled with an interest and such appointment shall be irrevocable for the term hereof. Each Grantor hereby ratifies all that such attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

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          SECTION 8.3. Expenses . Each Grantor will upon demand pay to the Collateral Agent the amount of any and all amounts required to be paid pursuant to Section 10.04 of the Credit Agreement.
          SECTION 8.4. Continuing Security Interest; Assignment . This Agreement shall create a continuing security interest in the Collateral and shall (i) be binding upon the Grantors, their respective successors and assigns, and (ii) inure, together with the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent hereunder, to the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the other Credit Parties and each of their respective successors, transferees and assigns. No other Persons (including, without limitation, any other creditor of any Grantor) shall have any interest herein or any right or benefit with respect hereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (ii), any Credit Party may assign or otherwise transfer any indebtedness held by it secured by this Agreement to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all the benefits in respect thereof granted to such Credit Party, herein or otherwise, subject, however, to the provisions of the Credit Agreement.
          SECTION 8.5. Termination; Release .
     (a) This Security Agreement, the Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent (for the benefit of itself and the other Credit Parties) and all other security interests granted hereby shall terminate with respect to all Secured Obligations when (i) the Commitments shall have expired or been terminated, (ii) the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees and other Secured Obligations shall have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash, other than such obligations that by their terms continue after the termination of the Credit Agreement, (iii) all Letters of Credit (as defined in the Credit Agreement) shall have (A) expired or terminated and have been reduced to zero, (B) been Cash Collateralized to the extent required by the Credit Agreement, or (C) been supported by another letter of credit in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent, and (iv) all Unreimbursed Amounts shall have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash, provided , however , that in connection with the termination of this Security Agreement, the Collateral Agent may require such indemnities as it shall reasonably deem necessary or appropriate to protect the Credit Parties against (x) loss on account of credits previously applied to the Secured Obligations that may subsequently be reversed or revoked, (y) any obligations that may thereafter arise with respect to the Other Liabilities, and (z) any Secured Obligations that may thereafter arise under Section 10.04 of the Credit Agreement.
     (b) The Collateral shall be released from the Lien of this Security Agreement in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement. Upon termination hereof or any release of Collateral in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement, the Collateral Agent shall, upon the request and at the sole cost and expense of the Grantors, assign, transfer and deliver to the Grantors, against receipt and without recourse to or warranty by the Collateral Agent, such of the Collateral to be released (in the case of a release) or all of the Collateral (in the case of termination of this Security Agreement) as

26


 

may be in possession of the Collateral Agent and as shall not have been sold or otherwise applied pursuant to the terms hereof, and, with respect to any other Collateral, proper documents and instruments (including UCC-3 termination statements or releases) acknowledging the termination hereof or the release of such Collateral, as the case may be.
     (c) At any time that the respective Grantor desires that the Collateral Agent take any action described in clause (b) of this SECTION 8.5, such Grantor shall, upon request of the Collateral Agent, deliver to the Collateral Agent an officer’s certificate certifying that the release of the respective Collateral is permitted pursuant to clause (a) or (b) of this SECTION 8.5. The Collateral Agent shall have no liability whatsoever to any other Credit Party as the result of any release of Collateral by it as permitted (or which the Collateral Agent in good faith believes to be permitted) by this SECTION 8.5.
          SECTION 8.6. Modification in Writing . No amendment, modification, supplement, termination or waiver of or to any provision hereof, nor consent to any departure by any Grantor therefrom, shall be effective unless the same shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and unless in writing and signed by the Collateral Agent and the Grantors. Any amendment, modification or supplement of or to any provision hereof, any waiver of any provision hereof and any consent to any departure by any Grantor from the terms of any provision hereof shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which made or given. Except where notice is specifically required by this Security Agreement or any other document evidencing the Secured Obligations, no notice to or demand on any Grantor in any case shall entitle any Grantor to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
          SECTION 8.7. Notices . Unless otherwise provided herein or in the Credit Agreement, any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be given in the manner and become effective as set forth in the Credit Agreement, as to any Grantor, addressed to it at the address of the Lead Borrower set forth in the Credit Agreement and as to the Collateral Agent, addressed to it at the address set forth in the Credit Agreement, or in each case at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties hereto complying as to delivery with the terms of this SECTION 8.7.
          SECTION 8.8. GOVERNING LAW . THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
          SECTION 8.9. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .
          (a) EACH GRANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION

27


 

OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING THEREIN, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH GRANTOR 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 COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH GRANTOR 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 SECURITY AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ANY CREDIT PARTY MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST ANY GRANTOR OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.
          (b) EACH GRANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SECTION. EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
          (c) EACH GRANTOR AGREES THAT ANY ACTION COMMENCED BY ANY GRANTOR ASSERTING ANY CLAIM OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT SOLELY IN A COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING THEREIN AS THE COLLATERAL AGENT MAY ELECT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION AND CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH ACTION.
          (d) EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 8.7 . NOTHING IN THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
          (e) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY

28


 

HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY AND WHETHER INITIATED BY OR AGAINST ANY SUCH PERSON OR IN WHICH ANY SUCH PERSON IS JOINED AS A PARTY LITIGANT). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON 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 SECURITY AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
          SECTION 8.10. Severability of Provisions . Any provision hereof 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 or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
          SECTION 8.11. Execution in Counterparts; Effectiveness .
          This Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Security Agreement by telecopy, pdf or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Security Agreement.
          SECTION 8.12. No Release . Nothing set forth in this Security Agreement shall relieve any Grantor from the performance of any term, covenant, condition or agreement on such Grantor’s part to be performed or observed under or in respect of any of the Collateral or from any liability to any Person under or in respect of any of the Collateral or shall impose any obligation on the Collateral Agent or any other Credit Party to perform or observe any such term, covenant, condition or agreement on such Grantor’s part to be so performed or observed or shall impose any liability on the Collateral Agent or any other Credit Party for any act or omission on the part of such Grantor relating thereto or for any breach of any representation or warranty on the part of such Grantor contained in this Security Agreement, the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or under or in respect of the Collateral or made in connection herewith or therewith. The obligations of each Grantor contained in this SECTION 8.12 shall survive the termination hereof and the discharge of such Grantor’s other obligations under this Security Agreement, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
          SECTION 8.13. Obligations Absolute . All obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:

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     (i) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment, composition, liquidation or the like of any Grantor;
     (ii) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;
     (iii) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Secured Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;
     (iv) any pledge, exchange, release or non-perfection of any other collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to any departure from any guarantee, for all or any of the Secured Obligations;
     (v) any exercise, non-exercise or waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege under or in respect hereof, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document except as specifically set forth in a waiver granted pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 8.6 hereof; or
     (vi) any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Grantor (other than the termination of this Security Agreement in accordance with SECTION 8.5(a) hereof).
[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantors and the Collateral Agent have caused this Security Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.
         
    BIG 5 CORP. , as a Grantor
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ Barry D. Emerson
 
       
 
  Name:   Barry D. Emerson
 
  Title:   Senior V.P. and CFO
 
       
    BIG 5 SERVICES CORP. , as a Grantor
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ Barry D. Emerson
 
       
 
  Name:   Barry D. Emerson
 
  Title:   Senior V.P. and CFO
 
       
    BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION , as a Grantor
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ Barry D. Emerson
 
       
 
  Name:   Barry D. Emerson
 
  Title:   Senior V.P. and CFO
Signature Page to Security Agreement

 


 

         
    WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as Collateral Agent
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ David C. Lipkin
 
       
 
  Name:   David C. Lipkin
 
  Title:   Senior Vice President
Signature Page to Security Agreement

 


 

EXHIBIT 1
[Form of]
SECURITIES PLEDGE AMENDMENT
          This Securities Pledge Amendment, dated as of ___, is delivered pursuant to SECTION 5.1 of that certain Security Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Security Agreement ;” capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Security Agreement), dated as of October 18, 2010, made by (i) BIG 5 CORP., as lead borrower for itself and the other Borrowers (the “ Lead Borrower ”), (ii) THE BORROWERS party thereto from time to time (together with the Lead Borrower, the “ Borrowers ”, and (iii) THE GUARANTORS party thereto from time to time (the “ Guarantors ”), as pledgors, assignors and debtors (the Borrowers, together with the Guarantors, in such capacities and together with any successors in such capacities, the “ Grantors ,” and each, a “ Grantor ”), in favor of WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, having an office at One Boston Place, 18 th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, in its capacity as collateral agent for the Credit Parties, as pledgee, assignee and secured party (in such capacities and together with any successors in such capacities, the “ Collateral Agent ”). The undersigned hereby agrees that this Securities Pledge Amendment may be attached to the Security Agreement and that the Pledged Securities and/or Intercompany Notes listed on this Securities Pledge Amendment shall be deemed to be and shall become part of the Collateral and shall secure all Secured Obligations.

