EX-10.1

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Dated as of February 9, 2012

 

As Amended and Restated as of May 30, 2012

 

among

 

GENERAC ACQUISITION CORP.,

 

GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS, INC.,

as Borrower,

 

THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO,

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent,

 

and

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
and
GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,
as Syndication Agents

 

 

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC,

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,
and

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,

as Joint Lead Arrangers and as Joint Bookrunners

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
ARTICLE I Definitions		1
SECTION 1.01.	Defined Terms	1
SECTION 1.02.	Terms Generally	41
SECTION 1.03.	Accounting Terms	41
SECTION 1.04.	Rounding	42
SECTION 1.05.	Timing of Payment or Performance	42
SECTION 1.06.	Classification	42
SECTION 1.07.	References to Laws	42
SECTION 1.08.	Pro Forma	42
ARTICLE II The Credits		42
SECTION 2.01.	Commitments	42
SECTION 2.02.	Loans and Borrowings	42
SECTION 2.03.	Requests for Borrowings	43
SECTION 2.04.	[Reserved]	44
SECTION 2.05.	[Reserved]	44
SECTION 2.06.	Funding of Borrowings	44
SECTION 2.07.	Interest Elections	44
SECTION 2.08.	Termination of Commitments	45
SECTION 2.09.	Repayment of Term Loans; Evidence of Debt	45
SECTION 2.10.	Repayment of Term Loans	46
SECTION 2.11.	Prepayment of Term Loans	47
SECTION 2.12.	Fees	48
SECTION 2.13.	Interest	48
SECTION 2.14.	Alternate Rate of Interest	48
SECTION 2.15.	Increased Costs	49
SECTION 2.16.	Break Funding Payments	50
SECTION 2.17.	Taxes	50
SECTION 2.18.	Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs	53
SECTION 2.19.	Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders	54
SECTION 2.20.	Illegality	56
SECTION 2.21.	Defaulting Lenders	56
SECTION 2.22.	Incremental Extensions of Credit	57
SECTION 2.23.	Extensions of Term Loans	58
ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties		60
SECTION 3.01.	Organization; Powers	60
SECTION 3.02.	Authorization	60
SECTION 3.03.	Enforceability	61
SECTION 3.04.	Governmental Approvals	61
SECTION 3.05.	Financial Statements	61
SECTION 3.06.	No Material Adverse Effect	62
SECTION 3.07.	Title to Properties; Possession Under Leases	62
SECTION 3.08.	Subsidiaries	62

 

 

SECTION 3.09.	Litigation; Compliance with Laws	62
SECTION 3.10.	Investment Company Act	63
SECTION 3.11.	[Reserved]	63
SECTION 3.12.	Federal Reserve Regulations	63
SECTION 3.13.	Tax Returns	63
SECTION 3.14.	No Material Misstatements	63
SECTION 3.15.	Employee Benefit Plans	64
SECTION 3.16.	Environmental Matters	64
SECTION 3.17.	Security Documents	64
SECTION 3.18.	Solvency	65
SECTION 3.19.	Labor Matters	65
SECTION 3.20.	Insurance	66
SECTION 3.21.	USA PATRIOT Act	66
ARTICLE IV Conditions of Lending		66
SECTION 4.01.	Restatement Date	66
ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants		69
SECTION 5.01.	Existence; Businesses and Properties	69
SECTION 5.02.	Insurance	70
SECTION 5.03.	Taxes	70
SECTION 5.04.	Financial Statements, Reports, etc.	70
SECTION 5.05.	Litigation and Other Notices	72
SECTION 5.06.	Compliance with Laws	73
SECTION 5.07.	Maintaining Records; Access to Properties and Inspections	73
SECTION 5.08.	Compliance with Environmental Laws	73
SECTION 5.09.	Further Assurances; Mortgages	74
SECTION 5.10.	Fiscal Year; Accounting	76
SECTION 5.11.	Maintenance of Ratings	76
SECTION 5.12.	[Reserved]	76
SECTION 5.13.	Use of Proceeds	76
SECTION 5.14.	Certification of Public Information	76
ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants		77
SECTION 6.01.	Indebtedness	77
SECTION 6.02.	Liens	81
SECTION 6.03.	Sale and Lease-Back Transactions	85
SECTION 6.04.	Investments, Loans and Advances	85
SECTION 6.05.	Mergers, Consolidations and Dispositions	88
SECTION 6.06.	Dividends and Distributions	91
SECTION 6.07.	Transactions with Affiliates	93
SECTION 6.08.	Business of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries	95
SECTION 6.09.	Limitation on Modifications of Indebtedness; Modifications of Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws and Certain Other Agreements; etc.	95

 

 

ARTICLE VII Events of Default		97
SECTION 7.01.	Events of Default	97
ARTICLE VIII The Agents		100
SECTION 8.01.	Appointment	100
SECTION 8.02.	Delegation of Duties	100
SECTION 8.03.	Exculpatory Provisions	100
SECTION 8.04.	Reliance by Administrative Agent	101
SECTION 8.05.	Notice of Default	101
SECTION 8.06.	Non-Reliance on Agents and Other Lenders	102
SECTION 8.07.	Indemnification	102
SECTION 8.08.	Agent in Its Individual Capacity	102
SECTION 8.09.	Successor Administrative Agent	102
SECTION 8.10.	Syndication Agents	103
SECTION 8.11.	Withholding Tax	103
ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous		103
SECTION 9.01.	Notices	103
SECTION 9.02.	Survival of Agreement	104
SECTION 9.03.	Binding Effect	104
SECTION 9.04.	Successors and Assigns	105
SECTION 9.05.	Expenses; Indemnity	110
SECTION 9.06.	Right of Set-off	112
SECTION 9.07.	Applicable Law	112
SECTION 9.08.	Waivers; Amendment	112
SECTION 9.09.	Interest Rate Limitation	115
SECTION 9.10.	Entire Agreement	115
SECTION 9.11.	WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL	115
SECTION 9.12.	Severability	116
SECTION 9.13.	Counterparts	116
SECTION 9.14.	Headings	116
SECTION 9.15.	Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process	116
SECTION 9.16.	Confidentiality	117
SECTION 9.17.	Release of Liens and Guarantees	118
SECTION 9.18.	USA PATRIOT Act	118
SECTION 9.19.	Marshalling; Payments Set Aside	118
SECTION 9.20.	Obligations Several; Independent Nature of Lenders’ Rights	118
SECTION 9.21.	Electronic Execution of Assignments	119
SECTION 9.22.	Acknowledgements	119
SECTION 9.23.	Lender Action	119
SECTION 9.24.	Amendment and Restatement	120

 

 

Exhibits and Schedules
Exhibit A		Form of Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit B		Form of Administrative Questionnaire
Exhibit C		Form of Borrowing Request
Exhibit D		Form of Interest Election Request
Exhibit E		Form of Collateral Agreement
Exhibit F		Form of Solvency Certificate
Exhibit G		Form of Subordination Provisions
Exhibit H		Form of Intercompany Note
Exhibit I		Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit J-		Form of Increased Facility Activation Notice
Exhibit K		Form of New Lender Supplement
Exhibit L-1		Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Lenders that are not Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Exhibit L-2		Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Participants that are not Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Exhibit L-3		Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Participants that are Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Exhibit L-4		Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Lenders that are Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Exhibit M		Form of Note
Exhibit N		Form of Intercreditor Agreement

 

Schedule 2.01		Commitments
Schedule 3.08(a)		Subsidiaries
Schedule 3.17		Financing Statements and Other Filings
Schedule 3.20		Insurance
Schedule 5.09		Mortgaged Properties
Schedule 6.01		Indebtedness
Schedule 6.02		Liens
Schedule 6.04		Investments
Schedule 6.07		Transactions with Affiliates

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of February 9, 2012, as amended and restated as of May 30, 2012 (this “ Agreement ”), among GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS, INC., a Wisconsin corporation (the “ Borrower ”), GENERAC ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware corporation (“ Holdings ”), the LENDERS party hereto from time to time, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. and GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, as syndication agents (in such capacity, the “ Syndication Agents ”).

 

The parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions

 

SECTION 1.01.            Defined Terms .  As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified below:

 

“ ABL Agent ” shall mean Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent under the ABL Credit Agreement, together with any of its successors in such capacity.

 

“ ABL Credit Agreement ” shall mean the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2012, among Holdings, the Borrower, the ABL Lenders party thereto from time to time, the ABL Agent and the other agents and parties party thereto from time to time.

 

“ ABL Facility ” shall mean the commitments under the ABL Credit Agreement or any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement, and the ABL Loans or Replacement ABL Loans, as applicable.

 

“ ABL Lenders ” shall mean the “Lenders” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement or any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement.

 

“ ABL Loans ” shall mean the “Revolver Loans” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement or any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement.

 

“ ABL Loan Documents ” shall mean the “Loan Documents” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement or any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement.

 

“ ABR ” shall mean for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 0.5%, (c) the Eurodollar Rate (to the extent ascertainable) that would be calculated as of such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, as of the next preceding Business Day) in respect of a one-month Interest Period plus 1% and (d) 2.25%.  For purposes hereof: “ Prime Rate ” shall mean the rate of interest per annum determined from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City and notified to the Borrower (the Prime Rate not being intended to be the lowest rate of interest charged by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in connection with extensions of credit to debtors).  Any change in the ABR due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or such Eurodollar Rate shall be effective as of the opening of business on the effective day of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or such Eurodollar Rate, respectively.

 

“ ABR Borrowing ” shall mean a Borrowing comprised of ABR Loans.

 

 

“ ABR Loan ” shall mean any Term Loan bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the ABR in accordance with the provisions of Article II .

 

“ Adjusted Consolidated Net Income ” shall mean, with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (before provision for income taxes) plus (a) the sum of (in each case without duplication and to the extent the respective amounts described in subclauses (i) through (iv) of this clause (a) reduced such Consolidated Net Income for the respective period for which Adjusted Consolidated Net Income is being determined):

 

(i)         Transaction Costs and cash expenses incurred directly in connection with any Investment, equity issuance, debt issuance, refinancing (including with respect to the Term Facility) or Disposition (in each case (A) not prohibited under this Agreement and (B) whether or not consummated) during such period, provided that the aggregate amount added pursuant to this clause (i) shall not exceed $10.0 million in any four fiscal quarter period,

 

(ii)        amortization of intangible assets and amortization of deferred financing costs related to Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case during such period,

 

(iii)       impairment charges in respect of intangible assets (including goodwill) during such period, and

 

(iv)       non-cash compensation charges during such period,

 

minus (b) (without duplication) and, in respect of subclause (ii) of this clause (b), to the extent the amounts described therein increased such Consolidated Net Income for the respective period for which Adjusted Consolidated Net Income is being determined):  (i) all Taxes based on income, profits or capital of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period paid or (without duplication) payable currently in cash, including, without limitation, state, foreign, franchise and similar taxes and Tax Distributions made by the Borrower during such period, and (ii) non-cash income attributable to the early extinguishment of Indebtedness during such period.

 

“ Administrative Agent ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

“ Administrative Agent Fee Letter ” shall mean the Administrative Agent Fee Letter dated May 10, 2012 between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

 

“ Administrative Questionnaire ” shall mean an Administrative Questionnaire in the form of Exhibit B.

 

“ Affected Lender ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20 .

 

“ Affiliate ” shall mean, when used with respect to a specified person, another person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the person specified; provided , however , no Agent or Lender shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with respect to transactions evidenced by any Loan Document.

 

 

“ Affiliated Lender ” shall mean the Sponsor, any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate, Holdings, any Subsidiary of Holdings and their respective Affiliates but excluding any Debt Fund Affiliate.

 

“ Agents ” shall mean the Administrative Agent and the Syndication Agents.

 

“ Agreement ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

“ Applicable Margin ” shall mean (a) for ABR Loans, 4.00% and (b) for Eurodollar Loans, 5.00%.

 

“ Assignment and Acceptance ” shall mean an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an assignee, and accepted by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (if the Borrower’s consent is required by this Agreement), in the form of Exhibit A or such other form as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

“ Available Basket Amount ” at any date of determination, a cumulative amount equal to:

 

(a) the sum of

 

(i)   $75.0 million,

 

(ii)   the CNI Growth Amount,

 

(iii)    the fair market value (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) of property or assets contributed to the Borrower from contributions to its equity capital which have not been designated as an Excluded Contribution or an EBITDA Addback Contribution, provided that (i) the fair market value of such property or assets shall have been determined pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Holdings or any Parent Entity (or, to the extent that the fair market value of the property or assets is greater than $25.0 million, such fair market value is supported by a valuation of a nationally recognized independent appraiser within three (3) months of such contribution)  and (ii) the contribution of any property or assets other than cash and cash equivalents shall be deemed an Investment by the Borrower in respect of such property or assets and shall build the Available Basket only to the extent the Borrower would, at the time of contribution thereof, be permitted to make such Investment under Section 6.04 (and such deemed Investment shall constitute a use of such Investment capacity subject to any limits or restrictions (if any) on such Investments under Section 6.04 ),

 

(iv)   the net cash proceeds received by the Borrower from the sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) or issuance of any Equity Interests of, or contributions to, the Borrower, which proceeds have not been designated as an Excluded Contribution or an EBITDA Addback Contribution,

 

(v)   the aggregate principal amount of any Indebtedness or Equity Interests not constituting Qualified Capital Stock, in each case, of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary issued after the Restatement Date (other than Indebtedness or such Equity Interests issued to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary), which has been converted into or exchanged for Qualified Capital Stock of the Borrower or any Equity Interests of any Parent Entity, together with the fair market value of any cash equivalents and the fair market value (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) of any property or assets received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary upon such exchange or conversion,

 

 

(vi)   the Net Proceeds received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Restatement Date in connection with the Disposition to a person (other than the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary) of any Investment made pursuant to Section 6.04(r)(i)  (in an amount not to exceed the original amount of such Investment),

 

(vii)   the proceeds received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Restatement Date in connection with returns, profits, distributions and similar amounts, repayments of loans and the release of Guarantees received on any Investment made pursuant to Section 6.04(r)(i)  (in an amount not to exceed the original amount of such Investment),

 

(viii)   an amount equal to the sum of (A) in the event any Unrestricted Subsidiary has been redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary or has been merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or is liquidated into, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, the amount of the Investments of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Subsidiary made pursuant to Section 6.04(r)(i)  (in an amount not to exceed the original amount of such Investment) and (B) the fair market value (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) of the property or assets of any Unrestricted Subsidiary that have been transferred, conveyed or otherwise distributed to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Restatement Date from any dividend or other distribution by an Unrestricted Subsidiary, provided that the fair market value of such property or assets shall have been determined pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Holdings or the Borrower (or, to the extent that the fair market value of the property or assets is greater than $25.0 million, such fair market value is supported by a valuation of a nationally recognized independent appraiser within three (3) months of such contribution),

 

(ix)    the aggregate Declined Prepayment Amount, minus

 

(b) the sum at the time of determination of:

 

(i)         any amounts thereof used to make (A) Investments pursuant to Section 6.04(b)(y)  and Section 6.04(r)(i)  and (B) Restricted Debt Payments pursuant to clause (x)(B)(1) of the proviso to Section 6.09(b) , and

 

(ii)        the cumulative amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to Section 6.06(e)(i)  (without duplication of amounts paid by the Borrower to Holdings which are then further distributed by Holdings under such Section) after the Restatement Date and on or prior to the date of determination.

 

“ Bankruptcy Code ” shall mean Title 11 of the United States Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

 

“ Bankruptcy Event ” shall mean, with respect to any person, such person (i) is insolvent, or is generally unable to pay its debts as they become due, or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors or (ii) becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business appointed for it, or has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment, provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such person by a Governmental Authority or instrumentality thereof so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets

 

 

 

 

or permit such person (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such person.

 

“ Board ” shall mean the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America, or any successor thereto.

 

“ Borrower ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

“ Borrowing ” shall mean a group of Term Loans of a single Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

 

“ Borrowing Minimum ” shall mean $1.0 million.

 

“ Borrowing Multiple ” shall mean $500,000.

 

“ Borrowing Request ” shall mean a request by the Borrower in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03 and, if written, substantially in the form of Exhibit C.

 

“ Budget ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.04(e) .

 

“ Business Day ” shall mean any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to remain closed; provided that when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term “ Business Day ” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in deposits in Dollars in the London interbank market.

 

“ Capital Expenditures ” shall mean, in respect of any period, the aggregate of all expenditures incurred by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period that, in accordance with GAAP, are required to be classified as capital expenditures, including Capital Lease Obligations incurred, provided , however , that Capital Expenditures for the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall not include:

 

(i)         expenditures of proceeds of insurance settlements, condemnation awards and other settlements in respect of lost, destroyed, damaged or condemned assets, equipment or other property to the extent such expenditures are made to replace or repair such lost, destroyed, damaged or condemned assets, equipment or other property or otherwise to acquire, maintain, develop, construct, improve, upgrade or repair assets or properties useful in the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries within twelve (12) months of receipt of such proceeds,

 

(ii)        expenditures that are accounted for as capital expenditures of such person and that actually have been paid for by a third party (other than the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof) and for which neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary has provided or is required to provide or incur, directly or indirectly, any consideration or obligation to such third party or any other person (whether before, during or after such period),

 

(iii)       the purchase price of equipment or property purchased during such period to the extent the consideration therefor consists of any combination of (x) used or surplus equipment or property traded in at the time of such purchase and (y) the proceeds of a reasonably concurrent sale of used or surplus equipment or property, in each case, in the ordinary course of business, or

 

 

(iv)       expenditures that are accounted for as capital expenditures in connection with transactions constituting Permitted Business Acquisitions.

 

“ Capital Lease Obligations ” shall mean the obligations of any person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such person under GAAP and, for purposes hereof, the amount of such obligations at any time shall be the capitalized amount thereof at such time determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“ Captive Insurance Subsidiary ” shall mean any Restricted Subsidiary that is subject to regulation as an insurance company (or any Subsidiary thereof).

 

“ Cash Interest Expense ” shall mean, with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any period, Interest Expense for such period paid, or (without duplication) to be paid currently in cash.

 

“ Cash Management Obligations ” shall mean obligations owed by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any overdraft and related liabilities arising from treasury and treasury management services, cash management services, credit cards or any automated clearing house transfer of funds.

 

“ CCMP ” shall mean CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC.

 

“ Change in Control ” shall mean:

 

(a)           the acquisition of record ownership or direct beneficial ownership (i.e., excluding indirect beneficial ownership through intermediate entities by any person which is the subject of clause (b) below) by any person other than Holdings (or another Parent Entity that has become a Loan Party) of any Equity Interests in the Borrower, such that after giving effect thereto Holdings (or another Parent Entity that has become a Loan Party) shall cease to beneficially own and control 100% of the Equity Interests of the Borrower, or

 

(b)           the acquisition of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, by any person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the Restatement Date), other than the Permitted Investors and any employee benefit plan and/or person acting as a trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator in respect thereof, of Equity Interests in Holdings representing more than the greater of (i)  35% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in Holdings and (ii) the percentage of the aggregate ordinary voting power in Holdings held directly or indirectly by the Permitted Investors.

 

“ Change in Law ” shall mean (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the Restatement Date, (b) any change in law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the Restatement Date or (c) compliance by any Lender (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b) , by any Lending Office of such Lender or by such Lender’s holding company, if any) with any written request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the Restatement Date.

 

“ Change in Working Capital ” shall mean, with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, the amount of Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities; provided that, Changes in Working Capital shall be calculated without regard to

 

 

any Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities as a result of (a) any reclassification in accordance with GAAP of assets or liabilities, as applicable, between current and noncurrent, (b) the effects of (i) any Disposition and acquisition, in each case, of any person, manufacturing facility or line of business, consummated during such period and (ii) the application of purchase accounting or (c) the effect of fluctuations in the amount of accrued or contingent obligations under Swap Agreements.

 

“ Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities ” shall mean the sum of those amounts that comprise the changes in the current assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents (including Permitted Investments) and deferred tax accounts) and current liabilities section of the Borrower’s statement of cash flows as prepared on a consolidated basis excluding tax accruals and deferred taxes.

 

“ Charges ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.09 .

 

“ CNI Growth Amount ” at any date of determination, an amount equal to:

 

(a) 50% of Adjusted Consolidated Net Income for each fiscal quarter of the Borrower in which Adjusted Consolidated Net Income is positive (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2012), minus

 

(b) in the case of any fiscal quarter of the Borrower (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2012) in which Adjusted Consolidated Net Income is an amount less than zero, 100% of the absolute value of any such deficit.

 

“ Code ” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

“ Collateral ” shall mean all the “Collateral” as defined in any Security Document and shall also include the Mortgaged Properties, if any.

 

“ Collateral Agreement ” shall mean the Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral Agreement in the form of Exhibit E, among Parent (but solely in respect of Section 2 of the Collateral Agreement), Holdings, the Borrower, each Subsidiary Loan Party and the Administrative Agent.

 

“ Collateral and Guarantee Requirement ” shall mean the requirement that, in each case subject to the Intercreditor Agreement:

 

(a)           on the Restatement Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received (I) from Parent (but solely in respect of Section 2 of the Collateral Agreement) Holdings, the Borrower and each Subsidiary Loan Party, a counterpart of the Collateral Agreement duly executed and delivered on behalf of such person and (II) an Acknowledgment and Consent in the form attached to the Collateral Agreement, executed and delivered by each issuer of Pledged Collateral (as defined in the Collateral Agreement), if any, that is a Loan Party,

 

(b)           on the Restatement Date or as otherwise provided in the Collateral Agreement, the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties shall have received (I) a pledge of all the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of (A) the Borrower and (B) each Domestic Subsidiary (other than a Disregarded Domestic Subsidiary) which is a Restricted Subsidiary owned on the Restatement Date directly by or on behalf of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party; (II) a pledge of 65% of the outstanding voting Equity Interests and 100% of the outstanding non-voting Equity Interests of (A) each “first tier” material Foreign Subsidiary, (B) each material Disregarded Domestic Subsidiary and (C) each Special Purpose Subsidiary (to the extent such pledge is permitted under the securitization agreements applicable to such

 

 

Subsidiary), in each case which is a Restricted Subsidiary directly owned by Holdings, the Borrower or a Subsidiary Loan Party; and (III) all certificates or other instruments (if any) representing such Equity Interests, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank,

 

(c)           on the Restatement Date, all Indebtedness having, in the case of each instance of Indebtedness, an aggregate principal amount in excess of $5.0 million (other than (i) intercompany current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries or (ii) to the extent that a pledge of such promissory note or instrument would violate applicable law) that is owing to any Loan Party and evidenced by a promissory note or an instrument and shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement, and the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties shall have received all such promissory notes or instruments, together with note powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank,

 

(d) within ninety (90) days of the Restatement Date (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent shall agree), the Borrower shall grant to the Administrative Agent security interests and mortgages in the Mortgaged Property referred to in Schedule 5.09 owned on the Restatement Date pursuant to a Mortgage, record or file, the Mortgage in such manner and in such places as is required by law to establish, perfect, preserve and protect the Liens pursuant to the Mortgages and pay, all Taxes, fees and other charges payable in connection therewith.  Unless otherwise waived by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion, with respect to each such Mortgage, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent contemporaneously therewith (A) a policy or policies or marked-up unconditional binder of title insurance or foreign equivalent thereof, as applicable, paid for by the Borrower, issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company insuring the Lien of each such Mortgage as a valid first Lien on the Mortgaged Property described therein, free of any other Liens except as permitted by Section 6.02 , together with such endorsements, coinsurance and reinsurance as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, and (B) the legal opinions of local U.S. counsel in the state where such Mortgaged Property is located, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent,

 

(e)           on the Restatement Date, or as otherwise provided in the Collateral Agreement, the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, shall have been granted security interests in personal property of Holdings, the Borrower or any such Subsidiary Loan Parties in accordance with the Collateral Agreement,

 

(f)            in the case of any person that becomes a Subsidiary Loan Party after the Restatement Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received a supplement to the Collateral Agreement, in the form specified therein, duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Subsidiary Loan Party,

 

(g)           after the Restatement Date, (A) all the outstanding Equity Interests of any person that becomes a Subsidiary Loan Party after the Restatement Date, (B) all the Equity Interests of the Borrower issued after the Restatement Date and (C) subject to Section 5.09(g)  and Section 6.02(w) , all other Equity Interests of any other Subsidiary that are acquired by a Loan Party after the Restatement Date, shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement ( provided that in no event shall more than 65% of the issued and outstanding voting Equity Interests and 100% of the outstanding non-voting Equity Interests of (i) any “first tier” Foreign Subsidiary directly owned by such Loan Party or (ii) any Disregarded Domestic Subsidiary directly owned by such Loan Party be pledged to secure Obligations of any Loan Party, and in no event shall any

 

 

of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is not a “first tier” Foreign Subsidiary or a Domestic Subsidiary held by a Foreign Subsidiary be pledged to secure Obligations of any Loan Party), and the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties shall have received all certificates or other instruments (if any) representing such Equity Interests, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank,

 

(h)           on the Restatement Date, except as contemplated by any Security Document or otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, all documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, required by law or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to be filed, registered or recorded to create the Liens intended to be created by the Security Documents (in each case, including any supplements thereto) and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, the Security Documents, shall have been filed, registered or recorded or delivered to the Administrative Agent for filing, registration or the recording concurrently with, or promptly following, the execution and delivery of each such Security Document,

 

(i)            on the Restatement Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received insurance certificates from the Borrower’s insurance broker or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to it that all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to Section 5.02 is in full force and effect and such certificates shall (i) name the Administrative Agent, as collateral agent on behalf of the Secured Parties as an additional insured thereunder as its interests may appear and (ii) in the case of each casualty insurance policy, contain a loss payable clause or endorsement, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent, that names the Administrative Agent, on behalf of Lenders as the loss payee thereunder and, to the extent available, provides for at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent of any cancellation of such policy,

 

(j)            within ninety (90) days of the Restatement Date (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion) Holdings and the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Loan Party to, enter into Deposit Account Control Agreements in respect of Deposit Accounts (other than Excluded Accounts) maintained by the Loan Parties pursuant to which the Administrative Agent shall obtain control (as such term is defined in Section 9-104 of Article 9 of the UCC) of such Deposit Accounts (or, so long as the Intercreditor Agreement is in effect and the ABL Agent is acting as agent for the Administrative Agent pursuant thereto for purposes of establishing control over such Deposit Accounts, the ABL Agent), it being understood that upon the Discharge of Revolving Obligations (i) any such Deposit Account Control Agreement shall be terminated and (ii) the Loan Parties shall no longer have any obligation to comply with the requirements of this clause (j), and

 

(k)           after the Restatement Date and prior to the Discharge of Revolving Obligations, before opening or replacing any Deposit Account (other than an Excluded Account), Holdings and the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Loan Party to, enter into a Deposit Account Control Agreement with the Administrative Agent in order to give the Administrative Agent control (as such term is defined in Section 9-104 of Article 9 of the UCC) of such Deposit Account (or, so long as the Intercreditor Agreement is in effect and the ABL Agent is acting as agent for the Administrative Agent pursuant thereto for purposes of establishing control over such Deposit Accounts, the ABL Agent), it being understood that upon the Discharge of Revolving Obligations (i) any such Deposit Account Control Agreement shall be terminated and (ii) the Loan Parties shall no longer have any obligation to comply with the requirements of this clause (k).

 

 

“ Collateral Questionnaire ” shall mean a certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that provides information with respect to the personal or mixed property of each Loan Party.

 

“ Commitment ” shall mean with respect to each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.01 in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 under the caption “Commitment” or in an Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto in accordance with Section 9.04 , as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.  The aggregate amount of the Commitments on the Restatement Date is $900.0 million.

 

“ Company Competitor ” shall mean any person that competes with or which is affiliated with a person that competes with the business of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries from time to time, in each case as specifically identified by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent from time to time in writing.

 

“ Conduit Lender ” shall mean any special purpose corporation organized and administered by any Lender for the purpose of making Term Loans otherwise required to be made by such Lender and designated by such Lender in a written instrument; provided , that the designation by any Lender of a Conduit Lender shall not relieve the designating Lender of any of its obligations to fund a Term Loan under this Agreement if, for any reason, its Conduit Lender fails to fund any such Loan, and the designating Lender (and not the Conduit Lender) shall have the sole right and responsibility to deliver all consents and waivers required or requested under this Agreement with respect to its Conduit Lender, and provided , further , that no Conduit Lender shall (a) be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant to Section 2.15 , 2.16 , 2.17 or 9.05 than the designating Lender would have been entitled to receive in respect of the extensions of credit made by such Conduit Lender or (b) be deemed to have any Commitment.

 

“ Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” shall mean, with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any period, the ratio of EBITDA for such period to Consolidated Fixed Charges for such period.

 

“ Consolidated Fixed Charges ” shall mean, with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any period, the sum (without duplication) of (a) Interest Expense (but excluding, in any event (w) Transactions Costs and annual administrative or other agency fees, (x) fees and expenses associated with Dispositions, Investments and any issuances of Equity Interests or Indebtedness (in each case (A) not prohibited under this Agreement and (B) whether or not consummated), (y) amortization of deferred financing costs and (z) the ratable portion of gross interest expense of such person attributable to Indebtedness of any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries) for such period, (b) all cash dividends or other distributions paid by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during such period to any Person other than the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of preferred stock or any Refunding Capital Stock of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary during such period and (c) all cash dividends or other distributions paid by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary paid to any Person other than the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Equity Interests of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary that is not Qualified Capital Stock during such period.

