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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2016

Registration No. 333-          


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



Form S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



QVC, Inc.*
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware   5961   23-2414041
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

1200 Wilson Drive
West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380
(484) 701-1000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)



Lawrence R. Hayes, Esq.
QVC, Inc.
1200 Wilson Drive
West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380
(484) 701-1000
(name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)



Copy to:
Renee L. Wilm
Baker Botts L.L.P.
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10112
(212) 408-2500



           Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

          If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  o

          If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  ý

          If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

          If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

          If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  o

          If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  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. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  o   Accelerated filer  o   Non-accelerated filer  ý
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company  o



CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

       
 
Title of each class of
securities to be registered

  Proposed maximum aggregate
offering price

  Amount of
Registration Fee(1)

 

Debt Securities

  $1,500,000,000   $151,050
 

Guarantees of Debt Securities(2)

       
 

Total

  $1,500,000,000   $151,050

 

(1)
Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o) of the rules and regulations under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
(2)
One or more subsidiaries of QVC, Inc. may fully and unconditionally guarantee any series of debt securities of QVC, Inc. Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act, no separate fee is payable with respect to the guarantees of the debt securities being registered.
*
The companies listed on the next page in the Table of Additional Registrants are also included in this Registration Statement as additional Registrants.

           The registrants hereby amend this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrants shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

   


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TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS

Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter
  State of other
jurisdiction of
incorporation or
organization
  Primary Standard
Industrial
Classification code
Number
  I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.
  Address and telephone number of
principal executive office

Affiliate Investment, Inc.

  Delaware   6719   51-0394501   Suite 205A Second Floor
Bancroft Building
3411 Silverside Rd.
Concord Plaza
Wilmington, DE 19810
(302) 478-7451

Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc.

 

Delaware

 
6719
 
52-2009511
 

Suite 205A Second Floor
Bancroft Building
3411 Silverside Rd.
Wilmington, DE 19810
(302) 478-7451

AMI 2, Inc.

 

Delaware

 
6799
 
26-4282165
 

Suite 205 B Bancroft Building
3411 Silverside Rd.
Wilmington, DE 19810
(302) 478-4370

ER Marks, Inc.

 

Delaware

 
6719
 
52-2009512
 

Suite 205 B Bancroft Building
3411 Silverside Rd.
Wilmington, DE 19810
(302) 478-4370

QVC Global Holdings I, Inc.

 

Delaware

 
6719
 
47-3567270
 

1200 Wilson Drive
West Chester, PA 19380
(484) 701-1000

QVC Global Holdings II, Inc.

 

Delaware

 
6719
 
47-3591332
 

1200 Wilson Drive
West Chester, PA 19380
(484) 701-1000

QVC Rocky Mount, Inc.

 

North Carolina

 
4225
 
52-2217907
 

100 QVC Boulevard
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
(252) 467-6600

QVC San Antonio, LLC

 

Texas

 
7389
 
52-1765495
 

9855 Westover Hills Boulevard
San Antonio, TX 78251
(210) 522-4300


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PROSPECTUS

QVC, Inc.

Debt Securities



        We may issue and sell from time to time the debt securities described in this prospectus. This prospectus contains summaries of the general terms of the debt securities. At the time of each offering, we will provide the specific terms of the offering and the debt securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.



         Investing in our debt securities involves risks. You should consider carefully the risk factors referenced on page 7 of this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement or any of the documents we incorporate by reference before making an investment in the offered debt securities.



         Neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these debt securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.



The date of this prospectus is August 10, 2016.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

  1

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

  1

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

  3

QVC, INC. 

  5

RISK FACTORS

  7

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

  8

USE OF PROCEEDS

  9

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

  10

LEGAL MATTERS

  19

EXPERTS

  19

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a "shelf registration statement" that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell from time to time in one or more offerings any combination of the debt securities described in this prospectus. For further information about the debt securities and us, you should refer to our registration statement and its exhibits. The registration statement can be obtained from the SEC as described below under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information." Unless we state otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise, references in this prospectus to "QVC," "the Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to QVC, Inc. and its subsidiaries and consolidated joint ventures.

        This prospectus provides you with a general description of the debt securities we may offer. Each time we use this prospectus to offer debt securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that contains more specific information about the terms of that offering and the debt securities being offered. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information included in our reports and other information filed with the SEC. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

         You should rely only on information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, any written communications from us or any "free writing prospectus" we may authorize to be delivered to you. We have not authorized anyone to provide different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. You should not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered to you is accurate as of any date other than their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. We are not making an offer to sell these debt securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available over the Internet at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Information on the SEC's website or any other website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus and does not constitute part of this prospectus. You may also read and copy any document that we file at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference room and its copy charges.

        We incorporate by reference information into this prospectus, which means that we disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus. Any statement in this prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus shall be automatically modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in a subsequently filed document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or supersedes such prior statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is current as of any date other than the date on the front page of this prospectus.

        We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") (excluding any information furnished under Items 2.02 or 7.01 in any Current Report on Form 8-K) on or after the date of this prospectus and until the termination of this offering.

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        You may also obtain a copy of any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any exhibit specifically incorporated by reference in those documents by writing or telephoning us at the following address and telephone number:

QVC, Inc.
1200 Wilson Drive
West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380
Attn: General Counsel
Telephone: (484) 701-1000

        You will not be charged for any of these documents that you request.

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain statements that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements contained in this prospectus, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference herein are "forward-looking statements" for purposes of these provisions, including any statements regarding our business, product and marketing strategies; international expansion; new service offerings; revenue growth and subscriber trends; the recoverability of our goodwill and other long-lived assets; our projected sources and uses of cash and the anticipated impact of certain contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The following include some but not all of the factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated:

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        In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "outlook," "may," "should," "will" and "would" or similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses we make in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are relevant. Although we believe that our assumptions are reasonable based on information currently available, those assumptions are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control.

        Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this prospectus, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Before you decide to invest in the debt securities, you should be aware that the occurrence of the events described in these risk factors and elsewhere in this prospectus could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

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QVC, INC.

        QVC, Inc. is a retailer of a wide range of consumer products, which are marketed and sold primarily by merchandise-focused televised shopping programs, the Internet and mobile applications.

        In the United States, QVC's live programming is distributed via its nationally televised shopping program 24 hours per day, 364 days per year. Internationally, QVC's program services are based in Germany, the United Kingdom ("U.K."), Italy, Japan, and France.

        In Germany, QVC distributes its program 24 hours per day with 17 hours of live programming. In Japan, QVC distributes live programming 24 hours per day. In the U.K., QVC distributes its program 24 hours per day with 16 hours of live programming. In Italy, QVC distributes programming live for 17 hours per day on satellite and digital terrestrial television and an additional seven hours per day of recorded programming on satellite and seven hours per day of general interest programming on digital terrestrial television. On weekdays, QVC distributes shopping programming in France live for eight hours per day, and distributes an additional 14 hours per day of recorded programming and two hours per day of general interest programming. On weekends, QVC distributes shopping programming in France live for 12 hours per day, and distributes an additional 10 hours per day of recorded programming and two hours per day of general interest programming.

        During the year ended December 31, 2015, QVC began reporting its results based on two operating segments: QVC-U.S. and QVC-International, as a result of the One Q Reorganization Plan ("One Q"). The One Q organizational structure is intended to allow the Company to better leverage its global scale and capabilities, to enhance its competitive position and to create operational efficiencies. Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, QVC began allocating certain additional corporate costs for management reporting purposes, which were historically included in its QVC-U.S. segment, to the QVC-International segment. These management cost allocations are related to certain functions such as merchandising, commerce platforms, information technology, human resources, legal, finance, brand and communications, corporate development and administration that support all of QVC's operations.

        The Company's Japanese operations ("QVC-Japan") are conducted through a joint venture with Mitsui & Co., LTD ("Mitsui") for a television and multimedia retailing service in Japan. QVC-Japan is owned 60% by the Company and 40% by Mitsui. The Company and Mitsui share in all profits and losses based on their respective ownership interests.

        The Company also has a joint venture with CNR Media Group, formerly known as China Broadcasting Corporation, a limited liability company owned by China National Radio ("CNR"). The Company owns a 49% interest in a CNR subsidiary, CNR Home Shopping Co., Ltd. ("CNRS"). CNRS operates a retail business in China through a shopping television channel with an associated website. Effective July 18, 2016, live programming hours were reduced from 17 hours per day to 15 hours per day and recorded programming was increased from 7 hours per day to 9 hours per day. This joint venture is accounted for as an equity method investment recorded as equity in losses of investee in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

        The Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation ("Liberty"), which owns interests in a broad range of digital commerce businesses. The QVC Group common stock (Nasdaq: QVCA and QVCB) is a tracking stock that tracks the assets and liabilities of the QVC Group. The QVC Group tracks the Company, zulily, llc (as of October 1, 2015) and Liberty's 38% equity interest in HSN, Inc., one of the Company's two closest televised shopping competitors, along with cash and certain liabilities. The QVC Group does not represent a separate legal entity; rather, it represents those businesses, assets and liabilities that are attributed to that group.

        On October 1, 2015, Liberty acquired all of the outstanding shares of zulily, inc. ("zulily") (now known as zulily, llc) and QVC declared and paid a dividend to Liberty in the amount of $910 million

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with funds drawn from the Company's credit facility to support Liberty's purchase. zulily is an online retailer offering customers a fun and entertaining shopping experience with a fresh selection of new product styles launched each day for a limited time period. zulily is attributed to the QVC Group and the Company believes that its business is complementary to the Company. zulily is not a part of the results of operations or financial position of QVC presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        QVC engages with CommerceHub, Inc. ("CommerceHub"), which was an approximately 99% owned subsidiary of Liberty prior to the completion of its spinoff from Liberty in July 2016, to handle communications between QVC and certain of its vendors for drop ship sales and returns.

        Liberty's securities are registered under the Exchange Act, and it is therefore required to file periodic and current reports and other materials with the SEC. While such information is available, investors are cautioned that Liberty will not be the issuer of the debt securities and is not otherwise a guarantor or obligor (contingent or otherwise) with respect any debt securities offered under this prospectus, and will not otherwise provide credit support for any debt securities offered under this prospectus. Therefore, you should rely solely on information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement in making your decision with respect to any offering of debt securities under this prospectus.

        Our principal executive offices are located at 1200 Wilson Drive, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380 and our telephone number at that location is (484) 701-1000.

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RISK FACTORS

        An investment in our debt securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement and referred to under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information," including under "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference also contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please read "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements." While these are the risks and uncertainties we believe are most important for you to consider, you should know that they are not the only risks or uncertainties facing us or which may adversely affect our business.

        If any of these risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be adversely affected. When we offer and sell any debt securities pursuant to a prospectus supplement, we may include additional risk factors relevant to that offering in the prospectus supplement.

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RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each period indicated is set forth in the following table:

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended December 31,  
(in millions)
  2016   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011  

Fixed charges:

                                     

Interest expense(1)

    110     209     240     217     236     233  

Estimate of interest within rental expense

    3     6     6     7     9     6  

Total fixed charges

    113     215     246     224     245     239  

Earnings:

                                     

Income before income taxes

    481     1,051     987     986     1,081     954  

Add amortization of capitalized interest

    1     2     2     2     2     2  

Subtotal

    482     1,053     989     988     1,083     956  

Fixed charges per above

    113     215     246     224     245     239  

Less interest capitalized during the period

    (1 )   (1 )   (1 )   (1 )   (2 )   (2 )

Total earnings

    594     1,267     1,234     1,211     1,326     1,193  

Ratios of earnings to fixed charges

    5.3x     5.9x     5.0x     5.4x     5.4x     5.0x  

(1)
Includes the sum of the following: (a) interest expensed and capitalized and (b) amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        Unless we have indicated otherwise in an applicable prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds we receive from any offering of debt securities under this prospectus for our general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, working capital, repayment or reduction of debt, capital expenditures, financing of acquisitions and repurchases and redemptions of securities. Pending any specific application, we may initially invest funds in short-term marketable securities or apply them to the reduction of other short-term indebtedness.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the debt securities covered by this prospectus will be our general unsecured obligations. We will issue senior debt securities under an indenture to be entered into between us and a trustee we will name in the prospectus supplement relating to senior debt securities. We refer to this indenture as the senior indenture. We will issue subordinated debt securities under an indenture to be entered into between us and a trustee we will name in the prospectus supplement relating to subordinated debt securities. We refer to this indenture as the subordinated indenture. We refer to the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture together as the indentures. The indentures will be substantially identical, except for provisions relating to subordination.

        We have summarized material provisions of the indentures and the debt securities below. This summary is not complete. We have filed the forms of indentures with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement, and you should read the indentures for provisions that may be important to you. Please read "Where You Can Find More Information."

        In this summary description of the debt securities, unless we state otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise, all references to "we," "us" or "our" refer to QVC, Inc. only and not to any of its subsidiaries.

General

        Neither indenture limits the amount of debt securities that may be issued under that indenture, and neither limits the amount of other unsecured debt or securities that we may issue. We may issue debt securities under the indentures from time to time in one or more series, each in an amount authorized prior to issuance.

        The senior debt securities will constitute our senior unsecured indebtedness and will rank equally in right of payment with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt and senior in right of payment to all of our subordinated indebtedness. The senior debt securities will be effectively subordinated to, and thus have a junior position to, our secured indebtedness with respect to the assets securing that indebtedness. The subordinated debt securities will rank junior to all of our senior indebtedness and may rank equally with or senior to other subordinated indebtedness we may issue from time to time.

        We currently conduct a significant portion of our business operations through our subsidiaries. As a result, we will rely, in part, on cash flows from these subsidiaries, mainly dividend payments and other distributions, to meet our debt service obligations. Contractual provisions or laws, as well as our subsidiaries' financial condition and operating requirements, may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries that we require to pay our debt service obligations, including payments on the debt securities. In addition, unless the subsidiaries provide a subsidiary guarantee, holders of the debt securities will have a junior position to the claims of creditors, including trade creditors and tort claimants, of our subsidiaries on their assets and earnings.

        If specified in the prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be general obligations of our subsidiaries that execute subsidiary guarantees. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, such subsidiary guarantees will be unsecured obligations.

        Neither indenture contains any covenants or other provisions designed to protect holders of the debt securities in the event we participate in a highly leveraged transaction or upon a change of control. The indentures also do not contain provisions that give holders of the debt securities the right to require us to repurchase their securities in the event of a decline in our credit rating for any reason, including as a result of a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring or otherwise.

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Terms

        The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. These terms will include some or all of the following:

        We may sell the debt securities at a discount, which may be substantial, below their stated principal amount. These debt securities may bear no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below market rates. If we sell these debt securities, we will describe in the prospectus supplement any material United States federal income tax consequences and other special considerations.

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        If we sell any of the debt securities for any foreign currency or currency unit or if payments on the debt securities are payable in any foreign currency or currency unit, we will describe in the prospectus supplement the restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information relating to those debt securities and the foreign currency or currency unit.

Subordination

        Under the subordinated indenture, payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on the subordinated debt securities will generally be subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt (as defined below). Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we may not make any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on the subordinated debt securities if we fail to pay the principal, interest, premium or any other amounts on any Senior Debt when due.

        The subordination does not affect our obligation, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay, when due, the principal of and any premium and interest on the subordinated debt securities. In addition, the subordination does not prevent the occurrence of any default under the subordinated indenture.

        The subordinated indenture does not limit the amount of Senior Debt that we may incur. As a result of the subordination of the subordinated debt securities, if we become insolvent, holders of subordinated debt securities may receive less on a proportionate basis than other creditors.

        Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, "Senior Debt" will mean all of our indebtedness, including guarantees, unless the indebtedness states that it is not senior to the subordinated debt securities or our other junior debt. Senior Debt with respect to a series of subordinated debt securities could include other series of debt securities issued under the subordinated indenture.

Subsidiary Guarantees

        If specified in the prospectus supplement, our payment obligations under any series of the debt securities may be jointly and severally guaranteed by one or more of our subsidiaries. Such guarantees will be full and unconditional. If a series of debt securities is so guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries, the applicable subsidiaries will execute a supplemental indenture or notation of guarantee as further evidence of their guarantee. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any guarantee by our subsidiaries.

        The obligations of each subsidiary under its subsidiary guarantee may be limited to the maximum amount that will not result in such guarantee obligations constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of that subsidiary and any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other subsidiary guarantor in respect of its obligations under its subsidiary guarantee.

        Each indenture may restrict consolidations or mergers with or into a subsidiary guarantor or provide for the release of a subsidiary from a subsidiary guarantee, as set forth in a related prospectus supplement, the applicable indenture and any applicable related supplemental indenture.

        If a series of debt securities is guaranteed by any of our future subsidiaries and is designated as subordinate to our senior debt, then the guarantee by those subsidiaries will be subordinated to such subsidiary's senior debt and will be subordinated to any guarantees by those subsidiaries of our senior debt. See "—Subordination."

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Consolidation, Merger and Sales of Assets

        The indentures generally permit a consolidation or merger involving us. They also permit us to sell, lease, convey, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. We have agreed, however, that we will not consolidate with or merge into any entity or sell, lease, convey, assign, transfer or dispose of all or substantially all of our assets to any entity unless:

        This covenant will not apply to any merger of another entity into us. Upon any transaction of the type described in and effected in accordance with this section, the resulting entity will succeed to and be substituted for us and may exercise all of our rights and powers under the applicable indenture and the debt securities with the same effect as if the resulting entity had been named as us in the indenture. In the case of any asset transfer or disposition other than a lease, when the resulting entity assumes all of our obligations and covenants under the applicable indenture and the debt securities, we will be relieved of all such obligations.

Events of Default

        Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following are events of default with respect to a series of debt securities:

        A default under one series of debt securities will not necessarily be a default under any other series. If a default or event of default for any series of debt securities occurs, is continuing and is known to the trustee, the trustee will notify the holders of applicable debt securities within 90 days after it occurs. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any default or event of default, except in any payment on the debt securities, if the trustee in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the holders of those debt securities.

        If an event of default for any series of debt securities occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series affected by the default (or, in some cases, 25% in principal amount of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may declare the principal of and all accrued and unpaid interest on those debt securities to be due and payable immediately. If an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of our company occurs, the

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principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on all the debt securities issued under the applicable indenture will become immediately due and payable without any action on the part of the trustee or any holder. At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series affected by the default (or, in some cases, of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may in some cases rescind this accelerated payment requirement and its consequences.

        A holder of a debt security of any series issued under an indenture may pursue any remedy under that indenture only if:

        This provision does not, however, affect the right of a holder of a debt security to sue for enforcement of any overdue payment.

        In most cases, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless those holders have offered to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it. Subject to this provision for indemnification, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series (or of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) generally may direct the time, method and place of:

        If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be required to use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of his own affairs.

        The indentures require us to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to our performance of certain of our obligations under the indentures and as to any default in performance.

Modification and Waiver

        We and the trustee may supplement or amend each indenture with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series issued under that indenture that are affected by the amendment or supplement (voting as one class). Without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected, however, no modification may:

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        We and the trustee may supplement or amend each indenture or waive any provision of that indenture without the consent of any holders of debt securities issued under that indenture in certain circumstances, including:

        The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or, in some cases, of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may waive any existing or past default or event of default with respect to those debt securities. Those holders may not, however, waive any default or event of default in any payment on any debt security or compliance with a provision that cannot be amended or supplemented without the consent of each holder affected.

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Defeasance and Discharge

        Defeasance.     When we use the term defeasance, we mean discharge from some or all of our obligations under an indenture. If we deposit with the trustee under an indenture any combination of money or government securities sufficient to make payments on the debt securities of a series issued under that indenture on the dates those payments are due, then, at our option, either of the following will occur:

        If a series of debt securities is defeased, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not be entitled to the benefits of the applicable indenture, except for obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities or maintain paying agencies and hold money for payment in trust. In the case of covenant defeasance, our obligation to pay principal, premium and interest on the debt securities will also survive.

        Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, we will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the debt securities to recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that the holders would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related defeasance had not occurred. If we elect legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.

        Satisfaction and Discharge.     In addition, an indenture will cease to be of further effect with respect to the debt securities of a series issued under that indenture, subject to exceptions relating to compensation and indemnity of the trustee under that indenture and repayment to us of excess money or government securities, when either:

Governing Law

        New York law will govern the indentures and the debt securities.

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The Trustees

        We will name the trustee under the applicable indenture in the prospectus supplement. Each indenture contains limitations on the right of the trustee, if it or any of its affiliates is then our creditor, to obtain payment of claims or to realize on certain property received for any such claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates are permitted to engage in other transactions with us. If, however, the trustee acquires any conflicting interest, it must eliminate that conflict or resign within 90 days after ascertaining that it has a conflicting interest and after the occurrence of a default under the applicable indenture, unless the default has been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated within the 90-day period.

Payment and Paying Agents

        Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we will make payments on the debt securities in U.S. dollars at the office of the trustee and any paying agent. At our option, however, payments may be made by wire transfer for global debt securities or by check mailed to the address of the person entitled to the payment as it appears in the security register. Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we will make interest payments to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the record date for the interest payment.

        Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the trustee under the applicable indenture will be designated as the paying agent for payments on debt securities issued under that indenture. We may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts.

        If the principal of or any premium or interest on debt securities of a series is payable on a day that is not a business day, the payment will be made on the following business day. For these purposes, unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, a "business day" is any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in either of New York, New York or a place of payment on the debt securities of that series is authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.

        Subject to the requirements of any applicable abandoned property laws, the trustee and paying agent will pay to us upon written request any money held by them for payments on the debt securities that remains unclaimed for two years after the date upon which that payment has become due. After payment to us, holders entitled to the money must look to us for payment. In that case, all liability of the trustee or paying agent with respect to that money will cease.

Form, Exchange, Registration and Transfer

        We will issue the debt securities in registered form, without interest coupons. Debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series, the same total principal amount and the same terms but in different authorized denominations in accordance with the applicable indenture. Holders may present debt securities for registration of transfer at the office of the security registrar or any transfer agent designated by us. The security registrar or transfer agent will effect the transfer or exchange if its requirements and the requirements of the applicable indenture are met. We will not charge a service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of the debt securities. We may, however, require payment of any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable for that registration.

        We will appoint the trustee as security registrar for the debt securities. If a prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agents we initially designate, we may at any time rescind that designation or approve a change in the location through which any transfer agent acts. We are required to maintain

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an office or agency for transfers and exchanges in each place of payment. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents for any series of debt securities.

        In the case of any redemption of debt securities of a series or any repurchase of debt securities of a series required under the terms of the series, we will not be required to register the transfer or exchange of:

Book-Entry Debt Securities

        We may issue the debt securities of a series in the form of one or more global debt securities that would be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the prospectus supplement. We may issue global debt securities in either temporary or permanent form. We will describe in the prospectus supplement the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global debt security.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the offered debt securities and other matters in connection with any offering of the debt securities will be passed upon for us by Baker Botts L.L.P., New York, New York, and for the underwriters or agents, if any, by a firm named in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular security.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of QVC, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

        Set forth below is an estimate of the approximate amount of the fees and expenses expected to be incurred by QVC, Inc. in connection with offerings described in this registration statement.

 
  Amount to be Paid  

SEC Registration Fee

  $ 151,050  

Trustee Fees and Expenses

    *  

Printing Expenses

    *  

Accounting Fees and Expenses

    *  

Rating Agency Fees and Expenses

    *  

Legal Fees and Expenses

    *  

Miscellaneous

    *  

Total

  $ *  

*
An estimate of the aggregate amount of these expenses will be reflected in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Item 15.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers

    QVC, Inc.

    Delaware law

        Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("DGCL") provides, generally, that a corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (except actions by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation against all expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A corporation may similarly indemnify such person for expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of any action or suit by or in the right of the corporation, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, in the case of claims, issues and matters as to which such person shall have been adjudged liable to the corporation, provided that a court shall have determined, upon application, that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.

        Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides, generally, that the certificate of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision may not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of Title 8 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. No

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such provision may eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when such provision became effective.

    Restated certificate of incorporation

        Article Six of our restated certificate of incorporation provides as follows:

        No director of the corporation (which shall include any stockholder of the corporation exercising any of the powers or duties otherwise conferred or imposed upon the board of directors by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware) shall be personally liable for monetary damages to the corporation or its stockholders for any breach of fiduciary duty of such director as a director to the full extent permitted pursuant to Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

    Bylaws

        Article VII of our bylaws provides in relevant part (with capitalized terms used but not defined herein having the meanings assigned to them in the bylaws) as follows:

        Section 7-1.    Indemnification.    Subject to Section 7-3 of this Article VII, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who is a Shareholder Director or officer of the Corporation or any Shareholder Director or officer who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (any such person is hereinafter referred to in this Article VII as a "Shareholder Director or officer") against expenses (including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, actually and reasonably incurred by such Shareholder Director or officer ("liabilities"), to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by law in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (as used in this Article VII, "Proceeding" or, in the plural, "Proceedings"), brought or threatened to be brought against such Shareholder Director or officer by reason of the fact that he or she is or was serving in any such capacity or in any other capacity on behalf of the Corporation, its parent or any of its subsidiaries.

        The Board by resolution adopted in each specific instance may similarly indemnify any person other than a Shareholder Director or officer (any such person is hereinafter referred to in this Article VII as an "Other Person") for liabilities incurred by him or her in connection with services rendered by him or her for or at the request of the Corporation, its parent or any of its subsidiaries.

        Section 7-2.    Advances.    Subject to Section 7-3 of this Article VII, expenses (including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees) incurred by any Shareholder Director or officer in defending a Proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding as authorized by the Board in the specific case upon receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such Shareholder Director or officer, to repay such amount without interest if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized by law. Advance expenses (including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees) incurred by Other Persons may be paid if the Board deems appropriate and upon such terms and conditions, including the giving of an undertaking, as the Board deems appropriate.

        Section 7-3.    Actions Initiated Against the Corporation.    Anything in Sections 7-1 or 7-2 of this Article VII to the contrary notwithstanding, with respect to a Proceeding initiated against the Corporation by any person who is or was a Shareholder Director or officer, or by an indemnified person other than a Shareholder Director or officer who is or was adopted by resolution of the Board as an Other Person, the Corporation shall not be required to indemnify or to advance expenses (including attorney's fees) to such Shareholder Director, officer or Other Person in connection with

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prosecuting such Proceeding (or part thereof) or in defending any counterclaim, cross-claim, affirmative defense, or like claim of the Corporation in such Proceeding (or part thereof) unless such Proceeding was authorized by the Board.

        Section 7-4.    Applicability; Survival.    The provisions of Sections 7-1 and 7-2 shall be applicable to all Proceedings commenced before or after the amendment, repeal, or modification of, or adoption of this Article VII, regardless of whether such arise out of acts or omissions which occurred prior or subsequent to such amendment, repeal, modification or adoption, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Shareholder Director or officer (or, where and so long as the Board has authorized indemnification or advancement of expenses to an Other Person in accordance with this Article VII, to an Other Person who has ceased to render services for or at the request of the Corporation its parent or subsidiaries), and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

        Section 7-5.    Insurance.    The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Shareholder Director, officer, or Other Person of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a Shareholder Director, officer, or Other Person of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under law.

        Section 7-6.    Non-Exclusivity.    The indemnification and advancement of the expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VII, shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under these bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested Stockholder Directors, or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

    Indemnification agreements

        We have entered into certain indemnity agreements with certain of our executive officers that require us to indemnify such persons to the fullest extent permitted by law as soon as practicable, but in any event no later than 30 days after written demand is presented to us, against any and all expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such expenses, judgments, fines, penalties or amounts paid in settlement) of such claim. If such person requests, we will also advance (within five business days of such request) any and all expenses related to such claims. The indemnification agreements also set forth certain procedures that will apply in the event of a claim for indemnification and for reimbursement to us if it is found that such person is not entitled to such indemnification under applicable law.