 


 

PLEDGED SECURITIES
                     
                NUMBER OF   PERCENTAGE OF
    CLASS           SHARES   ALL ISSUED CAPITAL
    OF STOCK   PAR   CERTIFICATE   OR   OR OTHER EQUITY
ISSUER   OR INTERESTS   VALUE   NO(S).   INTERESTS   INTERESTS OF ISSUER
                     

 


 

INTERCOMPANY NOTES
                 
    PRINCIPAL   DATE OF   INTEREST   MATURITY
ISSUER   AMOUNT   ISSUANCE   RATE   DATE
                 
         
    [_____________________________],
    as Grantor
 
  By:    
 
       
 
      Name:
 
      Title:
AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Collateral Agent
         
By:
       
 
       
 
  Name:    
 
  Title:    

 


 

SCHEDULE I
Intercompany Notes
None.

 


 

SCHEDULE II
Filings, Registrations and Recordings
1.   Uniform Commercial Code Filings
     
Grantor/Debtor   Jurisdiction/Agency
 
   
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation
  Secretary of State of Delaware
 
   
Big 5 Corp.
  Secretary of State of Delaware
 
   
Big 5 Services Corp.
  Virginia State Corporation Commission
2.   Recordation of Trademark Assignment with the United States Patent and Trademark Office

 


 

SCHEDULE III
Pledged Interests
                                                 
                    # of           % of   Certificate No.
            Type of   Shares   Total Shares   Interest   (if uncertificated,
Grantor   Issuer   Organization   Owned   Outstanding   Pledged   please indicate so)
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation
  Big 5 Corp.   Corporation   1,000     1,000     100       3  
 
                                               
Big 5 Corp.
  5 Services Corp.   Corporation      100        100     100       1  

 

Exhibit 10.3
GUARANTY
      GUARANTY (this “ Guaranty ”), dated as of October 18, 2010, by BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION , a Delaware corporation (the “ Guarantor ”) in favor of (a) WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below), (b) WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION , as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ Collateral Agent ”) for its own benefit and the benefit of the other Credit Parties, and (c) the Credit Parties.
W I T N E S S E T H
     WHEREAS, reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2010 (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated hereafter, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among, among others, (i) Big 5 Corp. (the “ Lead Borrower ”), (ii) the other Borrowers party thereto, (iii) the Administrative Agent, (iv) the Collateral Agent, and (v) the Lenders party thereto (the “ Lenders ”). Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
     WHEREAS, the Lenders have agreed to make Loans to the Borrowers, and the L/C Issuer has agreed to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrowers, pursuant to, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions specified in, the Credit Agreement.
     WHEREAS, the Guarantor is the owner of 100% of the Equity Interests in the Lead Borrower, and acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the availability of the credit facility provided for in the Credit Agreement, from the making of the Loans by the Lenders, and the issuance of the Letters of Credit by the L/C Issuer.
     WHEREAS, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the L/C Issuer to issue Letters of Credit are each conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery by the Guarantor of a guaranty in the form hereof. As consideration therefor, and in order to induce the Lenders to make Loans and the L/C Issuer to issue Letters of Credit, the Guarantor is willing to execute this Guaranty.
     Accordingly, the Guarantor hereby agrees as follows:
     SECTION 1. Guaranty . The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally guaranties, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, the due and punctual payment when due (whether at the stated maturity, by required prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) and performance by the Borrowers of all Obligations (collectively, the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”), including all such Guaranteed Obligations which shall become due but for the operation of the Bankruptcy Code. The Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice to or further assent from it, and that it will remain bound upon this Guaranty notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.
     SECTION 2. Guaranteed Obligations Not Affected . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the Guarantor waives presentment to, demand of payment from, and protest to, any Loan Party of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, and also waives notice of acceptance of this Guaranty, notice of protest for nonpayment and all other notices of any kind. To the fullest

 


