UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported):  January 28, 2016

 

Differential Brands Group Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

0-18926

 

11-2928178

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(Commission

 

(I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation)

 

File Number)

 

Identification No.)

 

1231 South Gerhart Avenue,
Commerce, California

 

90022

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  323-890-1800

 

Joe’s Jeans Inc.

2340 South Eastern Avenue

Commerce, California 90040

Former name or former address, if changed since last report

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

o   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 



 

Item 1.01                                            Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

On January 28, 2016, Differential Brands Group Inc. (formerly named Joe’s Jeans Inc.), a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), entered into the Credit Agreements (as defined below). The description of the Credit Agreements set forth below in Item 2.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

On January 28, 2016, the Company also completed the issuance and sale of the Series A Preferred Stock (as defined below) and the Modified Convertible Notes (as defined below). In connection with the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Modified Convertible Notes, the Company entered into the Registration Rights Agreement (as defined below). The descriptions of the Series A Preferred Stock, Modified Convertible Notes and Registration Rights Agreement set forth below in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1.02                                            Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

On January 28, 2016, in connection with the closing of the Credit Facilities (as defined below), the Company’s previously existing credit facility under the amended and restated credit agreement, dated as of September 11, 2015, among the Company, certain of its subsidiaries party thereto, The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc., as administrative and collateral agent, and the lenders and agents party thereto, was terminated and all outstanding obligations thereunder were repaid.

 

Item 2.01                                            Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

 

On January 28, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding equity interests of RG Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ RG ”), as contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 8, 2015 (as amended and restated effective as of September 8, 2015, the “ Merger Agreement ”), by and among RG, JJ Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“ Merger Sub ”), and the Company, for aggregate consideration of $81.0 million in cash (subject to adjustment to satisfy certain indebtedness of RG) and 8,870,968 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share (“ Common Stock ”) (after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split (as defined below)).  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, among other things, Merger Sub was merged with and into RG, so that RG, as the surviving entity, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “ Merger ”).

 

Effective upon consummation of the Merger, the Company changed its name to Differential Brands Group Inc. and effected a reverse stock split (the “ Reverse Stock Split ”) of the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock such that each thirty shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock was reclassified into one share of the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock, which Reverse Stock Split did not change the par value or the amount of authorized shares of the Company’s Common Stock. In connection with the change of the Company’s name, the Common Stock will become listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “DFBG” (although the letter “d” will be added to the end of the trading symbol for a period of 20 trading days from the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split to indicate that the Reverse Stock Split has occurred).

 

The Merger and the Merger Agreement are described in greater detail in the Company’s joint proxy and consent solicitation statement/prospectus filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on December 10, 2015 (the “ Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus ”) in the sections entitled “The Merger” beginning on page 62 and “Summary of Merger Agreement” beginning page 101, which information is incorporated herein by reference.  The description of the Merger and the Merger Agreement in the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, a copy of which was filed as Annex A to the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.

 

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In connection with the Merger, on January 28, 2016, the Company completed issuance and sale of an aggregate of fifty thousand (50,000) shares of the Company’s preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share, designated as “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock” (the “ Series A Preferred Stock” ), for an aggregate purchase price of $50 million in cash, as contemplated by the stock purchase agreement, dated as of September 8, 2015 (the “ Stock Purchase Agreement ”), by and between the Company and TCP Denim, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Series A Purchaser ”).

 

The Company used the proceeds from the Stock Purchase Agreement and the debt financing provided by the Credit Facilities to, among other things, consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The information regarding the Credit Facilities set forth under Item 2.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The Stock Purchase Agreement and the material terms of the Series A Preferred Stock as set forth in the form of Certificate of Designation (as defined below) are described in the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Ancillary Agreements — Stock Purchase Agreement” beginning on page 131, which information is incorporated herein by reference.  The description of the Stock Purchase Agreement and the material terms of the Series A Preferred Stock as set forth in the form of Certificate of Designation in the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Stock Purchase Agreement and form of Certificate of Designation appended thereto, copies of which were filed as Annex D to the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.

 

Also in connection with the completion of Merger, on January 28, 2016, the Company completed the exchange of the Company’s outstanding convertible notes for (i) 1,167,317 shares of Common Stock (after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split); (ii) a cash payment of approximately $8.6 million, before expenses; and (iii) an aggregate principal amount of approximately $16.5 million of modified convertible notes (the “ Modified Convertible Notes ”), as contemplated by the rollover agreement, dated September 8, 2015 (the “ Rollover Agreement ”), between the Company and the holders of its convertible notes.

 

The Rollover Agreement and the material terms of the Modified Convertible Notes are described in the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus in the sections entitled “Ancillary Agreements — Rollover Agreement” beginning on page 133, which information is incorporated herein by reference.  The description of the Rollover Agreement and the material terms of the Modified Convertible Notes in the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Rollover Agreement and form of Modified Convertible Note appended thereto, copies of which were filed as Annex E to the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus.

 

On January 28, 2016, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) with the Series A Purchaser and certain of its affiliates, the noteholders party to the Rollover Agreement and Michael Buckley (who has been appointed as a director of the Company and as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer as set forth in Item 5.02 of this Current Report on From 8-K). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, and subject to the limitations described therein, the Company will provide certain demand and piggy back registration rights with respect to shares of Common Stock (i) issued to the parties to the Registration Rights Agreement in connection with the Merger Agreement and the Rollover Agreement and (ii) issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Modified Convertible Notes.

 

The description of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Modified Convertible Notes and the

 

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Registration Rights Agreement set forth above and incorporated by reference herein does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Certificate of Designation, the form of Modified Convertible Note and the Registration Rights Agreement filed herewith as Exhibits 4.2, 4.3 and 10.1, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

A copy of the Company’s press release, dated January 28, 2016, is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.03                                            Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

 

On January 28, 2016 (the “ Closing Date ”), the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into (i) a new credit and security agreement (the “ ABL Credit Agreement ”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as lender, and (ii) a new credit and security agreement with TCW Asset Management Company, as agent, and the lenders party thereto (the “ Term Credit Agreement ”, and together with the ABL Credit Agreement, the “ Credit Agreements ”).

 

The ABL Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ Revolving Facility ”) with commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $40 million.  The Term Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured term loan credit facility (the “ Term Facility ”, and together with the Revolving Facility, the “ Credit Facilities ”) in an aggregate principal amount of $50 million. The Term Facility matures on the date that is 5 years after the Closing Date.  The Revolving Facility matures on the date that is the earlier of 5 years after the Closing Date and the date which is 90 days prior to the maturity date of the Term Facility.  The amount available to be drawn under the Revolving Facility will be based on the borrowing base values attributed to eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory.

 

Certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company are co-borrowers under the Credit Agreements.  The obligations under the Credit Agreements are guaranteed by the domestic subsidiaries of the Company that are not co-borrowers under the Credit Agreements and are secured by substantially all assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries.

 

There are no scheduled payments under the Revolving Facility.  The Term Facility will be subject to quarterly payments of principal as follows: (i) 0.25% for each of the first four fiscal quarters; (ii) 0.625% for each of the four fiscal quarters thereafter; (iii) 1.25% for each of the next following four fiscal quarters; (iv) 1.875% for each of the next following four fiscal quarters; and (v) 2.50% for each fiscal quarter thereafter, with the balance payable at maturity.

 

The Term Facility includes mandatory prepayments customary for credit facilities of its nature, including, subject to certain exceptions: (i) 100% of the net cash proceeds from issuances of debt that is not permitted and certain equity issuances; (ii) 100% of the net cash proceeds from certain non-ordinary course asset sales, subject to customary exceptions and reinvestment rights; (iii) 100% of certain insurance proceeds and condemnation recoveries, subject to customary exceptions and reinvestment rights; (iv) 100% of the net cash proceeds from certain extraordinary receipts; and (v) a variable percentage of excess cash flow of 50% or 25% depending on the Company’s senior leverage ratio. Outstanding loans under the Term Facility may be prepaid at any time at the option of the Company subject to customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBO rate loans. Subject to certain exceptions, prepayments of loans under the Term Facility are subject to a prepayment premium of (i) 2.00% during the first year after the Closing Date and (ii) 1.00% during the second year after the Closing Date.  The Revolving Facility is required to be prepaid to the extent extensions of credit thereunder exceed the applicable borrowing base.  Outstanding loans under the Revolving Facility may be prepaid at any time at the option of the Company without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to LIBO rate loans.

 

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The ABL Credit Agreement provides that, subject to customary conditions, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers thereunder may seek to obtain incremental commitments under the Revolving Facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10 million.  The Term Credit Agreement provides that, subject to customary conditions, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers thereunder may seek to obtain incremental term loans under the Term Facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50 million.  The Company does not currently have any commitments for such incremental loans under either Facility.

 

Borrowings under the Credit Agreements will bear interest at a rate equal to either, at the Company’s option, an adjusted base rate or the LIBO rate (subject to a 0.50% floor for borrowings under the Term Facility), in each case plus an applicable margin.  The applicable margins for borrowing under the Term Facility (which varies based on the Company’s senior leverage ratio) range from 8.00% to 6.00% for base rate loans and 9.00% to 7.00% for LIBO rate loans.  The applicable margin for borrowings under the Revolving Facility is 0.50% for base rate loans and 1.75% for LIBO rate loans.  An unused commitment fee equal to 0.25% per annum of the average daily amount by which the total commitments under the Revolving Facility exceeds the outstanding usage under the Revolving Facility will be payable monthly in arrears.

 

The Credit Agreements contain customary representations and warranties, events of default and covenants, including, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, covenants that restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, create or permit liens on assets, engage in mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, make prepayments of certain indebtedness, pay certain dividends and other restricted payments, make investments, and engage in transactions with affiliates.  The Term Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with financial maintenance covenants to be tested quarterly (beginning with the second fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date), consisting of a maximum senior leverage ratio, a maximum net senior rent adjusted leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The ABL Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio to be tested monthly if excess availability under the Revolving Facility is less than 10% of the lesser of the commitments under the Revolving Facility and the borrowing base or during specified events of defaults.  If an event of default under a Credit Agreement shall occur and be continuing, the commitments thereunder may be terminated and the principal amount outstanding thereunder, together with all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owed thereunder, may be declared immediately due and payable.

 

The description of the Credit Facilities set forth above does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the ABL Credit Agreement and the Term Credit Agreement filed herewith as Exhibits 10.2 and 10.3, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

The disclosure under Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K relating to the Modified Convertible Notes is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.02                                            Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

 

The disclosure under Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K relating to (i) the Common Stock issued pursuant to the Rollover Agreement, (ii) the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Modified Convertible Notes, (iii) the Series A Preferred Stock sold pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, and (iv) the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock is incorporated herein by reference. The issuance of such securities upon the closing of the Merger was made in reliance on the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933

 

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afforded by Section 4(a)(2) thereof because such issuance does not involve a public offering. The securities contain a restrictive legend advising that the securities may not be offered for sale, sold, transferred or assigned without having first been registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the Securities Act.

 

The description of the Registration Rights Agreement set forth under Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.03                                            Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

 

Information concerning amendments to the Company’s certificate of incorporation set forth under Item 5.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.02                                            Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

(b) In connection with the consummation of the Merger, on January 28, 2016, Samuel J. Furrow resigned from his position as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and each of Joanne Calabrese and Suhail R. Rizvi resigned as directors of the Company (the “ Resignations ”).

 

(c) In connection with the consummation of the Merger, on January 28, 2016, Michael Buckley was elected as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

 

Information regarding Mr. Buckley contained in the section of the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus entitled “Executive Officers — Executive Officers Post Consummation of the Merger” beginning on page 259 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

On January 28, 2016, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Buckley. Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. Buckley will serve as Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the Company’s Board of Directors, for an initial three-year term with automatic, one-year renewal terms, unless the Company or Mr. Buckley gives notice 180 days prior to the end of the then-current term.

 

The employment agreement provides that the Company will pay Mr. Buckley an annual base salary of $600,000 and that Mr. Buckley will be eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to 150% of his base salary, based on the Company’s achievement of annual EBITDA targets set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “ Compensation Committee ”) after consultation with Mr. Buckley.

 

The employment agreement also provides that the Company will grant Mr. Buckley a restricted stock unit award in respect of 433,764 shares of Company common stock (the “ RSU Award ”). The RSU Award will vest in annual installments over a three-year period with the first installment vesting on December 31, 2016, subject to Mr. Buckley’s continued employment through the applicable vesting dates. The Company will also grant Mr. Buckley a performance share unit award in respect of 347,011 shares of Company common stock (the “ PSU Award ”). The PSU Award will vest in annual installments over a three-year period, based on the Company’s achievement of EBITDA targets set by the Compensation Committee and subject to Mr. Buckley’s continued employment through the applicable vesting dates. The employment agreement further provides that the RSU Award and the PSU Award will

 

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be settled in cash in the event that there are insufficient shares of the Company’s common stock available to settle the applicable award in Company common stock and that unvested portions of the PSU Award in any completed year will be eligible for vesting in subsequent years to the extent that the subsequent year EBITDA target is exceeded and the excess is sufficient to make up for a prior year shortfall. Upon a “change in control” (as defined in the employment agreement), any unvested portions of the RSU Award and PSU Award will immediately vest.

 

In the event of a termination of Mr. Buckley’s employment by the Company without “cause” or in the event that Mr. Buckley resigns for “good reason” (each, as defined in the employment agreement), in either case, prior to the expiration of the agreement’s then-current term, the Company will pay Mr. Buckley severance equal to 3.75 times his base salary. Upon such termination or resignation, Mr. Buckley and his dependents will receive continued coverage under the Company’s group health insurance plans for a period of up to 18 months, any unvested portion of the RSU Award will immediately vest, 50% of the unvested portion of the PSU Award will immediately vest and 50% of the unvested portion of the PSU Award will remain outstanding through completion of the applicable performance period and vest based on actual achievement of the performance metrics. In the event such resignation or termination occurs following the Company’s first fiscal quarter of any year, the employment agreement provides that Mr. Buckley will also be entitled to a prorated annual bonus for the year in which his employment terminates. The Company’s obligation to provide the foregoing severance benefits is subject to Mr. Buckley’s execution and non-revocation of a release of claims against the Company and its affiliates.

 

The employment agreement also contains customary provisions relating non-disclosure and non-disparagement. In addition, the employment agreement includes 12-month, post-termination non-competition and non-solicitation provisions.

 

(d) Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Certificate of Designation and in connection with the consummation of the Merger, on January 28, 2016, the Series A Purchaser designated Matthew Eby, William Sweedler and Andrew Tarshis to serve together with the Company’s continuing directors, Kelly Hoffman and Kent Savage, following the Resignations. The Board of Directors then appointed (i) Walter McLallen and Michael Buckley as directors of the Company; (ii) William Sweedler as Chairman of the Board of Directors; and (iii) members to each of the committees of the Board of Directors as follows:

 

Audit Committee

 

Walter McLallen

Kelly Hoffman

Kent Savage

 

Compensation and Stock Option Committee

 

Andrew Tarshis

William Sweedler

Walter McLallen

 

Nominating and Governance Committee

 

William Sweedler

Matthew Eby

Kent Savage

 

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(e) Information concerning the employment agreement with Mr. Buckley set forth under Item 5.02(c) of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.03                                            Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

 

(a) Following approval by the Company’s stockholder at the annual meeting of stockholders held January 15, 2016 and the consummation of the Merger, the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware the Company’s Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that amends it certificate of incorporation as follows:

 

·                   the name of the Company was changed from “Joe’s Jeans Inc.” to “Differential Brands Group Inc.”; and

 

·                   the addition of a new Article Fourth to effect the Reverse Stock Split, which Reverse Stock Split did not change the par value or the amount of authorized shares of the Company’s Common Stock.

 

In connection with the name change and the consummation of the Reverse Stock Split, the Company issued a new form of Common Stock certificate to its stockholders, a specimen of which is attached as Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which information is incorporated by reference.

 

Also in connection with the consummation of the Merger, the Company filed the Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which created the Series A Preferred Stock, and resulted in the issuance of 50,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share.

 

The amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation related to the Reverse Stock Split is described in the Joint Proxy and Consent Solicitation Statement/Prospectus in the sections entitled “Proposal 5 — The Reverse Stock Split Proposal” beginning on page 240, which information is incorporated herein by reference. The disclosure under Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K relating to the Stock Purchase Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The foregoing description of the Certificate of Designation and the Company’s Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation included above and incorporated herein does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Certificate of Designation and the Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed herewith as Exhibits 3.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

(b)                                  In connection with the completion of the Merger, the Company’s board of directors approved a change to the Company’s fiscal year end from November 30 to December 31. Because the transition period is one month, no transition report will be filed.

 

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Item 9.01                                            Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(a)  Financial statements of business acquired.

 

The Company intends to file any financial statements that may be required by Item 9.01(a) of Form 8-K with respect to the Merger within 71 calendar days after the date that this Form 8-K was required to be filed pursuant to Item 9.01(a)(4) of Form 8-K.

 

(b)  Pro Forma financial information.

 

The Company intends to file the pro forma financial information required by Item 9.01(b) of Form 8-K with respect to the Merger within 71 calendar days after the date that this Form 8-K was required to be filed pursuant to Item 9.01(b)(2) of Form 8-K.

 

(d)  Exhibits

 

3.1

 

Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Differential Brands Group Inc.

 

 

 

4.1

 

Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Differential Brands Group Inc.

 

 

 

4.2

 

Certificate of Designation of Preferred Stock of Differential Brands Group Inc.

 

 

 

4.3

 

Form of Subordinated Convertible Note of Differential Brands Group Inc.

 

 

 

10.1

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among Differential Brands Group Inc. and the investors named therein.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among Differential Brands Group Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries party thereto, each as a Borrower or Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as lender.

 

 

 

10.3

 

Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among Differential Brands Group Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries party thereto, each as a Borrower or Guarantor, each of the lenders party thereto, and TCW Asset Management Company, as agent.

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press Release of Differential Brands Group Inc. dated January 28, 2016.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Differential Brands Group Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 29, 2016

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name:

Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

3.1

 

Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Differential Brands Group Inc.

 

 

 

4.1

 

Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Differential Brands Group Inc.

 

 

 

4.2

 

Certificate of Designation of Preferred Stock of Differential Brands Group Inc.

 

 

 

4.3

 

Form of Subordinated Convertible Note of Differential Brands Group Inc.

 

 

 

10.1

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among Differential Brands Group Inc. and the investors named therein.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among Differential Brands Group Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries party thereto, each as a Borrower or Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as lender.

 

 

 

10.3

 

Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among Differential Brands Group Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries party thereto, each as a Borrower or Guarantor, each of the lenders party thereto, and TCW Asset Management Company, as agent.

 

 

 

99.1

 

Press Release of Differential Brands Group Inc. dated January 28, 2016.

 

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Exhibit 3.1

 

EIGHTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
JOE’S JEANS INC.

 

It is hereby certified that:

 

1.                                     (a)                                The present name of the corporation is Joe’s Jeans Inc. (the “Corporation”).

 

(b)                               The name under which the Corporation was originally incorporated is Elorac Corporation and the date of filing the original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware is December 18, 1987.

 

2.                                     The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended by striking out Article First and Article Fourth thereto and by substitution in lieu thereof a new Article First and Article Fourth, respectively, which is set forth in the Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation hereinafter provided for.

 

3.                                     The provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation as heretofore amended and/or supplemented, and as herein amended, are hereby restated and integrated into the single instrument which is hereinafter set forth, and which is entitled Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Differential Brands Group Inc. without any further amendment other than the amendments herein certified and without any discrepancy between the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation as previously amended and supplemented and the provisions of the said single instrument hereinafter set forth.

 

4.                                     The amendments and the restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation herein certified have been duly adopted in writing by the stockholders in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

5.                                     The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended and restated herein, shall read as follows:

 

FIRST:  The name of the corporation is Differential Brands Group Inc. (the “Corporation”).

 

SECOND:  The address, including street, number, city and county, of the registered agent of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 2711 Centerville Road Suite 400 Wilmington, Delaware 19808, County of New Castle.  The name of the registered agent of the Corporation at such address is The Prentice Hall Corporation System, Inc.

 

THIRD:  The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law if the State of Delaware.

 

FOURTH:  (a)   The total number of shares of capital stock that the Corporation shall be authorized to issue is 105,000,000 divided into two classes as follows:  (i) one hundred million

 



 

(100,000,000) shares of common stock having a par value of $.10 per share (“Common Stock’’), and (ii) five million (5,000,000) shares of serial preferred stock in series having a par value of $.10 per share (the “Preferred Stock’’).

 

(b)                               At the time this Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Effective Time’’), each thirty (30) shares of Common Stock either issued and outstanding or held by the Corporation in treasury stock shall automatically be combined and converted into one (1) validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock, without any action by the holder thereof, subject to the treatment of fractional interests as described below (the “Reverse Stock Split’’).  In connection with the Reverse Stock Split, there shall be no change in the par value of the Common Stock or in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock that the Corporation shall have the authority to issue.  No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split.  Stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares of Common Stock in connection with the Reverse Stock Split shall, upon submission of a transmission letter by a stockholder and upon surrender of Old Certificates (as defined below) by a stockholder holding the shares in certificated form, be entitled to receive cash (without interest or deduction) from the Corporation’s transfer agent in lieu of such fractional shares in an amount equal to the product of (a) the fraction of one share of Common Stock owned by the stockholder following the Reverse Stock Split and (b) an amount equal to the product of (i) 30 and (ii) the average closing sale price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market for the five trading days ending on the last business day before the date upon which the Effective Time occurs.  Each certificate that immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split represented shares of Common Stock (‘‘Old Certificates’’) shall thereafter represent that number of shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Common Stock represented by the Old Certificate shall have been combined and converted, subject to the elimination of fractional share interests as described above.

 

(c)                                The Common Stock shall be subject to all of the rights, privileges, preferences and priorities of the Preferred Stock as set forth herein and in the certificate of designations filed to establish the respective series of Preferred Stock.  Each share of Common Stock shall have the same relative rights as and be identical in all respects to all the other shares of Common Stock.  Whenever there shall have been paid, or declared and set aside for the Common Stock as to the payment of dividends, the full amount of dividends and of sinking fund or retirement payments, if any, to which such holders are respectively entitled in preference to the Common Stock, then dividends may be paid on the Common Stock and on any class or series of stock entitled to participate therewith as to dividends, out of any assets legally available for the payment of dividends, out of any assets legally available for the payment of dividends thereon, but only when and as declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.  In the event of any dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the Common Stock, and holders of any class of series of stock entitled to participate therewith, in whole or in part, as to the distribution of assets in such event, shall become entitled to participate in the distribution of any assets of the Corporation remaining after the Corporation shall have paid, or provided for payment of, all debts and

 

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liabilities of the Corporation and after the Corporation shall have paid, or set aside for payment, to the holders of any class of stock having preference over the Common Stock in the event of dissolution, liquidation or winding up the full preferential amounts (if any) to which they are entitled.  Each holders or shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to attend all special and annual meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation and, share for share and without regard to class, together with the holders of all other classes of stock entitled to attend such meetings and to vote (except any class or series of stock having special voting rights), to cast one vote for each outstanding share of Common Stock so held upon any matters of thing (including, without limitation, the election of one or more directors) properly considered and acted upon by the stockholders.

 

(d)                              The Board of Directors is authorized, subject to limitations prescribe by the Delaware General Corporation Law and the provisions of this Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, to provide by resolution or resolutions from time to time and filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, to fix the powers, designation, preferences, relative, participating, optional or other special rights of the shares of each such series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof.

 

FIFTH:  The Corporation is to have perpetual existence.

 

SIXTH:  Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of this Corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under the provisions of Section 291 of Title 8 of Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs.  If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this Corporation as a consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this Corporation, as the case may be, and also on this Corporation.

 

SEVENTH:  For the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and in further definition, limitation, and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and of its stockholders or any class thereof, as the case may be, it is further provided:

 

(a)                                The management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation shall be vested in its Board of Directors.  The number of directors shall be fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the Bylaws.  The phrase ‘‘whole Board’’ and the phrase ‘‘total number of directors’’ shall be deemed to have the same meaning, to wit, the

 

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total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies.  No election of directors need be by written ballot.

 

(b)                               The power to adopt, amend, or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation may be exercised by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, provided, however, that the Board of Directors of the Corporation may not amend the Bylaws to take any action that is reserved exclusively by the Shareholders pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

(c)                                Whenever the Corporation shall be authorized to issue only one class of stock, each outstanding share shall entitle the holder thereof to notice of, and the right to vote at, any meeting of stockholders.  Whenever the Corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one class of stock, no outstanding share of any class of stock which is denied voting power under the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation shall entitle the holder thereof to the right to vote at any meeting of stockholders except as the provisions of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware shall otherwise require; provided, that, no share of any such class which is otherwise denied voting power entitle the holder thereof to vote upon the increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares thereof outstanding) in the number of authorized shares of said class.

 

EIGHTH:  The personal liability of the directors of the Corporation is hereby eliminated to the fullest extent permitted by paragraph (7) of subsection (b) of Section 102 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as the same may be amended and supplemented.

 

NINTH:  (a)                 The Corporation shall, in the manner and to the full extent permitted by Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as the same may be amended and supplemented, indemnify any officer or director (or the estate of any such person) who was or is a party to, or is threatened, to be a party to, any threatened, pending or complete action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or otherwise, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee or employee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (an “indemnitee”).  To the full extent permitted by law, the indemnification and advances provide for herein shall include expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not indemnify any such indemnitee (1) in any proceeding by the Corporation against such indemnitee; (2) in the event the Board of Directors determines that indemnification is not available under the circumstances because the officer or director has not met the standard of conduct set forth in Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or (3) if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the indemnitee establishes his liability (i) for any breach of the duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its shareholders, (ii) for the acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, or (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

(b)                               The right to indemnification conferred in Section (a) of this Article NINTH shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses (including

 

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attorneys’ fees) incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an ‘‘advancement of expenses’’); provided, however, that if the Delaware General Corporation Law requires any advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee, including without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section (b) or otherwise.  The rights to indemnification and to the advancement or expenses conferred in Sections (a) and (b) of this Article NINTH shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators.

 

(c)                                The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article NINTH shall not be exclusive of any other right which an indemnitee may have or hereafter acquire under any statue, the Corporation’s Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, agreement, vote or stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such indemnitee’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

 

(d)                              The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

(e)                                The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article NINTH with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the Corporation.

 

TENTH:  No amendment to or repeal of Article EIGHTH or NINTH of this Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall apply to or have any effect on the rights of any individual referred to in Article EIGHTH or NINTH for or with respect to acts or omissions of such individual occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

 

ELEVENTH:  From time to time any of the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation may be amended, altered or repealed, and other provisions authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware at the time in force may be added or inserted in the manner and at the time prescribed by said laws and all rights at any time conferred upon the stockholders of the Corporation by this Certificate of Incorporation are granted subject to the provisions of this Article ELEVENTH.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Eighth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been executed by its Chief Executive Officer and attested by its Secretary, this 28th day of January, 2016.

 

JOE’S JEANS INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Samuel J. Furrow

 

 

Interim Chief Executive Officer

 

 

and Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Lori Nembirkow

 

Secretary

 

 


Exhibit 4.1

 

DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC. DBG CUSIP 25374L 10 8 SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE COMMON STOCK THIS CERTIFIES THAT is the owner of FULLY-PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $0.10 EACH OF DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC. (herein called the “Corporation”), transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent. Witness the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers. Dated: SEAL 1987 Treasurer Chief Executive Officer COUNTERSIGNED: CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY (JERSEY CITY, NJ) TRANSFER AGENT BY AUTHORIZED OFFICER ABnote North America 711 ARMSTRONG LANE, COLUMBIA, TN 38401 (931) 388-3003 SALES: HOLLY GRONER 931-490-7660 PROOF OF: JANUARY 19, 2016 DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC. WO - 10207 FACE OPERATOR: DKS REV. 1 Colors Selected for Printing: Intaglio prints in SC-7 Dark Blue. PLEASE INITIAL THE APPROPRIATE SELECTION FOR THIS PROOF: OK AS IS OK WITH CHANGES MAKE CHANGES AND SEND ANOTHER PROOF COLOR: This proof was printed from a digital file on a graphics quality, color laser printer. It is a good representation of the color as it will appear on the final product. It is not an exact color rendition, and the final printed product may appear slightly different from the proof due to the difference between the dyes and printing ink. NOTE: TEXT RECEIVED BY MODEM OR E-MAIL IS NOT PROOFREAD WORD FOR WORD.

 


 

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations: TEN COM– as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN AC T–................. Custodian................... TEN ENT – as tenants by the entireties (Cust) (Minor) JT TEN– as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act ..................... (State) Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list. PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE) NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER. IMPORTANT: SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A FIRM WHICH IS A MEMBER OF A REGISTERED NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE, OR BY A COMERCIAL BANK OR A TRUST COMPANY. PLEASE INITIAL THE APPROPRIATE SELECTION FOR THIS PROOF: OK AS IS OK WITH CHANGES MAKE CHANGES AND SEND ANOTHER PROOF ABnote North America 711 ARMSTRONG LANE, COLUMBIA, TN 38401 (931) 388-3003 PROOF OF: JANUARY 13, 2016 DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC. WO - 10207 BACKOPERATOR: DKS SALES: HOLLY GRONER 931-490-7660 NEW

GRAPHIC

 

Exhibit 4.2

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF
10.0% SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
OF
DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC.

 

(Pursuant to Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware)

 

Differential Brands Group Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (hereinafter, the “ Corporation ”), hereby certifies that the following resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (or a duly authorized committee thereof) as required by Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware:

 

“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority expressly granted to and vested in the Board of Directors of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, there is hereby created and provided out of the authorized but unissued preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Corporation (“ Preferred Stock ”), a new series of Preferred Stock, and there is hereby stated and fixed the number of shares constituting such series and the designation of such series and the powers (including voting powers), if any, of such series and the preferences and relative, participating, optional, special or other rights, if any, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, if any, of such series as follows:

 

Series A Convertible Preferred Stock:

 

Section 1.                                 Designation and Amount .  The shares of such series shall be designated as shares of “10.0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock,” par value $0.10 per share, of the Corporation (the “ Series A Preferred Stock ”), and the number of shares constituting such series shall be fifty thousand (50,000).

 

Section 2.                                 Definitions .                     The following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Certificate of Designation (as the same may be amended or amended and restated from time to time, this “ Certificate of Designation ”):

 

(a)                                Additional Shares of Common Stock ” shall mean all shares of Common Stock issued (or deemed to be issued upon issue of any Options or Convertible Securities) by the Corporation after the Original Issue Date, other than (1) the following shares of Common Stock and (2) shares of Common Stock deemed issued pursuant to the following Options and Convertible Securities:

 

(i)                                   shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued as a dividend or distribution on Series A Preferred Stock;

 



 

(ii)                               shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued by reason of a dividend, stock split or other distribution on shares of Common Stock that is covered by Section 6(f) , Section 6(g)  or Section 6(h) ;

 

(iii)                           shares of Common Stock or Options issued to employees or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Board of Directors of the Corporation; and

 

(iv)                           shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued (x) to the equityholders of a Person pursuant to the acquisition of such Person by the Corporation by consolidation, merger or other reorganization in which the Corporation acquires fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting power of such Person or fifty percent (50%) or more of the equity ownership of such Person or (y) to a Person pursuant to the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of such Person by the Corporation.

 

(b)                               Annual Dividend Amount ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).

 

(c)                                Board of Directors ” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

(d)                              Certificate of Designation ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2 .

 

(e)                                Common Stock ” shall mean the common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Corporation.

 

(f)                                 Conversion Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(b) .

 

(g)                               Conversion Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(b) .

 

(h)                               Conversion Price ” shall mean $11.16, as such amount may be adjusted pursuant to the terms herein.

 

(i)                                   Convertible Securities ” shall mean any shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of Common Stock, but excluding Options.

 

(j)                                   Corporation ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

(k)                               Dividend Rate ” shall mean 10.0% per annum.

 

(l)                                   Dividend Reference Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a) .

 

(m)                           Initial Voting Power ” shall mean the aggregate voting power of the Corporation represented by the shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued on the Original Issue Date, together with any other shares of capital stock of the Corporation owned

 

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beneficially or of record and without duplication, by the holders of record of the Series A Preferred Stock and any other Person that has beneficial ownership of such shares, in each case, as of the Original Issue Date.

 

(n)                               Liquidation Event ” shall mean (a) any termination, liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, either voluntary or involuntary, (b) the consolidation or merger of the Corporation into or with another Person or Persons (other than any such transactions in which the holders of a majority of the Voting Stock in the Corporation (measured by voting power rather than the number of shares and without distinction as to any series or class of Voting Stock) immediately before such transaction hold a majority of the Voting Stock in the surviving Person (measured by voting power rather than the number of shares and without distinction as to any series or class of Voting Stock) immediately after such transaction), or (c) the sale, lease, exchange, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets (including capital stock of Subsidiaries) or capital stock of the Corporation (determined on a consolidated basis) shall each be deemed a Liquidation Event.

 

(o)                               Liquidation Preference ” with respect to each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall mean, on any date, an amount equal to the Original Issue Price, plus accumulated and accrued dividends thereon through such date.

 

(p)                               Liquidation Proceeds ” shall mean the assets of the Corporation legally available for distribution to its stockholders upon the occurrence of a Liquidation Event.

 

(q)                               Options ” shall mean options, warrants or rights to purchase shares of Common Stock or Convertible Securities.

 

(r)                                  Original Issue Date ” shall mean the first date on which one or more shares of Series A Preferred Stock is/are issued by the Corporation.

 

(s)                                 Original Issue Price ” shall mean $1,000 per share of Series A Preferred Stock.

 

(t)                                  Person ” shall mean an individual, a corporation, a limited liability company, a partnership, an association, a trust or any other entity.

 

(u)                               Preferred Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

(v)                               Reference Closing Price ” shall mean $5.10, representing the closing price per share of Common Stock on September 8, 2015, as such amount may be adjusted in the discretion of the Board of Directors to take into account any stock dividend, stock split or combination, or other similar recapitalization.

 

(w)                           Series A Directors ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b) .

 

(x)                               Series A Dividends ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3 .

 

(y)                               Series A Preferred Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1 .

 

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(z)                                Subsidiary ” shall mean, with respect to the Corporation, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated in the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity (or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests) or more than 50% of the Voting Stock (measured by voting power rather than the number of shares and without distinction as to any series or class of Voting Stock) are, as of such date, owned or controlled by the Corporation or one or more Subsidiaries of the Corporation or by the Corporation and one or more Subsidiaries of the Corporation.

 

(aa)                         Voting Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, capital stock of such Person that ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such Person.

 

Section 3.                                 Dividends .

 

(a)                                Each holder of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof out of funds of the Corporation legally available therefor, at an annual rate equal to the Dividend Rate on the Liquidation Preference (including all accumulated dividends thereon, but not accrued dividends that have not accumulated) of each share of the Series A Preferred Stock (the “ Annual Dividend Amount ”).  Such dividends shall be payable solely in cash (to the extent actually paid), shall be cumulative and shall accrue (whether or not earned or declared, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment thereof and whether or not restricted by the terms of any of the Corporation’s indebtedness outstanding at any time) from and including the date each share is issued to and including the first to occur of (i) the date on which the Liquidation Preference (including all accumulated dividends thereon) of such share (plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon) is paid to the holder thereof in connection with the liquidation of the Corporation or (ii) the date on which such share is otherwise acquired by the Corporation, including upon conversion in accordance with Section 6 hereof.  To the extent not paid in cash on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year (each, a “ Dividend Reference Date ”), all dividends which have accrued on each share outstanding during the calendar quarter preceding the applicable Dividend Reference Date shall be accumulated and shall remain accumulated dividends with respect to such share until paid to the holder thereof.

 

(b)                               The dividend payment period for any dividend payable or accumulating on a Dividend Reference Date shall be the period beginning on the immediately preceding Dividend Reference Date (or on the issue date if the applicable share is first issued at some time after the immediately preceding Dividend Reference Date) and ending on the day preceding such applicable Dividend Reference Date.  If any date on which a cash dividend is declared in respect of the Series A Preferred Stock is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next day that is a Business Day.

 

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(c)                                Any dividends paid in cash shall be payable to the holders of record of the Series A Preferred Stock as they appear on the stock transfer books of the Corporation at the close of business on the day the dividend is declared, or such other date that the Board of Directors designates that is not more than thirty (30) nor less than ten (10) days prior to such date.  Dividends paid on the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock in an amount less than accumulated and unpaid dividends payable thereon shall be allocated pro rata on a share-by-share basis among all such shares at the time outstanding.

 

(d)                              In addition to the dividends specified in Section 3(a)  and subject to compliance with Section 3(e) , if the Board of Directors declares or pays a dividend on the Common Stock, then the Board of Directors shall declare and pay to the record holders of the Series A Preferred Stock a cash dividend in an amount per share of Series A Preferred Stock equal to the product of (i) the per share dividend declared and paid in respect of each share of Common Stock and (ii) the number of whole shares of Common Stock into which such share of Series A Preferred Stock would then be convertible in accordance with Section 6 hereof.

 

(e)                                So long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be outstanding, unless all accumulated, accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock have been declared and paid or set apart for payment, the Corporation shall not (i) declare or pay, or set aside any amounts for payment of, any dividend or distribution on any other class or series of capital stock of the Corporation, whether in cash, property or otherwise (other than dividends or distributions in respect of outstanding shares of Common Stock for which an adjustment is made pursuant to Section 6(g) or 6(h) hereof) or (ii) purchase or redeem, or permit any Subsidiary to purchase or redeem, any shares of any other class or series of capital stock of the Corporation (except by conversion into or exchange solely for shares of Common Stock), or pay or make available any monies for a sinking fund for the purchase or redemption of shares of any other class or series of capital stock of the Corporation.

 

Section 4.                                 Voting Rights .

 

(a)                                General .  On any matter presented to the stockholders of the Corporation for their action or consideration at any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation (or by written consent of stockholders in lieu of meeting), in addition to any voting rights provided by applicable law, each holder of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to cast the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such holder are convertible as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote on such matter; provided , however , that in no event shall such holder be entitled to cast a number of votes that, at any given time, exceeds the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the product of (A) the number of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by such holder at such time, multiplied by (B) the Original Issue Price, by (ii) the Reference Closing Price.  Except as provided by law or by the other provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall vote together with the holders of Common Stock as a single class.