 

“ Consolidated Net Income ” shall mean, with respect to any person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such person and its Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis; provided , however , that, without duplication,

 

 

(i)         any net after-tax (A) extraordinary, (B) nonrecurring or (C) unusual gains or losses or income or expenses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) including, without limitation, any severance expenses, and fees, expenses or charges related to any offering of Equity Interests of any Parent Entity or the Borrower, any Investment or Indebtedness permitted to be incurred hereunder or refinancings thereof (in each case, whether or not successful), including any such fees, expenses or charges related to the Transactions (including any Transaction Costs), in each case, shall be excluded,

 

(ii)        any net after-tax income or loss from discontinued operations and any net after-tax gain or loss on disposal of discontinued operations shall be excluded,

 

(iii)       any net after-tax gain or loss (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions other than in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the Borrower) shall be excluded,

 

(iv)       any net after-tax income or loss (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to the early extinguishment of indebtedness shall be excluded,

 

(v)        the Net Income for such period of any person that is not a subsidiary of such person, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments (including any ordinary course dividend, distribution or other payment) paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent person or a subsidiary thereof in respect of such period,

 

(vi)       consolidated Net Income for such period shall not include the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period, and

 

(vii)      any increase in amortization or depreciation or any non-cash charges resulting from any amortization, write-up, write-down or write-off of assets with respect to assets revalued upon the application of purchase accounting (including tangible and intangible assets, goodwill, deferred financing costs and inventory (including any adjustment reflected in the “cost of goods sold” or similar line item of the financial statements)) in connection with the Transactions, Permitted Business Acquisitions or any merger, consolidation or similar transaction not prohibited hereunder.

 

“ Consolidated Secured Debt ” at any date shall mean (a) the sum of (without duplication) (i) all Capital Lease Obligations, purchase money Indebtedness, Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for borrowed money and letters of credit (but only to the extent drawn and not reimbursed for more than five (5) Business Days), in each case secured by a Lien and (ii) any secured Guarantee by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness that appears or should appear in the “liabilities” section of the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP determined on a consolidated basis on such date (other than any such Guarantee secured solely by Equity Interests of the applicable obligor); provided that clauses (i) and (ii) shall exclude the ratable portion of any Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary attributable to non-controlling interests or minority interests of third parties less (b) the sum of up to $75.0 million of (i) the unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) cash and cash equivalents of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries restricted in favor of the Secured Parties and any Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 that is secured by a Lien on the Collateral permitted by Section 6.02 (in each case, determined in accordance with GAAP) ( provided that this clause (b) shall

 

 

not include any EBITDA Addback Contribution or any cash collateral required under the terms of any ABL Credit Agreement or Replacement ABL Credit Agreement to be provided in support of letters of credit issued thereunder).

 

“ Consolidated Total Assets ” shall mean, at any date, all amounts that would, in conformity with GAAP, be set forth opposite the caption “total assets” (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries at such date.

 

“ Consolidated Total Debt ” at any date shall mean (without duplication) (a) all Capital Lease Obligations, purchase money Indebtedness, Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for borrowed money and letters of credit (but only to the extent drawn and not reimbursed for more than five (5) Business Days) but excluding the ratable portion of any Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary attributable to non-controlling interests or minority interests of third parties less (b) the sum of up to $75.0 million of (i) the unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) cash and cash equivalents of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries restricted in favor of the Secured Parties or any Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 that is secured by a Lien on the Collateral permitted by Section 6.02 (in each case, determined in accordance with GAAP) ( provided that this clause (b) shall not include any EBITDA Addback Contribution or any cash collateral required under the terms of any ABL Credit Agreement or Replacement ABL Credit Agreement to be provided in support of letters of credit issued thereunder).

 

“ Contractual Obligation ” shall mean, as applied to any person, any provision of any security issued by that person or of any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, contract, written undertaking, agreement or other instrument to which that person is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound or to which it or any of its properties is subject.

 

“ Control ” shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and “ Controlling ” and “ Controlled ” shall have meanings correlative thereto.

 

“ Current Asset Collateral ” shall mean the “Revolving Priority Collateral” as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

“ Debt Fund Affiliate ” shall mean (a) Octagon Credit Investors, LLC and (b) any affiliate of the Sponsor (other than Holdings, any Subsidiary of Holdings or a natural person) that is primarily engaged in, or advises funds or other investment vehicles that are engaged in, making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course and for which no personnel making investment decisions in respect of any equity fund which has a direct or indirect equity investment in Holdings, the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries has the right to make any investment decisions.

 

“ Declined Prepayment Amount ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(f) .

 

“ Default ” shall mean any event or condition that upon notice, lapse of time or both would constitute an Event of Default.

 

“ Default Rate ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.13(c) .

 

 

“ Defaulting ABL Lender ” shall mean any “ Defaulting Lender ” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement on the Restatement Date or as defined in any equivalent manner in any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement.

 

“ Defaulting Lender” shall mean any Lender that (a) has failed, within two (2) Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans or (ii) pay over to any Loan Party or Lender Party any other amount, in each case, required to be funded or paid by it hereunder, (b) has notified the Borrower or any Lender Party in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after request by the Borrower or a Lender Party, acting in good faith, to provide certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations to fund prospective Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such person’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent, or (d) has become (or its direct or indirect parent company has become) the subject of a Bankruptcy Event.

 

“ Deposit Account ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Article 9 of the UCC.

 

“ Deposit Account Control Agreement ” shall mean a Deposit Account control agreement to be executed by each institution maintaining a Deposit Account (other than an Excluded Account) for the Borrower or any other Loan Party, in each case as required by and in accordance with clause (j) or clause (k), as applicable, of the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.”

 

“ Designated Non-Cash Consideration ” shall mean the fair market value (as determined by the Borrower in good faith) of non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with a Disposition pursuant to Section 6.05(g) and the last paragraph of Section 6.05 that is designated as Designated Non-Cash Consideration pursuant to a certificate of a Responsible Officer, setting forth the basis of such valuation (which amount will be reduced by the fair market value of the portion of the non-cash consideration converted to cash or cash equivalents).

 

“ Discharge of Revolving Obligations ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

“ Disinterested Director ” shall mean, with respect to any person and transaction, a member of the board of managers (or equivalent governing body) of such person who does not have any material direct or indirect financial interest in or with respect to such transaction.

 

“ Disposition ” shall mean any sale, transfer, lease or other disposition of assets.

 

“ Disqualified Institutions ” shall mean (a) those banks, financial institutions or other institutional lenders identified in writing to the Administrative Agent prior to the Restatement Date and (b) Company Competitors.

 

“ Disregarded Domestic Subsidiary ” shall mean any direct or indirect (other than through a Foreign Subsidiary) Domestic Subsidiary of which substantially all of its assets consist of Equity Interests of one or more indirect Foreign Subsidiaries.

 

“ Dollars ” or “$” shall mean lawful money of the United States of America.

 

“ Domestic Subsidiary ” shall mean any Subsidiary that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

 

 

“ EBITDA ” shall mean, with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period plus (a) the sum of (in each case without duplication and to the extent the respective amounts described in subclauses (i) through (xvi) of this clause (a) reduced such Consolidated Net Income for the respective period for which EBITDA is being determined):

 

(i)         provision for Taxes based on income, profits or capital of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, including, without limitation, state, foreign, franchise and similar taxes, and Tax Distributions made by the Borrower during such period,

 

(ii)           Interest Expense of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period,

 

(iii)          depreciation and amortization expenses of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period,

 

(iv)          business optimization expenses and restructuring charges and reserves (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include retention, severance, systems establishment costs, excess pension charges, contract termination costs (including future lease commitments) and costs to consolidate facilities and relocate employees); provided that with respect to each business optimization expense or restructuring charge or reserve, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower specifying and quantifying such expense, charge or reserve and stating that such expense, charge or reserve is a business optimization expense or restructuring charge or reserve, as the case may be; provided further that the aggregate amount added back to EBITDA pursuant to this clause (iv) in any period shall not exceed 15% of the EBITDA of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (prior to giving effect to any such add back);

 

(v)           the amount of management, consulting, monitoring, transaction and advisory fees and related expenses paid to the Permitted Investors (or any accruals related to such fees and related expenses) during such period;

 

(vi)          Transaction Costs and fees, costs and expenses incurred directly in connection with any transaction, including any Investment, equity issuance, debt issuance, refinancing or Disposition (in each case, (A) not prohibited under this Agreement and (B) whether or not consummated) during such period,

 

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

 

(viii)        letter of credit fees,

 

(ix)          to the extent reimbursable by third parties pursuant to indemnification provisions, other transaction fees, costs and expenses, provided that the Borrower in good faith expects to receive reimbursement for such fees, costs and expenses within the next four (4) fiscal quarters,

 

(x)           to the extent actually reimbursed by insurance or a third party, costs of legal settlement, fines, judgments or orders,

 

 

(xi)                               to the extent covered by insurance under which the insurer has been properly notified and has not denied or contested coverage, expenses with respect to liability events or casualty events,

 

(xii)                            changes in earn-out obligations incurred in connection with any Permitted Business Acquisition or other Investments permitted under this Agreement and paid during the applicable period and any similar acquisitions completed prior to the Restatement Date; provided such earn-out obligation is in effect for no longer than five (5) years from the closing date of the underlying transaction; provided further that any earn-out obligation with a duration of longer than two (2) years from the closing date of the underlying transaction shall not result in an add back to EBITDA in an amount greater than $5.0 million for any applicable period,

 

(xiii)                         any unrealized losses in the fair market value of any Swap Agreements,

 

(xiv)                        (A) any charges or expenses incurred pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement, pension plan, any stock subscription or shareholder agreement or any distributor equity plan or agreement and (B) any charges, costs, expenses, accruals or reserves in connection with the rollover, acceleration or payout of equity interests held by management, in each case, to the extent such charges, costs, expenses, accruals or reserves are funded with an EBITDA Addback Contribution,

 

(xv)                           any net unrealized losses resulting from currency translation losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss resulting from Swap Agreements for currency exchange risk) and any unrealized foreign currency translation losses, and

 

(xvi)                        the proceeds of business interruption insurance, in an amount not to exceed the earnings for the applicable period that such proceeds are intended to replace; provided that the Borrower in good faith expects to receive such business interruption proceeds within the next four (4) fiscal quarters,

 

minus (b) (without duplication and to the extent the amounts described in this clause (b) increased such Consolidated Net Income for the respective period for which EBITDA is being determined) (i) income tax credits and Restricted Payments pursuant to Section 6.06(b)(i) , (ii) all non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (but excluding any such gains (x) in respect of which cash or other assets were received in a prior period or will be received in a future period or (y) which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period), (iii) any unrealized gains in the fair market value of any Swap Agreements and (iv) any net unrealized gains resulting from currency translation gains related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net gain resulting from Swap Agreements for currency exchange risk) and any unrealized foreign currency translation gains,

 

minus (c) (without duplication) (i) the amount added back to EBITDA pursuant to clause (a)(ix) above to the extent such transaction fees, costs and expenses were not reimbursed within the time period required by such clause (which amount shall be deducted in the next succeeding fiscal quarter following expiration of the applicable time period) and (ii) the amount added back to EBITDA pursuant to clause (a)(xvi) to the extent such business interruption proceeds were not received within the time period required by such clause (which amount shall be deducted in the next succeeding fiscal quarter following expiration of the applicable time period).

 

 

“ EBITDA Addback Contribution ” shall mean (a) the net cash proceeds received by the Borrower from capital contributions to its equity capital, and (b) the net cash proceeds received by the Borrower from the sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) or issuance of Qualified Capital Stock of the Borrower or any Parent Entity, in each case designated as an EBITDA Addback Contribution pursuant to a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower concurrently with the delivery of financial statements for the fiscal quarter in which the contribution is utilized to offset the charge or expense add-back pursuant to clause (a)(xiv) of the definition of EBITDA, as the case may be, which proceeds shall not have been designated as an Excluded Contribution and shall not have been included in the determination of the Available Basket Amount.

 

“ Effective Yield ” shall mean, with respect to any Indebtedness and as of any date of determination, the applicable interest rate of such Indebtedness, taking into account interest rate floors, original issue discount and upfront fees with respect to such Indebtedness (with original issue discount and fees being equated to interest rate based on a four-year life to maturity or lesser remaining average life to maturity) and any amendment made to the interest rate with respect to such Indebtedness prior to such date of determination, but excluding arrangement, commitment, structuring and underwriting fees paid to the Joint Lead Arrangers or their Affiliates (in each case in their capacities as such) and any amendment fees paid with respect to such Indebtedness to the Joint Lead Arrangers or their Affiliates (in each case in their capacities as such).

 

“ Eligible Assignee ” shall mean (i) any Lender, any Affiliate of any Lender and any Related Fund (any two or more Related Funds being treated as a single Eligible Assignee for all purposes hereof), (ii) any commercial bank, insurance company, investment or mutual fund or other entity that is an “accredited investor” (as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act) and which extends credit or buys loans and (iii) any Affiliated Lender or Debt Fund Affiliate.

 

“ environment ” shall mean ambient and indoor air, surface water and groundwater (including potable water, navigable water and wetlands), the land surface or subsurface strata, natural resources such as flora and fauna, the workplace or as otherwise defined in any Environmental Law.

 

“ Environmental Laws ” shall mean all laws (including common law), rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees or judgments, promulgated or entered into by or with any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the generation, management, Release or threatened Release of, or actual or alleged exposure to, any Hazardous Materials or to occupational health and safety (to the extent relating to the environment or Hazardous Materials).

 

“ Equity Interests ” of any person shall mean any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such person, including any preferred stock, any limited or general partnership interest and any limited liability company membership interest and any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase or other rights to acquire any of the foregoing.

 

“ ERISA ” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

 

“ ERISA Affiliate ” shall mean any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with any Loan Party, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code, or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 (m) or (o) of the Code.

 

“ ERISA Event ” shall mean (a) any Reportable Event; (b) the existence with respect to any Loan Party, any ERISA Affiliate or any Plan of a non-exempt Prohibited Transaction; (c) the failure

 

 

by any Plan to satisfy the minimum funding standards (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), applicable to such Plan, whether or not waived; (d) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan, the failure to make by its due date a required installment under Section 430(j) of the Code with respect to any Plan or the failure to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (e) the receipt by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan under Section 4042 of ERISA; (f) the receipt by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, Insolvent, in Reorganization, or terminated (within the meaning of Section 4041A of ERISA); or (g) the failure by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate to pay when due (after expiration of any applicable grace period) any installment payment with respect to Withdrawal Liability under Section 4201 of ERISA.

 

“ Eurocurrency Reserve Requirements ” shall mean, for any day as applied to a Eurodollar Loan, the aggregate (without duplication) of the maximum rates (expressed as a decimal fraction) of reserve requirements in effect on such day (including basic, supplemental, marginal and emergency reserves) under any regulations of the Board or other Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect thereto dealing with reserve requirements prescribed for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities” in Regulation D of the Board) maintained by a member bank of the Federal Reserve System.

 

“ Eurodollar Base Rate ” shall mean, with respect to each day during each Interest Period, the rate per annum determined on the basis of the rate for deposits in Dollars for a period equal to such Interest Period commencing on the first day of such Interest Period appearing on the Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page as of 11:00 A.M., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period.  In the event that such rate does not appear on such page (or otherwise on such screen), the “ Eurodollar Base Rate ” shall be determined by reference to such other comparable publicly available service for displaying eurodollar rates as may be selected by the Administrative Agent or, in the absence of such availability, by reference to the rate at which dollar deposits of $5,000,000 and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 A.M., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.

 

“ Eurodollar Borrowing ” shall mean a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Loans.

 

“ Eurodollar Loan ” shall mean any Term Loan bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate in accordance with the provisions of Article II .

 

“ Eurodollar Rate ” shall mean, with respect to each day during each Interest Period pertaining to a Eurodollar Loan, the greater of (a) 1.25% and (b) a rate per annum determined for such day in accordance with the following formula:

 

	Eurodollar Base Rate
	1.00 - Eurocurrency Reserve Requirements

 

“ Event of Default ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.01 .

 

“ Excess Cash Flow ” shall mean, with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any Excess Cash Flow Period, an amount (in any case not less

 

 

than zero) equal to (A) EBITDA of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such Excess Cash Flow Period, minus , without duplication, (B) the sum of

 

(a)                                  Cash Interest Expense and scheduled payments of Indebtedness for such Excess Cash Flow Period,

 

(b)                                  (i) Capital Expenditures made, (ii) the aggregate consideration paid in cash in respect of Investments permitted under Section 6.04(b) , (but only in respect of Investments in Subsidiaries which are not Subsidiary Loan Parties), Section 6.04(e) , Section 6.04(j) , Section 6.04(o) , Section 6.04(q) , and Section 6.04(r) and (iii) the amount of Restricted Payments made in cash pursuant to Section 6.06(b) , Section 6.06(c) , Section 6.06(e) ( provided that the aggregate amount deducted with respect to Restricted Payments made in cash pursuant to Section 6.06(e) shall not exceed $75.0 million over the term of this Agreement), and Section 6.06(f) , in each case, during the Excess Cash Flow Period (or, at the option of the Borrower, made or paid, as applicable, after the close of such Excess Cash Flow Period but prior to the Excess Cash Flow Prepayment Date), in each case to the extent such Capital Expenditures, Investments and Restricted Payments are not financed, or intended to be financed, using the proceeds of the incurrence of long-term Indebtedness (other than revolving Indebtedness), provided that any amount so deducted in respect of such Capital Expenditures, Investments or Restricted Payments that were made after the close of such Excess Cash Flow Period shall not be deducted again in a subsequent Excess Cash Flow Period,

 

(c)                                   Capital Expenditures, any Investments and Restricted Payments referred to in paragraph (b) above that the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall, during such Excess Cash Flow Period, become obligated to make, but that are not made during such Excess Cash Flow Period, provided that the Borrower shall deliver a certificate to the Administrative Agent in connection with the delivery of the Excess Cash Flow certificate for such Excess Cash Flow Period, signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and certifying that such Capital Expenditures, Investments and Restricted Payments will be completed in the first six (6) months of the following Excess Cash Flow Period and shall not be financed using the proceeds of the incurrence of long-term Indebtedness (other than revolving Indebtedness); provided that (i) if such Capital Expenditure, Investments and Restricted Payments are made in respect of assets under construction, such Capital Expenditure, Investments and Restricted Payments shall be deemed to occur in full on the date of commencement of construction and (ii) any amount so deducted in respect of such Capital Expenditures, Investments and Restricted Payments that will be made after the close of such Excess Cash Flow Period shall not be deducted again in a subsequent Excess Cash Flow Period,

 

(d)                                  all Taxes based on income, profits or capital of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries including state, foreign, franchise and similar taxes and Tax Distributions made by the Borrower during such Excess Cash Flow Period (or, at the option, of the Borrower that will be made within six (6) months after the close of such Excess Cash Flow Period), in each case, paid in cash ( provided that any amount so deducted in respect of such Taxes or Tax Distribution that will be made after the close of such Excess Cash Flow Period shall not be deducted again in a subsequent Excess Cash Flow Period),

 

(e)                                   an amount equal to any positive Change in Working Capital of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such Excess Cash Flow Period,

 

 

(f)                                    cash expenditures made in respect of Swap Agreements during such Excess Cash Flow Period, to the extent not reflected as a subtraction in the computation of EBITDA (or to the extent added thereto) or an addition to Cash Interest Expense,

 

(g)                                   amounts paid in cash during such Excess Cash Flow Period on account of (x) items that were accounted for as non-cash reductions of Net Income in determining Consolidated Net Income or as non-cash reductions of Consolidated Net Income in determining EBITDA of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in a prior Excess Cash Flow Period and (y) reserves or accruals established in purchase accounting,

 

(h)                                  the amount related to items that were added to or not deducted from Net Income in calculating Consolidated Net Income or were added to or not deducted from Consolidated Net Income in calculating EBITDA (including the items referred to in clauses (iv), (v), (vi), (viii), (ix), (x), (xi), (xii), (xiv) and (xvi) of the definition thereof) to the extent either (x) such items represented a cash payment (which had not reduced Excess Cash Flow upon the accrual thereof in a prior Excess Cash Flow Period), or an accrual for a cash payment, by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (y) such items did not represent cash received by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case on a consolidated basis during such Excess Cash Flow Period,

 

(i)                                      to the extent not expensed during such period or not deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income (or EBITDA), the aggregate amount of cash payments in respect of long-term liabilities or other long-term obligations (other than Indebtedness), Transaction Costs and expenditures, fees, costs and expenses paid in cash by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and not financed using the proceeds of the incurrence of long-term Indebtedness (other than revolving Indebtedness) during such period (including payment and expenditures for Transaction Costs, the payment of financing fees and any such amounts netted from the gross amounts that otherwise would have been received under any transaction related thereto), and

 

(j)                                     the amount of cash taxes paid in such period (and tax reserves set aside and payable within twelve (12) months of such period) to the extent they exceed the amount of tax expense deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period,

 

plus , without duplication, (C) the sum of

 

(a)                                  an amount equal to any negative Change in Working Capital for such Excess Cash Flow Period,

 

(b)                                  (i) to the extent any permitted Capital Expenditures referred to in clause (B)(c) above do not occur in the first six (6) months of the following Excess Cash Flow Period of the Borrower specified in the certificate of the Borrower delivered pursuant to clause (B)(c) above, the amount of such Capital Expenditures, Investments and Restricted Payments that were not so made in such six (6)-month period or (ii) to the extent any amounts are deducted pursuant to clause (B)(c) above in respect of assets under construction and such construction is abandoned or terminated, any unexpended amounts in respect of such deduction,

 

(c)                                   cash payments received in respect of Swap Agreements during such Excess Cash Flow Period to the extent not included in the computation of EBITDA,

 

 

(d)                                  any extraordinary, unusual or nonrecurring gain realized in cash during such Excess Cash Flow Period (except to the extent such gain consists of Net Proceeds subject to Section 2.11(b) ),

 

(e)                                   to the extent deducted in the computation of EBITDA, cash interest income,

 

(f)                                    the amount of consideration paid with respect to assets acquired as part of a Permitted Business Acquisition to the extent such property or assets have been subsequently disposed of pursuant to Section 6.05(h) and such amount reduced Excess Cash Flow in a prior year, and

 

(g)                                   the amount related to items that were deducted from or not added to Net Income in connection with calculating consolidated Net Income or were deducted from or not added to consolidated Net Income in calculating EBITDA to the extent either (x) such items represented cash received by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or (y) such items do not represent cash paid by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, in each case on a consolidated basis during such Excess Cash Flow Period.

 

“ Excess Cash Flow Period ” shall mean each fiscal year of the Borrower commencing with the 2012 fiscal year.

 

“ Excess Cash Flow Prepayment Date ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(c) .

 

“ Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time and any successor statute.

 

“ Excluded Accounts ” shall mean (x) a Deposit Account (i) which is used for the sole purpose of making payroll and withholding tax payments related thereto and other employee wage and benefit payments and accrued and unpaid employee compensation (including salaries, wages, benefits and expense reimbursements), (ii) which is used for paying taxes, including sales taxes, (iii) which is used as an escrow account or as a fiduciary or trust account or (iv) which, individually or together with any other Deposit Accounts that are Excluded Accounts pursuant to this clause (iv), has an average daily balance for any fiscal month of less than $3 million and (y) the Net Proceeds Pledged Account.

 

“ Excluded Contribution ” at any date of determination, an amount equal to:

 

(a)                                  (i) the fair market value (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) of property or assets contributed to the Borrower (A) as capital contributions to its capital and (B) the net cash proceeds received by the Borrower from the sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) of Qualified Capital Stock of the Borrower or Equity Interests of any Parent Entity, in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower on the date such capital contributions are utilized, which amount has not been designated as an EBITDA Addback Contribution and has not been included in the determination of the Available Basket Amount; provided that (i) the fair market value of such property or assets shall have been determined pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Holdings, any Parent Entity or the Borrower (or, to the extent that the fair market value of the property or assets is greater than $25.0 million, such fair market value is supported by a valuation of a nationally recognized independent appraiser within three (3) months of such contribution) and (ii) the contribution of any property or assets other than cash and cash equivalents shall be deemed an Investment by the Borrower in respect of such property or assets and shall build the

 

 

Available Basket only to the extent the Borrower would be permitted to make such Investment under Section 6.04 (and such deemed Investment shall constitute a use of such Investment capacity subject to any limits or restrictions (if any) on such Investments under Section 6.04 ), minus

 

(b)                                  the sum at the time of determination of:

 

(i) any amounts thereof used to make (A) Investments pursuant to Section 6.04(r)(ii) and (B) Restricted Debt Payments pursuant to clause (y) of the proviso to Section 6.09(b) , and

 

(ii) the cumulative amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to Section 6.06(e)(ii) (without duplication of amounts paid by the Borrower to Holdings which are then further distributed by Holdings under such Section) after the Restatement Date and on or prior to the date of determination.

 

“ Excluded Subsidiary ” shall mean (a) any Restricted Subsidiary that is prohibited by law, regulation or Contractual Obligation from providing a Guarantee of the Obligations or that would require a governmental (including regulatory) consent, approval, license or authorization in order to provide such Guarantee, (b) any Restricted Subsidiary for which the Guaranteeing of the Obligations by such Subsidiary would result in material adverse tax consequences as reasonably determined by the Borrower, (c) any Disregarded Domestic Subsidiary, (d) any Domestic Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Disregarded Domestic Subsidiary, (e) any not-for profit Restricted Subsidiary, Captive Insurance Subsidiary or Special Purpose Subsidiary, (f) any Foreign Subsidiary and (g) any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that the burden or cost of obtaining a Guarantee of the Obligations from such Subsidiary outweighs the benefit afforded thereby, as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.

 

“ Excluded Taxes ” shall mean, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) income taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income (or franchise taxes imposed in lieu of net income taxes) by the United States of America (or any state thereof) or the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable Lending Office is located or any other jurisdiction as a result of such recipient engaging in a trade or business in such jurisdiction for tax purposes, (b) any branch profits tax or any similar tax that is imposed by any jurisdiction described in clause (a) above, (c) in the case of a Lender making a Term Loan to the Borrower, any withholding tax imposed by the United States or imposed by the jurisdiction in which such Lender is incorporated or has its principal place of business that (x) is in effect and would apply to amounts payable hereunder to such person (assuming applicable forms required under Section 2.17(e) have not been delivered by such person) at the time such person becomes a party to such Term Loan to the Borrower (or designates a new Lending Office) except to the extent that such person (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from a Loan Party with respect to any withholding tax pursuant to Section 2.17(a) or Section 2.17(c) or (y) is attributable to such person’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(e) with respect to such Term Loan unless such failure to comply with Section 2.17(e) is a result of a change in law after the date such Lender becomes a party to such Term Loan to the Borrower (or designates a new Lending Office), (d) any interest, additions to taxes or penalties with respect to the foregoing and (e) any withholding taxes imposed pursuant to FATCA.

 

“ Existing Debt ” shall mean the Revolving Facility Loans (as defined in the Original Credit Agreement) and the Non-Continuing Term Loans (as defined in the Restatement Agreement), in each case, outstanding under the Original Credit Agreement immediately prior to the Restatement Date.

 

 

“ Extended Term Loans ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.23(a)(ii) .

 

“ Extension ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.23(a) .

 

“ Extension Offer ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.23(a) .

 

“ FATCA ” shall mean Sections 1471 through 1474, as of the Restatement Date (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof.

 

“ Federal Funds Effective Rate ” shall mean, for any day the rate per annum (expressed, as a decimal, rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided , (i) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (ii) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate charged to the Administrative Agent, in its capacity as a Lender, on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

 

“ Fee Letter ” shall mean that certain Fee Letter dated May 10, 2012 by and among the Borrower, the Joint Lead Arrangers and the Administrative Agent.

 

“ Fees ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.12(a) .

 

“ Final Maturity Date ” shall mean, as at any date, the latest to occur of (a) the Maturity Date, (b) the latest maturity date in respect of any outstanding Extended Term Loans and (c) the latest maturity date in respect of any outstanding Incremental Term Loans.

 

“ Financial Officer ” of any person shall mean the Chief Financial Officer, principal accounting officer, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer or Controller of such person.

 

“ Foreign Benefit Arrangement ” shall mean any employee benefit arrangement mandated by non-U.S. law that is maintained or contributed to by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate.

 

“ Foreign Plan ” shall mean each employee benefit plan (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, whether or not subject to ERISA) that is not subject to U.S. law and is maintained or contributed to by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate.

 

“ Foreign Plan Event ” shall mean, with respect to any Foreign Benefit Arrangement or Foreign Plan, (a) the failure to make or, if applicable, accrue in accordance with normal accounting practices, any employer or employee contributions required by applicable law or by the terms of such Foreign Benefit Arrangement or Foreign Plan; (b) the failure to register or loss of good standing with applicable regulatory authorities of any such Foreign Benefit Arrangement or Foreign Plan required to be registered; or (c) the failure of any Foreign Benefit Arrangement or Foreign Plan to comply with any material provisions of applicable law and regulations or with the material terms of such Foreign Benefit Arrangement or Foreign Plan.

 

“ Foreign Lender ” shall mean any Lender that is not a U.S. Person.

 

 

“ Foreign Subsidiary ” shall mean any Subsidiary that is incorporated or organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

 

“ GAAP ” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time in the United States.