    Affiliate Investment, Inc.; Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc.; AMI 2, Inc.; ER Marks, Inc.; QVC Global Holdings I, Inc.; QVC Global Holdings II, Inc.

    Delaware law

        Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("DGCL") provides, generally, that a corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (except actions by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation against all expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any

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criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A corporation may similarly indemnify such person for expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of any action or suit by or in the right of the corporation, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, in the case of claims, issues and matters as to which such person shall have been adjudged liable to the corporation, provided that a court shall have determined, upon application, that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.

        Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides, generally, that the certificate of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision may not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of Title 8 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. No such provision may eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when such provision became effective.

    Affiliate Investment, Inc.

    Certificate of incorporation

        Article Seven of the certificate of incorporation of Affiliate Investment, Inc. provides as follows:

        A director of the Corporation shall not be liable to the Corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for an act or omission in the director's capacity as a director, except that this provision does not eliminate or limit the liability of a director for (i) a breach of a director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its shareholders; (ii) an act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (iii) a transaction from which a director received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted from an action taken within the scope of the director's office; nor (iv) an act or omission for which the liability of a director is expressly provided for by statute, including § 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Any repeal or amendment of this provision by the shareholders of the Corporation shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any limitation on the liability of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or amendment. In addition to the circumstances in which a director of the Corporation is not liable as set forth in the preceding sentences, a director shall be exonerated from liability to the fullest extent permitted by any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law hereafter enacted that further limits the liability of a director.

    Bylaws

        Section 5 of Article VII of the bylaws of Affiliate Investment, Inc. provides as follows:

        The corporation shall indemnify its officers, directors, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware. With regard to a breach of fiduciary duty by a director, no director shall be personally liable for monetary damages to the corporation or its stockholders to the full extent permitted pursuant to Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

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    Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc.

    Certificate of incorporation

        Article Seven of the certificate of incorporation of Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc. provides as follows:

        No director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty by such director as a director. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, a director shall be liable to the extent provided by applicable law, (i) for breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. No amendment to or repeal of this Article Seventh shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any director of the Corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to such amendment.

    Bylaws

        Section 5 of Article VII of the bylaws of Affiliate Relations Holdings, Inc. provides as follows:

        The corporation shall indemnify its officers, directors, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware. With regard to a breach of fiduciary duty by a director, no director shall be personally liable for monetary damages to the corporation or its stockholders to the full extent permitted pursuant to Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

    AMI 2, Inc.

    Certificate of incorporation

        Article Seven of the certificate of incorporation of AMI 2, Inc. provides as follows:

        No Director of the Corporation shall have any personal liability to the Corporation or its stockholder for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director; provided, however, that nothing herein shall eliminate or limit the liability of a Director: (1) for any breach of the Director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders; (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (3) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or (4) for any transaction from which the Director received an improper benefit.

    Bylaws

        Article VI of the bylaws of AMI 2, Inc. provides as follows:

        Section 6.1.    Right to Indemnification.    The corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "proceeding") by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal representative, is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses reasonably incurred by such person. The corporation shall be required to indemnify a person in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person only if the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the corporation.

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        Section 6.2.    Prepayment of Expenses.    The corporation shall pay the expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that the payment of expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the director or officer to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article or otherwise.

        Section 6.3.    Claims.    If a claim for indemnification or payment of expenses under this Article is not paid in full within sixty days after a written claim therefor has been received by the corporation the claimant may file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such action the corporation shall have the burden of proving that the claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of expenses under applicable law.

        Section 6.4.    Non-Exclusivity of Rights.    The rights conferred on any person by this Article VI shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation, these by-laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

        Section 6.5.    Other Indemnification.    The corporation's obligation, if any, to indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity shall be reduced by any amount such person may collect as indemnification from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit enterprise.

        Section 6.6.    Amendment or Repeal.    Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article VI shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

    ER Marks, Inc.

    Certificate of incorporation

        Article Seven of the certificate of incorporation of ER Marks, Inc. provides as follows:

        No director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty by such director as a director. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, a director shall be liable to the extent provided by applicable law, (i) for breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. No amendment to or repeal of this Article Seventh shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any director of the Corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to such amendment.

    Bylaws

        Section 5 of Article VII of the bylaws of ER Marks, Inc. provides as follows:

        The corporation shall indemnify its officers, directors, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware. With regard to a breach of fiduciary duty by a director, no director shall be personally liable for monetary damages to the corporation or its stockholders to the full extent permitted pursuant to Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

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    QVC Global Holdings I, Inc.

    Certificate of Incorporation

        Article 7 of the certificate of incorporation of QVC Global Holdings I, Inc. provides as follows:

        To the fullest extent permitted by law, a director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or to its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director. No amendment to, modification of or repeal of this paragraph 7 shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any director of the Corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to such amendment.

        Article 8 of the certificate of incorporation of QVC Global Holdings I, Inc. provides as follows:

        The Corporation shall indemnify, advance expenses, and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person (a "Covered Person") who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "Proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys' fees) reasonably incurred by such Covered Person. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except for claims for indemnification (following the final disposition of such Proceeding) or advancement of expenses not paid in full, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify a Covered Person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such Covered Person only if the commencement of such Proceeding (or part thereof) by the Covered Person was authorized in the specific case by the board of directors of the Corporation. Any amendment, repeal or modification of this paragraph 8 shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

    QVC Global Holdings II, Inc.

    Certificate of Incorporation

        Article 7 of the certificate of incorporation of QVC Global Holdings II, Inc. provides as follows:

        To the fullest extent permitted by law, a director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or to its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director. No amendment to, modification of or repeal of this paragraph 7 shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any director of the Corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to such amendment.

        Article 8 of the certificate of incorporation of QVC Global Holdings II, Inc. provides as follows:

        The Corporation shall indemnify, advance expenses, and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person (a "Covered Person") who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "Proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys' fees) reasonably incurred by such Covered Person. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence,

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except for claims for indemnification (following the final disposition of such Proceeding) or advancement of expenses not paid in full, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify a Covered Person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such Covered Person only if the commencement of such Proceeding (or part thereof) by the Covered Person was authorized in the specific case by the board of directors of the Corporation. Any amendment, repeal or modification of this paragraph 8 shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

    QVC Rocky Mount, Inc.

    North Carolina law

        Section 55-8-51 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act ("NCBCA") provides that a corporation may indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because he is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if (1) he conducted himself in good faith; (2) he reasonably believed (a) in the case of conduct in his official capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in its best interests; and (b) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to its best interests; and (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. However, a corporation may not indemnify a director in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the corporation or in connection with any other proceeding charging improper personal benefit to him, whether or not involving action in his official capacity, in which he was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him.

        Section 55-8-52 of the NCBCA provides that unless the Articles of Incorporation state otherwise, requires a corporation to indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party because he is or was a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with the proceeding.

        Additionally, § 55-8-53 of the NCBCA allows a corporation to advance expenses incurred by a director in defending a proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding as authorized by the board of directors in the specific case or as authorized or required under any provision in the articles of incorporation or bylaws or by any applicable resolution or contract upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director to repay such amount unless it shall ultimately be determined that he is entitled to be indemnified by the corporation against such expenses. Section 55-8-56 of the NCBCA provides that a corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee or agent to the same extent as a director.

    Bylaws

        Article VII of the bylaws of QVC Rocky Mount, Inc. provides in relevant part (with capitalized terms used but not defined herein having the meanings assigned to them in the bylaws) as follows:

        Section 7.01.    Right to Indemnification.    Each person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal (hereinafter, a "proceeding" and including without limitation, a proceeding brought by or behalf of the Corporation itself), by reason that he is or was a Director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or as trustee or administrator under an employee benefit plan, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a Director of officer or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent, trustee or administrator, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Act as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any

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such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than the Act permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment) against all expense, liability and loss (including attorney's fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith, and such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to serve in the capacity that initially entitled such person to indemnification hereunder and shall inure to the benefit of his heirs, executors and administrators; provided, however, that the Corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The right to indemnification conferred in this Article VII shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that, if the Act so requires, the payment of expenses incurred by a Director or officer in his capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such person while a director or officer, including without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such Director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that the Director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section or otherwise.

        Section 7.02.    Right of Claimant to Bring Suit.    If a claim under Section 7.01 hereof is not paid in full by the Corporation within 90 days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the Act for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholder) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the act, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

        Section 7.03.    Nonexclusivity of Rights.    The right to indemnification and the advancement and payment of expenses conferred in this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any law (common or statutory), the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, any agreement, the vote of shareholders or disinterested Directors or otherwise.

    QVC San Antonio, LLC

    Texas Law

        Section 101.402 of the Texas Limited Liability Company Act provides that a limited liability company may indemnify a person; pay in advance or reimburse expenses incurred by a person; and purchase or procure or establish and maintain insurance or another arrangement to indemnify or hold harmless a person.

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    Company agreement

        Article IX of the company agreement of QVC San Antonio, LLC provides in relevant part (with capitalized terms used but not defined herein having the meanings assigned to them in the company agreement) as follows:

        9.3    Indemnification.    To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Shareholder, Director, and officer shall be entitled to indemnification from the Company for any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Person by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Person in good faith on behalf of the Company and in a manner reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority conferred on such Person by this Agreement, unless it is finally adjudicated that such loss, damage or claim was incurred by reason of such Person's gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of contract; provided, however, that any indemnity under this Section 9.3 shall be provided out of and to the extent of Company assets only, and no Shareholder shall have any personal liability on account thereof. The indemnification provided by this Section 9.3 shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to serve in the capacity by reason of which the Person was indemnified under this Section with respect to matters arising during the period the Person served in such capacity, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such Person.

        9.4    Advancement of Expenses.    To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Shareholder, Director, or officer in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding (including court costs and attorneys' fees) shall, from time to time, be advanced by the Company prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Company of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in Section 9.3 hereof. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, the Company may pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a Shareholder, Director, or officer in connection with his appearance as a witness or other participation in a proceeding at a time when the Shareholder, Director, or officer is not named a defendant or respondent in the proceeding.

Item 16.     Exhibits

(a)
Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
  Description
  1.1 ** Underwriting Agreement.

 

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of QVC, Inc. dated October 26, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-184501) as filed on October 19, 2012 (the "2012 S-4")).

 

3.2

 

Amended and Restated By-Laws of QVC, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to QVC, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-55409) as filed on October 6, 2015).

 

4.1

*

Form of Senior Indenture.

 

4.2

*

Form of Subordinated Indenture.

 

5.1

*

Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. as to the legality of the debt securities being registered.

 

12.1

*

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (included in the attached prospectus).

 

23.1

*

Consent of KPMG LLP.

 

23.2

*

Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (included in their opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).

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Exhibit
Number
  Description
  24.1 * Power of attorney for each Registrant (included beginning on page II-14).

 

25.1

**

Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the trustee under the Senior Indenture.

 

25.2

**

Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the trustee under the Subordinated Indenture.

*
Filed herewith.

**
The Company will file as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K (i) any underwriting, remarketing or agency agreement relating to debt securities offered hereby, (ii) instruments setting forth the terms of any debt securities, (iii) any additional opinions of counsel with respect to legality of the debt securities offered hereby, (iv) any required opinion of our counsel as to certain tax matters relative to the debt securities offered hereby and (v) the Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the Senior Trustee and Subordinated Trustee on Form T-1.

Item 17.     Undertakings

        (a)   The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

            (1)   To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

                (i)  To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act");

               (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;

              (iii)  To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

               provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

            (2)   That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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            (3)   To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

            (4)   That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:

              (A)  Each prospectus filed by a registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

              (B)  Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however , that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

            (5)   That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, each undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

                (i)  Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

               (ii)  Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

              (iii)  The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

              (iv)  Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

            (6)   Each undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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            (7)   To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

            (8)   Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, each registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Township of West Goshen, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on August 10, 2016.

    QVC, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE

        Name:  Michael A. George
        Title:    President and Chief Executive Officer


Power of attorney

        Each person whose signature appears below appoints Lawrence R. Hayes and Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any Registration Statement (including any amendment thereto) of the type contemplated by Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on August 10, 2016.

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 
/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE

Michael A. George
  President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ THADDEUS J. JASTRZEBSKI

Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski

 

Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ CHRISTOPHER W. SHEAN

Christopher W. Shean

 

Chief Financial Officer of Liberty Interactive, LLC, as the sole member of Liberty QVC Holding, LLC, as Stockholder-Director of QVC, Inc.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, State of Delaware, on August 10, 2016.

    AFFILIATE INVESTMENT, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ ROBERT D. SMITH

        Name:  Robert D. Smith
        Title:    President


Power of attorney

        Each person whose signature appears below appoints Robert D. Smith and Thomas P. Pileggi, as his/her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him/her and in his/her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any Registration Statement (including any amendment thereto) of the type contemplated by Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on August 10, 2016.

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 
/s/ ROBERT D. SMITH

Robert D. Smith
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ THOMAS P. PILEGGI

Thomas P. Pileggi

 

Vice President, Treasurer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ CHARLES J. DURANTE

Charles J. Durante

 

Director

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, State of Delaware, on August 10, 2016.

    AFFILIATE RELATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ ROBERT D. SMITH

        Name:  Robert D. Smith
        Title:    President


Power of attorney

        Each person whose signature appears below appoints Robert D. Smith and Thomas P. Pileggi, as his/her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him/her and in his/her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any Registration Statement (including any amendment thereto) of the type contemplated by Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on August 10, 2016.

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 
/s/ ROBERT D. SMITH

Robert D. Smith
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ THOMAS P. PILEGGI

Thomas P. Pileggi

 

Vice President, Treasurer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ CHARLES J. DURANTE

Charles J. Durante

 

Director

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, State of Delaware, on August 10, 2016.

    AMI 2, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ ROBERT D. SMITH

        Name:  Robert D. Smith
        Title:    President


Power of attorney

        Each person whose signature appears below appoints Robert D. Smith and Thomas P. Pileggi, as his/her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him/her and in his/her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any Registration Statement (including any amendment thereto) of the type contemplated by Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on August 10, 2016.

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 
/s/ ROBERT D. SMITH

Robert D. Smith
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ THOMAS P. PILEGGI

Thomas P. Pileggi

 

Vice President, Treasurer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ CHARLES J. DURANTE

Charles J. Durante

 

Director

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, State of Delaware, on August 10, 2016.

    ER MARKS, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ ROBERT D. SMITH

        Name:  Robert D. Smith
        Title:    President


Power of attorney

        Each person whose signature appears below appoints Robert D. Smith and Thomas P. Pileggi, as his/her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him/her and in his/her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any Registration Statement (including any amendment thereto) of the type contemplated by Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on August 10, 2016.

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 
/s/ ROBERT D. SMITH

Robert D. Smith
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ THOMAS P. PILEGGI

Thomas P. Pileggi

 

Vice President, Treasurer and Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ CHARLES J. DURANTE

Charles J. Durante

 

Director

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Township of West Goshen, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on August 10, 2016.

    QVC ROCKY MOUNT, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE

        Name:  Michael A. George
        Title:    President


Power of attorney

        Each person whose signature appears below appoints Lawrence R. Hayes and Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any Registration Statement (including any amendment thereto) of the type contemplated by Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on August 10, 2016.

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 
/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE

Michael A. George
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ THADDEUS J. JASTRZEBSKI

Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski

 

Executive Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ LAWRENCE R. HAYES

Lawrence R. Hayes

 

Director

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Township of West Goshen, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on August 10, 2016.

    QVC SAN ANTONIO, LLC

 

 

By:

 

/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE

        Name:  Michael A. George
        Title:    President


Power of attorney

        Each person whose signature appears below appoints Lawrence R. Hayes and Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any Registration Statement (including any amendment thereto) of the type contemplated by Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on August 10, 2016.

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 
/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE

Michael A. George
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ THADDEUS J. JASTRZEBSKI

Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski

 

Executive Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ LAWRENCE R. HAYES

Lawrence R. Hayes

 

Director

II-20


Table of Contents


SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, State of Delaware, on August 10, 2016.

    QVC GLOBAL HOLDINGS I, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE

        Name:  Michael A. George
        Title:    President


Power of attorney

        Each person whose signature appears below appoints Lawrence R. Hayes and Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any Registration Statement (including any amendment thereto) of the type contemplated by Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on August 10, 2016.

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 
/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE

Michael A. George
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ THADDEUS J. JASTRZEBSKI

Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski

 

Executive Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ LAWRENCE R. HAYES

Lawrence R. Hayes

 

Director

II-21


Table of Contents


SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, State of Delaware, on August 10, 2016.

    QVC GLOBAL HOLDINGS II, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE

        Name:  Michael A. George
        Title:    President


Power of attorney

        Each person whose signature appears below appoints Lawrence R. Hayes and Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any Registration Statement (including any amendment thereto) of the type contemplated by Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully and for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on August 10, 2016.

Signature
 
Title

 

 

 
/s/ MICHAEL A. GEORGE

Michael A. George
  President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ THADDEUS J. JASTRZEBSKI

Thaddeus J. Jastrzebski

 

Executive Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ LAWRENCE R. HAYES

Lawrence R. Hayes

 

Director

II-22


Table of Contents


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
  Description
  1.1 ** Underwriting Agreement.

 

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of QVC, Inc. dated October 26, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-184501) as filed on October 19, 2012 (the "2012 S-4")).

 

3.2

 

Amended and Restated By-Laws of QVC, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to QVC, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-55409) as filed on October 6, 2015).

 

4.1

*

Form of Senior Indenture.

 

4.2

*

Form of Subordinated Indenture.

 

5.1

*

Opinion of Baker Botts L.L.P. as to the legality of the debt securities being registered.

 

12.1

*

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (included in the attached prospectus).

 

23.1

*

Consent of KPMG LLP.

 

23.2

*

Consent of Baker Botts L.L.P. (included in their opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).

 

24.1

*

Power of attorney for each Registrant (included beginning on page II-14).

 

25.1

**

Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the trustee under the Senior Indenture.

 

25.2

**

Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the trustee under the Subordinated Indenture.

*
Filed herewith.

**
The Company will file as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K (i) any underwriting, remarketing or agency agreement relating to debt securities offered hereby, (ii) instruments setting forth the terms of any debt securities, (iii) any additional opinions of counsel with respect to legality of the debt securities offered hereby, (iv) any required opinion of our counsel as to certain tax matters relative to the debt securities offered hereby and (v) the Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the Senior Trustee and Subordinated Trustee on Form T-1.

II-23




Exhibit 4.1

 

QVC, INC.

 

AND

 

ANY GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO

 


 

SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES

 


 

FORM OF SENIOR INDENTURE

 

Dated as of                   

 


 

                                         ,

 

As Trustee

 



 

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

 

Trust Indenture Act Section

 

Indenture Section

310(a)(1)

 

7.10

(a)(2)

 

7.10

(a)(3)

 

N/A

(a)(4)

 

N/A

(a)(5)

 

7.10

(b)

 

7.08, 7.10

(c)

 

N/A

311(a)

 

7.11

(b)

 

7.11

(c)

 

N/A

312(a)

 

2.07

(b)

 

11.03

(c)

 

11.03

313(a)

 

7.06

(b)(1)

 

7.06

(b)(2)

 

7.06

(c)

 

7.06

(d)

 

7.06

314(a)

 

4.03, 4.04

(b)

 

N/A

(c)(1)

 

11.04

(c)(2)

 

11.04

(c)(3)

 

N/A

(d)

 

N/A

(e)

 

11.05

(f)

 

N/A

315(a)

 

7.01(b)

(b)

 

7.05

(c)

 

7.01(a)

(d)

 

7.01(c)

(e)

 

6.11

316(a)(last sentence)

 

2.08

(a)(1)(A)

 

6.05

(a)(1)(B)

 

6.04

(a)(2)

 

N/A

(b)

 

6.07

317(a)(1)

 

6.08

(a)(2)

 

6.09

(b)

 

2.06

318(a)

 

11.01

(b)

 

N/A

(c)

 

N/A

 


N/A means not applicable.

*                           This Cross-Reference Table is not part of the Indenture.

 

i



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

Article I Definitions and Incorporation by Reference

1

 

 

Section 1.01

Definitions

1

Section 1.02

Other Definitions

4

Section 1.03

Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act

4

Section 1.04

Rules of Construction

4

 

 

 

Article II The Securities

4

 

 

 

Section 2.01

Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series

4

Section 2.02

Denominations

6

Section 2.03

Forms Generally

6

Section 2.04

Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating

7

Section 2.05

Registrar and Paying Agent

8

Section 2.06

Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust

8

Section 2.07

Holder Lists

8

Section 2.08

Transfer and Exchange

8

Section 2.09

Replacement Securities

9

Section 2.10

Outstanding Securities

9

Section 2.11

Original Issue Discount, Foreign-Currency Denominated and Treasury Securities

9

Section 2.12

Temporary Securities

9

Section 2.13

Cancellation

9

Section 2.14

Payments; Defaulted Interest

10

Section 2.15

Persons Deemed Owners

10

Section 2.16

Computation of Interest

10

Section 2.17

Global Securities; Book-Entry Provisions

10

 

 

Article III Redemption

12

 

 

 

Section 3.01

Applicability of Article

12

Section 3.02

Notice to the Trustee

12

Section 3.03

Selection of Securities To Be Redeemed

12

Section 3.04

Notice of Redemption

12

Section 3.05

Effect of Notice of Redemption

13

Section 3.06

Deposit of Redemption Price

13

Section 3.07

Securities Redeemed in Part

13

Section 3.08

Purchase of Securities

13

Section 3.09

Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds

13

Section 3.10

Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities

14

Section 3.11

Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund

14

 

 

 

Article IV Covenants

14

 

 

 

Section 4.01

Payment of Securities

14

Section 4.02

Maintenance of Office or Agency

14

Section 4.03

SEC Reports; Financial Statements

15

Section 4.04

Compliance Certificate

15

Section 4.05

Existence

15

Section 4.06

Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws

15

Section 4.07

Additional Amounts

16

 

 

 

Article V Successors

16

 

 

 

Section 5.01

Limitations on Mergers and Consolidations

16

Section 5.02

Successor Person Substituted

16

 

 

 

Article VI Defaults and Remedies

16

 

 

 

Section 6.01

Events of Default

16

Section 6.02

Acceleration

18

Section 6.03

Other Remedies

18

Section 6.04

Waiver of Defaults

18

 

ii



 

Section 6.05

Control by Majority

18

Section 6.06

Limitations on Suits

19

Section 6.07

Rights of Holders to Receive Payment

19

Section 6.08

Collection Suit by Trustee

19

Section 6.09

Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

19

Section 6.10

Priorities

19

Section 6.11

Undertaking for Costs

20

 

 

 

Article VII

 

20

 

 

 

Section 7.01

Duties of Trustee

20

Section 7.02

Rights of Trustee

21

Section 7.03

May Hold Securities

21

Section 7.04

Trustee’s Disclaimer

21

Section 7.05

Notice of Defaults

22

Section 7.06

Reports by Trustee to Holders

22

Section 7.07

Compensation and Indemnity

22

Section 7.08

Replacement of Trustee

22

Section 7.09

Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.

23

Section 7.10

Eligibility; Disqualification

23

Section 7.11

Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor

24

 

 

 

Article VIII Discharge of Indenture

24

 

 

 

Section 8.01

Termination of the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ Obligations

24

Section 8.02

Application of Trust Money

26

Section 8.03

Repayment to Company or Subsidiary Guarantor

26

Section 8.04

Reinstatement

26

 

 

 

Article IX Supplemental Indentures and Amendments

26

 

 

 

Section 9.01

Without Consent of Holders

26

Section 9.02

With Consent of Holders

27

Section 9.03

Compliance with the Trust Indenture Act

28

Section 9.04

Revocation and Effect of Consents

28

Section 9.05

Notation on or Exchange of Securities

29

Section 9.06

Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.

29

 

 

 

Article X Guarantee

29

 

 

 

Section 10.01

Guarantee

29

Section 10.02

Execution and Delivery of Guarantees

30

Section 10.03

Limitation on Liability of the Subsidiary Guarantors

31

Section 10.04

Release of Subsidiary Guarantors from Guarantee

31

Section 10.05

Contribution

31

 

 

 

Article XI Miscellaneous

31

 

 

 

Section 11.01

Trust Indenture Act Controls

31

Section 11.02

Notices

31

Section 11.03

Communication by Holders with Other Holders

32

Section 11.04

Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent

32

Section 11.05

Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion

33

Section 11.06

Rules by Trustee and Agents

33

Section 11.07

Legal Holidays

33

Section 11.08

No Recourse Against Others

33

Section 11.09

Governing Law

33

Section 11.10

No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements

33

Section 11.11

Successors

33

Section 11.12

Severability

33

Section 11.13

Counterpart Originals

33

Section 11.14

Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

34

 

iii



 

INDENTURE dated as of             is among QVC, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), any Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined herein) party hereto and [            ], a             , as trustee (the “Trustee”).

 

The Company and any Subsidiary Guarantors have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of the Company’s debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness to be issued in one or more series unlimited as to principal amount (herein called the “Securities”), and the related Guarantees (as hereinafter defined), if any, as provided in this Indenture.

 

The Company, Subsidiary Guarantors and Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities:

 

Article I
Definitions and Incorporation by Reference

 

Section 1.01                              Definitions.

 

“Additional Amounts” means any additional amounts required by the express terms of a Security or by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, under circumstances specified therein or pursuant thereto, to be paid by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, with respect to certain taxes, assessments or other governmental charges imposed on certain Holders and that are owing to such Holders.

 

“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” of a Person shall mean the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 

“Agent” means any Registrar or Paying Agent.

 

“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11 of the United States Code or any similar federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.

 

“Board of Directors” means (i) with respect to the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company or its functional equivalent or any authorized committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any directors and/or officers of the Company to whom such Board of Directors or its functional equivalent or such committee shall have duly delegated its authority to act hereunder, and (ii) with respect to a Subsidiary Guarantor, the board of directors or managers, any authorized committee thereof and any directors and/or officers thereof to whom such board of directors or managers or such committee shall have duly delegated its authority to act hereunder and, if such Subsidiary Guarantor is a limited partnership, the references to the Board of Directors shall mean the Board of Directors of the general partner of the Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

“Board Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by such Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

 

“Business Day” means any day that is not a Legal Holiday.

 

“Company” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor Person; provided , however, that for purposes of any provision contained herein which is required by the TIA, “Company” shall also mean each other obligor (if any), other than a Subsidiary Guarantor, on the Securities of a series.

 

“Company Order” means a written request or order signed on behalf of the Company by its Officer and delivered to the Trustee.

 

“Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” means the office of the Trustee located at             , Attention:             , and as may be located at such other address as the Trustee may give notice to the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

“Debt” of any Person at any date means any obligation created or assumed by such Person for the repayment of borrowed money or a purchase obligation, or any guarantee thereof.

 

“Default” means any event, act or condition that is, or after notice or the passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

 

“deliver” or “delivery” means, in the context of certificated Securities, actual physical delivery of the certificated Securities to the relevant Person required hereunder, together with all endorsements, and in the context of Global Securities, the designation on the records of the Depositary of a change in the beneficial interests of a holder in a Global Security.

 

1



 

“Depositary” means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof as the initial Depositary with respect to the Securities of such series, until a successor shall have been appointed and become such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Indenture, and thereafter “Depositary” shall mean or include such successor.

 

“Dollar” or “$” means a dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin or currency of the United States as at the time shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debt.

 

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor statute.

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, as in effect from time to time.

 

“Global Security” means a Security that is issued in global form in the name of the Depositary with respect thereto or its nominee.

 

“Government Obligations” means, with respect to a series of Securities, direct obligations of the government that issues the currency in which the Securities of the series are payable for the payment of which the full faith and credit of such government is pledged, or obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of such government, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by such government.

 

“Guarantee” means the guarantee of the Company’s obligations under the Securities of a series by a Subsidiary Guarantor (specified with respect to such series as contemplated by Section 2.01(9)) as provided in Article X.

 

“Holder” means a Person in whose name a Security is registered.