 

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(b)                               Election of Directors .  For so long as shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the holders of record of such shares, exclusively and as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect (i) three (3) members of the Board of Directors as long as such holders, together with any other Person that has beneficial ownership of such shares, own, beneficially or of record and without duplication, shares of Series A Preferred Stock and any other shares of capital stock of the Corporation that in aggregate represent voting power of the Corporation at least equal to the product of the Initial Voting Power, multiplied by 66 2/3%; (ii) two (2) members of the Board of Directors as long as such holders, together with any other Person that has beneficial ownership of such shares, own, beneficially or of record and without duplication, shares of Series A Preferred Stock and any other shares of capital stock of the Corporation that in aggregate represent voting power of the Corporation at least equal to the product of the Initial Voting Power, multiplied by 33 1/3%, but less than the amount in clause (i); and (iii) one (1) member of the Board of Directors as long as such holders, together with any other Person that has beneficial ownership of such shares, own, beneficially or of record and without duplication, shares of Series A Preferred Stock and any other shares of capital stock of the Corporation that in aggregate represent at least 5% of the outstanding voting power of the Corporation, but less than the amount in clause (ii) (the directors appointed pursuant to clause (i), (ii) or (iii), as applicable, the “ Series A Directors ”).  Any Series A Director may be removed without cause by, and only by, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, given either at a special meeting of such holders duly called for that purpose or pursuant to a written consent of such holders.  If the holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock fail to elect the applicable number of Series A Directors, then any directorship not so filled shall remain vacant until such time as the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock elect a person to fill such directorship by vote or written consent in lieu of a meeting; and no such directorship may be filled by stockholders of the Corporation other than by the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock.  At any meeting held for the purpose of electing a Series A Director, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing such Series A Director. The initial Series A Directors shall be those Persons who are designated by the record holder of the Series A Preferred Stock on the Issue Date to serve until their successors are duly elected.

 

The Secretary of the Corporation may, and, upon the written request of the holders of record of 10% or more of the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding addressed to such Secretary at the principal office of the Corporation, shall, call a special meeting of the holders of record of the Series A Preferred Stock for the election of the directors to be elected by them as hereinabove provided, to be held in the case of such written request within twenty (20) days after delivery of such request, and in either case to be held at the place and upon the notice provided by law and in the Corporation’s by-laws for the holding of meetings of stockholders.

 

(c)                                Series A Preferred Stock Protective Provisions .  For so long as at least 50% of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued on the Original Issue Date remain outstanding, the Corporation shall not, at any time or from time to time following the Original Issue Date, without the prior vote or written consent of the holders of at least a

 

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majority of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding, voting separately as a single class:

 

(i)                                   change, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Corporation, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, if such change, amendment, alteration or repeal would adversely affect the powers, obligations, preferences or relative, participating, optional, special or other rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock or the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock;

 

(ii)                               (x) authorize, issue, create or designate any series of capital stock of the Corporation pursuant to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation ranking senior or pari passu to the Series A Preferred Stock (1) as to dividends or other distributions or (2) upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation; or (y) permit any Subsidiary of the Corporation to authorize, issue, create or designate any class or series of capital stock of such Subsidiary other than an issuance of capital stock to the Corporation or any other wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Corporation;

 

(iii)                           take any action to liquidate, dissolve or wind-up the business and affairs of the Corporation or consent to any of the foregoing; or

 

(iv)        increase the authorized number of members of the Board of Directors.

 

Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which minutes of proceedings of stockholders are recorded.  Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.  Prompt written notice of the taking of corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall, to the extent required by law, be given to those holders of Series A Preferred Stock who have not consented in writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for notice of such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders of Series A Preferred Stock to take the action were delivered to the Corporation.

 

Section 5.                                 Liquidation .                  Upon any Liquidation Event, the holders of any outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of the Liquidation Proceeds, prior and in preference to the holders of any other class or series of

 

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capital stock of the Corporation, an amount per share of Series A Preferred Stock equal to the greater of (a) the Liquidation Preference on the date of determination and (b) the amount that would be payable to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock if such holders had converted all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock pursuant to Section 6 hereof immediately prior to such Liquidation Event.  If, upon the occurrence of any Liquidation Event, the Liquidation Proceeds thus distributed among the holders of any outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be insufficient to permit the payment in full to the holders of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock of the preferential amounts to which they are entitled, then the entire Liquidation Proceeds shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock in proportion to the full preferential amount that each such holder is otherwise entitled to receive.

 

Section 6.                                 Conversion .

 

(a)                                Right to Convert; Conversion Ratio .        Each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at the option of the holder thereof, at any time and without the payment of additional consideration by the holder thereof, into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock as is determined by dividing the Original Issue Price (plus, at the option of the holder as set forth in Section 6(d) , the amount of accrued and unpaid dividends thereon, as of the Conversion Date) by the Conversion Price in effect at the time of conversion.  Such initial Conversion Price, and the rate at which shares of Series A Preferred Stock may be converted into shares of Common Stock, shall be subject to adjustment as provided below; provided , however , that no adjustment will be made for any event in which an adjustment has already been provided under this Section 6 ; provided , further , that if any event occurs that would result in an adjustment under more than one subsection of this Section 6 , the subsection that results in the most favorable adjustment to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall control.

 

(b)                               Mechanics of Conversion .  Before any holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive stock certificate(s) representing the shares of Common Stock into which such shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall have been converted pursuant to this Section 6 , such holder shall have surrendered the stock certificate(s) representing such shares of Series A Preferred Stock to the Corporation, duly indorsed for transfer to the Corporation and accompanied by written notice substantially in the form set forth in Annex A attached hereto (the “ Conversion Notice ”).  The Corporation shall, on a date as soon as practicable, and in no event later than three (3) trading days after the delivery of said stock certificate(s) and Conversion Notice to the Corporation (such date, the “ Conversion Date ”), issue and deliver to such holder, or the nominee or nominees of such holder, stock certificate(s) or evidence of book entry credits, if requested by the holder converting such shares, representing the number of shares of Common Stock to which such holder shall be entitled under this Section 6 , and the stock certificate(s) representing the share(s) of Series A Preferred Stock so surrendered shall be cancelled. In the event that there shall have been surrendered stock certificate(s) representing shares of Series A Preferred Stock, only a portion of which shall have been converted pursuant to this Section 6 , then the Corporation shall also issue and deliver to such holder, or the nominee or nominees of such holder, stock certificate(s)

 

8



 

representing the number of share(s) of Series A Preferred Stock that shall not have been converted pursuant to this Section 6 .  The person(s) entitled to receive share(s) of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of share(s) of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 6 shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder(s) of such shares of Common Stock as of the Conversion Date.

 

(c)                                Fractional Shares .  No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock.  In lieu of any fractional shares to which the holder would otherwise be entitled, the Corporation shall pay cash equal to such fraction multiplied by the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.  Whether or not fractional shares would be issuable upon such conversion shall be determined on the basis of the total number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock the holder is at the time converting into Common Stock and the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion.

 

(d)                              Effect of Conversion .  All shares of Series A Preferred Stock that shall have been surrendered for conversion as herein provided shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights with respect to such shares shall immediately cease and terminate upon conversion, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive (i) shares of Common Stock in exchange therefor, (ii) payment of cash in lieu of any fraction of a share otherwise issuable upon such conversion as provided in Section 6(c)  and (iii) payment in cash or additional shares of Common Stock, at the option of the holder and specified in the Conversion Notice, of any accrued but unpaid dividends thereon.  Any shares of Series A Preferred Stock so converted shall be retired and cancelled and may not be reissued as shares of such series, and the Corporation may thereafter take such appropriate action (without the need for stockholder action) as may be necessary to reduce the authorized number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock accordingly.

 

(e)                                Adjustment of Conversion Price Upon Issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock .  In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Original Issue Date issue Additional Shares of Common Stock without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue, then the Conversion Price shall be reduced, concurrently with such issue, to a price (calculated to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent) determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

CP 2  = CP 1 * (A + B) ÷ (A + C).

 

For purposes of the foregoing formula, the following definitions shall apply:

 

(i)                                   “CP2” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately after such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

(ii)                               “CP1” shall mean the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock;

 

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(iii)                           “A” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock (treating for this purpose as outstanding all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Options outstanding immediately prior to such issue or upon conversion, exercise or exchange of Convertible Securities (including the Series A Preferred Stock) outstanding (assuming exercise of any outstanding Options therefor) immediately prior to such issue);

 

(iv)                           “B” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued if such Additional Shares of Common Stock had been issued at a price per share equal to CP1 (determined by dividing the aggregate consideration received by the Corporation in respect of such issue by CP1); and

 

(v)                               “C” shall mean the number of such Additional Shares of Common Stock issued in such transaction.

 

(f)                                 Adjustment for Stock Splits and Combinations .  If the Corporation shall at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date effect a subdivision of the outstanding Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect immediately before that subdivision shall be proportionately decreased so that the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on conversion of each share of such series shall be increased in proportion to such increase in the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock outstanding.  If the Corporation shall at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date combine the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Price in effect immediately before the combination shall be proportionately increased so that the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on conversion of each share of such series shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock outstanding.  Any adjustment under this subsection shall become effective at the close of business on the date the subdivision or combination becomes effective.

 

(g)                               Adjustment for Certain Dividends and Distributions .  In the event the Corporation at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date shall make or issue, or fix a record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive, a dividend or other distribution payable on the Common Stock in additional shares of Common Stock, then and in each such event the Conversion Price in effect immediately before such event shall be decreased as of the time of such issuance or, in the event such a record date shall have been fixed, as of the close of business on such record date, by multiplying the Conversion Price then in effect by a fraction:

 

(i)                                   the numerator of which shall be the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the time of such issuance or the close of business on such record date, and

 

(ii)                               the denominator of which shall be the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the time of such issuance or the close of business on such record date plus the number of shares of Common Stock issuable in payment of such dividend or distribution.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) if such record date shall have been fixed and such dividend is not fully paid or if such distribution is not fully made on the date fixed therefor, the Conversion Price shall be recomputed accordingly as of the close of business on such record date and thereafter the Conversion Price shall be adjusted pursuant to this subsection as of the time of actual payment of such dividends or distributions, and (B) no such adjustment shall be made if the holders of Series A Preferred Stock simultaneously receive a dividend or other distribution of shares of Common Stock in a number equal to the number of shares of Common Stock as they would have received if all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock had been converted into Common Stock on the date of such event.

 

(h)                               Adjustments for Other Dividends and Distributions .  In the event the Corporation at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date shall make or issue, or fix a record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive, a dividend or other distribution payable in securities of the Corporation (other than a distribution of shares of Common Stock in respect of outstanding shares of Common Stock) or in rights, then and in each such event the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall receive, simultaneously with the distribution to the holders of Common Stock, a dividend or other distribution of such securities or rights in an amount equal to the amount of such securities or rights as they would have received if all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock had been converted into Common Stock in accordance with Section 6 hereof on the date of such event.

 

(i)                                   Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Reclassification .  In case of any consolidation with or merger of the Corporation with or into another corporation, or in case of any sale, lease, exchange, exclusive license or other disposition to another corporation of the assets of the Corporation as an entirety or substantially as an entirety (where there is a change in or distribution with respect to the Common Stock), or any reclassification of the capital stock of the Corporation, each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, lease, exchange, exclusive license or other disposition or reclassification be convertible into the number of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) to which the Common Stock issuable (at the time of such consolidation, merger, sale, lease, exchange, exclusive license or other disposition or reclassification) upon conversion of such share of Series A Preferred Stock would have been entitled upon such consolidation, merger, sale, lease, lease, exchange, exclusive license or other disposition or reclassification; and in any such case, if necessary, the provisions set forth herein with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall be appropriately adjusted so as to be applicable, as nearly as may reasonably be, to any shares of stock or other securities or property thereafter deliverable on the conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock.  If the Corporation shall propose to take any action of the type described in this clause (i), the Corporation shall give notice to each record holder of Series A Preferred Stock, which notice shall specify the record date, if any, with respect to any such action and the approximate date on which such action is to take place.  Such notice shall also set forth such facts with respect thereto as shall be reasonably necessary to indicate the effect of such action (to the extent such effect may be known on the date of such notice) on the Conversion Price and the number, kind or class of shares or other securities or property

 

11



 

which shall be deliverable upon conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock.  In the case of any action that would require the fixing of a record date, such notice shall be given at least ten (10) days prior to the date so fixed, and in case of all other action, such notice shall be given at least fifteen (15) days prior to taking such proposed action.

 

(j)                                   Statement Regarding Adjustments .  Whenever a Conversion Price shall be adjusted, the Corporation shall forthwith file, at the office of any transfer agent for the Series A Preferred Stock and at the principal office of the Corporation, a statement showing in reasonable detail the facts requiring such adjustment and the Conversion Price that shall be in effect after such adjustment, and the Corporation shall also cause a copy of such statement to be sent to each record holder of Series A Preferred Stock.  Each such statement shall be signed by the chief financial officer of the Corporation.

 

(k)                               Notice to Holders .  All notices permitted or required to be sent by the Corporation to the Holders pursuant to this Certificate of Designation shall be sent by overnight courier or first class certified mail, postage prepaid, to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock at the addresses appearing on the Corporation’s records.

 

(l)                                   Treasury Stock .  The sale or other disposition of any Common Stock theretofore held in the Corporation’s treasury shall be deemed to be an issuance thereof.

 

(m)                           Costs .  The Corporation shall pay all documentary, stamp, transfer or other transactional taxes attributable to the issuance or delivery of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock; provided that the Corporation shall not be required to pay any taxes which may be payable in respect of any transfer and involved in the issuance or delivery of any certificate for such shares in a name other than that of the holder of record of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock in respect of which such shares are being issued, and no such issue or delivery shall be made unless and until the Person requesting such issue has paid to the Corporation the amount of any such tax, or has established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Corporation that such tax has been or will be paid.

 

Section 7.                                 Reservation of Shares .

 

(a)                                The Corporation shall at all times keep reserved, free from preemptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, or shares held in treasury, sufficient shares of Common Stock to provide for the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock as required by this Certificate of Designation from time to time as shares of Series A Preferred Stock are presented for conversion.

 

(b)                               All Common Stock delivered upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free and clear of all liens, claims, security interests and other encumbrances.

 

Section 8.                                 Maturity . The Series A Preferred Stock shall be perpetual unless converted or liquidated in accordance with this Certificate of Designation.

 

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Section 9.                                 Redemption . The Series A Preferred Stock shall not be redeemable either at the Corporation’s option or at the option of holders of the Series A Preferred Stock at any time.

 

Section 10.                         Amendment .  No provision of this Certificate of Designation may be amended, except in a written instrument signed by the Corporation and record holders of a majority of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding.  Any of the rights of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock set forth herein may be waived by the affirmative vote of such holders holding a majority of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding.  No waiver of any default with respect to any provision, condition or requirement of this Certificate of Designation shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in the future or a waiver of any subsequent default or a waiver of any other provision, condition or requirement hereof, nor shall any delay or omission of either party to exercise any right hereunder in any manner impair the exercise of any such right.

 

[ Signature Page Follows ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate of Designation of the 10% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Differential Brands Group Inc. on this 28th day of January, 2016.

 

 

 

DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 /s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name: Hamish Sandhu

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

[ Signature Page to Certificate of Designation ]

 



 

NOTICE TO EXERCISE CONVERSION RIGHT

 

The undersigned, being a holder of the 10.0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Differential Brands Group Inc. (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) exercises the right to convert ____________ outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock on ___________, ____, into shares of Common Stock of Differential Brands Group Inc., [upon the occurrence of [name consolidation or merger of the Corporation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation or recapitalization of the Corporation] on or prior to [insert date]] in accordance with the terms of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, and directs that the shares issuable and deliverable upon the conversion be issued and delivered in the denominations indicated below to the registered holder hereof unless a different name has been indicated below.

 

By checking this box o the undersigned holder hereby elects to receive cash in lieu of additional shares of Common Stock in respect of any accrued and unpaid dividends on each share of Series A Preferred Stock being converted pursuant to  this notice.

 

Dated:  [At least one Business Day prior to the date fixed for conversion]

 

Fill in for registration of

shares of Common Stock

if to be issued otherwise

than to the registered

holder:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please print name and

(Signature)

address, including postal

 

code number

 

 


Exhibit 4.3

 

NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS NOTE NOR THE COMMON STOCK INTO WHICH THESE SECURITIES ARE CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION EVIDENCED BY (IF REQUESTED BY THE COMPANY) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE HOLDER, IN A FORM REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD OR ELIGIBLE TO BE SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR RULE 144A UNDER SAID ACT.

 

THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THIS NOTE, AND INTEREST IN RESPECT THEREOF, ARE SUBORDINATED IN RIGHT OF PAYMENT TO SENIOR DEBT.

 

THIS NOTE IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN SET OFF PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN A STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED AS OF JULY 15, 2013 AMONG THE COMPANY, THE PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED, AND CERTAIN OTHER PERSONS.  THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH A COPY OF THESE SET OFF PROVISIONS TO THE HOLDER HEREOF, WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON WRITTEN REQUEST.

 

 

SUBORDINATED CONVERTIBLE NOTE

 

$[______]

 

January 28, 2016

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated July 15, 2013, by and among the Parties (as defined below) and certain other persons (the “ Stock Purchase Agreement ”), the Company (as defined below) executed that certain Subordinated Convertible Note, dated September 30, 2013, in favor of the Holder (as defined below) in the original principal amount of [________] Dollars ($[_____]) (the “ Original Note ”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Rollover Agreement, dated September 8, 2015, by and among the Parties and certain other persons (the “ Rollover Agreement ”), a portion of the Original Note has been repaid in cash, a portion has been repaid in Common Stock (as defined below) and the balance is to be repaid through issuance of this Subordinated Convertible Note (this “ Note ”); and

 

WHEREAS, in consideration of the foregoing premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Original Note is hereby amended and restated in all respects by this Note.

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, Differential Brands Group Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ” and, together with Holder, the “ Parties ”), hereby unconditionally promises to pay to [___________] (“ Holder ”), in lawful money of the United States of America,

 



 

the principal sum of [________] Dollars ($[_____]) 1 , together with interest on the unpaid principal balance thereon from the date set out above (the “ Issuance Date ”) until the earlier to occur of the Conversion Date or the date such principal amount is paid in full as provided herein.

 

This Note is one of an issue of Subordinated Convertible Notes issued on the date hereof and has been executed and delivered pursuant to the terms of the Rollover Agreement (including any PIK Notes issued thereon, collectively, the “ Notes ”, and such other Subordinated Convertible Notes, the “ Other Notes ”).  Undefined capitalized terms herein are defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement.  The Company and the Holder acknowledge and agree that the payment of all or any portion of the outstanding principal balance of this Note and all accrued interest hereon, including but not limited to in connection with any Event of Default but excluding any payment in connection with any elective conversion of this Note pursuant to Section 2, shall be pari passu in right of payment and in all other respects to the Other Notes.  In furtherance of the foregoing, the Company agrees that it shall not make any payment of interest under this Note (whether at maturity or otherwise, but excluding any payment pursuant to Section 2) unless it shall concurrently make a payment of interest, as applicable, under each of the Other Notes in the same proportionate amount as the accrued but unpaid interest is paid under this Note.

 

1.                                     Payments

 

1.1                             Principal and Interest .

 

(a)                               Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance of this Note at a rate of 6.50% 2  per annum (the “ Interest Rate ”), which shall be payable 50% in cash and 50% in PIK Notes (“ PIK Interest ”); provided , however , that the Company may, in its sole discretion, elect to pay 100% of such interest in cash.

 

(b)                              When the Company issues additional Notes (“ PIK Notes ”) to the Holder as payment of PIK Interest, such PIK Notes shall be equal to the amount of PIK Interest that has accrued in respect of the Notes since the last interest payment date up to the relevant interest payment date.  The Notes issued on the Issuance Date and any such PIK Notes shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Note, including with respect to the accrual of interest.  In the event that PIK Interest due to the Holder is less than $1.00, any PIK Interest less than $1.00 shall be rounded up to the nearest $1.00.

 

(c)                                Interest shall accrue at the Interest Rate computed on the basis of a 365/366 day year on the unpaid principal amount of this Note outstanding from time to time from the Issuance Date until the earlier to occur of the Conversion Date or the date such principal amount is paid in full as provided in Section 1.1(a).  The Company shall pay to the Holder all accrued and unpaid interest in arrears for each calendar quarter on the first day of each April, July, October and January, beginning April 1, 2016 and

 


1   Note to Draft : To be the amount equal to the percentage of principal and unpaid interest set forth on Schedule A to the Rollover Agreement.

2   Note to Draft : Interest rate for all Noteholders other than Fireman to be 6.5%.  Interest rate for FCP Note to initially be 6.5% with a step up to 7% as of October 1, 2016.

 

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ending January 1, 2021 .  Thereafter, the Company shall pay to the Holder all accrued and unpaid interest on the Maturity Date (as defined below).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the parties’ professional tax advisors agree that quarterly payments may be made subsequent to January 1, 2021, without causing this Note to be an applicable high yield debt obligation, as defined in section 163(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, then such interest payments shall be on a quarterly basis.  Any accrued interest which for any reason has not theretofore been paid shall be paid in full on the date on which the final principal payment on this Note is made.  Notwithstanding the first paragraph of this Note or the first sentence of this Section 1.1(c), during any period in which an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Company shall pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Note at a rate per annum equal to [ ]% 3  (the “ Default Rate ”).

 

1.2                             Payment of Principal on Note .

 

(a)                               The Company shall pay the principal amount then outstanding of this Note to the Holder on July 28, 2021 (the “ Maturity Date ”), together with all accrued and unpaid interest in the manner set forth below, unless such amounts are paid or payable sooner pursuant to the provisions of this Note.  On the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder cash in an amount equal to the entire then outstanding principal balance of this Note plus all accrued but unpaid interest on the Note.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this Note shall remain outstanding so long as either (1) any principal amount of this Note (together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon) remains outstanding or (2) the Holder has the right to convert any Conversion Amount pursuant to this Note.

 

(b)                              The Company shall provide notice of the Maturity Date to the Holder no later than 30 days prior to the Maturity Date, which notice shall be deemed to have been received (i) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, or if by facsimile, upon written confirmation of receipt by facsimile, e mail or otherwise, (ii) on the first Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered utilizing a next-day service by a recognized next-day courier or (iii) on the earlier of confirmed receipt or the fifth Business Day following the date of mailing if delivered by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Prior to delivering such notice, the Company shall be required to confirm the notice information of the Holder.

 

(c)                                Except as provided in (i) the final paragraph of Section 3.3 and (ii) Section 5, the Company shall have the right to prepay this Note at any time.

 

1.3                             Manner of Payment .  Principal, interest, and all other amounts due under this Note will be payable in cash, except as provided in Section 1.1, in U.S. dollars, to Holder by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account designated by Holder in writing.  If any

 


3   Note to Draft : To be 2% above the applicable interest rate.

 

3



 

applicable law (as determined by the Company) requires the deduction of withholding of any tax from any payment or in connection with a conversion of the Note, then the Company shall be entitled to make such deduction and timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant governmental authority and any amount so deducted and paid to the relevant governmental authority shall be treated as a payment to the Holder.  If any payment of principal or interest on this Note is due on a day that is not a Business Day, such payment will be due on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time will be taken into account in calculating the amount of interest payable under this Note.  “ Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of California.  The Company may, to the extent permissible under Section 1.2(h)(i)  and Section 9.7 of the Stock Purchase Agreement, set off against the principal amount outstanding under this Note any amounts that Holder is determined to be liable to the Company in connection with the Transactions under the Stock Purchase Agreement which have been determined: (i) by the written agreement between the Holder and the Company; or (ii) by any other means to which the Holder and the Company shall agree which shall include the final judgment or decree of a court when the time for appeal, if any, shall have expired and no appeal shall have been taken or when all appeals taken shall have been finally determined; provided, that such set off shall be treated as a payment of principal under this Note and shall be subject to Article 4.  In the event of such setoff, the outstanding principal amount of this Note shall be set-off until the aggregate amount of the set-off equals the amounts for which setoff is available from the Holder pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement; provided that in all cases the foregoing shall be subject as to indemnification claims under Section 9.7 to the limitations in Article 9 of the Stock Purchase Agreement, including those set forth in Section 9.1 of the Stock Purchase Agreement.  Any accrued but unpaid interest on the principal amount so offset will be cancelled, and, in the event any such interest on such principal amount so offset has been previously paid to Holder, such interest shall be deducted by the Company from the next interest payments otherwise due Holder.  This Right of Setoff is without prejudice and in addition to any other right to which Holder is at any time otherwise entitled under this Note (whether by operation of Law, Contract, or otherwise).  Within 10 days after the final determination of any amounts hereunder available for set off, the Holder shall surrender this Note to the Company for cancellation in exchange for a replacement Note reflecting the correct principal amount after taking into account the set off.

 

1.4                             Payment of Certain Taxes .  The Company shall promptly reimburse the Holder for any interest payable by the Holder pursuant to Section 453A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”) (and any corresponding state and local taxes) on the deferred tax liability (as defined in Section 453A(c)(3) of the Code) attributable to the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement (the “ Section 453A Interest Charges ”).  The amounts owed by the Company to the Holder pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be treated as additional sales proceeds and shall be payable at such time as the Section 453A Interest Charges are actually payable by the Holder to the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority (the “ Section 453A Payment Date ”) and shall be increased by the taxes payable by the Holder with respect to the receipt of the Section 453A Interest Charges from the Company (such aggregate amount shall be referred to as the “ Section 453A Payment Amount ”).  Such calculations shall be based on the assumptions that the Holder (x) has received no other installment notes in the taxable year including the Closing Date, and (y) is subject to income tax at the highest marginal federal, state and local capital gains tax rates applicable to the Holder (including, to the extent applicable to the Holder, the tax imposed under Section 1411 of the

 

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Code on net investment income), absent the Holder providing the Company with documentation that the Holder is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.  An example of such calculations, solely for illustrative purposes, is attached hereto as Exhibit II.  The Holder shall provide the Company with Holder’s tax basis and gain percentage recognized on the transaction in order to calculate the Section 453A Payment Amount.  Within ten (10) days after the Company receives written notice from the Holder of the Section 453A Payment Date and the Section 453A Payment Amount, the Company shall pay such Section 453A Payment Amount to the Holder in cash.

 

2.                                     Conversion of Notes . This Note shall be convertible into validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock (as defined below) or cash or a combination thereof at the option of the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 2.

 

2.1                             Conversion Right . At any time on or after the date hereof, the Holder shall be entitled to convert all but not less than all of the Conversion Amount into the Settlement Amount determined in accordance with Section 2.3.  Subject to Section 4, all accrued but unpaid interest on the Note shall be paid in cash at the time of conversion.  In the event that the Company is prohibited from paying such interest in cash pursuant to the provisions of its Senior Debt, it shall pay such interest in Common Stock based upon the then Market Price.  The Company shall pay any and all transfer, stamp, issuance and similar taxes that may be payable with respect to the issuance and delivery of Common Stock upon conversion of the Conversion Amount.

 

2.2                             Mechanics of Conversion .  To convert any Conversion Amount into the Settlement Amount as provided in this Note, the Holder shall deliver (whether via facsimile or otherwise), for receipt on or prior to 11:59 p.m., Los Angeles time, on such date, a copy of an executed notice of conversion in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I (the “ Conversion Notice ”) to the Company (such date, the “ Conversion Date ”).  Interest on the Note shall cease to accrue on the Conversion Date.  Within three (3) Trading Days following a conversion of this Note as aforesaid, the Holder shall surrender this Note to a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for delivery to the Company (or an indemnification undertaking with respect to this Note in the case of its loss, theft or destruction as contemplated by Section 6.3).  In the event of a Physical Settlement or Combination Settlement, on or before the second Trading Day following the date of receipt of a Conversion Notice, the Company shall transmit by facsimile a Settlement Notice as described in Section 2.3(b), of receipt of such Conversion Notice to the Holder and the Company’s transfer agent (the “ Transfer Agent ”), if applicable.  On or before the third Trading Day following the date of receipt of a Conversion Notice, the Company shall, to the extent any such Settlement Amount is to be paid in shares of Common Stock, either (a) credit such aggregate number of shares of Common Stock to which the Holder shall be entitled to the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian system or (b) if required, issue and deliver (via reputable overnight courier) to the address as specified in the Company instructions, a certificate, registered in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of shares of Common Stock to which the Holder shall be entitled.

 

2.3                             Settlement Upon Conversion .  If a Holder converts this Note, the Company shall pay or deliver to such Holder, as the case may be, in respect of the Conversion Amount of Notes being converted, solely cash, solely shares of Common Stock (other than the payment of accrued

 

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interest, which shall be paid in cash except as contemplated by Section 2.1) or a combination of cash and Common Stock (the “ Settlement Amount ”), at the Company’s election, as set forth in this Section 2.3.

 

(a)                               The Company shall pay or deliver, as the case may be, the Settlement Amount on the third Trading Day immediately following the date of the Conversion Notice; provided , that ;

 

(i)                                   if the Company elects to fulfill its conversion obligation, in whole or in part, in shares of Common Stock, the Company shall deliver such Common Stock on the third Trading Day immediately following the Conversion Date in accordance with Section 2.2;

 

(ii)                               if the Company elects to fulfill its conversion obligation, in whole or in part, in cash, the Company shall pay such cash as soon as possible but no later than the twentieth Trading Day immediately following the Conversion Date; and

 

(iii)                           the Company shall use its commercially reasonable effort to pay in cash all accrued but unpaid interest as soon as possible but no later than the twentieth Trading Day immediately following the Conversion Date.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event that for any reason (including due to the provisions of Section 4 hereof that restrict making of cash payments in certain circumstances) the Company is not able to pay all or any portion of the Notes in cash, then the Company shall be required to fulfill its conversion obligations in shares of Common Stock for any portion that the Company cannot pay in cash .

 

(b)                              The Company shall deliver a notice (each, a “ Settlement Notice ”) of the relevant Settlement Amount not later than the Close of Business on the second Trading Day following the related Conversion Date.  Each such Settlement Notice shall specify whether the Company shall satisfy its conversion obligation by (i) delivering shares of Common Stock (“ Physical Settlement ”), (ii) paying solely cash (“ Cash Settlement ”) or (iii) paying and delivering, as the case may be, a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock (“ Combination Settlement ”). In the case of an election that provides for Combination Settlement, the relevant Settlement Notice shall indicate the Specified Dollar Amount.

 

(c)                                The Settlement Amount in respect of any conversion shall be computed as follows:

 

(i)                                   if the Company elects to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such conversion through Physical Settlement, the Company will deliver to the converting Holder a number of shares of Common Stock equal to (A) the entire Conversion Amount, divided by (B) the Market Price;

 

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(ii)                               if the Company elects to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such conversion through Cash Settlement, the Company shall pay to the converting Holder cash in an amount equal to the entire Conversion Amount; and

 

(iii)                           subject to Section 2.1, if the Company elects to satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such conversion through Combination Settlement, the Company shall pay and deliver to the converting Holder, as the case may be, a Settlement Amount equal to: (A) a number of shares of Common Stock as calculated pursuant to Section 2.3(c)(i) above assuming that a portion of the Conversion Amount designated by the Company is the Conversion Amount being settled by Physical Settlement and (B) cash equal to the amount of cash to be paid pursuant to Section 2.3(c)(ii) above assuming that the remaining portion of the Conversion Amount is the Conversion Amount being settled by Cash Settlement.

 

(d)                              Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will not issue fractional shares of Common Stock as part of the Settlement Amount due with respect to any converted Note in respect of which shares of Common Stock are deliverable. Instead, if any such Settlement Amount includes a fraction of a share of Common Stock, the Company will, in lieu of delivering such fraction of a share of Common Stock, pay an amount of cash equal to the product of (i) such fraction of a share and (ii) the Market Price of the Common Stock, subject in each case to the following paragraph.

 

(e)                                If a Holder surrenders more than one Note for conversion on a single Conversion Date, the Company will calculate the amount of cash and the number of shares of Common Stock due with respect to such Notes as if such Holder had surrendered for conversion one Note having an aggregate principal amount equal to the sum of the principal amounts of each of the Notes surrendered for conversion by such Holder on such Conversion Date.

 

2.4                             Rights Upon Issuance Of Purchase Rights And Other Corporate Events.

 

(a)                               Purchase Rights. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 2.5 below, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Options, Convertible Notes or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to all of the record holders of any class of Common Stock (the “ Purchase Rights ”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete conversion of this Note (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of this Note) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights.

 

(b)                              Other Corporate Events . In addition to and not in substitution for any other rights hereunder, (i) prior to the consummation of any Corporate Event pursuant to

 

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which holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive securities or other assets in exchange for shares of Common Stock, the Company shall make appropriate provision to insure that the Holder will thereafter have the right to receive upon a conversion of this Note, in lieu of the shares of Common Stock otherwise receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets received by the holders of shares of Common Stock in connection with the consummation of such Corporate Event in such amounts as the Holder would have been entitled to receive had this Note initially been issued with conversion rights for the form of such consideration (as opposed to shares of Common Stock) at a conversion price for such consideration commensurate with the Conversion Price or (ii) prior to the consummation of any Corporate Event pursuant to which holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive a distribution with respect to securities or other assets and, immediately following such distribution, such shares of Common Stock remain outstanding, the Company shall make appropriate provision to insure that the Holder will thereafter have the right to receive upon a conversion of this Note, in addition to the shares of Common Stock receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets to which the Holder would have been entitled with respect to such shares of Common Stock had such shares of Common Stock been held by the Holder upon the consummation of such Corporate Event (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of this Note).  The provisions of this Section 2.4(b) shall apply similarly and equally to successive Corporate Events and shall be applied without regard to any limitations on the conversion of this Note.  Upon any Corporate Event, this Note shall continue in full force and effect and the terms hereof shall be applicable to the securities and assets receivable on the exercise of this Note after the consummation of such Corporate Event and shall be binding upon the Company, or upon a successor entity resulting from such Corporate Event regardless of whether or not such successor entity shall have expressly assumed the terms of this Note.

 

2.5                             Rights Upon Issuance of Other Securities.

 

(a)                               Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Subdivision or Combination of Common Stock . Without limiting any provision of Section 2.4, if the Company at any time on or after the Issuance Date subdivides (by any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or otherwise) one or more classes of its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision will be proportionately reduced.  Without limiting any provision of Section 2.5, if the Company at any time on or after the Issuance Date (other than pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split) combines (by combination, reverse stock split or otherwise) one or more classes of its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such combination will be proportionately increased.  Any adjustment pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such subdivision or combination. If any event requiring an adjustment under this Section 2.5 occurs during the period that a Conversion Price is calculated hereunder, then the calculation of such Conversion Price shall be adjusted appropriately to reflect such event.

 

(b)                              Other Events . In the event that the Company (or any Subsidiary) shall take any action to which the provisions hereof are not strictly applicable, or, if applicable,

 

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would not operate to protect the Holder from dilution or if any event occurs of the type contemplated by the provisions of Sections 2.4 or 2.5 but not expressly provided for by such provisions (including, without limitation, the granting of stock appreciation rights, phantom stock rights or other rights with equity features), then the Company’s board of directors shall in good faith determine and implement an appropriate adjustment in the Conversion Price so as to protect the rights of the Holder.

 

2.6                             Notices .

 

(a)                               Immediately upon any adjustment of the Conversion Price, the Company shall send written notice thereof to the Holder, setting forth in reasonable detail and certifying the calculation of such adjustment.

 

(b)                              The Company shall send written notice to the Holder at least 10 Business Days prior to the date on which the Company closes its books or takes a record (i) with respect to any dividend or distribution upon the Common Stock, (ii) with respect to any pro rata subscription offer to holders of Common Stock or (iii) for determining rights to vote with respect to any Corporate Event, dissolution or liquidation.

 

(c)                                The Company shall also give at least ten (10) Business Days prior written notice of the date on which any Corporate Event, dissolution or liquidation shall take place.

 

3.                                     Defaults

 

3.1                             Events of Default .  The occurrence of any one or more of the following events with respect to the Company will constitute an event of default hereunder (“ Event of Default ”):

 

(a)                               If the Company fails to pay when due any payment of principal or interest on this Note or any Other Note and such failure continues for ten (10) days after the original due date for such payment;

 

(b)                              If the Company, under the laws of any jurisdiction: (i) is dissolved, liquidated or wound up, or otherwise ceases doing business; (ii) becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due; (iii) consents to the appointment of a trustee, receiver, assignee, liquidator or similar official; (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (v) institutes a proceeding, or has an involuntary proceeding instituted or filed against it (or has any writ, judgment, warrant of attachment, execution or similar process issued or levied against a substantial part of the Company’s properties) that is not dismissed, released or fully bonded within 45 days thereafter, relating to insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, liquidation, receivership, dissolution, winding-up, relief of debtors or any other similar relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency, or other similar Law affecting creditors’ rights; or (vi) takes any action to effectuate or authorize any of the foregoing;

 

(c)                                the failure to make any payment when due (giving effect to any applicable grace periods and any extensions thereof) on the principal amount of any Indebtedness of

 

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the Company and its subsidiaries, or any interest thereon, if the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness, whether such Indebtedness now exists, or is created after the date of this Note, in default for failure to pay principal at final maturity or which has been accelerated, aggregates $10.0 million or more at any time; or

 

(d)                              the Company breaches any covenant or other term or condition in this Note or any Other Note, and such breach is not cured within 30 days after the Holder notifies the Company in writing of such breach.

 

3.2                             Notice by the Company .  The Company will notify Holder in writing within five days after the occurrence of any Event of Default of which the Company acquires knowledge.

 

3.3                             Remedies .  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (a) pursuant to Section 3.1(a) hereunder (unless cured by the Company or waived in writing by Holder), Holder may, at its option, (i) by written notice to the Company, declare the entire unpaid principal balance of this Note, together with all accrued and unpaid interest on the Note, immediately due and payable and/or (ii) exercise any and all rights and remedies available to it under this Note and applicable Law, including the right to collect from the Company all sums due under this Note or (b) pursuant to Sections 3.1(b), 3.1(c) or 3.1(d) hereunder (unless cured by the Company or waived in writing by the holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes), the holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes may, at their option, (i) by written notice to the Company, declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the Notes, together with all accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes, immediately due and payable and/or (ii) exercise any and all rights and remedies available to the holders of the Notes and applicable Law, including the right to collect from the Company all sums due under this Note.  The rights and remedies of the Holder under this Note are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges that may otherwise be available to the Holder.  No failure, delay or omission on the part of the Holder in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Note shall operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege or any other right, power or privilege hereunder or otherwise preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.  The Company will pay all costs and expenses incurred by or on behalf of Holder in connection with Holder’s exercise of any or all of its rights and remedies under this Note, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

Without limitation any other provision herein set forth, upon any Event of Default prior to the Maturity Date in which the entire unpaid principal balance of this Note is paid or required to be paid pursuant to a demand made pursuant to the preceding paragraph (without regard to the provisions of Section 4), the Company shall, subject to Section 4, prepay such amount pursuant to Section 5.

 

4.                                     Subordination .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Note, this Note, including, without limitation, the Subordinated Debt, the rights of contribution under Section 8.9 and the Guaranteed Obligations (collectively, the “ Subordinated Obligations ”), are subordinated to the Senior Debt to the extent and in the manner set forth in this Section 4.  In the event of any conflict between this Section 4 and any other provision of this Note, this Section 4 shall control and govern.  For the avoidance of doubt, this Note is not subordinated to, or pari

 

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passu with, any Indebtedness other than the Senior Debt, as to which Senior Debt this Note shall be subordinated as provided herein.  The Loan Parties shall not be permitted to issue any unsecured Indebtedness that is senior to this Note and the Other Notes.  For purposes of this Section, any reference to a holder or the holders of the Senior Debt shall be deemed to include any agent for such holder or holders.