 

“ Governmental Authority ” shall mean any federal, state, local or foreign court or governmental agency, authority, instrumentality or regulatory or legislative body or any entity or officer exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to any government or any court, in each case whether associated with a state of the United States, the United States, or a foreign entity or government.

 

“ Guarantee ” of or by any person (the “ guarantor ”) shall mean (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, by agreement to keep well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay or otherwise) or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the holders of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such holders against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part) or (v) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (b) any Lien on any assets of the guarantor securing any Indebtedness of any other person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by the guarantor; provided , however , that the term “Guarantee” shall not include (x) endorsements for collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business, (y) customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Restatement Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement or (z) any dealer related inventory repurchase obligations.  The amount of any Guarantee for purposes of clause (b) shall be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (ii) the fair market value of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such person in good faith.

 

“ guarantor ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “Guarantee”.

 

“ Hazardous Materials ” shall mean all pollutants, contaminants, wastes, chemicals, materials, substances and constituents of any nature which are subject to regulation by any Governmental Authority or which would reasonably be likely to give rise to liability under any Environmental Law, including, without limitation, explosive or radioactive substances or petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls or radon gas.

 

“ Holdings ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

“ IFRS ” shall mean international accounting standards within the meaning of the IAS Regulation 1606/2002 to the extent applicable to the relevant financial statements.

 

 

“ Immaterial Subsidiary ” shall mean, at any time, any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower (i) having total assets (as determined in accordance with GAAP) in an amount of less than 2.5% of Consolidated Total Assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (ii) contributing less than 2.5% to EBITDA for the Test Period of twelve (12) consecutive fiscal months most recently ended for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.04 and (iii) contributing less than 2.5% to consolidated revenues of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the Test Period of twelve (12) consecutive fiscal months most recently ended for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.04 ; provided , however , that the total assets (as so determined), EBITDA contribution (as so determined) and revenue (as so determined) of all Immaterial Subsidiaries shall not exceed 2.5% of Consolidated Total Assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, 2.5% of EBITDA for the relevant period or 2.5% of the consolidated revenues of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the relevant period, as the case may be.  In the event that total assets of all Immaterial Subsidiaries exceeds 2.5% of Consolidated Total Assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, the total contribution to EBITDA of all Immaterial Subsidiaries exceeds 2.5% of EBITDA for any relevant Test Period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.04 or the total revenue of all Immaterial Subsidiaries exceeds 2.5% of consolidated revenues of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for any relevant Test Period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.04 , as the case may be, (i) such Restricted Subsidiaries shall no longer constitute Immaterial Subsidiaries to be excluded as Immaterial Subsidiaries until such 2.5% thresholds are met and (ii) to the extent not otherwise excluded as a Subsidiary Loan Party, shall comply with the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.

 

“ Increased Facility Activation Date ” shall mean any Business Day on which any Lender shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agents an Increased Facility Activation Notice pursuant to Section 2.22(a) .

 

“ Increased Facility Activation Notice ” shall mean a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit J.

 

“ Increased Facility Closing Date ” shall mean any Business Day designated as such in an Increased Facility Activation Notice.

 

“ Incremental ABL Commitments ” shall mean any incremental revolving commitments incurred under the ABL Credit Agreement, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50.0 million.

 

“ Incremental Equivalent Debt ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(p) .

 

“ Incremental Term Facility ” shall mean the commitments (if any) of Lenders (including New Lenders) to make Incremental Term Loans in accordance with Section 2.22(a) and the Incremental Term Loans in respect thereof.

 

“ Incremental Term Lenders ” shall mean (a) on any Increased Facility Activation Date relating to Incremental Term Loans, the Lenders signatory to the relevant Increased Facility Activation Notice and (b) thereafter, each Lender that is a holder of an Incremental Term Loan.

 

“ Incremental Term Loans ” shall mean any term loans made pursuant to Section 2.22(a) .

 

“ Incremental Term Maturity Date ” shall mean, with respect to the Incremental Term Loans to be made pursuant to any Increased Facility Activation Notice, the maturity date specified in such Increased Facility Activation Notice.

 

 

“ Indebtedness ” of any person shall mean, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments to the extent the same would appear as a liability on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, (c) all obligations of such person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property or assets purchased by such person, (d) all obligations of such person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than current intercompany liabilities (but not any refinancings, extensions, renewals or replacements thereof) incurred in the ordinary course of business and maturing within three hundred sixty-five (365) days after the incurrence thereof), to the extent that the same would be required to be shown as a long term liability on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, (e) all Guarantees by such person of Indebtedness of others, (f) all Capital Lease Obligations of such person, (g) all payments that such person would have to make in the event of an early termination, on the date Indebtedness of such person is being determined, in respect of outstanding Swap Agreements net of payments such person would receive in the event of early termination on such date of determination, (h) the principal component of all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and (i) the principal component of all obligations of such person in respect of bankers’ acceptances.  The Indebtedness of any person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership in which such person is a general partner, other than to the extent that the instrument or agreement evidencing such Indebtedness expressly limits the liability of such person in respect thereof.  The Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall exclude (i) accrued expenses and accounts and trade payables, (ii) liabilities under vendor agreements to the extent such indebtedness may be satisfied through non-cash means such as purchase volume earnings credits and (iii) reserves for deferred income taxes.

 

“ Indemnified Taxes ” shall mean all Taxes other than Excluded Taxes and Other Taxes.

 

“ Indemnitee ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.05(b) .

 

“ Information ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.14(a) .

 

“ Information Memorandum ” shall mean the Confidential Information Memorandum dated May 8, 2012, as modified or supplemented prior to the Restatement Date.

 

“ Insolvent ” with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, shall mean the condition that such plan is insolvent within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA.

 

“ Intercompany Note ” shall mean the Intercompany Note substantially in the form of Exhibit H.

 

“ Intercreditor Agreement ” shall mean the Intercreditor Agreement, in the form of Exhibit N, among the Administrative Agent and the ABL Agent and acknowledged by the Borrower and the other Loan Parties.

 

“ Interest Election Request ” shall mean a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.07 .

 

“ Interest Expense ” shall mean, with respect to any person for any period, the sum without duplication of (a) gross interest expense of such person for such period on a consolidated basis, including (i) the amortization of debt discounts, (ii) the amortization of all fees (including fees with respect to Swap Agreements) payable in connection with the incurrence of Indebtedness to the extent included in interest expense and (iii) the portion of any payments or accruals with respect to Capital Lease Obligations allocable to interest expense and (b) capitalized interest of such person.  For purposes of the foregoing,

 

 

gross interest expense shall be determined after giving effect to any net payments made or received and costs incurred by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to Swap Agreements ( provided that payments and costs upon the settlement or termination of a Swap Agreement will not be included in Interest Expense).

 

“ Interest Payment Date ” shall mean, (a) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three (3) months’ duration, each day that would have been an Interest Payment Date had successive Interest Periods of three (3) months’ duration been applicable to such Borrowing and, in addition, the date of any refinancing or conversion of such Borrowing with or to a Borrowing of a different Type and (b) with respect to any ABR Loan, the first day of April, July, October and January of each year.

 

“ Interest Period ” shall mean, as to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing or on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period applicable to such Borrowing, as applicable, and ending on the numerically corresponding day (or, if there is no numerically corresponding day, on the last day) in the calendar month that is 1, 2, 3 or 6 months thereafter (or 9 or 12 months, if agreed by all relevant Lenders) or shorter period, as the Borrower may elect, or the date any Eurodollar Borrowing is converted to an ABR Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.07 or repaid or prepaid in accordance with Section 2.09 , Section 2.10 or Section 2.11 ; provided , that if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day.  Interest shall accrue from and including the first day of an Interest Period to but excluding the last day of such Interest Period.

 

“ Investment ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04 .

 

“ IRS ” shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

“ Joint Lead Arrangers ” shall mean J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Goldman Sachs Bank USA.

 

“ Joint Venture ” shall mean a joint venture or similar arrangement, whether in corporate, partnership or other legal form which is not a Subsidiary but in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary owns or controls any Equity Interests; provided , in no event shall any corporate Subsidiary of any person be considered to be a Joint Venture to which such person is a party.

 

“ Junior Lien Indebtedness ” shall mean Indebtedness (other than the ABL Loans or any Replacement ABL Loans secured on a pari passu basis with the ABL Loans) of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that is expressly subordinated, in writing, in right of security in respect of the Collateral to the Obligations.

 

“ Lender ” shall mean each financial institution listed on Schedule 2.01 (other than any such person that has ceased to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance in accordance with Section 9.04 ), as well as any person that becomes a “Lender” hereunder in accordance with Section 9.04 .

 

“ Lender Counterparty ” shall mean any counterparty to a Cash Management Obligation or Swap Agreement that (i) was a Joint Lead Arranger, Lender or an Affiliate of any thereof on the Restatement Date or (ii) at the time the Cash Management Obligation or Swap Agreement was entered

 

 

into, was a Joint Lead Arranger, a Lender, or an Affiliate of any thereof; provided that in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) the Borrower and the applicable counterparty provide a certificate within the later of (i) ten (10) Business Days of entry into the applicable Swap Agreement or Cash Management Obligation, as applicable and (ii) the Restatement Date designating such counterparty as a Lender Counterparty in respect of the applicable Cash Management Obligation or Swap Agreement and certifying that such counterparty is not a “Lender Counterparty” in respect of the applicable Cash Management Obligation or Swap Agreement under the ABL Credit Agreement or any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement.

 

“ Lender Parent ” shall mean, with respect to any Lender, any person as to which such Lender is, directly or indirectly, a Subsidiary.

 

“ Lender Party ” shall mean the Administrative Agent and each other Lender.

 

“ Lending Office ” shall mean, as to any Lender, the applicable branch, office or Affiliate of such Lender designated by such Lender to make Loans.

 

“ Lien ” shall mean, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, hypothecation, pledge, encumbrance, charge or security interest in or on such asset and (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset.

 

“ Loan Documents ” shall mean this Agreement, the Restatement Agreement, the Intercreditor Agreement, any Supplemental Intercreditor Agreement, the Security Documents, the Administrative Agent Fee Letter, the Fee Letter and any Note issued under Section 2.09(e) and any amendments (including any amendments pursuant to Section 2.22 , Section 2.23 , Section 9.08(d) and Section 9.08(e) ) and waivers to any of the foregoing.

 

“ Loan Parties ” shall mean Holdings, the Borrower, the Subsidiary Loan Parties and any Parent Entity, in lieu of Holdings, that has executed and delivered an assumption agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit D to the Collateral Agreement and become a “Guarantor” and “Grantor” thereunder.

 

“ Loans ” shall mean the Term Loans and any Incremental Term Loans.

 

“ Local Time ” shall mean New York City time.

 

“ Management Group ” shall mean the group consisting of the directors, officers and other management personnel of any Parent Entity, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

“ Margin Stock ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Regulation U.

 

“ Material Adverse Effect ” shall mean a material adverse effect with respect to (a) the business, assets, financial condition or results of operations, in each case of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) the validity or enforceability of the Loan Documents or the rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders thereunder, in each case, taken as a whole.

 

“ Maturity Date ” shall mean May 30, 2018.

 

“ Maximum Rate ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.09 .

 

 

“ Minimum Extension Condition ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.23(b) .

 

“ Moody’s ” shall mean Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

 

“ Mortgaged Properties ” shall mean the properties listed on Schedule 5.09 and the owned real properties of the Loan Parties encumbered by a Mortgage pursuant to Section 5.09 .

 

“ Mortgage ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.09(c) .

 

“ Multiemployer Plan ” shall mean a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate (other than one considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection (m) or (o) of Code Section 414) is making or accruing an obligation to make contributions, or has within any of the preceding six (6) plan years made or accrued an obligation to make contributions.

 

“ Net Income ” shall mean, with respect to any person, the net income (loss) of such person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock dividends.

 

“ Net Proceeds ” shall mean:

 

(a)                                  an amount equal to 100% of the cash proceeds actually received by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, which, in any fiscal year in the aggregate for all such persons exceeds $20.0 million (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise and including casualty insurance settlements and condemnation awards, but only as and when received) from any loss, damage, destruction or condemnation of, or any Disposition to any person of any asset or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in a single transaction or series of related transactions (other than those (x) pursuant to Section 6.05(a) , (b) , (c) , (e) , (f) , (i) , (j) , (k) , (m) , (n) , (o) , (p) , (r) , (t) , (u) , (v) , (w) , (x) , (y) , (z) , (aa) , (bb) and (cc) and (y) so long as the ABL Credit Agreement or any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement is in effect, from any loss, damage, destruction or condemnation, or any Disposition to any person of any Current Asset Collateral), net of (i) attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording charges, transfer taxes, deed or mortgage recording taxes, payments of debt and other obligations relating to the applicable asset then due and payable or required to be paid or discharged by the purchaser or transferee of such asset (other than pursuant hereto or pursuant to any Junior Lien Indebtedness), other customary expenses and brokerage, consultant and other customary fees and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith, (ii) Taxes paid or payable as a result thereof or any Tax Distributions resulting therefrom and (iii) any reserve for adjustment in respect of (A) the sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP and (B) any liabilities associated with such asset or assets and retained by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary after such sale, transfer or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit obligations associated with such transaction, provided that if no Event of Default exists and Holdings or the Borrower shall deliver a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent promptly following receipt of any such proceeds setting forth the Borrower’s intention to use or commit to use any portion of such proceeds, to acquire, maintain, develop, construct, improve, upgrade or repair Term Priority Collateral useful in the business the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or make Permitted Business Acquisitions, in each case within fifteen (15) months of such receipt, then such portion shall not constitute Net Proceeds

 

 

except to the extent not so used or not contractually committed to be so used within such fifteen (15)-month period (it being understood that (1) any amount so contractually committed to be used within such fifteen (15)-month period must be so used within one hundred eighty (180) days of such commitment, (2) if any amount is reinvested in assets under construction, such reinvestment shall be deemed to occur in full on the date of commencement of construction, (3) if any portion of such proceeds are not so used within the period required by clause (1) hereof (whether because such amount is contractually committed to be used and subsequent to such date such contract is terminated or expires without such portion being so used or for any other reason), such remaining portion shall constitute Net Proceeds (as of the date of such termination or expiration (if applicable)), (4) to the extent any amounts are deducted from Net Proceeds pursuant to clause (2) above in respect of assets under construction and such construction is abandoned or terminated, any unexpended amounts shall constitute Net Proceeds (as of the date of such termination or abandonment) without giving effect to this proviso) and (5) such Net Proceeds shall be deposited into the Net Proceeds Pledged Account and such Net Proceeds shall remain in the Net Proceeds Pledged Account until reinvestment in accordance with the terms of this clause (a) or applied to prepay the Loans in accordance with this clause (a), and,

 

(b)                                  an amount equal to 100% of the cash proceeds received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary from the incurrence, issuance or sale by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01 ) net of all taxes and fees (including investment banking fees), commissions, underwriting discounts, costs and other expenses, in each case incurred in connection with such issuance or sale.

 

“ Net Proceeds Pledged Account ” shall mean a Deposit Account held at, and subject to the sole dominion and control of, the Administrative Agent.

 

“ New Lender ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.22(b) .

 

“ New Lender Supplement ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.22(b) .

 

“ Non-Consenting Lender ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.19(c) .

 

“ Non-Debt Fund Affiliate ” shall mean any affiliate of Holdings other than (a) any Subsidiary of Holdings and (b) any Debt Fund Affiliate.

 

“ Nonpublic Information ” shall mean information which has not been disseminated in a manner making it available to investors generally, within the meaning of Regulation FD.

 

“ Note ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09(e) .

 

“ Obligations ” shall mean (a) for purposes of the Loan Documents, all obligations of every nature of each Loan Party from time to time owed to the Agents (including former Agents) or the Lenders, under any Loan Document, whether for principal, interest (including interest which, but for the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with respect to such Loan Party, would have accrued on any such Obligation, whether or not a claim is allowed against such Loan Party for such interest in the related bankruptcy proceeding), fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise and (b) for purposes of any Security Document, also includes obligations in respect of Cash Management Obligations and Swap Agreements

 

 

with a Lender Counterparty.  For the avoidance of doubt, Incremental Term Loans shall constitute Obligations.

 

“ OFAC ” shall mean the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.

 

“ Original Credit Agreement ” shall mean the Credit Agreement, dated as of February 9, 2012, among Holdings, the Borrower, the lenders party thereto from time to time, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and the other agents and parties party thereto from time to time.

 

“ Other Taxes ” shall mean any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, the Loan Documents, and any and all interest and penalties related thereto.

 

“ Parent ” shall mean Generac Holdings Inc.

 

“ Parent Entity ” shall mean any of (i) Holdings and (ii) any other person of which Holdings is a Subsidiary.

 

“ Participant ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c)(i) .

 

“ Participant Register ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c)(i) .

 

“ PBGC ” shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

 

“ Permitted Business Acquisition ” shall mean any acquisition by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of all or substantially all of the assets of, or a majority of the outstanding Equity Interests (other than directors’ qualifying shares and similar de minimis holdings required by applicable law in, a person or division or line of business of a person (but in any event including any Investment in a Subsidiary which serves to increase the Borrower’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s respective equity ownership in such Subsidiary), provided that: (i) on the date of execution of the purchase agreement in respect of such acquisition, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom; (ii) if the aggregate cash consideration to be paid by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary exceeds $10.0 million, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five (5) days prior to such acquisition a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to such effect, together with all financial information for such Subsidiary or assets that is reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and available to the Borrower, and (iii) if (with respect to any acquisition of a person or any Equity Interests in a person) the acquired person shall not become a Subsidiary Loan Party or (with respect to any acquisition of assets) the assets shall be acquired by a Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party, the aggregate amount of cash or property in connection with such acquisition shall not exceed $50.0 million plus amounts permitted by Sections 6.04(b) , (q) , (r), (t) or (v) (and, without duplication, clause (v) to the extent made with an Investment pursuant to Sections 6.04(b) , (q) , (r) , or (t) ).

 

“ Permitted Debt Securities ” shall mean unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (i) that is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full of the Obligations pursuant to provisions substantially similar to those set forth in Exhibit G or otherwise on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (it being understood that customary high yield subordination terms prevailing at the time of determination shall be deemed to be so satisfactory), (ii) the terms of which do not provide for any scheduled repayment, mandatory redemption (other than pursuant

 

 

to customary provisions relating to redemption or repurchase upon change of control or sale of assets) or sinking fund obligation prior to the date that is, at the time of issuance of such Indebtedness, ninety-one (91) days after the Final Maturity Date, (iii) in the case of Indebtedness with an outstanding principal amount in excess of $35.0 million, the covenants, events of default, and remedy provisions of which, taken as a whole, are not materially more restrictive to, or the mandatory repurchase or redemption provisions thereof are not materially more onerous or expansive in scope, taken as a whole, on, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries than the terms of the Loan Documents in the good faith determination of the Borrower and (iv) in respect of which no Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not an obligor under the Loan Documents is an obligor.

 

“ Permitted Investments ” shall mean:

 

(a)                                  direct obligations of the United States of America or any member of the European Union or any agency thereof or obligations guaranteed by the United States of America or any member of the European Union or any agency thereof, in each case with maturities not exceeding two (2) years;

 

(b)                                  time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit and money market deposits maturing within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date of acquisition thereof issued by a bank or trust company that is organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or any foreign country recognized by the United States of America having capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess of $250.0 million and whose long-term debt, or whose parent holding company’s long-term debt, is rated A (or such similar equivalent rating or higher by at least one (1) nationally recognized statistical rating organization (as defined in Rule 436 under the Securities Act);

 

(c)                                   repurchase obligations with a term of not more than one hundred eighty (180) days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (a) above entered into with a bank meeting the qualifications described in clause (b) above;

 

(d)                                  commercial paper, maturing not more than one (1) year after the date of acquisition, issued by a corporation organized and in existence under the laws of the United States of America or any foreign country recognized by the United States of America with a rating at the time as of which any investment therein is made of P-2 (or higher) according to Moody’s, or A-1 (or higher) according to S&P;

 

(e)                                   securities with maturities of two (2) years or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any State, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, and rated at least A by S&P or A by Moody’s;

 

(f)                                    shares of mutual funds whose investment guidelines restrict 95% of such funds’ investments to those satisfying the provisions of clauses (a) through (e) above;

 

(g)                                   money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5.0 billion; and

 

(h)                                  other short-term investments utilized by Foreign Subsidiaries of the Borrower in accordance with normal investment practices for cash management in investments of a type analogous to the foregoing.

 

 

“ Permitted Investors ” shall mean (a) the Sponsors and (b) the members of the Management Group.

 

“ Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness ” shall mean any Indebtedness issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund (collectively, to “ Refinance ”), the Indebtedness being Refinanced (or previous refinancings thereof constituting Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness); provided that (a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so Refinanced (plus unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon, any committed or undrawn amounts and underwriting discounts, fees, commissions and expenses, associated with such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness), except as otherwise permitted under Section 6.01 , (b) other than with respect to Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 6.01(h) , Section 6.01(i) and Section 6.01(q) , such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being Refinanced, (c) other than in respect of Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(a) , Section 6.01(o) , Section 6.01(p) , Section 6.01(z) and Section 6.01(bb) , if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations under this Agreement, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Obligations on terms not materially less favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced, taken as a whole, (d) no Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall have obligors or contingent obligors that were not obligors or contingent obligors (or that would not have been required to become obligors or contingent obligors) in respect of the Indebtedness being Refinanced except to the extent otherwise permitted under Section 6.01 or Section 6.04 and (e) if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is (or would have been required to be) secured by the Collateral (whether on a pari passu or junior basis to the Secured Parties), such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness may be secured by such Collateral on terms not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Secured Parties than (i) in respect of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis to the Secured Parties, those contained in the documentation governing the Term Facility and (ii) in respect of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness secured by the Collateral on a junior basis to the Secured Parties, those contained in the collateral agreement outstanding in respect of the Indebtedness being Refinanced; and provided further , that, except as otherwise provided herein, with respect to a Refinancing of (x) Permitted Debt Securities such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall meet the requirements of clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) of the definition of “ Permitted Debt Securities ” and (y) Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the Collateral, any Liens securing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be subject to an intercreditor agreement that is not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Secured Parties than the intercreditor agreement outstanding in respect of the Indebtedness being Refinanced.

 

“ person ” shall mean any natural person, corporation, business trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, limited liability company, individual or family trust, or other organization (whether or not a legal entity), or any government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

“ Plan ” shall mean any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4062 or Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

 

 

“ Platform ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.14 .

 

“ Pledged Collateral ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Collateral Agreement.

 

“ primary obligor ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “Guarantee”.

 

“ Prime Rate ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “ABR”.

 

“ Pro Forma Basis ” shall mean, as to any calculation of the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and Consolidated Total Assets for any events as described below that occur subsequent to the commencement of any period of four (4) consecutive quarters (the “ Reference Period ”) for which the financial effect of such events is being calculated, and giving effect to the events for which such calculation is being made, such calculation as will give pro forma effect to such events as if such events occurred on the first day of the Reference Period or in the case of Consolidated Total Assets, after giving effect thereto (it being understood and agreed that (x) unless otherwise specified, such Reference Period shall be deemed to be the four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for which financial statements are available and such pro forma adjustments shall be excluded to the extent already accounted for in the calculation of EBITDA for such period and (y) if any person that became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall have experienced any event requiring adjustments pursuant to this definition, then such calculation shall give pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such event occurred at the beginning of such period):  (i) in making any determination of EBITDA, pro forma effect shall be given to any asset disposition of a Restricted Subsidiary, manufacturing facility or line of business, to any asset acquisition, any discontinued operation or any operational change and any Subsidiary Redesignation in each case that occurred during the Reference Period (or, in the case of determinations made with respect to any action the taking of which hereunder is subject to compliance on a Pro Forma Basis or otherwise with the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio or the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (any such action, a “ Restricted Action ”) occurring during the Reference Period or thereafter and through and including the date of such determination) and (ii) in making any determination on a Pro Forma Basis, (x) all Indebtedness (including Indebtedness incurred or assumed and for which the financial effect is being calculated, whether incurred under this Agreement or otherwise, but excluding normal fluctuations in revolving Indebtedness incurred for working capital purposes) incurred or permanently repaid, returned, redeemed or extinguished during the Reference Period (or, in the case of determinations made with respect to any Restricted Action, occurring during the Reference Period or thereafter and through and including the date of such determination) shall be deemed to have been incurred or repaid, returned, redeemed or extinguished at the beginning of such period (it being understood that for purposes of any calculation of the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and Consolidated Total Assets, the use of proceeds of any such Indebtedness shall be taken into account in such calculation) and (y) Interest Expense of such person attributable to (A) interest on any Indebtedness, for which pro forma effect is being given as provided in the preceding clause (x), bearing floating interest rates shall be computed on a pro forma basis utilizing the rate which is or would be in effect with respect to such Indebtedness as at the relevant date of determination as if such rate had been actually in effect during the period for which pro forma effect is being given taking into account any interest hedging arrangements applicable to such Indebtedness, (B) any Capital Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capital Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP and (C) interest on any Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an

 

 

interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be determined to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary may designate.

 

Pro forma calculations made pursuant to the definition of the term “Pro Forma Basis” shall be determined in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and, for any fiscal period ending on or prior to the first anniversary of any such asset acquisition, asset disposition, discontinued operation or operational change, Subsidiary Redesignation or Unrestricted Subsidiary Designation, may include adjustments to reflect operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies reasonably expected to result from such asset acquisition, asset disposition, discontinued operation, operational change, or Subsidiary Redesignation and for purposes of determining compliance with the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio and the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio such adjustments may reflect additional operating expense reductions and other additional operating improvements and synergies that (x) would be includable in pro forma financial statements prepared in accordance with Regulation S-X and (y) such other adjustments not includable in Regulation S-X under the Securities Act for which substantially all of the steps necessary for the realization thereof have been taken or are reasonably anticipated by the Borrower to be taken in the next twelve (12)-month period following the consummation thereof and, are estimated on a good faith basis by the Borrower; provided , however that the aggregate amount of any such adjustments pursuant to clause (y) (together with the aggregate add back to EBITDA pursuant to clause (a)(iv) thereof with respect to the applicable four (4) fiscal quarter period) shall not exceed 15% of the EBITDA of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for any four (4) fiscal quarter period (prior to giving effect to any add back pursuant to clause (a)(iv) thereof).  The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth such demonstrable or additional operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies and information and calculations supporting them in reasonable detail.

 

“ Prohibited Transaction ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 406 of ERISA and/or Section 4975(c) of the Code.

 

“ Projections ” shall mean the projections of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries provided to the Administrative Agent prior to the Restatement Date.

 

“ Qualified Capital Stock ” shall mean any Equity Interest of any person that does not by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable or exercisable) or upon the happening of any event (a) provide for scheduled payments of dividends in cash (other than at the option of the issuer) prior to the date that is, at the time of issuance of such Equity Interest, ninety-one (91) days after the Final Maturity Date, (b) become mandatorily redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than for Qualified Capital Stock or pursuant to customary provisions relating to redemption upon a change of control or sale of assets) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise prior to the date that is, at the time of issuance of such Equity Interest, ninety-one (91) days after the Final Maturity Date or (c) become convertible or exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof for Indebtedness or Equity Interests that are not Qualified Capital Stock; provided further , that if any such Equity Interest is issued pursuant to a plan for the benefit of the employees, directors, officers, managers or consultants of Holdings (or any Parent Entity thereof), the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such persons, such Equity Interest shall not be regarded as an Equity Interest not constituting Qualified Capital Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by Holdings (any Parent Entity), the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable regulatory obligations.

 

“ Receivables Facility ” means any of one or more receivables financing facilities as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated or refunded from time to time, the

 

 

obligations of which are non-recourse (except for Standard Receivables Undertakings) to the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Special Purpose Subsidiary) pursuant to which the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries sells their accounts receivable to either (a) a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) a Special Purpose Subsidiary that in turn sells its accounts receivable to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

“ Receivables Fees ” shall mean distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any accounts receivable or participation interest therein issue or sold in connection with, and any other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with any Receivables Facility permitted by Section 6.01(aa) .

 

“ Reference Period ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “Pro Forma Basis”.

 

“ Refinance ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness”, and “Refinanced” shall have a meaning correlative thereto.

 

“ Refunding Capital Stock ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.06(k) .

 

“ Register ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b)(iv) .

 

“ Regulation FD ” shall mean Regulation FD as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act and Exchange Act as in effect from time to time.

 

“ Regulation U ” shall mean Regulation U of the Board as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

 

“ Regulation X ” shall mean Regulation X of the Board as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

 

“ Related Fund ” shall mean, with respect to any Lender, any person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities and is administered, advised or managed by (i) such Lender, (ii) an Affiliate of such Lender or (iii) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers, advises or manages such Lender.

 

“ Related Parties ” shall mean, with respect to any specified person, such person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, trustees, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such person and such person’s Affiliates.

 

“ Release ” shall mean any spilling, leaking, seepage, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, disposing, depositing, emanating or migrating in, into, onto or through the environment.

 

“ Reorganization ” shall mean, with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the condition that such plan is in reorganization within the meaning of Section 4241 of ERISA.

 

“ Replaced Term Loans ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 9.08(d) .

 

 

“ Replacement ABL Credit Agreement ” shall mean any credit agreement, loan agreement, note agreement, promissory note, indenture or other agreement or instrument evidencing or governing the terms of Replacement ABL Loans (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, the ABL Credit Agreement and the Loan Documents (as defined therein)).