 

“Indenture” means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time pursuant to the provisions hereof, and includes the terms of a particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 2.01.

 

“interest” means, with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security that by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, interest payable after Maturity, and with respect to a Security, interest on the Security.

 

“Interest Payment Date,” when used with respect to any Security, shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Security as contemplated by Section 2.01.

 

“Issue Date” means, with respect to Securities of a series, the first date on which the Securities of such series are originally issued under this Indenture.

 

“Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in any of The City of New York, New York or a Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.

 

“Maturity” means, with respect to any Security, the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity thereof, or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.

 

“Officer” means with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary or any Vice President of such Person.

 

“Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by any of its Officers.

 

“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. Such counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee.

 

“Original Issue Discount Security” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02.

 

“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or other agency, instrumentality or political subdivision thereof or other entity of any kind.

 

“Place of Payment” means, with respect to the Securities of any series, the place or places where the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of that series are payable as specified in accordance with Section 2.01 subject to the provisions of Section 4.02.

 

“principal” of a Security means the principal of the Security plus, when appropriate, the premium, if any, on the Security.

 

2



 

“Redemption Date” means, with respect to any Security to be redeemed, the date for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

 

“Redemption Price” means, with respect to any Security to be redeemed, the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

 

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

 

“Rule 144A Securities” means Securities of a series designated pursuant to Section 2.01 as entitled to the benefits of Section 4.03(b).

 

“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“Securities” has the meaning stated in the preamble of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

 

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

“Security Custodian” means, with respect to Securities of a series issued in global form, the Trustee for Securities of such series, as custodian with respect to the Securities of such series, or any successor entity thereto.

 

“Significant Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Company that is a “significant subsidiary” of the Company as such term is defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X as in effect on the date hereof.

 

“Stated Maturity” means, when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.

 

“Subsidiary” of any Person means:

 

(1)                   any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of equity interests entitled, without regard to the occurrence of any contingency, to vote in the election of directors, managers, trustees or equivalent Persons thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or any combination thereof; or

 

(2)                   a partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person, (b) the only general partners of which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination thereof) or (c) of which more than 50% of the partners’ equity interests, considering all partners’ equity interests as a single class, is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or any combination thereof.

 

“Subsidiary Guarantors” means, with respect to any series of Securities, the Person or Persons, if any, named in accordance with Section 2.01(9) as the “Subsidiary Guarantors” (i) in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officer’s Certificate or in a Company Order, or (ii) in an indenture supplemental hereto establishing the terms of such series of Securities until a successor Person or Persons shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Subsidiary Guarantors” with respect to such series of Securities shall mean such successor Person or Persons, and any other Subsidiary of the Company who may execute this Indenture, or a supplement thereto, for the purpose of providing a Guarantee for such series of Securities pursuant to this Indenture. If a series of Securities does not have any Subsidiary Guarantors, all references in this Indenture to Subsidiary Guarantors shall be ignored with respect to such series of Securities.

 

“surrender” shall have the same meaning as “deliver” in the context of the surrender of a Security.

 

“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in effect on the date hereof; provided, however , that, in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, “TIA” means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.

 

“Trustee” means the Person named as such above until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” means each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any series means the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

 

“United States” means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia) and its territories and possessions, which include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands.

 

3



 

Section 1.02                              Other Definitions.

 

 

 

Defined

Term

 

in Section

“Agent Members”

 

2.17

“Bankruptcy Custodian”

 

6.01

“covenant defeasance”

 

8.01

“EDGAR”

 

4.03

“Event of Default”

 

6.01

“Exchange Rate”

 

2.11

“Funding Guarantor”

 

10.05

“Judgment Currency”

 

6.10

“legal defeasance”

 

8.01

“mandatory sinking fund payment”

 

3.09

“optional sinking fund payment”

 

3.09

“Paying Agent”

 

2.05

“Registrar”

 

2.05

“Required Currency”

 

6.10

“Successor”

 

5.01

 

Section 1.03                              Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.

 

Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture (and if the Indenture is not qualified under the TIA at that time, as if it were so qualified unless otherwise provided). The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:

 

“Commission” means the SEC.

 

“indenture securities” means the Securities.

 

“indenture security holder” means a Holder.

 

“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture.

 

“indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Trustee.

 

“obligor” on the indenture securities means the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other obligor on the Securities.

 

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

 

Section 1.04                              Rules of Construction.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(1)                   a term has the meaning assigned to it;

 

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

 

(3)                   “or” is not exclusive;

 

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

 

(5)                   provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and

 

(6)                   all references in this instrument to Articles and Sections are references to the corresponding Articles and Sections in and of this instrument.

 

Article II
The Securities

 

Section 2.01                              Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.

 

The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

 

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The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officer’s Certificate or in a Company Order, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series:

 

(1)                                  the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from the Securities of all other series);

 

(2)                                  if there is to be a limit, the limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 2.08, Section 2.09, Section 2.12, Section 2.17, Section 3.07 or Section 9.05 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 2.04 or Section 2.17, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder); provided, however , that unless otherwise provided in the terms of the series, the authorized aggregate principal amount of such series may be increased before or after the issuance of any Securities of the series by a Board Resolution (or action pursuant to a Board Resolution) to such effect;

 

(3)                                  whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable initially in temporary global form and whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable in permanent global form, as Global Securities or otherwise, and, if so, whether beneficial owners of interests in any such Global Security may exchange such interests for Securities of such series and of like tenor of any authorized form and denomination and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may occur, if other than in the manner provided in Section 2.17, and the initial Depositary and Security Custodian, if any, for any Global Security or Securities of such series;

 

(4)                                  the manner in which any interest payable on a temporary Global Security on any Interest Payment Date will be paid if other than in the manner provided in Section 2.14;

 

(5)                                  the date or dates on which the principal of and premium (if any) on the Securities of the series is payable or the method of determination thereof;

 

(6)                                  the rate or rates, or the method of determination thereof, at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, whether and under what circumstances Additional Amounts with respect to such Securities shall be payable, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be payable and the record date for the interest payable on any Securities on any Interest Payment Date, or if other than provided herein, the Person to whom any interest on Securities of the series shall be payable;

 

(7)                                  the place or places where, subject to the provisions of Section 4.02, the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of the series shall be payable;

 

(8)                                  the period or periods within which, the price or prices (whether denominated in cash, securities or otherwise) at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, if the Company is to have that option, and the manner in which the Company must exercise any such option, if different from those set forth herein;

 

(9)                                  whether Securities of the series are entitled to the benefits of any Guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to this Indenture, the identity of any such Subsidiary Guarantors and any terms of such Guarantee with respect to the Securities of the series in addition to those set forth in Article X, or any exceptions to or changes to those set forth in Article X;

 

(10)                           the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, purchase or repay Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period or periods within which the price or prices (whether denominated in cash, securities or otherwise) at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid in whole or in part pursuant to such obligation;

 

(11)                           if other than minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000, the denomination in which any Securities of that series shall be issuable;

 

(12)                           if other than Dollars, the form, including equity securities, other debt securities (including Securities), warrants or any other securities or property of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Person, in which payment of the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of the series shall be payable;

 

(13)                           if the principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of the series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a currency or currencies (including composite currencies) other than that in which the Securities are stated to be payable, the currency or currencies (including composite currencies) in which payment of the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to Securities of such series as to which such election is made shall be payable, and the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made;

 

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(14)                           if the amount of payments of principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of the series may be determined with reference to any commodities, currencies or indices, values, rates or prices or any other index or formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

 

(15)                           if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02;

 

(16)                           any additional means of satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and any additional conditions or limitations to discharge with respect to Securities of the series and the related Guarantees, if any, pursuant to Article VIII or any modifications of or deletions from such conditions or limitations;

 

(17)                           any deletions or modifications of or additions to the Events of Default set forth in Section 6.01 or covenants of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor set forth in Article IV pertaining to the Securities of the series;

 

(18)                           any restrictions or other provisions with respect to the transfer or exchange of Securities of the series, which may amend, supplement, modify or supersede those contained in this Article II;

 

(19)                           if the Securities of the series are to be convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock, other debt securities (including Securities), warrants, other equity securities or any other securities or property of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Person, at the option of the Company or the Holder or upon the occurrence of any condition or event, the terms and conditions for such conversion or exchange;

 

(20)                           whether the Securities of the series are to be entitled to the benefit of Section 4.03(b) (and accordingly constitute Rule 144A Securities); and

 

(21)                           any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be prohibited by the provisions of this Indenture).

 

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above and (subject to Section 2.03) set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officer’s Certificate or Company Order referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.

 

If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action, together with such Board Resolution, shall be set forth in an Officer’s Certificate and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officer’s Certificate or Company Order setting forth the terms of the series.

 

Section 2.02                              Denominations.

 

The Securities of each series shall be issuable in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 2.01. In the absence of any such provisions with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series denominated in Dollars shall be issuable in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

 

Section 2.03                              Forms Generally.

 

The Securities of each series shall be in fully registered form and in substantially such form or forms (including temporary or permanent global form) established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto. The Securities may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, securities exchange rules, the Company’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other similar governing documents, agreements to which the Company is subject, if any, or usage (provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Company). A copy of the Board Resolution establishing the form or forms of Securities of any series shall be delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 2.04 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.

 

The definitive Securities of each series shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the Officer executing such Securities, as evidenced by his or her execution thereof.

 

The Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

 

“This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

[             ], as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory”.

 

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Section 2.04                              Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

 

An Officer of the Company shall sign the Securities on behalf of the Company and, with respect to any related Guarantees, an Officer of each Subsidiary Guarantor shall sign the Notation of Guarantee on behalf of such Subsidiary Guarantor, in each case by manual or facsimile signature.

 

If an Officer of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor whose signature is on a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Security or the Notation of Guarantee, as the case may be, is authenticated, the Security shall be valid nevertheless.

 

A Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or the related Guarantees, if any, or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by the manual signature of an authorized signatory of the Trustee, which signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security has been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company delivers such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 2.13, together with a written statement (which need not comply with Section 11.05 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued and sold by the Company, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture or the related Guarantees, if any.

 

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company (and if applicable, the Notation of Guarantee for such series executed by each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series) to the Trustee for authentication, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver such Securities for original issue upon a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities or pursuant to such procedures acceptable to the Trustee as may be specified from time to time by Company Order. Such order shall specify the amount of the Securities to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Securities is to be authenticated, the name or names of the initial Holder or Holders and any other terms of the Securities of such series not otherwise determined. If provided for in such procedures, such Company Order may authorize (1) authentication and delivery of Securities of such series for original issue from time to time, with certain terms (including, without limitation, the stated Maturity date or dates, original issue date or dates and interest rate or rates) that differ from Security to Security and (2) may authorize authentication and delivery pursuant to oral or electronic instructions from the Company or its duly authorized agent, which instructions shall be promptly confirmed in writing.

 

If the form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established in or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Section 2.01, in authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive (in addition to the Company Order referred to above and the other documents required by Section 11.04), and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon:

 

(a)                                  an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the Board Resolution and, if applicable, an appropriate record of any action taken pursuant thereto, as contemplated by the last paragraph of Section 2.01; and

 

(b)                                  an Opinion of Counsel substantially to the effect that:

 

(i)                                      the form of such Securities has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

(ii)                                   the terms of such Securities have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and

 

(iii)                                that when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, such Securities and the related Guarantees, if any, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively, enforceable against the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively, in accordance with their respective terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer or other similar laws in effect from time to time affecting the rights of creditors generally, and the application of general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

If all the Securities of any series are not to be issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel at the time of issuance of each such Security, but such Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Security of the series to be issued.

 

The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issuance of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture would affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

 

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate Securities. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate Securities whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the

 

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same rights as an Agent to deal with the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

 

Section 2.05                              Registrar and Paying Agent.

 

The Company shall maintain an office or agency for each series of Securities where Securities of such series may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange (“Registrar”) and an office or agency where Securities of such series may be presented for payment (“Paying Agent”). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Securities of such series and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent.

 

The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such Agent. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. If the Company fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Subsidiary may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

 

The Company initially appoints the Trustee as Registrar and Paying Agent.

 

Section 2.06                              Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

 

The Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to Securities and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed. Upon payment over to the Trustee and upon accounting for any funds disbursed, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or another Subsidiary of the Company) shall have no further liability for the money. If the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or another Subsidiary of the Company acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Each Paying Agent shall otherwise comply with TIA § 317(b).

 

Section 2.07                              Holder Lists.

 

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar with respect to a series of Securities, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee at least five Business Days before each Interest Payment Date with respect to such series of Securities, and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Holders of such series, and the Company shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a).

 

Section 2.08                              Transfer and Exchange.

 

Except as set forth in Section 2.17 or as may be provided pursuant to Section 2.01:

 

When Securities of any series are presented to the Registrar with the request to register the transfer of such Securities or to exchange such Securities for an equal principal amount of Securities of the same series of like tenor and of other authorized denominations, the Registrar shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its requirements and the requirements of this Indenture for such transactions are met; provided, however, that the Securities presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by the Holder thereof or by his attorney, duly authorized in writing, on which instruction the Registrar can rely.

 

To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute Securities (and if applicable, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee for such series) and the Trustee shall authenticate such Securities at the Registrar’s written request and submission of the Securities or Global Securities. No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein), but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than such transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable upon exchanges pursuant to Section 2.12, Section 3.07 or Section 9.05). The Trustee shall authenticate such Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.04. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to register the transfer or exchange of (a) any Security selected for redemption in whole or in part pursuant to Article III, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being

 

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redeemed in part, or (b) any Security during the period beginning 15 Business Days prior to the mailing of notice of any offer to repurchase Securities of the series required pursuant to the terms thereof or of redemption of Securities of a series to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing.

 

Section 2.09                              Replacement Securities.

 

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, or if the Holder of a Security claims that the Security has been destroyed, lost or stolen and the Company and the Trustee receive evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of such Security, the Company shall issue, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Security, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Security of the same series if the Trustee’s requirements are met. If any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security. If required by the Trustee, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Company, such Holder must furnish an indemnity bond that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Company to protect the Company, each Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee, any Agent or any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Security is replaced. The Company and the Trustee may charge a Holder for their expenses in replacing a Security.

 

Every replacement Security is an additional obligation of the Company.

 

Section 2.10                              Outstanding Securities.

 

The Securities outstanding at any time are all the Securities authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Security effected by the Trustee hereunder and those described in this Section 2.10 as not outstanding.

 

If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.09, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Security is held by a bona fide purchaser.

 

If the principal amount of any Security is considered paid under Section 4.01, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.

 

A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or an Affiliate of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor holds the Security.

 

Section 2.11                              Original Issue Discount, Foreign-Currency Denominated and Treasury Securities.

 

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction, amendment, supplement, waiver or consent, (a) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security shall be the principal amount thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02, (b) the principal amount of a Security denominated in a foreign currency shall be the Dollar equivalent, as determined by the Company by reference to the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers for such currency, as such rate is certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Exchange Rate”) on the date of original issuance of such Security, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, the Dollar equivalent, as determined by the Company by reference to the Exchange Rate on the date of original issuance of such Security, of the amount determined in (a) above), of such Security and (c) Securities owned by the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company, of a Subsidiary Guarantor or of such other obligor shall be disregarded, except that, for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such direction, amendment, supplement, waiver or consent, only Securities that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.

 

Section 2.12                              Temporary Securities.

 

Until definitive Securities of any series are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and execute temporary Securities, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Security relating to such temporary Securities, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Securities. Temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form of definitive Securities, but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and execute definitive Securities, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such definitive Security, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate such definitive Securities in exchange for temporary Securities. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities.

 

Section 2.13                              Cancellation.

 

The Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor at any time may deliver Securities to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange,

 

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payment or redemption or for credit against any sinking fund payment. The Trustee shall cancel all Securities surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, redemption, replacement or cancellation or for credit against any sinking fund. Unless the Company shall direct in writing that canceled Securities be returned to it, after written notice to the Company all canceled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of in accordance with the usual disposal procedures of the Trustee, and the Trustee shall maintain a record of their disposal. The Company may not issue new Securities to replace Securities that have been paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

Section 2.14                              Payments; Defaulted Interest.

 

Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 2.01, interest (except defaulted interest) on any Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Persons who are registered Holders of that Security at the close of business on the record date next preceding such Interest Payment Date, even if such Securities are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date. The Holder must surrender a Security to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. Unless otherwise provided with respect to the Securities of any series, the Company will pay the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities in Dollars. Such amounts shall be payable at the offices of the Trustee or any Paying Agent, provided that at the option of the Company, the Company may pay such amounts (1) by wire transfer with respect to Global Securities or (2) by check payable in such money mailed to a Holder’s registered address with respect to any Securities.

 

If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Securities of any series, the Company shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest on the defaulted interest, in each case at the rate provided in the Securities of such series and in Section 4.01. The Company may pay the defaulted interest to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date. At least 15 days before any special record date selected by the Company, the Company (or the Trustee, in the name of and at the expense of the Company upon 20 days’ prior written notice from the Company setting forth such special record date and the interest amount to be paid) shall mail to Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

 

Section 2.15                              Persons Deemed Owners.

 

The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent may treat the Person in whose name any Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payments of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to such Security and for all other purposes. None of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee, any Agent or any authenticating agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

 

Section 2.16                              Computation of Interest.

 

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a year comprising twelve 30-day months.

 

Section 2.17                              Global Securities; Book-Entry Provisions.

 

If Securities of a series are issuable in global form as a Global Security, as contemplated by Section 2.01, then, notwithstanding clause (11) of Section 2.01 and the provisions of Section 2.02, any such Global Security shall represent such of the outstanding Securities of such series as shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of outstanding Securities from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of outstanding Securities represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges, transfers or redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global Security to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee (i) in such manner and upon instructions given by such Person or Persons as shall be specified in such Security or in a Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.04 or (ii) otherwise in accordance with written instructions or such other written form of instructions as is customary for the Depositary for such Security, from such Depositary or its nominee on behalf of any Person having a beneficial interest in such Global Security. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.04 and, if applicable, Section 2.12, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Security in permanent global form in the manner and upon instructions given by the Person or Persons specified in such Security or in the applicable Company Order. With respect to the Securities of any series that are represented by a Global Security, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors authorize the execution and delivery of a letter of representations or other similar agreement or instrument in the form customarily provided for by the Depositary appointed with respect to such Global Security. Any Global Security may be deposited with the Depositary or its nominee, or may remain in the custody of the Trustee or the Security Custodian therefor pursuant to a FAST Balance Certificate Agreement or similar agreement between the Trustee and the Depositary. If a Company Order has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any instructions by the Company with respect to endorsement or delivery or redelivery of a Security in global form shall be in writing but need not comply with Section 11.05 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel.

 

Members of, or participants in, the Depositary (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Security held on their behalf by the Depositary, or the Trustee or the Security Custodian as its custodian, or

 

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under such Global Security, and the Depositary may be treated by the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee or the Security Custodian and any agent of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee or the Security Custodian as the absolute owner of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the registered holder of a Global Security of a series may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action that a Holder of Securities of such series is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Securities of such series and (ii) nothing herein shall prevent the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee or the Security Custodian, or any agent of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee or the Security Custodian, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or shall impair, as between the Depositary and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a beneficial owner of any Security.

 

Notwithstanding Section 2.08, and except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.01, transfers of a Global Security shall be limited to transfers of such Global Security in whole, but not in part, to the Depositary, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial owners in a Global Security may be transferred in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Depositary. Securities shall be transferred to all beneficial owners in exchange for their beneficial interests in a Global Security if, and only if, either (1) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for the Global Security and a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days of such notice, (2) an Event of Default has occurred with respect to such series and is continuing and the Registrar has received a request from the Depositary to issue Securities in lieu of all or a portion of the Global Security (in which case the Company shall deliver Securities within 30 days of such request) or (3) the Company in its sole discretion determines not to have the Securities represented by a Global Security.

 

In connection with any transfer of a portion of the beneficial interests in a Global Security to beneficial owners pursuant to this Section 2.17, the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and a decrease in the principal amount of the Global Security in an amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Global Security to be transferred, and the Company shall execute, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Global Security, if any, and the Trustee upon receipt of a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of Securities shall authenticate and deliver, one or more Securities of the same series of like tenor and amount.

 

In connection with the transfer of all of the beneficial interests in a Global Security to beneficial owners pursuant to this Section 2.17, the Global Security shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Company shall execute, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Global Security, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, to each beneficial owner identified by the Depositary in exchange for its beneficial interests in the Global Security, an equal aggregate principal amount of Securities of authorized denominations. The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Security (including any transfers between or among participants in a Depositary or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Securities) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

 

None of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, Securities by the Depositary, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of the Depositary relating to such Securities. None of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee shall be liable for any delay by the Holder of the Global Security or the Depositary in identifying the beneficial owners, and each such Person may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, instructions from such Holder of the Global Security or the Depositary for all purposes (including with respect to the registration and delivery, and the respective principal amounts, of the Securities to be issued).

 

The provisions of the last sentence of the third paragraph of Section 2.04 shall apply to any Global Security if such Global Security was never issued and sold by the Company and the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor delivers to the Trustee the Global Security together with written instructions (which need not comply with Section 11.05 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) with regard to the cancellation or reduction in the principal amount of Securities represented thereby, together with the written statement contemplated by the last sentence of the third paragraph of Section 2.04.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.03 and Section 2.14, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01, payment of principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to any Global Security shall be made to the Depositary.

 

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

 

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Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, delivery or surrender of a Security shall not be required in the case of Global Securities in order to obtain the rights or benefits provided hereunder upon the delivery or surrender of a Security.

 

Article III
Redemption

 

Section 3.01                              Applicability of Article.

 

Securities of any series that are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this
Article III.

 

Section 3.02                              Notice to the Trustee.

 

If the Company elects to redeem Securities of any series pursuant to this Indenture, they shall notify the Trustee of the Redemption Date and the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed. The Company shall so notify the Trustee at least 45 days before the Redemption Date (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) by delivering to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that such redemption will comply with the provisions of this Indenture and of the Securities of such series. Any such notice may be canceled at any time prior to the mailing of such notice of such redemption to any Holder and shall thereupon be void and of no effect.

 

Section 3.03                              Selection of Securities To Be Redeemed.

 

If less than all of the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all of the Securities of such series of a specified tenor are to be redeemed), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date from the outstanding Securities of such series (and tenor) not previously called for redemption, either pro rata, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee shall deem appropriate in accordance with industry standards at the time of such redemption and that may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or of the principal amount of Global Securities of such series; provided that, if at the time of redemption such Securities are registered as a Global Security, the Depositary shall determine, in accordance with its procedures, the principal amount of such Securities held by each beneficial owner of Securities to be redeemed.

 

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Registrar in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

 

For purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any of the Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount thereof which has been or is to be redeemed.

 

Section 3.04                              Notice of Redemption.

 

Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at the address of such Holder appearing in the register of Securities maintained by the Registrar.

 

All notices of redemption shall identify the Securities to be redeemed and shall state:

 

(1)                                  the Redemption Date;

 

(2)                                  the Redemption Price (or the method of calculating or determining the Redemption Price);

 

(3)                                  that, unless the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors default in making the redemption payment, interest on Securities called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the Redemption Date, and the only remaining right of the Holders of such Securities is to receive payment of the Redemption Price upon surrender to the Paying Agent of the Securities redeemed;

 

(4)                                  if any Security is to be redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and that on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender for cancellation of such Security to the Paying Agent, a new Security or Securities in the aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued without charge to the Holder;

 

(5)                                  that Securities called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price and the name and address of the Paying Agent;

 

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(6)                                  that the redemption is for a sinking or analogous fund, if such is the case; and

 

(7)                                  the CUSIP or ISIN number, if any, relating to such Securities.

 

Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s written request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

 

Notice of any redemption of Securities may, at the Company’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent. If such redemption is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice of redemption shall describe each such condition and, if applicable, shall state that, in the Company’s discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time as any or all of such conditions shall be satisfied (or waived by the Company in its sole discretion), or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Company in its sole discretion) by the Redemption Date as stated in such notice, or by the Redemption Date as so delayed.

 

Section 3.05                              Effect of Notice of Redemption.

 

Subject to the last paragraph of Section 3.04, once notice of redemption is mailed, Securities called for redemption become due and payable on the Redemption Date and at the Redemption Price. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Securities called for redemption shall be paid at the Redemption Price, but interest installments whose maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable on the relevant Interest Payment Dates to the Holders of record at the close of business on the relevant record dates specified pursuant to Section 2.01.

 

Section 3.06                              Deposit of Redemption Price.

 

By 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on any Redemption Date, the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor shall deposit with the Trustee or the Paying Agent (or, if the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor is acting as the Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 2.06) an amount of money in same day funds sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to, the Securities or portions thereof which are to be redeemed on that date, other than Securities or portions thereof called for redemption on that date which have been delivered by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

If the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor complies with the preceding paragraph, then, unless the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors default in the payment of such Redemption Price, interest on the Securities to be redeemed will cease to accrue on and after the applicable Redemption Date, whether or not such Securities are presented for payment, and the Holders of such Securities shall have no further rights with respect to such Securities except for the right to receive the Redemption Price upon surrender of such Securities. If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal, premium, if any, any Additional Amounts, and, to the extent lawful, accrued interest thereon shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate specified pursuant to Section 2.01 or provided in the Securities or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities, such Securities’ yield to maturity.

 

Section 3.07                              Securities Redeemed in Part.

 

Upon surrender to the Paying Agent of a Security to be redeemed in part, the Company shall execute, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Security, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge a new Security or Securities, of the same series and of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to, and in exchange for, the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered that is not redeemed.

 

Section 3.08                              Purchase of Securities.

 

Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01, the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor and any Affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor may at any time purchase or otherwise acquire Securities in the open market or by private agreement. Any such acquisition shall not operate as or be deemed for any purpose to be a redemption of the indebtedness represented by such Securities. Any Securities purchased or acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor may be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation and, upon such delivery, the indebtedness represented thereby shall be deemed to be satisfied. Section 2.13 shall apply to all Securities so delivered.

 

Section 3.09                              Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds.

 

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment,” and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment.” Unless otherwise provided by the terms of Securities of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 3.10. Each

 

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sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such series and by this Article III.

 

Section 3.10                              Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.

 

The Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor may deliver outstanding Securities of a series (other than any previously called for redemption) and may apply as a credit Securities of a series that have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such series of Securities; provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.

 

Section 3.11                              Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.

 

Not less than 45 days prior (unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivery of or by crediting Securities of that series pursuant to Section 3.10 and will also deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Failure of the Company to timely deliver or cause to be delivered such Officer’s Certificate and Securities specified in this paragraph, if any, shall not constitute a default but shall constitute the election of the Company (i) that the mandatory sinking fund payment for such series due on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date shall be paid entirely in cash without the option to deliver or credit Securities of such series in respect thereof and (ii) that the Company will make no optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series as provided in this Section 3.11.

 

If the sinking fund payment or payments (mandatory or optional or both) to be made in cash on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date plus any unused balance of any preceding sinking fund payments made in cash shall exceed $100,000 (or the Dollar equivalent thereof based on the applicable Exchange Rate on the date of original issue of the applicable Securities) or a lesser sum if the Company shall so request with respect to the Securities of any particular series, such cash shall be applied on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date to the redemption of Securities of such series at the sinking fund redemption price together with accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. If such amount shall be $100,000 (or the Dollar equivalent thereof as aforesaid) or less and the Company makes no such request then it shall be carried over until a sum in excess of $100,000 (or the Dollar equivalent thereof as aforesaid) is available. Not less than 30 days before each such sinking fund payment date, the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date shall be selected in the manner specified in Section 3.03 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 3.04. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 3.05, Section 3.06 and Section 3.07.

 

Article IV

 

Covenants

 

Section 4.01                              Payment of Securities.

 

The Company shall pay the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of each series on the dates and in the manner provided in the Securities of such series and in this Indenture. Principal, premium, interest and any Additional Amounts shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or a Subsidiary) holds by 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on that date money deposited by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, interest and any Additional Amounts then due.