 

4.1                             No payment or distribution of any kind, whether direct or indirect (by set-off, recoupment or otherwise) and whether in cash or other property (other than in shares of Common Stock), shall be made on account of any Subordinated Obligation, or in respect of any redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition of any Subordinated Obligation, by or for the account of any of the Loan Parties, at any time during which the Senior Debt shall be outstanding or any commitment to extend the Senior Debt exists, other than (a) to the extent no Senior Default has occurred and is continuing, regularly scheduled payments of interest (at the non-default rate of interest and on a non-accelerated basis), payments of interest and fractional shares upon conversion of this Note, or payments of taxes pursuant to Sections 1.4 and 2.1, (b) payment of principal (other than payments of principal due upon the conversion of this Note) on this Note at its stated maturity date, so long as no Senior Default has occurred and is continuing and (c) issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of this Note, or as otherwise contemplated hereunder and the accrual and capitalization of any PIK Interest.

 

4.2                             Except as permitted by Section 4.11, in the event of any payment or distribution of assets of any of the Loan Parties of any kind or character, whether in cash or other property, upon the dissolution, winding up, or total or partial liquidation or reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, or similar proceeding relating to such Loan Party or its property, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, arrangement or similar proceedings or upon an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or upon any other marshaling or composition of the assets and liabilities of such Loan Party (each, a “ Proceeding ”), or event described in Section 4.4 or Section 4.5 of this Note or otherwise:  (a) all amounts owing on account of the Senior Debt shall first be Paid in Full before any payment of the Subordinated Obligations is made and (b) any cash payment to which the Holder would be entitled (but for the provisions hereof) shall be paid or delivered by the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee for the benefit of creditors, or other liquidating agent making such payment or distribution to the Senior Debt holders directly, for application to the payment of the Senior Debt until all the Senior Debt shall have been Paid in Full; provided that in no event shall the foregoing limit the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of this Note.

 

4.3                             In the event that notwithstanding the foregoing any payment or distribution of assets of any Loan Party of any kind or character, whether direct or indirect (by set-off, recoupment or otherwise) and whether in cash or other property, shall be received by the Holder on account of any Subordinated Obligation in violation of the provisions of this Note and before all the Senior Debt is Paid in Full, subject to, if no Proceeding is pending, Section 4.13, such payment or distribution shall be received and held in trust by the Holder for the benefit of the holders of the Senior Debt, or their designated representative, ratably according to the respective amounts of the Senior Debt held or represented by each, to the extent necessary to cause the Senior Debt to be Paid in Full and upon demand by any such holder, shall be delivered to such holders; provided that in no event shall the foregoing be deemed to include any shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of this Note.

 

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4.4                             Until the 91st day following the date all Senior Debt is Paid in Full, the Holder shall not be entitled to (x) accelerate the maturity of any Subordinated Obligation (provided that if the Company fails to pay any payment that is due and payable under this Note at a time when the Company is otherwise permitted under this Section 4 to make such payment, then, on or after the 180th day following an Event of Default that is continuing under this Note due to such failure and as to which written notice thereof has been delivered to the Company and the holders of the Senior Debt, the Holder may by written notice to the Company and such holders elect to accelerate the maturity of any Subordinated Obligation, but may not take any other action with respect to the Subordinated Obligations) or commence any other action or proceeding to recover any amounts due or to become due with respect to any Subordinated Obligation or (y) join in, solicit any other Person to, or act to cause the commencement of, any Proceeding.  If at any time the Holder obtains any judgment or Lien against any Loan Party or any of its subsidiaries or their respective properties in respect of any Subordinated Obligation, such judgment or Lien, or both, shall automatically (and without any further action) be subordinate and junior to any Lien, whether now existing or hereafter acquired, securing, or purporting to secure, any of the Senior Debt and shall further be subject to the subordination provisions of this Note and the rights of the holders of the Senior Debt to the same extent as such rights apply to Subordinated Obligations under this Note.  Upon any release of any such Lien securing any Senior Debt, any Lien securing any of the Subordinated Obligations shall automatically be released to the same extent as such Lien securing such Senior Debt.

 

4.5                             The provisions of this Section 4 shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment in respect of the Senior Debt is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by any holders of the Senior Debt (including, without limitation, in the event of a Proceeding), all as though such payment had not been made.  Without limitation to the foregoing, in the event that the Senior Debt is avoided, disallowed or subordinated pursuant to Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or any applicable state fraudulent conveyance laws, whether asserted directly or under Section 544 of the Bankruptcy Code, the provisions of this Section 4 shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be.

 

4.6                             All rights and interests of the holders of the Senior Debt hereunder, and all agreements and obligations of the Holder, or any Loan Party hereunder, shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

 

(a)                               any lack of validity or enforceability of the Senior Debt;

 

(b)                              any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Senior Debt, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Senior Debt, including, without limitation, any increase in the Senior Debt resulting from the extension of additional credit to Company or otherwise;

 

(c)                                any taking, exchange, release or non-perfection of any collateral, or any taking, release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from any guaranty, for all or any part of the Senior Debt;

 

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(d)                              any manner of application of collateral, or proceeds thereof, to all or any of the Senior Debt, or any manner of sale or other disposition of any collateral for all or any of the Senior Debt or any other assets of any Loan Party;

 

(e)                                the grant of any adjustment, indulgence or forbearance, or compromise with, any Loan Party with respect to the Senior Debt;

 

(f)                                 any change, restructuring or termination of the structure or existence of any Loan Party; or

 

(g)                               any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Loan Party or any Holder.

 

4.7                             Each of the Loan Parties and Holder hereby waives promptness, diligence, notice of acceptance and any other notice with respect to any of the Senior Debt and this Section 4 and any requirement that the Senior Debt holder protect, secure, perfect or insure any security interest or lien on the any property subject thereto or exhaust any right to take or first take any action against any Loan Party or any other Person or any collateral.

 

4.8                             This Note and all other instruments (and all replacements thereof) evidencing the Subordinated Obligations or any part thereof shall be inscribed with a legend conspicuously indicating that the payment thereof is subordinated to the payment of the Senior Debt pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.

 

4.9                             This Section 4 shall constitute a continuing offer to all Persons who become holders of, or continue to hold, Senior Debt; and such holders are made third party beneficiaries of this Section 4 hereunder and any one or more of them, or their designated representative, may enforce such provisions, and all such holders shall be deemed to have relied thereon.  The subordination effected by this Section 4 is a continuing subordination, and the Holder unconditionally waives notice of the incurring of any Senior Debt or any part thereof and reliance by any holders of Senior Debt upon the subordination contained herein.  The Holder acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing subordination provisions are, and are intended to be, an inducement to and a consideration of the holders of Senior Debt, whether such Senior Debt was created or acquired before or after the incurrence or creation of any Subordinated Obligation and whether such holders of Senior Debt are now known or hereafter become known, and each holder of Senior Debt shall be deemed conclusively to have relied upon such subordination provisions in acquiring and holding, or in continuing to hold, such Senior Debt and shall be entitled to enforce the provisions of this Section 4 directly as if it were a party to this Note.  No right of any present or future holders of Senior Debt to enforce subordination provisions contained in this Section 4 shall at any time be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Loan Parties or by any noncompliance by the Loan Parties with the terms of this Note.

 

4.10                     The provisions of this Section 4 are for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the holders of the Senior Debt on the one hand and the holders of Subordinated Obligations on the other hand, and nothing herein shall impair (as between the Loan Parties and the holders of the Subordinated Obligations) the Loan Parties’ obligation to the holders of the Subordinated

 

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Obligations to pay to such holders the full amount of the Subordinated Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Notes. Except as provided in Section 4.4 above, no provision of this Section 4 shall be construed to prevent the holders of the Subordinated Obligations from exercising all rights and remedies available under this Note or under applicable law upon the occurrence of an Event of Default or otherwise, subject to the rights of the holders of the Senior Debt as set forth above to receive payments otherwise payable to the holders of the Subordinated Obligations, and no provision of this Section 4 shall be deemed to subordinate, to any extent, any claim or right of any holder of the Subordinated Obligations to any claim against any Loan Party by any creditor or any other Person except to the extent expressly provided herein.  The subordination provisions of this Section 4 are solely for the benefit of the holders of the Senior Debt and may not be rescinded, canceled, amended or modified in any way that adversely affects the rights under this Section 4 of any holder of Senior Debt then outstanding without the prior written consent of the Working Capital Lender, the Term Loan Agent and the holders of a majority of the other Senior Debt then outstanding.

 

4.11                     Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Section 4 shall affect or limit the right of the Holder to at any time convert all or any portion of this Note, or interest thereon as contemplated hereunder, into Common Stock in accordance herewith (or the obligation of the Company to effect such conversion), it being expressly acknowledged and agreed that such conversion may be consummated regardless of the occurrence and continuance of a Senior Default, the commencement and pendency of a Proceeding with respect to the Company, or any other circumstance.

 

4.12                     Upon the Senior Debt having been Paid in Full (but not before), Holder shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of such Senior Debt to receive payments or distributions of assets of any Loan Party applicable to the Senior Debt until the obligations under this Note shall have been satisfied.  For purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of Senior Debt of assets, whether in cash, property or securities, distributable to the holders of Senior Debt under the provisions hereof to which Holder would be entitled except for the provisions of this Section 4, and no payment pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4 to the holders of Senior Debt by Holder, shall, as among the Loan Parties, its creditors other than the holders of Senior Debt, and Holder, be deemed to be a payment by the Loan Parties to or on account of Senior Debt, it being understood that the provisions of this Section 4 are, and are intended, solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of Holder, on the one hand, and the holders of Senior Debt, on the other hand.

 

4.13                     The Company shall give prompt written notice to Holder of any fact known to the Company which would prohibit the making of any payment to Holder in respect of this Note pursuant to this Section 4.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 4, Holder shall not at any time be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment or distribution to Holder of the type that could be made under Section 4.1, unless and until Holder shall have received written notice thereof from the Company or from the holder or holders of any Senior Debt or shall have received notice of any Proceeding; and, prior to the receipt of any such written notice, Holder shall be entitled to assume conclusively that such facts do not exist and to receive and retain such payments or distributions on this Note; provided , the Holder shall not be entitled to retain any such payments or distributions received by Holder within the 30 day period prior to the date Holder receives such written notice.  Holder

 

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shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a person representing himself or herself to be a holder of Senior Debt to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior Debt.  In the event that Holder determines in good faith that further evidence is required with respect to the right pursuant to this Section 4 of any person as a holder of Senior Debt to participate in any payment or distribution of amounts otherwise payable to Holder, Holder may request such person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of Holder as to the amount of Senior Debt held by such person, the extent to which such person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of each person under this Section 4, and, if such evidence is not furnished, Holder may defer any payment to such person pending judicial determination as to the right of such person to receive such payment.

 

5.                                     Company Optional Prepayment .

 

5.1                             Subject to Section 4, the Company shall have the right to prepay all or any portion of the then outstanding principal balance under this Note so long at it makes pro rata prepayment and all or any portion of the then outstanding principal balance (as defined in the Other Notes) then outstanding under the Other Notes on the Company Optional Prepayment Date (as defined below) (a “ Company Optional Prepayment ”).  On the Company Optional Prepayment Date, an amount equal to 103% 4  of the principal amount of the portion of this Note subject to prepayment pursuant to this Section 5.1 shall be prepaid by the Company in cash (the “Company Optional Prepayment Amount”).

 

5.2                             The Company may exercise its prepayment right under this Section 5 by delivering an irrevocable written notice thereof by facsimile and overnight courier to all, but not less than all, of the holders of Notes and Other Notes, excluding for purposes hereof the [FCP Notes] 5  (the “ Company Optional Prepayment Notice ” and the date all of the holders of Notes and Other Notes received such notice is referred to as the “ Company Optional Prepayment Notice Date ”).  The Company Optional Prepayment Notice shall (x) state the date on which the Company Optional Prepayment shall occur (the “ Company Optional Prepayment Date ”) which date shall not be less than sixty (60) calendar days nor more than ninety (90) calendar days following the Company Optional Prepayment Notice Date, and (y) state the aggregate Company Optional Prepayment Amount of the Notes and Other Notes which is being prepaid in such Company Optional Prepayment from the Holder and all of the other holders of the Notes and Other Notes pursuant to this Section 5 (and analogous provisions under the Other Notes) on the Company Optional Prepayment Date. All principal balances under this Note converted by the Holder after the Company Optional Prepayment Notice Date shall reduce the Company Optional Prepayment Amount of this Note required to be prepaid on the Company Optional Prepayment Date.  Prepayments made pursuant to this Section 5 shall be made in accordance with Section 5.3.

 

5.3                             The Company shall deliver the applicable Company Optional Prepayment Amount to the Holder on the applicable Company Optional Prepayment Date.  In the event that the Company does not pay the applicable Company Optional Prepayment Amount to the Holder within the time period required, at any time thereafter and until the Company pays such unpaid

 


4   Note to Draft :  In the FCP Notes, this shall be 100% of the principal amount.

 

5   Note to Draft : The term Management Notes to replace the term FCP Notes in the FCP Notes.

 

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Company Optional Prepayment Amount in full, the Holder shall have the option, in lieu of prepayment, to require the Company to promptly return to the Holder all or any portion of this Note representing the principal balance of this Note that was submitted for prepayment and for which the applicable Company Optional Prepayment Amount has not been paid, which remedy shall be in addition to the other remedies available to the Holder (including under Section 3).

 

5.4                             Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Note, the Conversion Amount (a) shall remain outstanding (for purposes of conversion, but not as a principal obligation or indebtedness of any kind) after the consummation of any Company Optional Prepayment until the Maturity Date and (b) during such period may be converted by the Holder in accordance with Section 2.

 

6.                                     Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Note, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

6.1                             Bankruptcy Code means the Federal Bankr uptcy Reform Act of 1978 (11 U.S.C. Section 101, et seq.) as now and hereafter in effect, or any applicable successor statute.

 

6.2                             Capitalized Lease Obligations ” means, as to any Person, the obligations of such Person under a lease that are required to be classified and accounted for as capital lease obligations under GAAP and, for purposes of this definition, the amount of such obligations at any date shall be the capitalized amount of such obligations at such date, determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

6.3                             Closing Bid Price ” and “ Closing Sale Price ” means, for any security as of any date, the last closing bid price and last closing trade price, respectively, for such security on the Principal Market, as reported by Bloomberg, or, if the Principal Market begins to operate on an extended hours basis and does not designate the closing bid price or the closing trade price (as the case may be) then the last bid price or last trade price, respectively, of such security prior to 4:00:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Bloomberg, or, if the Principal Market is not the principal securities exchange or trading market for such security, the last closing bid price or last trade price, respectively, of such security on the principal securities exchange or trading market where such security is listed or traded as reported by Bloomberg, or if the foregoing do not apply, the last closing bid price or last trade price, respectively, of such security in the over-the-counter market on the electronic bulletin board for such security as reported by Bloomberg, or, if no closing bid price or last trade price, respectively, is reported for such security by Bloomberg, the average of the bid prices, or the ask prices, respectively, of any market makers for such security as reported in the “pink sheets” by OTC Markets Group Inc. (formerly Pink Sheets LLC). If the Closing Bid Price or the Closing Sale Price cannot be calculated for a security on a particular date on any of the foregoing bases, the Closing Bid Price or the Closing Sale Price (as the case may be) of such security on such date shall be the fair market value as mutually determined by the Company and the Holder. All such determinations shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination or other similar transaction during such period.

 

6.4                             Common Stock means the Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Company.

 

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6.5                             Conversion Amount ” means, as of any date of determination, the amount equal to (a) the product of (i) the Market Price, multiplied by (ii)  the quotient of (A) the Principal Amount, divided by (B) the Conversion Price, minus (b) the aggregate Company Optional Prepayment Amounts paid to the Holder as of such date of determination pursuant to Section 5.

 

6.6                             Conversion Price ” means, as of the Conversion Date or other date of determination, $13.95 , subject to adjustment as provided herein.

 

6.7                             Convertible Securities ” means any stock or other security (other than Options) that is at any time and under any circumstances, directly or indirectly, convertible into, exercisable or exchangeable for, or which otherwise entitles the holder thereof to acquire, any shares of Common Stock.

 

6.8                             Corporate Event ” means any consolidation with or merger of the Company with or into another Person, or any sale, lease, exchange, exclusive license or other disposition to another Person of the assets of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety (where there is an exchange of or distribution with respect to the Common Stock), or any reclassification of the capital of the Company.

 

6.9                             FCP Notes ” means the Other Notes issued on date hereof to Fireman Capital CPF Hudson Co-Invest LP . 6

 

6.10                     Indebtedness ” means with respect to any Person without duplication:  (a) all Obligations of such Person for borrowed money; (b) all Obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; (c) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; (d) all Obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations and all Obligations under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business); (e) all Obligations for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or similar credit transaction (including reimbursement obligations with respect thereto except to the extent such reimbursement obligation relates to a trade payable and such obligation is satisfied within 30 days of incurrence); (f) guarantees and other contingent obligations in respect of Indebtedness of other Persons referred to in clauses (a) through (e) above; (g) all Obligations of any other Person of the type referred to in clauses (a) through (f) which are secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person, the amount of such Obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the fair market value of such property or asset at such date of determination and the amount of the Obligation so secured; (h) all Obligations of such Person in respect of any interest rate swaps or hedge agreements; or (i) all Obligations of such Person under any sale and leaseback transaction, synthetic lease or other off-balance sheet loan or financing.

 

 

 


 

6   Note to Draft : This term will be removed in the FCP Notes and will be replaced with the term Management Notes (means the Other Notes issued on date hereof, other than notes issued to Fireman Capital CPF Hudson Co-Invest LP).

 

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6.11                     Lien ” means any lien, mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, security interest, charge or encumbrance of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof and any agreement to give any security interest).

 

6.12                     Loan Parties ” means, collectively, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

6.13                     Market Disruption Event ” means (a) a failure by the primary exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock trades or is quoted to open for trading during its regular trading session or (b) the occurrence or existence, prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on any Trading Day for the Common Stock, of an aggregate one half-hour period of any suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the stock exchange or otherwise) in the Common Stock or in any options, contracts or future contracts relating to the Common Stock.

 

6.14                     Market Price ” means (a) the sum of the Closing Sales Price of the Common Stock on each of the twenty (20) consecutive Trading Days ending and including the Trading Day immediately preceding the Conversion Date, the Company Optional Prepayment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be, divided by (b) twenty (20).  All such determinations to be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, reclassification or similar transaction during such the applicable measurement periods and prior to the actual conversion hereunder.

 

6.15                     Obligations ” means all obligations for principal, premium, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

 

6.16                     Options ” means any rights, warrants or options to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock or Convertible Securities.

 

6.17                     Paid in Full ” means, with respect to any issuance of the Senior Debt, the full payment in cash, in immediately available funds, of such Senior Debt (other than unasserted contingent indemnification obligations) and the termination of all commitments of the holders of such Senior Debt to make loans and other extensions of credit to or for the benefit of the Company pursuant to the terms of the documents evidencing such Senior Debt.  The expressions “prior payment in full,” “payment in full”, “paid or satisfied in full” and “paid in full” (whether or not such expressions are capitalized) and other similar phrases shall have correlative meanings.

 

6.18                     Person ” means an individual, a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, any other entity or a government or any department or agency thereof.

 

6.19                     Principal Market ” means the principal securities exchange or securities market on which the Common Stock is then traded.

 

6.20                     Principal Amount ” means the original principal amount of this Note to be converted less any amounts set off against the Note pursuant to Section 9.7 of the Stock Purchase

 

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Agreement less any amount of principal previously converted and fulfilled by the Company pursuant to Section 2.

 

6.21                     Reverse Stock Split ” means the 1 for 30 reverse stock split contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

 

6.22                     Senior Debt ” means the principal of (and premium, if any), unpaid interest and any other amount, in each case whether or not such premium, interest or other amount is allowed in connection with any Proceeding, constituting (W) (a) Indebtedness of the Company (including Indebtedness of others guaranteed by the Company) other than the Notes and Other Notes, whether outstanding on the date of this Note or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed and (b) amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of any such Indebtedness, unless in any case in the instrument creating or evidencing any such Indebtedness or pursuant to which the same is outstanding it is provided that such Indebtedness is not superior or is subordinated in right of payment to or is on parity in right of payment with the Notes and Other Notes, provided , however , that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding, Senior Debt shall not include (i) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by the Loan Parties, (ii) any Indebtedness of the Loan Parties to any of their respective Affiliates, (iii) any trade payables of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or (iv) any unsecured Obligations for borrowed money incurred by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor after the date of this Note; (X) Working Capital Indebtedness; (Y) Indebtedness under factoring facilities and revolving credit facilities, the proceeds of which other Indebtedness are used for working capital of the Company and its subsidiaries and (Z) Term Loan Indebtedness.

 

6.23                     Senior Default ” means any event of default under any of the Senior Debt.

 

6.24                     Specified Dollar Amount ” means the dollar amount to be received upon conversion as specified by the Company in the Settlement Notice.

 

6.25                     Subordinated Debt ” means all Obligations arising with respect to this Note.

 

6.26                     Subsidiary Guarantor means each of DBG Subsidiary Inc., a Delaware corporation, DBG Holdings Subsidiary Inc., a California corporation, Innovo West Sales, Inc., a Texas corporation, Hudson Clothing Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, HC Acquisition Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Hudson Clothing LLC, a California limited liability company, RGH Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Marco Brunelli IP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company .

 

6.27                     Term Loan Agent ” means TCW Asset Management Company, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Term Loan Lenders, its successors and assigns (including any agent appointed to replace such initial agent).

 

6.28                     Term Loan Credit Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Term Loan Documents”.

 

6.29                     Term Loan Indebtedness ” means all Obligations (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) of any kind owed by the Company and its subsidiaries (or any of them) to the Term Loan Agent and the other Term Loan Lenders (or any of them) from time to time under or

 

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pursuant to any of the Term Loan Documents, including, without limitation, all principal, interest accruing thereon, charges, expenses, fees and other sums (including all interest, charges, expenses, fees and other sums accruing after commencement of any case, proceeding or other action relating to the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any of its subsidiaries) chargeable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries by the Term Loan Agent or the Term Loan Lenders, and reimbursement, indemnity or other obligations due and payable to such Term Loan Agent and Term Loan Lenders.  Term Loan Indebtedness shall continue to constitute Senior Debt, notwithstanding the fact that such Term Loan Indebtedness or any claim for such Term Loan Indebtedness is subordinated, avoided or disallowed under the federal Bankruptcy Code or other applicable law.  Term Loan Indebtedness shall also include any indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries incurred in connection with a refinancing of the Term Loan Indebtedness under the Term Loan Documents.

 

6.30                     Term Loan Lenders ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Term Loan Documents”.

 

6.31                     Term Loan Documents ” means (x) that certain Credit and Security Agreement dated as of January 28, 2016 (as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, replaced or refinanced from time to time, the “ Term Loan Credit Agreement ”), by and among the Company, certain of its subsidiaries as co-borrowers and guarantors, the financial institutions from time to time party thereto (the “ Term Loan Lenders ”), and Term Loan Agent and (y) all other agreements, documents and instruments at any time executed and/or delivered by the Company or any other obligor with respect to the Term Loan Indebtedness with, to or in favor of Term Loan Agent or the Term Loan Lenders in connection with the Term Loan Credit Agreement or related thereto (including, without limitation, all “Loan Documents” as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement), as all of the foregoing now exist or may hereafter be amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, replaced or refinanced.

 

6.32                     Trading Day ” means a day during which (i) trading in the Common Stock generally occurs on the primary exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock then trades or is quoted and (ii) there is no Market Disruption Event.

 

6.33                     [RESERVED]

 

6.34                     Working Capital Credit Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Working Capital Loan Documents”.

 

6.35                     Working Capital Indebtedness ” means all Obligations (as defined in the Working Capital Credit Agreement) of any kind owed by the Company and its subsidiaries (or any of them) to the Working Capital Lender from time to time under or pursuant to any of the Working Capital Loan Documents, including, without limitation, all principal, interest accruing thereon, charges, expenses, fees and other sums (including all interest, charges, expenses, fees and other sums accruing after commencement of any case, proceeding or other action relating to the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any of its subsidiaries) chargeable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries by the Working Capital Lender or the

 

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Working Capital Lenders, and reimbursement, indemnity or other obligations due and payable to such Working Capital Lender and Working Capital Lenders.  Working Capital Indebtedness shall continue to constitute Senior Debt, notwithstanding the fact that such Working Capital Indebtedness or any claim for such Working Capital Indebtedness is subordinated, avoided or disallowed under the federal Bankruptcy Code or other applicable law.  Working Capital Indebtedness shall also include any indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries incurred in connection with a refinancing of the Working Capital Indebtedness under the Working Capital Loan Documents.

 

6.36                     Working Capital Lender ” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, its successors and assigns.

 

6.37                     Working Capital Loan Documents ” means (x) that certain Credit and Security Agreement dated as of January 28, 2016 (as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, replaced or refinanced from time to time, the “ Working Capital Credit Agreement ”), by and among the Company, certain of its subsidiaries as co-borrowers and guarantors, and Working Capital Lender and (y) all other agreements, documents and instruments at any time executed and/or delivered by the Company or any other obligor with respect to the Working Capital Indebtedness with, to or in favor of the Working Capital Lender in connection with the Working Capital Credit Agreement or related thereto (including, without limitation, all “Loan Documents” as defined in the Working Capital Credit Agreement), as all of the foregoing now exist or may hereafter be amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, replaced or refinanced.

 

7.                                     Miscellaneous

 

7.1                             Waiver .  The Company hereby waives presentment, demand, protest, and notice of dishonor and protest, waives any rights which it may have to require the Holder to proceed against any other Person or property, and agrees that without notice to any Person and without affecting any Person’s liability under this Note, the Holder, at any time or times, may grant extensions of the time for payment or other indulgences to any Person or permit the renewal, amendment or modification of this Note.  No act or inaction of the Holder under this Note shall be deemed to constitute or establish a “course of performance or dealing” that would require the Holder to so act or refrain from acting in any particular manner at a later time under similar or dissimilar circumstances.

 

7.2                             Non-Negotiability .  This Note is fully transferable.  If this Note is assigned or transferred to any Person, then with respect to the portion of the Note so assigned or transferred (a) the assignor or transferor (as the case may be) will no longer be deemed to be a “Holder” for purposes of this Note and (b) the assignee or transferee (as the case may be) will be deemed to be a “Holder” for purposes of this Note, subject to the provision of notice to the Company in Section 7.7.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless permitted under Section 4, this Note may not be transferred (whether directly, by way of a participation or otherwise) to the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, without the prior written consent of the Working Capital Lender and the Term Loan Agent, and any such transfer made in violation of this provision shall be null and void.

 

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7.3                             Replacement .  Upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note and, in the case of any such loss, theft or destruction of this Note, upon receipt of an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Company (provided that, if the holder of this Note is a financial institution, its own unsecured agreement shall be satisfactory) or, in the case of any such mutilation, upon the surrender and cancellation of this Note, the Company, at its expense, shall execute and deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Note of like tenor and dated the date of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note.  Any Note in lieu of which any such new Note has been so executed and delivered by the Company shall not be deemed to be an outstanding Note.

 

7.4                             Reservation of Authorized Shares .  The Company covenants that, so long as any Notes remain outstanding, the Company will at all times reserve and keep available, from its authorized and unissued Common Stock solely for issuance and delivery upon the conversion of the outstanding Notes and free of preemptive rights, such number of shares of Common Stock as from time to time shall be issuable upon the conversion in full of all outstanding Notes.  The Company covenants that all shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes will, upon issuance, be freely tradable, listed, duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and will be free from all taxes, Liens and charges in respect of the issue thereof (other than taxes in respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously or otherwise specified herein).

 

7.5                             Stock Certificates .  Each stock certificate delivered by the Company to Holder will be imprinted with legends substantially in the following form:

 

“THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT” ), OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF CERTAIN STATES.  THESE SHARES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE ACT OR (B) AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION EVIDENCED BY (IF REQUESTED BY THE COMPANY) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE HOLDER, IN A FORM REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD OR ELIGIBLE TO BE SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR RULE 144A UNDER THE ACT.”

 

7.6                             No Stockholder Rights . Nothing contained in this Note shall be construed as conferring upon the Holder or any other person the right to vote or to consent or to receive notice as a stockholder in respect of meetings of stockholders for the election of directors of the Company or any other matters or any rights whatsoever as a stockholder of the Company and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no dividends or other distributions shall be payable or accrued in respect of this Note or the interest represented hereby or the shares of Common Stock to be obtained upon conversion hereunder until, and only to the extent that, this Note shall have been converted.

 

7.7                             Registration; Book-Entry . The Company shall maintain a register (the “ Register ”) for the recordation of the names and addresses of the holders of each Note and the

 

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principal amount of the Other Notes held by such holders (the “ Registered Notes ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error.  The Company and the holders of the Notes shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as the owner of a Note for all purposes, including, without limitation, the right to receive payments of Principal and Interest hereunder, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.

 

7.8                             Successors .  All of the terms, agreements, covenants, representations, warranties, and conditions of this Note are binding upon, and inure to the benefit of and are enforceable by, the Parties and their respective successors.  If Holder is an entity and if the principal business, operations or a majority or substantial portion of the assets of Holder are assigned, conveyed, allocated, or otherwise transferred, including by sale, merger, consolidation, amalgamation, conversion, or similar transactions, such receiving Person or Persons will automatically become bound by and subject to the provisions of this Note, and Holder will cause the receiving Person or Persons to expressly assume its obligations hereunder.

 

7.9                             Maximum Payments . Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of a rate of interest or other charges in excess of the maximum permitted by applicable law. In the event that the rate of interest required to be paid or other charges hereunder exceed the maximum permitted by such law, any payments in excess of such maximum shall be credited against amounts owed by the Company to the Holder and thus refunded to the Company.

 

7.10                     Assignment by the Company .  Neither this Note nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned, by operation of law or otherwise, in whole or in part, by the Company, without the prior written consent of the Holder; provided, that, without limiting the Company’s obligations under Section 2.4, the Company shall be entitled to assign its rights, interests and obligations hereunder in connection with a Corporate Event, provided, further, that the resulting, surviving or transferee Person in such Corporate Event expressly assumes all of the Company’s obligations under this Note and, solely in connection with a Corporate Event not involving an unaffiliated third party, so long as the Company or any of its affiliated entities remains an entity whose common equity interests are listed on a national securities exchange, such listed entity shall be the primary obligor under this Note.

 

7.11                     Notices .  All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other communications hereunder will be in writing.  Any notice, request, demand, claim, or other communication hereunder will be deemed duly given if (and then three business days after) it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and addressed to the intended recipient as set forth below:

 

If to the Company:

 

Differential Brands Group Inc.

1231 S. Gerhart Ave.

Commerce, CA 90022

Attn:               Michael F. Buckley
Fax:
                    323-837-3791

 

23



 

Copy to (which will not constitute notice):

 

Differential Brands Group Inc.

1231 S. Gerhart Ave.

Commerce, CA 90022

Attn:  Lori Nembirkow

Fax: 323-837-3791

 

If to the Holder:

 

Attn:  [___________]
[________________]

[________________]

 

Either Party may send any notice, request, demand, claim, or other communication hereunder to the intended recipient at the address set forth above using any other means (including personal delivery, expedited courier, messenger service, telecopy, telex, ordinary mail, or electronic mail), but no such notice, request, demand, claim, or other communication will be deemed to have been duly given unless and until it actually is received by the intended recipient.  Either Party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands, claims, and other communications hereunder are to be delivered by giving the other notice in the manner herein set forth, provided that no change in a Holder’s notice address shall be effective unless such change is received and acknowledged by the Working Capital Lender and the Term Loan Agent.

 

7.12                     Submission to Jurisdiction; No Jury Trial .

 

(a)                               Submission to Jurisdiction .  Each Party submits to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in Wilmington, Delaware in any Action arising out of or relating to this Note and agrees that all claims in respect of the Action may be heard and determined in any such court.  Each Party also agrees not to bring any Action arising out of or relating to this Note in any other court.  Each Party agrees that a final judgment in any Action so brought will be conclusive and may be enforced by an Action on the judgment or in any other manner provided at Law or in equity.  Each Party waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any Action so brought and waives any bond, surety, or other security that might be required of any other Party with respect thereto.

 

(b)                              Waiver of Jury Trial .  THE PARTIES EACH HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO JURY TRIAL OF ANY DISPUTE BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS RELATING THERETO OR ANY DEALINGS BETWEEN THEM RELATING TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.  The scope of this waiver is intended to be all encompassing of any and all Actions that may be filed in any court and that relate to the subject matter of the transactions contemplated hereby, including Contract claims, tort claims, breach of duty claims and all other common Law and statutory claims.  Each Party acknowledges that this waiver is a material inducement to enter into a business relationship and that they will continue to rely on the waiver in their

 

24



 

related future dealings.  Each Party further represents and warrants that it has reviewed this waiver with its legal counsel, and that each knowingly and voluntarily waives its jury trial rights following consultation with legal counsel.  NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY HEREIN, THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED ORALLY OR IN WRITING, AND THE WAIVER WILL APPLY TO ANY AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS, OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS NOTE OR TO ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS RELATING HERETO.  IN THE EVENT OF AN ACTION, THIS NOTE MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO TRIAL BY A COURT.

 

7.13                     Time .  Time is of the essence in the performance of this Note.

 

7.14                     Headings .  The article and section headings contained in this Note are inserted for convenience only and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Note.

 

7.15                     Governing Law .  This Note and the performance of the obligations of the Parties hereunder will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of Law principles.

 

7.16                     Amendments and Waivers .  No amendment, modification, replacement, termination, cancellation, waiver of or consent to any provision of this Note will be valid, unless (i) the same will be in writing and signed by holders of a majority in principal amount of Notes excluding any [FCP Notes] 11  and (ii) Working Capital Lender and Term Loan Agent if such amendment, modification, replacement, termination, or cancellation of any provision of this Note affects Section 4, affects any other right of Working Capital Lender, Term Loan Agent or a holder of the Senior Debt or changes the obligations under this Note regarding the date of payment or amount of principal or interest payable under this Note (other than rate reductions and payment extensions).  No waiver by any Party of any default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, may be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or Breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising because of any prior or subsequent such occurrence.

 

7.17                     Severability .  The provisions of this Note will be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision will not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof; provided that if any provision of this Note, as applied to any Party or to any circumstance, is adjudged by a Governmental Authority, arbitrator, or mediator not to be enforceable in accordance with its terms, the Parties agree that the Governmental Authority, arbitrator, or mediator making such determination will have the power to modify the provision in a manner consistent with its objectives such that it is enforceable, and/or to delete specific words or phrases, and in its reduced form, such provision will then be enforceable and will be enforced.

 

7.18                     Expenses .  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Note or in Section 2.7 of the Rollover Agreement, each Party will bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, execution and performance of this Note, including all fees and

 


11   Note to Draft : To be replace with the term Management Notes in the FCP Notes.

 

25



 

expenses of agents, representatives, financial advisors, legal counsel, and accountants; provided, however, that the Company shall pay all reasonable and documented costs and expenses of collection and enforcement of this Note when incurred, including the Holder’s reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees and legal and court costs in connection therewith, including any incurred on appeal or in connection with bankruptcy or insolvency, whether or not any lawsuit or proceeding is ever filed with respect hereto.

 

7.19                     Construction .  The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Note.  If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Note will be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any Party because of the authorship of any provision of this Note.  Any reference to any federal, state, local, or foreign Law will be deemed also to refer to Law as amended and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise.  The words “include,” “includes,” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by “without limitation.”  Pronouns in masculine, feminine, and neuter genders will be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form will be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires.  The words “this Note,” “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and words of similar import refer to this Note as a whole and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited.  The Parties intend that each representation, warranty, and covenant contained herein will have independent significance.  If any Party has breached any representation, warranty, or covenant contained herein in any respect, the fact that there exists another representation, warranty or covenant relating to the same subject matter (regardless of the relative levels of specificity) which the Party has not breached will not detract from or mitigate the fact that the Party is in breach of the first representation, warranty, or covenant.

 

7.20                     Remedies .  Except as expressly provided herein, the rights, obligations and remedies created by this Note are cumulative and in addition to any other rights, obligations or remedies otherwise available at Law or in equity.  Except as expressly provided herein, nothing herein will be considered an election of remedies.

 

7.21                     No Inconsistent Agreements .  The Company has not entered into, and in no event shall the Company enter into, any agreements, which are inconsistent with this Note.

 

8.                                     Guaranty.

 

8.1                             The Subsidiary Guarantee .  The Subsidiary Guarantors hereby jointly and severally guarantee (the “ Subsidiary Guarantee ), as a primary obligor and not as a surety to each Holder and their respective successors and assigns, the prompt payment in full when due (whether at stated matu rity, by required prepayment, declaration, demand, by acceleration or otherwise) of the principal of and interest on the Notes, and all other Obligations from time to time owing to the Holder by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor (the “ Note Parties ”) under the Notes, in each case strictly in accordance with the terms thereof (such obligations being herein collectively called the “ Guaranteed Obligations ).  The Subsidiary Guarantors hereby jointly and several ly agree that if the Company or other Subsidiary Guarantor(s) shall fail to pay in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the Subsidiary Guarantors will promptly pay the same in cash, without

 

26



 

any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.

 

8.2                             Obligations Unconditional .  The obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors under Section 8.1 shall constitute a guaranty of payment and to the fullest extent permitted by law, are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional, joint and several, irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations of the Company under the Notes or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein, or any substitution, release or exchange of any other guarantee of or security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations, and, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or Subsidiary Guarantor (except for payment in full).  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed that the occurrence of any one or more of the following shall not alter or impair the liability of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereunder which shall remain absolute, irrevocable and unconditional under any and all circumstances as described above:

 

(a)                               at any time or from time to time, without notice to any Subsidiary Guarantors, the time for any performance of or compliance with any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be extended, or such performance or compliance shall be waived;

 

(b)                              any of the acts mentioned in any of the provisions of the Notes or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein shall be done or omitted;

 

(c)                                the maturity of any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be accelerated, or any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be amended in any respect, or any right under the Notes or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein shall be amended or waived in any respect or any other guarantee of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any security therefor shall be released or exchanged in whole or in part or otherwise dealt with; or

 

(d)                              the release of any other Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to Section 8.8.