 

extent permitted by applicable Law, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (a) the failure of any Agent or any other Credit Party to assert any claim or demand or to enforce or exercise any right or remedy against any Loan Party under the provisions of the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or otherwise or against any other party with respect to any of the Guaranteed Obligations, (b) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any release from, any of the terms or provisions of this Guaranty, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, with respect to any Loan Party or with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations, (c) the failure to perfect any security interest in, or the release of, any of the Collateral held by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent or any other Credit Party, or (d) the lack of legal existence of any Loan Party or legal obligation to discharge any of the Guaranteed Obligations by any Loan Party for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, in any insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Loan Party.
     SECTION 3. Security . The Guarantor hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Collateral Agent and each of the other Credit Parties may (a) take and hold security for the payment of this Guaranty and the Guaranteed Obligations and exchange, enforce, waive and release any such security, (b) apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as they in their sole discretion may determine, and (c) release or substitute any one or more endorsees, the Borrowers, other guarantors or other obligors, in each case without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of the Guarantor hereunder.
     SECTION 4. Guaranty of Payment . The Guarantor further agrees that this Guaranty constitutes a guaranty of payment and performance when due of all Guaranteed Obligations and not of collection and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, waives any right to require that any resort be had by the Collateral Agent or any other Credit Party to any of the Collateral or other security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations or to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of any Agent or any other Credit Party in favor of any Loan Party or any other Person or to any other guarantor of all or part of the Guaranteed Obligations. Any payment required to be made by the Guarantor hereunder may be required by any Agent or any other Credit Party on any number of occasions and shall be payable to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Agents and the other Credit Parties, in the manner provided in the Credit Agreement.
     SECTION 5. Indemnification . Without limiting any of its indemnification obligations under the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and without duplication of any indemnification provided for under the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents, the Guarantor shall indemnify the Credit Parties and each of their Subsidiaries and Affiliates, and each of their respective stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, and advisors (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee ”), against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all damages, actual out-of-pocket losses, claims, actions, causes of action, settlement payments, obligations, liabilities and related expenses, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred, suffered, sustained or required to be paid by, or asserted against, any Indemnitee arising out of, in any way connected with, or as a result of, (i) the execution or delivery of this Guaranty, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the performance by the Guarantor of its obligations thereunder, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any other transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or (ii) any actual or

 


 

prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to or arising from any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided , however , such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by a Borrower or any other Loan Party against an Indemnitee for intentional breach of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if the Borrowers or such Loan Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
     SECTION 6. No Discharge or Diminishment of Guaranty . The obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations), including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, 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 Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Guaranteed Obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of any Agent or any other Credit Party to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under this Guaranty, the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any provision of any thereof, by any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations, or by any other act or omission that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of the Guarantor or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of the Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations).
     SECTION 7. Defenses of Loan Parties Waived . To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the Guarantor waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any Loan Party or the unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of any Loan Party, other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations. The Guarantor hereby acknowledges that the Agents and the other Credit 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 Guaranteed Obligations, make any other accommodation with any Loan Party, or exercise any other right or remedy available to them against any Loan Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of the Guarantor hereunder except to the extent that the Guaranteed Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash. Pursuant to, and to the extent permitted by, applicable Law, the Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election and waives any benefit of and right to participate in any such foreclosure action, 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 the Guarantor against any Loan Party, as the case may be, or any security. The Guarantor agrees that it shall not assert any claim in competition with any Agent or any other Credit Party in respect of any payment made hereunder in any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, or any other proceeding.

 


 

     SECTION 8. Agreement to Pay; Subordination. In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right that the Agents or any other Credit Party has at law or in equity against the Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of any Loan Party to pay any Guaranteed Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice of prepayment or otherwise, the Guarantor hereby promises to and will forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, to the Agents or such other Credit Party as designated thereby in cash the amount of such unpaid Guaranteed Obligations. Upon payment by the Guarantor of any sums to any Agent or any other Credit Party as provided above, all rights of the Guarantor against any Loan Party arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior indefeasible payment in full in cash of all the Guaranteed Obligations. In addition, any indebtedness of the Borrowers or any other Loan Party now or hereafter held by the Guarantor is hereby subordinated in right of payment to the prior indefeasible payment in full in cash of all of the Guaranteed Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrowers or any other Loan Party may make payments to the Guarantor on account of any such indebtedness. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Guarantor will not demand, sue for, or otherwise attempt to collect any such indebtedness until the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations, termination or expiration of the Commitments, and termination of the L/C Issuer’s obligation to issue Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement. If any amount shall erroneously be paid to the Guarantor on account of (a) such subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar right or (b) any such indebtedness of any Loan Party, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Credit Parties and shall forthwith be paid to the Administrative Agent to be credited against the payment of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.
     SECTION 9. Limitation on Guaranty of Guaranteed Obligations . In any action or proceeding with respect to the Guarantor involving any state corporate law, the Bankruptcy Code or any other state or federal bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law affecting the rights of creditors generally, if the obligations of the Guarantor under SECTION 1 hereof would otherwise be held or determined to be void, invalid or unenforceable, or subordinated to the claims of any other creditors, on account of the amount of its liability under said SECTION 1, then, notwithstanding any other provision hereof to the contrary, the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by the Guarantor, any Credit Party, any Agent or any other Person, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount which is valid and enforceable and not subordinated to the claims of other creditors as determined in such action or proceeding.
     SECTION 10. Information. The Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of each Loan Party’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that the Guarantor assumes and incurs hereunder, and agrees that none of the Agents or the other Credit Parties will have any duty to advise the Guarantor of information known to it or any of them regarding such circumstances or risks.
     SECTION 11. Termination . This Guaranty (a) shall terminate when (i) the Commitments shall have expired or been terminated, (ii) the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees and other Guaranteed Obligations shall have been paid in full (other than contingent