 

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

 

Section 4.02                              Maintenance of Office or Agency.

 

The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee, the Registrar or the Paying Agent) where Securities of that series may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange, where Securities of that series may be presented for payment and where notices and demands to or upon the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. Unless otherwise designated by the

 

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Company by written notice to the Trustee and the Subsidiary Guarantors, such office or agency shall be the office of the Trustee in The City of New York, which on the date hereof is located at             . The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee and the Subsidiary Guarantors of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee and the Subsidiary Guarantors with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however , that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

 

Section 4.03                              SEC Reports; Financial Statements.

 

(a)                                  If the Company is subject to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall, so long as any of the Securities are outstanding, file with the Trustee, within 15 days after it files the same with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. If this Indenture is qualified under the TIA, but not otherwise, the Company shall also comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(a).

 

(b)                                  If the Company is not subject to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall furnish to all Holders of Rule 144A Securities and prospective purchasers of Rule 144A Securities designated by the Holders of Rule 144A Securities, promptly upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(c)                                   The Company intends to file the reports, information and documents referred to in Section 4.03(a) hereof with the SEC in electronic form pursuant to Regulation S-T promulgated by the SEC using the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (“EDGAR”) system. Each such filing shall constitute delivery by the Company of such reports to the Trustee in compliance with the provisions of TIA § 314(a). The Trustee shall have no duty to search for or obtain any electronic or other filings that the Company makes with the SEC, regardless of whether such filings are periodic, supplemental or otherwise. Delivery of the reports, information and documents to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.03 shall be solely for the purposes of compliance with this Section 4.03 and with TIA § 314(a). The Trustee’s receipt of such reports, information and documents shall not constitute notice to it of the content thereof or of any matter determinable from the content thereof, including the Company’s and any Subsidiary Guarantor’s compliance with any of their covenants hereunder, as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely upon Officer’s Certificates.

 

Section 4.04                              Compliance Certificate.

 

(a)                                  The Company shall, so long as any of the Securities are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company a statement signed by an Officer of the Company, which need not constitute an Officer’s Certificate, complying with TIA § 314(a)(4) and stating that in the course of performance by the signing Officer of his duties as such Officer of the Company, he would normally obtain knowledge of the keeping, observing, performing and fulfilling by the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor of its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating that to the best of his knowledge the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions hereof (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which such Officer may have knowledge and what action the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto).

 

(b)                                  The Company shall, so long as Securities of any series are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, as soon as practicable, but in no event more than five Business Days, after any Officer of the Company becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default under this Indenture, an Officer’s Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

Section 4.05                              Existence.

 

Subject to Article V, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence. This Section 4.05 shall not prohibit or restrict the Company from converting into a different form of legal entity.

 

Section 4.06                              Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws.

 

The Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law

 

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or any usury law or other law that would prohibit or forgive it from paying all or any portion of the principal of or interest on the Securities as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) the Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

 

Section 4.07                              Additional Amounts.

 

If the Securities of a series expressly provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, the Company will pay to the Holder of any Security of such series Additional Amounts as expressly provided therein. Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on, or in respect of, any Security of any series or the net proceeds received from the sale or exchange of any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts provided for in this Section 4.07 to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.07 and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts (if applicable) in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.

 

Article V
Successors

 

Section 5.01                              Limitations on Mergers and Consolidations.

 

Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary Guarantor shall consolidate with or merge into any Person, or sell, lease, convey, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of, in any transaction or series of transactions, all or substantially all of its assets to any Person (other than a consolidation or merger of the Company and one or more Subsidiary Guarantors or two or more Subsidiary Guarantors, or a sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a Subsidiary Guarantor, a Subsidiary Guarantor to the Company or of a Subsidiary Guarantor to another Subsidiary Guarantor), unless:

 

(1)                                  either (a) the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be the continuing Person or (b) the Person (if other than the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor) formed by such consolidation or into which the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor is merged, or to which such sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition shall be made (collectively, the “Successor”), is organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any political subdivision thereof or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and expressly assumes by supplemental indenture, in the case of the Company, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to all the Securities and the performance of the Company’s covenants and obligations under this Indenture and the Securities, or, in the case of such Subsidiary Guarantor, the performance of the Guarantee and such Subsidiary Guarantor’s covenants and obligations under this Indenture and the Securities; and

 

(2)                                  immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom.

 

Section 5.02                              Successor Person Substituted.

 

Upon any consolidation or merger of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, or any sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with Section 5.01, the Successor formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor is merged or to which such sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, under this Indenture and the Securities with the same effect as if such Successor had been named as the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, herein and the predecessor Company or Subsidiary Guarantor, in the case of a sale, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition, shall be released from all obligations under this Indenture, the Securities and, in the case of a Subsidiary Guarantor, its Guarantee.

 

Article VI
Defaults and Remedies

 

Section 6.01                              Events of Default.

 

Unless either inapplicable to a particular series or specifically deleted or modified in or pursuant to the supplemental indenture or Board Resolution establishing such series of Securities or in the form of Security for such series, an “Event of Default,” wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, occurs if:

 

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(1)                                  the Company defaults in the payment of interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security of that series when the same becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

 

(2)                                  the Company defaults in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable, whether at Stated Maturity, upon redemption, by declaration, upon required repurchase or otherwise;

 

(3)                                  the Company defaults in the deposit of any sinking fund payment with respect to any Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable, and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

 

(4)                                  the Company fails to comply with any of its other covenants or agreements in, or provisions of, the Securities of such series or this Indenture (other than an agreement, covenant or provision that has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of Securities other than that series) which shall not have been remedied within the specified period after written notice, as specified in the last paragraph of this Section 6.01;

 

(5)                                  the Company, or if that series of Securities is entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee by the Subsidiary Guarantors that is a Significant Subsidiary, any of such Subsidiary Guarantors, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

 

(A)                                commences a voluntary case,

 

(B)                                consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,

 

(C)                                consents to the appointment of a Bankruptcy Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property, or

 

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

 

(6)                                  a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days and that:

 

(A)                                is for relief against the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series that is a Significant Subsidiary as debtor in an involuntary case,

 

(B)                                appoints a Bankruptcy Custodian of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series that is a Significant Subsidiary or a Bankruptcy Custodian for all or substantially all of the property of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series that is a Significant Subsidiary, or

 

(C)                                orders the liquidation of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series that is a Significant Subsidiary;

 

(7)                                  if that series of Securities is entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee by the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Guarantee of any of such Subsidiary Guarantors ceases to be in full force and effect with respect to Securities of that series (except as otherwise provided in this Indenture) or is declared null and void in a judicial proceeding, or any such Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under this Indenture or such Guarantee; or

 

(8)                                  any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series occurs.

 

The term “Bankruptcy Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

The Trustee shall not be deemed to know or have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default or Event of Default is received by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture.

 

When a Default or Event of Default is cured, it ceases.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.01, if the principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or Additional Amounts with respect to any Security is payable in a currency or currencies (including a composite currency) other than Dollars and such currency or currencies are not available to the Company for making payment thereof due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the control of the Company, the Company will be entitled to satisfy its obligations to Holders of the Securities by making such payment in Dollars in an amount equal to the Dollar equivalent of the amount payable in such other currency, as determined by the Company by reference to the Exchange Rate on the date of such payment, or, if such rate is not then available, on the basis of the most recently available Exchange Rate. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.01, any payment made under such circumstances in Dollars where the required payment is in a currency other than Dollars will not constitute an Event of Default under this Indenture.

 

A Default under clause (4) or (8) of this Section 6.01 is not an Event of Default until the Trustee notifies the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of the

 

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series affected by such Default (or, in the case of a Default under clause (4) of this Section 6.01, if outstanding Securities of other series are affected by such Default, then at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities so affected) notify the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee, of the Default, and the Company or the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, fails to cure the Default within 90 days after receipt of the notice. The notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that the notice is a “Notice of Default.”

 

Section 6.02                              Acceleration.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to any Securities of any series at the time outstanding (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (5) or (6) of Section 6.01) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of the series affected by such Event of Default (or, in the case of an Event of Default described in clauses (4), (7) or (8) of Section 6.01, if outstanding Securities of other series are affected by such Event of Default, then at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities so affected) by notice to the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee, may declare the principal of (or, if any such Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) and all accrued and unpaid interest on all then outstanding Securities of such series or of all series, as the case may be, to be due and payable. Upon any such declaration, the amounts due and payable on the Securities shall be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default specified in clause (5) or (6) of Section 6.01 hereof occurs, such amounts shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration, notice or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of the series affected by such Event of Default or all series so affected, as the case may be, by written notice to the Trustee may rescind an acceleration and its consequences (other than nonpayment of principal of or premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities) if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree, the Trustee has been paid all amounts owed to it in connection with such Event of Default and if all existing Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series (or of all series, as the case may be) have been cured or waived, except nonpayment of principal, premium, interest or any Additional Amounts that has become due solely because of the acceleration.

 

Section 6.03                              Other Remedies.

 

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

 

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

 

Section 6.04                              Waiver of Defaults.

 

Subject to Section 6.07 and Section 9.02, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of any series or of all series affected thereby (acting as one class) by notice to the Trustee may waive an existing or past Default or Event of Default with respect to such series or all series so affected, as the case may be, and its consequences (including waivers obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Securities of such series or all series so affected or a solicitation of consents in respect of Securities of such series or all series so affected, provided that in each case such offer or solicitation is made to all Holders of then outstanding Securities of such series or all series so affected (but the terms of such offer or solicitation may vary from series to series)), except (1) a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security or (2) a continued Default in respect of a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be amended or supplemented without the consent of each Holder affected. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

Section 6.05                              Control by Majority.

 

With respect to Securities of any series, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of such series may direct in writing the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it relating to or arising under an Event of Default described in clause (1), (2), (3) or (8) of Section 6.01, and with respect to all Securities, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of all the then outstanding Securities affected may direct in writing the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it not relating to or arising under such an Event of Default. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with applicable law or this Indenture, that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders, or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided, however , that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. Prior to taking any action hereunder,

 

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the Trustee shall be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion from Holders directing the Trustee against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.

 

Section 6.06                              Limitations on Suits.

 

Subject to Section 6.07 hereof, a Holder of a Security of any series may pursue a remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Securities of such series or the related Guarantees, if any, only if:

 

(1)                                  the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to such series;

 

(2)                                  the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of such series make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

 

(3)                                  such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

 

(4)                                  the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity; and

 

(5)                                  during such 60-day period, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of such series do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

 

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

 

Section 6.07                              Rights of Holders to Receive Payment.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Security to receive payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Security, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Security, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, is absolute and unconditional and shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder.

 

Section 6.08                              Collection Suit by Trustee.

 

If an Event of Default specified in clause (1) or (2) of Section 6.01 hereof occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor for the amount of principal, premium (if any), interest and any Additional Amounts remaining unpaid on the Securities of the series affected by the Event of Default, and interest on overdue principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent lawful, interest on overdue interest, and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

 

Section 6.09                              Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

 

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

 

Section 6.10                              Priorities.

 

If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article VI, it shall pay out the money in the following order:

 

First: to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.07;

 

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Second: to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, for principal, premium (if any), interest and any Additional Amounts ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal, premium (if any), interest and any Additional Amounts, respectively; and

 

Third: to the Company.

 

The Trustee, upon prior written notice to the Company, may fix record dates and payment dates for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Article VI.

 

To the fullest extent allowed under applicable law, if for the purpose of obtaining a judgment against the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor in any court it is necessary to convert the sum due in respect of the principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of any series (the “Required Currency”) into a currency in which a judgment will be rendered (the “Judgment Currency”), the rate of exchange used for purposes of rendering the judgment shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Company could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the Business Day in The City of New York next preceding that on which final judgment is given. None of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee shall be liable for any shortfall nor shall it benefit from any windfall in payments to Holders of Securities under this Section 6.10 caused by a change in exchange rates between the time the amount of a judgment against it is calculated as above and the time the Company converts the Judgment Currency into the Required Currency to make payments under this Section 6.10 to Holders of Securities, but payment of such judgment shall discharge all amounts owed by the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors on the claim or claims underlying such judgment.

 

Section 6.11                              Undertaking for Costs.

 

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.07, or a suit by a Holder or Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of any series.

 

Article VII

Trustee

 

Section 7.01                              Duties of Trustee.

 

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

 

(b)                                  Except during the continuance of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any series:

 

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

 

(2)                                  in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, the Trustee shall examine such certificates and opinions to determine whether, on their face, they appear to conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(e)                                   No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability. The Trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise any right or power unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

 

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(f)                                    The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. All money received by the Trustee shall, until applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities.

 

Section 7.02                              Rights of Trustee.

 

(a)                                  The Trustee may conclusively rely on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(h)                                  The Trustee may request that the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture.

 

(i)                                      In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services.

 

(j)                                     The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the trusts or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby.

 

(k)                                  The permissive rights of the Trustee enumerated herein shall not be construed as duties of the Trustee.

 

Section 7.03                              May Hold Securities.

 

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any of their respective Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. However, the Trustee is subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11.

 

Section 7.04                              Trustee’s Disclaimer.

 

The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Securities, it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Securities or any money paid to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or upon the Company’s or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s direction under any provision hereof, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Securities other than its certificate of authentication.

 

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Section 7.05                              Notice of Defaults.

 

If a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any series occurs and is continuing and it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of Securities of such series a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and Additional Amounts or any sinking fund installment with respect to the Securities of such series, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders of Securities of such series.

 

Section 7.06                              Reports by Trustee to Holders.

 

Within 60 days after each             of each year after the execution of this Indenture, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of a series, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Company a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a); provided, however , that if no event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date with respect to a series, no report need be transmitted to Holders of such series. The Trustee also shall comply with TIA § 313(b). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports if and as required by TIA §§ 313(c) and 313(d).

 

A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Holders of a series of Securities shall be filed by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor with the SEC and each securities exchange, if any, on which the Securities of such series are listed. The Company shall notify the Trustee if and when any series of Securities is listed on any securities exchange.

 

Section 7.07                              Compensation and Indemnity.

 

The Company agrees to pay to the Trustee for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder such compensation as the Company and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company agrees to reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred by it. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

 

The Company hereby indemnifies the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee against any and all loss, liability, damage, claim or expense, including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee), incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, except as set forth in the next following paragraph. The Trustee shall notify the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. The Company may defend the claim and, if it does, the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have separate counsel and the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Company need not pay for any settlement made without its consent.

 

The Company shall not be obligated to reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss or liability incurred by the Trustee through the Trustee’s negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith.

 

To secure the payment obligations of the Company in this Section 7.07, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to Securities of any series. Such lien and the Company’s obligations under this Section 7.07 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

 

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(5) or (6) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

Section 7.08                              Replacement of Trustee.

 

A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.08.

 

The Trustee may resign and be discharged at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by so notifying the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of any series may remove the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series by so notifying the Trustee, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors. The Company may remove the Trustee if:

 

(1)                                  the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;

 

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

 

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

 

(4)                                  the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

 

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If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series).

 

If a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series does not take office within 30 days after the retiring or removed Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring or removed Trustee, the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of such series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction, at the Company’s expense, for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

If the Trustee with respect to the Securities of a series fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Holder of Securities of such series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

In case of the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, each such successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee, to the Company and to the Subsidiary Guarantors. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.07.

 

In case of the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto in which each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and that (1) shall confer to each successor Trustee all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall confirm that all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee. Nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees as co-trustees of the same trust, and each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee. Upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates. On request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall transfer to such successor Trustee all property held by such retiring Trustee as Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

 

Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee or Trustees pursuant to this Section 7.08, the obligations of the Company under Section 7.07 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee or Trustees.

 

Section 7.09                              Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.

 

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

 

In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.

 

Section 7.10                              Eligibility; Disqualification.

 

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be a corporation or banking or trust company or association organized and doing business under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust power, shall be subject to supervision or examination by federal or state (or the District of Columbia) authority and shall have, or be a subsidiary of a bank or bank holding company having, a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

 

The Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA §§ 310(a)(1), 310(a)(2) and 310(a)(5). The Trustee is subject to and shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 310(b) during the period of time required by this

 

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Indenture. Nothing in this Indenture shall prevent the Trustee from filing with the SEC the application referred to in the penultimate paragraph of TIA § 310(b).

 

Section 7.11                              Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

The Trustee is subject to and shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

 

Article VIII
Discharge of Indenture

 

Section 8.01                              Termination of the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ Obligations.

 

(a)                                  This Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to the Securities of a series (except that the Company’s obligations under Section 7.07, the Trustee’s and Paying Agent’s obligations under Section 8.03 and the rights, powers, protections and privileges accorded the Trustee under Article VII shall survive), and the Trustee, on demand of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series, when:

 

(1)                                  either:

 

(A)                                all outstanding Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and issued (other than destroyed, lost or stolen Securities that have been replaced or paid) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

(B)                                all outstanding Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation:

 

(i)                                      have become due and payable, or

 

(ii)                                   will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

 

(iii)                                are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,

 

and, in the case of clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as funds (immediately available to the Holders in the case of clause (i)) in trust for such purpose (x) cash in an amount, or (y) Government Obligations with respect to such series, maturing as to principal and interest at such times and in such amounts as will ensure the availability of cash in an amount or (z) a combination thereof, which will be sufficient, in the opinion (in the case of clauses (y) and (z)) of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Securities of such series for principal and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or for principal, premium, if any, and interest to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be; or

 

(C)                                the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have properly fulfilled such other means of satisfaction and discharge as is specified, as contemplated by Section 2.01, to be applicable to the Securities of such series;

 

(2)                                  the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable by them hereunder with respect to the Securities of such series; and

 

(3)                                  the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series have been complied with, together with an Opinion of Counsel to the same effect.

 

(b)                                  Unless this Section 8.01(b) is specified as not being applicable to Securities of a series as contemplated by Section 2.01, the Company may, at its option, terminate certain of their and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ respective obligations under this Indenture (“covenant defeasance”) with respect to the Securities of a series if:

 

(1)                                  the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for and dedicated solely to the benefit of the Holders of Securities of such series, (i) money in the currency in which payment of the Securities of such series is to be made in an amount, or (ii) Government Obligations with respect to such series, maturing as to principal and interest at such times and in such amounts as will ensure the availability of money in the currency in which payment of the Securities of such series is to be made in an amount or (iii) a combination thereof, that is sufficient, in the opinion (in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii)) of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay the principal of and premium (if any) and interest on all

 

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Securities of such series on each date that such principal, premium (if any) or interest is due and payable and (at the Stated Maturity thereof or upon redemption as provided in Section 8.01(e)) to pay all other sums payable by it hereunder; provided that the Trustee shall have been irrevocably instructed to apply such money and/or the proceeds of such Government Obligations to the payment of said principal, premium (if any) and interest with respect to the Securities of such series as the same shall become due;

 

(2)                                  the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series have been complied with, and an Opinion of Counsel to the same effect;

 

(3)                                  no Default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

 

(4)                                  the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel from a counsel acceptable to the Trustee or a private letter ruling issued by the United States Internal Revenue Service to the effect that the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States Federal income tax purposes as a result of the Company’s exercise of their option under this Section 8.01(b) and will be subject to United States Federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such option had not been exercised;

 

(5)                                  the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have complied with any additional conditions specified pursuant to Section 2.01 to be applicable to the discharge of Securities of such series pursuant to this Section 8.01; and

 

(6)                                  such deposit and discharge shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest as defined in TIA § 310(b).

 

In such event, (1) this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect (except as set forth in this paragraph), and the Trustee, on demand of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge under this Indenture and (2) the Guarantee with respect to the Securities, if any, will automatically terminate and be automatically released and discharged, and any Security that may have been granted in respect of such series shall be automatically released. However, the Company’s obligations in Sections 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 4.01, 4.02, 5.01(1), 7.07, 7.08, 8.04 and 10.01, the Trustee’s and Paying Agent’s obligations in Section 8.03 and the rights, powers, protections and privileges accorded the Trustee under Article VII shall survive until all Securities of such series are no longer outstanding. Thereafter, only the Company’s obligations in Section 7.07 and the Trustee’s and Paying Agent’s obligations in Section 8.03 shall survive with respect to Securities of such series.

 

After such irrevocable deposit made pursuant to this Section 8.01(b) and satisfaction of the other conditions set forth herein, the Trustee upon request shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series except for those surviving obligations specified above.

 

In order to have money available on a payment date to pay principal of or premium (if any) or interest on the Securities, the Government Obligations shall be payable as to principal or interest on or before such payment date in such amounts as will provide the necessary money. Government Obligations shall not be callable at the Company’s option.

 

(c)                                   If the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have previously complied or are concurrently complying with Section 8.01(b) (other than any additional conditions specified pursuant to Section 2.01 that are expressly applicable only to covenant defeasance) with respect to Securities of a series, then, unless this Section 8.01(c) is specified as not being applicable to Securities of such series as contemplated by Section 2.01, the Company may elect that its and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ respective obligations to make payments with respect to Securities of such series be discharged (“legal defeasance”), if:

 

(1)                                  no Default or Event of Default under clauses (5) and (6) of Section 6.01 hereof shall have occurred at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit contemplated by Section 8.01(b) (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period);

 

(2)                                  unless otherwise specified with respect to Securities of such series as contemplated by Section 2.01, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel from a counsel acceptable to the Trustee to the effect referred to in Section 8.01(b)(4) with respect to such legal defeasance, which opinion is based on (i) a private letter ruling issued by the United States Internal Revenue Service addressed to the Company, (ii) a published ruling of the United States Internal Revenue Service pertaining to a comparable form of transaction or (iii) a change in the applicable federal income tax law (including regulations) after the date of this Indenture;

 

(3)                                  the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have complied with any other conditions specified pursuant to Section 2.01 to be applicable to the legal defeasance of Securities of such series pursuant to this Section 8.01(c); and

 

(4)                                  the Company has delivered to the Trustee a Company Order requesting such legal defeasance of the Securities of such series and an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such legal defeasance of the Securities of such series have been complied with, together with an Opinion of Counsel to the same effect.

 

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In such event, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors will be discharged from their respective obligations under this Indenture and the Securities of such series to pay principal of, premium (if any) and interest on, and any Additional Amounts with respect to, Securities of such series, the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ respective obligations under Sections 4.01, 4.02 and 10.01 shall terminate with respect to such Securities, and the entire indebtedness of the Company evidenced by such Securities and of the Subsidiary Guarantors evidenced by the related Guarantees, if any, shall be deemed paid and discharged.

 

(d)                                  If and to the extent additional or alternative means of satisfaction, discharge or defeasance of Securities of a series are specified to be applicable to such series as contemplated by Section 2.01, the Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors may terminate any or all of its obligations under this Indenture with respect to Securities of a series and any or all of its obligations under the Securities of such series if it fulfills such other means of satisfaction and discharge as may be so specified, as contemplated by Section 2.01, to be applicable to the Securities of such series.

 

(e)                                   If Securities of any series subject to subsection (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this Section 8.01 are to be redeemed prior to their Stated Maturity, whether pursuant to any optional redemption provisions or in accordance with any mandatory or optional sinking fund provisions, the terms of the applicable trust arrangement shall provide for such redemption, and the Company shall make such arrangements as are reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense of, the Company.

 

Section 8.02                              Application of Trust Money.

 

The Trustee or a trustee satisfactory to the Trustee and the Company shall hold in trust money or Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to Section 8.01 hereof. It shall apply the deposited money and the money from Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of the series with respect to which the deposit was made.

 

Section 8.03                              Repayment to Company or Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly pay to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor any excess money or Government Obligations (or proceeds therefrom) held by them at any time upon the written request of the Company.

 

Subject to the requirements of any applicable abandoned property laws, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Company upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal, premium (if any), interest or any Additional Amounts that remain unclaimed for two years after the date upon which such payment shall have become due. After payment to the Company, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general creditors unless an applicable abandoned property law designates another Person, and all liability of the Trustee and the Paying Agent with respect to such money shall cease.

 

Section 8.04                              Reinstatement.

 

If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or Government Obligations deposited with respect to Securities of any series in accordance with Section 8.01 by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the obligations of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series and under the Securities of such series shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.01 until such time as the Trustee or the Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or Government Obligations in accordance with Section 8.01; provided, however, that if the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor has made any payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Securities because of the reinstatement of their obligations, the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money or Government Obligations held by the Trustee or the Paying Agent.

 

Article IX
Supplemental Indentures and Amendments

 

Section 9.01                              Without Consent of Holders.

 

The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities or waive any provision hereof or thereof without the consent of any Holder:

 

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

 

(2)                                  to comply with Section 5.01;

 

(3)                                  to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities, or to provide for the issuance of bearer Securities (with or without coupons);

 

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(4)                                  to provide any security for, or to add any guarantees of or additional obligors on, any series of Securities or the related Guarantees, if any;

 

(5)                                  to comply with any requirement in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;

 

(6)                                  to add to the covenants of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series), or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

 

(7)                                  to add any additional Events of Default with respect to all or any series of the Securities (and, if any such Event of Default is applicable to less than all series of Securities, specifying the series to which such Event of Default is applicable);

 

(8)                                  to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture; provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there is no outstanding Security of any series created prior to the execution of such amendment or supplemental indenture that is adversely affected in any material respect by such change in or elimination of such provision; provided, further , that any change made solely to conform the provisions of this Indenture to the description of any Security in a prospectus supplement pursuant to which such Securities were offered and sold will not be deemed to adversely affect any Security of that series in any material respect;

 

(9)                                  to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Section 2.01;

 

(10)                           to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of Securities pursuant to Section 8.01; provided, however , that any such action shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders of Securities of such series or any other series of Securities in any material respect; or

 

(11)                           to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 7.08.

 

Upon the request of the Company, accompanied by a Board Resolution, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 9.06, the Trustee shall, subject to Section 9.06, join with the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors in the execution of any supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.01 , it shall not be necessary for any Subsidiary Guarantor to join with the Company and the Trustee in the execution of any supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture unless such supplemental indenture applies to a series of Securities entitled to the benefit of a Guarantee by such Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

Section 9.02                              With Consent of Holders.

 

Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture with the written consent (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Securities of any one or more series or all series or a solicitation of consents in respect of Securities of any one or more series or all series, provided that in each case such offer or solicitation is made to all Holders of then outstanding Securities of each such series (but the terms of such offer or solicitation may vary from series to series)) of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of each series affected by such amendment or supplement (acting as one class).

 

Upon the request of the Company, accompanied by a Board Resolution, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of the Holders as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 9.06, the Trustee shall, subject to Section 9.06, join with the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors in the execution of such amendment or supplemental indenture.

 

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

 

The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of one or more series or of all series (acting as one class) may waive compliance in a particular instance by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor with any provision of this Indenture with respect to Securities of such series (including waivers obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Securities of such series or a solicitation of consents in respect of Securities of such series, provided that in each case such

 

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offer or solicitation is made to all Holders of then outstanding Securities of such series (but the terms of such offer or solicitation may vary from series to series)).

 

However, without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not:

 

(1)                                  reduce the percentage in payment amount of Securities whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

(2)                                  reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest, including default interest, on any Security;

 

(3)                                  reduce the principal of, any premium on or any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to, or change the Stated Maturity of, any Security or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02;

 

(4)                                  reduce the premium, if any, payable upon the redemption of any Security or change the time at which any Security may or shall be redeemed;

 

(5)                                  change any obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor to pay Additional Amounts with respect to any Security;

 

(6)                                  change the coin or currency or currencies (including composite currencies) in which any Security or any premium, interest or Additional Amounts with respect thereto are payable;

 

(7)                                  impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security pursuant to Sections 6.07 and 6.08, except as limited by Section 6.06;

 

(8)                                  make any change in the percentage of principal amount of Securities necessary to waive compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture pursuant to Section 6.04 or 6.07 or make any change in this sentence of Section 9.02;

 

(9)                                  waive a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities; or

 

(10)                           except as provided in Article VIII or Section 10.04, release any Subsidiary Guarantor or modify the related Guarantee in any manner materially adverse to the Holders.