 

The Subsidiary Guarantors hereby, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Legal Requirement, expressly waive diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and all notices whatsoever, and any requirement that any Holder exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against the Company under the Notes or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein, or against any other person under any other guarantee of, or security for, any of the Guaranteed Obligations.  The Subsidiary Guarantors waive any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension, waiver, termination or accrual of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by any Holder upon this Subsidiary Guarantee or acceptance of this Subsidiary Guarantee, and the Guaranteed Obligations, and any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred in reliance upon this Subsidiary Guarantee, and all dealings between the Company and the Holder shall likewise be conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance upon this Subsidiary Guarantee.  This Subsidiary Guarantee shall be construed as a continuing, absolute, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee

 

27



 

of payment without regard to any right of offset with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations at any time or from time to time held by the Holder, and the obligations and liabilities of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereunder shall not be conditioned or contingent upon the pursuit by the Holder or any other person at any time of any right or remedy against the Company or against any other person which may be or become liable in respect of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or against any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto.  This Subsidiary Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect and be binding in accordance with and to the extent of its terms upon the Subsidiary Guarantors and the successors and assigns thereof, and shall inure to the benefit of the Holders, and their respective successors and assigns.

 

8.3                             Reinstatement .  The obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors under this Section 8 shall be automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by or on behalf of the Company or other Note Party in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether as a result of any proceedings in bankruptcy or reorganization or otherwise.

 

8.4                             Subrogation .  Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby agrees that until the indefeasible payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Guaranteed Obligations it shall waive any claim and shall not exercise any right or remedy, direct or indirect, arising by reason of any performance by it of its guarantee in Section 8.1, whether by subrogation or otherwise, against the Company or any other Subsidiary Guarantor of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

8.5                             Remedies .  The Subsidiary Guarantors jointly and severally agree that, as between the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Holders, the obligations of the Company under the Notes may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in Section 3.3 (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in the circumstances provided in Section 3.3) for purposes of Section 8.1, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such declaration (or such obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against the Company and that, in the event of such declaration (or such obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), such obligations (whether or not due and payable by the Company) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Subsidiary Guarantors for purposes of Section 8.1.

 

8.6                             Continuing Guarantee .  The guarantee in this Section 8 is a continuing guarantee of payment, and shall apply to all Guaranteed Obligations whenever arising.

 

8.7                             General Limitation on Guarantee Obligations .  In any action or proceeding involving any state corporate or limited liability company law, or any applicable state, federal or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law affecting the rights of creditors generally, if the obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor under Section 8.1 would otherwise be held or determined to be void, voidable, invalid or unenforceable, or subordinated to the claims of any other creditors, on account of the amount of its liability under Section 8.1, then, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by such Subsidiary Guarantor, any Note Party or any other person, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount (after giving effect to the right of

 

28



 

contribution established in Section 8.9) that is valid and enforceable and not subordinated to the claims of other creditors as determined in such action or proceeding.

 

8.8                             Release of Subsidiary Guarantors .  If all or substantially all of the equity interests of any Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary Guarantor are sold or otherwise transferred (a “ Transferred Subsidiary Guarantor ) to a person or persons, none of which is the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, such Transferred Subsidiary Guarantor shall, upon the consummation of such sale or transfer, be automatically rele ased from its obligations under this Agreement.

 

8.9                             Right of Contribution .  Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby agrees that to the extent that a Subsidiary Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made hereunder, such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against any other Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder which has not paid its proportionate share of such payment.  Each Subsidiary Guarantor’s right of contribution shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 8.4.  The provisions of this Section 8.9 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Subsidiary Guarantor to the Holders, and each Subsidiary Guarantor shall remain liable to the Holders for the full amount guaranteed by such Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder.

 

[SIGNATURE ON FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

29



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Company has executed and delivered this Note as of the date first above written.

 

 

DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DBG SUBSIDIARY INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DBG HOLDINGS SUBSIDIARY INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INNOVO WEST SALES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Buyer Note]

 



 

 

HUDSON CLOTHING LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HUDSON CLOTHING HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

HC ACQUISITION HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Buyer Note]

 



 

EXHIBIT I

 

DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC.
CONVERSION NOTICE

 

To:  Differential Brands Group Inc.

 

The undersigned Holder of this Note hereby irrevocably exercises the option to convert this Note, into an amount of cash, shares of Common Stock or combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of the Note, and directs that any cash payable and any shares of Common Stock issuable and deliverable upon conversion, be paid and/or issued and/or delivered, as the case may be, to the registered Holder hereof unless a different name is indicated below.

 

If any shares of Common Stock are to be issued in the name of a Person other than the undersigned, the undersigned will pay all transfer taxes payable with respect to such issuance and transfer as set forth in the Note.

 

Principal amount to be converted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature(s)

 

 

 

Signature(s) must be guaranteed by an institution which is a member of one of the following recognized signature Guarantee Programs: (i) The Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program (STAMP); (ii) The New York Stock Exchange Medallion Program (MNSP); (iii) The Stock Exchange Medallion Program (SEMP); or (iv) another guarantee program acceptable to the Trustee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature(s)

 



 

Fill in for registration of any shares of Common Stock and Securities if to be issued otherwise than to the registered Holder.

 

 

 

(Name)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Address)

 

 

 

Please print Name and Address

 

(including zip code number)

 

Social Security or other Taxpayer

 

Identifying Number

 

 



 

EXHIBIT II

 

The example provided below is an illustrative example only and the principal amount, amount of gain, tax rate imposed on gain, and other figures are hypothetical figures only and the actual figures may differ.

 

Assumptions

·                  Holder’s Principal Amount of Note at Issuance:  $7,100,000

·                  Deferred Gain: Equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Holder’s Note at year end

·                  Section 6621(a)(2) Underpayment Rate:  3%

·                  Maximum Rate of Tax in effect under Section 1(h) for net capital gain: 20%

·                  Assumed tax rate imposed on gain from installment sale: 37.1% (based on a maximum federal capital gains tax rate of 20%, a 3.8% Medicare tax rate on net investment income and a 13.3% California tax rate)

·                  2015 Payments:  None

·       2016 Payments:  Aggregate payments in an amount sufficient to reduce the principal amount of the Holder’s Note to $5,000,000 at year end

 

2015

At the close of 2015, the outstanding principal amount of the Holder’s Note remains $7,100,000. Pursuant to Section 453A, the taxpayer must pay an interest charge on an “applicable percentage” of the “deferred tax liability”.  The “applicable percentage” would be 29.58%, which is determined by dividing (i) $2,100,000 (the excess of the amount of the Note outstanding at the end of the year over $5,000,000), by (ii) $7,100,000 (the amount of the Note outstanding at the end of the year).  The “deferred tax liability” would be $1,420,000, which is equal to the product of (i) $7,100,000 (the amount of gain from the installment sale that is unrecognized at the end of the year), and (ii) 20% (the maximum tax rate on net capital gain under Section 1(h)).  The portion of the deferred tax liability that would be subject to the interest charge would be $420,000, which is determined by multiplying $1,420,000 by 29.58%.  The interest charge imposed by Section 453A will therefore equal $12,600, which is determined by multiplying $420,000 by 3% (the underpayment rate under Section 6621(a)(2)).

 

The amount paid to holder would equal $20,031.80, which reflects a gross up for the tax imposed on the Section 453A interest charge determined by dividing (i) $12,600 by (ii) 62.9% (1 minus an assumed tax rate of 37.1%).

 

2016

At the close of 2016, the outstanding principal amount of the Holder’s Note would be $5,000,000.  As a result the applicable percentage would be 0%.  Accordingly, no payment would be due under Section 1.4 of this Agreement.

 


Exhibit 10.1

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is made as of January 28, 2016, by and among Differential Brands Group Inc., a Delaware corporation (formerly Joe’s Jeans Inc.) (the “ Company ”) , each of the investors listed on Schedule A hereto, each of which is referred to in this Agreement as an “ Investor ” and each of the Persons listed on Schedule B hereto, each of which is referred to in this Agreement as a “ Management Holder .”

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS , the Investors and the Management Holders hold Registrable Securities (as defined herein).

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and obligations hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                                     Definitions.   For purposes of this Agreement:

 

1.1                             Affiliate means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person, including any general partner, managing member, officer or director of such Person or any private equity fund now or hereafter existing that is controlled by one or more general partners or managing members of, or shares the same management company with, such Person.  The term “control” (including the terms “controlling” and “controlled by”) means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.

 

1.2                             Agreement has the meaning specified in the Preamble.

 

1.3                             Common Stock means the common stock, par value $.10 per share, of the Company and any and all securities of any kind whatsoever which may be issued after the date hereof in respect of, in exchange for, or in substitution of, such common stock of the Company pursuant to a merger, consolidation, stock split (forward or reverse), stock dividend, conversion, combination, or recapitalization of the Company or otherwise.

 

1.4                             Company has the meaning specified in the Preamble and includes any successor thereto (by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all assets, operation of law or otherwise).

 

1.5                             Convertible Notes ” means, collectively, each Subordinated Convertible Note issued by the Company as of the date hereof in favor of a Management Holder.

 

1.6                             Damages means any loss, claim, damage, expense (including expenses incurred in investigating, preparing or defending any litigation or proceeding, whether commenced or threatened, and the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of legal counsel) or liability (joint or several) to which a party hereto may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state law, insofar as such loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (or any action in respect thereof) arises out of, is incurred in

 



 

connection with, is caused by or is based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement of the Company, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any other prospectus or documents or information filed with or furnished to the SEC related thereto or any amendments or supplements thereto; (ii) an omission or alleged omission to state in any registration statement of the Company, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any other prospectus or documents or information filed with or furnished to the SEC related thereto or any amendments or supplements thereto, a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the indemnifying party (or any of its agents or Affiliates) of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation promulgated under any state securities law.

 

1.7                             Demand Notice has the meaning specified in Subsection 2.1(a) .

 

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

 

1.9                             Excluded Registration ” means (i) a registration relating to the sale of securities to employees of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company pursuant to a stock option, stock purchase, or similar plan; (ii) a registration relating to an SEC Rule 145 transaction; or (iii) a registration on Form S-4 or otherwise in connection with an exchange offer.

 

1.10                     FINRA 1.11   means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

 

1.12                     Form S-1 means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any successor registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC.

 

1.13                     Form S-3 means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any successor registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC that permits incorporation of substantial information by reference to other documents filed by the Company with the SEC.

 

1.14                     Form S-4 means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any successor registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC.

 

1.15                     Form S-8 means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any successor registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC.

 

1.16                     Fund Indemnitees has the meaning specified in Subsection 2.11(e) .

 

1.17                     Fund Indemnitors has the meaning specified in Subsection 2.11(e) .

 

1.18                     Holder means any holder of Registrable Securities who is a party to this Agreement.

 



 

1.19                     Immediate Family Member means a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, of a natural person referred to herein.

 

1.20                     Initiating Holders means, collectively, Holders who properly initiate a registration under this Agreement.

 

1.21                     Investor has the meaning specified in the Preamble.

 

1.22                     Management Holders ” has the meaning specified in the Preamble.

 

1.23                     Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association or other entity.

 

1.24                     Registrable Securities means (i) any shares of Common Stock held by an Investor, or any Management Holder, at any time; (ii) any shares of Common Stock issued or issuable (directly or indirectly) upon conversion and/or exercise of the Series A Preferred Stock, a Convertible Note or any other securities of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company held by the Holders at any time; or (iii) any Common Stock issued as (or issuable upon the conversion or exercise of any warrant, right, or other security that is issued as) a dividend or other distribution with respect to, in exchange for, or in substitution for or replacement of, the shares referenced in clauses (i) and (ii) above.  As to any particular Registrable Securities, such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) a registration statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have been declared effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with such registration statement, (ii) such securities shall have been sold (other than in a privately negotiated sale where the transferor has assigned its rights under this Agreement and the transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the terms hereof) in compliance with the requirements of SEC Rule 144, as such SEC Rule 144 may be amended (or any successor provision thereto) and any legend thereon relating to restrictions on transferability thereof under the Securities Act or otherwise has been removed by the Company or (iii) such securities have ceased to be outstanding.

 

1.25                     Registration Expenses means any and all fees and expenses incident to performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Company, including, without limitation (i) all SEC, stock exchange, FINRA and other registration, listing and filing fees (including, if applicable, the fees and expenses of any “qualified independent underwriter” and its counsel as may be required by the rules and regulations of FINRA), (ii) all fees and expenses incurred (including by the underwriters, if any) in connection with compliance with state securities or blue sky laws and compliance with the rules of any stock exchange (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with such compliance and the preparation of a blue sky memorandum and legal investment survey), (iii) all fees and expenses of any Persons in preparing or assisting in preparing, word processing, printing, distributing, mailing and delivering any registration statement, any prospectus, securities certificates and other documents relating to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement, (iv) the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, (v) the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel (and any applicable local counsel) for the selling Holders (as selected by the Investors

 



 

holding a majority of the Registrable Securities held by the Investors), (vi) the fees and disbursements of all independent public accountants (including the expenses of any audit and/or “cold comfort” letters) and the fees and expenses of other Persons, including experts, retained by the Company, and (vii) all fees and disbursements of underwriters customarily paid by the issuers or sellers of securities (subject to the proviso below); provided , however , Registration Expenses shall not include discounts and commissions payable to underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers or other similar Persons engaged in the distribution of any of the Registrable Securities and applicable transfer and documentary stamp taxes, if any.

 

1.26                     SEC means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

1.27                     SEC Rule 144 means Rule 144 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act.

 

1.28                     SEC Rule 145 means Rule 145 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act.

 

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

 

1.30                     Series A Preferred Stock means the Series A Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share, of the Company.

 

1.31                     All references to (a) “ registration statement ” shall be deemed to mean the registration statement and all amendments and supplements thereto, including any post-effective amendment, in each case including the prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and all information incorporated (or deemed to be incorporated) by reference therein, and (b) “ prospectus ” shall be deemed to mean the prospectus included in a registration statement (including any preliminary or final prospectus and any prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus in reliance upon Rule 430A, 430B or 430C under the Securities Act), and any preliminary or final prospectus supplement, free-writing prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, including in each case all information incorporated (or deemed to be incorporated) by reference therein.

 

2.                                     Registration Rights .   The Company covenants and agrees as follows:

 

2.1                             Demand Registration .

 

(a)                                Form S-1 Demand .   If at any time after the date hereof the Company receives a request that the Company file a Form S-1 registration statement from Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities then held by Investors proposing to sell (together with any Affiliates of such Investors that are also Holders) at least twenty percent (20%) of the Registrable Securities then held by all Investors (or a lesser percent if the anticipated aggregate offering price, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, would exceed $20 million) requesting to sell Registrable Securities with an anticipated aggregate offering price, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, of at least $20 million, then the Company shall (x) within ten (10) days after the date such request is given, give notice thereof specifying to all Holders other than the Initiating Holders (i) the Initiating Holders’ request, (ii)

 



 

the aggregate number of Registrable Securities requested by the Initiating Holders to be registered and (iii) the intended method or methods of distribution in connection with such request to the extent then known (the “ Demand Notice ”); and (y) as soon as practicable, and in any event within sixty (60) days after the date such request is given by the Initiating Holders, file a Form S-1 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities that the Initiating Holders requested to be registered and any additional Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration by any other Holders, in each case, in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution specified by such Holders, as specified by notice given by each such Holder to the Company within twenty (20) days after the date the Demand Notice is given, and in each case, subject to the limitations of Subsection 2.5 .

 

(b)                               Form S-3 Demand .  If, at any time when it is eligible to use a Form S-3 registration statement, the Company receives a re q uest from Holders proposing to sell (together with any Affiliates of such Holders that are also Holders) outstanding Registrable Securities having an anticipated aggregate offering price, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, of at least $10 million, then the Company shall (i) within ten (10) days after the date such request is given, give a Demand Notice to all Holders other than the Initiating Holders; and (ii) as soon as practicable, and in any event within thirty (30) days after the date such request is given by the Initiating Holders, file a Form S-3 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities that the Initiating Holders requested to be registered and any additional Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration by any other Holders, in each case, in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution specified by such Holders, as specified by notice given by each such Holder to the Company within twenty (20) days after the date the Demand Notice is given, and in each case, subject to the limitations of Subsection 2.5 .

 

(c)                                The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Subsection 2.1(a)  (i) during the period that is sixty (60) days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration, provided , that the Company is actively employing in good faith reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; (ii) if the Company has effected four (4) registrations pursuant to Subsection 2.1(a) ; or (iii) if the Initiating Holders propose to dispose of shares of Registrable Securities that may be immediately registered on Form S-3 (including in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution specified by the Holders) pursuant to a request made pursuant to Subsection 2.1(b) .  The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Subsection 2.1(b)  during the period that is thirty (30) days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is ninety (90) days after the effective date of, a Company-initiated registration, provided , that the Company is actively employing in good faith reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective .

 

(d)                              A registration shall not be counted as “effected” for purposes of Subsection 2.1 until such time as the applicable registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC; provided , however , that if any Initiating Holder withdraws its request for such registration and does not reimburse the Company for its reasonable out-of-pocket Registration Expenses relating to the preparation and filing of such registration statement, such withdrawn

 



 

registration statement shall be counted as “effected” for purposes of Subsection 2.1 with respect to such withdrawing Initiating Holder but not any other Holders, except as provided in Subsection 2.4 . Notwithstanding the foregoing, a registration statement shall not be counted as “effected” in the circumstances set forth in Subsection 2.5(d) .

 

2.2                             Company Registration .  If the Company proposes to register (including, for this purpose, a registration effected by the Company for stockholders other than the Holders) any shares of its capital stock under the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of such securities solely for cash (other than in an Excluded Registration) and the registration form to be used may be used for the registration of Registrable Securities, the Company shall, at such time, promptly give each Holder notice of such registration.  Upon the request of each Holder given within twenty (20) days after such notice is given by the Company, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Subsection 2.5 , cause to be registered all of the Registrable Securities that each such Holder has requested to be included in such registration , in each case, in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution specified by such Holders .

 

2.3                             Withdrawal by the Company .   The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under Subsection 2.2 before the effective date of such registration, whether or not any Holder has elected to include Registrable Securities in such registration.  The Registration Expenses (excluding, in the case of an underwritten offering, any underwriting discounts and commissions with respect to any Registrable Securities that a Holder has requested to be included in such registration) of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with Subsection 2.8 .

 

2.4                             Withdrawal Rights .   Any Holder that has notified or directed the Company to include any Registrable Securities in a registration statement pursuant to Subsections 2.1 or 2.2 shall have the right to withdraw any such notice or direction with respect to any or all of such Registrable Securities by giving written notice to such effect to the Company at least two days prior to the effective date of such registration statement.  In the event of any such withdrawal, the Company shall not include such Registrable Securities in the applicable registration, and such Registrable Securities shall continue to be Registrable Securities hereunder.  No such withdrawal shall affect the obligations of the Company with respect to the Registrable Securities not so withdrawn; provided that, in the case of a registration pursuant to Subsections 2.1(a) or (b) , if such withdrawal shall reduce the anticipated aggregate offering price of the Registrable Securities below $10 million as of such date, the Company shall as promptly as practicable give each Holder of Registrable Securities sought to be registered notice to such effect, referring to this Agreement and summarizing this Subsection 2.4 , and within five (5) business days after such notice either the Company or the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities sought to be registered may, by written notice made to each Holder of Registrable Securities sought to be registered and the Company, as applicable, elect that such registration statement not be filed or, if theretofore filed, be withdrawn.  During such period of five (5) business days, the Company shall not file such registration statement if not theretofore filed, or, if such registration statement has been theretofore filed, the Company shall not seek, and shall use its best efforts to prevent, the effectiveness thereof.  Any request for registration that is withdrawn by an Initiating Holder prior to the effectiveness of the applicable registration statement shall be counted as a registration pursuant to a Demand Notice by such Initiating Holder for the purposes of Subsection 2.1 unless such Initiating Holder reimburses the Company for its reasonable out-of-

 



 

pocket Registration Expenses relating to the preparation and filing of such registration statement (in which event such registration statement shall not be counted as “effected” for purposes of Subsection 2.1 ).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a withdrawal of a request for registration is made (A) because of a material adverse change in the business, operations, financial condition or prospects of the Company, or (B) because of a postponement of such registration pursuant to Subsection 2.1(c) , or (C) because the Company shall fail to file the registration statement within the time period specified by this Agreement other than as a result of a postponement pursuant to Subsection 2.1(c) , then such withdrawal shall not be counted as a registration pursuant to a Demand Notice by such Initiating Holder for the purposes of Subsection 2.1 , and the Company shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection therewith.

 

2.5                             Underwriting Requirements .

 

(a)                                If, pursuant to Subsection 2.1 , the Initiating Holders intend to distribute the Registrable Securities covered by their request by means of an underwriting, they shall so advise the Company as a part of their request made pursuant to Subsection 2.1 , and the Company shall include such information in the Demand Notice.  The underwriter (s)  will be selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities sought to be registered by the Initiating Holders and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company.  In such event, the right of any Holder to include such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such registration shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the extent provided herein.  All Holders proposing to distribute their securities through such underwriting shall (together with the Company as provided in Subsection 2.6(h) ) enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter(s) selected for such underwriting, and each such Holder may, at such Holders’ option, require that any or all of the representations and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of, the Company to and for the benefit of such underwriter(s) shall also be made to and for the benefit of such Holders and that any or all of the conditions precedent to the obligations of such underwriter(s) under such underwriting agreement be conditions precedent to the obligations of such Holders; provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to make any representations or warranties with respect to written information provided by such Holders for inclusion in the registration statement pursuant to Subsection 2.7 .  No such Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties to, or agreements with, the Company or the underwriter(s) other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Holder, such Holder’s Registrable Securities and such Holder’s intended method of disposition.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Subsection 2.5 , if the total number of Registrable Securities requested by stockholders to be included in such offering exceeds the number of securities that the managing underwriter(s) in its reasonable discretion determines in good faith can reasonably be expected to be sold without adversely affecting the success of the offering, then the Initiating Holders shall so advise all Holders of Registrable Securities that otherwise would be underwritten pursuant hereto and the Company shall be required to include in the offering only that number of such Registrable Securities which the managing underwriter(s) and the Company in their reasonable discretion determine in good faith can reasonably be expected to be sold without adversely affecting the success of the offering.  If the managing underwriter(s) so determines that less than all of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered can be included in such offering, then the Registrable Securities that are included in such offering shall be allocated among the selling Holders of Registrable Securities in proportion (as nearly as

 



 

practicable) to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be registered by each such Holder.  To facilitate the allocation of shares in accordance with the above provisions, the Company or the managing underwriter(s) may round the number of shares allocated to any Holder to the nearest 100 shares.

 

(b)                               In connection with any offering involving an underwriting of shares of the Company’s capital stock pursuant to Subsection 2.2 , the Company shall not be required to include any of the Holders’ Registrable Securities in such underwriting unless the Holders accept the terms of the underwriting as agreed upon between the Company and its underwriters, and then only in such quantity as set forth below.  If the total number of securities, including Registrable Securities, requested by stockholders to be included in such offering exceeds the number of securities that the managing underwriter(s) in its reasonable discretion determines in good faith can reasonably be expected to be sold (in addition to the securities to be sold by the Company) without adversely affecting the success of the offering, then the Company shall be required to include in the offering only that number of such securities, including Registrable Securities, which the managing underwriter(s) and the Company in their reasonable discretion determine in good faith can reasonably be expected to be sold without adversely affecting the success of the offering.  If the managing underwriter(s) so determines that less than all of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered can be included in such offering, then the Registrable Securities that are included in such offering shall be allocated among the selling Holders in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be registered by each such Holder.  To facilitate the allocation of shares in accordance with the above provisions, the Company or the managing underwriter(s) may round the number of shares allocated to any Holder to the nearest 100 shares.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall (i)  the number of Registrable Securities included in the offering be reduced unless all other securities (other than securities to be sold by the Company) are first entirely excluded from the offering or (ii)  the number of Registrable Securities included in the offering be reduced below twenty five percent (25%) of the total number of securities included in such offering, in which case the selling Holders may be excluded further if the managing underwriter(s) makes the determination described above and no other securities other than securities to be sold by the Company are included in such offering.

 

(c)                                For purposes of the provisions in Subsection 2.5 concerning apportionment, for any selling Holder that is a partnership, limited liability company or corporation, the partners, members, retired partners, retired members, stockholders, and Affiliates of such Holder, or the estates and Immediate Family Members of any such partners, retired partners, members, and retired members and any trusts for the benefit of any of the foregoing Persons, shall be deemed to be a single “selling Holder,” and any proportionate reduction with respect to such “selling Holder” shall be based upon the aggregate number of Registrable Securities owned by all Persons included in such “selling Holder,” as defined in this sentence.

 

(d)                              For purposes of Subsection 2.1 , a registration shall not be counted as “effected” if, as a result of an exercise of the managing underwriter(s)’ cutback provisions in Subsection 2.5(a) , fewer than fifty percent (50%) of the total number of Registrable Securities that the Initiating Holders have requested to be included in such registration statement are actually included.

 



 

2.6                             Obligations of the Company .   Whenever required under this Section 2 to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:

 

(a)                                prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution specified by the selling Holders, which registration statement shall comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the applicable form and the Securities Act, and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective and, upon the request of the Initiating Holders, keep such registration statement effective for a period of up to one hundred twenty (120) days or, if earlier, until the distribution contemplated in the registration statement has been completed; provided , however , that (i) such one hundred twenty (120) day period shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period (x) the Holder refrains, pursuant to Subsection 2.13 or otherwise at the request of an underwriter of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, from selling any securities included in such registration and (y) during which any of the events set forth in Subsection 2.6(e)  or 2.6(l)(ii)-(iv)  shall have occurred and be continuing, and (ii) in the case of any registration of Registrable Securities on Form S-3 that are intended to be offered on a continuous or delayed basis, subject to compliance with applicable SEC rules, such one hundred twenty (120) day period shall be extended so as to keep the registration statement effective until all such Registrable Securities are sold; provided , however , that before filing a registration statement or prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, or comparable filings under securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdiction, the Company shall (i) provide to the selling Holders’ counsel (as selected by the Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities held by the Investors), the selling Holders, any managing underwriter(s) participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement, and any attorney or accountant or other agent retained by any such underwriter or by the selling Holders, in each case with a reasonable opportunity to review such registration statement and each prospectus included therein (and each amendment or supplement thereto or comparable filing but excluding any exhibits thereto and any filing made under the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference therein) to be filed with the SEC, and (ii) not file any such registration statement or prospectus (or amendment or supplement thereto or comparable filing) with the SEC to which such aforementioned parties shall have reasonably objected on the grounds that such filing does not comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or the intended method or methods of distribution specified by the selling Holders;

 

(b)                               if the Company receives written notice from a selling Holder after the date on which the registration statement has become effective that such selling Holder desires to include additional Registrable Securities in such registration statement, use its reasonable best efforts to so include such additional Registrable Securities as promptly as possible by filing an additional registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act or any similar rule then in effect, which registration shall not be counted as “effected” for purposes of Subsection 2.1 ;

 

(c)                                prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such registration statement, and the prospectus used in connection with such registration statement, as may be necessary (i) to keep such registration statement effective for the time

 



 

periods set forth in Section 2.6(a)  and (ii) to comply with the Securities Act in order to enable the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition specified by the selling Holders as set forth in such registration statement;

 

(d)                              furnish, without charge, to the selling Holders such number of copies of the applicable registration statement, each related prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, as required by the Securities Act, and such other documents as such selling Holders may reasonably request in order to facilitate their disposition of their Registrable Securities (the Company hereby consenting to the use in accordance with applicable law of each such registration statement and each such prospectus by such selling Holders in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement or prospectus);

 

(e)                                notify the selling Holders, at any time when a prospectus furnished pursuant to Subsection 2.6(d)  is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, upon the discovery that, or of the happening of any event as a result of which, the registration statement covering such Registrable Securities as then in effect, or any related prospectus, or in each case any amendment or supplement thereto, (i) contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or any fact necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus or supplement thereto, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading or (ii) fails to comply with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and any other applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction;

 

(f)                                 upon the occurrence of any event described in Subsection 2.6(e) , 2.6(l)(ii) , 2.6(l)(iii)  or 2.6(l)(iv) , prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to the registration statement or applicable prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that such registration statement shall not, and such prospectus as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities shall not, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or any fact necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus or supplement thereto, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, and in the event of a post-effective amendment subject to SEC review, use its reasonable best efforts to cause such post-effective amendment to be declared effective as soon as practicable;

 

(g)                               use its reasonable best efforts to register and qualify the securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or blue-sky laws of such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by the selling Holders and do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable the selling Holders to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the securities owned by such Holders and keep such registration or qualification in effect for so long as the registration statement remains effective under the Securities Act; provided that the Company shall not be required to (i) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction in which it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this paragraph, (ii) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction in which it would not otherwise be subject to taxation but for this paragraph, or (iii) consent to the general service of

 



 

process in any jurisdiction in which it would not otherwise be subject to general service of process but for this paragraph , in each case, unless the Company is already subject to service in such jurisdiction and except as may be required by the Securities Act;

 

(h)                               in the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the underwriter (s)  of such offering;

 

(i)                                   use its reasonable best efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement to be listed (i) on each securities exchange and trading system (if any) on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed, or (ii) if so requested by any selling Holder, if securities of the Company are not at the time listed on any securities exchange and trading system (or if the listing of Registrable Securities is not permitted under the rules of each securities exchange or trading system on which the Company’s securities are then listed), on a securities exchange or trading system designated by the Holders of a majority of such Registrable Securities held by the selling Holders;

 

(j)                                   provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement and provide a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of such registration;

 

(k)                               make available for inspection by the selling Holders, any managing underwriter (s)  participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement, and any attorney or accountant or other agent retained by any such underwriter or selected by the selling Holders, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents, and properties of the Company, and cause the Company’s officers, directors, employees, and independent accountants to supply all information reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney, accountant, or agent , in each case, as necessary or advisable to verify the accuracy of the information in such registration statement and to conduct appropriate due diligence in connection therewith, in each case subject to reasonable and customary confidentiality arrangements ;

 

(l)                                   notify each selling Holder and the selling Holders’ counsel (as selected by the Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities held by the Investors), promptly after the Company receives notice thereof, of each of (i) the filing of the registration statement, any pre-effective amendment, the prospectus or any prospectus supplement related thereto or post-effective amendment to the registration statement and, with respect to the registration statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (ii) the receipt of any comments or requests from the SEC or any state securities or blue sky authorities, any securities exchange or any other governmental authorities with respect to any such registration statement or prospectus, any amendments or supplements thereto or for additional information, (iii) the issuance by the SEC or any state securities or blue sky authorities of any oral or written stop order with respect to such registration statement, any suspension of the registration or qualification (or exemption from qualification) of the sale of such Registrable Securities in any jurisdiction, or any initiation or threatening of any proceedings with respect to any of the foregoing, and (iv) the Company’s reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment to a registration statement or a supplement to a prospectus would be appropriate or

 



 

that there exists circumstances not yet disclosed to the public which make further sales under such registration statement inadvisable pending such disclosure and such amendment or supplement;

 

(m)                           use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order described in Subsection 2.6(l)(iii)  and, in the event of the issuance of any such stop order use its reasonable best efforts promptly to obtain the withdrawal or lifting of such order at the earliest possible time and, in the event of the receipt of comments or requests described in Subsection 2.6(l)(ii) , use reasonable best efforts to promptly respond to and address all such comments and requests;

 

(n)                               use reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable laws related to such registration statement and offering and sale of securities and all applicable rules and regulations of governmental authorities in connection therewith (including the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) and make generally available to its security holders as soon as reasonably practicable (but in any event not later than fifteen (15) months after the effectiveness of such registration statement) an earnings statement of the Company and its subsidiaries complying with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act;

 

(o)                               in the case of an underwritten offering, use reasonable best efforts to cause to be furnished to each seller of Registrable Securities a signed counterpart of (i) an opinion of counsel for the Company and (ii) a “comfort” letter signed by the independent public accountants who have certified the Company’s financial statements included or incorporated by reference in such registration statement, covering such matters with respect to such registration statement and, in the case of the accountants’ comfort letter, with respect to events subsequent to the date of such financial statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuer’s counsel and in accountants’ comfort letters delivered to the underwriters in underwritten public offerings of securities for the account of, or on behalf of, an issuer of common stock, such opinion and comfort letters to be dated the date such opinions and comfort letters are customarily dated in such transactions, and covering in the case of such legal opinion, such other legal matters and, in the case of such comfort letter, such other financial matters, as the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being sold may reasonably request; and

 

(p)                               use its reasonable best efforts to take all other steps necessary to expedite or facilitate the registration and disposition of the Registrable Securities contemplated hereby .

 

2.7                             Furnish Information .   It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Section 2 with respect to the Registrable Securities of any selling Holder that such Holder shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it, and the intended method of disposition of such securities as is reasonably required to effect the registration of such Holder’s Registrable Securities.  The Company agrees to include in any registration statement filed pursuant to this Section 2 all information about a selling Holder which such selling Holder, upon advice of counsel, shall reasonably request, and which is provided to the Company a reasonable period of time prior to the time the Company has informed the Holder that it intends to file such

 



 

registration statement.  Any such information provided by the selling Holders pursuant to this Subsection 2.7 shall be used only in connection with the applicable registration statement.

 

2.8                             Expenses of Registration .   All Registration Expenses incurred in connection with registrations, filings, or qualifications pursuant to Section 2 shall be borne and paid by the Company.  All underwriting discounts and commissions relating to Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Section 2 shall be borne and paid by the Holders pro rata on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities registered on their behalf.

 

2.9                             Effective Registration Statement; Suspension .   A registration statement shall not be deemed to have become effective (i) unless it has been declared effective by the SEC and remains effective in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement, in accordance with the method or methods of distribution specified by the Holders, for the time periods specified herein, or (ii) if the offering of any Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement is interfered with by any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement of the SEC or any other governmental agency or court.

 

2.10                     Indemnification .  If any Registrable Securities are included in a registration statement whether or not pursuant to this Section 2 :

 

(a)                                To the extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each selling Holder, and the partners, members, officers, directors, stockholders, employees, advisors, agents and Affiliates of each such Holder, including legal counsel and accountants for each such Holder and any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act) for each such Holder; and each Person, if any, who controls such Holder or underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any Damages, and the Company will pay to each such Holder, underwriter, controlling Person, or other aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred thereby in connection with investigating or defending any claim or proceeding from which Damages may result, as such expenses are incurred; provided , however , that the Company shall not be liable for any Damages to the extent that they arise out of or are based upon actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of any such Holder, underwriter, controlling Person, or other aforementioned Person expressly for use in connection with such registration.

 

(b)                               To the extent permitted by law, each selling Holder, severally and not jointly, will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who has signed the registration statement, each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, legal counsel and accountants for the Company, any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act), any other Holder selling securities in such registration statement, and any controlling Person of any such underwriter or other Holder, against any Damages, in each case only to the extent that such Damages arise out of or are based upon actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of such selling Holder expressly for use in connection with such registration; and each such selling Holder will pay to the Company and each other aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred thereby in connection

 



 

with investigating or defending any claim or proceeding from which Damages may result, as such expenses are incurred; provided , however , that in no event shall a Holder’s liability pursuant to this Subsection 2.11(b) , when combined with the amounts contributed, paid or payable by such Holder pursuant to Subsection 2.11(d) , exceed the proceeds from the offering received by such Holder (net of any underwriting discounts and commissions paid by such Holder ).

 

(c)                                Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Subsection 2.11 of notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action) for which a party may be entitled to indemnification hereunder, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Subsection 2.11 , give the indemnifying party notice of the commencement thereof.  The indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in such action and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, participate jointly with any other indemnifying party to which notice has been given, and to assume the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties; provided , however , that an indemnified party shall have the right to retain separate counsel, and to participate in the defense of such claim, at the expense of such indemnified party except that in each of the following circumstances the indemnifying party shall pay the fees and expenses of one firm of separate counsel retained by the indemnified party (and any other indemnified parties that may be represented without conflict by one counsel) and applicable local counsel: (A) the indemnifying party has agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses, (B) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party within thirty (30) days after receiving notice from such indemnified party that the indemnified party believes it has failed to do so, or (C) in the reasonable judgment of any such indemnified party, representation of such indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such indemnified party and any other party represented by such counsel in such claim (in which case, if the indemnified party notifies the indemnifying party in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such indemnified party).  The failure to give notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the indemnified party under this Subsection 2.10 , only to the extent that such failure materially prejudices the indemnifying party’s ability to defend such action.  The failure to give notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Subsection 2.11 .

 

Without the written consent of the indemnified party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), no indemnifying party shall be permitted to consent to entry of any judgment with respect to, or to effect the settlement or compromise of any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim), unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (1) includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability arising out of such action or claim, (2) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any indemnified party, and (3) does not provide for any action on the part

 



 

of any party other than the payment of Damages which is to be paid in full by the indemnifying party.

 

(d)                              To provide for just and equitable contribution to joint liability under the Securities Act in any case in which either (i) any party otherwise entitled to indemnification hereunder makes a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Subsection 2.11 but it is judicially determined (by the entry of a final judgment or decree by a court of competent jurisdiction and the expiration of time to appeal or the denial of the last right of appeal) that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case, notwithstanding the fact that this Subsection 2.11 provides for indemnification in such case, or (ii) contribution under the Securities Act may be required on the part of any party hereto for which indemnification is provided under this Subsection 2.11 , then, and in each such case, such parties will contribute to the aggregate Damages to which they may be subject (after contribution from others) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of each of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in connection with the statements, omissions, or other actions that resulted in such Damages, as well as to reflect any other relevant equitable considerations.  The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact, or the omission or alleged omission of a material fact, relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Subsection 2.11(d)  were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to above.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Subsection 2.11(d) , (x)  in no event shall a Holder be required to contribute an amount that, nor shall a Holder’s liability pursuant to this Subsection 2.11(d) , in each case when combined with the amounts paid or payable by such Holder pursuant to Subsection 2.11(b) , exceed the proceeds from the offering received by such Holder (net of any underwriting discounts and commissions paid by such Holder ) , and (y) no Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) will be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  Subject to Subsection 2.11(c) , no Person shall be obligated to contribute hereunder any amounts in payment for any settlement of any such claim or proceeding if such settlement is effected without such Person’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.

 

(e)                                The Company hereby acknowledges that certain members of its Board of Directors (the “ Fund Indemnitees ”) may have rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance with respect to their service on the Board of Directors or otherwise in connection with their involvement with the Company that is provided by other Persons (collectively, the “ Fund Indemnitors ”).  The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to the Fund Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Fund Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by the Fund Indemnitees are secondary), (ii) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by the Fund Indemnitees and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement and the certificate of

 



 

incorporation or bylaws of the Company (or any other agreement between the Company and the Fund Indemnitees), without regard to any rights the Fund Indemnitees may have against the Fund Indemnitors, and (iii) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Fund Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Fund Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof.  The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Fund Indemnitors on behalf of the Fund Indemnitees with respect to any claim for which the Fund Indemnitees have sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Fund Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Fund Indemnitees against the Company.  The Company and the Fund Indemnitors agree that the Fund Indemnitees are express third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Subsection 2.11(d) .