 

“ Replacement ABL Loans ” shall mean any indebtedness or other financial accommodation that has been incurred to extend, increase, renew, refund, replace (whether upon or after termination or otherwise) or refinance (including by means of issuances of debt securities) in whole or in part from time to time indebtedness and other obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement; provided that (a) any such Indebtedness shall be incurred by the obligors under the ABL Credit Agreement, (b) on a pro forma basis immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of any such Indebtedness, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (c) any Liens securing any such Indebtedness shall be subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, (d) no such Indebtedness shall be subject to any Guarantee by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries (other than a Loan Party) and (e) the principal amount of such Indebtedness shall not exceed the principal amount of the ABL Loans so extended, increased, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced (plus unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon, any committed or undrawn amounts and underwriting discounts, fees, commissions and expenses, associated with such Replacement ABL Loans).

 

“ Replacement Term Loans ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 9.08(d) .

 

“ Reportable Event ” shall mean any reportable event as defined in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than a Plan maintained by an ERISA Affiliate that is considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection (m) or (o) of Section 414 of the Code), other than those events as to which the thirty (30)-day notice period referred to in Section 4043(c) of ERISA has been waived.

 

“ Repricing Amendment ” shall mean the repricing by the Borrower of all or any portion of the Term Loans resulting in an Effective Yield for the Term Loans as of the date of such repricing that is (and not by virtue of any fluctuation in any “base” rate) less than the Effective Yield for the Term Loans immediately prior to such repricing.

 

“ Required Lenders ” shall mean, at any time, Lenders having Loans that, taken together, represent more than 50% of the sum of all Loans outstanding.  The Loans of any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Lenders at any time.

 

“ Required Percentage ” shall mean, with respect to an Excess Cash Flow Period, 50%, provided that if the Secured Leverage Ratio at the end of such Excess Cash Flow Period is equal to or less than 2.50:1.00, such percentage shall be 0%.

 

“ Responsible Officer ” of any person shall mean any executive officer or Financial Officer of such person and any other officer or similar official thereof responsible for the administration of the obligations of such person in respect of this Agreement.

 

“ Restatement Agreement ” shall mean the Restatement Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2012, among the Borrower, the Lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent under the Original Credit Agreement.

 

“ Restatement Date ” shall mean May 30, 2012.

 

 

“ Restatement Date Dividend ” shall mean the dividend, in an amount not to exceed $410 million, to be paid on, or within 45 days of, the Restatement Date from the Borrower to Holdings from the proceeds of the Term Loans and to be paid from Holdings to Parent and from Parent to the holders of the Equity Interests of Parent.

 

“ Restricted Action ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “Pro Forma Basis”.

 

“ Restricted Amount ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.11(e) .

 

“ Restricted Debt Payment ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.09(b) .

 

“ Restricted Payments ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.06 .

 

“ Restricted Subsidiary ” shall mean each Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

“ S&P ” shall mean Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC.

 

“ Sale and Lease-Back Transaction ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03 .

 

“ SEC ” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.

 

“ Secured Leverage Ratio ” shall mean shall mean, on any date, the ratio of Consolidated Secured Debt, as of such date, to EBITDA for the relevant Test Period, all determined on a consolidated basis.

 

“ Secured Parties ” shall mean the “Secured Parties” as defined in the Collateral Agreement.

 

“ Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933.

 

“ Security Documents ” shall mean the Mortgages, the Collateral Agreement and each of the security agreements, mortgages and other instruments and documents executed and delivered pursuant to any of the foregoing or pursuant to Section 5.09 .

 

“ Special Purpose Subsidiary ” shall mean a Restricted Subsidiary that (a) is engaged solely in (x) the business of acquiring, selling, collecting, financing or refinancing receivables (including any thereof constituting or evidenced by chattel paper, instruments or general intangibles), accounts (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in any jurisdiction from time to time) and other accounts, all proceeds thereof and all rights (contractual and other), collateral and other assets relating thereto and (y) any business or activities incidental or related to such business, in each case permitted by this Agreement and (b) is designated as a “Special Purpose Subsidiary” by the Borrower.

 

“ Sponsors ” shall mean CCMP and its Affiliates.

 

“ Standard Receivables Undertakings ” means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower which the Borrower has

 

 

determined in good faith to be customary in a Receivables Facility, including, without limitation, those relating to the servicing of the assets of a Special Purpose Subsidiary.

 

“ Subordinated Indebtedness ” shall mean any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations.

 

“ Subordinated Intercompany Debt ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(d) .

 

“ Subsidiary ” shall mean, with respect to any person (herein referred to as the “ parent ”), any corporation, partnership, association or other business entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or more than 50% of the partnership interests are, at the time any determination is being made, directly or indirectly, owned, Controlled or held by the parent.

 

“ Subsidiary Loan Party ” shall mean each Restricted Subsidiary that is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, other than (a) any Foreign Subsidiary of the Borrower, (b) any Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary, (c) any Unrestricted Subsidiary, (d) any Immaterial Subsidiary or (e) any Excluded Subsidiary.

 

“ Subsidiary Redesignation ” shall have the meaning provided in the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” contained in this Section 1.01 .

 

“ Supplemental Intercreditor Agreement ” shall mean any intercreditor agreement entered into in accordance with this Agreement after the Restatement Date by the Administrative Agent with respect to the Collateral.

 

“ Swap Agreement ” shall mean any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one (1) or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions, provided that no phantom stock or other employee benefit plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees, members of management or consultants of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

 

“ Syndication Agents ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

“ Tax Distribution ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.06(f) .

 

“ Taxes ” shall mean any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties (including stamp duties), deductions, charges (including ad valorem charges) or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority and any and all interest and penalties related thereto.

 

“ Tax Sharing Agreement ” shall mean the Tax Sharing Agreement dated as of November 10, 2006 among the Borrower and GPS CCMP Acquisition Corp.

 

“ Term Facility ” shall mean the Commitments and the Term Loans made hereunder.

 

 

“ Term Loan Installment Date ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.10(a) .

 

“ Term Loan Percentage ” shall mean as to any Lender at any time, the percentage which such Lender’s Commitment then constitutes of the aggregate Commitments (or, at any time after the Restatement Date, the percentage which the aggregate principal amount of such Lender’s Term Loans then outstanding constitutes of the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans then outstanding).

 

“ Term Loans ” shall mean the term loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower on the Restatement Date pursuant to Section 2.01 .

 

“ Term Priority Collateral ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

“ Termination Date ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the lead-in to Article V .

 

“ Test Period ” shall mean, on any date of determination, the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters (taken as one (1) accounting period) of the Borrower then most recently ended for which financial statements are available.

 

“ Total Leverage Ratio ” shall mean, on any date, the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt, as of such date, to EBITDA for the relevant Test Period, all determined on a consolidated basis.

 

“ Transaction Costs ” shall mean fees and expenses payable or otherwise borne by Holdings, any other Parent Entity, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions occurring on or about the Restatement Date.

 

“ Transactions ” shall mean, collectively, (a) the transactions to occur pursuant to the Loan Documents, including (i) the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the initial borrowings hereunder, (ii) the repayment of the Existing Debt and (iii) the making of the Restatement Date Dividend and (b) the execution and delivery of the ABL Loan Documents.

 

“ Type ”, when used in respect of any Loan or Borrowing, shall refer to the Rate by reference to which interest on such Loan or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing is determined.  For purposes hereof, the term “Rate” shall include the Eurodollar Rate and the ABR.

 

“ Uniform Customs ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.07 .

 

“ Unrestricted Subsidiary ” shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is acquired or created after the Restatement Date designated by the Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary hereunder by written notice to the Administrative Agent; provided that the Borrower shall only be permitted to so designate an Unrestricted Subsidiary (each an “ Unrestricted Subsidiary Designation ”) so long as (a) as of the date of such designation, no Default or Event of Default exists or would result therefrom, (b) as of the date of such designation, the designation of such Unrestricted Subsidiary shall comply with Section 6.04 , with the amount of the fair market value of any assets owned by such Unrestricted Subsidiary and any of its Subsidiaries at the time of the designation thereof being deemed an Investment pursuant to Section 6.04 (as reasonably determined by the Borrower in good faith), (c) after giving effect to the respective Unrestricted Subsidiary Designation (as well as all other Unrestricted Subsidiary Designations theretofore consummated after the first day of such Reference Period) as if such Unrestricted Subsidiary Designation had occurred on the first day of such Reference Period, on a Pro Forma Basis the Total Leverage Ratio for

 

 

the most recently completed Reference Period does not exceed 5.00:1.00 and (d) as of the date of such designation, the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, certifying to such officer’s knowledge, compliance with the requirements of preceding clauses (a) through (c), inclusive, and containing the calculations required by the preceding clause (c).  The Borrower may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary for purposes of the credit documentation (each, a “ Subsidiary Redesignation ”); provided that (i) no Default or Event of Default then exists or would occur as a consequence of any such Subsidiary Redesignation (including, but not limited to, under Sections 6.01 and 6.02 ), (ii) after giving effect to the respective Subsidiary Redesignation (as well as all other Subsidiary Redesignations theretofore consummated after the first day of such Reference Period) as if such Subsidiary Redesignation had occurred on the first day of the Reference Period, on a Pro Forma Basis the Total Leverage Ratio for the most recently completed Reference Period does not exceed 5.00:1.00, (iii) treating such Subsidiary Redesignation as a contribution to the Borrower of an amount equal to the fair market value of such Unrestricted Subsidiary (as reasonably determined by the Borrower in good faith) and (iv) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, certifying to such officer’s knowledge, compliance with the requirements of preceding clauses (i) through (iii), inclusive and containing the calculations required by the preceding clause (ii).

 

“ Unrestricted Subsidiary Designation ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary”.

 

“ U.S. Person ” shall mean any person that is a “United States Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

 

“ USA PATRIOT Act ” shall mean The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Adequate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. No. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)).

 

“ Voluntary Prepayments ” shall mean (a) any voluntary prepayment of Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.11(a ) and (b) any voluntary prepayment of ABL Loans or Replacement ABL Loans in accordance with the ABL Credit Agreement or a Replacement ABL Credit Agreement, as applicable, in each to the extent that the commitments in respect of such loans are substantially concurrently reduced voluntarily in an equal amount, in each case, to the extent not financed using the proceeds of the incurrence of any long-term Indebtedness (other than revolving Indebtedness).

 

“ Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” shall mean, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:  (a) the sum of the product obtained by multiplying (i) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including a payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment); by (b) the outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

 

“ Wholly Owned Subsidiary ” of any person shall mean a subsidiary of such person, all of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares or nominee or other similar shares (including shares issued to foreign nationals) required pursuant to applicable law) are owned by such person or another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such person.

 

“ Withdrawal Liability ” shall mean liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

 

 

SECTION 1.02.                                    Terms Generally .

 

(a)  The definitions set forth or referred to in Section 1.01 shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  The words “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document shall refer to such Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.  Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.  The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. All references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Documents in which the reference appears unless the context shall otherwise require.

 

(b)  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any reference in this Agreement to any Loan Document or other document, agreement or instrument (including any by-laws, limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, articles of incorporation, certificate of limited partnership or certificate of formation, as the case may be) shall mean such Loan Document, agreement or instrument as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, otherwise modified, replaced, renewed, extended or refinanced from time to time and any reference in this Agreement to any person shall include a reference to such person’s permitted assigns and successors-in-interest.

 

SECTION 1.03.                                    Accounting Terms .

 

(a)  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the Restatement Date in GAAP or in the application thereof (including the conversion to IFRS as described below) on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith; provided further that if an amendment is requested by the Borrower or the Required Lenders, then the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall negotiate in good faith to enter into an amendment of such affected provisions (without the payment of any amendment or similar fees to the Lenders) to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP or the application thereof subject to the approval of the Required Lenders (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); provided further that all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made without giving effect to (i) any election under Accounting Standards Codification 825-10-25 (previously referred to as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 159) (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein and (ii) any treatment of Indebtedness in respect of convertible debt instruments under Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof.  If the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that it is required to report under IFRS or has elected to do so through an early adoption policy, “GAAP” shall mean international financial reporting standards pursuant to IFRS ( provided that after such conversion, the Borrower cannot elect to report under GAAP).

 

 

(b)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in paragraph (a) above or the definition of Capital Lease Obligations, in the event of an accounting change requiring all leases to be capitalized, only those leases (assuming for purposes hereof that they were in existence on the Restatement Date) that would constitute Capital Lease Obligations on the Restatement Date shall be considered Capital Lease Obligations and all calculations and deliverables under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be made in accordance therewith ( provided that all financial statements delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement after the date of such accounting change shall contain a schedule showing the adjustments necessary to reconcile such financial statements with GAAP as in effect immediately prior to such accounting change).

 

SECTION 1.04.                                    Rounding .  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one (1) place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding up if there is no nearest number).

 

SECTION 1.05.                                    Timing of Payment or Performance .  When the payment of any obligation or the performance of any covenant, duty or obligation is stated to be due or performance required on a day which is not a Business Day (other than as described in the definition of ABR, Federal Funds Rate or Interest Period), the date of such payment or performance shall extend to the immediately succeeding Business Day and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.

 

SECTION 1.06.                                    Classification .  For purposes of determining compliance at any time with Sections 6.01 , 6.02 , 6.04 , 6.05 , 6.06 , 6.07 and 6.09 , in the event that any Lien, Investment, Indebtedness, Disposition, Restricted Payment, affiliate transaction, contractual restriction or prepayment of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one (1) of the categories of transactions or items permitted pursuant to any clause of such Sections 6.01 , 6.02 , 6.04 , 6.05 , 6.06 , 6.07 and 6.09 , the Borrower, in its sole discretion, may classify or reclassify such transaction or item (or portion thereof) and will only be required to include the amount and type of such transaction (or portion thereof) in any one (1) category.

 

SECTION 1.07.                                    References to Laws .  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, references to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such law.

 

SECTION 1.08.                                    Pro Forma .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, financial ratios and tests (including the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and the amount of Consolidated Total Assets) pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated in the manner prescribed by the definition of “Pro Forma Basis”.

 

ARTICLE II

 

The Credits

 

SECTION 2.01.                                    Commitments .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein each Lender agrees to and shall make Term Loans to the Borrower on the Restatement Date in a principal amount not to exceed its Commitment.

 

SECTION 2.02.                                    Loans and Borrowings .  (a)  On the Restatement Date, the New Term Loans (as defined in the Restatement Agreement) shall constitute, on the terms provided in the Restatement Agreement, Term Loans hereunder and the Continued Term Loans (as defined in the

 

 

Restatement Agreement) shall be ratified and confirmed as Term Loans hereunder in all respects.  On the Restatement Date, the Term Loans shall be made (or, in the case of the Continued Term Loans, continued) as part of a Borrowing consisting of Term Loans of the same Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments.  The failure of any Lender to make any Term Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder.

 

(b)  Subject to Section 2.14 , the Borrowing on the Restatement Date shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith.  Each Lender at its option may make any ABR Loan or Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Term Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Term Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and such Lender shall not be entitled to any amounts payable under Section 2.15 or 2.17 solely in respect of increased costs resulting from such exercise and existing at the time of such exercise.

 

(c)  Borrowings of more than one Type may be outstanding at the same time; provided that , without the consent of the Administrative Agent, there shall not at any time be more than a total of fifteen (15) Eurodollar Borrowings outstanding.

 

(d)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.

 

SECTION 2.03.                                    Requests for Borrowings .  To request the Borrowing of Term Loans on the Restatement Date, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 1:00 p.m., Local Time, three (3) Business Days before the proposed Restatement Date or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 1:00 p.m., Local Time, one (1) Business Day before the proposed Restatement Date.  Such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery, fax or other electronic transmission (including “.pdf” or “.tif”) to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower.  Such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02 :

 

(i)  the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;

 

(ii)  the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

 

(iii)  whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing;

 

(iv)  in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and

 

(v)  the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed.

 

If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing.  If no Interest Period is specified with respect to a requested Eurodollar Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of one (1) month’s duration.  Promptly following receipt of the Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Term Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

 

 

SECTION 2.04.                                    [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 2.05.                                    [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 2.06.                                    Funding of Borrowings .  (a)  Each Lender shall make the Term Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 12:00 p.m., Local Time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders.  The Administrative Agent will make the proceeds of such Term Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to an account designated by the Borrower in the Borrowing Request.

 

(b)  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the Restatement Date that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of the Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount.  In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent ( provided , that any such payment by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent is without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against such applicable Lender) forthwith on demand (without duplication) such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans.  If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Term Loan included in such Borrowing.

 

SECTION 2.07.                                    Interest Elections .  (a)  The Borrowing on the Restatement Date initially shall be of the Type specified in the Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request.  Thereafter, the Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section.  The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Term Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Term Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing.

 

(b)  To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election.  Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly (but in any event on the same Business Day) by hand delivery, fax or other electronic transmission (including “.pdf” or “.tif”) to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in the form of Exhibit D and signed by the Borrower.

 

(c)  Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02 :

 

 

(i)   the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);

 

(ii)   the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;

 

(iii)   whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and

 

(iv)   if the resulting Borrowing is a Eurodollar Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.

 

(d)   Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender to which such Interest Election Request relates of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.

 

(e)   If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing.  Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the written request (including a request through electronic means) of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.

 

SECTION 2.08.            Termination of Commitments .  (a)    The parties hereto acknowledge that the Commitments will terminate at the earlier to occur of (x) 5:00 p.m., Local Time, on the Restatement Date and (y) the making of any Term Loans hereunder.

 

SECTION 2.09.            Repayment of Term Loans; Evidence of Debt .  (a)   The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of the Term Loans of such Lender as provided in Section 2.10 .

 

(b)   Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the Term Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

 

(c)   The Administrative Agent (or its agent or sub-agent appointed by it) shall maintain the Register, as set forth in Section 9.04(b)(iv) , in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Term Loan made hereunder and Type thereof and the Interest Period (if any) applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) any amount received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.

 

(d)   The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein

 

 

absent manifest error; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Term Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and, provided further that in the event of any inconsistency between the Register and any Lender’s records, the recordations in the Register shall govern.

 

(e)   Any Lender may request that the Term Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note (a “ Note ”) in the form of Exhibit M.  In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to the order of such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.  Thereafter, the Term Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04 ) be represented by one (1) or more promissory notes in such form payable to the payee named therein.

 

SECTION 2.10.            Repayment of Term Loans .  (a)    Subject to the other paragraphs of this Section, commencing October 1, 2012, the Borrower shall (subject to the application of clause (b) below and Section 2.23 ) repay Borrowings on the first day of April, July, October and January in each year prior to the Maturity Date (each such date being referred to as a “ Term Loan Installment Date ”), in each case in an amount equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Term Loans, and the final principal repayment installment of the Term Loans shall be repaid on the Maturity Date and shall be in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans outstanding on such date.

 

(b)   Prepayment of the Borrowings from:

 

(i)   Net Proceeds pursuant to Section 2.11(b)  and Excess Cash Flow pursuant to Section 2.11(c)  shall be applied first to ABR Loans and then to Eurodollar Loans, with the application thereof as directed by the Borrower (or if the Borrower fails to specify, in direct order of maturity),

 

(ii)   any optional prepayments of the Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.11(a)  shall be applied to the remaining installments thereof, in each case, as directed by the Borrower (or if the Borrower fails to specify, shall be applied first to ABR Loans and then to Eurodollar Loans, in each case, in direct order of maturity), and

 

(iii)   any prepayments of the Term Loans effected as a result of transactions permitted by Sections 6.01(a)  or 9.08(d)  may be applied at the option of the Borrower first to the earliest maturity portion of the Term Loans and then to the next earliest maturity portion of the Term Loans in accordance with the terms of the Term Facility.

 

(c)   Prior to any optional repayment of any Borrowing hereunder, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by fax or other electronic transmission (including “.pdf” or “.tif”)) of the Borrowings to be repaid not later than 12:00 p.m., Local Time, (i) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, one (1) Business Day before the scheduled date of such repayment and (ii) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, three (3) Business Days before the scheduled date of such repayment.  Each repayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Term Loans included in the repaid Borrowing.  Repayments of Borrowings shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount repaid.  In the event the Borrower fails to specify the Borrowings to which any such voluntary prepayment shall be applied, such prepayment shall be applied as follows first to prepay the ABR Loans and then to the Eurodollar Loans, in each case, in direct order of maturity.

 

 

SECTION 2.11.            Prepayment of Term Loans .  (a)   The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (but subject to Section 2.16 ), in an aggregate principal amount that is an integral multiple of the Borrowing Multiple and not less than the Borrowing Minimum or, if less, the amount outstanding, subject to prior notice in accordance with Section 2.10(c) ; provided that in the event of (i) any prepayment of Term Loans made with the proceeds of any loans or bonds or (ii) an amendment to the Loan Documents in respect of the Term Loans in connection with a Repricing Amendment, in each case, on or prior to the second anniversary of the Restatement Date, the Borrower shall pay to the Lenders a prepayment premium equal to (i) with respect to any such prepayment made on or prior to the first anniversary of the Restatement Date, 2% of the principal amount of the Term Loans so prepaid or, in the case of any such amendment, the principal amount of relevant Term Loans outstanding immediately prior to such amendment and (ii) with respect to any such prepayment made after the first anniversary of the Restatement Date but on or prior to the second anniversary of the Restatement Date, 1% of the principal amount of the Term Loans so prepaid or, in the case of any such amendment, the principal amount of relevant Term Loans outstanding immediately prior to such amendment.

 

(b)   Subject to Section 2.11(e) , the Borrower shall apply, without duplication, all Net Proceeds within three (3) Business Days of receipt thereof to prepay Borrowings in accordance with Section 2.10(b) .

 

(c)   Subject to Section 2.11(e) , not later than one hundred twenty-five (125) days after the end of each Excess Cash Flow Period (the date of such prepayment, the “ Excess Cash Flow Prepayment Date ”), the Borrower shall prepay Borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to (i) an amount equal to the Required Percentage of Excess Cash Flow for such Excess Cash Flow Period, and, at the option of the Borrower, minus (ii) without duplication of amounts previously deducted in respect of prior Excess Cash Flow Periods, the aggregate amount of Voluntary Prepayments made at any time from the first day of the applicable Excess Cash Flow Period until the Excess Cash Flow Prepayment Date.  Prepayments pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.10(b) .

 

(d)   Concurrently with any prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11(b) , the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer demonstrating the calculation of the amount of the applicable Net Proceeds.  In the event that the Borrower shall subsequently determine that the actual amount received exceeded the amount set forth in such certificate, the Borrower shall promptly make an additional prepayment of the Term Loans in an amount equal to such excess, and the Borrower shall concurrently therewith deliver to Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer demonstrating the derivation of such excess.

 

(e)   If the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries determine in good faith that the upstreaming or transferring as a dividend of any amounts required to mandatorily prepay the Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.11(b)  or Section 2.11(c)  would result in an additional current tax liability (such amount, a “ Restricted Amount ”), as reasonably determined by the Borrower, the amount the Borrower shall be required to mandatorily prepay pursuant to Section 2.11(b)  or Section 2.11(c) , as applicable, shall be reduced by the Restricted Amount until such time as it may upstream or transfer such Restricted Amount without incurring such additional current tax liability.

 

(f)   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.11 , if any Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent on the date of any prepayment that it wishes to decline its share of any prepayment made pursuant to Section 2.11(b)  or Section 2.11(c) , such share (the “ Declined Prepayment Amount ”) may be retained by the Borrower; provided that in no event shall any Lender decline any prepayment in connection with a refinancing of the Term Loans.

 

 

SECTION 2.12.            Fees .  (a)    The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Administrative Agent, the agency fees set forth in the Administrative Agent Fee Letter, at the times and in the amount specified therein (the “ Fees ”).

 

(b)   All Fees shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent.  Once paid, none of the Fees shall be refundable under any circumstances.

 

SECTION 2.13.            Interest .  (a)  The Term Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest at the ABR plus the Applicable Margin.

 

(b)   The Term Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing shall bear interest at the Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Margin.

 

(c)   Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Term Loan or any Fees or other amount payable by the Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of, or interest on, any Term Loan, 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Term Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount, 2% plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section (in each case, the “ Default Rate ”).

 

(d)   Accrued interest on each Term Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Term Loan and on the Maturity Date; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Term Loan, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Eurodollar Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

 

(e)   All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days, except that interest computed by reference to the ABR at times when the ABR is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty-five (365) days (or three hundred sixty-six (366) days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).  The applicable ABR, Eurodollar Base Rate or Eurodollar Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

SECTION 2.14.            Alternate Rate of Interest .  If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing:

 

(a)   the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Eurodollar Base Rate or the Eurodollar Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period; or

 

(b)   the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that the Eurodollar Base Rate or the Eurodollar Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Term Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;

 

then the Administrative Agent shall give written notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the

 

 

Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be ineffective and such Borrowing shall be converted to or continued as on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto an ABR Borrowing, and (ii) if the Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing.

 

SECTION 2.15.            Increased Costs .  (a)   If any Change in Law shall:

 

(i)   impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Eurodollar Rate); or

 

(ii)   subject any Lender Party to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes paid or payable under Section 2.17 , (B) Other Taxes and (C) Excluded Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

 

(iii)   impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans made by such Lender;

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then within thirty (30) days of receipt of a certificate of the type specified in paragraph (d) below the Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

(b)   If any Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Term Loans made by such Lender to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time within thirty (30) days of receipt of a certificate of the type specified in paragraph (d) below the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

(c)   Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements and directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or by United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, and (ii) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements and directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in implementation thereof, shall in each case be deemed to be a Change in Law, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.

 

(d)   A certificate of a Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as applicable, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof.

 

 

(e)   Promptly after any Lender has determined that it will make a request for increased compensation pursuant to this Section 2.15 , such Lender shall notify the Borrower thereof.  Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than ninety (90) days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided , further , that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the ninety (90)-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

 

SECTION 2.16.            Break Funding Payments .  In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Eurodollar Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto or (d) the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.19 , then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event (excluding loss of margin).  Such loss, cost and expense to any Lender shall be deemed to be the amount reasonably determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Eurodollar Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan but exclusive of the Applicable Margin relating thereto, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for U.S. Dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the Eurodollar market.  A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof.

 

SECTION 2.17.            Taxes . (a)   Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if a Loan Party shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent, any Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the applicable withholding agent shall make such deductions and (iii) such Loan Party shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

(b)   In addition, the Loan Parties shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

(c)   Each Loan Party shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender within ten (10) days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent, such Lender on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of such Loan Party hereunder (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto.  A certificate as to the amount of such

 

 

payment or liability, prepared in good faith and delivered to such Loan Party by a Lender or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf, on behalf of another Agent or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(d)   As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by a Loan Party to a Governmental Authority, such Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(e)   (i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two (2) sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 2.17(e)(ii)(A) , (ii)(B)  and (ii)(D)  below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

 

(ii)            Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. Person,

 

(A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed originals of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

 

(B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

 

(i)   in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. Federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

 

 

(ii)   executed originals of IRS Form W-8ECI;

 

(iii)   in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit L-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “ U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate ”) and (y) executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN; or

 

(iv)   to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit L-2 or Exhibit L-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one (1) or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit L-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

 

(C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed originals of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

 

(D) if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment.  Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the Restatement Date.

 

Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

 

(f)   If the Administrative Agent or a Lender determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by a Loan Party or with respect to which such Loan Party has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17 , it shall pay over such refund to such Loan Party (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by such Loan Party under this Section 2.17 with respect to the Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent or such Lender (including any Taxes imposed with respect to such refund) as is determined by the Administrative Agent or Lender and in its sole discretion, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided that such Loan Party, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay as soon as reasonably practicable the amount paid over to such Loan Party (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent or such Lender in the event the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  This Section 2.17(f)  shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes which it deems confidential) to the Loan Parties or any other person.

 

(g)   Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) any Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so) and (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 9.04(c)  relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register, in either case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (g).

 

SECTION 2.18.            Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs .  (a)   Unless otherwise specified, the Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest or fees, or of amounts payable under Section 2.15 , 2.16 , or 2.17 , or otherwise) prior to 2:00 p.m., Local Time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without condition or deduction for any defense, recoupment, set-off or counterclaim.  Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon.  All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent to the applicable account designated to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof.  All payments hereunder shall be made in Dollars.  Any payment required to be made by the Administrative Agent hereunder shall be deemed to have been made by the time required if the Administrative Agent shall, at or before such time, have taken the necessary steps to make such payment in accordance with the regulations or operating procedures of the clearing or settlement system used by the Administrative Agent to make such payment.

 

(b)   If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent from the Borrower to pay fully all amounts of principal, interest and fees then due from the Borrower hereunder, such funds (except as otherwise provided in the Collateral Agreement with respect to the application of amounts realized from the Collateral) shall be applied (i)  first , towards payment of

 

 

interest and fees then due from the Borrower hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii)  second , towards payment of principal then due from the Borrower hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal then due to such parties.

 

(c)   If (other than (x) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment or sale of a participation in any of its Term Loans to any assignee or participant, including any assignee or participation that is a Loan Party, the Sponsors or any of their respective Affiliates or (y) as otherwise expressly provided elsewhere herein, including, without limitation, as provided in or contemplated by Section 2.22 , Section 2.23 , Sections 9.04(f) , (i)  and (j)  or Section 9.08(d) ) any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Term Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Term Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Term Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Term Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph (c) shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement.  The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

 

(d)   Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due.  In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

(e)   If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to 2.06(b)  or 2.18(d) , then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.