 

A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.

 

The right of any Holder to participate in any consent required or sought pursuant to any provision of this Indenture (and the obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor to obtain any such consent otherwise required from such Holder) may be subject to the requirement that such Holder shall have been the Holder of record of any Securities with respect to which such consent is required or sought as of a date identified by the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor in a notice furnished to Holders in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders of each Security affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.02 , it shall not be necessary for any Subsidiary Guarantor to join with the Company and the Trustee in the execution of any supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture unless such supplemental indenture applies to a series of Securities entitled to the benefit of a Guarantee by such Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

Section 9.03                              Compliance with the Trust Indenture Act.

 

Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Securities shall comply in form and substance with the TIA as then in effect.

 

Section 9.04                              Revocation and Effect of Consents.

 

Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the

 

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consent as to his or her Security or portion of a Security if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation before a date and time therefor identified by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor in a notice furnished to such Holder in accordance with the terms of this Indenture or, if no such date and time shall be identified, the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.

 

The Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date (which need not comply with TIA § 316(c)) for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver or to take any other action under this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such amendment, supplement or waiver or to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date. No consent shall be valid or effective for more than 90 days after such record date unless consents from Holders of the principal amount of Securities required hereunder for such amendment or waiver to be effective shall have also been given and not revoked within such 90-day period.

 

After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder, unless it is of the type described in any of clauses (1) through (9) of Section 9.02 hereof. In such case, the amendment, supplement or waiver shall bind each Holder who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security.

 

Section 9.05                              Notation on or Exchange of Securities.

 

If an amendment or supplement changes the terms of an outstanding Security, the Company may require the Holder of the Security to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Security at the request of the Company regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder. Alternatively, if the Company so determines, the Company in exchange for the Security shall issue, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Security, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Security that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Security shall not affect the validity of such amendment or supplement.

 

Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any amendment or supplement may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such amendment or supplement.

 

Section 9.06                              Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.

 

The Trustee shall sign any amendment or supplement authorized pursuant to this Article if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. If it does, the Trustee may, but need not, sign it. In signing or refusing to sign such amendment or supplement, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the documents required by Section 11.04 hereof, and, subject to Section 7.01 hereof, shall be fully protected in relying upon, in good faith, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel provided at the expense of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor as conclusive evidence that such amendment or supplement is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.

 

Article X
Guarantee

 

Section 10.01                       Guarantee.

 

(a)                                  Notwithstanding any provision of this Article X to the contrary, the provisions of this Article X relating to the Subsidiary Guarantors shall be applicable only to, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Securities of any series designated, pursuant to Section 2.01, as entitled to the benefits of the related Guarantee of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

(b)                                  For value received, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby fully, unconditionally and absolutely guarantees (each, a “Guarantee”) to the Holders and to the Trustee the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities and all other amounts due and payable under this Indenture and the Securities by the Company, when and as such principal, premium, if any, and interest shall become due and payable, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms of the Securities and this Indenture, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10.03.

 

(c)                                   Failing payment when due of any amount guaranteed pursuant to the related Guarantee, for whatever reason, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. Each of the Guarantees hereunder is intended to be a general, unsecured, senior obligation of the related Subsidiary Guarantor and will rank pari passu in right of payment with all Debt of such Subsidiary Guarantor that is not, by its terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to such Guarantee. Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be full, unconditional and absolute, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Securities, its Guarantee, the Guarantee of any other Subsidiary Guarantor or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Securities with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, or any

 

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action to enforce the same or any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of the Subsidiary Guarantors. Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agrees that in the event of a default in payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of such series, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, legal proceedings may be instituted by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or, subject to Section 6.06, by the Holders, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Indenture, directly against such Subsidiary Guarantor to enforce such Guarantee without first proceeding against the Company or any other Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

(d)                                  The obligations of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors under this Article X shall be as aforesaid full, unconditional and absolute and shall not be impaired, modified, released or limited by any occurrence or condition whatsoever, including, without limitation, (i) any compromise, settlement, release, waiver, renewal, extension, indulgence or modification of, or any change in, any of the obligations and liabilities of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors contained in the Securities or this Indenture, (ii) any impairment, modification, release or limitation of the liability of the Company, any of the Subsidiary Guarantors or any of their estates in bankruptcy, or any remedy for the enforcement thereof, resulting from the operation of any present or future provision of any applicable Bankruptcy Law, as amended, or other statute or from the decision of any court, (iii) the assertion or exercise by the Company, any of the Subsidiary Guarantors or the Trustee of any rights or remedies under the Securities or this Indenture or their delay in or failure to assert or exercise any such rights or remedies, (iv) the assignment or the purported assignment of any property as security for the Securities, including all or any part of the rights of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors under this Indenture, (v) the extension of the time for payment by the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors of any payments or other sums or any part thereof owing or payable under any of the terms and provisions of the Securities or this Indenture or of the time for performance by the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors of any other obligations under or arising out of any such terms and provisions or the extension or the renewal of any thereof, (vi) the modification or amendment (whether material or otherwise) of any duty, agreement or obligation of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth in this Indenture, (vii) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets, marshaling of assets and liabilities, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of, or other similar proceeding affecting, the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors or any of their respective assets, or the disaffirmance of the Securities, the Guarantee or this Indenture in any such proceeding, (viii) the release or discharge of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors from the performance or observance of any agreement, covenant, term or condition contained in any of such instruments by operation of law, (ix) the unenforceability of the Securities of such series, the related Guarantees or this Indenture or (x) any other circumstances (other than payment in full or discharge of all amounts guaranteed pursuant to the related Guarantees) which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor.

 

(e)                                   Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby (i) waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of the merger, insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors, and all demands whatsoever, (ii) acknowledges that any agreement, instrument or document evidencing its Guarantee may be transferred and that the benefit of its obligations hereunder shall extend to each holder of any agreement, instrument or document evidencing its Guarantee without notice to it and (iii) covenants that its Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of such Guarantee. Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors further agrees that if at any time all or any part of any payment theretofore applied by any Person to its Guarantee is, or must be, rescinded or returned for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors, such Guarantee shall, to the extent that such payment is or must be rescinded or returned, be deemed to have continued in existence notwithstanding such application, and such Guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, as though such application had not been made.

 

(f)                                    Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders and the Trustee against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by such Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture; provided, however , that such Subsidiary Guarantor, shall not be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all of the Securities of such series and the related Guarantees shall have been paid in full or discharged.

 

Section 10.02                       Execution and Delivery of Guarantees.

 

To further evidence its Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agrees that a notation relating to such Guarantee (the “Notation of Guarantee”), substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A, shall be endorsed on each Security of the series entitled to the benefits of such Guarantee authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, which Notation of Guarantee shall be executed by either manual or facsimile signature of an Officer of such Subsidiary Guarantor. Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agrees that its Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Security the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Guarantee. If any Officer of such Subsidiary Guarantor, whose signature is on this Indenture or the Notation of Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates such Security or at any time thereafter, the Guarantee of such Security shall be valid nevertheless. The delivery of any Security of a series entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee under this Article X by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of each Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

30



 

Section 10.03                       Limitation on Liability of the Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

Each Subsidiary Guarantor and by its acceptance hereof each Holder of a Security of a series entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee under this Article X hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the guarantee by such Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to its Guarantee not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of any federal or state law. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Holders of a Security entitled to the benefits of such Guarantee and the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor under its Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor and to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Subsidiary Guarantor under its Guarantee, result in the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law.

 

Section 10.04                       Release of Subsidiary Guarantors from Guarantee.

 

(a)                                  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor may be released upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Article VIII and this Section 10.04. Provided that no Default shall have occurred and shall be continuing under this Indenture, any Guarantee incurred by a Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to this Article X shall be unconditionally released and discharged (i) automatically upon (A) any sale, exchange or transfer, whether by way of merger or otherwise, to any Person that is not the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company, of all of the Company’s direct or indirect equity interests in such Subsidiary Guarantor and such Subsidiary Guarantor no longer qualifies as a Subsidiary of the Company as a result of such disposition ( provided such sale, exchange or transfer is not prohibited by this Indenture) or (B) the merger of such Subsidiary Guarantor into the Company or any other Subsidiary Guarantor or the liquidation and dissolution of such Subsidiary Guarantor (in each case to the extent not prohibited by this Indenture) or (ii) following delivery of a written notice of such release or discharge by the Company to the Trustee, upon the release or discharge of the guarantee by such Subsidiary Guarantor of Debt of the Company that resulted in such Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantees.

 

(b)                                  The Trustee shall deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing any release of a Subsidiary Guarantor from its Guarantee upon receipt of a written request of the Company accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Subsidiary Guarantor is entitled to such release in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture. If the Subsidiary Guarantor is not so released, it shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest on the Securities entitled to the benefits of such Guarantee as provided in this Indenture, subject to the limitations of Section 10.03.

 

Section 10.05                       Contribution.

 

In order to provide for just and equitable contribution among the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agree, inter se, that in the event any payment or distribution is made by any Subsidiary Guarantor (a “Funding Guarantor”) under its Guarantee, such Funding Guarantor shall be entitled to a contribution from each other Subsidiary Guarantor (as applicable) in a pro rata amount based on the net assets of each Subsidiary Guarantor (including the Funding Guarantor) for all payments, damages and expenses incurred by that Funding Guarantor in discharging the Company’s obligations with respect to the Securities of a series entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee under this Article X or any other Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations with respect to its Guarantee of such series of Securities.

 

Article XI
Miscellaneous

 

Section 11.01                       Trust Indenture Act Controls.

 

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by operation of TIA § 318(c), the imposed duties shall control.

 

Section 11.02                       Notices.

 

Any notice or communication by the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telex, facsimile or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the other’s address:

 

If to the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors:

 

QVC, Inc.

Studio Park, 1200 Wilson Drive, MC 203

West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Facsimile No.: (484) 701-1380

 

31



 

with copies to:

 

QVC, Inc.

Studio Park, 1200 Wilson Drive, MC 207

West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382

Attention: General Counsel

Facsimile No.: (484) 701-1021

 

and

 

Liberty Interactive Corporation

12300 Liberty Boulevard

Englewood, Colorado 80112

Attention: Treasurer

Facsimile No.: (720) 875-5915

 

If to the Trustee:

 

Attn:

Telephone:

Facsimile:

 

The Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee by notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

 

All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if by facsimile; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

 

Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Holder’s address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

 

If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it, except in the case of notice to the Trustee, it is duly given only when received.

 

If the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor mails a notice or communication to Holders, it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

 

All notices or communications, including, without limitation, notices to the Trustee, the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor by Holders, shall be in writing, except as otherwise set forth herein.

 

In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service, or by reason of any other cause, it shall be impossible to mail any notice required by this Indenture, then such method of notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient mailing of such notice.

 

Section 11.03                       Communication by Holders with Other Holders.

 

Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities. The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).

 

Section 11.04                       Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.

 

Upon any request or application by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, shall, if requested by the Trustee, furnish to the Trustee at the expense of the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be:

 

(1)                                  an Officer’s Certificate (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.05) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

 

(2)                                  an Opinion of Counsel (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been complied with.

 

32



 

Section 11.05                       Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.

 

Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and shall include:

 

(1)                                  a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

 

(2)                                  a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

 

(3)                                  a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, it, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable it, him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

 

(4)                                  a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with; provided that an opinion of counsel may have customary qualifications for opinions of the type required and with respect to matters of fact, an opinion of counsel may rely on an officer’s certificate or certificates of public officials.

 

Section 11.06                       Rules by Trustee and Agents.

 

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar or the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

 

Section 11.07                       Legal Holidays.

 

If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a Place of Payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

 

Section 11.08                       No Recourse Against Others.

 

A director, officer, employee, stockholder, partner or other owner of the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee, as such, shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Securities, for the obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor under any Guarantee, or for any obligations of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee under this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issue of Securities.

 

Section 11.09                       Governing Law.

 

THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES AND THE GUARANTEES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS TO THE EXTENT THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

 

Section 11.10                       No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.

 

This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Subsidiary of the Company. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

 

Section 11.11                       Successors.

 

All agreements of the Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors in this Indenture and the Securities shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.

 

Section 11.12                       Severability.

 

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities or in any Guarantee shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

Section 11.13                       Counterpart Originals.

 

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

 

33



 

Section 11.14                       Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

 

The table of contents, cross-reference table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

34



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

QVC, INC.

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

[NAME(S) OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS]

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

35



 

 

[                      ], as Trustee

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

36



 

ANNEX A

 

NOTATION OF GUARANTEE

 

Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors (which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture) has fully, unconditionally and absolutely guaranteed, to the extent set forth in the Indenture and subject to the provisions in the Indenture, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities and all other amounts due and payable under the Indenture and the Securities by the Company.

 

The obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors to the Holders of Securities and to the Trustee pursuant to the Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article X of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Guarantee.

 

 

[NAME(S) OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR(S)]

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

37




Exhibit 4.2

 

QVC, INC.

 

AND

 

ANY GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO

 


 

SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

 


 

FORM OF SUBORDINATED INDENTURE

 

Dated as of                       

 

                                              ,

 

As Trustee

 



 

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

 

Trust Indenture Act Section

 

Indenture Section

310(a)(1)

 

7.10

(a)(2)

 

7.10

(a)(3)

 

N/A

(a)(4)

 

N/A

(a)(5)

 

7.10

(b)

 

7.08, 7.10

(c)

 

N/A

311(a)

 

7.11

(b)

 

7.11

(c)

 

N/A

312(a)

 

2.07

(b)

 

12.03

(c)

 

12.03

313(a)

 

7.06

(b)(1)

 

7.06

(b)(2)

 

7.06

(c)

 

7.06

(d)

 

7.06

314(a)

 

4.03, 4.04

(b)

 

N/A

(c)(1)

 

12.04

(c)(2)

 

12.04

(c)(3)

 

N/A

(d)

 

N/A

(e)

 

12.05

(f)

 

N/A

315(a)

 

7.01(b)

(b)

 

7.05

(c)

 

7.01(a)

(d)

 

7.01(c)

(e)

 

6.11

316(a)(last sentence)

 

2.08

(a)(1)(A)

 

6.05

(a)(1)(B)

 

6.04

(a)(2)

 

N/A

(b)

 

6.07

317(a)(1)

 

6.08

(a)(2)

 

6.09

(b)

 

2.06

318(a)

 

12.01

(b)

 

N/A

 


N/A means not applicable.

*                                          This Cross-Reference Table is not part of the Indenture.

 

i



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

1

 

 

 

SECTION 1.01

Definitions

1

SECTION 1.02

Other Definitions

5

SECTION 1.03

Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act

6

SECTION 1.04

Rules of Construction

6

 

 

 

ARTICLE II THE SECURITIES

7

 

 

 

SECTION 2.01

Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series

7

SECTION 2.02

Denominations

9

SECTION 2.03

Forms Generally

9

SECTION 2.04

Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating

10

SECTION 2.05

Registrar and Paying Agent

11

SECTION 2.06

Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust

11

SECTION 2.07

Holder Lists

12

SECTION 2.08

Transfer and Exchange

12

SECTION 2.09

Replacement Securities

12

SECTION 2.10

Outstanding Securities

13

SECTION 2.11

Original Issue Discount, Foreign-Currency Denominated and Treasury Securities

13

SECTION 2.12

Temporary Securities

13

SECTION 2.13

Cancellation

13

SECTION 2.14

Payments; Defaulted Interest

14

SECTION 2.15

Persons Deemed Owners

14

SECTION 2.16

Computation of Interest

14

SECTION 2.17

Global Securities; Book-Entry Provisions

14

 

 

 

ARTICLE III REDEMPTION

16

 

 

 

SECTION 3.01

Applicability of Article

16

SECTION 3.02

Notice to the Trustee

16

SECTION 3.03

Selection of Securities To Be Redeemed

16

SECTION 3.04

Notice of Redemption

17

SECTION 3.05

Effect of Notice of Redemption

18

SECTION 3.06

Deposit of Redemption Price

18

SECTION 3.07

Securities Redeemed in Part

18

SECTION 3.08

Purchase of Securities

18

SECTION 3.09

Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds

18

SECTION 3.10

Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities

19

SECTION 3.11

Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund

19

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV COVENANTS

19

 

ii



 

SECTION 4.01

Payment of Securities

19

SECTION 4.02

Maintenance of Office or Agency

20

SECTION 4.03

SEC Reports; Financial Statements

20

SECTION 4.04

Compliance Certificate

20

SECTION 4.05

Existence

21

SECTION 4.06

Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws

21

SECTION 4.07

Additional Amounts

21

 

 

 

ARTICLE V SUCCESSORS

21

 

 

 

SECTION 5.01

Limitations on Mergers and Consolidations

21

SECTION 5.02

Successor Person Substituted

22

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

22

 

 

 

SECTION 6.01

Events of Default

22

SECTION 6.02

Acceleration

24

SECTION 6.03

Other Remedies

24

SECTION 6.04

Waiver of Defaults

24

SECTION 6.05

Control by Majority

25

SECTION 6.06

Limitations on Suits

25

SECTION 6.07

Rights of Holders to Receive Payment

25

SECTION 6.08

Collection Suit by Trustee

26

SECTION 6.09

Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

26

SECTION 6.10

Priorities

26

SECTION 6.11

Undertaking for Costs

27

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII TRUSTEE

27

 

 

 

SECTION 7.01

Duties of Trustee

27

SECTION 7.02

Rights of Trustee

28

SECTION 7.03

May Hold Securities

29

SECTION 7.04

Trustee’s Disclaimer

29

SECTION 7.05

Notice of Defaults

29

SECTION 7.06

Reports by Trustee to Holders

29

SECTION 7.07

Compensation and Indemnity

29

SECTION 7.08

Replacement of Trustee

30

SECTION 7.09

Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.

31

SECTION 7.10

Eligibility; Disqualification

31

SECTION 7.11

Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor

32

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE

32

 

 

 

SECTION 8.01

Termination of the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ Obligations

32

SECTION 8.02

Application of Trust Money

35

SECTION 8.03

Repayment to Company or Subsidiary Guarantor

35

 

iii



 

SECTION 8.04

Reinstatement

35

 

 

 

ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES AND AMENDMENTS

35

 

 

 

SECTION 9.01

Without Consent of Holders

35

SECTION 9.02

With Consent of Holders

36

SECTION 9.03

Compliance with the Trust Indenture Act

38

SECTION 9.04

Revocation and Effect of Consents

38

SECTION 9.05

Notation on or Exchange of Securities

39

SECTION 9.06

Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.

39

 

 

 

ARTICLE X SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES AND GUARANTEE

39

 

 

 

SECTION 10.01

Applicability of Article; Agreement to Subordinate

39

SECTION 10.02

Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy

39

SECTION 10.03

Default on Senior Indebtedness

40

SECTION 10.04

Acceleration of Payment of Securities

41

SECTION 10.05

When Distribution Must Be Paid Over

41

SECTION 10.06

Subrogation

41

SECTION 10.07

Relative Rights

41

SECTION 10.08

Subordination May Not Be Impaired by the Company

41

SECTION 10.09

Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent

41

SECTION 10.10

Distribution or Notice to Representative

42

SECTION 10.11

Article X Not to Prevent Defaults or Limit Right to Accelerate

42

SECTION 10.12

Trust Moneys Not Subordinated

42

SECTION 10.13

Trustee Entitled to Rely

42

SECTION 10.14

Trustee to Effectuate Subordination

42

SECTION 10.15

Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness

42

SECTION 10.16

Reliance by Holders of Senior Indebtedness on Subordination Provisions

43

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI GUARANTEE

43

 

 

 

SECTION 11.01

Guarantee

43

SECTION 11.02

Execution and Delivery of Guarantees

44

SECTION 11.03

Limitation on Liability of the Subsidiary Guarantors

44

SECTION 11.04

Release of Subsidiary Guarantors from Guarantee

45

SECTION 11.05

Contribution

45

 

 

 

ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS

45

 

 

 

SECTION 12.01

Trust Indenture Act Controls

45

SECTION 12.02

Notices

45

SECTION 12.03

Communication by Holders with Other Holders

47

SECTION 12.04

Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent

47

SECTION 12.05

Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion

47

SECTION 12.06

Rules by Trustee and Agents

47

SECTION 12.07

Legal Holidays

47

 

iv



 

SECTION 12.08

No Recourse Against Others

47

SECTION 12.09

Governing Law

48

SECTION 12.10

No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements

48

SECTION 12.11

Successors

48

SECTION 12.12

Severability

48

SECTION 12.13

Counterpart Originals

48

SECTION 12.14

Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

48

 

v



 

INDENTURE dated as of                 is among QVC, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), any Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined herein) party hereto and [                    ], a                     , as trustee (the “Trustee”).

 

The Company and any Subsidiary Guarantors have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of the Company’s subordinated debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness to be issued in one or more series unlimited as to principal amount (herein called the “Securities”), and the related Guarantees (as hereinafter defined), if any, as provided in this Indenture.

 

The Company, Subsidiary Guarantors and Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities:

 

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

SECTION 1.01                                       Definitions .

 

“Additional Amounts” means any additional amounts required by the express terms of a Security or by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, under circumstances specified therein or pursuant thereto, to be paid by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, with respect to certain taxes, assessments or other governmental charges imposed on certain Holders and that are owing to such Holders.

 

“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” of a Person shall mean the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 

“Agent” means any Registrar or Paying Agent.

 

“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11 of the United States Code or any similar federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.

 

“Board of Directors” means (i) with respect to the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company or its functional equivalent or any authorized committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any directors and/or officers of the Company to whom such Board of Directors or its functional equivalent or such committee shall have duly delegated its authority to act hereunder, and (ii) with respect to a Subsidiary Guarantor, the board of directors or managers, any authorized committee thereof and any directors and/or officers thereof to whom such board of directors or managers or such committee shall have duly delegated its authority to act hereunder and, if such Subsidiary Guarantor is a limited partnership, the references to the Board of Directors shall mean the Board of Directors of the general partner of the Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

“Board Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by such Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

 

“Business Day” means any day that is not a Legal Holiday.

 

“Company” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor Person; provided, however, that for purposes of any provision contained herein which is required by the TIA, “Company” shall also mean each other obligor (if any), other than a Subsidiary Guarantor, on the Securities of a series.

 

“Company Order” means a written request or order signed on behalf of the Company by its Officer and delivered to the Trustee.

 

1



 

“Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” means the office of the Trustee located at                     , Attention:                     , and as may be located at such other address as the Trustee may give notice to the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

“Debt” of any Person at any date means any obligation created or assumed by such Person for the repayment of borrowed money or a purchase obligation, or any guarantee thereof.

 

“Default” means any event, act or condition that is, or after notice or the passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

 

“deliver” or “delivery” means, in the context of certificated Securities, actual physical delivery of the certificated Securities to the relevant Person required hereunder, together with all endorsements, and in the context of Global Securities, the designation on the records of the Depositary of a change in the beneficial interests of a holder in a Global Security.

 

“Depositary” means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof as the initial Depositary with respect to the Securities of such series, until a successor shall have been appointed and become such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Indenture, and thereafter “Depositary” shall mean or include such successor.

 

“Designated Senior Indebtedness” means (i) any Senior Indebtedness which, at the date of determination, has an aggregate principal amount outstanding of, or under which, at the date of determination, the holders thereof are committed to lend up to, at least $100 million and (ii) any other Senior Indebtedness designated, as provided in Section 2.01, in respect of any series of Securities.

 

“Dollar” or “$” means a dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin or currency of the United States as at the time shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debt.

 

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor statute.

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, as in effect from time to time.

 

“Global Security” means a Security that is issued in global form in the name of the Depositary with respect thereto or its nominee.

 

“Government Obligations” means, with respect to a series of Securities, direct obligations of the government that issues the currency in which the Securities of the series are payable for the payment of which the full faith and credit of such government is pledged, or obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of such government, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by such government.

 

“Guarantee” means the guarantee of the Company’s obligations under the Securities of a series by a Subsidiary Guarantor (specified with respect to such series as contemplated by Section 2.01(9)) as provided in Article XI.

 

“Holder” means a Person in whose name a Security is registered.

 

“Indenture” means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time pursuant to the provisions hereof, and includes the terms of a particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 2.01.

 

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“interest” means, with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security that by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, interest payable after Maturity, and with respect to a Security, interest on the Security.

 

“Interest Payment Date,” when used with respect to any Security, shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Security as contemplated by Section 2.01.

 

“Issue Date” means, with respect to Securities of a series, the first date on which the Securities of such series are originally issued under this Indenture.

 

“Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in any of The City of New York, New York or a Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.

 

“Maturity” means, with respect to any Security, the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity thereof, or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.

 

“Officer” means with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary or any Vice President of such Person.

 

“Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by any of its Officers.

 

“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. Such counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee.

 

“Original Issue Discount Security” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02.

 

“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or other agency, instrumentality or political subdivision thereof or other entity of any kind.

 

“Place of Payment” means, with respect to the Securities of any series, the place or places where the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of that series are payable as specified in accordance with Section 2.01 subject to the provisions of Section 4.02.

 

“principal” of a Security means the principal of the Security plus, when appropriate, the premium, if any, on the Security.

 

“Redemption Date” means, with respect to any Security to be redeemed, the date for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

 

“Redemption Price” means, with respect to any Security to be redeemed, the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

 

“Representative” means the trustee, agent or representative (if any) for an issue of Senior Indebtedness.

 

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

 

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“Rule 144A Securities” means Securities of a series designated pursuant to Section 2.01 as entitled to the benefits of Section 4.03(b).

 

“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“Securities” has the meaning stated in the preamble of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

 

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

“Senior Indebtedness,” unless otherwise provided with respect to the Securities of a series as contemplated by Section 2.01, means, with respect to a series of Securities, (1) all Debt of the Company and, in the case of a related Guarantee, the Subsidiary Guarantors, whether currently outstanding or hereafter issued, unless, by the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing such Debt, it is provided that such Debt is not superior in right of payment to the Securities of such series, in the case of the Company, or the related Guarantees, in the case of the Subsidiary Guarantors, or to other Debt which is pari passu with or subordinated to the Securities of such series, in the case of the Company, or the related Guarantees, in the case of the Subsidiary Guarantors, and (2) any modifications, refunding, deferrals, renewals, or extensions of any such Debt or securities, notes or other evidence of Debt issued in exchange for such Debt; provided that in no event shall “Senior Indebtedness” include (a) Debt evidenced by the Securities of such series or any other series or any related Guarantees, (b) Debt of any of the Subsidiary Guarantors or the Company owed or owing to any Subsidiary of the Company, (c) Debt of any of the Subsidiary Guarantors owed or owing to the Company, (d) Debt to trade creditors or (e) any liability for taxes owed or owing by the Subsidiary Guarantors or the Company.

 

“Security Custodian” means, with respect to Securities of a series issued in global form, the Trustee for Securities of such series, as custodian with respect to the Securities of such series, or any successor entity thereto.

 

“Significant Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Company that is a “significant subsidiary” of the Company as such term is defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X as in effect on the date hereof.

 

“Stated Maturity” means, when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.

 

“Subsidiary” of any Person means:

 

(i)                                      any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of equity interests entitled, without regard to the occurrence of any contingency, to vote in the election of directors, managers, trustees or equivalent Persons thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or any combination thereof; or

 

(ii)                                   a partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person, (b) the only general partners of which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination thereof) or (c) of which more than 50% of the partners’ equity interests, considering all partners’ equity interests as a single class, is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or any combination thereof.