 

(f)                                 The obligations of the Company and Holders under this Subsection 2.11 shall survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a registration under this Section 2 , and otherwise shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

2.11                     Reports Under Exchange Act .  With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits of SEC Rule 144 and any other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit a Holder to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration or pursuant to a registration on Form S-3, the Company shall at all times:

 

(a)                                make and keep available adequate current public information, as those terms are understood and defined in SEC Rule 144;

 

(b)                               use reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act; and

 

(c)                                furnish to any Holder, so long as the Holder owns any Registrable Securities, forthwith upon request (i)  to the extent accurate, a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of SEC Rule 144, the Securities Act, and the Exchange Act, or that it qualifies as a registrant whose securities may be resold pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after the Company so qualifies); and (ii) such other information as may be reasonably requested in availing any Holder of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such securities without registration or pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after the Company so qualifies to use such form).

 

2.12                     Limitations on Subsequent Registration Rights; No Inconsistent Agreement .

 

(a)                                From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities held by all Investors, enter into any agreement (including any amendment to this Agreement or the acceptance of any joinder to this Agreement) with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company that (i) would provide to such holder the right to include securities in any registration on other than with respect to the Registrable Securities or on a subordinate basis

 



 

after all Holders have had the opportunity to include in the registration and offering all shares of Registrable Securities that they wish to so include or (ii) allow such holder or prospective holder to initiate a demand for registration of any securities held by such holder or prospective holder.

 

(b)                               The Company hereby represents that, as of the date hereof, the rights granted to the Holders of Registrable Securities hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with any other agreements to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.

 

2.13                     Market Stand-off” Agreement .   Each Holder hereby agrees, if requested by the Company and a managing underwriter, if any, of Common Stock in connection with any underwritten public offering of the Company and only upon confirmation reasonably satisfactory to such Holder that all officers and directors of the Company have entered into similar agreements, that it will not, directly or indirectly lend, pledge, offer, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of or otherwise dispose of or transfer any equity securities of the Company held by it for (a) the seven (7) days prior to and the ninety (90) days following the effective date of the relevant registration statement, or (b) such other period as such managing underwriter shall specify, in each case, reasonably and in good faith.  The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to cause each holder of 5% or greater of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company to enter into an agreement substantially to the one specified in the preceding sentence.  N otwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent required by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, if (x) during the last 17 days of the foregoing 90-day period, the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs or (y) prior to the expiration of the 90-day period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the period, then the restrictions described above shall continue to apply until the expiration of an 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.  The foregoing provisions of this Subsection 2.14 shall not apply to (i) the sale of any shares to an underwriter pursuant to an underwriting agreement, (ii)  the transfer of any shares to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the Holder or the immediate family of the Holder, provided that the trustee of the trust agrees to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, and provided further that any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value or (iii) other customary exclusions or other exclusions that may be agreed upon between such Holder and the underwriters.  The underwriters in connection with such registration are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Subsection 2.14 and shall have the right, power, and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto.  Each Holder further agrees to execute such customary letter agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company and the managing underwriter in connection with such registration that are consistent with this Subsection 2.14 or that are necessary to give further effect thereto.  Any discretionary waiver or termination of the restrictions of any or all of such agreements by the Company or the managing underwriter shall apply pro rata to all Holders subject to such agreements, based on the number of shares subject to such agreements.

 



 

3.                                     Miscellaneous .

 

3.1                             Nominees for Beneficial Owners .  If Registrable Securities are held by a nominee for the beneficial owner thereof, the beneficial owner thereof may, at its option, be treated as the Holder of such Registrable Securities for purposes of any request or other action by any Holder or Holders of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement, provided that the Company shall have received assurances reasonably satisfactory to it of such beneficial ownership, written confirmation from such nominee, and the beneficial owner agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

 

3.2                             Amendments and Waivers .  Except as otherwise provided herein, no modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective against the Company or any Holder unless such modification, amendment or waiver is approved in writing by the Company and the Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities held by all Investors; provided , that, no modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement which disproportionately adversely affects the Management Holders shall be effective against any Management Holder unless such modification, amendment or waiver is approved in writing by the Management Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities held by all Management Holders.  No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar).  No failure or delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof or of any other or future exercise of any such right, power or privilege.

 

3.3                             Notices .  All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt or: (i) personal delivery to the party to be notified; (ii) when sent, if sent by electronic mail or facsimile during the recipient’s normal business hours, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the recipient’s next business day; (iii) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (iv) one (1)  business day after the business day of deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next-day delivery, with written verification of receipt.  All communications shall be sent to the Investors at their addresses as set forth on Schedule A hereto, to any other Holder at the address as set forth on the signature page hereto for such Holder, or to the principal office of the Company and to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, in the case of the Company, or to such email address, facsimile number, or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Subsection 3.3 .  If notice is given to the Company or to the Investors, a copy shall be sent to such party at the addresses set forth below:

 

if to the Company, to:

 



 

Differential Brands Group Inc.

2340 South Eastern Avenue

Commerce, CA 90040
Telephone:  323-837-3712

Facsimile:  323-837-3791

 

with a copy to:

 

Russell W. Parks and Erica D. McGrady

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

1333 New Hampshire Ave NW

Washington, DC 20036

Telephone: 202-887-4000

Facsimile: 202-887-4288

 

if to the Investors, to the addresses set forth on Schedule A hereto:

 

with a copy to:

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Jeffrey H. Cohen and Andrew D. Garelick

300 South Grand Avenue, Suite 3400

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Telephone:                           213-687-5288

Facsimile:                                 213-621-5288

 

if to the Management Holders, to the addresses set forth on Schedule B hereto:

 

with a copy to:

 

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Patrick S. Brown

1888 Century Park East, Suite 2100

Los Angeles, California 90067

Telephone: (310) 712-6603

Facsimile: (310) 712-8800

 

3.4                             Successors and Assigns This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  This Agreement may not be assigned by the Company to any Person without the prior written consent of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities.  Any Holder may, at its election, at any time or from time to time, assign its rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any person who acquires Registrable Securities from such Holder not in violation of any contract, agreement or organizational document of the Company, in which case such permitted assignee or successor shall become an “Holder” under this Agreement.  If any Holder shall acquire

 



 

additional Registrable Securities, such Registrable Securities shall be subject to all of the terms, and entitled to all the benefits, of this Agreement.

 

3.5                             Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and performed in such state, without giving effect to its choice of law or conflict of law rules.

 

3.6                             Heading; Interpretations .  The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.  All Section and Subsection references are to this Agreement unless otherwise expressly provided.  When used in this Agreement, the words “include,” “includes” and “including” are to be read as if they were followed by the phrase “without limitation.”

 

3.7                             Severability .  Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.

 

3.8                             Specific Performance .  The parties hereto acknowledge that there would be no adequate remedy at law if any party fails to perform any of its obligations hereunder, and accordingly agree that each party, in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled at law or in equity, shall be entitled to injunctive relief, including specific performance, to enforce such obligations without the posting of any bond, and, if any action should be brought in equity to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, none of the parties hereto shall raise the defense that there is an adequate remedy at law.  All remedies, either under this Agreement, by law, or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.

 

3.9                             Further Assurances .  Each party hereto shall do and perform or cause to be done and performed all such further acts and things and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments, and documents as any other party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

3.10                     Entire Agreement .  This Agreement (including Schedule A ) constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other written or oral agreement relating to the subject matter hereof existing between the parties is expressly canceled.

 

3.11                     Submission to Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process

 

(a)                                The parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court located within the State of Delaware over any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby and each party hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such dispute or any suit, action or proceeding related thereto may be heard and determined in such courts.  The parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such dispute brought in such court or

 



 

any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute.  Each of the parties hereto agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

(b)                               Each of the parties hereto hereby consents to process being served by any party to this Agreement in any suit, action or proceeding by delivery of a copy thereof in accordance with the provisions of Subsection 3.3 .

 

3.12                     Delays or Omissions .  No delay or omission to exercise any right, power, or remedy accruing to any party under this Agreement, upon any breach or default of any other party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power, or remedy of such nonbreaching or nondefaulting party, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of or acquiescence to any such breach or default, or to any similar breach or default thereafter occurring, nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring.  All remedies, whether under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.

 

3.13                     Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument.  For purposes of this Agreement, a document (or signature page thereto) signed and transmitted by facsimile machine or other electronic means is to be treated as an original document.  The signature of any party on any such document, for purposes hereof, is to be considered as an original signature, and the document transmitted is to be considered to have the same binding effect as an original signature on an original document.  At the request of any party, any facsimile or other electronic signature is to be re-executed in original form by the party which executed the facsimile or other electronic signature.  No party may raise the use of a facsimile machine or other electronic means, or the fact that any signature was transmitted through the use of a facsimile machine or other electronic means, as a defense to the enforcement of this Agreement.

 

Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

 

COMPANY:

 

 

 

DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name: Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

[Signature Page to the Registration Rights Agreement]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

 

INVESTORS:

 

 

 

TCP DENIM, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

TENGRAM CAPITAL PARTNERS FUND II, L.P.,

 

 

Its Sole Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Andrew R. Tarshis

 

 

Name:

Andrew R. Tarshis

 

 

Title:

Vice President, Tengram Capital Associates II, LLC, Its General Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCP RG, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

TENGRAM CAPITAL ASSOCIATES, LLC,

 

 

Its Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Andrew R. Tarshis

 

 

Name:

Andrew R. Tarshis

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCP RG II, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

TENGRAM CAPITAL ASSOCIATES, LLC,

 

 

Its Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Andrew R. Tarshis

 

 

Name:

Andrew R. Tarshis

 

 

Title:

Vice Presicent

 

 

[Signature Page to the Registration Rights Agreement]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT HOLDERS :

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Peter Kim

 

Peter Kim

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Paul Cardenas

 

Paul Cardenas

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Tony Chu

 

Tony Chu

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Chris Lynch

 

Chris Lynch

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Ben Taverniti

 

Ben Taverniti

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Barbara Cook

 

Barbara Cook

 

 

 

 

 

Fireman Capital CPF Hudson Co-Invest, L.P.

 

 

 

By: Fireman Partners CPF GP I LLC, its General Partner

 

By: Fireman Capital Partners LLC, its Managing Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Dan Fireman

 

 

Name:

Dan Fireman

 

 

Title:

Managing Member

 

 

[Signature Page to the Registration Rights Agreement]

 



 

Schedule A

 

Investors

 

 

Investor

 

 

Address

 

 

TCP Denim, LLC

 

TCP Denim, LLC

c/o Tengram Capital Partners

15 Riverside Avenue, First Floor

Westport, CT 06880

Attention: Andrew R. Tarshis

Facsimile: (203) 454-6998

 

 

TCP RG, LLC

 

TCP RG, LLC

c/o Tengram Capital Partners

15 Riverside Avenue, First Floor

Westport, CT 06880

Attention: Andrew R. Tarshis

Facsimile: (203) 454-6998

 

TCP RG II, LLC

 

TCP RG II, LLC

c/o Tengram Capital Partners

15 Riverside Avenue, First Floor

Westport, CT 06880

Attention: Andrew R. Tarshis

Facsimile: (203) 454-6998

 



 

Schedule B

 

Management Holders

 

 

Management Holder

 

 

Address

 

 

Peter Kim

 

4411 Dundee Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027

 

 

Paul Cardenas

 

613 Bienveneda Ave
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

 

 

Tony Chu

 

3232 Castle Heights Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90034

 

 

Christopher Lynch

 

25 Paseo Carla
San Clemente, CA 92673

 

 

Ben Taverniti

 

8264 Oakwood Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90048

 

 

Barbara Cook

 

1326 Sanderling Island
Point Richmond, CA 94801

 

 

Fireman Capital CPF Hudson Co-Invest L.P.

 

c/o Fireman Capital Partners LLC
Watermill Center
800 South Street, Suite 600
Waltham, MA 02453
Attention: Dan Fireman
E-Mail: dan.fireman@firemancapital.com
Telephone: 617-671-0555
Facsimile: 617-236-8111

 

 


Exhibit 10.2

 

[Execution]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

by and among

 

RG PARENT LLC,

 

as the Administrative Borrower and a Borrower,

 

the other Borrowers party hereto,

 

the Guarantors party hereto,

 

and

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as Lender

 

Dated as of January 28, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

PAGE

 

 

 

1.

DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

1

 

1.1

Definitions, Code Terms, Accounting Terms and Construction

1

 

 

 

 

2.

 

LOANS AND TERMS OF PAYMENT

1

 

2.1

Revolving Loan Advances

1

 

2.2

Increase in Maximum Revolver Amount

1

 

2.3

Borrowing Procedures

2

 

2.4

Payments; Prepayments

4

 

2.5

Reserves

5

 

2.6

Interest Rates: Rates, Payments, and Calculations

6

 

2.7

Designated Account

7

 

2.8

Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of Obligations

7

 

2.9

Termination Date; Optional Reduction and Termination of Commitments

7

 

2.10

Effect of Maturity; Releases

8

 

2.11

[Reserved]

9

 

2.12

Fees

9

 

2.13

Letters of Credit

9

 

2.14

Special Provisions Applicable to LIBOR and Daily Three Month LIBOR Interest Rates

13

 

2.15

Capital Requirements

14

 

2.16

Extent of Each Borrower’s Liability, Contribution

15

 

2.17

RG Parent LLC as Agent for Borrowers

16

 

 

 

 

3.

SECURITY INTEREST

16

 

3.1

Grant of Security Interest

16

 

3.2

Loan Parties Remain Liable

17

 

3.3

Assignment of Insurance

17

 

3.4

Financing Statements

17

 

3.5

Intercreditor Agreement

18

 

3.6

Perfection

18

 

 

 

 

4.

CONDITIONS

18

 

4.1

Conditions Precedent to the Initial Extension of Credit

18

 

4.2

Conditions Precedent to all Extensions of Credit

18

 

4.3

[Reserved]

19

 

 

 

 

5.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

19

 

 

 

 

6.

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

19

 

6.1

Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates

19

 

6.2

Collateral Reporting

19

 

6.3

Existence

19

 

6.4

Maintenance of Properties

20

 

6.5

Taxes

20

 

6.6

Insurance

20

 



 

 

6.7

Inspections, Exams, Collateral Exams and Appraisals

21

 

6.8

Account Verification

21

 

6.9

Compliance with Laws

21

 

6.10

Environmental

21

 

6.11

Disclosure Updates

22

 

6.12

Collateral Covenants

23

 

6.13

Credit Card Notifications

27

 

6.14

Material Contracts

27

 

6.15

Location of Inventory and Equipment

27

 

6.16

Further Assurances

27

 

6.17

Formation of Subsidiaries

28

 

6.18

Post-Closing Obligations

29

 

 

 

 

7.

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

29

 

7.1

Indebtedness

29

 

7.2

Liens

29

 

7.3

Restrictions on Fundamental Changes

29

 

7.4

Disposal of Assets

30

 

7.5

Change Name

30

 

7.6

Nature of Business

30

 

7.7

Prepayments and Amendments

30

 

7.8

Change of Control

31

 

7.9

Restricted Junior Payments

31

 

7.10

Accounting Methods

31

 

7.11

Investments; Controlled Investments

31

 

7.12

Transactions with Affiliates

32

 

7.13

[ Reserved]

33

 

7.14

[ Reserved]

33

 

7.15

[Reserved]

33

 

7.16

Inventory and Equipment with Bailees

33

 

7.17

Capital Expenditures

33

 

 

 

 

8.

FINANCIAL COVENANT

33

 

 

 

 

9.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

34

 

 

 

 

10.

RIGHTS AND REMEDIES

37

 

10.1

Rights and Remedies

37

 

10.2

Additional Rights and Remedies

37

 

10.3

Lender Appointed Attorney in Fact

38

 

10.4

Remedies Cumulative

39

 

10.5

Crediting of Payments and Proceeds

40

 

10.6

Marshaling

40

 

10.7

License

40

 

 

 

 

11.

WAIVERS; INDEMNIFICATION

40

 

11.1

Demand; Protest; etc.

40

 

11.2

The Lender’s Liability for Collateral

40

 

11.3

Indemnification

41

 

 

 

 

12.

NOTICES

41

 



 

13.

CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER

43

 

 

 

 

14.

ASSIGNMENTS; SUCCESSORS

44

 

 

 

 

15.

AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS

44

 

 

 

 

16.

TAXES

44

 

 

 

 

17.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

46

 

17.1

Effectiveness

46

 

17.2

Section Headings

46

 

17.3

Interpretation

46

 

17.4

Severability of Provisions

46

 

17.5

Debtor-Creditor Relationship

46

 

17.6

Counterparts; Electronic Execution

47

 

17.7

Revival and Reinstatement of Obligations

47

 

17.8

Confidentiality

47

 

17.9

Lender Expenses

48

 

17.10

Setoff

48

 

17.11

Survival

48

 

17.12

Patriot Act

48

 

17.13

Integration

49

 

17.14

Bank Product Providers

49

 



 

EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

Schedule 1.1

Definitions

Schedule 2.12

Fees

Schedule 6.1

Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates

Schedule 6.2

Collateral Reporting

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

Form of Compliance Certificate

Exhibit B

Conditions Precedent

Exhibit C

Post-Closing Obligations

Exhibit D

Representations and Warranties

Exhibit E

[Reserved]

Exhibit F

Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

Exhibit G

Form of Joinder Agreement

Schedule A-2

Authorized Person

Schedule D-2

Lender’s Account

Schedule P-1

Permitted Investments

Schedule P-2

Permitted Liens

 


 


 

CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

THIS CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into as of January 28, 2016, by and among WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“ Lender ”), DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Inc. (“ Parent ”), DBG SUBSIDIARY INC., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Subsidiary, Inc. (“ DBG ”), HUDSON CLOTHING, LLC, a California limited liability company (“ Hudson ”), RG PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ RG Parent ”), ROBERT GRAHAM HOLDINGS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Holding ”), ROBERT GRAHAM DESIGNS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Designs ”), ROBERT GRAHAM RETAIL LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ RG Retail ” and together with Parent, DBG, Hudson, RG Parent, RG Holding, RG Designs and each other Subsidiary of Parent that becomes a borrower hereunder, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”, and each a  “ Borrower ”), and the Guarantors from time to time party hereto.

 

The parties agree as follows:

 

1.             DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.

 

1.1               Definitions, Code Terms, Accounting Terms and Construction .   Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings specified therefor on Schedule 1.1 .  Additionally, matters of (i) interpretation of terms defined in the Code, (ii) interpretation of accounting terms and (iii) construction are set forth in Schedule 1.1 .

 

2.             LOANS AND TERMS OF PAYMENT.

 

2.1               Revolving Loan Advances .

 

(a)        Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the Termination Date , Lender agrees to make revolving loans (“ Advances ”) to Borrowers in an amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the lesser of :

 

(i)                the Maximum Revolver Amount less the Letter of Credit Usage at such time, and

 

(ii)            the Borrowing Base at such time less the Letter of Credit Usage at such time.

 

(b)       Amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.1 may be repaid and, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, reborrowed at any time during the term of this Agreement.  The outstanding principal amount of the Advances, together with interest accrued and unpaid thereon, shall be due and payable on the Termination Date.

 

2.2                             Increase in Maximum Revolver Amount .

 

(a)                                Administrative Borrower may, at any time, deliver a written request to Lender to increase the Maximum Revolver Amount (each such increase in the Maximum Revolver Amount, an “ Incremental Increase ”).  Any such written request for an Incremental Increase shall specify the amount of such Incremental Increase that Administrative Borrower is requesting, provided, that, (i) in no event shall the aggregate amount of any such Incremental Increases cause the Maximum Revolver Amount to exceed $50,000,000, (ii) any such request shall be for an Incremental Increase of not less than $5,000,000, (iii) any such request shall be irrevocable, and (iv) in no event shall more than one such written request be delivered to Lender in any calendar quarter.

 

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(b)                               Upon the receipt by Lender of any such written request, Lender shall have the option (but not the obligation) to increase the amount of the Maximum Revolver Amount requested by Administrative Borrower as set forth in the notice to Lender.

 

(c)                                The Maximum Revolver Amount shall be increased by the amount of the Incremental Increase that Lender confirms in writing to Administrative Borrower so long as:

 

(i)                                   Lender and Loan Parties shall enter into such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to evidence the Incremental Increase, which amendments shall be in form and content satisfactory to Lender and the Loan Parties and may include commitment, upfront, or similar fees to be agreed upon between Lender and Loan Parties;

 

(ii)                               the conditions precedent to the making of Advances set forth in Section 4.2 shall be satisfied as of the date of the Incremental Increase, both immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such Incremental Increase;

 

(iii)                           the Loan Parties deliver to Lender any legal opinion of counsel to Loan Parties reasonably requested by Lender, in form and substance and from counsel reasonably satisfactory to Lender, addressing such matters relating to the Incremental Increase as Lender may reasonably request;

 

(iv)                           to the extent invoiced, there shall have been paid to Lender, for the account of the Lender all fees and reasonable and documented expenses (including reasonable and documented fees and expenses of counsel) due and payable pursuant to any of the Loan Documents on or before the effectiveness of such Incremental Increase; and

 

(v)                               as of the effective date of any such Incremental Increase, each reference to the term Maximum Revolver Amount herein, and in any of the other Loan Documents shall be deemed amended to mean the amount of the Maximum Revolver Amount specified in the most recent written notice from Lender to Borrowers of such Incremental Increase.

 

2.3                             Borrowing Procedures .

 

(a)        Procedure for Borrowing .  Subject to Section 2.3(b)  below, each Borrowing shall be made by a written request by an Authorized Person delivered to Lender.  Such written request must be received by Lender no later than 11:00 a.m. (Eastern time) on the Business Day that is the requested Funding Date (or three (3) Business Days prior to the requested Funding Date in the event of a LIBOR Loan) specifying (i) the amount of such Borrowing, (ii) the requested Funding Date, which shall be a Business Day, (iii) if such Borrowing will be by way of Base Rate Loan or LIBOR Loan, and (iv) if such Borrowing will be by way LIBOR Loan, the applicable Interest Period; provided that Lender may, in its sole discretion, elect to accept as timely requests that are received later than 11:00 a.m. (Eastern time) on the applicable Business Day.

 

At Lender’s election, in lieu of delivering the above-described written request, any Authorized Person may give Lender telephonic notice of such request by the required time.  Lender is authorized to make the Advances, and to issue the Letters of Credit, under this Agreement based upon telephonic or other instructions received from anyone purporting to be an Authorized Person.

 

(b)       LIBOR Loans.   To the extent permitted hereunder, Administrative Borrower may, from time to time prior to the Termination Date, request LIBOR Loans or may request that Base Rate Loans be converted to LIBOR Loans or that any existing LIBOR Loans continue for an additional Interest Period.  Such request from Administrative Borrower shall specify the applicable Borrower, the amount of the

 

2



 

LIBOR Loans to be made, the amount of Base Rate Loans to be converted to LIBOR Loans or the amount of the LIBOR Loans to be continued and the Interest Period to be applicable to such LIBOR Loans.  Three (3) Business Days after receipt by Lender of a written notice making such request from or on behalf of a Borrower, such LIBOR Loans shall be made or the Base Rate Loans shall be converted to LIBOR Loans or such LIBOR Loans shall continue, as the case may be.  The making or continuing of LIBOR Loans or the conversion of Base Rate Loans to LIBOR Loans is subject to each of the following conditions (which may be waived or altered by Lender, in its sole discretion):

 

(i)                                   no Event of Default shall exist or have occurred and be continuing,

 

(ii)                               no party hereto shall have sent any notice of termination of this Agreement,

 

(iii)                           no more than 7 Interest Periods (for all outstanding LIBOR Loans) may be in effect at any one time,

 

(iv)                           the aggregate amount of the LIBOR Loans must be an amount not less than $1,000,000 or an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof, and

 

(v)                               Lender shall have determined that the Interest Period and LIBOR is available to Lender and can be readily determined as of the date of the request for such LIBOR Loan by Borrowers.

 

Unless otherwise agreed by Lender, any requests by or on behalf of a Borrower for LIBOR Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to LIBOR Loans or to continue any existing LIBOR Loans shall be irrevocable.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Lender shall not be required to purchase US Dollar deposits in the London interbank market to fund or otherwise match fund any LIBOR Loans, but the provisions hereof shall be deemed to apply as if the Lender had purchased such deposits to fund or match fund the LIBOR Loans.

 

(c)        Automatic Conversion .

 

(i)                                   Unless otherwise agreed by Lender, any LIBOR Loans shall automatically convert to Base Rate Loans upon the last day of the applicable Interest Period, unless Lender has received a written request under Section 2.3(b)  from Administrative Borrower to continue such LIBOR Loan, at least 3 Business Days prior to such last day in accordance with the terms hereof .

 

(ii)                               Any LIBOR Loans shall, at Lender’s option, upon notice by Lender to Administrative Borrower, be converted to Base Rate Loans, if any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and otherwise upon the Termination Date (if not repaid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement).

 

(d)       In connection with each LIBOR Loan, each Borrower shall indemnify, defend, and hold Lender harmless against any loss, cost, or expense actually incurred by Lender as a result of (A) the payment of any principal 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 Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or (C) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto. A certificate of Lender delivered to Administrative Borrower setting forth in reasonable detail any amount or amounts that Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Borrowers shall pay such amount to Lender within 30 days of the date of its receipt of such certificate.

 

3



 

(e)        Making of Loans.   Promptly after receipt of a request for a Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.3(a)  and subject to Section 2.3(b) , Lender shall make the proceeds thereof available to the applicable Borrower on the applicable Funding Date by transferring immediately available funds equal to such amount to the Designated Account or such other accounts or accounts specified by Administrative Borrower; provided , however , that, Lender shall not have the obligation to make any Advance if (i) 1 or more of the applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 4 will not be satisfied on the requested Funding Date for the applicable Borrowing unless such condition has been waived by Lender, or (ii) the requested Borrowing would exceed the Availability on such Funding Date.

 

(f)         [Reserved].

 

(g)        Protective Advances.   Lender may make an Advance for any reason at any time in its Permitted Discretion, without Borrowers’ compliance with any of the conditions of this Agreement, and disburse the proceeds directly to third Persons in order to protect Lender’s interest in the Collateral or to perform any obligation of Borrowers under this Agreement or otherwise to enhance the likelihood of repayment of the Obligations (such Advance, a “ Protective Advance ”).

 

2.4               Payments; Prepayments .

 

(a)        Payments by Borrowers.   Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by Borrowers to Lender under the Loan Documents shall be made to Lender’s Account unless otherwise directed by Lender or as otherwise specified in the applicable Cash Management Documents.

 

(b)       Payments by Account Debtors. Subject to Factor’s rights under the Factoring Agreements and subject to the exceptions set forth in Section 6.12 , Borrowers shall instruct all Account Debtors and Factor to make payments either directly to a Loan Party for deposit by such Loan Party directly to a Collection Account, or instruct them to deliver such payments directly to a Collection Account. If any Loan Party receives a payment of the Proceeds of Collateral directly, such Loan Party will promptly (but in no event later than the third Business Day after the date of receipt thereof, or such longer period as Lender agrees) deposit the payment or Proceeds into a Collection Account; provided , that the foregoing shall not be applicable to (i) petty cash not in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate held at retail stores of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) cash or Cash Equivalents (or amounts on deposit in any Deposit Account or Securities Account) reasonably expected by the Borrowers to be used to pay any taxes required to be paid or incurred in connection with any transaction consummated pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreements, (iii) Term Priority Collateral, (iv) aggregate amounts of not more than $250,000 with respect to any single Deposit Account of any Loan Party or $500,000 with respect to all Deposit Accounts of the Loan Parties, (v) amounts deposited into any Excluded Account, (vi) any amounts in the Treasury Shares Account and (vii) proceeds of an Advance or Term Loan . Until so deposited, such Borrower will hold all such payments and Proceeds in trust for Lender without commingling with other funds or property.

 

(c)        Optional Prepayments.   The Borrowers shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any outstanding Advances in whole or in part and without premium or penalty, subject to Lender’s receipt of prior written notice of such prepayment from Administrative Borrower at least one Business Day prior to such prepayment, and subject to Section 2.3(d)  in the case of LIBOR Loans.

 

(d)       Crediting Payments. For purposes of calculating Availability and the accrual of interest on outstanding Obligations, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Cash Management Documents or as otherwise agreed between Administrative Borrower and Lender, each payment shall be applied to the applicable Obligations (i) if received during a Cash Dominion Trigger Period, as of the Business Day of deposit to the Collection Account of immediately available funds during regular business hours or (ii) at

 

4



 

all other times, upon the receipt of immediately available funds by Lender. Any payment received by Lender that is not a transfer of immediately available funds shall be considered provisional until the item or items representing such payment have been finally paid under applicable law. Should any payment item not be honored when presented for payment, then Borrowers shall be deemed not to have made such payment, and that portion of Borrowers’ outstanding Obligations corresponding to the amount of such dishonored payment item shall be deemed to bear interest as if the dishonored payment item had never been received by Lender .

 

(e)        Application of Payments.   Any proceeds of Collateral received by Lender (i) not constituting either (A) a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which, if no Event of Default exists and if otherwise permitted under this Agreement, shall be applied as specified by the Administrative Borrower) or (B) a mandatory prepayment (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.4(g) ) or (ii) while an Event of Default exists if Lender so elects at its sole discretion, shall be applied first , to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements, including amounts then due to Lender from any Borrower under this Agreement, second , to pay interest due in respect of any Overadvance Amount or Protective Advances, third , to pay the principal of any Overadvance Amount or Protective Advances, fourth , to pay interest then due and payable on the outstanding Advances (other than the Overadvance Amount and Protective Advances), fifth , to prepay principal on the outstanding Advances (other than the Overadvance Amount and Protective Advances) and unreimbursed Letter of Credit Disbursements ratably, sixth , to pay an amount to Lender equal to one hundred five percent (105%) of the aggregate Letter of Credit Usage, to be held as cash collateral for such Obligations, seventh , to payment of any amounts owing with respect to Cash Management Services and Hedge Obligations, and eighth , to the payment of any other Obligations due to Lender by any Loan Party.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, proceeds of Collateral received by Lender from any Loan Party shall not be applied to any Excluded Hedge Obligation of such Loan Party.

 

(f)         [Reserved].

 

(g)        Mandatory Prepayments.   If, at any time, the Revolver Usage exceeds (A) the Borrowing Base or (B) the Maximum Revolver Amount at such time (such excess amount being referred to as the “ Overadvance Amount ”), then Borrowers shall promptly upon demand by Lender prepay the Advances in an aggregate amount equal to the Overadvance Amount.  If payment in full of the outstanding Advances is insufficient to eliminate the Overadvance Amount and Letter of Credit Usage continues to exceed the Borrowing Base, Borrowers shall maintain Letter of Credit Collateralization of the outstanding Letter of Credit Usage in an amount equal to 105% of such excess until no Overadvance Amount exists. Lender shall not be obligated to provide any Advances during any period that an Overadvance Amount is outstanding.

 

2.5               Reserves .

 

(a)        The initial Reserves as of the Closing Date are those set forth in the Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to Lender on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 4.1 .

 

(b)       Lender may hereafter establish additional Reserves or change any of the Reserves in effect on the Closing Date in the exercise of its Permitted Discretion; provided, that , such Reserves shall not be established or changed except upon not less than three (3) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Borrower (during which period Lender shall be available to discuss such proposed additions or changes with the Administrative Borrower); provided, further , that no such prior notice shall be required (1) if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (2) for changes to any Reserves resulting solely from mathematical calculations of the amount of the Reserve in accordance with the methodology of calculation previously utilized (including, but not limited to, as the result of new

 

5



 

appraisals or examinations of Collateral or changes in rent amounts) or (3)  if any event or circumstance occurs that Lender in good faith believes may impair the Borrowers’ prospect of payment of all or part of the Obligations were such additions or changes to the Reserves not made prior to the expiration of such notice period . Upon delivery of a notice described above, the Loan Parties may take such action as may be required so that the event, condition, circumstance or new fact that is the basis for such Reserve or increase no longer exists, in a manner and to the extent satisfactory to Lender in its Permitted Discretion.

 

(c)        The amount of any Reserve established by Lender shall have a reasonable relationship as determined by Lender in its Permitted Discretion to the event, condition or other matter that is the basis for such Reserve. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) a Reserve shall not be established to the extent it is duplicative of any specific item excluded as ineligible in the definitions of Eligible Credit Card Receivables, Eligible Inventory, Eligible Wholesale Inventory, Eligible Retail Inventory and Eligible Accounts, and (ii) circumstances, conditions, events or contingencies existing or arising prior to the Closing Date of which Lender had knowledge as of the Closing Date shall not be the basis for the establishment of Reserves unless Lender establishes such Reserves on or prior to the Closing Date or such circumstances, conditions, events or contingencies shall have changed since the Closing Date.

 

2.6               Interest Rates: Rates, Payments, and Calculations .

 

(a)        Interest Rates .  Except as provided in Section 2.6(b) , the principal amount of all outstanding Advances shall bear interest on the Daily Balance thereof at a per annum rate equal to the Interest Rate plus the Applicable Margin.

 

(b)       Default Rate.   Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default and at any time following the Termination Date, in each case at the discretion of Lender by notice to the Administrative Borrower (which notice may be revoked by Lender at its option),

 

(i)                the principal amount of all outstanding Advances or other amounts outstanding hereunder shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to two (2) percentage points above the per annum rate otherwise applicable thereto hereunder, and

 

(ii)            the Letter of Credit fee provided for in Section 2.12 shall be increased by two (2) percentage points above the per annum rate otherwise applicable hereunder.

 

For avoidance of doubt, Lender may assess such default rate commencing on the date of the occurrence of an Event of Default irrespective of the date of reporting or declaration of such Event of Default.

 

(c)        Payment.   Except to the extent provided to the contrary in Section 2.12 or otherwise herein, all interest, all Letter of Credit fees and all other fees and reimbursements (to the extent invoiced) payable hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents shall be due and payable, in arrears, on the first Business Day of each month. Each Borrower hereby authorizes Lender, from time to time with notice to Borrowers, to charge (i) all interest, Letter of Credit fees and all Unused Fees payable hereunder (in each case, as and when due and payable), and (ii) to the extent not paid by a Borrower when due and payable following notice by Lender, all costs and expenses payable hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents (in each case, as and when due and payable), all Lender Expenses (as and when due and payable), and all other fees and costs provided for in Section 2.12 (as and when accrued or incurred), and all other payment obligations as and when due and payable under any Loan Document or any Bank Product Agreement (including any amounts due and payable to any Bank Product Provider in respect of Bank Products that the Borrowers have not otherwise made payment of or provided for), in each case to the Loan Account, which amounts shall thereupon constitute Advances hereunder and, shall accrue interest at the rate then applicable to Advances that are Base Rate Loans. Any interest, fees, costs,

 

6



 

expenses, Lender Expenses, or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document or under any Bank Product Agreement that are charged to the Loan Account as provided in this paragraph shall thereafter constitute Advances hereunder and shall accrue interest at the rate then applicable to Advances that are Base Rate Loans.

 

(d)       Computation.   All interest and fees chargeable under the Loan Documents shall be computed on the basis of a 360 day year, in each case, for the actual number of days elapsed in the period during which the interest or fees accrue.  In the event the Interest Rate is changed from time to time hereafter, the rates of interest hereunder based upon the Interest Rate automatically and immediately shall be increased or decreased by an amount equal to such change in the Interest Rate.

 

(e)        Intent to Limit Charges to Maximum Lawful Rate.   In no event shall the interest  rate or rates payable under this Agreement, plus any other amounts paid in connection herewith, exceed the highest rate permissible under any law that a court of competent jurisdiction shall, in a final determination, deem applicable.  Borrowers and Lender, in executing and delivering this Agreement, intend legally to agree upon the rate or rates of interest and manner of payment stated within it; provided , however , that, anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if said rate or rates of interest or manner of payment exceeds the maximum allowable under applicable law, then, as of the date of this Agreement, Borrowers are and shall be liable only for the payment of such maximum amount as is allowed by law, and payment received from Borrowers in excess of such legal maximum, whenever received, shall be applied to reduce the principal balance of the Obligations to the extent of such excess.

 

2.7               Designated Account .   Each Borrower receiving proceeds of Advances agrees to establish and maintain one or more Designated Accounts, each in the name of such Borrower, for the purpose of receiving the proceeds of the Advances requested by such Borrower and made by Lender hereunder.  Unless otherwise specified by Administrative Borrower, any Advance requested by or on behalf of a Borrower and made by Lender hereunder shall be made to the applicable Designated Account.

 

2.8               Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of Obligations .   Lender shall maintain an account on its books in the name of Borrowers (the “ Loan Account ”) in which will be recorded all Advances made by Lender to Borrowers or for Borrowers’ account, the Letters of Credit issued or arranged by Lender for Borrowers’ account, and all other payment Obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents and to the extent payment is charged to the Loan Account, for payments under Bank Product Agreements, including accrued interest, fees and expenses, and Lender Expenses. In accordance with Section 2.4 and Section 2.6 , the Loan Account will be credited with all payments received by Lender from Borrowers or for Borrowers’ account.  Lender shall deliver to Administrative Borrower, or make available to Administrative Borrower electronically, monthly statements regarding the Loan Account, including with respect to principal, interest, fees, and including an itemization of all charges and expenses constituting Lender Expenses owing, and such monthly statements shall be subject to subsequent adjustment by Lender as provided in this Agreement upon notice to Borrowers but shall, absent manifest error, be conclusively presumed to be correct and accurate and constitute an account stated between Borrowers and Lender unless, within 30 days after receipt thereof by Borrowers, Borrowers shall deliver to Lender written objection thereto describing the error or errors contained in any such statements.

 

2.9               Termination Date; Optional Reduction and Termination of Commitments .

 

(a)        Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect for a term ending on the earliest of (i) the Maturity Date or (ii) the date Borrowers terminate the Revolving Credit Facility pursuant to Section 2.9(b)  or (iii) the date the Revolving Credit Facility terminates pursuant to Sections 10.1 or 10.2 following an Event of Default (the earliest of these dates, the

 

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Termination Date ”).  The foregoing notwithstanding, Lender shall have the right to terminate its obligations under this Agreement immediately and without notice upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default.  Each Borrower jointly and severally promises to pay the Obligations (including principal, interest, fees, costs, and expenses, including Lender Expenses) in full on the Termination Date (other than the Hedge Obligations, which shall be paid in accordance with the applicable Hedge Agreement).

 

(b)       The Administrative Borrower shall have the right to permanently reduce the Maximum Revolver Amount hereunder (each such decrease of the Maximum Revolver Amount, an “ Incremental Decrease ”) or terminate the Revolving Credit Facility and Lender’s commitment to make Advances hereunder (a “ Borrower Termination ”), in each case, without premium or penalty, upon Administrative Borrower’s written notice to Lender at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such Incremental Decrease or Borrower Termination , specifying such election and the effective date thereof ; provided , that (i) in no event shall the aggregate amount of any Incremental Decreases cause the Maximum Revolver Amount to fall below $10,000,000, except in the case of a Borrower Termination, (ii) no individual Incremental Decrease shall be in an amount less than $5,000,000, (iii) each Incremental Decrease shall be in increments of $1,000,000, (iv) in no event shall more than two (2) notices of Incremental Decrease be delivered to Lender during the term of this Agreement, and (v) except as expressly provided in the following sentence, each notice delivered pursuant to this Section 2.9(b)  shall be irrevocable . Any written notice of Incremental Decrease or Borrower Termination delivered by the Administrative Borrower to Lender may state that such reduction or termination is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or another transaction , in which case such notice may be revoked by the Administrative Borrower without premium or penalty by written notice to Lender on or prior to the specified effective date if such condition is not satisfied.