 

(f)   Each borrowing by the Borrower from the Lenders hereunder shall be made pro rata according to the respective Term Loan Percentages of the relevant Lenders.

 

SECTION 2.19.            Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders .  (a)   If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15 , or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17 , then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Term Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another

 

 

of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17 , as applicable, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender in any material respect.  The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

(b)   If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15 , or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17 , or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or becomes an Affected Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, (i) repay all Obligations of the Borrower owing to such Lender relating to the Term Loans held by such Lender as of such termination date or (ii) require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04 ), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Term Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts), (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17 , such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments, (iv) the Borrower shall be liable to such Lender under Section 2.16 if any Eurodollar Loan owing to such Lender is repaid or purchased other than on the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto, (v) such assignment shall otherwise comply with Section 9.04 ( provided that the Borrower shall be obligated to pay the registration and processing fee referred to therein) and (vi) until such time as such obligations are repaid or such assignment is consummated, the Borrower shall pay all additional amounts (if any) required pursuant to Section 2.15 or Section 2.17 , as the case may be.  Nothing in this Section 2.19 shall be deemed to prejudice any rights that the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have against any replaced Lender.  Each Lender hereby grants to the Administrative Agent an irrevocable power of attorney (which power is coupled with an interest) to execute and deliver, on behalf of such Lender as assignor, any Assignment and Acceptance necessary to effectuate any assignment of such Lender’s interests hereunder in the circumstances contemplated by this Section 2.19(b) .

 

(c)   If any Lender (such Lender, a “ Non-Consenting Lender ”) has failed to consent to a proposed amendment, waiver, discharge or termination which pursuant to the terms of Section 9.08 requires the consent of all of the Lenders or all of the Lenders affected and with respect to which the Required Lenders shall have granted their consent, then the Borrower shall have the right (unless such Non-Consenting Lender grants such consent) to replace such Non-Consenting Lender by (i) repaying all obligations of the Borrower owing to such Lender relating to the Term Loans and participations held by such Lender as of such termination date or (ii) requiring such Non-Consenting Lender to assign (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04 ) all or the affected portion of its Term Loans hereunder to one (1) or more assignees, provided that: (a) all Obligations of the Borrower owing to such Non-Consenting Lender being replaced shall be paid in full to such Non-Consenting Lender concurrently with such assignment, (b) the replacement Lender shall purchase the foregoing by paying to such Non-Consenting Lender a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (c) the Borrower shall be liable to such Lender under Section 2.16 if any Eurodollar Loan owing to such Lender is repaid or purchased other than on the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto, (d) with respect to any such assignment occurring on or prior to the second anniversary of the Restatement Date as a result of a Repricing Amendment, the Borrower shall be liable

 

 

to such Lender under Section 2.11(a)  for the payment of a prepayment premium in accordance with the terms thereof, (e) such assignment shall otherwise comply with Section 9.04 ( provided that the Borrower shall be obligated to pay the registration and processing fee referred to therein) and (f) the replacement Lender shall grant its consent with respect to the applicable proposed amendment, waiver, discharge or termination.  Each Lender hereby grants to the Administrative Agent an irrevocable power of attorney (which power is coupled with an interest) to execute and deliver, on behalf of such Lender as assignor, any Assignment and Acceptance necessary to effectuate any assignment of such Lender’s interests hereunder in the circumstances contemplated by this Section 2.19(c) .

 

SECTION 2.20.            Illegality .  If any Lender reasonably determines that any Change in Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted after the Restatement Date that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make or maintain any Eurodollar Loans, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent (at which time such Lender shall be deemed an “ Affected Lender ”), any obligations of such Affected Lender to make or continue Eurodollar Loans or to convert ABR Borrowings to Eurodollar Borrowings shall be suspended until such Affected Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist.  Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall upon demand from such Affected Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), either convert all Eurodollar Borrowings of such Affected Lender to ABR Borrowings, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Affected Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Borrowings to such day, or immediately, if such Affected Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Loans.  Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

 

SECTION 2.21.            Defaulting Lenders .  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:

 

(a) the voting rights of a Defaulting Lender are subject to Section 9.08(b);

 

(b) any amount paid by the Borrower for the account of a Defaulting Lender that was or is a Lender under this Agreement (whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnity payments or other amounts) will not be paid or distributed to such Defaulting Lender, but will instead be retained by the Administrative Agent in a segregated account until (subject to paragraph (c) of this Section) the Termination Date and will be applied or paid, as applicable, by the Administrative Agent to the fullest extent permitted by law to the making of payments from time to time in the following order of priority: first , to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent under this Agreement; second , to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower by such Defaulting Lender under this Agreement; and third , after the Termination Date, to pay amounts owing under this Agreement to such Defaulting Lender or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct; and

 

(c) in the event that the Administrative Agent and the Borrower each agrees in writing at their discretion that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender and that such Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, effective as of such agreement such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender and will be a non-Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender (it being understood that any amounts remaining in a segregated account pursuant to clause (b) of this Section shall be released to the Borrower effective upon the agreement set forth in this clause (c) (unless otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction)); and provided , further that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to non-

 

 

Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from such Lender having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

SECTION 2.22.            Incremental Extensions of Credit .  (a)  The Borrower and any one or more Lenders (including New Lenders) may (but shall have no obligation) from time to time agree that such Lenders shall provide to the Borrower Incremental Term Loans by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent an Increased Facility Activation Notice specifying (i) the amount of such increase or the additional loans or facilities, (ii) the applicable Increased Facility Closing Date, (iii) the applicable Incremental Term Maturity Date, (iv) the amortization schedule for such Incremental Term Loans and (v) the Applicable Margin for such Incremental Term Loans ; provided that

 

(i)            immediately prior to and after giving effect to any Increased Facility Activation Notice (and the making of any Incremental Term Loans pursuant thereto), no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or shall result therefrom,

 

(ii)           the aggregate principal amount of all Incremental Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.22 , shall not exceed (A) together with the aggregate initial principal amount of any Incremental Equivalent Debt incurred pursuant to clause (A)(i) of the proviso to Section 6.01(p)(i) , $125.0 million ( less any Incremental ABL Commitments) plus (B) an additional amount if, after giving effect to such additional amount, on a Pro Forma Basis the Secured Leverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period does not exceed 3.50:1.00 (assuming all such additional amounts were secured, whether or not so secured);

 

(iii)          the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Incremental Term Loans shall not be shorter than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans,

 

(iv)          each Incremental Term Facility shall have a final maturity date no earlier than the Maturity Date,

 

(v)           if the Effective Yield in respect of any Incremental Term Loans that are pari passu in right of payment and are secured equally and ratably with the initial Term Loans provided to the Borrower exceeds the Effective Yield for the existing Term Loans by more than 0.50%, the Applicable Margin for the existing Term Loans shall be increased so that the Effective Yield in respect of such existing Term Loans is equal to the Effective Yield for the Incremental Term Loans less 0.50% ( provided that if the applicable Incremental Term Facility includes an interest rate floor greater than that applicable to the existing Term Loans, such excess amount shall be equated to yield for purposes of determining whether an increase to the Applicable Margin for the existing Term Loans shall be required, provided that if such increase is required, the interest rate floor (but not the Applicable Margin) applicable to the existing Term Loans shall be increased by such excess amount),

 

(vi)          all Incremental Term Loans shall rank pari passu or subordinated in right of payment and right of security in respect of the Collateral with the Term Loans or may be unsecured; provided that to the extent any such Incremental Term Loans (including any Incremental Equivalent Debt) are subordinated in right of payment or right of security to the Term Loans, they shall be subject to intercreditor arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and

 

 

(vii)         all terms of any Incremental Term Facility not set forth herein, if not consistent with the applicable existing Term Facility, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; provided that each Incremental Term Facility shall share ratably in any prepayments of the Term Facility unless the Borrower and the lenders in respect of such Incremental Term Facility elect lesser payments.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of the Administrative Agent, (x) each increase effected pursuant to this paragraph shall be in a minimum amount of at least $10.0 million and (y) no more than ten (10) Increased Facility Closing Dates may be selected by the Borrower after the Restatement Date.  No Lender shall have any obligation to participate in any increase described in this paragraph unless it agrees to do so in its sole discretion.

 

(b)   Any additional bank, financial institution or other entity which, with the consent of the Borrower and (to the extent such consent would be required under Section 9.04 with respect to an assignment of Term Loans to such person) the consent of the Administrative Agent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), elects to become a “Lender” under this Agreement in connection with any transaction described in Section 2.22(a)  shall execute a New Lender Supplement (each, a “ New Lender Supplement ”), substantially in the form of Exhibit K, whereupon such bank, financial institution or other entity (a “ New Lender ”) shall become a Lender for all purposes and to the same extent as if originally a party hereto and shall be bound by and entitled to the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and, except as otherwise provided above in clause (a)(vi), shall benefit equally and ratably from the Guarantees and security interests created by the Security Documents; provided that (i) the Sponsor and any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall be permitted (without Administrative Agent consent) to provide Incremental Term Loans, it being understood that in connection with such Incremental Term Loans, the Sponsor and any such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate, as applicable, shall be subject to the restrictions applicable to such persons under Section 9.04 as if such Incremental Term Loans were Term Loans and (ii) any Debt Fund Affiliate shall be permitted to provide any Incremental Term Loans, provided that in connection therewith, such Debt Fund Affiliate shall be subject to the restrictions applicable to Debt Fund Affiliates under Section 9.04 as if such Incremental Term Loans were Term Loans.

 

(c)   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, on each Increased Facility Activation Date, this Agreement shall be amended to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to reflect the existence and terms of the Incremental Term Loans evidenced thereby.  Any such deemed amendment may be effected in writing by the Administrative Agent with the Borrower’s consent (not to be unreasonably withheld) and furnished to the other parties hereto.  Without limiting the foregoing, in connection with any Incremental Term Facility the respective Loan Parties shall (at their expense) amend (and the Administrative Agent is hereby directed to amend) any Mortgage as necessary to reflect the increase in Indebtedness under this Agreement.

 

(d)   Prior to the effectiveness of any Increased Facility Activation Notice and the Incremental Term Loans thereunder, the Administrative Agent shall have received legal opinions, board resolutions and other closing documents and certificates reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and consistent with those delivered on the Restatement Date under Section 4.01 .  The proceeds of the Incremental Term Loans may be used for any purpose not otherwise prohibited hereunder.

 

SECTION 2.23.    Extensions of Term Loans .

 

(a)   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, pursuant to one or more offers (each, an “ Extension Offer ”) made from time to time by the Borrower to all Lenders of Term Loans

 

 

with a like maturity date, in each case on a pro rata basis (based on the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the respective Term Loans with a like maturity date) and on the same terms to each such Lender, the Borrower is hereby permitted to consummate from time to time transactions with individual Lenders that accept the terms contained in such Extension Offers to extend the maturity date of each such Lender’s Term Loans and otherwise modify the terms of such Term Loans pursuant to the terms of the relevant Extension Offer (including by increasing the interest rate or fees payable in respect of such Term Loans and/or modifying the amortization schedule in respect of such Lender’s Term Loans) (each, an “ Extension ”, and each group of Term Loans, as so extended, as well as the original Term Loans (not so extended), being a “tranche”; any Extended Term Loans shall constitute a separate tranche of Term Loans from the tranche of Term Loans from which they were converted), so long as the following terms are satisfied:

 

(i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time the offering document in respect of an Extension Offer is delivered to the Lenders,

 

(ii) except as to interest rates, fees, amortization, final maturity date, premium, required prepayment dates and participation in prepayments (which shall, subject to the immediately succeeding clauses (iii), (iv) and (v), be determined by the Borrower and set forth in the relevant Extension Offer), the Term Loans of any Lender that agrees to an extension with respect to such Term Loans extended pursuant to any Extension (any such extended Term Loans, “ Extended Term Loans ”) shall have the same terms as the tranche of Term Loans subject to such Extension Offer until the maturity of such Term Loans,

 

(iii) the final maturity date of any Extended Term Loans shall be no earlier than the Maturity Date,

 

(iv) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Extended Term Loans shall be no shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans extended thereby,

 

(v) any Extended Term Loans may participate on a pro rata basis or a less than pro rata basis (but not greater than a pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory repayments or prepayments of the Term Loans, in each case as specified in the respective Extension Offer,

 

(vi) if the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans (calculated on the face amount thereof) in respect of which Lenders shall have accepted the relevant Extension Offer shall exceed the maximum aggregate principal amount of Term Loans offered to be extended by the Borrower pursuant to such Extension Offer, then the Term Loans of such Lenders shall be extended ratably up to such maximum amount based on the respective principal amounts (but not to exceed actual holdings of record) with respect to which such Lenders have accepted such Extension Offer,

 

(vii) all documentation in respect of such Extension shall be consistent with the foregoing and

 

(viii) any applicable Minimum Extension Condition shall be satisfied unless waived by the Borrower.

 

(b)   With respect to all Extensions consummated by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.23 , (i) such Extensions shall not constitute voluntary or mandatory payments or prepayments for purposes of Sections 2.08 , 2.09 , 2.11 or 2.18, (ii) the amortization schedule set forth in Section 2.10 shall be adjusted to give effect to the Extension of the relevant Term Loans and (iii) no Extension Offer is required to be in any minimum amount or any minimum increment; provided that the Borrower may at its election specify as a condition (a “ Minimum Extension Condition ”) to consummating any such Extension

 

 

that a minimum amount (to be determined and specified in the relevant Extension Offer in the Borrower’s sole discretion and may be waived by the Borrower) of Term Loans of any or all applicable tranches be tendered.  The Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereby consent to the transactions contemplated by this Section 2.23 (including, for the avoidance of doubt, payment of any interest, fees or premium in respect of any Extended Term Loans on such terms as may be set forth in the relevant Extension Offer) and hereby waive the requirements of any provision of this Agreement (including Sections 2.08 , 2.09 , 2.11 or 2.18 ) or any other Loan Document that may otherwise prohibit any such Extension or any other transaction contemplated by this Section.

 

(c)   No consent of any Lender or the Administrative Agent shall be required to effectuate any Extension, other than (A) the consent of each Lender agreeing to such Extension with respect to its Term Loans (or a portion thereof).  All Extended Term Loans and all obligations in respect thereof shall be Obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents that are secured by the Collateral and guaranteed on a pari passu basis with all other applicable Obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.  The Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Borrower as may be necessary in order to establish new tranches or sub-tranches in respect of Term Loans so extended and such technical amendments as may be necessary or appropriate in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in connection with the establishment of such new tranches or sub-tranches, in each case on terms consistent with this Section 2.23 .  Without limiting the foregoing, in connection with any Extensions the respective Loan Parties shall (at their expense) amend (and the Administrative Agent is hereby directed to amend) any Mortgage that has a maturity date prior to the then latest maturity date so that such maturity date is extended to the then latest maturity date (or such later date as may be advised by local counsel to the Administrative Agent).

 

(d)   In connection with any Extension, the Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent at least five (5) Business Days’ (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent) prior written notice thereof, and shall agree to such procedures (including regarding timing, rounding and other adjustments and to ensure reasonable administrative management of the credit facilities hereunder after such Extension), if any, as may be established by, or acceptable to, the Administrative Agent, in each case acting reasonably to accomplish the purposes of this Section 2.23 .

 

ARTICLE III

 

Representations and Warranties

 

Each of Holdings (solely to the extent applicable to it) and the Borrower represents and warrants to each of the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 3.01.            Organization; Powers .  Each of Holdings, the Borrower and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries (a) is a limited partnership, limited liability company or corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (or, if applicable in a foreign jurisdiction, enjoys the equivalent status under the laws of any jurisdiction of organization outside the United States) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted, (c) is qualified to do business and in good standing in each jurisdiction where such qualification is required; except in each case referred to in this Section 3.01 (other than in clause (a) and clause (b), respectively, with respect to the Borrower), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.02.            Authorization .  The execution, delivery and performance by Holdings, the Borrower and each of the Subsidiary Loan Parties of each of the Loan Documents to which

 

 

it is a party, and the borrowings hereunder, the transactions forming a part of the Transactions and the payment of the Transaction Costs (a) have been duly authorized by all corporate, stockholder, limited partnership or limited liability company action required to be obtained by Holdings, the Borrower and such Subsidiary Loan Parties and (b) will not (i) violate (A) any provision of (x) law, statute, rule or regulation applicable to such party, or (y) of the certificate or articles of incorporation or other constitutive documents or by-laws of Holdings, the Borrower or any such Subsidiary Loan Party, (B) any applicable order of any court or any rule, regulation or order of any Governmental Authority or (C) any provision of any indenture, certificate of designation for preferred stock, agreement or other instrument to which Holdings, the Borrower or any such Subsidiary Loan Party is a party or by which any of them or any of their property is or may be bound, (ii) be in conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute (alone or with notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, give rise to a right of or result in any cancellation or acceleration of any right or obligation (including any payment) or to a loss of a material benefit under any such indenture, certificate of designation for preferred stock, agreement or other instrument, where any such conflict, violation, breach or default referred to in clause (b)(i)(A)(x), (b)(i)(B), (b)(i)(C) or (b)(ii) of this Section 3.02 , could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by Holdings, the Borrower or any such Subsidiary Loan Party, other than the Liens created by the Loan Documents and Liens permitted by Section 6.02 hereof.

 

SECTION 3.03.            Enforceability .  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Holdings and the Borrower and constitutes, and each other Loan Document when executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party enforceable against each such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and (iii) implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing.

 

SECTION 3.04.            Governmental Approvals .  No action, consent or approval of, registration or filing with or any other action by any Governmental Authority is or will be required in connection with the Transactions and the payment of the Transaction Costs, except for (a) the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, (b) filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office and comparable offices in foreign jurisdictions and equivalent filings in foreign jurisdictions, (c) recordation of the Mortgages, (d) such as have been made or obtained and are in full force and effect and (e) such actions, consents, approvals, registrations or filings the failure to be obtained or made which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.05.            Financial Statements .  (a)   The audited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, and the audited consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal years, reported on by and accompanied by an audit opinion from Ernst & Young, copies of which have heretofore been furnished to each Lender, present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such periods and as at such dates and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the years then ended.

 

(b)   The unaudited interim consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at March 31, 2012, and the related unaudited interim consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three (3)-month period then ended (including for the comparable period in fiscal year 2011), present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and

 

 

its Subsidiaries as at such date (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments).  All such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (subject to (i) normal year-end adjustments and (ii) the absence of notes), except as approved by the aforementioned firm of accountants and disclosed therein.

 

SECTION 3.06.            No Material Adverse Effect .  Since December 31, 2011, no event, development, circumstance or change has occurred that has or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.07.            Title to Properties; Possession Under Leases .  (a)   Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries has good and insurable fee simple title to the Mortgaged Properties, and good and insurable fee simple title to, or good and valid interests in easements or other limited property interests in, as applicable, all its other real properties and has good and valid title to its personal property and assets, in each case, free and clear of Liens except for defects in title that do not impair the value thereof in any material respect or interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or to utilize such properties and assets for their intended purposes and Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02 or arising by operation of law and except where the failure to have such title or interest or existence of such Lien could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)   Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries owns or possesses, or is licensed or otherwise has the right to use, all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights and all licenses and rights with respect to the foregoing, reasonably necessary for the present conduct of its business, without any conflict (of which the Borrower has been notified in writing) with the rights of others, except where the failure to have such rights or where such conflicts and restrictions could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.08.            Subsidiaries .  (a)    Schedule 3.08(a)  sets forth as of the Restatement Date the name and jurisdiction of incorporation, formation or organization of each Subsidiary of Holdings and, as to each such Subsidiary, the percentage of each class of outstanding Equity Interests owned by Holdings or by any such Subsidiary.

 

(b)   As of the Restatement Date, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights or other agreements or commitments (other than directors’ qualifying shares) of any nature relating to any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 3.09.            Litigation; Compliance with Laws .  (a)   There are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings at law or in equity or by or on behalf of any Governmental Authority or in arbitration now pending against, or to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower threatened in writing against, Holdings or the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or any business, property or rights of any such person (i) that involve any Loan Document, the Transactions or the payment of the Transaction Costs or (ii) that would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)   None of Holdings, the Borrower, the Restricted Subsidiaries or their respective properties or assets is in violation of any law, rule or regulation (including any zoning, building, ordinance, code or approval or any building permit, but excluding any Environmental Laws that are the subject of Section 3.16 ) or any restriction of record or agreement affecting any Mortgaged Property, or is in default with respect to any judgment, writ, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority, where such violation or default could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

 

SECTION 3.10.            Investment Company Act .  None of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

SECTION 3.11.            [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 3.12.            Federal Reserve Regulations .  (a)   None of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock.

 

(b)   No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, (i) to purchase or carry Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose, or (ii) for any purpose that entails a violation of, or that is inconsistent with, the provisions of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulation U or Regulation X.

 

SECTION 3.13.            Tax Returns .  (a)   Each of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has filed or caused to be filed all U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. Tax returns required to have been filed by it that are material to such companies, taken as a whole, and each such Tax return is true and correct in all material respects, except, in each case, as could not be, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(b)   Each of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has timely paid or caused to be timely paid all Taxes shown to be due and payable by it on the returns referred to in clause (a) and all other Taxes or assessments (or made adequate provision (in accordance with GAAP) for the payment of all such amounts due) with respect to all periods or portions thereof ending on or before the Restatement Date (except Taxes or assessments that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings in accordance with Section 5.03 and for which Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (as the case may be) has set aside on its books adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP), which Taxes, if not paid or adequately provided for, could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

(c)   Other than as could not be, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, with respect to each of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, no tax lien has been filed, and, to the knowledge of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, no claim is being asserted, with respect to any such Taxes.

 

SECTION 3.14.            No Material Misstatements .  (a)   As of the Restatement Date only, all written information (other than the Projections, other forward looking information and information of a general economic or industry specific nature) (the “ Information ”) concerning Holdings, the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and the Transactions included in the Information Memorandum or otherwise prepared by or on behalf of the foregoing or their representatives and made available, by or on behalf of Holdings or the Borrower, to the Joint Lead Arrangers, any Lenders or the Administrative Agent in connection with the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, when taken as a whole, were true and correct in all material respects as of the Restatement Date and does not as of such date contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made.

 

(b)   The Projections furnished to the Joint Lead Arrangers, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders have been prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by the Borrower to be

 

 

reasonable at the time made, as of the date the Projections were furnished to the Joint Lead Arrangers, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders and as of the Restatement Date (it being understood that actual results may vary from the Projections and that such variations may be material).

 

SECTION 3.15.            Employee Benefit Plans .  (a)   Except as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect:  (i) each Loan Party and each ERISA Affiliate is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the provisions of the Code relating to Plans and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder; and (ii) no ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on those assumptions used for purposes of Accounting Standards Codification No. 715: Compensation Retirement Benefits) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed the fair market value of the assets of such Plan allocable to such accrued benefits and the present value of all accrued benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed the value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans.

 

(b)   Except as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Foreign Plan Event has occurred.

 

SECTION 3.16.            Environmental Matters .  Except as to matters that could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect: (i) no written notice of violation, request for information, order, complaint or assertion of penalty has been received by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, and there are no judicial, administrative or other actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened which allege a violation of or liability under any Environmental Laws or concerning Hazardous Materials, in each case relating to the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, (ii) each of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries has all permits necessary for its operations to comply with all applicable Environmental Laws and is, and during the term of all applicable statutes of limitation, has been, in compliance with the terms of such permits and with all other applicable Environmental Laws, (iii) no Hazardous Material is located at any property currently or formerly owned, operated or leased by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in quantities or concentrations that would reasonably be expected to give rise to any liability or obligation of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries under any Environmental Laws, and no Hazardous Material has been generated by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries that has been transported to or Released at or from any location in a manner that would reasonably be expected to give rise to any liability or obligation of the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, and (iv) there is no agreement to which the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries is a party in which the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries has assumed or undertaken, or retained, responsibility for any known or reasonably likely liability or obligation arising under or relating to Environmental Laws.

 

SECTION 3.17.            Security Documents .  (a)   The Collateral Agreement is effective to create in favor of the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Collateral described therein and proceeds thereof.  In the case of the Pledged Collateral described in the Collateral Agreement, when certificates or promissory notes, as applicable, representing such Pledged Collateral are delivered to the Administrative Agent (together with transfer powers or endorsements executed in blank), in the case of Deposit Accounts, when Deposit Account Control Agreements are entered into by the Administrative Agent (or, so long as the Intercreditor Agreement is in effect and the ABL Agent is acting as agent for the Administrative Agent pursuant thereto for purposes of establishing control (as such term is defined in Section 9-104 of Article 9 of the UCC) over such Collateral, the ABL Agent), and in the case of the other Collateral described in the Collateral Agreement (other than registered copyrights and copyright applications), when financing

 

 

statements and other filings described on Schedule 3.17 are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 3.17 , the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) shall have a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in such Collateral and, subject to Section 9-315 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, the proceeds thereof, as security for the Obligations, in each case to the extent security interests in such Collateral can be perfected by delivery of such certificates or notes, as applicable, representing Pledged Collateral, the execution of Deposit Account Control Agreements or the filing Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, as applicable, in each case prior and superior in right to any other person (except, in the case of Collateral other than Pledged Collateral, Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02 and Liens having priority by operation of law).

 

(b)   When the Collateral Agreement or a summary thereof is properly filed in the United States Copyright Office or the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as applicable, the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) shall have a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties thereunder in the Collateral consisting of registered copyrights and copyright applications, in each case prior and superior in right to any other person except Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02 and Liens having priority by operation of law (it being understood that subsequent recordings in the United States Copyright Office or United States Patent and Trademark Office, as the case may be, may be necessary to perfect a lien on registered copyrights and copyright applications acquired by the grantors after the Restatement Date).

 

(c)   The Mortgages shall be effective to create in favor of the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) a legal, valid and enforceable Lien on all of the Loan Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Mortgaged Property thereunder and the proceeds thereof, and when such Mortgages are filed or recorded in the proper real estate filing or recording offices, the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) shall have a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in such Mortgaged Property and, to the extent applicable, subject to Section 9-315 of the Uniform Commercial Code, the proceeds thereof, in each case prior and superior in right to any other person, other than with respect to the rights of a person pursuant to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02 and Liens having priority by operation of law.

 

SECTION 3.18.            Solvency .  Immediately after giving effect to the Transactions and the payment of the Transaction Costs on the Restatement Date and immediately following the making of the Term Loans on the Restatement Date and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of the Term Loans, (i) the fair value of the assets of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, at a fair valuation, will exceed the debts and liabilities, direct, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, respectively; (ii) the present fair saleable value of the property of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, respectively, on their debts and other liabilities, direct, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (iii) Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will be able to pay their debts and liabilities, direct, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (iv) Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the businesses in which they are engaged as such businesses are now conducted and are proposed to be conducted following the Restatement Date.

 

SECTION 3.19.            Labor Matters .  Except as, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (a) there are no strikes or other labor disputes pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened in writing against the

 

 

Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries; (b) the hours worked and payments made to employees of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable law dealing with such matters; (c) all persons treated as contractors by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries are properly categorized as such, and not as employees, under applicable law; and (d) all payments due from the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or for which any claim may be made against the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary to the extent required by GAAP.  Except as, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect the consummation of the Transactions and the payment of the Transaction Costs will not give rise to a right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any material collective bargaining agreement to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (or any predecessor) is a party or by which Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (or any predecessor) is bound.

 

SECTION 3.20.            Insurance .  Schedule 3.20 sets forth a true, complete and correct description of all material insurance maintained by or on behalf of Holdings, the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries as of the Restatement Date.  Except as, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, as of such date, such insurance is in full force and effect.

 

SECTION 3.21.            USA PATRIOT Act and OFAC .  (a) To the extent applicable, each Loan Party is in compliance, in all material respects, with the (i) Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, and each of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) and any other enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto, and (ii) USA PATRIOT Act.  To the knowledge of the Borrower, no part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

 

(b) None of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any director, officer, agent, employee or controlled Affiliate of the Borrower is currently the subject of any U.S. sanctions program administered by OFAC; and the Borrower will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the Loans or otherwise knowingly make available such proceeds to any Person for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person currently the subject of any U.S. sanctions program administered by OFAC, except to the extent licensed or otherwise approved by OFAC.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Conditions of Lending

 

The obligations of the Lenders to make Term Loans are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

SECTION 4.01.            Restatement Date .  On the Restatement Date:

 

(a)   The Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Request as required by Section 2.03 (or a Borrowing Request shall have been deemed given in accordance with the last paragraph of Section 2.03 ).

 

 

(b)   The representations and warranties set forth in Article III hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date, with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date).

 

(c)   At the time of and immediately after giving effect to the Restatement Date and the making of the Term Loans, no Event of Default or Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

(d)   The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from the Agents, the Borrower, Holdings and the Lenders listed on Schedule 2.01 either (i) a counterpart of the Restatement Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include fax or other electronic transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of the Restatement Agreement.

 

(e)   The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received duly executed counterparts of the Intercreditor Agreement, signed on behalf of the Administrative Agent and the ABL Agent and acknowledged by the Borrower and the other Loan Parties.

 

(f)   The Administrative Agent shall have received, on behalf of itself and the Lenders on the Restatement Date, a written opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, special counsel for Holdings and the Borrower, (A) dated the Restatement Date, (B) addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on the Restatement Date and (C) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and covering such other matters relating to the Loan Documents and the Transactions as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request, and each of Holdings and the Borrower hereby instructs its counsel to deliver such opinions.