 

“Subsidiary Guarantors” means, with respect to any series of Securities, the Person or Persons, if any, named in accordance with Section 2.01(9) as the “Subsidiary Guarantors” (i) in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officer’s Certificate or in a Company Order, or (ii) in an indenture supplemental hereto establishing the terms of such series of Securities until a successor Person or Persons shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Subsidiary Guarantors” with respect to such series of Securities shall mean such successor Person or Persons, and any other

 

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Subsidiary of the Company who may execute this Indenture, or a supplement thereto, for the purpose of providing a Guarantee for such series of Securities pursuant to this Indenture. If a series of Securities does not have any Subsidiary Guarantors, all references in this Indenture to Subsidiary Guarantors shall be ignored with respect to such series of Securities.

 

“surrender” shall have the same meaning as “deliver” in the context of the surrender of a Security.

 

“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in effect on the date hereof; provided, however , that, in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, “TIA” means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.

 

“Trustee” means the Person named as such above until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” means each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any series means the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

 

“United States” means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia) and its territories and possessions, which include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands.

 

“U.S. Government Obligations” means Government Obligations with respect to Securities payable in Dollars.

 

SECTION 1.02                                       Other Definitions .

 

Term

 

Defined
in Section

“Agent Members”

 

2.17

“Bankruptcy Custodian”

 

6.01

“Blockage Notes”

 

10.03

“covenant defeasance”

 

8.01

“EDGAR”

 

4.03

“Event of Default”

 

6.01

“Exchange Rate”

 

2.11

“Funding Guarantor”

 

11.05

“Judgment Currency”

 

6.10

“legal defeasance”

 

8.01

“mandatory sinking fund payment”

 

3.09

“optional sinking fund payment”

 

3.09

“pay the Subordinated Securities”

 

10.03

 

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Term

 

Defined
in Section

“Paying Agent”

 

2.05

“Payment Blockage Period

 

10.03

“Registrar”

 

2.05

“Required Currency”

 

6.10

“Subordinated Securities

 

10.01

“Successor”

 

5.01

 

SECTION 1.03                                       Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act .

 

Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture (and if the Indenture is not qualified under the TIA at that time, as if it were so qualified unless otherwise provided). The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:

 

“Commission” means the SEC.

 

“indenture securities” means the Securities.

 

“indenture security holder” means a Holder.

 

“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture.

 

“indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Trustee.

 

“obligor” on the indenture securities means the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other obligor on the Securities.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.04                                       Rules of Construction .

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(i)                                      a term has the meaning assigned to it;

 

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

 

(iii)                                “or” is not exclusive;

 

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

 

(v)                                  provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and

 

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(vi)                               all references in this instrument to Articles and Sections are references to the corresponding Articles and Sections in and of this instrument.

 

ARTICLE II
THE SECURITIES

 

SECTION 2.01                                       Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series .

 

The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

 

The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officer’s Certificate or in a Company Order, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series:

 

( 1)           the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from the Securities of all other series);

 

(2)           if there is to be a limit, the limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 2.08, 2.09, 2.12, 2.17, 3.07 or 9.05 and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 2.04 or 2.17, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder); provided, however, that unless otherwise provided in the terms of the series, the authorized aggregate principal amount of such series may be increased before or after the issuance of any Securities of the series by a Board Resolution (or action pursuant to a Board Resolution) to such effect;

 

(3)           whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable initially in temporary global form and whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable in permanent global form, as Global Securities or otherwise, and, if so, whether beneficial owners of interests in any such Global Security may exchange such interests for Securities of such series and of like tenor of any authorized form and denomination and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may occur, if other than in the manner provided in Section 2.17, and the initial Depositary and Security Custodian, if any, for any Global Security or Securities of such series;

 

(4)           the manner in which any interest payable on a temporary Global Security on any Interest Payment Date will be paid if other than in the manner provided in Section 2.14;

 

(5)           the date or dates on which the principal of and premium (if any) on the Securities of the series is payable or the method of determination thereof;

 

(6)           the rate or rates, or the method of determination thereof, at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, whether and under what circumstances Additional Amounts with respect to such Securities shall be payable, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be payable and the record date for the interest payable on any Securities on any Interest Payment Date, or if other than provided herein, the Person to whom any interest on Securities of the series shall be payable;

 

(7)           the place or places where, subject to the provisions of Section 4.02, the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of the series shall be payable;

 

(8)                                  the period or periods within which, the price or prices (whether denominated in cash, securities or otherwise) at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, if the Company is to

 

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have that option, and the manner in which the Company must exercise any such option, if different from those set forth herein;

 

(9)                                  whether Securities of the series are entitled to the benefits of any Guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to this Indenture, the identity of any such Subsidiary Guarantors and any terms of such Guarantee with respect to the Securities of the series in addition to those set forth in Article XI, or any exceptions to or changes to those set forth in Article XI;

 

(10)         the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, purchase or repay Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices (whether denominated in cash, securities or otherwise) at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid in whole or in part pursuant to such obligation;

 

(11)         if other than minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000, the denomination in which any Securities of that series shall be issuable;

 

(12)         if other than Dollars, the form, including equity securities, other debt securities (including Securities), warrants or any other securities or property of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Person, in which payment of the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of the series shall be payable;

 

(13)         if the principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of the series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a currency or currencies (including composite currencies) other than that in which the Securities are stated to be payable, the currency or currencies (including composite currencies) in which payment of the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to Securities of such series as to which such election is made shall be payable, and the periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made;

 

(14)         if the amount of payments of principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of the series may be determined with reference to any commodities, currencies or indices, values, rates or prices or any other index or formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

 

(15)         if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02;

 

(16)         any additional means of satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and any additional conditions or limitations to discharge with respect to Securities of the series and the related Guarantees, if any, pursuant to Article VIII or any modifications of or deletions from such conditions or limitations;

 

(17)         any deletions or modifications of or additions to the Events of Default set forth in Section 6.01 or covenants of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor set forth in Article IV pertaining to the Securities of the series;

 

(18)         any restrictions or other provisions with respect to the transfer or exchange of Securities of the series, which may amend, supplement, modify or supersede those contained in this Article II;

 

(19)         if the Securities of the series are to be convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock, other debt secu rities (including Securities), warrants, other equity securities or any other securities or property of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Person, at the

 

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option of the Company or the Holder or upon the occurrence of any condition or event, the terms and conditions for such conversion or exchange;

 

(20)                           the subordination, if any, of the Securities of the series pursuant to Article X and any changes or additions to Article X or designation of any Designated Senior Indebtedness;

 

(21)         whether the Securities of the series are to be entitled to the benefit of Section 4.03(b) (and accordingly constitute Rule 144A Securities); and

 

(22)         any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be prohibited by the provisions of this Inde nture).

 

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above and (subject to Section 2.03) set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officer’s Certificate or Company Order referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.

 

If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action, together with such Board Resolution, shall be set forth in an Officer’s Certificate and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officer’s Certificate or Company Order setting forth the terms of the series.

 

The Securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to Senior Indebtedness as provided in Article X and/or as specified as contemplated pursuant to this Section 2.01.

 

SECTION 2.02                                       Denominations .

 

The Securities of each series shall be issuable in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 2.01. In the absence of any such provisions with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series denominated in Dollars shall be issuable in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

 

SECTION 2.03                                       Forms Generally .

 

The Securities of each series shall be in fully registered form and in substantially such form or forms (including temporary or permanent global form) established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto. The Securities may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, securities exchange rules, the Company’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other similar governing documents, agreements to which the Company is subject, if any, or usage (provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Company). A copy of the Board Resolution establishing the form or forms of Securities of any series shall be delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 2.04 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.

 

The definitive Securities of each series shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the Officer executing such Securities, as evidenced by his or her execution thereof.

 

The Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

 

“This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

[                     ], as Trustee

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory”.

 

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SECTION 2.04                                       Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating .

 

An Officer of the Company shall sign the Securities on behalf of the Company and, with respect to any related Guarantees, an Officer of each Subsidiary Guarantor shall sign the Notation of Guarantee on behalf of such Subsidiary Guarantor, in each case by manual or facsimile signature.

 

If an Officer of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor whose signature is on a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Security or the Notation of Guarantee, as the case may be, is authenticated, the Security shall be valid nevertheless.

 

A Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or the related Guarantees, if any, or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by the manual signature of an authorized signatory of the Trustee, which signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security has been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company delivers such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 2.13, together with a written statement (which need not comply with Section 12.05 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued and sold by the Company, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture or the related Guarantees, if any.

 

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company (and if applicable, the Notation of Guarantee for such series executed by each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series) to the Trustee for authentication, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver such Securities for original issue upon a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities or pursuant to such procedures acceptable to the Trustee as may be specified from time to time by Company Order. Such order shall specify the amount of the Securities to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Securities is to be authenticated, the name or names of the initial Holder or Holders and any other terms of the Securities of such series not otherwise determined. If provided for in such procedures, such Company Order may authorize (1) authentication and delivery of Securities of such series for original issue from time to time, with certain terms (including, without limitation, the stated Maturity date or dates, original issue date or dates and interest rate or rates) that differ from Security to Security and (2) may authorize authentication and delivery pursuant to oral or electronic instructions from the Company or its duly authorized agent, which instructions shall be promptly confirmed in writing.

 

If the form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established in or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Section 2.01, in authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive (in addition to the Company Order referred to above and the other documents required by Section 12.04), and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon:

 

(a)                                  an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the Board Resolution and, if applicable, an appropriate record of any action taken pursuant thereto, as contemplated by the last paragraph of Section 2.01; and

 

(b)                                  an Opinion of Counsel substantially to the effect that:

 

(i)                                      the form of such Securities has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

(ii)                                   the terms of such Securities have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and

 

(iii)                                that when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, such Securities and the related Guarantees, if any, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the

 

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Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively, enforceable against the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively, in accordance with their respective terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer or other similar laws in effect from time to time affecting the rights of creditors generally, and the application of general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

If all the Securities of any series are not to be issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel at the time of issuance of each such Security, but such Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Security of the series to be issued.

 

The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issuance of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture would affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

 

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate Securities. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate Securities whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

 

SECTION 2.05                                       Registrar and Paying Agent .

 

The Company shall maintain an office or agency for each series of Securities where Securities of such series may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange (“Registrar”) and an office or agency where Securities of such series may be presented for payment (“Paying Agent”). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Securities of such series and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent.

 

The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such Agent. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. If the Company fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Subsidiary may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

 

The Company initially appoints the Trustee as Registrar and Paying Agent.

 

SECTION 2.06                                       Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust .

 

The Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to Securities and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed. Upon payment over to the Trustee and upon accounting for any funds disbursed, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or another Subsidiary of the Company) shall have no further liability for the money. If the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or another Subsidiary of the Company acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Each Paying Agent shall otherwise comply with TIA § 317(b).

 

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SECTION 2.07                                       Holder Lists .

 

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar with respect to a series of Securities, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee at least five Business Days before each Interest Payment Date with respect to such series of Securities, and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Holders of such series, and the Company shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a).

 

SECTION 2.08                                       Transfer and Exchange .

 

Except as set forth in Section 2.17 or as may be provided pursuant to Section 2.01:

 

When Securities of any series are presented to the Registrar with the request to register the transfer of such Securities or to exchange such Securities for an equal principal amount of Securities of the same series of like tenor and of other authorized denominations, the Registrar shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its requirements and the requirements of this Indenture for such transactions are met; provided, however , that the Securities presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by the Holder thereof or by his attorney, duly authorized in writing, on which instruction the Registrar can rely.

 

To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute Securities (and if applicable, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee for such series) and the Trustee shall authenticate such Securities at the Registrar’s written request and submission of the Securities or Global Securities. No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein), but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than such transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable upon exchanges pursuant to Section 2.12, 3.07 or 9.05). The Trustee shall authenticate such Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.04. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to register the transfer or exchange of (a) any Security selected for redemption in whole or in part pursuant to Article III, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part, or (b) any Security during the period beginning 15 Business Days prior to the mailing of notice of any offer to repurchase Securities of the series required pursuant to the terms thereof or of redemption of Securities of a series to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing.

 

SECTION 2.09                                       Replacement Securities .

 

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, or if the Holder of a Security claims that the Security has been destroyed, lost or stolen and the Company and the Trustee receive evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of such Security, the Company shall issue, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Security, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Security of the same series if the Trustee’s requirements are met. If any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security. If required by the Trustee, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Company, such Holder must furnish an indemnity bond that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Company to protect the Company, each Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee, any Agent or any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Security is replaced. The Company and the Trustee may charge a Holder for their expenses in replacing a Security.

 

Every replacement Security is an additional obligation of the Company.

 

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SECTION 2.10                                       Outstanding Securities .

 

The Securities outstanding at any time are all the Securities authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Security effected by the Trustee hereunder and those described in this Section 2.10 as not outstanding.

 

If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.09, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Security is held by a bona fide purchaser.

 

If the principal amount of any Security is considered paid under Section 4.01, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.

 

A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or an Affiliate of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor holds the Security.

 

SECTION 2.11                                       Original Issue Discount, Foreign-Currency Denominated and Treasury Securities .

 

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction, amendment, supplement, waiver or consent, (a) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security shall be the principal amount thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02, (b) the principal amount of a Security denominated in a foreign currency shall be the Dollar equivalent, as determined by the Company by reference to the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers for such currency, as such rate is certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Exchange Rate”) on the date of original issuance of such Security, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, the Dollar equivalent, as determined by the Company by reference to the Exchange Rate on the date of original issuance of such Security, of the amount determined in (a) above), of such Security and (c) Securities owned by the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company, of a Subsidiary Guarantor or of such other obligor shall be disregarded, except that, for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such direction, amendment, supplement, waiver or consent, only Securities that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.

 

SECTION 2.12                                       Temporary Securities .

 

Until definitive Securities of any series are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and execute temporary Securities, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Security relating to such temporary Securities, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Securities. Temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form of definitive Securities, but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and execute definitive Securities, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such definitive Security, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate such definitive Securities in exchange for temporary Securities. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities.

 

SECTION 2.13                                       Cancellation .

 

The Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor at any time may deliver Securities to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or redemption or for credit against any sinking fund payment. The Trustee shall cancel all Securities surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, redemption, replacement or cancellation or for credit against any sinking fund. Unless the Company shall direct in writing that canceled Securities be returned to it, after written notice to the Company all canceled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of in accordance with the usual disposal procedures of the Trustee, and the Trustee shall maintain a record of their disposal. The Company may not issue new Securities to replace Securities that have been paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

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SECTION 2.14                                       Payments; Defaulted Interest .

 

Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 2.01, interest (except defaulted interest) on any Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Persons who are registered Holders of that Security at the close of business on the record date next preceding such Interest Payment Date, even if such Securities are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date. The Holder must surrender a Security to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. Unless otherwise provided with respect to the Securities of any series, the Company will pay the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities in Dollars. Such amounts shall be payable at the offices of the Trustee or any Paying Agent, provided that at the option of the Company, the Company may pay such amounts (1) by wire transfer with respect to Global Securities or (2) by check payable in such money mailed to a Holder’s registered address with respect to any Securities.

 

If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Securities of any series, the Company shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest on the defaulted interest, in each case at the rate provided in the Securities of such series and in Section 4.01. The Company may pay the defaulted interest to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date. At least 15 days before any special record date selected by the Company, the Company (or the Trustee, in the name of and at the expense of the Company upon 20 days’ prior written notice from the Company setting forth such special record date and the interest amount to be paid) shall mail to Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

 

SECTION 2.15                                       Persons Deemed Owners .

 

The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent may treat the Person in whose name any Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payments of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to such Security and for all other purposes. None of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee, any Agent or any authenticating agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

 

SECTION 2.16                                       Computation of Interest .

 

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a year comprising twelve 30-day months.

 

SECTION 2.17                                       Global Securities; Book-Entry Provisions .

 

If Securities of a series are issuable in global form as a Global Security, as contemplated by Section 2.01, then, notwithstanding clause (11) of Section 2.01 and the provisions of Section 2.02, any such Global Security shall represent such of the outstanding Securities of such series as shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of outstanding Securities from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of outstanding Securities represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges, transfers or redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global Security to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee (i) in such manner and upon instructions given by such Person or Persons as shall be specified in such Security or in a Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.04 or (ii) otherwise in accordance with written instructions or such other written form of instructions as is customary for the Depositary for such Security, from such Depositary or its nominee on behalf of any Person having a beneficial interest in such Global Security. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.04 and, if applicable, Section 2.12, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Security in permanent global form in the manner and upon instructions given by the Person or Persons specified in such Security or in the applicable Company Order. With respect to the Securities of any series that are represented by a Global Security, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors authorize the execution and delivery of a letter of representations or other similar agreement or instrument in the form customarily provided for by the Depositary appointed with respect to such Global Security. Any Global Security may be deposited with the Depositary or its nominee, or may remain in the custody of the Trustee or the Security Custodian therefor pursuant to a FAST Balance Certificate Agreement or similar agreement between the Trustee and the Depositary. If a

 

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Company Order has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any instructions by the Company with respect to endorsement or delivery or redelivery of a Security in global form shall be in writing but need not comply with Section 12.05 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel.

 

Members of, or participants in, the Depositary (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Security held on their behalf by the Depositary, or the Trustee or the Security Custodian as its custodian, or under such Global Security, and the Depositary may be treated by the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee or the Security Custodian and any agent of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee or the Security Custodian as the absolute owner of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the registered holder of a Global Security of a series may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action that a Holder of Securities of such series is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Securities of such series and (ii) nothing herein shall prevent the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee or the Security Custodian, or any agent of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee or the Security Custodian, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or shall impair, as between the Depositary and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a beneficial owner of any Security.

 

Notwithstanding Section 2.08, and except as otherwise provided pursuant to Section 2.01, transfers of a Global Security shall be limited to transfers of such Global Security in whole, but not in part, to the Depositary, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial owners in a Global Security may be transferred in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Depositary. Securities shall be transferred to all beneficial owners in exchange for their beneficial interests in a Global Security if, and only if, either (1) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for the Global Security and a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days of such notice, (2) an Event of Default has occurred with respect to such series and is continuing and the Registrar has received a request from the Depositary to issue Securities in lieu of all or a portion of the Global Security (in which case the Company shall deliver Securities within 30 days of such request) or (3) the Company in its sole discretion determines not to have the Securities represented by a Global Security.

 

In connection with any transfer of a portion of the beneficial interests in a Global Security to beneficial owners pursuant to this Section 2.17, the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and a decrease in the principal amount of the Global Security in an amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Global Security to be transferred, and the Company shall execute, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Global Security, if any, and the Trustee upon receipt of a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of Securities shall authenticate and deliver, one or more Securities of the same series of like tenor and amount.

 

In connection with the transfer of all of the beneficial interests in a Global Security to beneficial owners pursuant to this Section 2.17, the Global Security shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Company shall execute, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Global Security, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, to each beneficial owner identified by the Depositary in exchange for its beneficial interests in the Global Security, an equal aggregate principal amount of Securities of authorized denominations. The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Security (including any transfers between or among participants in a Depositary or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Securities) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

 

None of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, Securities by the Depositary, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of the Depositary relating to such Securities. None of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee shall be liable for any delay by the Holder of the Global Security or the Depositary in identifying the beneficial owners, and each such Person may conclusively rely on, and shall be

 

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protected in relying on, instructions from such Holder of the Global Security or the Depositary for all purposes (including with respect to the registration and delivery, and the respective principal amounts, of the Securities to be issued).

 

The provisions of the last sentence of the third paragraph of Section 2.04 shall apply to any Global Security if such Global Security was never issued and sold by the Company and the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor delivers to the Trustee the Global Security together with written instructions (which need not comply with Section 12.05 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) with regard to the cancellation or reduction in the principal amount of Securities represented thereby, together with the written statement contemplated by the last sentence of the third paragraph of Section 2.04.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 2.03 and 2.14, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01, payment of principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to any Global Security shall be made to the Depositary.

 

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

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, delivery or surrender of a Security shall not be required in the case of Global Securities in order to obtain the rights or benefits provided hereunder upon the delivery or surrender of a Security.

 

ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION

 

SECTION 3.01                                       Applicability of Article .

 

Securities of any series that are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article III.

 

SECTION 3.02                                       Notice to the Trustee .

 

If the Company elects to redeem Securities of any series pursuant to this Indenture, they shall notify the Trustee of the Redemption Date and the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed. The Company shall so notify the Trustee at least 45 days before the Redemption Date (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) by delivering to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that such redemption will comply with the provisions of this Indenture and of the Securities of such series. Any such notice may be canceled at any time prior to the mailing of such notice of such redemption to any Holder and shall thereupon be void and of no effect.

 

SECTION 3.03                                       Selection of Securities To Be Redeemed .

 

If less than all of the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all of the Securities of such series of a specified tenor are to be redeemed), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date from the outstanding Securities of such series (and tenor) not previously called for redemption, either pro rata, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee shall deem appropriate in accordance with industry standards at the time of such redemption and that may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a denomination larger than the

 

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minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or of the principal amount of Global Securities of such series; provided that, if at the time of redemption such Securities are registered as a Global Security, the Depositary shall determine, in accordance with its procedures, the principal amount of such Securities held by each beneficial owner of Securities to be redeemed.

 

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Registrar in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

 

For purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any of the Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount thereof which has been or is to be redeemed.

 

SECTION 3.04                                       Notice of Redemption .

 

Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at the address of such Holder appearing in the register of Securities maintained by the Registrar.

 

All notices of redemption shall identify the Securities to be redeemed and shall state:

 

(1)                                  the Redemption Date;

 

(2)                                  the Redemption Price (or the method of calculating or determining the Redemption Price);

 

(3)                                  that, unless the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors default in making the redemption payment, interest on Securities called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the Redemption Date, and the only remaining right of the Holders of such Securities is to receive payment of the Redemption Price upon surrender to the Paying Agent of the Securities redeemed;

 

(4)                                  if any Security is to be redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and that on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender for cancellation of such Security to the Paying Agent, a new Security or Securities in the aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued without charge to the Holder;

 

(5)                                  that Securities called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price and the name and address of the Paying Agent;

 

(6)                                  that the redemption is for a sinking or analogous fund, if such is the case; and

 

(7)                                  the CUSIP or ISIN number, if any, relating to such Securities.

 

Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s written request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

 

Notice of any redemption of Securities may, at the Company’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent. If such redemption is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice of redemption shall describe each such condition and, if applicable, shall state that, in the Company’s discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time as any or all of such conditions shall be satisfied (or waived by the Company in its sole discretion), or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Company in its sole discretion) by the Redemption Date as stated in such notice, or by the Redemption Date as so delayed.

 

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SECTION 3.05                                       Effect of Notice of Redemption .

 

Subject to the last paragraph of Section 3.04, once notice of redemption is mailed, Securities called for redemption become due and payable on the Redemption Date and at the Redemption Price. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Securities called for redemption shall be paid at the Redemption Price, but interest installments whose maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable on the relevant Interest Payment Dates to the Holders of record at the close of business on the relevant record dates specified pursuant to Section 2.01.

 

SECTION 3.06                                       Deposit of Redemption Price .

 

By 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on any Redemption Date, the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor shall deposit with the Trustee or the Paying Agent (or, if the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor is acting as the Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 2.06) an amount of money in same day funds sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to, the Securities or portions thereof which are to be redeemed on that date, other than Securities or portions thereof called for redemption on that date which have been delivered by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

If the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor complies with the preceding paragraph, then, unless the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors default in the payment of such Redemption Price, interest on the Securities to be redeemed will cease to accrue on and after the applicable Redemption Date, whether or not such Securities are presented for payment, and the Holders of such Securities shall have no further rights with respect to such Securities except for the right to receive the Redemption Price upon surrender of such Securities. If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal, premium, if any, any Additional Amounts, and, to the extent lawful, accrued interest thereon shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate specified pursuant to Section 2.01 or provided in the Securities or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities, such Securities’ yield to maturity.

 

SECTION 3.07                                       Securities Redeemed in Part .

 

Upon surrender to the Paying Agent of a Security to be redeemed in part, the Company shall execute, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Security, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge a new Security or Securities, of the same series and of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to, and in exchange for, the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered that is not redeemed.

 

SECTION 3.08                                       Purchase of Securities .

 

Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.01, the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor and any Affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor may at any time purchase or otherwise acquire Securities in the open market or by private agreement. Any such acquisition shall not operate as or be deemed for any purpose to be a redemption of the indebtedness represented by such Securities. Any Securities purchased or acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor may be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation and, upon such delivery, the indebtedness represented thereby shall be deemed to be satisfied. Section 2.13 shall apply to all Securities so delivered.

 

SECTION 3.09                                       Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds .

 

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment,” and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment.” Unless otherwise provided by the terms of Securities of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 3.10. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such series and by this Article III.

 

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SECTION 3.10                                       Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities .

 

The Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor may deliver outstanding Securities of a series (other than any previously called for redemption) and may apply as a credit Securities of a series that have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of such series of Securities; provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.

 

SECTION 3.11                                       Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund .

 

Not less than 45 days prior (unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivery of or by crediting Securities of that series pursuant to Section 3.10 and will also deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Failure of the Company to timely deliver or cause to be delivered such Officer’s Certificate and Securities specified in this paragraph, if any, shall not constitute a default but shall constitute the election of the Company (i) that the mandatory sinking fund payment for such series due on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date shall be paid entirely in cash without the option to deliver or credit Securities of such series in respect thereof and (ii) that the Company will make no optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series as provided in this Section 3.11.

 

If the sinking fund payment or payments (mandatory or optional or both) to be made in cash on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date plus any unused balance of any preceding sinking fund payments made in cash shall exceed $100,000 (or the Dollar equivalent thereof based on the applicable Exchange Rate on the date of original issue of the applicable Securities) or a lesser sum if the Company shall so request with respect to the Securities of any particular series, such cash shall be applied on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date to the redemption of Securities of such series at the sinking fund redemption price together with accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. If such amount shall be $100,000 (or the Dollar equivalent thereof as aforesaid) or less and the Company makes no such request then it shall be carried over until a sum in excess of $100,000 (or the Dollar equivalent thereof as aforesaid) is available. Not less than 30 days before each such sinking fund payment date, the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date shall be selected in the manner specified in Section 3.03 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 3.04. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 3.05, 3.06 and 3.07.

 

ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS

 

SECTION 4.01                                       Payment of Securities .

 

The Company shall pay the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of each series on the dates and in the manner provided in the Securities of such series and in this Indenture. Principal, premium, interest and any Additional Amounts shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or a Subsidiary) holds by 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on that date money deposited by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, interest and any Additional Amounts then due.

 

The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium (if any), at a rate equal to the then applicable interest rate on the Securities to the extent lawful; and it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under

 

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any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and any Additional Amount (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

SECTION 4.02                                       Maintenance of Office or Agency .

 

The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee, the Registrar or the Paying Agent) where Securities of that series may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange, where Securities of that series may be presented for payment and where notices and demands to or upon the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. Unless otherwise designated by the Company by written notice to the Trustee and the Subsidiary Guarantors, such office or agency shall be the office of the Trustee in The City of New York, which on the date hereof is located at                     . The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee and the Subsidiary Guarantors of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee and the Subsidiary Guarantors with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however , that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

 

SECTION 4.03                                       SEC Reports; Financial Statements .

 

(a)                                  If the Company is subject to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall, so long as any of the Securities are outstanding, file with the Trustee, within 15 days after it files the same with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. If this Indenture is qualified under the TIA, but not otherwise, the Company shall also comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(a).

 

(b)                                  If the Company is not subject to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall furnish to all Holders of Rule 144A Securities and prospective purchasers of Rule 144A Securities designated by the Holders of Rule 144A Securities, promptly upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(c)                                   The Company intends to file the reports, information and documents referred to in Section 4.03(a) hereof with the SEC in electronic form pursuant to Regulation S-T promulgated by the SEC using the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (“EDGAR”) system. Each such filing shall constitute delivery by the Company of such reports to the Trustee in compliance with the provisions of TIA § 314(a). The Trustee shall have no duty to search for or obtain any electronic or other filings that the Company makes with the SEC, regardless of whether such filings are periodic, supplemental or otherwise. Delivery of the reports, information and documents to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.03 shall be solely for the purposes of compliance with this Section 4.03 and with TIA § 314(a). The Trustee’s receipt of such reports, information and documents shall not constitute notice to it of the content thereof or of any matter determinable from the content thereof, including the Company’s and any Subsidiary Guarantor’s compliance with any of their covenants hereunder, as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely upon Officer’s Certificates.