 

2.10       Effect of Maturity; Releases .

 

(a)        On the Termination Date, all obligations of Lender to provide additional credit hereunder shall automatically be terminated and all of the Obligations (other than Bank Product Obligations which shall be terminated in accordance with the applicable Bank Product Agreement) shall immediately become due and payable without notice or demand and Borrowers shall immediately repay all of such Obligations in full.  No termination of the obligations of Lender (other than cash payment in full of the Obligations (other than (x) obligations under Bank Product Obligations and (y) contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable) and termination of the obligations of Lender to provide additional credit hereunder) shall relieve or discharge any Loan Party of its duties, obligations, or covenants hereunder or under any other Loan Document and Lender’s Liens in the Collateral shall continue to secure the Obligations and shall remain in effect until all Obligations (other than (x) obligations under Bank Product Obligations and (y) contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable) have been paid in full in cash and Lender’s obligations to provide additional credit hereunder shall have been terminated.   Lender shall, at Borrowers’ expense, release or terminate any filings or other agreements that perfect the Lender’s Liens in the Collateral, upon Lender’s receipt of each of the following, in form and content reasonably satisfactory to Lender: (i) cash payment in full of all Obligations in good and available funds (including Hedge Obligations subject, however, to the next sentence and including Letter of Credit Collateralization with respect to all outstanding Letter of Credit Usage), (ii) evidence that any obligation of Lender to make Advances to any Borrower or provide any further credit to any Borrower hereunder has been terminated, and (iii) an agreement by each Borrower and each Guarantor to indemnify Lender and its Affiliates for any payments received by Lender or its Affiliates that are applied to the Obligations as a final payoff that may subsequently be returned or otherwise not paid for any reason.  With respect to any outstanding Hedge Obligations which are not so paid in full, the Bank Product Provider may require Borrowers to cash collateralize the then existing Hedge Obligations in an amount acceptable to Lender (provided that a cash collateralization in an amount

 

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equal to 105% of the then existing Hedge Obligations shall be deemed acceptable to Lender) prior to releasing or terminating any filings or other agreements that perfect the Lender’s Liens in the Collateral.

 

(b)       If any of the Collateral shall be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by any Loan Party to a Person that is not a Loan Party in a transaction expressly permitted by this Agreement, then such Collateral shall be automatically released from the Liens created by the Loan Documents without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any party, and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to such Loan Party or its transferee, as the case may be, and Lender, at the request of Administrative Borrower and the sole expense of such Loan Party, shall execute and deliver to such Loan Party all releases or other documents reasonably necessary to evidence the release of the Liens created by the Loan Documents on such Collateral.  In the event that all of the Stock of a Loan Party shall be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of to a Person that is not a Loan Party in a transaction that is expressly permitted by this Agreement, then at the request of Administrative Borrower and the sole expense of Borrowers, Lender shall release such Loan Party from its obligations under the Loan Documents and shall execute and deliver to such Loan Party all releases or other documentation reasonably necessary to evidence such release.

 

2.11       [Reserved] .

 

2.12       Fees .   Borrowers shall pay to Lender the fees set forth on Schedule 2.12 attached hereto at the times set forth therein.

 

2.13       Letters of Credit .

 

(a)        Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, upon the request of a Borrower made in accordance herewith, Lender agrees to issue a requested Letter of Credit for the account of such Borrower.  By submitting a request to Lender for the issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Borrower shall be deemed to have requested that Lender issue the requested Letter of Credit.  Each request for the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or the amendment, renewal, or extension of any outstanding Letter of Credit, shall be irrevocable and shall be made in writing by an Authorized Person and delivered to Lender via telefacsimile, or other electronic method of transmission reasonably acceptable to Lender and reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal, or extension.  Each such request shall be in form reasonably satisfactory to Lender, and (i) shall specify (A) the amount of such Letter of Credit, (B) the date of issuance, amendment, renewal, or extension of such Letter of Credit, (C) the proposed expiration date of such Letter of Credit, (D) the name and address of the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit, and (E) such other information (including, the conditions to drawing, and, in the case of an amendment, renewal, or extension, identification of the Letter of Credit to be so amended, renewed, or extended) as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew, or extend such Letter of Credit, and (ii) shall be accompanied by such Letter of Credit Agreements as Lender may request or require, to the extent that such requests or requirements are consistent with the Letter of Credit Agreements that Lender generally requests for Letters of Credit in similar circumstances. Lender’s records of the content of any such request will be conclusive.

 

(b)       Lender shall have no obligation to issue, amend or extend a Letter of Credit if after giving effect to the requested issuance, amendment, renewal or extension the Letter of Credit Usage would exceed:

 

(i)                                   the lesser of (x) the Borrowing Base less the outstanding amount of Advances and (y) the Maximum Revolver Amount less the outstanding amount of Advances, or

 

(ii)                               $7,500,000.

 

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(c)        Lender shall have no obligation to issue a Letter of Credit if (i) any order, judgment, or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall, by its terms, purport to enjoin or restrain Lender from issuing such Letter of Credit or any law applicable to Lender or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over Lender shall prohibit or request that Lender refrain from the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular, or (ii) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of Lender applicable to letters of credit generally.

 

(d)       Each Letter of Credit shall be in form reasonably acceptable to Lender, including the requirement that the amounts payable thereunder must be payable in Dollars, and, unless otherwise agreed by Lender, shall expire on a date no more than 12 months after the date of issuance or last renewal of such Letter of Credit, which date shall be no later than the Maturity Date. If Lender makes a payment under a Letter of Credit, Borrowers shall pay the Lender an amount equal to the applicable Letter of Credit Disbursement on the Business Day such Letter of Credit Disbursement is made and, in the absence of such payment, the amount of the Letter of Credit Disbursement immediately and automatically shall be deemed to be an Advance hereunder (notwithstanding any failure to satisfy any condition precedent set forth in Section 4 or this Section 2.13 ) and, initially, shall bear interest at the rate then applicable to Advances.  If a Letter of Credit Disbursement is deemed to be an Advance hereunder, Borrowers’ obligation to pay the amount of such Letter of Credit Disbursement to Lender shall be automatically converted into an obligation to pay Lender such resulting Advance.

 

(e)        Each Borrower agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Lender (including its branches and Affiliates) and each such Person’s respective directors, officers, employees, attorneys and agents (each, a “ Letter of Credit Related Person ”) (to the fullest extent permitted by law) from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, investigations, proceedings, liabilities, fines, costs, penalties, and damages, and all reasonable fees and disbursements of attorneys, experts, or consultants and all other costs and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith or in connection with the enforcement of this indemnification (as and when they are incurred and irrespective of whether suit is brought), which may be incurred by or awarded against any such Letter of Credit Related Person (other than Taxes, which shall be governed by Section 16 ) (the “ Letter of Credit Indemnified Costs ”), and which arise out of or in connection with, or as a result of: (i) any Letter of Credit or any pre-advice of its issuance; (ii) any transfer, sale, delivery, surrender or endorsement of any Drawing Document at any time(s) held by any such Letter of Credit Related Person in connection with any Letter of Credit; (iii) any action or proceeding arising out of, or in connection with, any Letter of Credit (whether administrative, judicial or in connection with arbitration), including any action or proceeding to compel or restrain any presentation or payment under any Letter of Credit, or for the wrongful dishonor of, or honoring a presentation under, any Letter of Credit; (iv) any independent undertakings issued by the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit; (v) any unauthorized instruction or request made to Lender in connection with any Letter of Credit or requested Letter of Credit or error in computer or electronic transmission; (vi) an adviser, confirmer or other nominated person seeking to be reimbursed, indemnified or compensated; (vii) any third party seeking to enforce the rights of an applicant, beneficiary, nominated person, transferee, assignee of Letter of Credit proceeds or holder of an instrument or document; (viii) the fraud, forgery or illegal action of parties other than the Letter of Credit Related Person; (ix) Lender’s performance of the obligations of a confirming institution or entity that wrongfully dishonors a confirmation; or (x) the acts or omissions, whether rightful or wrongful, of any present or future de jure or de facto governmental or regulatory authority or cause or event beyond the control of the Letter of Credit Related Person; in each case, including that resulting from the Letter of Credit Related Person’s own negligence; provided , however ,  that such indemnity shall not be available to any Letter of Credit Related Person claiming indemnification under clauses (i) through (x) above to the extent that such Letter of Credit Indemnified Costs may be finally determined in a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted directly from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Letter of Credit Related

 

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Person claiming indemnity.  Borrowers hereby agree to pay the Letter of Credit Related Person claiming indemnity on demand from time to time all amounts owing under this Section 2.13(e) .  If and to the extent that the obligations of Borrowers under this Section 2.13(e)  are unenforceable for any reason, Borrowers agree to make the maximum contribution to the Letter of Credit Indemnified Costs permissible under applicable law.  This indemnification provision shall survive termination of this Agreement and all Letters of Credit.

 

(f)         The liability of Lender (or any other Letter of Credit Related Person) under, in connection with or arising out of any Letter of Credit (or pre-advice), regardless of the form or legal grounds of the action or proceeding, shall be limited to direct damages suffered by Borrowers that are caused directly by Lender’s bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct in (i) honoring a presentation under a Letter of Credit that on its face does not at least substantially comply with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit, (ii) failing to honor a presentation under a Letter of Credit that strictly complies with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit or (iii) retaining Drawing Documents presented under a Letter of Credit. Lender shall be deemed to have acted with due diligence and reasonable care if Lender’s conduct is in accordance with Standard Letter of Credit Practice or in accordance with this Agreement.  Borrowers’ aggregate remedies against Lender and any Letter of Credit Related Person for wrongfully honoring a presentation under any Letter of Credit or wrongfully retaining honored Drawing Documents shall in no event exceed the aggregate amount paid by Borrowers to Lender in respect of the honored presentation in connection with such Letter of Credit under Section 2.13(d) , plus interest at the rate then applicable to Advances hereunder.  Borrowers shall take action to avoid and mitigate the amount of any damages claimed against Lender or any other Letter of Credit Related Person, including by enforcing its rights against the beneficiaries of the Letters of Credit.  Any claim by Borrowers under or in connection with any Letter of Credit shall be reduced by an amount equal to the sum of (x) the amount (if any) saved by Borrowers as a result of the breach or alleged wrongful conduct complained of; and (y) the amount (if any) of the loss that would have been avoided had Borrowers taken all reasonable steps to mitigate any loss, and in case of a claim of wrongful dishonor, by specifically and timely authorizing Lender to effect a cure.

 

(g)        Borrowers are responsible for preparing or approving the final text of the Letter of Credit as issued by Lender, irrespective of any assistance Lender may provide such as drafting or recommending text or by Lender’s use or refusal to use text submitted by Borrowers.  Borrowers are solely responsible for the suitability of the Letter of Credit for Borrowers’ purposes.  With respect to any Letter of Credit containing an “automatic amendment” to extend the expiration date of such Letter of Credit, Lender, in its sole and absolute discretion, may give notice of nonrenewal of such Letter of Credit and, if Borrowers do not at any time want such Letter of Credit to be renewed, Borrowers will so notify Lender at least 15 calendar days before Lender is required to notify the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit or any advising bank of such nonrenewal pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit.

 

(h)       Borrowers’ reimbursement and payment obligations under this Section 2.13 are absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever, including: (i) any lack of validity, enforceability or legal effect of any Letter of Credit or this Agreement or any term or provision therein or herein; (ii) payment against presentation of any draft, demand or claim for payment under any Drawing Document that does not comply in whole or in part with the terms of the applicable Letter of Credit or which proves to be fraudulent, forged or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, or which is signed, issued or presented by a Person or a transferee of such Person purporting to be a successor or transferee of the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit; (iii) Lender or any of its branches or Affiliates being the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit; (iv) Lender or any correspondent honoring a drawing against a Drawing Document up to the amount available under any Letter of Credit even if such Drawing Document claims an amount in excess of the amount available under the Letter of

 

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Credit; (v) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right that any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may have at any time against any beneficiary, any assignee of proceeds, Lender or any other Person; (vi) any other event, circumstance or conduct whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing that might, but for this Section 2.13(h) , constitute a legal or equitable defense to or discharge of, or provide a right of set-off against, any Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ reimbursement and other payment obligations and liabilities, arising under, or in connection with, any Letter of Credit, whether against Lender, the beneficiary or any other Person; or (vii) the fact that any Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; provided , however , that subject to Section 2.13(f)  above, the foregoing shall not release Lender from such liability to Borrowers as may be finally determined in a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction against Lender following reimbursement or payment of the obligations and liabilities, including reimbursement and other payment obligations, of Borrowers to Lender arising under, or in connection with, this Section 2.13 or any Letter of Credit.

 

(i)           Without limiting any other provision of this Agreement, Lender and each other Letter of Credit Related Person (if applicable) shall not be responsible to Borrowers for, and Lender’s rights and remedies against Borrowers and the obligation of Borrowers to reimburse Lender for each drawing under each Letter of Credit shall not be impaired by: (i) honor of a presentation under any Letter of Credit that on its face substantially complies with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit, even if the Letter of Credit requires strict compliance by the beneficiary; (ii) honor of a presentation of any Drawing Document that appears on its face to have been signed, presented or issued (A) by any purported successor or transferee of any beneficiary or other Person required to sign, present or issue such Drawing Document or (B) under a new name of the beneficiary; (iii) acceptance as a draft of any written or electronic demand or request for payment under a Letter of Credit, even if nonnegotiable or not in the form of a draft or notwithstanding any requirement that such draft, demand or request bear any or adequate reference to the Letter of Credit; (iv) the identity or authority of any presenter or signer of any Drawing Document or the form, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any Drawing Document (other than Lender’s determination that such Drawing Document appears on its face substantially to comply with the terms and conditions of the Letter of Credit); (v) acting upon any instruction or request relative to a Letter of Credit or requested Letter of Credit that Lender in good faith believes to have been given by a Person authorized to give such instruction or request; (vi) any errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any message, advice or document (regardless of how sent or transmitted) or for errors in interpretation of technical terms or in translation or any delay in giving or failing to give notice to Borrowers; (vii) any acts, omissions or fraud by, or the insolvency of, any beneficiary, any nominated person or entity or any other Person or any breach of contract between any beneficiary and any Borrower or any of the parties to the underlying transaction to which the Letter of Credit relates; (viii) assertion or waiver of any provision of the ISP or UCP 600 that primarily benefits an issuer of a letter of credit, including any requirement that any Drawing Document be presented to it at a particular hour or place; (ix) payment to any paying or negotiating bank (designated or permitted by the terms of the applicable Letter of Credit) claiming that it rightfully honored or is entitled to reimbursement or indemnity under Standard Letter of Credit Practice applicable to it; (x) acting or failing to act as required or permitted under Standard Letter of Credit Practice applicable to where Lender has issued, confirmed, advised or negotiated such Letter of Credit, as the case may be; (xi) honor of a presentation after the expiration date of any Letter of Credit notwithstanding that a presentation was made prior to such expiration date and dishonored by Lender if subsequently Lender or any court or other finder of fact determines such presentation should have been honored; (xii) dishonor of any presentation that does not strictly comply or that is fraudulent, forged or otherwise not entitled to honor; or (xiii) honor of a presentation that is subsequently determined by Lender to have been made in violation of international, federal, state or local restrictions on the transaction of business with certain prohibited Persons.

 

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(j)           Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that any and all documented and reasonable fees, charges, costs or commissions in effect from time to time imposed by, and any and all documented and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by, Lender, or by any adviser, confirming institution or entity or other nominated Person relating to Letters of Credit, at the time of issuance of any Letter of Credit and upon the occurrence of any other activity with respect to any Letter of Credit (including transfers, assignment of proceeds, amendments, drawings, renewals or cancellations), shall be non-refundable Lender Expenses for purposes of this Agreement and shall be reimbursable promptly by Borrowers to Lender.

 

(k)       If by reason of (i) any change after the Closing Date in any applicable law, treaty, rule, or regulation or any change in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority, or (ii) compliance by Lender with any direction, request, or requirement (irrespective of whether having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority or monetary authority including, Regulation D of the Board of Governors as from time to time in effect (and any successor thereto): (i) any reserve, deposit, or similar requirement is or shall be imposed or modified in respect of any Letter of Credit issued or caused to be issued hereunder or hereby, or (ii) there shall be imposed on Lender any other condition regarding any Letter of Credit,  and the result of the foregoing is to increase, directly or indirectly, the cost to Lender of issuing, making, participating in, or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount receivable in respect thereof, then, and in any such case, Lender may, at any time within a reasonable period after the additional cost is incurred or the amount received is reduced, notify Borrowers, and Borrowers shall pay within 30 days after demand therefor, such amounts as Lender may specify to be necessary to compensate Lender for such additional cost or reduced receipt, together with interest on such amount from the date of such demand until payment in full thereof at the rate then applicable to Advances hereunder; provided, that (A) Borrowers shall not be required to provide any compensation pursuant to this Section 2.13(k)  for any such amounts incurred more than 180 days prior to the date on which the demand for payment of such amounts is first made to Borrowers, and (B) if an event or circumstance giving rise to such amounts is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.  The determination by Lender of any amount due pursuant to this Section 2.13(k) , as set forth in a certificate setting forth the calculation thereof in reasonable detail, shall, in the absence of manifest or demonstrable error, be final and conclusive and binding on all of the parties hereto.

 

(l)           Unless otherwise expressly agreed by Lender and Borrowers, when a Letter of Credit is issued, (i) the rules of the ISP and UCP 600 shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit, and (ii) the rules of UCP 600 shall apply to each commercial Letter of Credit.

 

(m)   In the event of a direct conflict between the provisions of this Section 2.13 and any provision contained in any Letter of Credit Agreement, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such provisions be read together and construed, to the fullest extent possible, to be in concert with each other.  In the event of any actual, irreconcilable conflict that cannot be resolved as aforesaid, the terms and provisions of this Section 2.13 shall control and govern.

 

2.14       Special Provisions Applicable to LIBOR and Daily Three Month LIBOR Interest Rates .

 

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

 

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the LIBOR and Daily Three Month LIBOR Interest Rates);

 

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(ii) subject any recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income 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 Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by Lender or any Letter of Credit;

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to Lender of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Loan or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan, or to increase the cost to Lender of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by Lender (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of Lender to Administrative Borrower (accompanied by reasonable back-up documentation therefor), the Borrowers will pay to Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

(b)       Illegality; Impracticability.   In the event that (i) any change in market conditions or any law, regulation, treaty, or directive, or any change therein or in the interpretation or application thereof shall at any time after the date hereof make it unlawful or impractical for Lender to fund or maintain extensions of credit with interest based upon LIBOR or Daily Three Month LIBOR or to continue such funding or maintaining, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon LIBOR or Daily Three Month LIBOR, (ii) Lender determines that by reasons affecting the London Interbank Eurodollar market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining LIBOR or Daily Three Month LIBOR, or (iii) Lender determines that the interest rate based on LIBOR or Daily Three Month LIBOR will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to Lender of maintaining or funding Advances at the interest rate based upon LIBOR or Daily Three Month LIBOR, Lender shall give notice of such changed circumstances to Administrative Borrower and (i) interest on the principal amount of such extensions of credit thereafter shall accrue interest at a rate equal to the Prime Rate plus the Applicable Margin, and (ii) Borrowers shall not be entitled to elect LIBOR or Daily Three Month LIBOR until Lender determines that it would no longer be unlawful or impractical to do so or that such increased costs would no longer be applicable.

 

(c)        No Requirement of Matched Funding .  Anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, Lender is not required actually to acquire eurodollar deposits to fund or otherwise match fund any Obligation as to which interest accrues at LIBOR or Daily Three Month LIBOR.

 

2.15       Capital Requirements .   If, after the date hereof, Lender determines that (i) the adoption of or change in any law, rule, regulation or guideline regarding capital or reserve requirements for lenders, banks or bank holding companies, or any change in the interpretation, implementation, or application thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the administration thereof, including those changes resulting from the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Basel III, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued, or (ii) compliance by Lender or its parent bank holding company with any guideline, request or directive of any such entity regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law), has the effect of reducing the return on Lender’s or such holding company’s capital as a consequence of Lender’s loan commitments hereunder to a level below that which such Lender or such holding company could have achieved but for such adoption, change, or compliance (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such holding company’s then existing policies with respect to capital adequacy and assuming the full utilization of such entity’s capital) by any amount deemed by Lender to be material, then Lender may notify Administrative Borrower thereof.  Following receipt of such notice, Borrowers agree to pay Lender on demand the amount of such reduction on return of capital

 

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as and when such reduction is determined, payable within 30 days after presentation by Lender of a statement of the amount and setting forth in reasonable detail Lender’s calculation thereof and the assumptions upon which such calculation was based (which statement shall be deemed true and correct absent manifest error).  In determining such amount, Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.  Failure or delay on the part of Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of Lender’s right to demand such compensation; provided that Borrowers shall not be required to compensate Lender pursuant to this Section for any reductions in return incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that Lender notifies Administrative Borrower of such law, rule, regulation or guideline giving rise to such reductions and of Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that if such claim arises by reason of the adoption of or change in any law, rule, regulation or guideline that is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

 

2.16       Extent of Each Borrower’s Liability, Contribution .

 

(a)        Joint and Several Liability.   Each Borrower agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to Lender the prompt payment and performance of, all Obligations under this Agreement and all agreements under the Loan Documents.  Each Borrower agrees that its guaranty obligations hereunder constitute a continuing guaranty of payment and not of collection, that such obligations shall not be discharged until cash payment in full of the Obligations, and that such obligations are absolute and unconditional, irrespective of (i) the genuineness, validity, regularity, enforceability, subordination or any future modification of, or change in, any Obligations or Loan Document, or any other document, instrument or agreement to which any Borrower is or may become a party or be bound; (ii) the absence of any action to enforce this Agreement (including this Section) or any other Loan Document, or any waiver, consent or indulgence of any kind by Lender with respect thereto; (iii) the existence, value or condition of, or failure to perfect any of Lender’s Liens or to preserve rights against, any security or guaranty for the Obligations or any action, or the absence of any action, by Lender in respect thereof (including the release of any security or guaranty); (iv) the insolvency of any Borrower; (v) any election by Lender in an Insolvency Proceeding for the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code; (vi) any borrowing or grant of a Lien by any other Borrower, as debtor-in-possession under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; (vii) the disallowance of any claims of Lender against any Borrower for the repayment of any Obligations under Section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; or (viii) any other action or circumstances that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor, except cash payment in full of all Obligations.

 

(b)       Keepwell .  Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other Loan Party to honor all of its obligations under this Agreement in respect of a Hedge Obligation (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section or otherwise under this Agreement voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). Except as otherwise provided herein, the obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section shall remain in full force and effect until the termination of all Hedge Obligations. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section constitute, and this Section shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Loan Party for all purposes of Section la(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

(c)        Contribution. Each Borrower hereby agrees that it will not enforce any of its rights of contribution or subrogation against any other Borrower with respect to any liability incurred by it

 

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hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, any payments made by it to Lender with respect to any of the Obligations or any collateral security therefor until such time as all of the Obligations have been paid in full in cash.  Any claim which any Borrower may have against any other Borrower with respect to any payments to Lender on behalf of another Borrower hereunder or under any of the Bank Product Agreements are hereby expressly made subordinate and junior in right of payment, without limitation as to any increases in the Obligations arising hereunder or thereunder, to the prior payment in full in cash of the Obligations and, in the event of any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceeding under the laws of any jurisdiction relating to any Borrower, its debts or its assets, whether voluntary or involuntary, all such Obligations shall be paid in full in cash before any payment or distribution of any character, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be made to any other Borrower therefor.

 

(d)       No Limitation on Liability. Nothing contained in this Section 2.16 shall limit the liability of any Borrower to pay extensions of credit made directly or indirectly to that Borrower (including revolving loans advanced to any other Borrower and then re-loaned or otherwise transferred to, or for the benefit of, such Borrower), Obligations relating to Letters of Credit issued to support such Borrower’s business, and all accrued interest, fees, expenses and other related Obligations with respect thereto, for which such Borrower shall be primarily liable for all purposes hereunder.

 

2.17       RG Parent LLC as Agent for Borrowers . Each Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints RG Parent as the Administrative Borrower and attorney-in-fact for all Borrowers (the “ Administrative Borrower ”) which appointment shall remain in full force and effect unless and until Lender shall have received prior written notice signed by each Borrower that such appointment has been revoked and that another Borrower has been appointed Administrative Borrower.  Each Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Borrower (a) to provide Lender with all notices with respect to Advances, Letters of Credit and other extensions of credit obtained for the benefit of any Borrower and all other notices and instructions under this Agreement, and (b) to take such action as the Administrative Borrower deems appropriate on its behalf to obtain Advances, Letters of Credit and other extensions of credit and to exercise such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.  It is understood that the handling of the Loan Account and Collateral in a combined fashion, as more fully set forth herein, is done solely as an accommodation to Borrowers in order to utilize the collective borrowing powers of Borrowers in the most efficient and economical manner and at their request, and that Lender shall not incur liability to any Borrower as a result hereof.  Each Borrower expects to derive benefit, directly or indirectly, from the handling of the Loan Account and the Collateral in a combined fashion since the successful operation of each Borrower is dependent on the continued successful performance of the integrated group.  To induce Lender to do so, and in consideration thereof, each Borrower hereby jointly and severally agrees to indemnify Lender and hold Lender harmless against any and all liability, expense, loss or claim of damage or injury, made against Lender by any Borrower or by any third party whosoever, arising from or incurred by reason of (a) the handling of the Loan Account and Collateral of Borrowers as herein provided, or (b) Lender’s relying on any instructions of the Administrative Borrower, except that Borrowers will have no liability to Lender under this Section 2.17 with respect to any liability that has been finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lender.

 

3.             SECURITY INTEREST.

 

3.1               Grant of Security Interest .   Each Loan Party hereby grants, assigns, and pledges to Lender, to secure payment and performance of the Obligations, a continuing Lien and security interest (hereinafter referred to as the “ Security Interest ”) in all of such Loan Party’s right, title, and interest in and to the Collateral, as security for the payment and performance of all Obligations. Following request by Lender, each Loan Party shall grant Lender a Lien and Security Interest in all Commercial Tort Claims

 

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that it may have against any Person. The Security Interest created hereby secures the payment and performance of the Obligations, whether now existing or arising hereafter.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement secures the payment of all amounts which constitute part of the Obligations and would be owed by any Loan Party to Lender or any other Bank Product Provider, but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable (in whole or in part) as a claim in an Insolvency Proceeding involving any Borrower due to the existence of such Insolvency Proceeding.  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the term “Collateral” shall not include, and no Security Interest is granted in, any Excluded Property. This Agreement grants only the Security Interests herein described and is not intended to and does not effect the transfer of title of any trademark registration or application.

 

3.2               Loan Parties Remain Liable .   Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (a) Borrowers and each other Loan Party shall remain liable under the contracts and agreements included in the Collateral to perform all of the duties and obligations thereunder to the same extent as if this Agreement had not been executed, (b) the exercise by Lender of any of the rights hereunder shall not release any Borrower or any other Loan Party from any of its duties or obligations under such contracts and agreements included in the Collateral, and (c) Lender shall not have any obligation or liability under such contracts and agreements included in the Collateral by reason of the Security Interest, nor shall Lender be obligated to perform any of the obligations or duties of any Borrower or any other Loan Party thereunder or to take any action to collect or enforce any claim for payment assigned hereunder.

 

3.3               Assignment of Insurance .   As additional security for the Obligations, each Loan Party hereby grants and pledges to Lender a lien and security interest in all rights of such Borrower and such Loan Party under (a) the Key Man Life Insurance Policy and (b) every policy of insurance covering the Collateral and all other assets and property of each Borrower and each other Loan Party (including, without limitation business interruption insurance and proceeds thereof) and all business records and other documents relating to it, and all monies (including proceeds and refunds) that may be payable under any such policy, and no later than 3 Business Days following receipt thereof, the Borrowers hereby agree to prepay the Advances in an aggregate amount equal to the cash proceeds and refunds paid under any such policy (other than Term Priority Collateral) (net of expenses incurred in connection therewith) in excess of $250,000 in any calendar year (provided that the Borrowers shall prepay the Advances in an amount equal to all such cash proceeds and refunds paid under any such policy (other than Term Priority Collateral), regardless of the foregoing threshold, during the existence of an Event of Default or if an Overadvance exists).  After the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, Lender may (but need not), in Lender’s or any Borrower’s or any other Loan Party’s name, and upon notice to Administrative Borrower, execute and deliver proofs of claim, receive payment of proceeds and endorse checks and other instruments representing payment of the policy of insurance, and adjust, litigate, compromise or release claims against the issuer of any policy.  Any monies (other than Term Priority Collateral) received under any insurance policy assigned to Lender in excess of $250,000 in any calendar year (and all such monies (other than Term Priority Collateral), regardless of the foregoing threshold, during the existence of an Event of Default), other than liability insurance policies, or received as payment of any award or compensation for condemnation or taking by eminent domain, shall be paid to Lender and, as determined by Lender in its sole discretion, either be applied to prepayment of the Obligations or disbursed to Borrowers under payment terms reasonably satisfactory to Lender for application to the cost of repairs, replacements, or restorations of the affected Collateral which shall be effected with reasonable promptness and shall be of a value at least equal to the value of the items or property destroyed.

 

3.4               Financing Statements .   Each Borrower and each other Loan Party authorizes Lender to file financing statements describing the Collateral to perfect Lender’s Security Interest in the Collateral, and Lender may describe or indicate the Collateral as “all assets of debtor, whether now owned or hereafter

 

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acquired or arising and wheresoever located” or words of similar meaning, or describe or indicate specific items of Collateral.

 

3.5               Intercreditor Agreement .   Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the priority of the Liens and security interests granted to Lender pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document and the exercise of any right or remedy by Lender hereunder or thereunder are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and (ii) so long as the Term Obligations remain outstanding, any provision hereof that requires any Loan Party to (a) deliver any Collateral  to Lender or (b) provide that Lender have control over such Collateral, may, if required by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, be satisfied by (x) the delivery of such Collateral by such Loan Party to the Term Agent, and (y) providing that the Term Agent be provided with control with respect to such Collateral (for the benefit of Lender to the extent provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement).  Any reference in this Agreement to a “first priority lien” or words of similar effect in describing the security interests created hereunder shall be understood to refer to such priority subject, in the case of Term Priority Collateral, to the claims of Term Lenders as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement. All representations, warranties and covenants in this Agreement shall be subject to the provisions and qualifications set forth in this Section 3.5 . In the event of any direct conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Documents with respect to the priority of the Liens and security interests granted herein or therein and/or the exercise of any right or remedy hereunder, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.

 

3.6               Perfection .   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, the Loan Parties shall not be obligated to perfect the Security Interests granted by such Loan Parties hereunder in any Collateral in any jurisdiction other than the United States or any state or municipality within the United States; provided , however , that the limitation of this Section 3.6 shall not apply to the extent any Loan Party shall have its jurisdiction of organization outside of the United States.

 

4.             CONDITIONS.

 

4.1               Conditions Precedent to the Initial Extension of Credit .   The obligation of Lender to make the initial extension of credit provided for hereunder is subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of Lender, of each of the conditions precedent set forth on Exhibit B .

 

4.2               Conditions Precedent to all Extensions of Credit .   The obligation of Lender to make any Advances hereunder (or to extend any other credit hereunder) at any time shall be subject to the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)        the representations and warranties of each Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in this Agreement or in the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date of such extension of credit, as though made on and as of such date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date); and

 

(b)       no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such extension of credit, nor shall either result from the making thereof.

 

Any request for an extension of credit shall be deemed to be a representation by each Borrower and each other Loan Party that the statements set forth in this Section 4.2 are correct as of the time of such request

 

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and if such extension of credit is a request for an Advance or a Letter of Credit, sufficient Availability exists for such Advance or Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.1(a)  and Section 2.13 .

 

4.3               [Reserved] 4.4 .

 

5.             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

 

In order to induce Lender to enter into this Agreement, each Borrower and each other Loan Party makes the representations and warranties to Lender set forth on Exhibit D .  Each of such representations and warranties shall be true, correct, and complete, in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), as of the Closing Date, and shall be true, correct, and complete, in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), as of the date of the making of each Advance or other extension of credit made hereunder thereafter, as though made on and as of the date of such Advance or other extension of credit (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date) and such representations and warranties shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

6.             AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

 

Each Borrower and each other Loan Party covenants and agrees that, until termination of all of the commitments of Lender hereunder to provide any further extensions of credit and payment in full of the Obligations (other than (x) obligations under Bank Product Obligations and (y) contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable), each Borrower and each other Loan Party shall and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to comply with each of the following:

 

6.1               Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates .   Deliver to Lender copies of each of the financial statements, reports, and other items set forth on Schedule 6.1 no later than the times specified therein.  In addition, each Borrower agrees that no Subsidiary of a Borrower will have a fiscal year different from that of Borrowers.  Each Borrower agrees to maintain a system of accounting that enables such Borrower to produce financial statements in accordance with GAAP.  Each Loan Party shall also (a) keep a reporting system that shows all additions, sales, claims, returns, and allowances with respect to the sales of such Loan Party and its Subsidiaries, and (b) maintain its billing systems/practices substantially as in effect as of the Closing Date or otherwise consistent with past practices and shall only make material modifications thereto following prior notice to Lender.

 

6.2               Collateral Reporting .   Provide Lender with each of the reports set forth on Schedule 6.2 at the times specified therein. In addition, each Borrower agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts in cooperation with Lender to facilitate and implement a system of electronic collateral reporting in order to provide electronic reporting of each of the items set forth on such Schedule.

 

6.3               Existence .   Except as otherwise permitted under Section 7.3 or Section 7.4 , at all times maintain and preserve in full force and effect (a) its existence (including being in good standing, to the extent such concept exists, in its jurisdiction of organization) and (b) all rights and franchises, licenses and permits material to its business; provided , however , that no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to preserve any such right or franchise, licenses or permits if (i) such Person shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of such Person, and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to such Person or to the

 

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Lender and (ii) the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

6.4               Maintenance of Properties .   Maintain and preserve all of its tangible assets that are necessary or useful in the proper conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear, tear and casualty excepted and Permitted Dispositions excepted (and except where the failure to so maintain and preserve such assets could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change), and comply with the provisions of all leases to which it is a party as lessee, so as to prevent the loss or forfeiture thereof, unless such provisions are the subject of a Permitted Protest or failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

6.5               Taxes .

 

(a)        Cause all material assessments and taxes imposed, levied, or assessed against any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective assets or in respect of any of its income, businesses, or franchises to be paid in full, before delinquency or before the expiration of any extension period, except (x) to the extent that the validity of such assessment or tax shall be the subject of a Permitted Protest and so long as, in the case of an assessment or tax that has or may become a Lien against any of the Collateral, (i) such contest proceedings conclusively operate to stay the sale of any portion of the Collateral to satisfy such assessment or tax, and (ii) any such other Lien is at all times subordinate to Lender’s Liens or (y) for taxes in an aggregate amount not in excess of $50,000.

 

(b)       Make timely payment or deposit of all material tax payments and withholding taxes required of it and them by applicable laws, including those applicable laws concerning F.I.C.A., F.U.T.A., state disability, and local, state, and federal income taxes, and will, upon request, furnish Lender with proof indicating that such Loan Party and its Subsidiaries have made such payments or deposits except to the extent subject to a Permitted Protest.

 

6.6               Insurance .   At Borrowers’ expense, maintain insurance with respect to the assets of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries wherever located, covering liabilities, losses or damages as are customarily insured against by other Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses. Borrowers also shall maintain, with respect to each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries, business interruption insurance, general liability insurance, flood insurance for Real Property Collateral located in a flood plain, product liability insurance, director’s and officer’s liability insurance, fiduciary liability insurance and employment practices liability insurance, as well as insurance against larceny, embezzlement, and criminal misappropriation. All such policies of insurance shall be with financially sound and reputable insurance companies having a financial strength rating of at least A- by A.M. Best Company or that are otherwise reasonably acceptable to Lender and in such amounts as is carried generally in accordance with sound business practice by companies in similar businesses similarly situated and located and in any event in amount, adequacy and scope reasonably satisfactory to Lender. No later than 30 days after the Closing Date (or such longer period of time as Lender shall expressly agree), (i) all property insurance policies covering the Collateral are to be made payable to Lender, as its interests may appear, in case of loss, pursuant to a lender loss payable endorsement reasonably acceptable to Lender and containing such other provisions as Lender may reasonably require to fully protect Lender’s interest in the Collateral and to any payments to be made under such policies and (ii) such evidence of property and general liability insurance shall be delivered to Lender, with the lender loss payable endorsements (but only in respect of Collateral) and additional insured endorsements (with respect to general liability coverage) in favor of Lender and Borrowers shall use commercially reasonable best efforts to have such policies provide for not less than 30 days (10 days in the case of non-payment) prior written notice to Lender of the exercise of any right of cancellation.  If Borrowers fail to maintain such insurance, Lender may arrange for such insurance, but at Borrowers’ expense and without any responsibility on Lender’s part for obtaining the

 

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insurance, the solvency of the insurance companies, the adequacy of the coverage, or the collection of claims.  Administrative Borrower shall give Lender prompt notice of any loss exceeding $1,000,000 covered by Borrowers’ casualty or business interruption insurance.  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, Lender shall have the sole right to file claims under any property and general liability insurance policies in respect of the Collateral, to receive and give acquittance for any payments that may be payable thereunder, and to execute any and all endorsements, receipts, releases, assignments, reassignments or other documents that may be necessary to effect the collection, compromise or settlement of any claims under any such insurance policies.

 

6.7               Inspections, Exams, Collateral Exams and Appraisals .   Subject to the limitations in Schedule 2.12 , permit Lender and each of Lender’s duly authorized representatives to visit any of its properties and inspect any of its assets or books and records, to conduct inspections, exams and appraisals of the Collateral, to examine and make copies of its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances, and accounts with, and to be advised as to the same by, its officers and employees at such reasonable times and intervals as Lender may designate and, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, with reasonable prior written notice to Borrowers. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.7 , no Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries will be required to disclose, permit the visit, inspection, examination, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (x) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information of such Loan Party, (y) in respect of which disclosure to Lender (or its representatives) is prohibited by law or any binding legal agreement or (z) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work product. Lender shall give Administrative Borrower the opportunity to participate in any discussions with Borrowers’ independent public accountants.