 

(g)   The Administrative Agent shall have received in the case of each Loan Party each of the items referred to in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) below:

 

(i)   a copy of the certificate or articles of incorporation, certificate of limited partnership or certificate of formation, including all amendments thereto, of each Loan Party, certified as of a recent date by the Secretary of State (or other similar official) of the jurisdiction of its organization, and a certificate as to the good standing (to the extent such concept or a similar concept exists under the laws of such jurisdiction) of each such Loan Party as of a recent date from such Secretary of State (or other similar official);

 

(ii)   a certificate of the secretary or assistant secretary or similar officer of each Loan Party dated the Restatement Date and certifying:

 

(A)          that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the by-laws (or limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other equivalent governing documents) of such Loan Party as in effect on the Restatement Date,

 

(B)          that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of such Loan Party (or its managing general partner or managing member) authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which such person is a party and, in the case of the Borrower, the borrowings hereunder, and that such resolutions have not been modified, rescinded or amended and are in full force and effect on the Restatement Date,

 

 

(C)          that the certificate or articles of incorporation, certificate of limited partnership or certificate of formation of such Loan Party has not been amended since the date of the last amendment thereto disclosed pursuant to clause (i) above,

 

(D)          as to the incumbency and specimen signature of each officer executing any Loan Document or any other document delivered in connection herewith on behalf of such Loan Party,

 

(E)           as to the absence of any pending proceeding for the dissolution or liquidation of such Loan Party;

 

(iii)   a certificate of another officer as to the incumbency and specimen signature of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary or similar officer executing the certificate pursuant to clause (ii) above; and

 

(iv)   a certificate of a Responsible Officer of Holdings or the Borrower certifying that as of the Restatement Date (i) all the representations and warranties described in Section 4.01(b)  are true and correct to the extent set forth therein and (ii) that as of the Restatement Date, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from any Borrowing to occur on the Restatement Date or the application of the proceeds thereof.

 

(h)   (i) The Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall have been satisfied, (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have received a duly completed Collateral Questionnaire dated the Restatement Date, together with all attachments contemplated thereby, (iii) the Administrative Agent shall have received the results of a search of the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent) filings made with respect to the Loan Parties and copies of the financing statements (or similar documents) disclosed by such search and (iv) the Administrative Agent shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the Liens indicated by such financing statements (or similar documents) are either permitted by Section 6.02 or have been released (or authorized for release in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent).

 

(i)   The Lenders shall have received the financial statements, Projections and other financial information referred to in Section 3.05 and Section 3.14 .

 

(j)   On the Restatement Date, substantially concurrently with the funding of the Loans, Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall have (i) repaid in full the Existing Debt and caused the termination of any revolving commitments to lend or make other revolving extensions of credit under the Original Credit Agreement and (ii) made arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent with respect to the cancellation of any letters of credit outstanding with respect to the Indebtedness being so repaid or terminated, or the issuance of letters of credit under the ABL Credit Agreement to support the obligations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries with respect thereto.

 

(k)   The Lenders shall have received a solvency certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F and signed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower.

 

(l)   The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees payable thereto or to any Lender on or prior to the Restatement Date and, to the extent invoiced, all other amounts due and payable pursuant to the Loan Documents on or prior to the Restatement Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP) required to be reimbursed or paid by the Loan Parties hereunder or under any other Loan Document.

 

 

(m)   Since December 31, 2011, there shall not have occurred and there is no circumstance or occurrence that is reasonably likely to have (individually or in the aggregate) a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(n)   To the extent requested by the Administrative Agent not less than two (2) days prior to the Restatement Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received, at least one (1) day prior to the Restatement Date, all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

(o)   The Administrative Agent shall have received duly executed originals (or copies thereof, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent) of a letter of direction from the Borrower addressed to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and Lenders, with respect to the disbursement on the Restatement Date of the proceeds of the Loans made on such date.

 

Each Agent and each Lender, by delivering its signature page to the Restatement Agreement and funding a Loan on the Restatement Date shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of and consented to and approved each Loan Document and each other document required to be approved by any Agent or Lender, as applicable, on the Restatement Date.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Affirmative Covenants

 

Each of Holdings (solely as to Sections 5.01 , 5.05 and 5.09 as applicable to it) and the Borrower covenants and agrees with each Lender that so long as this Agreement shall remain in effect and until the principal of and interest on each Loan, all Fees and all other expenses or amounts payable under any Loan Document (other than obligations for taxes, costs, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other contingent liabilities in respect of which no claim or demand for payment has been made or, in the case of indemnifications, no notice been given (or reasonably satisfactory arrangements have otherwise been made)) shall have been paid in full (such occurrence, the “ Termination Date ”), unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, the Borrower (and Holdings solely to the extent applicable to it) will, and the Borrower will cause each of the Restricted Subsidiaries to:

 

SECTION 5.01.            Existence; Businesses and Properties .  (a)   Do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, except (i) where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) as otherwise expressly permitted under Section 6.05 and (iii) the liquidation or dissolution of any Restricted Subsidiary if the assets of such Restricted Subsidiaries are acquired by the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

(b)   Except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, do or cause to be done all things necessary to (i) lawfully obtain, preserve, renew, extend and keep in full force and effect the permits, franchises, authorizations, patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses and rights with respect thereto reasonably necessary to the normal conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) at all times maintain and preserve all property reasonably necessary to the normal conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and keep such property in satisfactory repair, working order and condition and from time to time make, or cause to be made, all needful and proper repairs, renewals, additions, improvements and replacements thereto in accordance with prudent industry practice (in each case except as expressly permitted by this Agreement).

 

 

SECTION 5.02.            Insurance .  (a)   Except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by similarly situated companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations.  Each such policy of insurance shall (i) name the Administrative Agent, on behalf of Secured Parties as an additional insured thereunder as its interests may appear and (ii) in the case of each casualty insurance policy, contain a loss payable clause or endorsement, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent, that names the Administrative Agent, on behalf of Lenders as the loss payee thereunder and to the extent available provides for at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent of any cancellation of such policy.

 

(b)   If at any time the area in which the Premises (as defined in the Mortgages) are located is designated a special “flood hazard area” in any Flood Insurance Rate Map published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency), obtain flood insurance in such reasonable total amount as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably require, and otherwise comply with the National Flood Insurance Program as set forth in the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

SECTION 5.03.            Taxes .  Except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, pay and discharge promptly when due all material Taxes, imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or in respect of its property, as well as all lawful claims which, if unpaid, might give rise to a Lien (other than a Lien permitted under Section 6.02 ) upon such properties or any part thereof except to the extent not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or, if more than thirty (30) days overdue (a) the validity or amount thereof shall be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and the Borrower or the affected Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, shall have set aside on its books reserves in accordance with GAAP with respect thereto and (b) in the case of a Tax or claim which has or may become a Lien on any of the Collateral, such contest proceedings conclusively operate to stay the sale of any portion of the Collateral to satisfy such Tax or claim.

 

SECTION 5.04.            Financial Statements, Reports, etc .  Furnish to the Administrative Agent (which will promptly furnish such information to the Lenders):

 

(a)   within one hundred ten (110) days after the end of each fiscal year (commencing with fiscal year 2012), (x) a consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, cash flows and owners’ equity showing the financial position of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal year and the consolidated results of its operations during such year and setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the prior fiscal year, which consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, cash flows and owners’ equity shall be audited by independent public accountants of recognized national standing and accompanied by an opinion of such accountants (which opinion shall be without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Parent and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, (y) a consolidating balance sheet and related statements of operations and cash flows showing the financial position of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal year and the consolidating results of its operations during such year and setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the prior fiscal year, which consolidating financial information shall not be subject to the audit procedures set forth in clause (x) but shall be certified by a Financial Officer of the Borrower to the extent that such consolidating financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidating basis in accordance with GAAP) and (z) in the case of the information required pursuant to clause (x) or clause

 

 

(y) supporting schedules reconciling such consolidated (or consolidating, as applicable) balance sheet and related statements of operations and cash flows with the consolidated (or consolidating, as applicable) financial condition and results of operations of the Parent or the Borrower, as applicable, for the relevant period (it being understood that the delivery by the Borrower of annual reports on Form 10-K of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries shall satisfy the requirements of this Section 5.04(a)  to the extent such annual reports include the information specified herein);

 

(b)   within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (commencing with the second fiscal quarter of 2012), (x) a consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations and cash flows showing the financial position of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal quarter and the consolidated results of its operations during such fiscal quarter and the then-elapsed portion of the fiscal year and setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year, all of which shall be in reasonable detail and which consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations and cash flows shall be certified by a Financial Officer of the Borrower on behalf of the Borrower as fairly presenting, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of the Parent and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes), (y) a consolidating balance sheet and related statements of operations and cash flows showing the financial position of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal quarter and the consolidating results of its operations during such fiscal quarter and the then-elapsed portion of the fiscal year and setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year, all of which shall be in reasonable detail and which consolidating balance sheet and related statements of operations and cash flows shall be certified by a Financial Officer of the Borrower on behalf of the Borrower as fairly presenting, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidating basis in accordance with GAAP and (z) in the case of information required pursuant to clause (x) or clause (y), supporting schedules reconciling such consolidated (or consolidating, as applicable) balance sheet and related statements of operations and cash flows with the consolidated (or consolidating, as applicable) financial position and results of operations of the Parent or the Borrower, as applicable, for the relevant period (it being understood that the delivery by the Borrower of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries shall satisfy the requirements of this Section 5.04(b)  to the extent such quarterly reports include the information specified herein);

 

(c)   (i) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under paragraphs (a) or (b) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit I (x) certifying that no Default or Event of Default has occurred or, if such a Default or an Event of Default has occurred, specifying the nature and extent thereof and any corrective action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto and (y) setting forth the amount of Adjusted Consolidated Net Income for the applicable period and (ii) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under paragraph (a) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower commencing with the 2012 Excess Cash Flow Period, setting forth the amount, if any, of Excess Cash Flow for the Excess Cash Flow Period then ended, in each case together with the calculation thereof in reasonable detail;

 

(d)   promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other publicly available reports, proxy statements and, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, other materials filed by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with the SEC or any securities exchange, or after an initial public offering, distributed to its stockholders generally, as applicable and all press releases and other statements made available generally by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries to the public concerning material developments in the business of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

 

(e)   within ninety (90) days after the beginning of each fiscal year, a detailed consolidated and consolidated quarterly budget for such fiscal year (including a projected consolidated and consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated and consolidated statements of projected cash flow and projected income) and, as soon as available, significant revisions, if any, of such budget and quarterly projections with respect to such fiscal year (to the extent that such revisions have been approved by the Borrower’s board of directors (or equivalent governing body)), including a description of underlying assumptions with respect thereto (collectively, the “ Budget ”), which Budget shall in each case be accompanied by the statement of a Financial Officer of the Borrower to the effect that, to such Financial Officer’s knowledge, the Budget is a reasonable estimate for the period covered thereby;

 

(f)   promptly following a request therefor, all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent reasonably requests on its behalf or on behalf of any Lender in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act;

 

(g)   together with the delivery of the annual compliance certificate required by Section 5.04(c) , deliver an updated Collateral Questionnaire reflecting all changes since the date of the information most recently received pursuant to this paragraph (g) or Section 5.09(f) ;

 

(h)   promptly following reasonable request therefore from the Administrative Agent, copies of (i) any documents described in Sections 101(f) and/or (j) of ERISA with respect to any Plan, and/or (ii) any notices or documents described in Sections 101(f), (k) and/or (l) of ERISA requested with respect to any Multiemployer Plan; provided , that if any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate has not requested such documents or notices from the administrator or sponsor of the applicable Plan or Multiemployer Plan, then, upon reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, the Loan Party(ies) and/or the ERISA Affiliate(s) shall promptly make a request for such documents or notices from such administer or sponsor and the Borrower shall provide copies of such documents and notices to the Administrative Agent promptly after receipt thereof; and

 

(i)   promptly, from time to time, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or compliance with the terms of any Loan Document, as in each case the Administrative Agent may reasonably request (for itself or on behalf of any Lender).

 

SECTION 5.05.            Litigation and Other Notices .  Furnish to the Administrative Agent written notice of the following promptly after any Responsible Officer of Holdings or the Borrower obtains actual knowledge thereof:

 

(a)   any Default or Event of Default, specifying the nature and extent thereof and the corrective action (if any) proposed to be taken with respect thereto;

 

(b)   any action, suit or proceeding, whether at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental Authority or in arbitration, against Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(c)   the occurrence of any ERISA Event or Foreign Plan Event that, individually or together with all other ERISA Events or Foreign Plan Events that have occurred, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

 

(d)   any other development specific to Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that is not a matter of general public knowledge and that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 5.06.            Compliance with Laws .  Comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; provided that this Section 5.06 shall not apply to Environmental Laws, which are the subject of Section 5.08 , or to laws related to Taxes, which are the subject of Section 5.03 .

 

SECTION 5.07.            Maintaining Records; Access to Properties and Inspections .  Maintain all financial records in a manner sufficient to permit the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP.  Upon the request of Administrative Agent permit any persons designated by the Administrative Agent or, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, any Lender to visit and inspect the financial records and the properties of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries at reasonable times during normal business hours, upon reasonable prior notice to Holdings or the Borrower, and as often as reasonably requested and to make extracts from and copies of such financial records, and permit any persons designated by the Administrative Agent or, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, any Lender upon reasonable prior notice to Holdings or the Borrower to discuss the affairs, finances and condition of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with the officers thereof and independent accountants therefor (subject to reasonable requirements of confidentiality, including requirements imposed by law or by contract); provided , that the Borrower shall have the right to have one or more of its designees present during any discussions with its independent accountants and provided , further , that the Administrative Agent shall not exercise its rights under this Section 5.07 more than two times during any calendar year absent the existence of an Event of Default and only one such time shall be at the Borrower’s expense.  So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to coordinate and otherwise to conduct the foregoing visits and inspections so as to avoid creating unreasonable burdens upon management of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

 

SECTION 5.08.            Compliance with Environmental Laws .  (a)   Comply, and make reasonable efforts to cause all lessees and other persons occupying its properties to comply, with all Environmental Laws applicable to its operations and properties; and obtain and renew all authorizations and permits required pursuant to Environmental Law for its operations and properties, in each case in accordance with Environmental Laws.  This clause (a) shall be deemed not breached by a noncompliance with the foregoing if, upon learning of such noncompliance, the Borrower and any affected Subsidiaries promptly undertake reasonable efforts to eliminate such noncompliance, and such noncompliance and the elimination thereof, in the aggregate with any other noncompliance with any of the foregoing and the elimination thereof, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)   Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect,  generate, use, treat, store, release, dispose of, and otherwise manage Hazardous Materials in a manner that would not reasonably be expected to result in a material liability to any Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or to materially affect any real property owned or leased by any of them; and take reasonable efforts to prevent any other person from generating, using, treating, storing, releasing, disposing of, or otherwise managing Hazardous Materials in a manner that could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability to, or materially affect any real property owned or operated by, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

 

SECTION 5.09.            Further Assurances; Mortgages .  (a)   Execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, Mortgages and other documents and recordings of Liens in stock registries), that may be required under any applicable law, or that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be and remain satisfied, all at the expense of the Loan Parties and provide to the Administrative Agent, from time to time upon reasonable request, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent as to the perfection and priority (subject to the Intercreditor Agreement) of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents.

 

(b)   If any asset (other than real property or improvements thereto or any interest therein) that has an individual fair market value in an amount greater than $5.0 million (as reasonably estimated by the Borrower) is acquired by Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party after the Restatement Date or owned by an entity at the time it becomes a Subsidiary Loan Party (in each case other than assets constituting Collateral under a Security Document that become subject to the Lien of such Security Document upon acquisition thereof), cause such asset to be subjected to a Lien securing the Obligations and take, and cause the Subsidiary Loan Parties to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to grant and perfect such Liens, including actions described in paragraph (a) of this Section, all at the expense of the Loan Parties, subject to paragraph (c) and paragraph (g) below.

 

(c)   Upon the request of the Administrative Agent, grant and cause each of the Subsidiary Loan Parties to grant to the Administrative Agent (or, if the Administrative Agent shall so direct, a collateral agent, sub-agent or similar agent) security interests and mortgages in fee owned real property of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary Loan Parties acquired after the Restatement Date and having a value at the time of acquisition in excess of $5.0 million (as reasonably estimated by the Borrower) pursuant to documentation in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (each, a “ Mortgage ”) and constituting valid and enforceable Liens subject to no other Liens except as are permitted by Section 6.02 .  Unless otherwise waived by the Administrative Agent, with respect to each such Mortgage, the Borrower shall deliver (at its expense) to the Administrative Agent contemporaneously therewith (i) a policy or policies or marked-up unconditional binder of title insurance or foreign equivalent thereof, as applicable, paid for by the Borrower, issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company insuring the Lien of each such Mortgage as a valid first Lien on the Mortgaged Property described therein, free of any other Liens except as permitted by Section 6.02 , together with such endorsements, coinsurance and reinsurance as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (ii) the legal opinions of local U.S. counsel in the state where such real property is located, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(d)   If (i) any additional Restricted Subsidiary is formed or acquired after the Restatement Date or (ii) any Restricted Subsidiary ceases to be an Immaterial Subsidiary pursuant to the definition thereof, and, in each case, if such Subsidiary is a Subsidiary Loan Party, concurrently with the delivery of financial statements pursuant to Section 5.04(a) or (b) , notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders thereof and, within twenty (20) Business Days after such date or such longer period as the Administrative Agent shall agree, cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be satisfied with respect to such Subsidiary and with respect to any Equity Interest in or Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Loan Party owned by or on behalf of any Loan Party.

 

(e)   If any additional Foreign Subsidiary (which Subsidiary is a “first tier” Foreign Subsidiary), Disregarded Domestic Subsidiary or Special Purpose Subsidiary (to the extent a pledge of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary is permitted under the securitization agreements applicable to such Subsidiary) is formed or acquired after the Restatement Date and if such Subsidiary is a Subsidiary Loan

 

 

Party, concurrently with the delivery of financial statements pursuant to Section 5.04(a) or (b) , notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders thereof and, within twenty (20) Business Days after such date or such longer period as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably agree, cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be satisfied with respect to any Equity Interest in such Subsidiary owned by or on behalf of any Loan Party.

 

(f)   (i) Furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of any change in (A) any Loan Party’s corporate or organization name, (B) any Loan Party’s organizational form or (C) any Loan Party’s organizational identification number; provided that neither Holdings nor the Borrower shall effect or permit any such change unless all filings have been made, or will have been made within any applicable statutory period, under the Uniform Commercial Code or otherwise that are required in order for the Administrative Agent to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest in all the Collateral for the benefit of the Secured Parties and (ii) promptly notify the Administrative Agent if any material portion of the Collateral is damaged or destroyed.

 

(g)   The Collateral and Guarantee Requirement and the provisions of this Section 5.09 need not be satisfied with respect to (i) cash and cash equivalents and all deposit, securities and commodities accounts (other than to the extent the foregoing are proceeds of Collateral perfected by filing a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement or to the extent the foregoing are required to be perfected under any then-outstanding ABL Loan Document), (ii) all leasehold real property (including delivery of landlord lien waivers, estoppels and collateral access letters), (iii) any asset (including any fee owned real property but excluding any personal property in which a security interest may be created under the terms of any existing Security Documents pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code) that has an individual fair market value in an amount less than $5.0 million (as reasonably estimated by the Borrower), (iv) Equity Interests of any partnerships, joint ventures and any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary which cannot be pledged without the consent of one (1) or more third parties, (v) margin stock, (vi) security interests to the extent the same would result in adverse tax consequences as reasonably determined by the Borrower, (vii) any property and assets the pledge of which would require governmental consent, approval, license or authorization, (viii) all foreign intellectual property and any “intent-to-use” trademark applications prior to the filing of a “Statement of Use” or “Amendment to Allege Use” with respect thereto, to the extent, if any, that, and solely during the period, if any, in which, the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use trademark application under applicable federal law and (ix) other assets which the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, determines, in its reasonable discretion, should be excluded taking into account the practical operations of the Borrower’s business and its client relationships.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (x) the Loan Parties shall not be required to grant a security interest in any Collateral or perfect a security interest in any Collateral to the extent (A) the burden or cost of obtaining or perfecting a security interest therein outweighs the benefit of the security afforded thereby as reasonably determined by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent or (B) if the granting of a security interest in such asset would be prohibited by enforceable anti-assignment provisions of contracts or applicable law or with respect to any assets to the extent such a pledge would violate the terms of any contract with respect to such assets (in each case, after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable law) or would trigger termination pursuant to any “change of control” or similar provision in any contract, (y) no foreign law security or pledge agreement shall be required and (z) the following Collateral shall not be required to be perfected (A) cash and cash equivalents, deposit, securities and commodities accounts (including securities entitlements and related assets) constituting the proceeds of Collateral, in each case, to the extent a security interest therein cannot be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (other than to the extent the foregoing are required to be perfected under any then-outstanding ABL Loan Document), (B) other assets requiring perfection through control agreements, (C)

 

 

motor vehicles and any other assets subject to state law certificate of title statutes, (D) commercial torts claims and (E) letter of credit rights to the extent not perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code.

 

SECTION 5.10.                                    Fiscal Year; Accounting .  In the case of Holdings and the Borrower, cause its fiscal year to end on December 31.

 

SECTION 5.11.                                    Maintenance of Ratings .  At all times use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain corporate and corporate family ratings issued by Moody’s and S&P with respect to the Term Facility.

 

SECTION 5.12.                                    [Reserved]

 

SECTION 5.13.                                    Use of Proceeds .  Use the proceeds of the Term Loans to consummate the Transactions and pay the Transaction Costs.

 

SECTION 5.14.                                    Certification of Public Information .

 

(a)   Concurrently with the delivery of any document or notice required to be delivered pursuant to any Loan Document, the Borrower shall indicate in writing whether such document or notice contains Nonpublic Information.  The Borrower and each Lender acknowledge that certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or their securities) and, if documents or notices required to be delivered pursuant to this Section 5.14 or otherwise are being distributed through IntraLinks/IntraAgency, Syndtrak or another relevant website or other information platform (the “ Platform ”), any document or notice that the Borrower has indicated contains Nonpublic Information shall not be posted on that portion of the Platform designated for such public-side Lenders.  If the Borrower has not indicated whether a document or notice delivered pursuant to this Section 5.14 contains Nonpublic Information, the Administrative Agent shall post such document or notice solely on that portion of the Platform designated for Lenders who wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower, its Subsidiaries and their securities.  The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the list of Disqualified Institutions does not constitute Nonpublic Information and shall be posted promptly to all Lenders by the Administrative Agent (including any updates thereto).

 

(b)   Each “public-side” Lender as described in paragraph (a) of this Section agrees to cause at least one (1) individual at or on behalf of such Lender to at all times have selected the “private side information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable law, including United States federal and state securities laws, to make reference to information that is not made available through the “public side information” portion of the Platform and that may contain Nonpublic Information with respect to Holdings, the Borrower or the securities of any of the foregoing for purposes of United States federal or state securities laws. In the event that any “public-side” Lender has determined for itself to not access any information disclosed through the Platform or otherwise, such “public-side” Lender acknowledges that (i) other Lenders may have availed themselves of such information and (ii) none of the Borrower, the Agents or the Joint Lead Arrangers has any responsibility for such “public-side” Lender’s decision to limit the scope of the information it has obtained in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Negative Covenants

 

Each of Holdings (solely as to Section 6.08(a) ) and the Borrower covenants and agrees with each Lender that, until the Termination Date, unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, the Borrower will not and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to (and Holdings as to Section 6.08(a) , will not):

 

SECTION 6.01.                                    Indebtedness .  Incur, create, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:

 

(a)   Indebtedness of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents (including Indebtedness in respect of any Incremental Term Facility) and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof; provided that (i) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness may be secured or unsecured, and, if secured, (x) is secured only by the Collateral and on a pari passu or subordinated basis with the Obligations ( provided that such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall not consist of bank loans outside this Agreement that are secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis with the Obligations under this Agreement) and (y) is subject to intercreditor arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) the terms (excluding pricing, fees, rate floors and optional prepayment or redemption terms) of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are not, when taken as a whole, materially more favorable to the lenders providing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness than those applicable to the Term Facility (or the Incremental Term Facility, as applicable) (other than any covenants or other provisions applicable only to periods after the Final Maturity Date (as of the date of incurrence of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness);

 

(b)   Indebtedness pursuant to Swap Agreements not incurred for speculative purposes;

 

(c)   Indebtedness owed to (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees or similar instruments for the benefit of) any person providing workers’ compensation, securing unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other similar obligations to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(d)   Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Subsidiary and of any Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary (including pursuant to the Intercompany Note), provided that (i) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party to the Loan Parties shall be permitted under Section 6.04 and (ii) Indebtedness of the Borrower and of any other Loan Party to any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party (the “ Subordinated Intercompany Debt ”) shall be subordinated to the Obligations pursuant to the subordination terms set forth in the Intercompany Note;

 

(e)   Indebtedness in respect of bids, trade contracts (other than for debt for borrowed money), leases (other than Capital Lease Obligations), statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance, performance and completion and return of money bonds, government contracts, financial assurances and completion guarantees and similar obligations, in each case provided in the ordinary course of business, including those incurred to secure health, safety and environmental obligations in the ordinary course of business (including Indebtedness in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments in lieu of such items to support the issuance thereof);

 

 

(f)   Cash Management Obligations and other Indebtedness in respect of netting services, overdraft protection and similar arrangements, in each case, in connection with cash management and deposit accounts;

 

(g)   (i) (x) Indebtedness assumed or acquired in connection with Permitted Business Acquisitions, which Indebtedness may be secured or unsecured, and provided that (A) such Indebtedness exists at the time of such Permitted Business Acquisition and is not created in contemplation of such event and (B) (1) after giving effect to the assumption or acquisition of such Indebtedness that is unsecured Indebtedness or Subordinated Indebtedness, on a Pro Forma Basis the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period is at least 2.00:1.00 and (2) after giving effect to the assumption or acquisition of such Indebtedness that is secured, on a Pro Forma Basis the Secured Leverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period does not exceed 3.50:1.00 and (y) any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness or (ii) (x)  Indebtedness incurred or issued in connection with Permitted Business Acquisitions, which Indebtedness may be secured or unsecured, and provided that (A) (1) after giving effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness that is unsecured Indebtedness or Subordinated Indebtedness, on a Pro Forma Basis the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period is at least 2.00:1.00 and (2) after giving effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness that is secured, on a Pro Forma Basis the Secured Leverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period does not exceed 3.50:1.00 and (B) such Indebtedness, if unsecured, matures no earlier than the date that is, at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness, ninety-one (91) days after the Final Maturity Date and (y) any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness;

 

(h)   Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings and purchase money Indebtedness (including any industrial revenue bond, industrial development bond and similar financings) incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary prior to or within two hundred seventy (270) days after the acquisition, lease, repair or improvement of the respective asset in order to finance such acquisition, lease, repair or improvement, and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, in an aggregate outstanding principal amount that at the time of, and after giving effect to, the incurrence thereof (together with Indebtedness outstanding pursuant to paragraph (i) of this Section 6.01 ) would not exceed the greater of (x) $50.0 million and (y) an amount equal to 3% of the Consolidated Total Assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for the Test Period most recently ended on or prior to the date of determination for which financial statements are available;

 

(i)   Capital Lease Obligations incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction that is permitted under Section 6.03 and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof in an aggregate outstanding principal amount that at the time of, and after giving effect to the incurrence of (together with Indebtedness outstanding pursuant to paragraph (h) of this Section 6.01 ) would not exceed the greater of (x) $50.0 million and (y) an amount equal to 3% of the Consolidated Total Assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for the Test Period most recently ended on or prior to the date of determination for which financial statements are available;

 

(j)   Indebtedness of the Borrower under (i) the ABL Credit Agreement in an aggregate outstanding principal (or committed) amount not to exceed $150.0 million, provided that such amount may be increased by any Incremental ABL Commitments so long as the sum of (x) the Incremental ABL Commitments, (y) the aggregate initial principal amount of Incremental Term Loans incurred pursuant to Section 2.22(a)(ii)(A) and (z) the aggregate initial principal amount of Incremental Equivalent Debt incurred pursuant to clause (A)(i) of the proviso to Section 6.01(p)(i) does not exceed $125.0 million or (ii) any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement;

 

 

(k)   Guarantees (i) by the Loan Parties of the Indebtedness described in Section 6.01(j) , Section 6.01(o) , Section 6.01(p) and Section 6.01(v ), (ii) by the Borrower or any Loan Party (which guarantees shall be subordinated in the case of any Permitted Debt Securities or any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof on terms no less favorable than the subordination applicable to the guarantees or refinanced Indebtedness) of any Indebtedness of any other Loan Party permitted to be incurred under this Agreement, (iii) by the Borrower or any Loan Party of Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder of any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party, (iv) by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party of Indebtedness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries to the extent, in the case of clauses (iii) and (iv), such Guarantees are permitted by Section 6.04 ; provided that Guarantees by the Borrower or any Loan Party under this Section 6.01(k) of any other Indebtedness of a person that is subordinated to the Obligations shall be expressly subordinated to the Obligations on terms not materially less favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the subordination of such other Indebtedness to the Obligations; provided further that no Guarantee by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries of any Subordinated Indebtedness or the Indebtedness described in Section 6.01(j) shall be permitted unless Holdings or the applicable Subsidiaries, as the case may be, shall have also provided a Guarantee of the Obligations under the Loan Documents on substantially the terms set forth in the applicable Guarantee of such Indebtedness or on terms acceptable to the Administrative Agent;