 

SECTION 4.04                                       Compliance Certificate .

 

(a)                                  The Company shall, so long as any of the Securities are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company a statement signed by an Officer of the Company, which need not constitute an Officer’s Certificate, complying with TIA § 314(a)(4) and stating that in the course of performance by the signing Officer of his duties as such Officer of the Company, he would normally

 

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obtain knowledge of the keeping, observing, performing and fulfilling by the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor of its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating that to the best of his knowledge the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions hereof (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which such Officer may have knowledge and what action the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto).

 

(b)                                  The Company shall, so long as Securities of any series are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, as soon as practicable, but in no event more than five Business Days, after any Officer of the Company becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default under this Indenture, an Officer’s Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

SECTION 4.05                                       Existence .

 

Subject to Article V, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence. This Section 4.05 shall not prohibit or restrict the Company from converting into a different form of legal entity.

 

SECTION 4.06                                       Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws .

 

The Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law or any usury law or other law that would prohibit or forgive it from paying all or any portion of the principal of or interest on the Securities as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) the Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

 

SECTION 4.07                                       Additional Amounts .

 

If the Securities of a series expressly provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, the Company will pay to the Holder of any Security of such series Additional Amounts as expressly provided therein. Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on, or in respect of, any Security of any series or the net proceeds received from the sale or exchange of any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts provided for in this Section 4.07 to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.07 and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts (if applicable) in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.

 

ARTICLE V
SUCCESSORS

 

SECTION 5.01                                       Limitations on Mergers and Consolidations .

 

Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary Guarantor shall consolidate with or merge into any Person, or sell, lease, convey, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of, in any transaction or series of transactions, all or substantially all of its assets to any Person (other than a consolidation or merger of the Company and one or more Subsidiary Guarantors or two or more Subsidiary Guarantors, or a sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a Subsidiary Guarantor, a Subsidiary Guarantor to the Company or of a Subsidiary Guarantor to another Subsidiary Guarantor), unless:

 

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(1)                                  either (a) the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be the continuing Person or (b) the Person (if other than the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor) formed by such consolidation or into which the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor is merged, or to which such sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition shall be made (collectively, the “Successor”), is organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any political subdivision thereof or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and expressly assumes by supplemental indenture, in the case of the Company, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to all the Securities and the performance of the Company’s covenants and obligations under this Indenture and the Securities, or, in the case of such Subsidiary Guarantor, the performance of the Guarantee and such Subsidiary Guarantor’s covenants and obligations under this Indenture and the Securities; and

 

(2)                                  immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom.

 

SECTION 5.02                                       Successor Person Substituted .

 

Upon any consolidation or merger of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, or any sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with Section 5.01, the Successor formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor is merged or to which such sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, under this Indenture and the Securities with the same effect as if such Successor had been named as the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, herein and the predecessor Company or Subsidiary Guarantor, in the case of a sale, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition, shall be released from all obligations under this Indenture, the Securities and, in the case of a Subsidiary Guarantor, its Guarantee.

 

ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

SECTION 6.01                                       Events of Default .

 

Unless either inapplicable to a particular series or specifically deleted or modified in or pursuant to the supplemental indenture or Board Resolution establishing such series of Securities or in the form of Security for such series, an “Event of Default,” wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, occurs if:

 

(1)                                  the Company defaults in the payment of interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security of that series when the same becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

 

(2)                                  the Company defaults in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable, whether at Stated Maturity, upon redemption, by declaration, upon required repurchase or otherwise;

 

(3)                                  the Company defaults in the deposit of any sinking fund payment with respect to any Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable, and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

 

(4)                                  the Company fails to comply with any of its other covenants or agreements in, or provisions of, the Securities of such series or this Indenture (other than an agreement, covenant or provision that has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of Securities other than that series) which shall not have been remedied within the specified period after written notice, as specified in the last paragraph of this Section 6.01;

 

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(5)                                  the Company, or if that series of Securities is entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee by the Subsidiary Guarantors that is a Significant Subsidiary, any of such Subsidiary Guarantors, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

 

(A)                                commences a voluntary case,

 

(B)                                consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,

 

(C)                                consents to the appointment of a Bankruptcy Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property, or

 

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

 

(6)                                  a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days and that:

 

(A)                                is for relief against the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series that is a Significant Subsidiary as debtor in an involuntary case,

 

(B)                                appoints a Bankruptcy Custodian of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series that is a Significant Subsidiary or a Bankruptcy Custodian for all or substantially all of the property of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series that is a Significant Subsidiary, or

 

(C)                                orders the liquidation of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series that is a Significant Subsidiary;

 

(7)                                  if that series of Securities is entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee by the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Guarantee of any of such Subsidiary Guarantors ceases to be in full force and effect with respect to Securities of that series (except as otherwise provided in this Indenture) or is declared null and void in a judicial proceeding, or any such Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under this Indenture or such Guarantee; or

 

(8)                                  any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series occurs.

 

The term “Bankruptcy Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

The Trustee shall not be deemed to know or have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default or Event of Default is received by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture.

 

When a Default or Event of Default is cured, it ceases.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.01, if the principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or Additional Amounts with respect to any Security is payable in a currency or currencies (including a composite currency) other than Dollars and such currency or currencies are not available to the Company for making payment thereof due to the imposition of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the control of the Company, the Company will be entitled to satisfy its obligations to Holders of the Securities by making such payment in Dollars in an amount equal to the Dollar equivalent of the amount payable in such other currency, as determined by the Company by reference to the Exchange Rate on the date of such payment, or, if such rate is not then available, on the basis of the most recently available Exchange Rate. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions

 

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of this Section 6.01, any payment made under such circumstances in Dollars where the required payment is in a currency other than Dollars will not constitute an Event of Default under this Indenture.

 

A Default under clause (4) or (8) of this Section 6.01 is not an Event of Default until the Trustee notifies the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of the series affected by such Default (or, in the case of a Default under clause (4) of this Section 6.01, if outstanding Securities of other series are affected by such Default, then at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities so affected) notify the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee, of the Default, and the Company or the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, fails to cure the Default within 90 days after receipt of the notice. The notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that the notice is a “Notice of Default.”

 

SECTION 6.02                                       Acceleration .

 

If an Event of Default with respect to any Securities of any series at the time outstanding (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (5) or (6) of Section 6.01) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of the series affected by such Event of Default (or, in the case of an Event of Default described in clauses (4), (7) or (8) of Section 6.01, if outstanding Securities of other series are affected by such Event of Default, then at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities so affected) by notice to the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee, may declare the principal of (or, if any such Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) and all accrued and unpaid interest on all then outstanding Securities of such series or of all series, as the case may be, to be due and payable. Upon any such declaration, the amounts due and payable on the Securities shall be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default specified in clause (5) or (6) of Section 6.01 hereof occurs, such amounts shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration, notice or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of the series affected by such Event of Default or all series so affected, as the case may be, by written notice to the Trustee may rescind an acceleration and its consequences (other than nonpayment of principal of or premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities) if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree, the Trustee has been paid all amounts owed to it in connection with such Event of Default and if all existing Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series (or of all series, as the case may be) have been cured or waived, except nonpayment of principal, premium, interest or any Additional Amounts that has become due solely because of the acceleration.

 

SECTION 6.03                                       Other Remedies .

 

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

 

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

 

SECTION 6.04                                       Waiver of Defaults .

 

Subject to Sections 6.07 and 9.02, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of any series or of all series affected thereby (acting as one class) by notice to the Trustee may waive an existing or past Default or Event of Default with respect to such series or all series so affected, as the case may be, and its consequences (including waivers obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Securities of such series or all series so affected or a solicitation of consents in respect of Securities of such series or all series so affected, provided that in each case such offer or solicitation is made to all Holders of then outstanding Securities of such series or all series so affected (but the terms of such offer or solicitation may vary from series to series)), except (1) a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, or

 

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premium, if any, or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security or (2) a continued Default in respect of a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be amended or supplemented without the consent of each Holder affected. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

SECTION 6.05                                       Control by Majority .

 

With respect to Securities of any series, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of such series may direct in writing the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it relating to or arising under an Event of Default described in clause (1), (2), (3) or (8) of Section 6.01, and with respect to all Securities, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of all the then outstanding Securities affected may direct in writing the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it not relating to or arising under such an Event of Default. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with applicable law or this Indenture, that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders, or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided, however , that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. Prior to taking any action hereunder, the Trustee shall be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion from Holders directing the Trustee against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.

 

SECTION 6.06                                       Limitations on Suits .

 

Subject to Section 6.07 hereof, a Holder of a Security of any series may pursue a remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Securities of such series or the related Guarantees, if any, only if:

 

(1)                                  the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to such series;

 

(2)                                  the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of such series make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

 

(3)                                  such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

 

(4)                                  the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity; and

 

(5)                                  during such 60-day period, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of such series do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

 

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

 

SECTION 6.07                                       Rights of Holders to Receive Payment .

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Security to receive payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Security, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Security, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, is absolute and unconditional and shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder.

 

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SECTION 6.08                                       Collection Suit by Trustee .

 

If an Event of Default specified in clause (1) or (2) of Section 6.01 hereof occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor for the amount of principal, premium (if any), interest and any Additional Amounts remaining unpaid on the Securities of the series affected by the Event of Default, and interest on overdue principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent lawful, interest on overdue interest, and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

 

SECTION 6.09                                       Trustee May File Proofs of Claim .

 

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

 

SECTION 6.10                                       Priorities .

 

If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article VI, subject to Article X, it shall pay out the money in the following order:

 

First: to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.07;

 

Second: to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, for principal, premium (if any), interest and any Additional Amounts ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal, premium (if any), interest and any Additional Amounts, respectively; and

 

Third: to the Company.

 

The Trustee, upon prior written notice to the Company, may fix record dates and payment dates for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Article VI.

 

To the fullest extent allowed under applicable law, if for the purpose of obtaining a judgment against the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor in any court it is necessary to convert the sum due in respect of the principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of any series (the “Required Currency”) into a currency in which a judgment will be rendered (the “Judgment Currency”), the rate of exchange used for purposes of rendering the judgment shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Company could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the Business Day in The City of New York next preceding that on which final judgment is given. None

 

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of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee shall be liable for any shortfall nor shall it benefit from any windfall in payments to Holders of Securities under this Section 6.10 caused by a change in exchange rates between the time the amount of a judgment against it is calculated as above and the time the Company converts the Judgment Currency into the Required Currency to make payments under this Section 6.10 to Holders of Securities, but payment of such judgment shall discharge all amounts owed by the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors on the claim or claims underlying such judgment.

 

SECTION 6.11                                       Undertaking for Costs .

 

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.07, or a suit by a Holder or Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of any series.

 

ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE

 

SECTION 7.01                                       Duties of Trustee .

 

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

 

(b)                                  Except during the continuance of an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any series:

 

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

 

(2)                                  in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, the Trustee shall examine such certificates and opinions to determine whether, on their face, they appear to conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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(e)                                   No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability. The Trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise any right or power unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

 

(f)                                    The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. All money received by the Trustee shall, until applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities.

 

SECTION 7.02                                       Rights of Trustee .

 

(a)                                  The Trustee may conclusively rely on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(h)                                  The Trustee may request that the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture.

 

(i)                                      In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services.

 

(j)                                     The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the trusts or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby.

 

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(k)                                  The permissive rights of the Trustee enumerated herein shall not be construed as duties of the Trustee.

 

SECTION 7.03                                       May Hold Securities .

 

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any of their respective Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. However, the Trustee is subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11.

 

SECTION 7.04                                       Trustee’s Disclaimer .

 

The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Securities, it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Securities or any money paid to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or upon the Company’s or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s direction under any provision hereof, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Securities other than its certificate of authentication.

 

SECTION 7.05                                       Notice of Defaults .

 

If a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of any series occurs and is continuing and it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of Securities of such series a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and Additional Amounts or any sinking fund installment with respect to the Securities of such series, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders of Securities of such series.

 

SECTION 7.06                                       Reports by Trustee to Holders .

 

Within 60 days after each                     of each year after the execution of this Indenture, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of a series, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Company a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a); provided, however , that if no event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date with respect to a series, no report need be transmitted to Holders of such series. The Trustee also shall comply with TIA § 313(b). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports if and as required by TIA §§ 313(c) and 313(d).

 

A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Holders of a series of Securities shall be filed by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor with the SEC and each securities exchange, if any, on which the Securities of such series are listed. The Company shall notify the Trustee if and when any series of Securities is listed on any securities exchange.

 

SECTION 7.07                                       Compensation and Indemnity .

 

The Company agrees to pay to the Trustee for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder such compensation as the Company and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company agrees to reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred by it. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

 

The Company hereby indemnifies the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee against any and all loss, liability, damage, claim or expense, including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee), incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, except as set forth in the next following paragraph. The Trustee shall notify the

 

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Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. The Company may defend the claim and, if it does, the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have separate counsel and the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Company need not pay for any settlement made without its consent.

 

The Company shall not be obligated to reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss or liability incurred by the Trustee through the Trustee’s negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith.

 

To secure the payment obligations of the Company in this Section 7.07, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to Securities of any series. Such lien and the Company’s obligations under this Section 7.07 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

 

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(5) or (6) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

SECTION 7.08                                       Replacement of Trustee .

 

A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.08.

 

The Trustee may resign and be discharged at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by so notifying the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of any series may remove the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series by so notifying the Trustee, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors. The Company may remove the Trustee if:

 

(i)                                      the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;

 

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

 

(iii)                                a Bankruptcy Custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

 

(iv)                               the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

 

If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series).

 

If a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series does not take office within 30 days after the retiring or removed Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring or removed Trustee, the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of such series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction, at the Company’s expense, for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

If the Trustee with respect to the Securities of a series fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Holder of Securities of such series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

In case of the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, each such successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee, to the Company and to

 

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the Subsidiary Guarantors. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.07.

 

In case of the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto in which each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and that (1) shall confer to each successor Trustee all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall confirm that all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee. Nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees as co-trustees of the same trust, and each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee. Upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates. On request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall transfer to such successor Trustee all property held by such retiring Trustee as Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

 

Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee or Trustees pursuant to this Section 7.08, the obligations of the Company under Section 7.07 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee or Trustees.

 

SECTION 7.09                                       Successor Trustee by Merger, etc .

 

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

 

In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.

 

SECTION 7.10                                       Eligibility; Disqualification .

 

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be a corporation or banking or trust company or association organized and doing business under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust power, shall be subject to supervision or examination by federal or state (or the District of Columbia) authority and shall have, or be a subsidiary of a bank or bank holding company having, a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

 

The Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA §§ 310(a)(1), 310(a)(2) and 310(a)(5). The Trustee is subject to and shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 310(b) during the period of time required by this Indenture. Nothing in this Indenture shall prevent the Trustee from filing with the SEC the application referred to in the penultimate paragraph of TIA § 310(b).

 

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SECTION 7.11                                       Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor .

 

The Trustee is subject to and shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

 

ARTICLE VIII
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE

 

SECTION 8.01                                       Termination of the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ Obligations .

 

(a)                                  This Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to the Securities of a series (except that the Company’s obligations under Section 7.07, the Trustee’s and Paying Agent’s obligations under Section 8.03 and the rights, powers, protections and privileges accorded the Trustee under Article VII shall survive), and the Trustee, on demand of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series, when:

 

(i)                                      either:

 

(A)                                all outstanding Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and issued (other than destroyed, lost or stolen Securities that have been replaced or paid) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

(B)                                all outstanding Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation:

 

(2)                                  have become due and payable, or

 

(3)                                  will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

 

(4)                                  are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,

 

and, in the case of clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as funds (immediately available to the Holders in the case of clause (i)) in trust for such purpose (x) cash in an amount, or (y) Government Obligations with respect to such series, maturing as to principal and interest at such times and in such amounts as will ensure the availability of cash in an amount or (z) a combination thereof, which will be sufficient, in the opinion (in the case of clauses (y) and (z)) of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Securities of such series for principal and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or for principal, premium, if any, and interest to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be; or

 

(A)                                the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have properly fulfilled such other means of satisfaction and discharge as is specified, as contemplated by Section 2.01, to be applicable to the Securities of such series;

 

(ii)                                   the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable by them hereunder with respect to the Securities of such series; and

 

(iii)                                the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series have been complied with, together with an Opinion of Counsel to the same effect.

 

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(b)                                  Unless this Section 8.01(b) is specified as not being applicable to Securities of a series as contemplated by Section 2.01, the Company may, at its option, terminate certain of their and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ respective obligations under this Indenture (“covenant defeasance”) with respect to the Securities of a series if:

 

(i)                                      the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for and dedicated solely to the benefit of the Holders of Securities of such series, (i) money in the currency in which payment of the Securities of such series is to be made in an amount, or (ii) Government Obligations with respect to such series, maturing as to principal and interest at such times and in such amounts as will ensure the availability of money in the currency in which payment of the Securities of such series is to be made in an amount or (iii) a combination thereof, that is sufficient, in the opinion (in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii)) of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay the principal of and premium (if any) and interest on all Securities of such series on each date that such principal, premium (if any) or interest is due and payable and (at the Stated Maturity thereof or upon redemption as provided in Section 8.01(e)) to pay all other sums payable by it hereunder; provided that the Trustee shall have been irrevocably instructed to apply such money and/or the proceeds of such Government Obligations to the payment of said principal, premium (if any) and interest with respect to the Securities of such series as the same shall become due;

 

(ii)                                   the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series have been complied with, and an Opinion of Counsel to the same effect;

 

(iii)                                no Default or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

 

(iv)                               the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel from a counsel acceptable to the Trustee or a private letter ruling issued by the United States Internal Revenue Service to the effect that the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States Federal income tax purposes as a result of the Company’s exercise of their option under this Section 8.01(b) and will be subject to United States Federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such option had not been exercised;

 

(v)                                  the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have complied with any additional conditions specified pursuant to Section 2.01 to be applicable to the discharge of Securities of such series pursuant to this Section 8.01; and

 

(vi)                               such deposit and discharge shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest as defined in TIA § 310(b).

 

In such event, (1) this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect (except as set forth in this paragraph), and the Trustee, on demand of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge under this Indenture and (2) the Guarantee with respect to the Securities, if any, will automatically terminate and be automatically released and discharged, and any Security that may have been granted in respect of such series shall be automatically released. However, the Company’s obligations in Sections 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 4.01, 4.02, 5.01(1), 7.07, 7.08, 8.04 and 10.01, the Trustee’s and Paying Agent’s obligations in Section 8.03 and the rights, powers, protections and privileges accorded the Trustee under Article VII shall survive until all Securities of such series are no longer outstanding. Thereafter, only the Company’s obligations in Section 7.07 and the Trustee’s and Paying Agent’s obligations in Section 8.03 shall survive with respect to Securities of such series.

 

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After such irrevocable deposit made pursuant to this Section 8.01(b) and satisfaction of the other conditions set forth herein, the Trustee upon request shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series except for those surviving obligations specified above.

 

In order to have money available on a payment date to pay principal of or premium (if any) or interest on the Securities, the Government Obligations shall be payable as to principal or interest on or before such payment date in such amounts as will provide the necessary money. Government Obligations shall not be callable at the Company’s option.

 

(c)                                   If the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have previously complied or are concurrently complying with Section 8.01(b) (other than any additional conditions specified pursuant to Section 2.01 that are expressly applicable only to covenant defeasance) with respect to Securities of a series, then, unless this Section 8.01(c) is specified as not being applicable to Securities of such series as contemplated by Section 2.01, the Company may elect that its and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ respective obligations to make payments with respect to Securities of such series be discharged (“legal defeasance”), if:

 

(i)                                      no Default or Event of Default under clauses (5) and (6) of Section 6.01 hereof shall have occurred at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit contemplated by Section 8.01(b) (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period);

 

(ii)                                   unless otherwise specified with respect to Securities of such series as contemplated by Section 2.01, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel from a counsel acceptable to the Trustee to the effect referred to in Section 8.01(b)(4) with respect to such legal defeasance, which opinion is based on (i) a private letter ruling issued by the United States Internal Revenue Service addressed to the Company, (ii) a published ruling of the United States Internal Revenue Service pertaining to a comparable form of transaction or (iii) a change in the applicable federal income tax law (including regulations) after the date of this Indenture;

 

(iii)                                the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have complied with any other conditions specified pursuant to Section 2.01 to be applicable to the legal defeasance of Securities of such series pursuant to this Section 8.01(c); and

 

(iv)                               the Company has delivered to the Trustee a Company Order requesting such legal defeasance of the Securities of such series and an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such legal defeasance of the Securities of such series have been complied with, together with an Opinion of Counsel to the same effect.

 

In such event, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors will be discharged from their respective obligations under this Indenture and the Securities of such series to pay principal of, premium (if any) and interest on, and any Additional Amounts with respect to, Securities of such series, the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ respective obligations under Sections 4.01, 4.02 and 11.01 shall terminate with respect to such Securities, and the entire indebtedness of the Company evidenced by such Securities and of the Subsidiary Guarantors evidenced by the related Guarantees, if any, shall be deemed paid and discharged.

 

(d)                                  If and to the extent additional or alternative means of satisfaction, discharge or defeasance of Securities of a series are specified to be applicable to such series as contemplated by Section 2.01, the Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors may terminate any or all of its obligations under this Indenture with respect to Securities of a series and any or all of its obligations under the Securities of such series if it fulfills such other means of satisfaction and discharge as may be so specified, as contemplated by Section 2.01, to be applicable to the Securities of such series.

 

(e)                                   If Securities of any series subject to subsection (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this Section 8.01 are to be redeemed prior to their Stated Maturity, whether pursuant to any optional redemption provisions or in accordance with any mandatory or optional sinking fund provisions, the terms of the applicable trust arrangement

 

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shall provide for such redemption, and the Company shall make such arrangements as are reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense of, the Company.

 

SECTION 8.02                                       Application of Trust Money .

 

The Trustee or a trustee satisfactory to the Trustee and the Company shall hold in trust money or Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to Section 8.01 hereof. It shall apply the deposited money and the money from Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of, premium (if any) and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of the series with respect to which the deposit was made.

 

SECTION 8.03                                       Repayment to Company or Subsidiary Guarantor .

 

The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly pay to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor any excess money or Government Obligations (or proceeds therefrom) held by them at any time upon the written request of the Company.

 

Subject to the requirements of any applicable abandoned property laws, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Company upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal, premium (if any), interest or any Additional Amounts that remain unclaimed for two years after the date upon which such payment shall have become due. After payment to the Company, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general creditors unless an applicable abandoned property law designates another Person, and all liability of the Trustee and the Paying Agent with respect to such money shall cease.

 

SECTION 8.04                                       Reinstatement .

 

If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or Government Obligations deposited with respect to Securities of any series in accordance with Section 8.01 by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the obligations of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series and under the Securities of such series shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.01 until such time as the Trustee or the Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or Government Obligations in accordance with Section 8.01; provided, however , that if the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor has made any payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Securities because of the reinstatement of their obligations, the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money or Government Obligations held by the Trustee or the Paying Agent.

 

ARTICLE IX
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES AND AMENDMENTS

 

SECTION 9.01                                       Without Consent of Holders .

 

The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities or waive any provision hereof or thereof without the consent of any Holder:

 

(i)                                      to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;

 

(ii)                                   to comply with Section 5.01;

 

(iii)                                to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities, or to provide for the issuance of bearer Securities (with or without coupons);

 

(iv)                               to provide any security for, or to add any guarantees of or additional obligors on, any series of Securities or the related Guarantees, if any;

 

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(v)                                  to comply with any requirement in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;

 

(vi)                               to add to the covenants of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series), or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

 

(vii)                            to add any additional Events of Default with respect to all or any series of the Securities (and, if any such Event of Default is applicable to less than all series of Securities, specifying the series to which such Event of Default is applicable);

 

(viii)                         to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture; provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there is no outstanding Security of any series created prior to the execution of such amendment or supplemental indenture that is adversely affected in any material respect by such change in or elimination of such provision; provided, further , that any change made solely to conform the provisions of this Indenture to the description of any Security in a prospectus supplement pursuant to which such Securities were offered and sold will not be deemed to adversely affect any Security of that series in any material respect;

 

(ix)                               to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Section 2.01;

 

(x)                                  to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of Securities pursuant to Section 8.01; provided, however , that any such action shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders of Securities of such series or any other series of Securities in any material respect; or

 

(xi)                               to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 7.08.

 

Upon the request of the Company, accompanied by a Board Resolution, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 9.06, the Trustee shall, subject to Section 9.06, join with the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors in the execution of any supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.01 , it shall not be necessary for any Subsidiary Guarantor to join with the Company and the Trustee in the execution of any supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture unless such supplemental indenture applies to a series of Securities entitled to the benefit of a Guarantee by such Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

SECTION 9.02                                       With Consent of Holders .

 

Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture with the written consent (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Securities of any one or more series or all series or a solicitation of consents in respect of Securities of any one or more series or all series, provided that in each case such offer or solicitation is made to all Holders of then outstanding Securities of each such series (but the terms of such offer or solicitation may vary from series to series)) of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of each series affected by such amendment or supplement (acting as one class).

 

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Upon the request of the Company, accompanied by a Board Resolution, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of the Holders as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 9.06, the Trustee shall, subject to Section 9.06, join with the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors in the execution of such amendment or supplemental indenture.

 

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

 

The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of one or more series or of all series (acting as one class) may waive compliance in a particular instance by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor with any provision of this Indenture with respect to Securities of such series (including waivers obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Securities of such series or a solicitation of consents in respect of Securities of such series, provided that in each case such offer or solicitation is made to all Holders of then outstanding Securities of such series (but the terms of such offer or solicitation may vary from series to series)).

 

However, without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not:

 

(i)                                      reduce the percentage in payment amount of Securities whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

(ii)                                   reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest, including default interest, on any Security;

 

(iii)                                reduce the principal of, any premium on or any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to, or change the Stated Maturity of, any Security or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.02;

 

(iv)                               reduce the premium, if any, payable upon the redemption of any Security or change the time at which any Security may or shall be redeemed;

 

(v)                                  change any obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor to pay Additional Amounts with respect to any Security;

 

(vi)                               change the coin or currency or currencies (including composite currencies) in which any Security or any premium, interest or Additional Amounts with respect thereto are payable;

 

(vii)                            impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security pursuant to Sections 6.07 and 6.08, except as limited by Section 6.06;

 

(viii)                         make any change in the percentage of principal amount of Securities necessary to waive compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture pursuant to Section 6.04 or 6.07 or make any change in this sentence of Section 9.02;

 

(ix)                               modify the provisions of this Indenture with respect to the subordination of any Security and any related Guarantees in a manner materially adverse to the Holders;

 

(x)                                  waive a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on or Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities; or

 

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(xi)                               except as provided in Article VIII or Section 11.04, release any Subsidiary Guarantor or modify the related Guarantee in any manner materially adverse to the Holders.

 

An amendment under this Section 9.02 may not make any change that adversely affects the rights under Article X of any holder of an issue of Senior Indebtedness unless the holders of the issue pursuant to its terms consent to the change.

 

A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.

 

The right of any Holder to participate in any consent required or sought pursuant to any provision of this Indenture (and the obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor to obtain any such consent otherwise required from such Holder) may be subject to the requirement that such Holder shall have been the Holder of record of any Securities with respect to which such consent is required or sought as of a date identified by the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor in a notice furnished to Holders in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders of each Security affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.02, it shall not be necessary for any Subsidiary Guarantor to join with the Company and the Trustee in the execution of any supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture unless such supplemental indenture applies to a series of Securities entitled to the benefit of a Guarantee by such Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

SECTION 9.03                                       Compliance with the Trust Indenture Act .