 


 

indemnification obligations for which no claim has been asserted), (iii) all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated or been cash collateralized or backstopped by a letter of credit reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer to the extent provided in the Credit Agreement, and (iv) all L/C Obligations shall have been paid in full, and (b) shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of any Guaranteed Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Credit Party or the Guarantor upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of any Loan Party or otherwise.
     SECTION 12. Costs of Enforcement . Without limiting any of its obligations under the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and without duplication of any fees or expenses provided for under the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents, the Guarantor agrees to pay on demand all Credit Party Expenses in connection with (i) the negotiation, documentation or amendment of this Guaranty, and (ii) any Agent’s or any other Credit Party’s efforts to collect and/or to enforce any of the Guaranteed Obligations of the Guarantor hereunder and/or to enforce any of the rights, remedies, or powers of any Agent or any other Credit Party against or in respect of the Guarantor (whether or not suit is instituted by or against any Agent or any other Credit Party).
     SECTION 13. Binding Effect; Several Agreement; Assignments. Whenever in this Guaranty any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the successors and assigns of such party, and all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of the Guarantor that are contained in this Guaranty shall bind and inure to the benefit of each of the Guarantor and its successors and assigns. This Guaranty shall be binding upon the Guarantor and its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Agents and the other Credit Parties, and their respective successors and assigns as permitted under the Credit Agreement, except that the Guarantor shall not have the right to assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein (and any such attempted assignment or transfer shall be void), except as expressly permitted by this Guaranty or the Credit Agreement.

 


 

     SECTION 14. Waivers; Amendment.
     (a) The rights, remedies, powers, privileges, and discretions of the Agents hereunder and under applicable Law (herein, the “ Agents’ Rights and Remedies ”) shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which they would otherwise have. No delay or omission by the Agents in exercising or enforcing any of the Agents’ Rights and Remedies shall operate as, or constitute, a waiver thereof. No waiver by the Agents of any Event of Default or of any default under any other agreement shall operate as a waiver of any other default hereunder or under any other agreement. No single or partial exercise of any of the Agents’ Rights or Remedies, and no express or implied agreement or transaction of whatever nature entered into between the Agents and any Person, at any time, shall preclude the other or further exercise of the Agents’ Rights and Remedies. No waiver by the Agents of any of the Agents’ Rights and Remedies on any one occasion shall be deemed a waiver on any subsequent occasion, nor shall it be deemed a continuing waiver. The Agents’ Rights and Remedies may be exercised at such time or times and in such order of preference as the Agents may determine. The Agents’ Rights and Remedies may be exercised without resort or regard to any other source of satisfaction of the Guaranteed Obligations. No waiver of any provisions of this Guaranty or any other Loan Document or consent to any departure by the Guarantor therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) below, 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 the Guarantor in any case shall entitle the Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.
     (b) Neither this Guaranty nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to a written agreement entered into between the Agents and the Guarantor, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 10.01 of the Credit Agreement.
     SECTION 15. Copies and Facsimiles . This instrument and all documents which have been or may be hereinafter furnished by the Guarantor to any of the Agents may be reproduced by the Agents by any photographic, microfilm, xerographic, digital imaging, or other process. Any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding (whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made in the regular course of business). Any facsimile or other electronic transmission which bears proof of transmission shall be binding on the party which or on whose behalf such transmission was initiated and likewise so admissible in evidence as if the original of such facsimile or other electronic transmission had been delivered to the party which or on whose behalf such transmission was received.
     SECTION 16. Governing Law. THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
     SECTION 17. Notices. All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in Section 10.02 of the

 


 