 

(l)   Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase or acquisition price or similar obligations (including without limitation earn-out obligations), in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition or Disposition of any business or assets (including Equity Interests of Subsidiaries) of the Borrower or any Subsidiary permitted by Section 6.04 or Section 6.05 , other than Guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any person acquiring all or any portion of such business or assets for the purpose of financing such acquisition;

 

(m)   [Reserved];

 

(n)   Indebtedness consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

 

(o)   (i) additional Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof; provided that (A) such Indebtedness shall be (1) Subordinated Indebtedness that constitutes Permitted Debt Securities, (2) unsecured Indebtedness that matures no earlier than the date that is, at the time of such incurrence or issuance, ninety-one (91) days after the Final Maturity Date or (3) secured Indebtedness, so long as (x) after giving effect to such incurrence or issuance, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (y) such Indebtedness is secured only by Liens permitted by Section 6.02(v) , (B) after giving effect to any such incurrence or issuance of Indebtedness that is unsecured or Subordinated Indebtedness, on a Pro Forma Basis the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period is at least 2.00:1.00 and (C) after giving effect to any such incurrence or issuance of Indebtedness that is secured, on a Pro Forma Basis the Secured Leverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period does not exceed 3.50:1.00;

 

(p)   (i) secured or unsecured notes (such notes, “ Incremental Equivalent Debt ”); provided that (A) the aggregate initial principal amount of all Incremental Equivalent Debt shall not exceed (i) together with the aggregate initial principal amount of all Incremental Term Loans incurred pursuant to Section 2.22(a)(ii)(A) , $125.0 million ( less any Incremental ABL Commitments) plus (ii) an additional amount if, after giving effect to such additional amount, on a Pro Forma Basis the Secured Leverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period does not exceed 3.50:1.00 (assuming all such additional amounts were secured, whether or not so secured), (B) the incurrence of such Indebtedness

 

 

shall be subject to clauses (i), (iii), (iv) and (vi) of the proviso to Section 2.22(a) , as if such Incremental Equivalent Debt was an Incremental Term Loan and (C) the covenants and events of default applicable to such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall not be, when taken as a whole, materially more favorable, to the holders of such Indebtedness than those applicable to the Term Facility (except for covenants or other provisions applicable only to periods after the Final Maturity Date) and (ii) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof;

 

(q)   Indebtedness existing on the Restatement Date and set forth on Schedule 6.01 and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness;

 

(r)   (i) Indebtedness supported by a letter of credit issued under the ABL Credit Agreement or any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit and (ii) letters of credit or bank guarantees (other than letters of credit issued pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement or any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement) having an aggregate face amount not to exceed $15.0 million outstanding at any time;

 

(s)   Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries representing (i) deferred compensation to directors, officers, employees, members of management and consultants of Holdings, any Parent Entity, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business and (ii) deferred compensation or other similar arrangements in connection with the Transactions, any Permitted Business Acquisition or any Investment permitted hereby;

 

(t)   Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes issued by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to current or former directors, officers, employees, members of management or consultants of, Holdings, any Parent Entity, the Borrower or any Subsidiary (or their respective estate, heirs, family members, spouse, former spouse, domestic partner or former domestic partner) to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of any Parent Entity permitted by Section 6.06 ;

 

(u)   Indebtedness in respect of (x) letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances supporting trade payables, warehouse receipts or similar facilities entered into in the ordinary course of business or (y) any letter of credit issued in favor of any Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender (in each case as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement or any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement, as applicable) to support any Defaulting ABL Lender’s participation in letters of credit issued, or swingline loans made, under the ABL Credit Agreement or Replacement ABL Credit Agreement, as applicable;

 

(v)   (i) Permitted Debt Securities to finance any prepayments of Indebtedness under the Loan Documents pursuant to Section 9.04(f) and (i) and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing thereof meeting the requirements of Permitted Debt Securities;

 

(w)   Indebtedness arising out of the creation of any Lien (other than for Liens securing debt for borrowed money) permitted under Section 6.02 ;

 

(x)   Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to pay the deferred purchase price of goods or services or progress payments in connection with such goods and services;

 

(y)   unfunded pension fund and other employee benefit plan obligations and liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business to the extent that they are permitted to remain unfunded under applicable law; and

 

 

(z)   other Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, in an aggregate outstanding principal amount that at the time of, and after giving effect to, the incurrence thereof would not exceed $35 million and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness;

 

(aa)   Indebtedness in respect of Receivables Facilities in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time not to exceed $15.0 million;

 

(bb)   (i) additional Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25.0 million and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof; provided that, in each case, such Indebtedness is secured only by Liens permitted by Section 6.02(gg) ; and

 

(cc)   all premium (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on Indebtedness described in paragraphs (a) through (bb) above.

 

SECTION 6.02.                                    Liens .  Create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or assets (including Equity Interests, evidences of Indebtedness or other securities of any person) at the time owned by it or on any income or revenues or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

 

(a)   Liens on property or assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries existing on the Restatement Date and set forth on Schedule 6.02 or, to the extent not listed in such Schedule, where such property or assets have a fair market value that does not exceed $5.0 million in the aggregate and any refinancing, modification, replacement, renewal or extension thereof; provided , that the Lien does not extend to any additional property other than after-acquired property that is affixed to or incorporated in the property covered by such Lien and the proceeds and products thereof;

 

(b)   any Lien (i) created under the Loan Documents, (ii) permitted in respect of any Mortgaged Property by the terms of the applicable Mortgage, (iii) securing Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(a) , (iv) on cash or deposits granted in favor of any Swingline Lender or any Issuing Lender (in each case as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement or any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement, as applicable) to cash collateralize any Defaulting ABL Lender’s participation in letters of credit issued, or swingline loans made, under the ABL Credit Agreement or any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement, as applicable and (iv) subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, Liens securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(j);

 

(c)   any Lien securing Indebtedness or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness permitted by (i) Section 6.01(g)(i) , provided that such Lien (A) in the case of Liens securing Capital Lease Obligations and purchase money Indebtedness, applies solely to the assets securing such Indebtedness immediately prior to the consummation of the related Permitted Business Acquisition and after acquired property, to the extent required by the documentation governing such Indebtedness (without giving effect to any amendment thereof effected in contemplation of such acquisition or assumption), and the proceeds and products thereof; provided , that individual financings otherwise permitted to be secured hereunder provided by one (1) person (or its affiliates) may be cross collateralized to other such financings provided by such person (or its affiliates), (B) in the case of Liens securing Indebtedness other than Capital Lease Obligations or purchase money Indebtedness, such Liens do not extend to the property of any person other than the person acquired or formed to make such acquisition and the subsidiaries of such person (and the Equity Interests in such person), (C) in the case of clause (A) and clause (B) , such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or assumption and (D) in the case of a Lien securing Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, any such Lien is permitted, subject to compliance with clause (e) of the definition of the term “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” and (ii) Section

 

 

6.01(g)(ii) , provided that (A) in the case of any Indebtedness of any Subsidiaries (including Foreign Subsidiaries of the Borrower and Disregarded Domestic Subsidiaries) that are not Subsidiary Loan Parties, such Lien applies solely to the assets and Equity Interests (to the extent not required to be pledged for the benefit of the Secured Parties in accordance with the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement) of such Subsidiaries (including Foreign Subsidiaries of the Borrower, Disregarded Domestic Subsidiaries, their respective Subsidiaries, any other Foreign Subsidiary or any Disregarded Domestic Subsidiary) that are not Subsidiary Loan Parties, (B) in the case of any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Loan Party, such Indebtedness is secured only by the Collateral and on a subordinated basis to the Obligations and is subject to intercreditor arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (C) in the case of a Lien securing Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, any such Lien is permitted, subject to compliance with clause (e) of the definition of the term “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness”;

 

(d)   Liens for Taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies which are not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or, if more than thirty (30) days overdue, (i) which are being contested in accordance with Section 5.03 or (ii) with respect to which the failure to make payment could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(e)   landlord’s, carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s, construction or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or, if more than thirty (30) days overdue, (i) which are being contested in accordance with Section 5.03 or (ii) with respect to which the failure to make payment could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(f)   (i) pledges and deposits made (including to support obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments to secure) in the ordinary course of business in compliance with the Federal Employers Liability Act or any other workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations and deposits securing premiums or liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements in respect of such obligations or otherwise as permitted in Section 6.01(c) and (ii) pledges and deposits securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including to support obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments for the benefit of) insurance carriers in respect of property, casualty or liability insurance to the Borrower or any Subsidiary provided by such insurance carriers;

 

(g)   (i) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for debt for borrowed money), leases (other than Capital Lease Obligations), statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance, performance and completion and return of money bonds, government contracts, financial assurances and completion and similar obligations and similar obligations, including those incurred to secure health, safety and environmental obligations in the ordinary course of business and (ii) obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees that have been posted to support payment of the items set forth in clause (i) of this Section 6.02(g) ;

 

(h)   zoning restrictions, easements, trackage rights, leases (other than Capital Lease Obligations), licenses, special assessments, rights-of-way, restrictions on use of real property and other similar encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business that, in the aggregate, do not interfere in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

(i)   Liens securing Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, and purchase money Indebtedness or improvements thereto hereafter acquired, leased, repaired or improved by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (including the interests of vendors and lessors under conditional sale and title retention agreements); provided that (i) such security interests secure Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(h) (including any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof), (ii) such security interests

 

 

are created, and the Indebtedness secured thereby is incurred, within two hundred seventy (270) days after such acquisition, lease, completion of construction or repair or improvement (except in the case of any Permitted Refinancing), (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of such equipment or other property or improvements at the time of such acquisition or construction, including transaction costs (including any fees, costs or expenses or prepaid interest or similar items) incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such acquisition or construction or material repair or improvement or financing thereof and (iv) such security interests do not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than to the proceeds and products of and the accessions to such equipment or other property or improvements but not to other parts of the property to which any such improvements are made); provided , that individual financings otherwise permitted to be secured hereunder provided by one person (or its affiliates) may be cross collateralized to other such financings provided by such person (or its affiliates);

 

(j)   Liens arising out of (i) sale and lease-back transactions permitted under Section 6.03 and (ii) any Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith permitted by Section 6.01(i) (and any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof), so long as such Liens attach only to the property sold and being leased in such transaction and any accessions thereto or proceeds or products thereof and related property;

 

(k)   Liens securing judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under Section 7.01(j) ;

 

(l)   Liens disclosed by the title insurance policies delivered in connection with the Mortgages or pursuant to Section 5.09 and any replacement, extension or renewal of any such Lien; provided that such replacement, extension or renewal Lien shall not cover any property other than the property that was subject to such Lien prior to such replacement, extension or renewal; provided , further , that the Indebtedness and other obligations secured by such replacement, extension or renewal Lien are permitted by this Agreement;

 

(m)   any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor or sublicensee under any leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses entered into by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

 

(n)   Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business, (iv) attaching to commodity trading or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (v) encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits;

 

(o)   Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provision relating to banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights;

 

(p)   Liens securing obligations in respect letters of credit permitted under Section 6.01(c), (e), (r) and (u) ;

 

(q)   (i) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses of property in the ordinary course of business or (ii) rights reserved to or vested in any person by the terms of any lease, license, franchise, grant or permit held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or by a statutory provision to terminate

 

 

any such lease, license, franchise, grant or permit or to require periodic payments as a condition to the continuance thereof;

 

(r)   Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;

 

(s)   Liens (i) solely on any cash earnest money deposits or Permitted Investments made by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement with respect to any Permitted Business Acquisition or other Investment permitted hereunder and (ii) consisting of an agreement to dispose of any property in a transaction permitted under Section 6.05 ;

 

(t)   Liens arising from precautionary UCC financing statements (or similar filings under other applicable law) regarding operating leases or consignment or bailee arrangements;

 

(u)   Liens on securities that are the subject of repurchase agreements constituting Permitted Investments under clause (c) of the definition thereof arising out of such repurchase transaction;

 

(v)   any Lien securing Indebtedness or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(o) ; provided that (i) in the case of any Indebtedness of Subsidiaries (including Foreign Subsidiaries of the Borrower and Disregarded Domestic Subsidiaries) that are not Subsidiary Loan Parties, such Lien applies solely to the assets and Equity Interests (to the extent not required to be pledged for the benefit of the Secured Parties in accordance with the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement) of such Subsidiaries (including Foreign Subsidiaries of the Borrower, Disregarded Domestic Subsidiaries, their respective Subsidiaries, any other Foreign Subsidiary or any Disregarded Domestic Subsidiary) that are not Subsidiary Loan Parties, (ii) in the case of any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Loan Party, such Indebtedness is secured only by the Collateral and on a subordinated basis to the Obligations and is subject to intercreditor arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (iii) in the case of a Lien securing Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, any such Lien is permitted, subject to compliance with clause (e) of the definition of the term “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness”;

 

(w)   (i) Liens on Equity Interests in Joint Ventures or Unrestricted Subsidiaries securing obligations of such Joint Venture or Unrestricted Subsidiaries, as applicable and (ii) customary rights of first refusal and tag, drag and similar rights in joint venture agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(x)   Liens in favor of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries securing intercompany Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.04 ;

 

(y)   Liens (i) arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale of goods entered into by the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and (ii) arising by operation of law under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code;

 

(z)   Liens securing Incremental Equivalent Debt, provided that such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall be secured only by a Lien on the Collateral and on a pari passu or subordinated basis with the Obligations and shall be subject to intercreditor arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(aa)   other Liens with respect to property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate principal amount of the Indebtedness or other obligations secured by such Liens does not exceed $35.0 million at any time outstanding;

 

 

(bb)   Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;

 

(cc)   Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and the proceeds thereof securing such person’s obligations in respect of documentary letters of credit or banker’s acceptances issued or created for the account of such person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or goods;

 

(dd)   ground leases in the ordinary course in respect of real property on which facilities owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries are located;

 

(ee)   (i) Liens securing obligations under Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.01 and (ii) subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, Liens created under the ABL Loan Documents securing Cash Management Obligations permitted by Section 6.01 ;

 

(ff)   Liens securing obligations under Receivables Facilities permitted by Section 6.01; and

 

(gg)   any Lien securing Indebtedness or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(bb) ; provided that such Lien applies solely to the assets and Equity Interests (to the extent not required to be pledged for the benefit of the Secured Parties in accordance with the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement) of the applicable Foreign Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries.

 

SECTION 6.03.                                    Sale and Lease-Back Transactions .  Enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any person whereby it shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and substantially contemporaneously rent or lease from the transferee such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property being sold or transferred (a “ Sale and Lease-Back Transaction ”), provided that a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction shall be permitted (a) with respect to property (i) owned by the Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary which is a Restricted Subsidiary that is acquired, leased, repaired or improved after the Restatement Date so long as such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction is consummated within two hundred seventy (270) days of the acquisition, lease, repair or improvement of such property or (ii) owned by any Foreign Subsidiary which is a Restricted Subsidiary regardless of when such property was acquired or (b) with respect to any property owned by the Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary which is a Restricted Subsidiary, if at the time the lease in connection therewith is entered into, and after giving effect to the entering into of such lease, such lease is otherwise permitted under this Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.04.                                    Investments, Loans and Advances .  Purchase, hold or acquire any Equity Interests, evidences of Indebtedness or other securities of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to or Guarantees of the obligations of, another person or make a designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary of (each, an “ Investment ”), except:

 

(a)   the Transactions;

 

(b)   Investments among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that the sum of Investments (valued at the time of the making thereof and without giving effect to any write-downs or write-offs thereof, but net in the case of intercompany loans, and in any event, after giving effect to any returns, profits, distributions, and similar amounts, repayment of loans and the release of guarantees (but only to the extent not included in the Available Basket Amount)) after the Restatement Date by the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties in Subsidiaries (including Foreign Subsidiaries of the Borrower) that are not Subsidiary Loan Parties shall not exceed an aggregate net amount equal to (x)

 

 

$50.0 million outstanding at any time; plus (y) the portion, if any, of the Available Basket Amount on the date of such election that the Borrower elects to apply to this clause(b)(y); and provided further that intercompany current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management operations of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall not be included in calculating the limitation in this paragraph at any time;

 

(c)   Permitted Investments and investments that were Permitted Investments when made;

 

(d)   Investments arising out of the receipt by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of promissory notes and other non-cash consideration for Dispositions permitted under Section 6.05 (excluding Section 6.05(e) );

 

(e)   (i) loans and advances to directors, officers, employees, members of management or consultants of Holdings (or any Parent Entity), the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $10.0 million in the aggregate at any time outstanding (calculated without regard to write-downs or write-offs thereof) and (ii) advances of payroll payments and expenses to directors, officers, employees, members of management or consultants in the ordinary course of business;

 

(f)   accounts receivable, notes receivable, security deposits and prepayments arising and trade credit granted in the ordinary course of business and any Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers made in the ordinary course of business;

 

(g)   Investments under Swap Agreements permitted pursuant to Section 6.01 ;

 

(h)   Investments existing on, or contractually committed as of, the Restatement Date and set forth on Schedule 6.04 and any modification, replacement, renewal or extension thereof so long as any such modification, renewal or extension thereof does not increase the amount of such Investment except by terms thereof or as otherwise permitted by this Section 6.04 ;

 

(i)   Investments resulting from pledges and deposits permitted by Section 6.02(b)(iv) , (f) and (g) ;

 

(j)   Investments (i) constituting Permitted Business Acquisitions, (ii) in any Subsidiary in an amount required to permit such person to consummate a Permitted Business Acquisition and (iii) in any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party consisting of the Equity Interests of any person who is not a Subsidiary Loan Party;

 

(k)   Guarantees (i) permitted by Sections 6.01(k) and (ii) of leases (other than Capital Lease Obligations) or of other obligations not constituting Indebtedness, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(l)   Investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of any person, or settlement of obligations of, or other disputes with or judgments against, or foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure with respect to any Lien held as security for an obligation, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(m)   Investments of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary acquired after the Restatement Date or of a person merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case, in accordance with Section 6.05 (other than Section 6.05(e) ), after the Restatement Date to

 

 

the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation and any modification, replacement, renewal or extension thereof so long as any such modification, renewal or extension thereof does not increase the amount of such Investment except as otherwise permitted by this Section 6.04 ;

 

(n)   acquisitions by the Borrower of obligations of one (1) or more directors, officers, employees, members or management or consultants of Holdings, the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in connection with such person’s acquisition of Equity Interests of Holdings (or its Parent Entity), so long as no cash is actually advanced by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to such persons in connection with the acquisition of any such obligations;

 

(o)   Investments in Holdings in amounts and for purposes for which Restricted Payments to Holdings are permitted under Section 6.06 ;

 

(p)   Investments consisting of Indebtedness, Liens, Sale and Lease-Back Transactions, mergers, consolidations, Dispositions, Restricted Payments, Affiliate transactions and prepayments and repurchases of Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 , 6.02 , 6.03 , 6.05 , 6.06 , 6.07(b)(iv) , 6.07(b)(viii) , 6.07(b)(xvii) , 6.09 and 9.04(f) and (i) ;

 

(q)   Investments by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in an outstanding aggregate amount (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write-downs or write-offs thereof) not to exceed $50.0 million, ( plus any returns, profits, distributions and similar amounts, repayments of loans and the release of guarantees in respect of Investments theretofore made by it pursuant to this paragraph (q) to the extent not otherwise included in the determination of the Available Basket Amount);

 

(r)   other Investments by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate amount (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write-downs or write-offs thereof) not to exceed (i) the portion, if any, of the Available Basket Amount on the date of such election that the Borrower elects to apply to this Section 6.04(r) plus (ii) the portion, if any, of the Excluded Contributions on the date of such election that the Borrower elects to apply to this Section 6.04(r) ;

 

(s)   Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of (A) endorsements for collection or deposit or (B) customary trade arrangements with customers;

 

(t)   Investments to the extent the consideration paid therefor consists solely of Equity Interests of the applicable person or any direct or indirect parent thereof;

 

(u)   Investments made in the ordinary course of business in connection with obtaining, maintaining or renewing client and customer contracts and loans or advances made to, and guarantees with respect to obligations of, distributors, suppliers, licensors and licensees in the ordinary course of business;

 

(v)   Investments made by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to the extent such Investments are made with the proceeds received by such Restricted Subsidiary from an Investment made by a Loan Party in such Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to this Section 6.04 ; and

 

(w)   Investments in, or relating to, a Special Purpose Subsidiary that, in the good faith determination of the Borrower, are necessary or advisable to effect any Receivables Facility permitted by

 

 

Section 6.01(aa) or any Investment in an entity which is not a Restricted Subsidiary to which a Restricted Subsidiary sells accounts receivable in connection with a Receivables Facility permitted by Section 6.01(aa).

 

SECTION 6.05.                                    Mergers, Consolidations and Dispositions .  Merge into or consolidate with any other person, or permit any other person to merge into or consolidate with it, or Dispose of (in one (1) transaction or in a series of related transactions) all or any part of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or Dispose of any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, except that this Section shall not prohibit:

 

(a)   (i) the Disposition of inventory and equipment in the ordinary course of business by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) the Disposition of surplus, obsolete, used or worn out property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) the leasing or subleasing of real property in the ordinary course of business by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or (iv) the Disposition of Permitted Investments in the ordinary course of business;

 

(b)   if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) the merger of any Subsidiary of Holdings (which shall either be (A) newly formed expressly for the purpose of such transaction and which owns no assets or (B) a Subsidiary of the Borrower) into the Borrower in a transaction in which the Borrower is the surviving or resulting entity or the surviving or resulting person expressly assumes the obligations of the Borrower in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (ii) the merger or consolidation of any Subsidiary with or into any other Subsidiary; provided that in a transaction involving (A) the Borrower or (B) any Subsidiary Loan Party, a Subsidiary Loan Party shall be the surviving or resulting person or such transaction shall be an Investment permitted by Section 6.04 or (iii) the liquidation or dissolution of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) or change in form of entity of any Restricted Subsidiary if the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation, dissolution or change in form is in the best interests of the Borrower;

 

(c)   Dispositions among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise); provided that any Dispositions by a Loan Party to a person that is not a Loan Party shall be for book value (as reasonably determined by such person) or such transaction shall, to the extent sold for less than fair market value (as reasonably estimated by the Borrower), be made in compliance with Section 6.04 ;

 

(d)   Sale and Lease-Back Transactions permitted by Section 6.03 ;

 

(e)   Liens permitted by Section 6.02 , Investments permitted by Section 6.04 , and Restricted Payments permitted by Section 6.06 ;

 

(f)   Dispositions of receivables (i) in the ordinary course of business and not as part of an accounts receivables financing transaction or (ii) in connection with the collection, settlement or compromise thereof in a bankruptcy or similar proceeding;

 

(g)   Dispositions by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise permitted by this Section 6.05 in an aggregate amount not to exceed, in any fiscal year, the greater of (i) $100.0 million and (ii) 5% of Consolidated Total Assets; provided that (i) the consideration for any Disposition shall be at least 75% cash consideration ( provided that for purposes of the 75% cash consideration requirement (w) the amount of any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (as shown on such person’s most recent balance sheet or in the notes thereto) that are assumed

 

 

by the transferee of any such assets, (x) the amount of any trade-in value applied to the purchase price of any replacement assets acquired in connection with such Disposition, (y) any securities received by such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or cash equivalents (to the extent of the cash or cash equivalents received) following the closing of the applicable Disposition and (z) any Designated Non-Cash Consideration received in respect of such Disposition having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-Cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (z) and clause (ii)(z) of the proviso to Section 6.05(dd) that is at that time outstanding, not in excess of $25.0 million in each case, shall be deemed to be cash) and (ii) the Net Proceeds thereof are applied in accordance with Section 2.11(b) ; provided further that immediately prior to and after giving effect to such Disposition, no Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing;

 

(h)   Dispositions by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of assets that were acquired in connection with an acquisition permitted hereunder (including, without limitation, Permitted Business Acquisitions); provided that any such sale, transfer, lease or other disposition shall be made or contractually committed to be made within two hundred seventy (270) days of the date such assets were acquired by the Borrower or such Subsidiary; and provided further that, on a Pro Forma Basis for such disposition of a line of business or manufacturing facility and the consummation of such Permitted Business Acquisition, the Total Leverage Ratio does not exceed 5.00:1.00;

 

(i)   any merger or consolidation in connection with an Investment permitted under Section 6.04 (including any Subsidiary Redesignation or Unrestricted Subsidiary Designation); provided that (i) if the continuing or surviving person is a Restricted Subsidiary, such Restricted Subsidiary shall have complied with its obligations under Section 5.09 (if any), (ii) in the case of a transaction, the purpose of which is a Subsidiary Redesignation or an Unrestricted Subsidiary Designation, such transaction must be consummated in compliance with Section 6.04 , and (iii) if the Borrower is a party thereto, the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving person or the continuing or surviving person shall assume the obligations of the Borrower in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent;

 

(j)   licensing and cross-licensing arrangements involving any technology or other intellectual property of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

 

(k)   Dispositions of inventory or other property of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries determined by the management of the Borrower to be no longer useful or necessary in the operation of the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(l)   Permitted Business Acquisitions;

 

(m)   the issuance of Qualified Capital Stock by the Borrower;

 

(n)   sales of Equity Interests of any Subsidiary of the Borrower; provided that, in the case of the sale of the Equity Interests of a Subsidiary Loan Party which is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, the purchaser shall be the Borrower or another Subsidiary Loan Party or such transaction shall fit within another clause of this Section 6.05 or constitute an Investment permitted by Section 6.04 (other than Section 6.04(p) );

 

(o)   Dispositions of property to the extent that (A) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (B) the proceeds of such sale, transfer, lease or other disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;

 

 

(p)   leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses of property in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(q)   Dispositions of property subject to casualty or condemnation proceeding (including in lieu thereof) upon receipt of the Net Proceeds therefor;

 

(r)   Dispositions of property in the ordinary course of business consisting of the abandonment of intellectual property rights which, in the reasonable good faith determination of the Borrower, are not material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(s)   Dispositions of Investments in Joint Ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in, joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;

 

(t)   Dispositions of real property and related assets in the ordinary course of business in connection with relocation activities for directors, officers, employees, members of management, or consultants of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(u)   terminations of Swap Agreements;

 

(v)   the expiration of any option agreement in respect of real or personal property;

 

(w)   Dispositions of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

 

(x)   any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower may consummate a merger, dissolution, liquidation or consolidation, the purpose of which is to effect a Disposition otherwise permitted under this Section 6.05 ;

 

(y)   Dispositions permitted by Section 6.04 (other than Section 6.04(p) ) and Section 6.06 (other than Section 6.06(h) ) and Liens permitted by Section 6.02 ;

 

(z)   the Disposition of the asset identified to the Administrative Agent prior to the Restatement Date;

 

(aa)   any surrender or waiver of contractual rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contractual rights or other litigation claims in the ordinary course of business;

 

(bb)   Dispositions in connection with the outsourcing of services in the ordinary course of business;

 

(cc)   Dispositions (including by capital contribution) of accounts receivable and related assets, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility permitted by Section 6.01(aa).

 

(dd)   Dispositions by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of assets not otherwise permitted by this Section 6.05 ; provided that, (i) on a Pro Forma Basis for such Disposition, (x) the Total Leverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period does not exceed 5.00:1.00 or (y) the Total Leverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period is less than the Total Leverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period without giving pro forma effect to such Disposition, (ii) the consideration for any Disposition shall be at least 75% cash consideration ( provided that for purposes of the 75% cash consideration requirement (w) the amount of any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the

 

 

Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (as shown on such person’s most recent balance sheet or in the notes thereto) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets, (x) the amount of any trade-in value applied to the purchase price of any replacement assets acquired in connection with such Disposition, (y) any securities received by such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or cash equivalents (to the extent of the cash or cash equivalents received) following the closing of the applicable Disposition and (z) any Designated Non-Cash Consideration received in respect of such Disposition having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-Cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (z) and clause (i)(z) of the proviso to Section 6.05(g) that is at that time outstanding, not in excess of $25.0 million in each case, shall be deemed to be cash) and (iii) the Net Proceeds thereof are applied in accordance with Section 2.11(b) ; provided further that immediately prior to and after giving effect to such Disposition, no Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above in this Section 6.05 , (i) no Disposition in excess of $15.0 million shall be permitted by this Section 6.05 (other than Dispositions pursuant to clause (a)(ii), (a)(iii), (b), (c), (i), (k), (l), (r), (s), (t) (u), (v), (w), (x), (aa), (bb) or (cc) (to the extent such Disposition is not required to be for fair market value)) unless such Disposition is for fair market value (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) and (ii) no Disposition shall be permitted by paragraph (d) or (k) of this Section 6.05 unless such Disposition is for at least 75% cash consideration and (iii) no Disposition in excess of $15.0 million shall be permitted by paragraph (h) of this Section 6.05 unless such Disposition is for at least 75% cash consideration; provided that for purposes of the 75% cash consideration requirement in the foregoing clauses (ii) and (iii), (w) the amount of any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (as shown on such person’s most recent balance sheet or in the notes thereto) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets, (x) the amount of any trade-in value applied to the purchase price of any replacement assets acquired in connection with such Disposition, (y) any securities received by such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or cash equivalents (to the extent of the cash or cash equivalents received) following the closing of the applicable Disposition, and (z) any Designated Non-Cash Consideration received in respect of such Disposition having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-Cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (z) that is at that time outstanding, not in excess of $25.0 million (with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), in each case, shall be deemed to be cash.