 

Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Securities shall comply in form and substance with the TIA as then in effect.

 

SECTION 9.04                                       Revocation and Effect of Consents .

 

Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to his or her Security or portion of a Security if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation before a date and time therefor identified by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor in a notice furnished to such Holder in accordance with the terms of this Indenture or, if no such date and time shall be identified, the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.

 

The Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date (which need not comply with TIA § 316(c)) for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver or to take any other action under this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such amendment, supplement or waiver or to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date. No consent shall be valid or effective for more than 90 days after such record date unless consents from Holders of the principal amount of Securities required hereunder for such amendment or waiver to be effective shall have also been given and not revoked within such 90-day period.

 

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After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder, unless it is of the type described in any of clauses (1) through (9) of Section 9.02 hereof. In such case, the amendment, supplement or waiver shall bind each Holder who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security.

 

SECTION 9.05                                       Notation on or Exchange of Securities .

 

If an amendment or supplement changes the terms of an outstanding Security, the Company may require the Holder of the Security to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Security at the request of the Company regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder. Alternatively, if the Company so determines, the Company in exchange for the Security shall issue, each Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such series shall execute the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Security, if any, and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Security that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Security shall not affect the validity of such amendment or supplement.

 

Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any amendment or supplement may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such amendment or supplement.

 

SECTION 9.06                                       Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc .

 

The Trustee shall sign any amendment or supplement authorized pursuant to this Article if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. If it does, the Trustee may, but need not, sign it. In signing or refusing to sign such amendment or supplement, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the documents required by Section 12.04 hereof, and, subject to Section 7.01 hereof, shall be fully protected in relying upon, in good faith, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel provided at the expense of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor as conclusive evidence that such amendment or supplement is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.

 

ARTICLE X
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES AND GUARANTEE

 

SECTION 10.01                                Applicability of Article; Agreement to Subordinate .

 

The provisions of this Article X shall only be applicable to the Securities of any series (Securities of such series referred to in this Article X as “Subordinated Securities”) designated, pursuant to Section 2.01, as subordinated to Senior Indebtedness and any related Guarantees of such Subordinated Securities. Each Holder by accepting a Subordinated Security agrees that the Debt evidenced by such Subordinated Security and any related Guarantees of such Subordinated Security is subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Article X, to the prior payment of all Senior Indebtedness and that the subordination is for the benefit of and enforceable by the holders of Senior Indebtedness. All provisions of this Article X shall be subject to Section 10.12.

 

SECTION 10.02                                Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy .

 

Upon any payment or distribution of the assets of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, to creditors, upon a liquidation or a dissolution of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, or their respective property:

 

(a)                                  holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of such Senior Indebtedness of such Person (including interest (if any), accruing on or after the commencement of a proceeding in bankruptcy, whether or not allowed as a claim against the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, in such bankruptcy proceeding) before Holders of Subordinated Securities and any related Guarantees, if any, shall be entitled to receive any payment of

 

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principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Subordinated Securities from the Company, or any payment in respect of such related Guarantees from the Subsidiary Guarantors; and

 

(b)                                  until the Senior Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, is paid in full, any distribution to which Holders of Subordinated Securities and any related Guarantees would be entitled but for this Article X shall be made to holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, as their interests may appear, except that such Holders may receive capital stock and any debt securities that are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, to at least the same extent as the Subordinated Securities of the Company or the related Guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor, respectively.

 

SECTION 10.03                                Default on Senior Indebtedness .

 

The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors may not pay the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Subordinated Securities or any related Guarantee or make any deposit pursuant to Article VIII and may not repurchase, redeem or otherwise retire (except, in the case of Subordinated Securities that provide for a mandatory sinking fund pursuant to Section 3.11, by the delivery of Subordinated Securities by the Company to the Trustee pursuant to the first paragraph of Section 3.11) any Subordinated Securities (collectively, “pay the Subordinated Securities”) if any principal, premium or interest in respect of Senior Indebtedness of such Person is not paid within any applicable grace period (including at maturity) or any other default on Senior Indebtedness of such Person occurs and the maturity of such Senior Indebtedness is accelerated in accordance with its terms unless, in either case, the default has been cured or waived and any such acceleration has been rescinded or such Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash; provided, however , that the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors may make payments on the Subordinated Securities or any related Guarantee without regard to the foregoing if the Company and the Trustee receive written notice approving such payment from the Representative of each issue of Designated Senior Indebtedness. During the continuance of any other default with respect to any Designated Senior Indebtedness pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be accelerated immediately without further notice (except such notice as may be required to effect such acceleration) or the expiration of any applicable grace periods, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors may not make payments on the Subordinated Securities or any related Guarantee for a period (a “Payment Blockage Period”) commencing upon the receipt by the Company and the Trustee (and if such Designated Senior Indebtedness is Debt of a Subsidiary Guarantor, the Subsidiary Guarantor) of written notice of such default from the Representative of any Designated Senior Indebtedness specifying an election to effect a Payment Blockage Period (a “Blockage Notice”) and ending 179 days thereafter (or earlier if such Payment Blockage Period is terminated by written notice to the Trustee and the Company (and if such Designated Senior Indebtedness is Debt of a Subsidiary Guarantor, the Subsidiary Guarantor) from the Person or Persons who gave such Blockage Notice, by repayment in full in cash of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or because the default giving rise to such Blockage Notice is no longer continuing). Notwithstanding the provisions described in the immediately preceding sentence (but subject to the provisions contained in Section 10.02 and the first sentence of this Section 10.03), unless the holders of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or the Representative of such holders shall have accelerated the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors may resume payments on the Subordinated Securities and any related Guarantee after such Payment Blockage Period. Not more than one Blockage Notice may be given in any consecutive 360-day period, irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to any number of issues of Designated Senior Indebtedness during such period, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 2.01 for the Subordinated Securities of a series; provided, however , that in no event may the total number of days during which any Payment Blockage Period or Periods is in effect exceed 179 days in the aggregate during any 360 consecutive day period. For purposes of this Section 10.03, no default or event of default which existed or was continuing on the date of the commencement of any Payment Blockage Period with respect to the Designated Senior Indebtedness initiating such Payment Blockage Period shall be, or be made, the basis of the commencement of a subsequent Payment Blockage Period by the Representative of such Designated Senior Indebtedness, whether or not within a period of 360 consecutive days, unless such default or event of default shall have been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days.

 

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SECTION 10.04                                Acceleration of Payment of Securities .

 

If payment of the Subordinated Securities is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the Company shall promptly notify the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness (or their Representatives) of the acceleration.

 

SECTION 10.05                                When Distribution Must Be Paid Over .

 

If a distribution is made to Holders of Subordinated Securities or any related Guarantee that because of this Article X should not have been made to them, the Holders who receive such distribution shall hold it in trust for holders of Senior Indebtedness and pay it over to them as their interests may appear.

 

SECTION 10.06                                Subrogation .

 

After all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full and until the Subordinated Securities are paid in full, Holders thereof shall be subrogated to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions applicable to Senior Indebtedness. A distribution made under this Article X to holders of Senior Indebtedness which otherwise would have been made to Holders of Subordinated Securities is not, as between the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, and such Holders, a payment by the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, on Senior Indebtedness.

 

SECTION 10.07                                Relative Rights .

 

This Article X defines the relative rights of Holders of Subordinated Securities and holders of Senior Indebtedness. Nothing in this Indenture shall:

 

(a)                                  impair, as between the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, and Holders of either Subordinated Securities or Securities, the obligation of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, as the case may be, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Subordinated Securities and the Securities in accordance with their terms; or

 

(b)                                  prevent the Trustee or any Holder of either Subordinated Securities or Securities from exercising its available remedies upon an Event of Default, subject to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions otherwise payable to Holders of Subordinated Securities.

 

SECTION 10.08                                Subordination May Not Be Impaired by the Company .

 

No right of any holder of Senior Indebtedness to enforce the subordination of the Debt evidenced by the Subordinated Securities and any related Guarantee shall be impaired by any act or failure to act by the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors or by its or their failure to comply with this Indenture.

 

SECTION 10.09                                Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent .

 

Notwithstanding Sections 10.02 and 10.03, the Trustee or any Paying Agent may continue to make payments on Subordinated Securities and shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of facts that would prohibit the making of any such payments unless, not less than two Business Days prior to the date of such payment, a Responsible Officer of the Trustee receives notice satisfactory to it that payments may not be made under this Article X. The Company, the Registrar, any Paying Agent, a Representative or a holder of Senior Indebtedness may give the notice; provided, however , that, if an issue of Senior Indebtedness has a Representative, only the Representative may give the notice on behalf of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness of that issue.

 

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may hold Senior Indebtedness with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee. The Registrar and any Paying Agent may do the same with like rights. The Trustee shall be entitled to all of the rights set forth in this Article X with respect to any Senior Indebtedness which may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness; and nothing in

 

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Article VII shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder. Nothing in this Article X shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.07.

 

SECTION 10.10                                Distribution or Notice to Representative .

 

Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of Senior Indebtedness, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their Representative (if any).

 

SECTION 10.11                                Article X Not to Prevent Defaults or Limit Right to Accelerate.

 

The failure to make a payment pursuant to the Subordinated Securities, whether directly or pursuant to the related Guarantees, if any by reason of any provision in this Article X shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default. Nothing in this Article X shall have any effect on the right of the Holders or the Trustee to accelerate the maturity of either the Subordinated Securities or the Securities, as the case may be.

 

SECTION 10.12                                Trust Moneys Not Subordinated .

 

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, payments from money or the proceeds of U.S. Government Obligations held in trust under Article VIII by the Trustee for the payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Subordinated Securities or the Securities shall not be subordinated to the prior payment of any Senior Indebtedness or subject to the restrictions set forth in this Article X, and none of the Holders thereof shall be obligated to pay over any such amount to the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors or any holder of Senior Indebtedness or any other creditor of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

SECTION 10.13                                Trustee Entitled to Rely .

 

Upon any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article X, the Trustee and the Holders shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction in which any proceedings of the nature referred to in Section 10.02 are pending, upon a certificate of the liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making such payment or distribution to the Trustee or to such Holders or upon the Representatives for the holders of Senior Indebtedness for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of the Senior Indebtedness and other Debt of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article X. In the event that the Trustee determines, in good faith, that evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article X, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article X, and, if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment. The provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02 shall be applicable to all actions or omissions of actions by the Trustee pursuant to this Article X.

 

SECTION 10.14                                Trustee to Effectuate Subordination .

 

Each Holder by accepting a Subordinated Security and any related Guarantee authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination between the Holders of Subordinated Securities and the holders of Senior Indebtedness as provided in this Article X and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

 

SECTION 10.15                                Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness .

 

The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders of Subordinated Securities or the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors or any other Person, money or assets to which any holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this Article X or otherwise.

 

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SECTION 10.16           Reliance by Holders of Senior Indebtedness on Subordination Provisions .

 

Each Holder by accepting a Subordinated Security and any related Guarantee acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing subordination provisions are, and are intended to be, an inducement and a consideration to each holder of any Senior Indebtedness, whether such Senior Indebtedness was created or acquired before or after the issuance of the Subordinated Securities, to acquire and continue to hold, or to continue to hold, such Senior Indebtedness and such holder of Senior Indebtedness shall be deemed conclusively to have relied on such subordination provisions in acquiring and continuing to hold, or in continuing to hold, such Senior Indebtedness.

 

ARTICLE XI
GUARANTEE

 

SECTION 11.01           Guarantee .

 

(a)           Notwithstanding any provision of this Article XI to the contrary, the provisions of this Article XI relating to the Subsidiary Guarantors shall be applicable only to, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Securities of any series designated, pursuant to Section 2.01, as entitled to the benefits of the related Guarantee of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

(b)           For value received, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby fully, unconditionally and absolutely guarantees (each, a “Guarantee”) to the Holders and to the Trustee the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities and all other amounts due and payable under this Indenture and the Securities by the Company, when and as such principal, premium, if any, and interest shall become due and payable, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms of the Securities and this Indenture, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 11.03.

 

(c)           Failing payment when due of any amount guaranteed pursuant to the related Guarantee, for whatever reason, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. Each of the Guarantees hereunder is intended to be a general, unsecured obligation of the related Subsidiary Guarantor and will be subordinated in right of payment to all unsecured and unsubordinated Debt of such Subsidiary Guarantor. Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be full, unconditional and absolute, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Securities, its Guarantee, the Guarantee of any other Subsidiary Guarantor or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Securities with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, or any action to enforce the same or any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of the Subsidiary Guarantors. Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agrees that in the event of a default in payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Securities of such series, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, legal proceedings may be instituted by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or, subject to Section 6.06, by the Holders, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Indenture, directly against such Subsidiary Guarantor to enforce such Guarantee without first proceeding against the Company or any other Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

(d)           The obligations of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors under this Article XI shall be as aforesaid full, unconditional and absolute and shall not be impaired, modified, released or limited by any occurrence or condition whatsoever, including, without limitation, (i) any compromise, settlement, release, waiver, renewal, extension, indulgence or modification of, or any change in, any of the obligations and liabilities of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors contained in the Securities or this Indenture, (ii) any impairment, modification, release or limitation of the liability of the Company, any of the Subsidiary Guarantors or any of their estates in bankruptcy, or any remedy for the enforcement thereof, resulting from the operation of any present or future provision of any applicable Bankruptcy Law, as amended, or other statute or from the decision of any court, (iii) the assertion or exercise by the Company, any of the Subsidiary Guarantors or the Trustee of any rights or remedies under the Securities or this Indenture or their delay in or failure to assert or exercise any such rights or remedies, (iv) the assignment or the purported assignment of any property as security for the Securities, including all or any part of the rights of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors under this Indenture, (v) the extension of the

 

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time for payment by the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors of any payments or other sums or any part thereof owing or payable under any of the terms and provisions of the Securities or this Indenture or of the time for performance by the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors of any other obligations under or arising out of any such terms and provisions or the extension or the renewal of any thereof, (vi) the modification or amendment (whether material or otherwise) of any duty, agreement or obligation of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors set forth in this Indenture, (vii) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets, marshaling of assets and liabilities, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of, or other similar proceeding affecting, the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors or any of their respective assets, or the disaffirmance of the Securities, the Guarantee or this Indenture in any such proceeding, (viii) the release or discharge of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors from the performance or observance of any agreement, covenant, term or condition contained in any of such instruments by operation of law, (ix) the unenforceability of the Securities of such series, the related Guarantees or this Indenture or (x) any other circumstances (other than payment in full or discharge of all amounts guaranteed pursuant to the related Guarantees) which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor.

 

(e)           Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby (i) waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of the merger, insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors, and all demands whatsoever, (ii) acknowledges that any agreement, instrument or document evidencing its Guarantee may be transferred and that the benefit of its obligations hereunder shall extend to each holder of any agreement, instrument or document evidencing its Guarantee without notice to it and (iii) covenants that its Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of such Guarantee. Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors further agrees that if at any time all or any part of any payment theretofore applied by any Person to its Guarantee is, or must be, rescinded or returned for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors, such Guarantee shall, to the extent that such payment is or must be rescinded or returned, be deemed to have continued in existence notwithstanding such application, and such Guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, as though such application had not been made.

 

(f)            Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders and the Trustee against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by such Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture; provided, however , that such Subsidiary Guarantor, shall not be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all of the Securities of such series and the related Guarantees shall have been paid in full or discharged.

 

SECTION 11.02           Execution and Delivery of Guarantees .

 

To further evidence its Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agrees that a notation relating to such Guarantee (the “Notation of Guarantee”), substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A, shall be endorsed on each Security of the series entitled to the benefits of such Guarantee authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, which Notation of Guarantee shall be executed by either manual or facsimile signature of an Officer of such Subsidiary Guarantor. Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agrees that its Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Security the Notation of Guarantee relating to such Guarantee. If any Officer of such Subsidiary Guarantor, whose signature is on this Indenture or the Notation of Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates such Security or at any time thereafter, the Guarantee of such Security shall be valid nevertheless. The delivery of any Security of a series entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee under this Article XI by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of each Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

SECTION 11.03           Limitation on Liability of the Subsidiary Guarantors .

 

Each Subsidiary Guarantor and by its acceptance hereof each Holder of a Security of a series entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee under this Article XI hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the guarantee by such Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to its Guarantee not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of any federal or state law. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Holders of a Security

 

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entitled to the benefits of such Guarantee and the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor under its Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor and to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Subsidiary Guarantor under its Guarantee, result in the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law.

 

SECTION 11.04           Release of Subsidiary Guarantors from Guarantee.

 

(a)           Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor may be released upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Article VIII and this Section 11.04. Provided that no Default shall have occurred and shall be continuing under this Indenture, any Guarantee incurred by a Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to this Article XI shall be unconditionally released and discharged (i) automatically upon (A) any sale, exchange or transfer, whether by way of merger or otherwise, to any Person that is not the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company, of all of the Company’s direct or indirect equity interests in such Subsidiary Guarantor and such Subsidiary Guarantor no longer qualifies as a Subsidiary of the Company as a result of such disposition ( provided such sale, exchange or transfer is not prohibited by this Indenture) or (B) the merger of such Subsidiary Guarantor into the Company or any other Subsidiary Guarantor or the liquidation and dissolution of such Subsidiary Guarantor (in each case to the extent not prohibited by this Indenture) or (ii) following delivery of a written notice of such release or discharge by the Company to the Trustee, upon the release or discharge of the guarantee by such Subsidiary Guarantor of Debt of the Company that resulted in such Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantees.

 

(b)           The Trustee shall deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing any release of a Subsidiary Guarantor from its Guarantee upon receipt of a written request of the Company accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Subsidiary Guarantor is entitled to such release in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture. If the Subsidiary Guarantor is not so released, it shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest on the Securities entitled to the benefits of such Guarantee as provided in this Indenture, subject to the limitations of Section 11.03.

 

SECTION 11.05           Contribution .

 

In order to provide for just and equitable contribution among the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agree, inter se, that in the event any payment or distribution is made by any Subsidiary Guarantor (a “Funding Guarantor”) under its Guarantee, such Funding Guarantor shall be entitled to a contribution from each other Subsidiary Guarantor (as applicable) in a pro rata amount based on the net assets of each Subsidiary Guarantor (including the Funding Guarantor) for all payments, damages and expenses incurred by that Funding Guarantor in discharging the Company’s obligations with respect to the Securities of a series entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee under this Article XI or any other Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations with respect to its Guarantee of such series of Securities.

 

ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 12.01           Trust Indenture Act Controls .

 

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by operation of TIA § 318(c), the imposed duties shall control.

 

SECTION 12.02           Notices .

 

Any notice or communication by the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telex, facsimile or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the other’s address:

 

If to the Company or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors:

 

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QVC, Inc.

Studio Park, 1200 Wilson Drive, MC 203

West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Facsimile No.: (484) 701-1380

 

with copies to:

 

QVC, Inc.

Studio Park, 1200 Wilson Drive, MC 207

West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382

Attention: General Counsel

Facsimile No.: (484) 701-1021

 

and

 

Liberty Interactive Corporation

12300 Liberty Boulevard

Englewood, Colorado 80112

Attention: Treasurer

Facsimile No.: (720) 875-5915

 

If to the Trustee:

 

Attn:

Telephone:

Facsimile:

 

The Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee by notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

 

All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if by facsimile; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

 

Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Holder’s address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

 

If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it, except in the case of notice to the Trustee, it is duly given only when received.

 

If the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor mails a notice or communication to Holders, it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

 

All notices or communications, including, without limitation, notices to the Trustee, the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor by Holders, shall be in writing, except as otherwise set forth herein.

 

In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service, or by reason of any other cause, it shall be impossible to mail any notice required by this Indenture, then such method of notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient mailing of such notice.

 

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SECTION 12.03           Communication by Holders with Other Holders .

 

Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities. The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).

 

SECTION 12.04           Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent .

 

Upon any request or application by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, shall, if requested by the Trustee, furnish to the Trustee at the expense of the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be:

 

(i)                                      an Officer’s Certificate (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 12.05) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

 

(ii)           an Opinion of Counsel (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been complied with.

 

SECTION 12.05           Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion .

 

Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and shall include:

 

(i)                                      a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

 

(ii)           a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

 

(iii)          a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, it, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable it, him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

 

(iv)          a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with; provided that an opinion of counsel may have customary qualifications for opinions of the type required and with respect to matters of fact, an opinion of counsel may rely on an officer’s certificate or certificates of public officials.

 

SECTION 12.06           Rules by Trustee and Agents .

 

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar or the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

 

SECTION 12.07           Legal Holidays .

 

If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a Place of Payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

 

SECTION 12.08           No Recourse Against Others .

 

A director, officer, employee, stockholder, partner or other owner of the Company, a Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee, as such, shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the

 

47



 

Securities, for the obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor under any Guarantee, or for any obligations of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee under this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issue of Securities.

 

SECTION 12.09           Governing Law .

 

THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES AND THE GUARANTEES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS TO THE EXTENT THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

 

SECTION 12.10           No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements .

 

This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Subsidiary of the Company. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

 

SECTION 12.11           Successors .

 

All agreements of the Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors in this Indenture and the Securities shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.

 

SECTION 12.12           Severability .

 

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities or in any Guarantee shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

SECTION 12.13           Counterpart Originals .

 

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

 

SECTION 12.14           Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

 

The table of contents, cross-reference table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

48



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

QVC, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

[NAME(S) OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS]

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

49



 

 

[                    ], as Trustee

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

50



 

ANNEX A

 

NOTATION OF GUARANTEE

 

Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors (which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture) has fully, unconditionally and absolutely guaranteed, to the extent set forth in the Indenture and subject to the provisions in the Indenture, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities and all other amounts due and payable under the Indenture and the Securities by the Company.

 

The obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors to the Holders of Securities and to the Trustee pursuant to the Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Articles X and XI of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Guarantee.

 

 

 

[NAME(S) OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR(S)]

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

51




Exhibit 5.1

 

 

30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
10112-4498

 

TEL   +1 212.408.2500

FAX  +1 212.408.2501

BakerBotts.com

AUSTIN

BEIJING

RUSSELS

DALLAS

DUBAI

HONG KONG

HOUSTON

LONDON

MOSCOW

NEW YORK

PALO ALTO

RIYADH

SAN FRANCISCO

WASHINGTON

 

August 10, 2016

 

QVC, Inc.

1200 Wilson Drive

West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to QVC, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), with respect to certain legal matters in connection with the registration statement on Form S—3 (the “ Registration Statement ”) to be filed by the Company and the additional registrants listed therein (the “ Subsidiary Guarantors ”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), registering securities to be issued and sold from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act. Such securities include: (a) senior debt securities of the Company (“ Senior Debt Securities ”) and subordinated debt securities of the Company (“ Subordinated Debt Securities ” and, together with the Senior Debt Securities, “ Debt Securities ”), which may be issued in one or more series, consisting of notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness and (c) guarantees of one or more series of the Debt Securities (the “ Guarantees ” and together with the Debt Securities, the “ Securities ”).

 

The Securities may be issued and sold or delivered as set forth in the Registration Statement, any amendment thereto, the prospectus contained therein (the “ Prospectus ”), prospectuses supplementing the Prospectus or prospectuses which provide information supplementing the Prospectus (the “ Prospectus Supplements ”).

 

Each series of Debt Securities will be issued (a) in the case of the Senior Debt Securities, pursuant to an indenture to be entered into between the Company, as issuer, any Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, as guarantors, and the trustee (the “ Senior Indenture ”) and (b) in the case of the Subordinated Debt Securities, pursuant to an indenture to be entered into between the Company, as issuer, any Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and the trustee (the “ Subordinated Indenture ,” and together with the Senior Indenture, the “ Indentures ”).

 

At your request, this opinion is being furnished to you for filing as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement.

 

In our capacity as your counsel and as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed, we have examined (a) the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended to date (the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”), (b) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended to date (the “ Bylaws ” and together with the Certificate of Incorporation, the “ Charter Documents ”), (c) the organizational documents of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors, (d) the forms of Indentures filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement, (e) originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified, of the corporate and limited liability

 



 

company records of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, including minute books of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors as furnished to us by the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, (f) originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified, of certificates of public officials and of representatives of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors and (g) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

 

In giving the opinions below, we have assumed, without independent investigation, that each document submitted to us for review is accurate and complete, each such document that is an original is authentic, each such document that is a copy conforms to an authentic original and all signatures on each such document are genuine.

 

In connection with this opinion, we have also assumed that:

 

(a) the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) will have become effective under the Securities Act;

 

(b) in connection with any offering of Securities, a Prospectus Supplement will have been prepared and filed with the Commission describing the Securities offered thereby;

 

(c) all Securities will be issued and sold in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and in the manner stated in the Registration Statement (including post-effective amendments) and the appropriate Prospectus Supplement;

 

(d)  The Shareholder Director of the Company and, if applicable, the board of directors of each Subsidiary Guarantor (or the member, managers or general partner of a Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be) or, to the extent permitted by the Charter Documents, the organizational documents of the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor and the corporation or limited liability company laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of the Company and, if applicable, each Subsidiary Guarantor, a duly constituted and acting committee thereof (such Shareholder Director, board of directors, member, managers, general partner or committee being hereinafter referred to as the “ Member ”) will have taken all necessary corporate or limited liability company action to authorize the issuance of the Securities and any other Securities issuable on the conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise thereof, and to authorize the terms of the offering and sale of such Securities and related matters;

 

(e) a definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement (“ Purchase Agreement ”) with respect to any Securities offered will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, if applicable, and the other parties thereto;

 

(f) any securities issuable upon conversion, redemption, exchange or exercise of any Securities being offered will be duly authorized, created and, if appropriate, reserved for issuance upon such conversion, redemption, exchange or exercise;

 

2



 

(g)  all Securities, and any certificates in respect thereof, will be delivered in accordance with either (i) the provisions of the applicable Purchase Agreement approved by the applicable Member upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein or (ii) upon conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise of any other Security, in accordance with the terms of such Security or the instrument governing such Security providing for such conversion, exchange, redemption or exercise as approved by the Member; and

 

(h) in the case of Debt Securities of any series issuable under any Indenture, (i) if such Debt Securities are Senior Debt Securities, an indenture substantially in the form of the Senior Indenture will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantors, as applicable, and the trustee thereunder, (ii) if such Debt Securities are Subordinated Debt Securities, an indenture substantially in the form of the Subordinated Indenture will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantors, as applicable, and the trustee thereunder, (iii) the Company’s Member will have taken all necessary corporate action to designate and establish the terms of such series of Debt Securities, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture under which such Debt Securities will be issued, and such Debt Securities will not include any provision that is unenforceable, (iv) the Indenture under which such Debt Securities will be issued will have become qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended and (v) forms of Debt Securities complying with the terms of the Indenture under which such Debt Securities will be issued and evidencing such Debt Securities will have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of such Indenture.

 

Based on the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations, and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

1.               The Debt Securities, when issued, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as the enforceability thereof is subject to the effect of (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or conveyance or other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) or (iii) any implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing.

 

2.               Each Guarantee issued by a Subsidiary Guarantor, when issued, will constitute a valid and legally binding obligation of such Subsidiary Guarantor, enforceable against such Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with its terms, except as the enforceability thereof is subject to the effect of (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or conveyance or other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) or (iii) any implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing.

 

3



 

The opinions set forth above are limited in all respects to matters of the laws of the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and applicable federal law of the United States of America, in each case, as in effect on the date hereof.

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion of counsel as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the heading “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

/s/ Baker Botts L.L.P.

 

4




Exhibit 23.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Stockholder-Director of QVC, Inc.:

We consent to the use of our report incorporated by reference herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.

 

 

 

/s/KPMG LLP

 

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

August 8, 2016