 

6.8               Account Verification .   Permit Lender, in Lender’s name or in the name of a nominee of Lender, to verify the validity, amount or any other matter relating to any Account, by mail, telephone, facsimile transmission or otherwise.  Further, at the request of Lender, Borrowers shall send requests for verification of Accounts or send notices of assignment of Accounts to Account Debtors and other obligors.

 

6.9               Compliance with Laws .   Comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and orders of any Governmental Authority, other than laws, rules, regulations, and orders the non-compliance with which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

6.10       Environmental .

 

(a)        Keep any property either owned or operated by any Borrower or any other Loan Party or its Subsidiaries free of any Environmental Liens securing obligations or liabilities in excess of $250,000 or post bonds or other financial assurances reasonably satisfactory to Lender and in an amount sufficient to satisfy the obligations or liability evidenced by such Environmental Liens;

 

(b)       Comply with Environmental Laws, except to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, and provide to Lender documentation of such compliance which Lender reasonably requests;

 

(c)        Promptly notify Lender of any release of which any Borrower or any other Loan Party has knowledge of a Hazardous Material that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change from or onto property owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and take any Remedial Actions required to abate said release or otherwise to come into compliance with applicable

 

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Environmental Law, except to the extent that such non-compliance would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; and

 

(d)       Promptly, but in any event within 5 Business Days of its receipt thereof, provide Lender with written notice of any of the following:  (i) notice that an Environmental Lien has been filed against any of the real or personal property of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, (ii) commencement of any Environmental Action or written notice that an Environmental Action will be filed against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, and (iii) written notice of a violation by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, a citation of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or any other administrative order from a Governmental Authority in respect of an Environmental Action or violation of Environmental Law by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

6.11       Disclosure Updates .

 

(a)        Promptly, and in no event later than 5 Business Days after obtaining knowledge thereof, notify Lender:

 

(i)                if any written information, exhibit, or report furnished to Lender contained, at the time it was furnished, any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances in which made.  Any notification pursuant to the foregoing provision will not cure or remedy the effect of the prior untrue statement of a material fact or omission of any material fact nor shall any such notification have the effect of amending or modifying this Agreement or any of the Schedules hereto;

 

(ii)            of all actions, suits, or proceedings brought by or against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries before any court or Governmental Authority which reasonably could be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

 

(iii)        of any material disputes or similar material claims by any Borrower’s customers with respect to an Account in an amount in excess of $250,000;

 

(iv)        of any material loss or damage to any Collateral; or

 

(v)            of a violation by any Loan Party or Subsidiary thereof of any law, rule or regulation, the non-compliance with which reasonably could be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

(b)       Promptly upon obtaining knowledge thereof after the occurrence thereof, notify Lender of any event or condition which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default and, upon Lender’s written request, provide a statement of the action that such Borrower proposes to take with respect to such Default or Event of Default.

 

(c)        Prior to consigning or selling on conditional terms of sale (including bill and hold, sale or return, sale on approval, or other similar conditional terms of sale) any Inventory with an aggregate value in excess of $250,000 pursuant to a new arrangement after the Closing Date with a customer not previously involved in any such arrangement with such Loan Party, provide Lender with written notice of such arrangement, including the details thereof.

 

(d)       Upon the reasonable request of Lender, each Loan Party shall deliver to Lender any other materials, reports, records or information reasonably requested relating to the operations, business affairs, financial condition of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries or the Collateral.

 

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6.12       Collateral Covenants .

 

(a)        Possession of Collateral .  In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 , in the event that any Collateral (other than any Term Priority Collateral), including Proceeds, is evidenced by or consists of Negotiable Collateral, Investment Related Property, or Chattel Paper, in each case having an individual value of $250,000 or more or an aggregate value of $500,000 or more, the Loan Parties shall promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days after receipt thereof or such longer period as Lender agrees), notify Lender thereof, and if and to the extent that perfection or priority of Lender’s Liens is dependent on or enhanced by possession, the applicable Loan Party, promptly (and in any event within  5 Business Days) after request by Lender, shall execute such other documents and instruments as shall be requested by Lender or, if applicable, endorse and deliver physical possession of such Negotiable Collateral, Investment Related Property, or Chattel Paper to Lender (or, pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement, the Term Loan Agent), together with such undated powers (or other relevant document of assignment or transfer acceptable to Lender) endorsed in blank as shall be requested by Lender, and shall do such other acts or things reasonably requested by Lender and deemed necessary or desirable by Lender to perfect and protect Lender’s Liens therein.

 

(b)       Chattel Paper.

 

(i)                In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 , promptly (and in any event within  5 Business Days or such longer period as Lender agrees) after request by Lender, each Loan Party shall take all steps reasonably requested by Lender and necessary to grant Lender control of all electronic Chattel Paper of any Loan Party  (other than any Term Priority Collateral) in accordance with the Code and all “transferable records” as that term is defined in Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act and Section 201 of the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction, to the extent that the individual value of such electronic Chattel Paper equals or exceeds $250,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate; and

 

(ii)            Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 , if any Loan Party retains possession of any Chattel Paper or instruments (which retention of possession shall be subject to the extent permitted hereby), promptly upon the request of Lender, such Chattel Paper and instruments shall be marked with a legend in form and substance satisfactory to Lender with a reference to the fact that such Chattel Paper or instruments are subject to the Security Interest of Lender.

 

(c)        Control Agreements.

 

(i)                In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 , except to the extent otherwise provided by Section 7.11 and other than with respect to Excluded Accounts, each Loan Party shall obtain a Control Agreement, from each bank (other than Lender) maintaining a Deposit Account for such Loan Party (in the case of Deposit Accounts maintained as of the Closing Date, no later than 90 days (or such longer period as Lender may expressly agree) after the Closing Date);

 

(ii)            In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 and except to the extent otherwise provided by Section 7.11 , each Loan Party shall obtain a Control Agreement from each securities intermediary or commodities intermediary issuing or holding any financial assets or commodities to or for any Loan Party (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any Treasury Shares Account) (in the case of financial assets or commodities of the Loan Parties as of the Closing Date, no later than 90 days (or such longer period as Lender may expressly agree) after the Closing Date); and

 

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(iii)        In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and except to the extent otherwise provided by Section 7.11 , each Loan Party shall cause Lender to obtain “control”, as such term is defined in the Code, with respect to all of such Loan Party’s investment property (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any Treasury Shares Account).

 

(d)       Letter-of-Credit Rights.   In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 , if the Loan Parties (or any of them) are or become the beneficiary of any letter of credit (other than any Term Priority Collateral) having an individual value of $250,000 or more or aggregate value of $500,000 or more, then the applicable Loan Party or Loan Parties shall promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days after becoming a beneficiary or such longer period as Lender agrees), notify Lender thereof and, promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days or such longer period as Lender agrees) after request by Lender, use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into an agreement with Lender, Term Loan Agent and the issuer or confirming bank with respect to letter-of-credit rights assigning such letter-of-credit rights to Lender.

 

(e)        Commercial Tort Claims.   On each date on which a Compliance Certificate is required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement, each Loan Party shall notify Lender in writing of any commercial tort claim acquired by such Loan Party and known by such Loan Party to be in existence as of such date and not previously identified to Lender in an amount reasonably estimated by such Loan Party to be in excess of $250,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate and provide reasonably specific descriptions of each such commercial tort claim ;

 

(f)         Government Contracts .  Other than Accounts and Chattel Paper the aggregate value of which does not at any one time exceed $250,000, if any Account or Chattel Paper of any Loan Party  arises out of a contract or contracts with the United States of America or any State or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, Loan Parties shall promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days of the creation thereof) notify Lender thereof and, promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days) after request by Lender, execute any instruments or take any steps reasonably required by Lender in order that all moneys due or to become due under such contract or contracts shall be assigned to Lender, for the benefit of Lender and each Bank Product Provider, and shall provide written notice thereof under the Assignment of Claims Act or other applicable law.

 

(g)        Intellectual Property.

 

(i)                Upon the request of Lender, in order to facilitate filings with the PTO and the United States Copyright Office, each Loan Party shall execute and deliver to Lender one or more Copyright Security Agreements or Patent and Trademark Security Agreements to further evidence Lender’s Lien on such Loan Party’s U.S. issued, registered or applied-for Patents, Trademarks, or Copyrights;

 

(ii)            Each Loan Party shall have the duty, with respect to Intellectual Property that is necessary in the conduct of such Loan Party’s business, to protect and diligently enforce and defend at such Loan Party’s expense its Intellectual Property in the exercise of such Loan Party’s reasonable business judgment, including (A) to diligently enforce and defend, including, where determined to be appropriate in the exercise of such Loan Party’s reasonable business judgment suing for infringement, misappropriation, or dilution and to recover any and all damages for such infringement, misappropriation, or dilution, and filing for opposition, interference, and cancellation against conflicting Intellectual Property rights of any Person, (B) to prosecute diligently any trademark application or service mark application that is part of the Trademarks pending as of the date hereof or hereafter, (C) to prosecute diligently any patent application that is part of the Patents pending as of the date hereof or hereafter, and (D) to take all reasonable and necessary action to preserve and maintain all of such Loan Party’s Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, and its rights therein, including paying all required maintenance fees

 

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and filing of required applications for renewal, affidavits of use, and affidavits of noncontestability, in each case, except to the extent that the failure to do any of the foregoing would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.  No Loan Party shall abandon any Intellectual Property, except to the extent that such abandonment would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change or otherwise constitute a Permitted Disposition.  Each Loan Party shall take the steps described in this Section 6.12(g)(ii)  with respect to all new or acquired Intellectual Property to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is now or later becomes entitled that is necessary in the conduct of such Loan Party’s or Subsidiary’s business;

 

(iii)        Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that Lender shall have no duties with respect to any Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses of any Loan Party.  Without limiting the generality of this Section 6.12(g)(iii) , each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that Lender shall not be under any obligation to take any steps necessary to preserve rights in the Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses against any other Person, but Lender may do so at its option from and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, and all expenses incurred in connection therewith (including reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys and other professionals) shall be for the sole account of Loan Party and shall be chargeable to the Loan Account;

 

(iv)        Each Loan Party shall promptly file an application with the United States Copyright Office for any Copyright owned by such Loan Party that has not been registered with the United States Copyright Office, except to the extent that such failure to register would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.  Any expenses incurred in connection with the foregoing shall be borne by the Loan Parties; and

 

(v)            If any Loan Party shall enter into any material Intellectual Property License to receive any license or rights in any Intellectual Property of any other Person, such Loan Party shall promptly thereafter use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver a licensor’s consent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, with respect to such license or rights in such Intellectual Property.

 

(h)       Investment Related Property.

 

(i)                Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, following the written request of Lender, all sums of money and property paid or distributed in respect of the Investment Related Property that are received by any Loan Party (excluding Term Priority Collateral) shall be held by such Loan Party in trust for the benefit of Lender, and such Loan Party shall deliver it promptly to Lender in the exact form received; and

 

(ii)            Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and any limitations and exceptions in any Loan Document, each Loan Party shall, upon the written request of Lender, cooperate with Lender in obtaining necessary approvals and making necessary filings under federal, state or local law to effect the perfection of the Security Interest on the Investment Related Property; provided that the Loan Parties shall not have any obligation to obtain approvals or make filings in any jurisdiction outside the United States, except as provided in Section 3.6 hereof.

 

(i)           Real Property; Fixtures.   Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, upon the acquisition by any Loan Party of any fee interest in Real Property located in the United States with a fair market value of $500,000 as estimated by such Loan Party in good faith, such Loan Party will promptly (and in any event within 30 Business Days of acquisition or such longer period as Lender agrees) notify Lender of the acquisition of such Real Property and will grant to Lender a mortgage on each fee interest in such Real Property now or hereafter owned by such Loan Party, which Real Property shall not be

 

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subject to any other Liens except Permitted Liens, and shall deliver such other customary documentation and opinions, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, in connection with the grant of such mortgage as Lender shall request in its Permitted Discretion, including appraisals, title insurance policies and endorsements, surveys, financing statements, fixture filings, flood insurance, flood insurance certifications and environmental audits and such Loan Party shall pay all recording costs, mortgage registration taxes, intangible taxes and other fees and costs (including reasonable and documented out of pocket attorney’s fees and expenses) incurred in connection therewith.  All such appraisals, title insurance policies and endorsements, environmental audits and surveys shall be prepared or issued by parties reasonably acceptable to Lender. To the extent permitted by applicable law, all of the Collateral shall remain personal property regardless of the manner of its attachment or affixation to real property.

 

(j)           Controlled Accounts.

 

(i)                Within 90 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Lender expressly agrees) (the “ Cash Management Transition Period ”), each Loan Party shall establish and maintain at Lender or an Affiliate thereof all Cash Management Services, including all deposit accounts and lockbox services. Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, while a Cash Dominion Trigger Period is in effect, Lender shall have the sole and exclusive right to direct the disposition of funds in all such deposit accounts (excluding any Term Priority Collateral).

 

(ii)            Until such time as the Loan Parties have established all of their Cash Management Services with Lender, during the Cash Management Transition Period each Loan Party may maintain Cash Management Services with one or more of the banks set forth on Schedule 6.12(j) to the Information Certificate (each a “ Controlled Account Bank ”), and shall (A) take reasonable steps to ensure that all of the Account Debtors of each Loan Party forward payment of the amounts owed by them to such Loan Party (excluding any Term Priority Collateral) directly to a Collection Account maintained at a Controlled Account Bank, and (B) deposit or cause to be deposited promptly, and in any event no later than the third Business Day after the date of receipt thereof (or such longer period as Lender agrees), all of their cash Collections (including those sent directly by their Account Debtors to a Loan Party) into a Collection Account of such Loan Party maintained at one of the Controlled Account Banks; provided , that the foregoing clauses (A)  and (B)  shall not be applicable to (x) petty cash not in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate held at retail stores of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries and (y) cash or Cash Equivalents (or amounts on deposit in any Deposit Account or Securities Account) reasonably expected by the Borrowers to be used to pay any taxes required to be paid or incurred in connection with any transaction consummated pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreements.

 

(iii)        Commencing on the date that is (a) 7 days after the Closing Date (or such later date as Lender expressly agrees) with respect to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and (b) 90 days after the Closing Date (or such later date as Lender expressly agrees) with respect to each other Controlled Account Bank, each Loan Party shall maintain Control Agreements with the applicable Controlled Account Bank (other than any Controlled Account Bank where no Loan Party maintains a Deposit Account or Securities Account), in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Lender. While a Cash Dominion Trigger Period is in effect, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, Lender shall have the sole and exclusive right to direct, and is hereby authorized to give instructions pursuant to such Control Agreement directing, the disposition of funds in the Controlled Accounts (excluding any Term Priority Collateral) (any such instructions, an “ Activation Notice ”) to Lender on a daily basis, either to any account maintained by Lender at said Controlled Account Bank or by wire transfer to appropriate account(s) at Lender and, in each case, such amounts shall be applied on a daily basis to the Obligations in the manner set forth in Section 2.4(e) .  While no Cash Dominion Trigger Period is in effect, the Loan Parties shall retain the right to direct the disposition of funds in the Controlled Accounts.  To the extent Lender issues an Activation Notice, Lender agrees to rescind such Activation Notice at such time as no

 

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Cash Dominion Trigger Period shall exist (it being understood that, notwithstanding any such rescission, Lender shall have the right and is authorized to issue an additional Activation Notice if a Cash Dominion Trigger Period shall exist at any time thereafter).

 

For the avoidance of doubt, all notices required under this Section 6.12 shall be in writing.

 

6.13       Credit Card Notifications .   Within 60 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Lender agrees), each Loan Party shall deliver to the Lender copies of credit card notifications (each, a “ Credit Card Notification ”) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender which have been executed on behalf of such Loan Party and delivered to such Loan Party’s Credit Card Issuers and Credit Card Processors listed on Schedule 5.15(b) of the Information Certificate .

 

6.14       Material Contracts .   Borrowers shall maintain all Material Contracts in full force and effect and shall not default in the payment or performance of any obligations thereunder, except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.  At the request of Lender, (a) Borrowers shall promptly, but in any event within 5 Business Days following such written request therefor, provide Lender with copies of (i) each Material Contract entered into since the delivery of the previous Compliance Certificate, and (ii) each material amendment or modification of any Material Contract entered into since the delivery of the previous Compliance Certificate, and (b) Borrowers shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a “no-offset” letter in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Lender from each customer of a Borrower which is a party to any Material Contract.

 

6.15       Location of Inventory and Equipment .   Keep the Inventory and Equipment (other than Inventory in transit, vehicles and Equipment out for repair) of each Loan Party with an aggregate value in excess of $250,000 only at the locations identified on Schedule 5.29 to the Information Certificate and keep the chief executive office of each Loan Party only at the locations identified on Schedule 5.6(b) to the Information Certificate unless Borrowers amend Schedules 5.6(b) or 5.29 to the Information Certificate (as applicable) by written notice to Lender (a) with respect to Schedule 5.29 to the Information Certificate, not less than 10 days prior (or such shorter period as Lender agrees) to the date on which such Inventory or Equipment is moved to a location not identified on Schedule 5.29 to the Information Certificate and (b) with respect to Schedule 5.6(b) to the Information Certificate , not less than 10 days prior (or such shorter period as Lender agrees) to the date on which the chief executive office is moved to a location not identified on Schedule 5.6(b) to the Information Certificate .

 

6.16       Further Assurances .

 

(a)        Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and any limitations and exceptions in any Loan Document, at any time upon the reasonable request of Lender, each Loan Party shall execute or deliver to Lender any and all financing statements, fixture filings, security agreements, pledges, assignments, endorsements of certificates of title, mortgages, deeds of trust, opinions of counsel, and all other documents (the “ Additional Documents ”) that Lender may reasonably request and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, to create, perfect, and continue perfection or to better perfect Lender’s Liens in all of the assets of each Loan Party (whether now owned or hereafter arising or acquired, tangible or intangible, real or personal), and in order to fully consummate all of the transactions contemplated hereby and under the other Loan Documents.  To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, if a Borrower or any other Loan Party refuses or fails to execute or deliver any reasonably requested Additional Documents, such Borrower and such other Loan Party hereby authorizes Lender to execute any such Additional Documents in the applicable Borrower’s or other Loan Party’s name, as applicable, and authorizes Lender to file such executed Additional Documents in any appropriate filing office.  In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each Borrower and each other Loan Party shall take such actions as Lender may reasonably request from time to time to ensure that the Obligations

 

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are guaranteed by the Guarantors and are secured by substantially all of the assets of each Borrower and each other Loan Party to the extent required by the Loan Documents.

 

(b)       Each Borrower and each other Loan Party authorizes the filing by Lender of financing or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, and, subject to the limitations and exceptions set forth in the Loan Documents, such Loan Party will execute and deliver to Lender such other instruments or notices, as Lender may reasonably request, in order to perfect and preserve the Security Interest granted or purported to be granted hereby.

 

(c)        Each Borrower and each other Loan Party authorizes Lender at any time and from time to time to file, transmit, or communicate, as applicable, financing statements and amendments (i) describing the Collateral as “all assets of debtor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising and wheresoever located” or words of similar meaning, (ii) describing the Collateral as being of equal or lesser scope or with greater detail, or (iii) that contain any information required by Part 5 of Article 9 of the Code for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of such financing statement.

 

(d)       Each Borrower and each other Loan Party acknowledges that no Loan Party is authorized to file any financing statement or amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement without the prior written consent of Lender, subject to such Loan Party’s rights under Section 9-509(d)(2) of the Code.

 

6.17       Formation of Subsidiaries .  At the time that any Loan Party forms any direct or indirect Subsidiary or acquires any direct or indirect Subsidiary after the Closing Date, such Loan Party shall (a) within 15 days of such formation or acquisition (or such later date as permitted by Lender in its sole discretion) cause any such new Subsidiary to provide to Lender with a Joinder Agreement and (in the case of a Subsidiary becoming a Guarantor) a joinder to the Guaranty, together with such other security documents, as well as appropriate financing statements (and with respect to all property subject to a mortgage, fixture filings), all in form and substance reasonably requested by Lender and reasonably satisfactory to Lender (including being sufficient to grant Lender a first priority Lien (subject to Permitted Liens) in and to the assets of such newly formed or acquired Subsidiary, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and any limitations and exceptions in any Loan Document) to the extent required by the Loan Documents; provided that the foregoing shall not be required to be provided to Lender with respect to any (i) Domestic Foreign Holding Company or (ii) Subsidiary that is a CFC if providing any of the foregoing would result in adverse tax consequences or the costs to the Loan Parties of providing such Guaranty, executing any security documents or perfecting the security interests created thereby are unreasonably excessive (as determined by Lender in consultation with Borrowers) in relation to the benefits of Lender of the security or guarantee afforded thereby, (b) within 15 days of such formation or acquisition (or such later date as permitted by Lender in its sole discretion) provide to Lender a pledge agreement and, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and any limitations and exceptions in any Loan Document, appropriate certificates and powers or financing statements, pledging all of the direct or beneficial ownership interest in such new Subsidiary owned by a Loan Party; provided that only 65% of the total outstanding voting Stock of any (i) Domestic Foreign Holding Company owned by a Loan Party and (ii) first tier Subsidiary that is a CFC owned by a Loan Party (and none of the Stock of any Subsidiary of such CFC or Domestic Foreign Holding Company) shall be required to be pledged if pledging a greater amount would result in adverse tax consequences or the costs to the Loan Parties of providing such pledge or perfecting the security interests created thereby are unreasonably excessive (as determined by Lender in consultation with Borrowers) in relation to the benefits of Lender of the security afforded thereby (which pledge shall not be required to be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction of such Subsidiary), and (c) within 15 days of such request by Lender (or such later date as permitted by Lender in its sole discretion) provide to Lender, upon its reasonable request, all other documentation which in its opinion is appropriate with respect to the execution and delivery of the applicable documentation referred

 

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to above (including policies of title insurance or other documentation with respect to all Real Property owned in fee by a Loan Party and required hereunder to be subject to a mortgage).  Any document, agreement, or instrument executed or issued pursuant to this Section 6.17 shall be a Loan Document.

 

6.18       Post-Closing Obligations .   The Loan Parties shall comply with each requirement set forth on Exhibit C on or before the date referred to in Exhibit C (or such later date as Lender shall agree).

 

7.             NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

 

Each Loan Party covenants and agrees that, until termination of all of the commitments of Lender hereunder to provide any further extensions of credit and payment in full of the Obligations (other than (x) obligations under Bank Product Obligations and (y) contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable), no Borrower and no other Loan Party will do, nor will any Borrower or any other Loan Party permit any of its Subsidiaries (as applicable) to do any of the following:

 

7.1               Indebtedness .   Create, incur, assume, suffer to exist, guarantee, or otherwise become or remain, directly or indirectly, liable with respect to any Indebtedness, except for Permitted Indebtedness.

 

7.2               Liens .   Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, directly or indirectly, any Lien on or with respect to any of its assets, of any kind, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or any income or profits therefrom, except for Permitted Liens.

 

7.3               Restrictions on Fundamental Changes .

 

(a)        Merge or consolidate with or into any other Person, except for (i) any merger or consolidation between Loan Parties, provided that a Borrower must be the surviving entity of any such merger to which a Borrower is a party and Parent must be the surviving entity of any such merger to which Parent is a party, (ii) any merger or consolidation between Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties, (iii) any Guarantor may merge or consolidate with or into any other Guarantor, (iv) any merger or consolidation to effect a transaction permitted by Section 7.4 or a Permitted Investment, and (v) the transactions occurring on the Closing Date.

 

(b)       Liquidate, wind up, or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution), except for (i) the liquidation or dissolution of Subsidiaries of any Borrower with nominal assets and nominal liabilities, provided, that, Administrative Borrower shall provide Lender with at least 10 days’ prior written notice (or such shorter period as Lender expressly agrees) of any such liquidation or dissolution, (ii) the liquidation or dissolution of a Loan Party (other than a Borrower) or any of its Subsidiaries so long as all of the assets (including any interest in any Stock) of such liquidating or dissolving Loan Party or Subsidiary are transferred to a Loan Party that is not liquidating or dissolving (unless otherwise permitted by Section 7.4 ), or (iii) the liquidation or dissolution of a Subsidiary of a Borrower that is not a Loan Party (other than any such Subsidiary the Stock of which (or any portion thereof) is subject to a Lien in favor of Lender) so long as all of the assets of such liquidating or dissolving Subsidiary are transferred to a Subsidiary of a Borrower that is not liquidating or dissolving (unless otherwise permitted by Section 7.4 ).

 

(c)        Suspend or cease operation of a substantial portion of its or their business, except as permitted pursuant to Sections 7.3(a)  or (b)  above or in connection with the transactions permitted pursuant to Section 7.4 .

 

(d)       No Loan Party may form or acquire any direct or indirect Subsidiary; except , that , upon ten (10) days prior written notice (or such shorter period as Lender agrees) by a Loan Party to Lender, a

 

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Loan Party may form a Subsidiary so long as such Subsidiary becomes a Loan Party hereunder, to the extent required by Section 6.17 , subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

(e)        Enter into any merger, migration, re-incorporation, consolidation or conversion, or series of such actions, the result of which is that the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of any Borrower or Guarantor is no longer within the United States.

 

7.4               Disposal of Assets .   Other than Permitted Dispositions or transactions expressly permitted by Sections 7.3 or 7.12 , sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral or any of its other assets except as expressly permitted by this Agreement. Lender shall not be deemed to have consented to any sale or other disposition of any of the Collateral or any other asset except as expressly permitted in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

 

7.5               Change Name .   Without at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice by Administrative Borrower to Lender (or such shorter period as Lender agrees), change the legal name, organizational identification number, state of organization, type of organization or “location” for purposes of Section 9-307 of the Code, in each case of any Loan Party.

 

7.6               Nature of Business .   Make any material change in the nature of its or their business as conducted on the date of this Agreement; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not prevent any Borrower or any other Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries from (i) engaging in any business that is reasonably related, complementary or ancillary to the business of Parent and its Subsidiaries or (ii) consummating any transaction expressly provided for under the Asset Purchase Agreements.

 

7.7               Prepayments and Amendments .

 

(a)        Except in connection with Refinancing Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.1 ,

 

(i)                optionally prepay, redeem, defease, purchase, or otherwise acquire any Indebtedness of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, other than (A) the Obligations in accordance with this Agreement or a Bank Product Agreement, (B) Permitted Intercompany Advances, (C) Indebtedness owing under the Term Loan Agreement, (D) Indebtedness owing under the Convertible Notes, subject at all times to the subordination provisions set forth in the Convertible Notes, (E) the conversion of any Indebtedness to Stock (other than Prohibited Preferred Stock) of Parent or any prepayment, redemption, defeasance, purchase or other acquisition of Indebtedness with the proceeds of issuance of Stock of Parent, (F) any AHYDO “catch-up” payments (including payment of any interest and principal amounts intended to prevent the applicable Indebtedness from being treated as an “Applicable High Yield Discount Obligation” within the meaning of Section 163(i)(1) of the IRC) and payments of regularly scheduled principal and interest (including default interest) and indemnity and expense reimbursement payments, in each case pursuant to the terms governing any Indebtedness, and (G) any other prepayment, redemption, defeasance, purchase or other acquisition of Indebtedness so long as immediately before and immediately after giving effect to any such prepayment (i) no Event of Default exists, and (ii) the Payment Conditions are satisfied.

 

(ii)            make any payment on account of Indebtedness that has been contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations if such payment is not permitted at such time under the subordination terms and conditions, or

 

(b)       Directly or indirectly, amend, modify, or change any of the terms or provisions of,

 

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(i)                any agreement, instrument, document, indenture or other writing evidencing Permitted Indebtedness for borrowed money in an aggregate outstanding principal amount in excess of $250,000, in each case in a manner that is materially adverse to Lender’s interests under the Loan Documents, other than (A) the Obligations in accordance with this Agreement or a Bank Product Agreement, (B) Permitted Intercompany Advances, (C) any Term Loan Document if such amendment, modification or change is permitted under the Intercreditor Agreement and (D) Indebtedness permitted under clauses (c) , (e)  and (f)  of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness;

 

(ii)            any Material Contract except to the extent that such amendment, modification, or change could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; or

 

(iii)        the Governing Documents of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries if the effect thereof, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the interests of  Lender.

 

7.8               Change of Control .   Cause, permit, or suffer, directly or indirectly, any Change of Control.

 

7.9               Restricted Junior Payments .   Make any Restricted Junior Payment; provided , however , that, (a) so long as it is permitted by law, and so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom and so long as such Loan Party or Subsidiary is a “pass-through” tax entity for United States federal income tax purposes such Loan Party or Subsidiary may declare and pay Pass-Through Tax Liabilities, (b) Parent may declare and pay dividends with respect to its common Stock payable solely in additional shares of its common Stock, and, with respect to its preferred Stock, payable solely in additional shares of such preferred Stock or in shares of its common Stock, (c) each Loan Party and each Subsidiary may make Restricted Junior Payments to Parent and to other Subsidiaries of Parent (and, in the case of a Restricted Junior Payment by a non-wholly owned Subsidiary, to any Loan Party and any other Subsidiary and to each other owner of Stock of such Subsidiary based on their relative ownership interests of the relevant class of Stock); provided that, except as otherwise expressly permitted under this Agreement, no Loan Party shall make a Restricted Junior Payment to a Subsidiary of Parent that is not a Loan Party, (d) Parent and its Subsidiaries may make Restricted Junior Payments pursuant to and in accordance with equity incentive plans, employment agreements or other benefit plans for management or employees of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of such Person’s business in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 in any fiscal year, (e) Parent or any of its Subsidiaries may make any other Restricted Junior Payment so long as immediately before and immediately after giving effect to any such Restricted Junior Payment (i) no Event of Default exists, and (ii) the Payment Conditions are satisfied and (f) Parent or any of its Subsidiaries may make any Restricted Junior Payment on the Closing Date in connection with the transactions contemplated under the Merger Agreement, Stock Purchase Agreement, Rollover Agreement and Asset Purchase Agreements, to the extent provided in such agreements.

 

7.10       Accounting Methods .   Modify or change its fiscal year or its method of accounting (other than as may be required to conform to GAAP).

 

7.11       Investments; Controlled Investments .

 

(a)        Except for Permitted Investments, directly or indirectly, make or acquire any Investment or incur any liabilities (including contingent obligations) for or in connection with any Investment (except for liabilities or obligations otherwise permitted under this Agreement).

 

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(b)       Commencing on the date that is no later than 90 days (or such longer period as Lender may expressly agree) after the Closing Date, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, other than (i) an aggregate amount of not more than $250,000 with respect to any single Deposit Account of any Loan Party or $500,000 with respect to all Deposit Accounts of the Loan Parties, (ii) amounts deposited into any Excluded Account, (iii) petty cash of not more than $250,000 in the aggregate held at retail stores of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries and (iv) cash and Cash Equivalents held for no longer than three Business Days, no Loan Party shall make, acquire, or permit to exist Permitted Investments consisting of cash, Cash Equivalents, or amounts credited to Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts (other than Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts maintained with Lender) unless such Loan Party and the applicable bank or securities intermediary, as applicable, have entered into Control Agreements with Lender governing such Permitted Investments in order to perfect (and further establish) Lender’s Liens in such Permitted Investments. Except as provided in Section 6.12(j)  and Sections 7.11(b)(i)  and (ii) , Borrowers and such Loan Parties shall not, and shall cause their Domestic Subsidiaries to not, establish or maintain any Deposit Account or Securities Account with a banking institution other than Lender; provided that in no event shall any Loan Party be required to pledge or provide a Control Agreement with respect to its account with Apex Clearing Corporation (or any other Person in a similar capacity) holding treasury shares of Parent (the “ Treasury Shares Account ”).

 

7.12       Transactions with Affiliates .   Directly or indirectly enter into or permit to exist any transaction with any Affiliate of any Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their Subsidiaries except for:

 

(a)        transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or transactions (other than the payment of management, consulting, monitoring, or advisory fees) with any Affiliates of any Borrower or any Loan Party in the ordinary course of business of such Borrower or Loan Party or Subsidiary, undertaken in good faith, upon fair and reasonable terms fully disclosed to Lender and no less favorable than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a non-Affiliate;

 

(b)       any customary fees and reasonable out-of-pocket costs to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of directors (or comparable managers) of such Loan Party or Subsidiary;

 

(c)        the payment of reasonable compensation, severance, or employee benefit arrangements to employees, officers, and outside directors of a Loan Party and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(d)       any issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment agreements, phantom equity, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by a Loan Party’s Board of Directors in the ordinary course of business and consistent with industry practice or such Loan Party’s past practice;

 

(e)        (i) any transaction consummated on the Closing Date that is contemplated under the Merger Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement or the Rollover Agreement and (ii) escrow and indemnity arrangements contemplated in the Asset Purchase Agreements ;

 

(f)         any Loan Party or Subsidiary may pay management and consulting fees to Equity Sponsor or its Affiliates so long as (i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, and (ii) the aggregate amount of such fees paid during any fiscal year does not exceed $500,000 and related indemnities (such related indemnities may be paid irrespective of whether an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing);

 

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(g)        so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, customary payments by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to the Equity Sponsor or any of its Affiliates 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 members of the Board of Directors and a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of Parent, in good faith;

 

(h)       transactions among Parent and its Subsidiaries or between Subsidiaries to the extent otherwise permitted under Section 7 ; and

 

(i)           transactions permitted by Section 7.3 or Section 7.9 or Section 7.11 or clause (h)  or (i)  of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”, or any Permitted Intercompany Advance.

 

7.13       [Reserved] .

 

7.14       [Reserved] .

 

7.15       [Reserved] .

 

7.16       Inventory and Equipment with Bailees .   Store the Inventory or Equipment with an aggregate value in excess of $250,000 of any Loan Party at any time now or hereafter with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party, except as set forth on Schedule 7.16 to the Information Certificate without at least 10 days’ prior written notice to Lender.

 

7.17       Capital Expenditures .   Make Capital Expenditures in excess of $5,000,000 in any fiscal year (“ Annual CapEx Basket ”); provided , however , a portion of the Annual CapEx Basket of up to $1,000,000, if not expended in the fiscal year for which it is permitted above, may be carried over for expenditure in the next following fiscal years.

 

8.             FINANCIAL COVENANT.

 

Each Borrower and Guarantor covenants and agrees that, until termination of all obligations of Lender to provide extensions of credit hereunder and indefeasible payment in full of the Obligations (other than (x) obligations under Bank Product Obligations and (y) contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable), Borrowers will comply with the following financial covenant:

 

(a)        Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio .  While a Covenant Testing Trigger Period is in effect, Borrowers shall maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, measured monthly on a trailing twelve-month basis at the end of each month of not less than 1.0:1.0; provided , however , that prior to January 31, 2017, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be measured as follows:

 

Measurement Date

Period Measured

February 29, 2016

One month period ending February 29, 2016

March 31, 2016

Two month period ending March 31, 2016

April 30, 2016

Three month period ending April 30, 2016

 

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May 31, 2016

Four month period ending May 31, 2016

June 30, 2016

Five month period ending June 30, 2016

July 31, 2016

Six month period ending July 31, 2016

August 31, 2016

Seven month period ending August 31, 2016

September 30, 2016

Eight month period ending September 30, 2016

October 31, 2016

Nine month period ending October 31, 2016

November 30, 2016

Ten month period ending November 30, 2016

December 31, 2016

Eleven month period ending December 31, 2016

 

 

9.             EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

 

Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an event of default (each, an “ Event of Default ”) under this Agreement:

 

9.1                             If any Borrower fails to pay when due and payable, or when declared due and payable, all or any portion of the Obligations consisting of principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any Letter of Credit Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable;

 

9.2                             If any Borrower fails to pay when due and payable, or when declared due and payable, all or any portion of the Obligations payable under this Agreement consisting of interest, fees, charges or other amounts due Lender or any Bank Product Provider, reimbursement of Lender Expenses, or other amounts (except as covered in Section 9.1 ) constituting Obligations payable under this Agreement (including any portion thereof that accrues after the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in whole or in part as a claim in any such Insolvency Proceeding) and such failure continues for a period of 3 Business Days;

 

9.3                             If any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries:

 

(a)        fails to perform or observe any covenant or other agreement contained in any of (i)  Sections 6.1 , 6.2 , 6.3 (solely if any Loan Party is not in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization), 6.5(a)  (solely with respect to F.I.C.A., F.U.T.A., federal income taxes and any other taxes or assessments the non-payment of which may result in a Lien having priority over Lender’s Liens), 6.5(b) , 6.6 (solely with respect to the Loan Parties’ maintenance of insurance), 6.7 (solely if any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries refuses to allow Lender or its representatives or agents to visit its properties, inspect its assets or books or records, examine and make copies of its books and records, or discuss its affairs, finances, and accounts with its officers and employees in the manner required by such Section), 6.12 , 6.14 or 6.18 , (ii)  Section 7   or (iii)  Section 8 ;

 

(b)       fails to perform or observe any covenant or other agreement contained in: (A) any of Sections 6.3 (other than if a Loan Party is not in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization), 6.7 (other than if any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries refuses to allow Lender or its representatives or agents to visit its properties, inspect its assets or books or records, examine and make copies of its books

 

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or records or disclose it affairs, finances and accounts with its officers and employees), 6.8 , 6.9 , 6.11 , 6.13 or 6.15 , and such failure continues for a period of 15 days after the earlier of (i) the date on which such failure shall first become known to any officer of any Loan Party or (ii) the date on which written notice thereof is given to any Loan Party by Lender; or (B)  Section 6.6 (other than with respect to the Loan Parties’ maintenance of insurance) and such failure continues for a period of 5 days after the earlier of (i) the date on which such failure shall first become known to any officer of any Loan Party or (ii) the date on which written notice thereof is given to any Loan Party by Lender; or

 

(c)        fails to perform or observe any covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement or in any of the other Loan Documents, in each case, other than any such covenant or agreement that is unable to be cured (in which case an Event of Default shall occur immediately) or is the subject of another provision of this Section 9 (in which event such other provision of this Section 9 shall govern), and such failure continues for a period of 30 days after the earlier of (i) the date on which such failure shall first become known to any officer of any Loan Party or (ii) the date on which written notice thereof is given to any Loan Party by Lender;

 

9.4                             If one or more final judgments, orders, or awards for the payment of money involving an aggregate amount of $2,500,000 or more (except to the extent paid or covered (other than to the extent of customary deductibles) by insurance pursuant to which the insurer has not denied coverage) is entered or filed against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or with respect to any of their respective assets, and either (a) there is a period of 30 consecutive days at any time after the entry of any such judgment, order, or award during which (1) the same is not discharged, satisfied, vacated, or bonded pending appeal, or (2) a stay of enforcement thereof is not in effect, or (b) enforcement proceedings are commenced upon such judgment, order, or award;

 

9.5                             a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries shall voluntarily commence an Insolvency Proceeding;

 

9.6                             If an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and any of the following events occur: (a) such Loan Party or such Subsidiary  consents to the institution of such Insolvency Proceeding against it, (b) the petition commencing the Insolvency Proceeding is not timely controverted, (c) the petition commencing the Insolvency Proceeding is not dismissed within 60 calendar days of the date of the filing thereof, (d) an interim trustee is appointed to take possession of all or any substantial portion of the properties or assets of, or to operate all or any substantial portion of the business of, such Loan Party or its Subsidiary, or (e) an order for relief shall have been issued or entered therein; provided that Lender shall have no obligation to provide any extension of credit to Borrowers during such 60 calendar day period specified in subsection (c) ;

 

9.7                             If any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is enjoined, restrained, or in any way prevented by court order from continuing to conduct all or substantially all of the business affairs of Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

9.8                             If there is (a) a default in one or more agreements to which a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party with one or more third Persons governing the Indebtedness of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary (other than any Term Loan Document) involving an aggregate amount of $2,500,000 or more, and such default (i) occurs at the final maturity of the obligations thereunder, or (ii) results in a right by such third Person, irrespective of whether exercised, to accelerate the maturity of such Loan Party’s or its Subsidiary’s obligations thereunder, or (b) a default by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries under, or an involuntary early termination of, one or more Hedge Agreements to which a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party resulting in a liability of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount of $2,500,000 or more;

 

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9.9                             If any warranty, representation, certificate, statement, or record made by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries herein or in any other Loan Document or delivered in writing to Lender in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document proves to be untrue in any material respect as of the date of issuance or making or deemed making thereof;

 

9.10                     If the obligation of any Guarantor under its Guaranty or any other Loan Document to which any Guarantor is a party is terminated by operation of law or by such Guarantor (other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement), or if any Guarantor fails to perform any obligation under its Guaranty or under any such Loan Document, or repudiates or revokes or purports to repudiate or revoke any obligation under its Guaranty, or under any such Loan Document, or any individual Guarantor dies or becomes incapacitated, or any other Guarantor ceases to exist for any reason (except as otherwise permitted hereunder);

 

9.11                     If this Agreement or any other Loan Document that purports to create a Lien, shall, for any reason (except as expressly permitted by this Agreement), fail or cease to create a valid and perfected and, except to the extent of Permitted Liens which are permitted purchase money Liens, the interests of lessors under Capital Leases, or Liens under the Term Loan Agreement (subject to the terms and provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement), first priority Lien on the Collateral covered thereby (other than with respect to an aggregate amount of Collateral with a value of less than $250,000);

 

9.12                     [ Reserved];

 

9.13                     [ Reserved];

 

9.14                     Any executive officer of a Loan Party is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony offense under state or federal law, or a Loan Party hires an executive officer who has been convicted of or has plead guilty to any such felony offense;

 

9.15                     [Reserved];

 

9.16                     [ Reserved];

 

9.17                     The validity or enforceability of any Loan Document against any Loan Party shall at any time for any reason be declared to be null and void, or a proceeding shall be commenced by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, seeking to establish the invalidity or unenforceability thereof, or a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries shall deny that such Loan Party or such Subsidiary has any liability or obligation purported to be created under any Loan Document;

 

9.18                     An “Event of Default” under, and as defined in, the Term Loan Agreement shall have occurred;

 

9.19                     An “Event of Default” under, and as defined in, any Factoring Agreement shall have occurred; or

 

9.20                     An “Event of Default” under, and as defined in the Convertible Notes Documents shall have occurred.