 

SECTION 6.06.                                    Dividends and Distributions .  Declare or pay, directly or indirectly, any dividend or make any other distribution (by reduction of capital or otherwise), whether in cash, property, securities or a combination thereof, with respect to any Equity Interests of the Borrower (other than dividends and distributions on such Equity Interests payable solely by the issuance of additional Equity Interests of the Borrower) or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase, retire or otherwise acquire for value any Equity Interests of the Borrower or set aside any amount for any such purpose (other than through the issuance of additional Equity Interests of the person redeeming, purchasing, retiring or acquiring such shares) (a “ Restricted Payment ”); provided , however, that:

 

(a)   the Borrower may make the Restatement Date Dividend;

 

(b)   the Borrower may make Restricted Payments as shall be necessary to allow Holdings (or any Parent Entity) (i) to pay operating expenses in the ordinary course of business and other corporate overhead, legal, accounting and other professional fees and expenses (including, without limitation, those owing to third parties plus any customary indemnification claims made by directors, officers, employees, members of management and consultants of Holdings (or any Parent Entity) attributable to the ownership or operations of Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries),

 

 

(ii) to pay fees and expenses related to any debt or equity offering, investment or acquisition permitted hereunder (whether or not successful), (iii) to pay franchise or similar taxes and other fees and expenses required in connection with the maintenance of its existence and its ownership of the Borrower and in order to permit Holdings to make payments (other than cash interest payments) which would otherwise be permitted to be paid by the Borrower under Section 6.07(b) , (iv) to finance any Investment permitted to be made under Section 6.04; provided , that (A) such Restricted Payments under this clause (iv) shall be made substantially concurrently with the closing of such Investment and (B) the Parent Entity shall, immediately following the closing thereof cause all property acquired to be contributed to the Borrower or one (1) of the Restricted Subsidiaries or the merger of the person formed or acquired into the Borrower or one (1) of the Restricted Subsidiaries in order to consummate such Investment; and (v) to pay customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to directors, officers, employees, members of management or consultants of Holdings or any Parent Entity to the extent such salary, bonuses and other benefits are directly attributable and reasonably allocated to the operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

 

(c)   the Borrower may make Restricted Payments the proceeds of which are used to purchase or redeem (i) the Equity Interests of Holdings or any Parent Entity (including related stock appreciation rights or similar securities) held by then present or former directors, officers, employees, members of management or consultants of any Parent Entity, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (or the estate, heirs, family members, spouse, former spouse, domestic partner or former domestic partner of any of the foregoing) or by any Plan, provided that the aggregate amount of such Restricted Payments under this paragraph (c) shall not exceed in any fiscal year $15.0 million ( plus the sum of the amount of (x) net proceeds received by the Borrower during such fiscal year from sales of Equity Interests of Holdings or any Parent Entity to directors, officers, employees, members of management or consultants of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary (or the estate, heirs, family members, spouse, former spouse, domestic partner or former domestic partner of any of the foregoing), or any Plan and (y) net proceeds of any key-man life insurance policies received during such fiscal year), which, if not used in any year, may be carried forward to the next subsequent fiscal year and (ii) fractional shares of Equity Interests;

 

(d)   repurchases of Equity Interests in Holdings (or any Parent Entity), the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or similar Equity Interests if such repurchased Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or taxes to be paid in connection therewith;

 

(e)   the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to Holdings in an aggregate amount equal to (i) the portion, if any, of the Available Basket Amount on the date of such election that the Borrower elects to apply to this Section 6.06(e)(i) plus (ii) the portion, if any, of the Excluded Contributions on the date of such election that the Borrower elects to apply to this Section 6.06(e)(ii) ; provided that, with respect to clause (i), (x) at the time of such Restricted Payments and after giving effect thereto and to any borrowing in connection therewith, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis for the most recently completed Test Period is at least 2.00:1.00 and (y) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

(f)   the Borrower and any Subsidiary of the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to any direct or indirect member of an affiliated group of corporations that files a consolidated U.S. federal tax return with the Borrower (the “ Tax Distributions ”), provided that, such Tax Distributions shall not exceed the amount that the Borrower or its Subsidiaries would have been required to pay in respect of federal, state or local taxes, as the case may be, in respect of such year if the Borrower or its Subsidiaries had paid such taxes directly as a stand-alone taxpayer or stand-alone group;

 

 

(g)   the Borrower may make Restricted Payments with the net proceeds of any issuance of Qualified Capital Stock after the Restatement Date;

 

(h)   to the extent constituting a Restricted Payment, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into the transactions expressly permitted by Section 6.04 , Section 6.05 (other than Section 6.05(e)) or Section 6.07 ;

 

(i)   the proceeds of which shall be used by Holdings to make (or to make a Restricted Payment to any Parent Equity to enable it to make) cash payments in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for Equity Interests of Holdings or any Parent Equity;

 

(j)   payments made or expected to be made by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of withholding or similar Taxes payable by any future, present or former officers, directors, employees, members of management or consultants of the Borrower (or any Parent Entity) or any of its Subsidiaries (or the estate, heirs, family members, spouse, former spouse, domestic partner or former domestic partner of the foregoing) and any repurchases of Equity Interest in consideration of such payments including demand repurchases in connection with the exercise of stock options;

 

(k)   redemptions, repurchases, retirements or other acquisitions of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any Parent Entity in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary) of, Equity Interests of the Borrower or any Parent Entity (to the extent the proceeds of such sale are contributed to the capital of the Borrower) (in each case, other than any Equity Interests issued or sold that are not Qualified Capital Stock) (“ Refunding Capital Stock ”); and

 

(l)   distributions or payments of Receivables Fees.

 

SECTION 6.07.                                    Transactions with Affiliates .  (a)  Sell or transfer any property or assets to, or purchase or acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transaction with, any of its Affiliates, unless such transaction is (i) otherwise permitted (or required) under this Agreement or (ii) except with respect to any Investments permitted by Section 6.04 , upon terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a person that is not an Affiliate.  Any transaction or series of related transactions involving the payment of less than $10.0 million with any such Affiliate shall be deemed to have satisfied the standard set forth in clause (ii) above if such transaction is approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors of the board of managers (or equivalent governing body) of any Parent Entity, the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

(b)   The foregoing paragraph (a) shall not prohibit,

 

(i)   any issuance of securities, or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of any Parent Entity,

 

(ii)   loans or advances to directors, officers, employees, members of management or consultants of Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries permitted or not prohibited by Section 6.04 ,

 

 

(iii)   transactions among Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in each case otherwise permitted or not prohibited by the Loan Documents,

 

(iv)   the payment of fees and indemnities to directors, officers, employees, members of management or consultants of any Parent Entity, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business,

 

(v)   permitted agreements in existence on the Restatement Date and set forth on Schedule 6.07 or any amendment thereto to the extent such amendment is not adverse to the Lenders in any material respect,

 

(vi)   (A) any employment or severance agreements or arrangements entered into by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (B) any subscription agreement or similar agreement pertaining to the repurchase of Equity Interests pursuant to put/call rights or similar rights with employees, officers, directors, members of management or consultants, and (C) any employee compensation, benefit plan or arrangement, any health, disability or similar insurance plan which covers employees, and any reasonable employment contract or arrangement and transactions pursuant thereto,

 

(vii)   Restricted Payments permitted under Section 6.06 ,

 

(viii)   any purchase by Holdings of or contributions to, the equity capital of the Borrower,

 

(ix)   payments by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to the Permitted Investors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including in connection with acquisitions or divestitures, which payments are approved by the majority of the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the Borrower, in good faith,

 

(x)   transactions among the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for the purchase or sale of goods, products, parts and services entered into in the ordinary course of business,

 

(xi)   any transaction in respect of which the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent (for delivery to the Lenders) a letter addressed to the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the Borrower from an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm, in each case of nationally recognized standing, which letter states that such transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a person that is not an Affiliate,

 

(xii)   the Transactions, including the payment of all fees, expenses, bonuses and awards (including Transaction Costs) related to the Transactions,

 

(xiii)   Guarantees permitted by Section 6.01 ,

 

(xiv)   the issuance and sale of Qualified Capital Stock or Permitted Debt Securities,

 

(xv)   transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or Joint Ventures for the purchase or sale of goods and services entered into in the ordinary course of business,

 

(xvi)   transactions pursuant to the Tax Sharing Agreement,

 

 

(xvii)   the indemnification of directors, officers, employees, members of management or consultants of any Parent Entity, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with customary practice, and

 

(xviii)   sales of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Receivables Facility permitted by Section 6.01(aa).

 

SECTION 6.08.                                    Business of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries .  Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, engage at any time in any business or business activity other than:

 

(a)   in the case of Holdings, (A) ownership and acquisition of Equity Interests in the Borrower, together with activities directly related thereto, (B) performance of its obligations under and in connection with the Loan Documents (and Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof) and the other agreements contemplated hereby and thereby, (C) performance of its obligations under and in connection with the ABL Loan Documents and the other agreements contemplated thereby, (D) actions incidental to the consummation of the Transactions (including the payment of Transaction Costs), (E) the incurrence of and performance of its obligations related to Indebtedness and Guarantees incurred by Holdings after the Restatement Date and that are related to the other activities referred to in, or otherwise permitted by, this Section 6.08(a) including the payment by Holdings, directly or indirectly, of dividends or other distributions (by reduction of capital or otherwise), including the Restatement Date Dividend, whether in cash, property, securities or a combination thereof, with respect to any of its Equity Interests, or directly or indirectly redeeming, purchasing, retiring or otherwise acquiring for value any of its Equity Interests or setting aside any amount for any such purpose, (F) actions required by law to maintain its existence, (G) the payment of taxes and other customary obligations, (H) the issuance of Equity Interests, (I) any transaction contemplated or referred to in this Article VI (including guaranteeing Indebtedness or obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries) and (J) activities incidental to its maintenance and continuance and to the foregoing activities, or

 

(b)   in the case of the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary, any business or business activity conducted by any of them on the Restatement Date and any business or business activities incidental or related thereto, or any business or activity that is reasonably similar thereto or a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof or ancillary thereto.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in herein, Holdings shall not sell, dispose of, grant a Lien on or otherwise transfer its Equity Interests in the Borrower (other than (i) Liens created by the Collateral Documents, (ii) subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, Liens created by the ABL Loan Documents, (iii) Liens arising by operation of law that would be permitted under Section 6.02 or (iv) the sale, disposition or other transfer (whether by purchase and sale, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) of the Equity Interests of the Borrower to any Parent Entity that becomes a Loan Party and agrees to be bound by this Section 6.08 ).

 

SECTION 6.09.                                    Limitation on Modifications of Indebtedness; Modifications of Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws and Certain Other Agreements; etc .  (a)   Amend or modify in any manner materially adverse to the Lenders, or grant any waiver or release under or terminate in any manner (if such granting or termination shall be materially adverse to the Lenders), the articles or certificate of incorporation or by-laws or limited liability company operating agreement of Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiary Loan Parties.

 

(b)   Make, or agree to make, directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) of or in respect of principal of or interest on any

 

 

Subordinated Indebtedness with an aggregate outstanding principal amount in excess of $35.0 million in respect thereof, or any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of such Subordinated Indebtedness (except for (i) Refinancings otherwise permitted by Section 6.01 , (ii) payments of regularly scheduled interest, fees, expenses and indemnification obligations and, to the extent this Agreement is then in effect, principal on the scheduled maturity date thereof, (iii) any AHYDO “catch up” payments and (iv) the conversion of any Subordinated Indebtedness to Equity Interests of Holdings or any Parent Entity (each such payment or distribution, a “ Restricted Debt Payment ”)); provided , however , that any such Subordinated Indebtedness may be repurchased, redeemed, retired, acquired, cancelled or terminated so long as (x) (A) immediately prior to and after giving effect to such repurchase, no Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing and (B) the aggregate principal amount of such repurchases under this clause (x) shall not exceed in the aggregate (1) the portion, if any, of the Available Basket Amount that the Borrower elects to apply to this clause (B) and (2) $50.0 million, provided that after giving effect to any repurchase using the Available Basket Amount and any Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the most recently completed Test Period calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is at least 2.00 to 1.00 or (y) the aggregate principal amount of such repurchases under this clause (y) shall not exceed the portion, if any, of the Excluded Contributions that the Borrower elects to apply to this clause (y); or

 

(c)   Amend or modify, or permit the amendment or modification of, any provision of any Permitted Debt Securities, unsecured Indebtedness or Subordinated Indebtedness (or Permitted Refinancings in respect thereof) in each case with an aggregate outstanding principal amount in excess of $20.0 million of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any agreement relating thereto, other than amendments or modifications that are not materially adverse to Lenders (it being understood that this Section 6.09(c) shall not restrict Permitted Refinancings permitted by Section 6.01 ); or

 

(d)   Permit the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to enter into any agreement or instrument that by its terms restricts (i) the payment of dividends or distributions or the making of cash advances to (or the repayment of cash advances from) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) the granting of Liens on Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents, in each case other than those arising under any Loan Document, except, in each case, restrictions existing by reason of:

 

(i)   restrictions imposed by applicable law;

 

(ii)   contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Restatement Date or contained in any agreements related to any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness, or any such encumbrances or restrictions in any agreements relating to any Permitted Debt Securities issued after the Restatement Date or Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, in each case so long as the scope of such encumbrance or restriction is no more expansive in any material respect than any such encumbrance or restriction in effect on the Restatement Date (or the date of issuance as the case may be), or any agreement (regardless of whether such agreement is in effect on the Restatement Date) providing for the subordination of Subordinated Intercompany Debt;

 

(iii)   any restriction on a Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the Disposition of all or substantially all the Equity Interests or assets of such Subsidiary pending the closing of such sale or disposition;

 

(iv)   customary provisions in Joint Venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to Joint Ventures entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

 

(v)   any restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness;

 

(vi)   customary provisions contained in leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses of intellectual property and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(vii)   customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest;

 

(viii)   customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(ix)   customary restrictions and conditions contained in any agreement relating to any Disposition permitted under Section 6.05 pending the consummation of such Disposition;

 

(x)   customary restrictions and conditions contained in the document relating to any Lien, so long as (1) such Lien is permitted under Section 6.02 and such restrictions or conditions relate only to the specific asset subject to such Lien and the proceeds and products thereof, and (2) such restrictions and conditions are not created for the purpose of avoiding the restrictions imposed by this Section 6.09 ;

 

(xi)   customary net worth provisions contained in real property leases entered into by Subsidiaries of the Borrower, so long as the Borrower has determined in good faith that such net worth provisions could not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to meet their ongoing obligations;

 

(xii)   any agreement in effect at the time such person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, so long as such agreement was not entered into in contemplation of such person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(xiii)   restrictions contained in any documents documenting Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party permitted hereunder; or

 

(xiv)   customary restrictions and conditions created in connection with any Receivables Facility permitted by Section 6.01(aa) that, in the good faith determination of the Borrower, are necessary or advisable to effect such Receivables Facility.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Events of Default

 

SECTION 7.01.                                    Events of Default .  In case of the happening of any of the following events (each, an “ Event of Default ”):

 

(a)   any representation or warranty made or deemed made by Holdings, the Borrower or any other Loan Party in any Loan Document, or in any certificate or other instrument required to be given by any Loan Party in writing furnished in connection with or pursuant to any Loan Document, shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect when so made, deemed made pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents or so furnished by Holdings, the Borrower or any other Loan Party;

 

 

(b)   default shall be made in the payment of any principal of any Loan when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or by acceleration thereof or otherwise;

 

(c)   default shall be made in the payment of any interest on any Loan or in the payment of any Fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in paragraph (b) above) due under any Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of five (5) Business Days;

 

(d)   default shall be made in the due observance or performance by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.05(a) or in Article VI ;

 

(e)   default shall be made in the due observance or performance by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those specified in paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) above) and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders to the Borrower;

 

(f)   (i) any event or condition occurs that (A) results in any Indebtedness in excess of $3 5.0 million becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or (B) enables or permits (with all applicable grace periods having expired) the holder or holders any Indebtedness in excess of $35.0 million or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any such Indebtedness in excess of $35.0 million to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity or (ii) Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall fail to pay the principal of any Indebtedness in excess of $35.0 million at the stated final maturity thereof; provided that this paragraph (f) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness if such sale or transfer is permitted hereunder; provided further that any such failure is unremedied and not waived by the holders of such Indebtedness prior to the acceleration of the Loans pursuant to this Section 7.01 ; provided further that any such event or condition under the ABL Loan Documents (other than a payment default or any default relating to bankruptcy or insolvency) shall not constitute an Event of Default under this Section 7.01(f) until the earliest to occur of (x) the date that is 30 days after such event or circumstance (but only if such event or circumstance has not been waived or cured), (y) the acceleration of the Indebtedness under the ABL Facility and (z) the exercise of any remedies by the ABL Agent or collateral agent (or any agent in respect of any Replacement ABL Credit Agreement) or any lenders under the ABL Facility in respect of any Collateral;

 

(g)   there shall have occurred a Change in Control;

 

(h)   an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking (i) relief in respect of Holdings, the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary), or of a substantial part of the property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any material Restricted Subsidiary, under the Bankruptcy Code, or any other federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law, (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Holdings, the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary or (iii) the winding-up or liquidation of Holdings, the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary (except, in the case of any such Restricted Subsidiary, in a transaction permitted by Section 6.05 ); and such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

 

 

(i)   Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary), shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking relief under the Bankruptcy Code, or any other federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or the filing of any petition described in paragraph (h) above, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Holdings, the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) become unable or admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;

 

(j)   the failure by Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to pay one (1) or more final judgments aggregating in excess of $ 35.0 million (to the extent not covered by third-party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment and does not deny coverage), which judgments are not discharged or effectively waived or stayed for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to levy upon assets or properties of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;

 

(k)   (i) an ERISA Event and/or a Foreign Plan Event shall have occurred, (ii) a trustee shall be appointed by a United States district court to administer any Plan(s) or (iii) any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate shall have been notified by the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that it has incurred or will be assessed Withdrawal Liability to such Multiemployer Plan and such person does not have reasonable grounds for contesting such Withdrawal Liability or is not contesting such Withdrawal Liability in a timely and appropriate manner; and in each case in clauses (i) through (iii) above, such event or condition, together with all other such events or conditions, if any, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

(l)   (i) any Loan Document shall for any reason cease to be, or shall be asserted in writing by Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary not to be, a legal, valid and binding obligation of any party thereto, (ii) any security interest purported to be created by any Security Document and to extend to assets that are not immaterial to Holdings, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis shall cease to be, or shall be asserted in writing by Holdings, the Borrower or any other Loan Party not to be (other than in a notice to the Administrative Agent to take requisite actions to perfect such Lien), a valid and perfected security interest (perfected as and having the priority required by the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement or the relevant Security Document and subject to such limitations and restrictions as are set forth herein and therein) in the securities, assets or properties covered thereby, except to the extent (x) any such loss of perfection or priority results from the failure of the Administrative Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Agreement, (y) such loss is covered by a lender’s title insurance policy as to which the insurer has been notified of such loss and does not deny coverage and the Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied with the credit of such insurer or (z) such loss of perfected security interest may be remedied by the filing of appropriate documentation without the loss of priority, (iii) the Guarantees pursuant to the Security Documents by Holdings, the Borrower or the Subsidiary Loan Parties of any of the Obligations shall cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms thereof), or shall be asserted in writing by Holdings or the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party not to be in effect or not to be legal, valid and binding obligations or (iv) the Obligations of the Borrower or the Guarantees pursuant to the Security Documents by Holdings, the Borrower or the Subsidiary Loan Parties shall cease to constitute senior indebtedness under the subordination provisions of any indenture or other instruments, agreements and documents evidencing or governing any Permitted Debt Securities in excess of $35.0 million or such subordination provisions shall

 

 

be invalidated or otherwise cease (in each case so long as such indenture, instrument, agreement or document is then in effect), or shall be asserted in writing by Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party to be invalid or to cease to be legal, valid and binding obligations of the parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with their terms;

 

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in paragraph (h) or (i)(i) , (ii) , (iii ) or (iv) above), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, upon notice to the Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times:  declare the Loans then outstanding to be forthwith due and payable in whole or in part, whereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and any unpaid accrued Fees and all other liabilities of the Borrower accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall become forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, anything contained herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding; and in any event with respect to the Borrower described in paragraph (h) or (i)(i) , (ii) , (iii) or (iv) above, the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and any unpaid accrued Fees and all other liabilities of the Borrower accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall automatically become due and payable, anything contained herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

The Agents

 

SECTION 8.01.                                    Appointment .  Each Lender hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Administrative Agent as the agent of such Lender under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and each such Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent, in such capacity, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, or any fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agents are hereby expressly authorized to execute any and all documents (including releases) with respect to the Collateral and the rights of the Secured Parties with respect thereto, as contemplated by and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Security Documents.

 

SECTION 8.02.                                    Delegation of Duties .  The Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by or through agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties.  The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.

 

SECTION 8.03.                                    Exculpatory Provisions .  The Agents and Joint Lead Arrangers shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents.  No Agent, Joint Lead Arranger or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates shall be (i) liable for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be taken by it or such person under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Agents or Joint Lead Arrangers under or

 

 

in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document (except to the extent that any of the foregoing are found by a final and nonappealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from its or such person’s own gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith or material breach of the Loan Documents but in no event, to include any liability for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders or the Borrower for (or have any duty to ascertain or acquire into) any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Loan Party, any officer thereof or any Lender contained in this Agreement, any other Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Agents or Joint Lead Arrangers under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for any failure of any Loan Party a party thereto to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.  The Agents and Joint Lead Arrangers shall not (x) be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing and (y) except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, nor shall it be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is communicated to or obtained by the bank serving as Administrative Agent or any of its affiliates in any capacity.  The Agents and Joint Lead Arrangers shall not be under any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of any Loan Party.

 

SECTION 8.04.                                    Reliance by Administrative Agent .  The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any instrument, writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, fax, telex or teletype message, statement, order or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper person or persons and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to Holdings or the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Note as the owner thereof for all purposes unless a written notice of assignment, negotiation or transfer thereof shall have been filed with the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders (or, if so specified by this Agreement, all Lenders) as it deems appropriate or it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense that may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action.  The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance with a request of the Required Lenders (or, if so specified by this Agreement, all Lenders), and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders and all future holders of the Loans.

 

SECTION 8.05.                                    Notice of Default .  The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default unless the Administrative Agent has received notice from a Lender, Holdings or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”.  In the event that the Administrative Agent receives such a notice, the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Lenders.  The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Required Lenders (or, if so specified by this Agreement, all Lenders); provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders.

 

 

SECTION 8.06.                                    Non-Reliance on Agents and Other Lenders .  Each Lender expressly acknowledges that none of the Agents, the Joint Lead Arrangers or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates have made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by any Agent or any Joint Lead Arranger hereafter taken, including any review of the affairs of a Loan Party or any affiliate of a Loan Party, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent or any Joint Lead Arranger to any Lender.  Each Lender represents to the Agents and the Joint Lead Arrangers that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent, any Joint Lead Arranger or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their affiliates and made its own decision to make its Loans hereunder and enter into this Agreement.  Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent, any Joint Lead Arranger or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their affiliates.  Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, operations, property, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or creditworthiness of any Loan Party or any affiliate of a Loan Party that may come into the possession of the Administrative Agent or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates.

 

SECTION 8.07.                                    Indemnification .  The Lenders agree to indemnify each Agent and each Joint Lead Arranger in its capacity as such (to the extent not reimbursed by Holdings or the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of Holdings or the Borrower to do so), each in an amount equal to its pro rata share (based on the respective principal amounts of its outstanding Loans)) thereof, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time (whether before or after the payment of the Loans) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent or Joint Lead Arranger in any way relating to or arising out of, the Commitments, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by such Agent or Joint Lead Arranger under or in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements that are found by a final and nonappealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Agent’s or Joint Lead Arranger’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.  The agreements in this Section shall survive the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

 

SECTION 8.08.                                    Agent in Its Individual Capacity .  Each Agent, Joint Lead Arranger and their affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from and generally engage in any kind of business with any Loan Party as though such Agent or Joint Lead Arranger were not an Agent or Joint Lead Arranger, as applicable.  With respect to its Loans made or renewed by it, each Agent or Joint Lead Arranger shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as any Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not an Agent or Joint Lead Arranger, and the terms “Lender” and “Lenders” shall include each Agent or Joint Lead Arranger in its individual capacity.

 

SECTION 8.09.                                    Successor Administrative Agent .  The Administrative Agent may resign as Administrative Agent upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Lenders and the Borrower.  If the Administrative Agent shall resign as Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan

 

 

Documents, then the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent for the Lenders, which successor agent shall (unless an Event of Default under Sections 7.01 (h) or (i)(i) , (ii) , (iii) or (iv) above shall have occurred and be continuing) be subject to approval by the Borrower (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), whereupon such successor agent shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of the Administrative Agent, and the term “Administrative Agent” shall mean such successor agent effective upon such appointment and approval, and the former Administrative Agent’s rights, powers and duties as Administrative Agent shall be terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the part of such former Administrative Agent or any of the parties to this Agreement or any holders of the Loans.  If no successor agent has accepted appointment as Administrative Agent by the date that is thirty (30) days following a retiring Administrative Agent’s notice of resignation, the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective, and the Lenders shall assume and perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above; provided that nothing herein shall require that the Administrative Agent resign or retire from its role as collateral agent under any Security Document whether referred to therein as administrative agent, collateral agent or any analogous term therein. If the person serving as Administrative Agent becomes the subject of a Bankruptcy Event, the Borrower may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by notice in writing to the Administrative Agent, remove such person as Administrative Agent and, in consultation with the Required Lenders, appoint a successor.  If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “ Removal Effective Date ”), then such removal nonetheless shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date.  After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation as Administrative Agent or the removal of any Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article VIII shall inure to its benefit and to the benefit of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact and affiliates as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

SECTION 8.10.                                    Syndication Agents .  No Syndication Agent shall have any duties or responsibilities hereunder in its capacity as such.

 

SECTION 8.11.                                    Withholding Tax .  To the extent required by any applicable law, the Administrative Agent may withhold from any interest payment to any Lender an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding tax.  If the IRS or any other Governmental Authority asserts a claim that the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender because the appropriate form was not delivered or was not properly executed or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstance which rendered the exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax ineffective or for any other reason, such Lender shall indemnify the Administrative Agent fully for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by the Administrative Agent as tax or otherwise, including any penalties or interest and together with all expenses (including legal expenses, allocated internal costs and out-of-pocket expenses) incurred.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Miscellaneous

 

SECTION 9.01.                                    Notices .  (a)   Notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by fax or other electronic transmission, (including “.pdf” or “.tif”) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, as follows:

 

 

(i)   if to any Loan Party, to Generac Power Systems, Inc., Highway 59 and Hillside Road, P.O. Box 8, Waukesha Wisconsin, 53187, attention York Ragen and Joseph Kavalary, Telecopier: (262) 968-9372, Electronic Address:  york.ragen@generac.com, with a copy to Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, 200 Crescent Court, Suite 300, Dallas, Texas 75201-6950, Attention Angela L. Fontana, Telecopier: (214) 746-7777, Electronic Address:  angela.fontana@weil.com;

 

(ii)   if to the Administrative Agent, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,  1111 Fannin Street, Floor 10, Houston, Texas, 77002-6925, Attention: John Ngo, Telecopier: 713-427-6307, Electronic Address:  john.ngo@jpmorgan.com, with a copy to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 383 Madison Avenue, Floor 24, New York, NY 10179, Attention: Aized Rabbani, Telecopier: 212-622-6642, Electronic Address:  aized.a.rabbani@jpmorgan.com;

 

(iii)   if to a Lender, to it at the address, fax number or electronic address set forth on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto.

 

(b)   Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender.  Each of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided , further , that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

 

(c)   All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt if delivered by hand or overnight courier service, sent by fax or (to the extent permitted by paragraph (b) above) electronic means or on the date five (5) Business Days after dispatch by certified or registered mail if mailed, in each case delivered, sent or mailed (properly addressed) to such party as provided in this Section 9.01 or in accordance with the latest unrevoked direction from such party given in accordance with this Section 9.01 .

 

(d)   Any party hereto may change its address or fax number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

SECTION 9.02.                                    Survival of Agreement .  All representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties herein and in the other Loan Documents shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Lenders and shall survive the making of the Loans and the execution and delivery of the Loan, Documents and shall continue in full force and effect until the Termination Date.  Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreements contained herein, obligations for taxes, costs, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other contingent liabilities contained herein (including pursuant to Sections 2.15 , 2.17 and 9.05 ) shall survive the payment in full of the principal and interest hereunder and the termination of this Agreement, limited in the manner set forth herein.

 

SECTION 9.03.                                    Binding Effect .  This Agreement shall become effective when the Restatement Agreement shall have been executed by Holdings, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received copies hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Holdings, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender and their respective permitted successors and assigns.