Credit Agreement, provided that communications and notices to the Guarantor may be delivered to the Lead Borrower on behalf of the Guarantor.
     SECTION 18. Survival of Agreement; Severability.
     (a) All covenants, agreements, indemnities, representations and warranties made by the Guarantor herein and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Guaranty, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Agents and the other Credit Parties and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Guaranty, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the making of any Loans by the Lenders and the issuance of any Letters of Credit by the L/C Issuer, regardless of any investigation made by any Agent or any other Credit Party or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or other Credit Party may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended, and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated as provided in SECTION 11 hereof. The provisions of SECTION 5 and SECTION 12 hereof shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the repayment of the Guaranteed Obligations, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Guaranty or any provision hereof.
     (b) Any provision of this Guaranty 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 19. Rules of Interpretation. The rules of interpretation specified in Sections 1.02 through 1.05 of the Credit Agreement shall be applicable to this Guaranty.

 


 

     SECTION 20. Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.
     (a) The Guarantor agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this Guaranty or any other Loan Document may be brought in the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County or any federal court sitting therein, as the Agents may elect in their sole discretion, and consents to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. The Guarantor hereby waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit or any such court or that such suit is brought in an inconvenient forum and 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 Guaranty shall affect any right that the Agents or any other Credit Party may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Guaranty against the Guarantor or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
     (b) The Guarantor agrees that any action commenced by the Guarantor asserting any claim or counterclaim arising under or in connection with this Guaranty or any other Loan Document shall be brought solely in a court of the State of New York sitting in New York County or any federal court sitting therein, as the Agents may elect in their sole discretion, and consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts with respect to any such action.
     (c) The Guarantor irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in SECTION 17. Nothing in this Guaranty or any other Loan Document will affect the right of the Agents to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
     SECTION 21. Waiver of Jury Trial. THE GUARANTOR 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 GUARANTY, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY) AND WAIVES THE RIGHT TO ASSERT ANY SETOFF, COUNTERCLAIM OR CROSS-CLAIM IN RESPECT OF, AND ALL STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS WHICH MAY BE RELEVANT TO, SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING; AND WAIVES DUE DILIGENCE, DEMAND, PRESENTMENT AND PROTEST AND ANY NOTICES THEREOF AS WELL AS NOTICE OF NONPAYMENT. THE GUARANTOR (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY CREDIT PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH CREDIT PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVERS, AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE AGENTS AND THE OTHER CREDIT PARTIES HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THE LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 21.
[ SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS ]

 


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Guarantor has duly executed this Guaranty as of the day and year first above written.
         
GUARANTOR :   BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS CORPORATION
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ Barry D. Emerson
 
       
 
  Name:   Barry D. Emerson
 
  Title:   Senior V.P. and CFO

 

Exhibit 15.1
November 3, 2010
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation
El Segundo, California 90245
We have reviewed, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the unaudited interim financial information of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation and subsidiaries for the periods ended October 3, 2010, and September 27, 2009, as indicated in our report dated November 3, 2010; because we did not perform an audit, we expressed no opinion on that information.
We are aware that our report referred to above, which is included in your Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 3, 2010, is incorporated by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-149730 and 333-104898 on Form S-8.
We also are aware that the aforementioned report, pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, is not considered a part of the Registration Statement prepared or certified by an accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Los Angeles, California

Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Steven G. Miller, certify that:
  1.  
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation;
 
  2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
  3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
  4.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
  c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
  d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
  b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 3, 2010
         
  /s/ 
Steven G. Miller
 
    Steven G. Miller   
    President and Chief Executive Officer   
 

 

Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Barry D. Emerson, certify that:
  1.  
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation;
 
  2.  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
  3.  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
  4.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
  c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
  d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5.  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
  b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 3, 2010
         
  /s/ 
Barry D. Emerson
 
    Barry D. Emerson   
    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer   
 

 

Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
     In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation (the “ Company ”) for the period ending October 3, 2010 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “ Report ”), I, Steven G. Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
   (1)  
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
   (2)  
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
       
/s/ 
Steven G. Miller
   
 
 
Steven G. Miller
   
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
November 3, 2010
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation and will be retained by Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
     In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation (the “ Company ”) for the period ending October 3, 2010 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “ Report ”), I, Barry D. Emerson, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
   (1)  
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
   (2)  
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
       
/s/ 
Barry D. Emerson
   
 
 
Barry D. Emerson
   
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
November 3, 2010
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation and will be retained by Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.