 

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10.     RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.

 

10.1       Rights and Remedies .   Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Lender may, in addition to any other rights or remedies provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document or by applicable law, do any one or more of the following:

 

(a)        by notice to the Administrative Borrower (except, that, no such notice shall be required for an Event of Default arising under Section 9.5 or Section 9.6 herein), declare the Obligations (other than the Hedge Obligations, which may be accelerated in accordance with the terms of the applicable Hedge Agreement), whether evidenced by this Agreement or by any of the other Loan Documents immediately due and payable, whereupon the same shall become and be immediately due and payable and Borrowers shall be obligated to repay all of such Obligations in full, without presentment, demand, protest, or further notice or other requirements of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Borrower and each other Loan Party;

 

(b)       by notice to the Administrative Borrower (except, that, no such notice shall be required for an Event of Default arising under Section 9.5 or Section 9.6 herein), declare the funding obligations of Lender under this Agreement terminated, whereupon such funding obligations shall immediately be terminated together with any obligation of Lender hereunder to make Advances, extend any other credit hereunder or issue Letters of Credit;

 

(c)        subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, give notice to an Account Debtor or other Person obligated to pay an Account, a General Intangible, Negotiable Collateral, or other amount due, notice that the Account, General Intangible, Negotiable Collateral or other amount due has been assigned to Lender for security and must be paid directly to Lender and Lender may collect the Accounts, General Intangible and Negotiable Collateral of each Borrower and each other Loan Party directly, and any collection costs and expenses shall constitute part of the  Obligations under the Loan Documents;

 

(d)       without notice to or consent from any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, and without any obligation to pay rent or other compensation, take exclusive possession of all locations where any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries conduct its business or has any rights of possession and use the locations to store, process, manufacture, sell, use, and liquidate or otherwise dispose of items that are Collateral, and for any other incidental purposes deemed appropriate by Lender in good faith; and

 

(e)        exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein, in the other Loan Documents, or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the Code or any other applicable law.

 

10.2       Additional Rights and Remedies .   Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Party expressly agrees that upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default:

 

(a)        Lender, without demand of performance or other demand, advertisement or notice of any kind (except a notice specified below of time and place of public or private sale) to or upon any Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Person (all and each of which demands, advertisements and notices are hereby expressly waived to the maximum extent permitted by the Code or any other applicable law), may take immediate possession of all or any portion of the Collateral and (i) require Loan Parties to, and each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that it will at its own expense and upon request of Lender forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by Lender and make it available to Lender at one or more locations designated by Lender where such Borrower or other Loan Party conducts business, and (ii) without notice except as specified below, sell the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any of Lender’s or Loan Party’s offices or elsewhere, for cash, on

 

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credit, and upon such other terms as Lender may deem commercially reasonable.  Each Borrower and each other Loan Party agrees that, to the extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at least 10 days’ notice to such Borrower or such other Loan Party of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification and such notice shall constitute a reasonable “authenticated notification of disposition” within the meaning of Section 9-611 of the Code.  Lender shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given.  Lender may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time, and such sale may be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned.  Each Borrower and each other Loan Party agrees that the internet shall constitute a “place” for purposes of Section 9-610(b) of the Code.  Each Borrower and each other Loan Party agrees that any sale of Collateral to a licensor pursuant to the terms of a license agreement between such licensor and such Borrower or such other Loan Party is sufficient to constitute a commercially reasonable sale (including as to method, terms, manner, and time) within the meaning of Section 9-610 of the Code;

 

(b)       Lender may, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein, in the other Loan Documents, or otherwise available to it under applicable law and without the requirement of notice to or upon any Loan Party or any other Person (which notice is hereby expressly waived to the maximum extent permitted by the Code or any other applicable law), (i) with respect to any Loan Party’s Deposit Accounts in which Lender’s Liens are perfected by control under Section 9-104 of the Code, instruct the bank maintaining such Deposit Account for the applicable Loan Party to pay the balance of such Deposit Account to or for the benefit of Lender, and (ii) with respect to any Loan Party’s Securities Accounts in which Lender’s Liens are perfected by control under Section 9-106 of the Code, instruct the securities intermediary maintaining such Securities Account for the applicable Loan Party to (A) transfer any cash in such Securities Account to or for the benefit of Lender, or (B) liquidate any financial assets in such Securities Account that are customarily sold on a recognized market and transfer the cash proceeds thereof to or for the benefit of Lender;

 

(c)        any cash held by Lender as Collateral and all cash proceeds received by Lender in respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral shall be applied against the Obligations in the order set forth in Section 10.5 .  In the event the proceeds of Collateral are insufficient to satisfy all of the Obligations in full, each Borrower and each other Loan Party shall remain jointly and severally liable for any such deficiency; and

 

(d)       the Obligations arise out of a commercial transaction, and that if an Event of Default shall occur Lender shall have the right to an immediate writ of possession without notice of a hearing.  Lender shall have the right to the appointment of a receiver for each Loan Party or for the properties and assets of each Loan Party, and each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby consents to such rights and such appointment and hereby waives any objection such Borrower or such Loan Party may have thereto or the right to have a bond or other security posted by Lender.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary contained in Section 10.1 , upon the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default described in Section 9.5 or Section 9.6 , in addition to the remedies set forth above, without any notice to any Borrower or any other Person or any act by Lender, all obligations of Lender to provide any further extensions of credit hereunder shall automatically terminate and the Obligations (other than the Hedge Obligations), shall automatically and immediately become due and payable and each Borrower shall be obligated to repay all of such Obligations in full, without presentment, demand, protest, or notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by each Borrower.

 

10.3       Lender Appointed Attorney in Fact .   Each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby irrevocably appoints Lender its attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Borrower and such Loan Party and in the name of such Borrower or such Loan Party or otherwise, at such

 

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time as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to take any action and to execute any instrument which Lender may reasonably deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, including:

 

(a)        to ask, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compromise, receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in connection with the Accounts or any other Collateral of such Borrower or such other Loan Party;

 

(b)       to receive, indorse, and collect any drafts or other instruments, documents, Negotiable Collateral or Chattel Paper;

 

(c)        to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings which Lender may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any of the Collateral of such Borrower or such other Loan Party or otherwise to enforce the rights of Lender with respect to any of the Collateral;

 

(d)       to repair, alter, or supply Goods, if any, necessary to fulfill in whole or in part the purchase order of any Person obligated to Borrower or such other Loan Party in respect of any Account of such Borrower or such other Loan Party;

 

(e)        to use any Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses of such Borrower or such other Loan Party including but not limited to any labels, Patents, Trademarks, trade names, URLs, domain names, industrial designs, Copyrights, or advertising matter, in preparing for sale, advertising for sale, or selling Inventory or other Collateral and to collect any amounts due under Accounts, contracts or Negotiable Collateral of such Borrower or such other Loan Party;

 

(f)         to take exclusive possession of all locations where each Borrower or other Loan Party conducts its business or has rights of possession, without notice to or consent of any Borrower or any Loan Party and to use such locations to store, process, manufacture, sell, use, and liquidate or otherwise dispose of items that are Collateral, without obligation to pay rent or other compensation for the possession or use of any location;

 

(g)        Lender shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to bring suit in its own name or in the applicable Loan Party’s name, to enforce the Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses and, if Lender shall commence any such suit, the appropriate Borrower or such other Loan Party shall, at the request of Lender, do any and all lawful acts and execute any and all proper documents reasonably required by Lender in aid of such enforcement; and

 

(h)       to the extent permitted by law, such Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby ratifies all that such attorney-in-fact shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  This power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable until all commitments of Lender under this Agreement to provide extensions of credit are terminated and all Obligations have been paid in full in cash.

 

10.4       Remedies Cumulative .   The rights and remedies of Lender under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and all other agreements shall be cumulative.  Lender shall have all other rights and remedies not inconsistent herewith as provided under the Code, by law, or in equity.  No exercise by Lender of one right or remedy shall be deemed an election, and no waiver by Lender of any Default or Event of Default shall be deemed a continuing waiver.  No delay by Lender shall constitute a waiver, election, or acquiescence by it.

 

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10.5       Crediting of Payments and Proceeds .   In the event that the Obligations have been accelerated pursuant to Section 10.1 or during an Event of Default the Lender has exercised any remedy set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, all payments received by Lender upon the Obligations and all net proceeds from the enforcement of the Obligations shall be applied, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, to the Obligations in such manner as Lender shall determine in its discretion and, thereafter, to Borrowers (to be wired to the Designated Account) or such other Person entitled thereto under applicable law.  For greater certainty, the acceleration of the Obligations under this Agreement shall in no way affect, terminate or accelerate the Hedge Obligations (which are governed by the terms of the applicable Hedge Agreement).

 

10.6       Marshaling .   Lender  shall not be required to marshal any present or future collateral security (including but not limited to the Collateral) for, or other assurances of payment of, the Obligations or any of them or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of its rights and remedies under this Agreement and under the other Loan Documents and in respect of such collateral security and other assurances of payment shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights and remedies, however existing or arising.  To the extent that it lawfully may, each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that it will not invoke any law relating to the marshaling of collateral which might cause delay in or impede the enforcement of Lender’s rights and remedies under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document or instrument creating or evidencing any of the Obligations or under which any of the Obligations is outstanding or by which any of the Obligations is secured or payment thereof is otherwise assured, and, to the extent that it lawfully may, each Borrower hereby irrevocably waives the benefits of all such laws.

 

10.7       License .   Solely for the purpose of enabling Lender to exercise its rights and remedies hereunder, at such time as Lender is lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, e ach Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby grants to Lender a non-exclusive, worldwide license (without the payment of royalties to any Debtor) to use or otherwise exploit all Intellectual Property rights of such Borrower or such Loan Party for the purpose of: (a) completing the manufacture of any in-process materials while any Event of Default exists so that such materials become saleable Inventory, all in accordance with the same quality standards previously adopted by such Borrower or such other Loan Party for its own manufacturing; and (b) selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of any or all Collateral while any Event of Default exists; provided that such license shall be subject to the exclusive rights of any licensee under a license granted prior to such Event of Default, and (ii) the quality of any products or services in connection with which any Trademarks licensed hereunder are used will not be materially inferior to the quality of such services or products provided by such Borrower or such Loan Party under such Trademarks immediately prior to such Event of Default and such Borrower or such Loan Party shall have the right to inspect any such products and services to monitor compliance with such standard .

 

11.     WAIVERS; INDEMNIFICATION.

 

11.1       Demand; Protest; etc .   Each Borrower and each other Loan Party waives demand, protest, notice of protest, notice of default or dishonor, notice of payment and nonpayment, nonpayment at maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension, or renewal of documents, instruments, chattel paper, and guarantees at any time held by Lender on which such Borrower or such other Loan Party may in any way be liable.

 

11.2       The Lender’s Liability for Collateral .   Each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that:  (a) so long as Lender complies with its obligations, if any, under the Code, Lender shall not in any way or manner be liable or responsible for:  (i) the safekeeping of the Collateral, (ii) any loss or damage thereto occurring or arising in any manner or fashion from any cause, (iii) any diminution in the value thereof, or (iv) any act or default of any carrier, warehouseman, bailee, forwarding agency, or other

 

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Person, and (b) all risk of loss, damage, or destruction of the Collateral shall be borne by each Borrower and such other Loan Parties.

 

11.3       Indemnification .   Each Borrower and each other Loan Party shall pay, indemnify, defend, and hold the Lender-Related Persons (each, an “ Indemnified Person ”) harmless (to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law) from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, investigations, proceedings, liabilities, fines, costs, penalties, and damages, and all reasonable fees and disbursements of attorneys, experts, or consultants and all other costs and expenses actually incurred and documented in connection therewith or in connection with the enforcement of this indemnification (as and when they are incurred and irrespective of whether suit is brought), at any time asserted against, imposed upon, or incurred by any of them (a) in connection with or as a result of or related to the execution and delivery, enforcement, performance, or administration (including any restructuring, forbearance or workout with respect hereto) of this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents, any Bank Product Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the monitoring of compliance by each Borrower and each other Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries with the terms of the Loan Documents, (b) with respect to any investigation, litigation, or proceeding related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or the use of the proceeds of the credit provided hereunder (irrespective of whether any Indemnified Person is a party thereto), or any act, omission, event, or circumstance in any manner related thereto, (c) in connection with the custody, preservation, use or operation of, or, while an Event of Default exists, the sale of, collection from, or other realization upon, any of the Collateral in accordance with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (d) with respect to the failure by any Borrower or any other Loan Party to perform or observe any of the provisions hereof or any other Loan Document, (e) in connection with the exercise or enforcement of any of the rights of Lender hereunder or under any other Loan Document, and (f) in connection with or arising out of any presence or release of Hazardous Materials at, on, under, to or from any assets or properties owned, leased or operated by any Borrower or any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Borrower or any other Loan Party or any Environmental Actions, Environmental Liabilities or Remedial Actions related in any way to any such assets or properties of such Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (each and all of the foregoing, the “ Indemnified Liabilities ”).  The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, no Borrower or any other Loan Party shall have any obligation to any Indemnified Person under this Section 11.3 with respect to any Indemnified Liability that a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines to have resulted from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person or its officers, directors, employees, or attorneys.  This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the repayment of the Obligations.  If any Indemnified Person makes any payment to any other Indemnified Person with respect to an Indemnified Liability as to which a Borrower or any other Loan Party was required to indemnify the Indemnified Person receiving such payment, the Indemnified Person making such payment is entitled to be indemnified and reimbursed by such Borrower or such other Loan Party with respect thereto.  WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE FOREGOING INDEMNITY SHALL APPLY TO EACH INDEMNIFIED PERSON WITH RESPECT TO INDEMNIFIED LIABILITIES WHICH IN WHOLE OR IN PART ARE CAUSED BY OR ARISE OUT OF ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION OF SUCH INDEMNIFIED PERSON OR OF ANY OTHER PERSON.

 

12.     NOTICES.

 

Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices or demands relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be in writing and (except for financial statements and other informational documents which may be sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid) shall be personally delivered or sent by certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), overnight courier, electronic mail (at such email addresses as a party may designate in accordance herewith), or telefacsimile.  In the case of notices or demands to Borrowers, any other Loan Party or Lender, as the case may be, they shall be sent to the respective address set forth below:

 

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If to Loan Parties or to the

Administrative Borrower at:

 

c/o RG Parent LLC
1231 S. Gerhart Avenue
Commerce, CA 90022
Attn: Hamish Sandhu
Fax No.: (323) 417-5127
Email: Hamish@joesjeans.com

 

 

with courtesy copies to
(which shall not constitute
Notice for purposes of this
Section 12):

 

 

 

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

300 South Grand Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Attn: Kristine Dunn

Fax No.: (213) 621-5493
Email:  Kristine.Dunn@skadden.com

 

 

If to Lender:

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

333 South Grand Avenue, 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Attn: Christopher L. Rogers, Portfolio Manager
Fax No.:  (213) 253-7601
Email:  Christopher.L.Rogers@wellsfargo.com

 

 

with courtesy copies to
(which shall not constitute
Notice for purposes of this
Section 12):

Otterbourg P.C.

 

230 Park Avenue, 29 th  Floor
New York, NY 10169
Attn:  Richard L. Stehl, Esq.
Fax No.: (212) 682-6104
Email: RStehl@otterbourg.com

 

Any party hereto may change the address at which it is to receive notices hereunder, by notice in writing in the foregoing manner given to the other parties.  All notices or demands sent in accordance with this Section 12 shall be deemed received on the earlier of the date of actual receipt or 3 Business Days after the deposit thereof in the mail; provided , that (a) notices sent by overnight courier service shall be deemed to have been given when received, (b) notices by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient) and (c) notices by electronic mail shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgment from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return email or other written acknowledgment).  Any notice given by Lender to any Borrower as provided in this Section 12 shall be deemed sufficient notice as to all Loan Parties, regardless of whether each Loan Party is sent a separate copy of such notice or whether each Loan Party is specifically identified in such notice.

 

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13.     CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER.

 

(a)        THE VALIDITY OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS (UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED TO THE CONTRARY IN ANOTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN RESPECT OF SUCH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT), THE CONSTRUCTION, INTERPRETATION, AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF AND THEREOF, AND THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THERETO WITH RESPECT TO ALL MATTERS ARISING HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO OR THERETO AS WELL AS ALL CLAIMS, CONTROVERSIES OR DISPUTES ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS SHALL BE DETERMINED UNDER, GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF (OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW).

 

(b)       THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS MAY BE TRIED AND LITIGATED IN THE STATE AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK; PROVIDED , HOWEVER , THAT ANY SUIT SEEKING ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE BROUGHT, AT LENDER’S OPTION, IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION WHERE LENDER ELECTS TO BRING SUCH ACTION OR WHERE SUCH COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND.  EACH BORROWER EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY AND LENDER WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT EACH MAY HAVE TO ASSERT THE DOCTRINE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR TO OBJECT TO VENUE TO THE EXTENT ANY PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION 13(b) .

 

(c)        TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH BORROWER, EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY AND LENDER HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS, IF ANY, TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS (EACH, A “ CLAIM ”).  EACH BORROWER EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY AND LENDER REPRESENT THAT EACH HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER AND EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.  IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

 

(d)       NO CLAIM MAY BE MADE BY ANY PARTY HERETO AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF SUCH OTHER PARTY OR ANY  DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, COUNSEL, REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT, OR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT OF ANY OF THEM FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN RESPECT OF ANY CLAIM FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY ACT, OMISSION, OR EVENT OCCURRING IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, AND EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, RELEASES, AND AGREES NOT TO SUE UPON ANY CLAIM FOR SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER OR NOT ACCRUED AND WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR SUSPECTED TO EXIST IN ITS FAVOR.

 

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14.     ASSIGNMENTS; SUCCESSORS .   This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of each of the parties; provided , however , that (a) no Borrower or any other Loan Party may assign this Agreement or any other Loan Document in whole or in part, or any rights or duties hereunder or thereunder, without Lender’s prior written consent (unless otherwise expressly permitted pursuant to this Agreement) and any such prohibited assignment shall be absolutely void ab initio , and (b) Lender may not assign this Agreement or the other Loan Documents in whole or in part, or its rights and duties hereunder and thereunder, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Borrower, except (A) during the existence of an Event of Default under Section 9.1, 9.2, 9.5 or 9.6 , (B) any assignment to another lender that has previously become a Lender in accordance with the terms hereof, (C) any assignment to an Affiliate or related fund of any Lender, (D) any assignment in connection with the merger, consolidation, sale, transfer or other disposition of all or any substantial portion of Lender’s business, loan portfolio or other assets and (E)  Lender may, after notice to Administrative Borrower, sell participations in, all or any part of the Advances, the Letters of Credit, the commitments to make Advances or any other interest herein to another financial institution or other Person on terms and conditions acceptable to Lender; provided , that , (i) Lender’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall remain unchanged, (ii)  Lender shall remain responsible for the performance of such obligations, and the Loan Parties shall continue to deal solely and directly with Lender in connection with Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (iii) the participant shall not have any rights under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents (the participant’s rights against Lender in respect of such participation to be those set forth in the agreement executed by such Lender in favor of the Participant relating thereto) and all amounts payable by any Loan Party hereunder shall be determined as if Lender had not sold such participation, and (iv) no consent or approval by Parent or any Loan Party shall be required in connection with any such participation. No consent to assignment by the Lender shall release any Borrower from its Obligations. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or prohibit Lender from pledging its rights under and interest in this Agreement to a Federal Reserve Bank in support of borrowings made by Lender from such Federal Reserve Bank.

 

15.     AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS .   No amendment or modification of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other document or agreement described in or related to this Agreement shall be effective unless it has been agreed to by Lender in a writing and the Loan Parties party thereto (other than any supplements or modifications to the Information Certificate or any joinder to the Guaranty required hereunder, which shall require only the signature of the applicable Loan Party).  No failure by Lender to exercise any right, remedy, or option under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or delay by Lender in exercising the same, will operate as a waiver thereof.  No waiver by Lender will be effective unless it is in writing, and then only to the extent specifically stated.  No waiver by Lender on any occasion shall affect or diminish Lender’s rights thereafter to require strict performance by Borrowers or any other Loan Party of any provision of this Agreement.  Lender’s rights under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents will be cumulative and not exclusive of any other right or remedy that Lender may have.

 

16.     TAXES.

 

(a)        Payments Free of Taxes .  All payments made by any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for, any Taxes, except as required by applicable law.  If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of the applicable Loan Party) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Loan Party, then the applicable Loan Party shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding

 

44



 

has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 16(a) ) Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made; provided, however, that the Loan Parties shall not be required to increase any such amounts if the increase in such amount payable results from Lender’s willful misconduct or gross negligence (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction).  Each Loan Party will furnish to Lender as promptly as practicable after any payment of Taxes by such Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 16 , certified copies of tax receipts evidencing such payment by such Loan Party, a copy of the return reporting such payment, or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to Lender.

 

(b)       Payment of Other Taxes by the Loan Parties .  The Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of Lender timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

 

(c)        Indemnification by the Loan Parties .  The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify Lender, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 16 ) payable or paid by Lender or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to Lender and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified 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 Administrative Borrower by Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(d)       Tax Status of Lender .  If Lender is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document, Lender shall deliver to Administrative Borrower, at the time or times reasonably requested by Administrative Borrower, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by Administrative Borrower as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, if reasonably requested by Administrative Borrower, Lender shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by Administrative Borrower as will enable Administrative Borrower to determine whether or not Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

 

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

 

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

 

45



 

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 Administrative Borrower in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

(e)        Treatment of Certain Refunds .  If Lender determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 16 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 16 ), it shall pay to the indemnifying Loan Party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 16 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund).  Such indemnifying Loan Party, upon the request of Lender, shall repay to Lender the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (e)  (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (e) , in no event will Lender be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying Loan Party pursuant to this paragraph (e)  the payment of which would place Lender in a less favorable net after-Tax position than Lender would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid.  This paragraph (e)  shall not be construed to require any party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to any Person.

 

(f)         Survival .  Each party’s obligations under this Section 16 shall survive any assignment of rights by Lender, the termination of the commitments hereunder and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.

 

17.     GENERAL PROVISIONS.

 

17.1       Effectiveness .   This Agreement shall be binding and deemed effective when executed by each Borrower, each other Loan Party and Lender.

 

17.2       Section Headings .   Headings and numbers have been set forth herein for convenience only.  Unless the contrary is compelled by the context, everything contained in each Section applies equally to this entire Agreement.

 

17.3       Interpretation .   Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or ambiguity herein shall be construed against the Lender or any Loan Party, whether under any rule of construction or otherwise.  On the contrary, this Agreement has been reviewed by all parties and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to accomplish fairly the purposes and intentions of all parties hereto.

 

17.4       Severability of Provisions .   Each provision of this Agreement shall be severable from every other provision of this Agreement for the purpose of determining the legal enforceability of any specific provision.

 

17.5       Debtor-Creditor Relationship .   The relationship between the Lender, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, on the other hand, is solely that of creditor and debtor.  Lender shall not have (and shall not be deemed to have) any fiduciary relationship or duty to any Loan Party arising out of or in connection with the Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby, and there is no agency or joint venture relationship between Lender, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, on the other hand, by virtue of any Loan Document or any transaction contemplated therein.

 

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17.6       Counterparts; Electronic Execution .   This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement.  Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Agreement but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Agreement.

 

17.7       Revival and Reinstatement of Obligations .   If the incurrence or payment of the Obligations by any Borrower or any other Loan Party or the transfer to Lender of any property should for any reason subsequently be asserted, or declared, to be void or voidable under any state or federal law relating to creditors’ rights, including provisions of the Bankruptcy Code relating to fraudulent conveyances, preferences, or other voidable or recoverable payments of money or transfers of property (each, a “ Voidable Transfer ”), and if Lender is required to repay or restore, in whole or in part, any such Voidable Transfer, or elects to do so upon the reasonable advice of its counsel, then, as to any such Voidable Transfer, or the amount thereof that Lender is required or elects to repay or restore, and as to all reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys fees of Lender related thereto, the liability of such Borrower and such other Loan Party automatically shall be revived, reinstated, and restored and shall exist as though such Voidable Transfer had never been made and all of Lender’s Liens in the Collateral shall be automatically reinstated without further action.

 

17.8       Confidentiality .

 

(a)        Lender agrees that information regarding the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, their operations, assets, and existing and contemplated business plans (“ Confidential Information ”) shall be treated by Lender in a confidential manner, and shall not be disclosed by Lender to Persons who are not parties to this Agreement, except:  (i) to attorneys for and other advisors, accountants, auditors, and consultants to Lender and to employees, directors and officers of Lender (the Persons in this clause (i), “ Lender Representatives ”) on a “need to know” basis in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and on a confidential basis, (ii) to Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Lender, provided that any such Subsidiary or Affiliate shall have agreed to receive such information hereunder subject to the terms of this Section 17.8 , (iii) as may be required by regulatory authorities, (iv) as may be required by statute, decision, or judicial or administrative order, rule, or regulation; provided that (x) prior to any disclosure under this clause (iv), the disclosing party agrees to provide Borrowers with prior notice thereof, to the extent that it is practicable to do so and to the extent that the disclosing party is permitted to provide such prior notice to Borrowers pursuant to the terms of the applicable statute, decision, or judicial or administrative order, rule, or regulation and (y) any disclosure under this clause (iv) shall be limited to the portion of the Confidential Information as may be required by such statute, decision, or judicial or administrative order, rule, or regulation, (v) as may be agreed to in advance in writing by Borrowers, (vi) as requested or required by any Governmental Authority pursuant to any subpoena or other legal process, provided, that, (x) prior to any disclosure under this clause (vi) the disclosing party agrees to provide Borrowers with prior written notice thereof, to the extent that it is practicable to do so and to the extent that the disclosing party is permitted to provide such prior written notice to Borrowers pursuant to the terms of the subpoena or other legal process and (y) any disclosure under this clause (vi) shall be limited to the portion of the Confidential Information as may be required by such Governmental Authority pursuant to such subpoena or other legal process, (vii) as to any such information that is or becomes generally available to the public (other than as a result of prohibited disclosure by Lender or Lender Representatives), (viii) in connection with any assignment, participation  or pledge of any Lender’s interest under this Agreement, provided that prior to receipt of Confidential Information any such

 

47



 

assignee, participant, or pledgee shall have agreed in writing to receive such Confidential Information hereunder subject to the terms of this Section 17.8 , (ix) in connection with any litigation or other adversary proceeding involving parties hereto which such litigation or adversary proceeding involves claims related to the rights or duties of such parties under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; (x) to equity owners of each Loan Party and (xi) in connection with, and to the extent reasonably necessary for, the exercise of any secured creditor remedy under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document.

 

(b)       Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, Lender may use the name, logos, and other insignia of the Loan Parties and the Maximum Revolver Amount provided hereunder in any “tombstone” or comparable advertising, on its website or in other marketing materials of Lender; provided that Lender shall provide a draft reasonably in advance of any advertising material to the Borrowers prior to the publication thereof .

 

17.9       Lender Expenses .   Each Borrower and each other Loan Party agrees to pay the Lender Expenses on the earlier of (i) the date invoiced to Administrative Borrower after they are accrued or incurred pursuant to and in accordance with Section 2.6(c)  or (ii) after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the date on which written demand therefor is made by Lender.  Borrower agrees that its obligations contained in this Section 17.9 shall survive payment or satisfaction in full of all other Obligations .

 

17.10             Setoff .   If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Lender may, in its sole discretion at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by Lender to or for the credit or the account of the Borrowers or any Guarantor against any of and all the Obligations held by Lender, irrespective of whether or not Lender shall have made any demand under the Loan Documents and although such obligations may be unmatured. The Lender shall notify the Administrative Borrower of such set-off or application, provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such set-off or application under this Section.

 

17.11             Survival .   All representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any of the Obligations is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the obligation of Lender to provide extensions of credit hereunder has not expired or been terminated.

 

17.12             Patriot Act .   Lender hereby notifies the Loan Parties that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of each Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify each Loan Party in accordance with the Patriot Act. In addition, if Lender is required by law or regulation or internal policies to do so, it shall have the right to periodically conduct (a) Patriot Act searches, OFAC/PEP searches, and customary individual background checks for the Loan Parties, and (b) OFAC/PEP searches and customary individual  background checks of the Loan Parties’ senior management and key principals, and each Borrower and each other Loan Party agrees to cooperate in respect of the conduct of such searches invoiced to Administrative Borrower and further agrees that the

 

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reasonable costs and charges for such searches shall constitute Lender Expenses hereunder and be for the account of Borrowers.

 

17.13             Integration .   This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.  The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, all Bank Product Agreements, if any, are independent agreements governed by the written provisions of such Bank Product Agreements, which will remain in full force and effect, unaffected by any repayment, prepayments, acceleration, reduction, increase, or change in the terms of any credit extended hereunder, except as otherwise expressly provided in such Bank Product Agreement.

 

17.14             Bank Product Providers .   Each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed a third party beneficiary hereof and of the provisions of the other Loan Documents for purposes of any reference in a Loan Document to the parties for whom Lender is acting.  Lender hereby agrees to act as agent for such Bank Product Providers and, by virtue of entering into a Bank Product Agreement, the applicable Bank Product Provider shall be automatically deemed to have appointed Lender as its agent and to have accepted the benefits of the Loan Documents; it being understood and agreed that the rights and benefits of each Bank Product Provider under the Loan Documents consist exclusively of such Bank Product Provider’s being a beneficiary of the Liens and security interests (and, if applicable, guarantees) granted to Lender and the right to share in and receive payments and collections of the Collateral and payments from Lender from amounts charged to the Loan Account or that are otherwise collected from the Loan Parties for the account of a Bank Product Provider as more fully set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. In addition, each Bank Product Provider, by virtue of entering into a Bank Product Agreement, shall be automatically deemed to have agreed that Lender shall have the right, but shall have no obligation, to establish, maintain, relax, or release Reserves in respect of the Bank Product Obligations and that if Reserves are established there is no obligation on the part of Lender to determine or ensure whether the amount of any such Reserve is appropriate or not.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, no Bank Product Provider (other than Lender in its capacity as lender hereunder) shall have any voting or approval rights hereunder solely by virtue of its status as the provider or holder of such agreements or products or the Obligations owing thereunder, nor shall the consent of any such provider or holder be required for any matter hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, including as to any matter relating to the Collateral or the release of Collateral or any other Loan Party.

[ Signature pages to follow ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

 

BORROWERS :

 

 

 

DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name:

Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

DBG SUBSIDIARY INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name:

Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

HUDSON CLOTHING, LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Peter Kim

 

 

Name:

Peter Kim

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Credit and Security Agreement

 



 

 

RG PARENT LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROBERT GRAHAM RETAIL LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROBERT GRAHAM DESIGNS, LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROBERT GRAHAM HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Credit and Security Agreement

 



 

 

GUARANTORS:

 

 

 

HUDSON CLOTHING HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name:

Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Title:

Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

HC ACQUISITION HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Peter Kim

 

 

Name:

Peter Kim

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

INNOVO WEST SALES, INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name:

Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

DBG HOLDINGS SUBSIDIARY INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name:

Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Credit and Security Agreement

 



 

 

RGH GROUP LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

CEO

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARCO BRUNELLI IP, LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

CEO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Credit and Security Agreement

 



 

 

LENDER:

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Marc Grossman

 

 

Name:

Marc Grossman

 

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Credit and Security Agreement

 


 


 

SCHEDULE 1.1

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

 

 

a.              Definitions.   As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following definitions:

 

Account ” means an account (as that term is defined in Article 9 of the Code).

 

Account Debtor ” means an account debtor (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Activation Notice ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 6.12(j) .

 

Additional Documents ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 6.16 .

 

Administrative Borrower ” shall have the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.17 .

 

Advances ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.1(a) .

 

Affiliate ” means, as applied to any Person, any other Person who controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person.  For purposes of this definition, “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of Stock, by contract, or otherwise; provided , however , that, for purposes of the definition of Eligible Accounts and Section 7.12 : (a) any Person which owns directly or indirectly 10% or more of the Stock having ordinary voting power for the election of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of a Person or 10% or more of the partnership or other ownership interests of a Person (other than as a limited partner of such Person) shall be deemed an Affiliate of such Person, (b) each director (or comparable manager) of a Person shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of such Person, and (c) each partnership in which a Person is a general partner shall be deemed an Affiliate of such Person.

 

Agreement ” means the Credit and Security Agreement to which this Schedule 1.1 is attached.

 

Applicable Margin ” means:

 

(a)        0.50 percentage points with respect to Base Rate Loans; and

 

(b)       1.75 percentage points with respect to LIBOR Loans.

 

Asset Purchase Agreements ” means that certain (i) Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2015, by and among Parent, Joe’s Holdings LLC and Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and/or (ii) Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2015, by and between Parent and GBG USA Inc., in each case , as amended, extended, restated, modified and/or supplemented prior to or on the Closing Date.

 

Assignment of Factoring Proceeds ” shall mean the Assignment and Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among Factor, Robert Graham Designs, LLC, Hudson Clothing, LLC , Term Loan Agent and Lender.

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 1



 

Authorized Person ” means any one of the individuals identified on Schedule A-2 , as such schedule is updated from time to time by written notice from the Administrative Borrower to Lender.

 

Availability ” means, as of any date of determination, the amount that Borrowers are entitled to borrow as Advances under Section 2.1 (after giving effect to all then outstanding Obligations).

 

Bank Product ” means any one or more of the following financial products or accommodations extended to a Borrower or a Loan Party or any of its/their Subsidiaries by a Bank Product Provider:  (a) commercial credit cards, (b) commercial credit card processing services, (c) debit cards, (d) stored value cards, (e) purchase cards (including so-called “procurement cards” or “P-cards”), (f) Cash Management Services, or (g) transactions under Hedge Agreements.

 

Bank Product Agreements ” means those agreements entered into from time to time by a Borrowers  or a Loan Party or any of its/their Subsidiaries with a Bank Product Provider in connection with the obtaining of any of the Bank Products, including all Cash Management Documents.

 

Bank Product Collateralization ” means providing cash collateral (pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory to Lender) to be held by Lender for the benefit of the Bank Product Provider in an amount determined by Lender as sufficient to satisfy the reasonably estimated credit exposure with respect to the then existing Bank Product Obligations (other than Hedge Obligations).

 

Bank Product Obligations ” means (a) all obligations, indebtedness, liabilities, reimbursement obligations, fees, or expenses owing by a Borrower or a Loan Party or any of its/their Subsidiaries to Lender or another Bank Product Provider pursuant to or evidenced by a Bank Product Agreement and irrespective of whether for the payment of money, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, determined or undetermined, voluntary or involuntary, due, not due or to become due,  incurred in the past or  now existing or hereafter arising, however arising and (b) all Hedge Obligations.

 

Bank Product Provider ” means Lender or any of its Affiliates that provide Bank Products to a Borrower or a Loan Party or any of its/ their Subsidiaries.

 

Bank Product Reserve Amount ” means, as of any date of determination, the Dollar amount of reserves that Lender has determined in its Permitted Discretion it is necessary or appropriate to establish (based upon Lender’s reasonable determination of the credit and operating risk exposure to Borrowers and the other Loan Parties and its/their Subsidiaries in respect of Bank Product Obligations) in respect of Bank Product Obligations then outstanding.

 

Bankruptcy Code ” means title 11 of the United States Code, as in effect from time to time.

 

Base Rate ” means a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus ½ of 1% and (c) LIBOR for a one month Interest Period on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) plus 1%, (without any rounding).  Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the LIBOR 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 the LIBOR Rate, as the case may be.

 

Base Rate Loan ” means a Loan or portion thereof which bears interest at a rate determined by reference to Base Rate.

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 2



 

Benefit Plan ” means a “defined benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA) for which any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates has been an “employer” (as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA) within the past six years.

 

Board of Directors ” means the board of directors (or comparable managers) of a Borrower or any other Loan Party or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of the board of directors (or comparable managers).

 

Books ” means books and records (including a Borrower’s or any other Loan Party’s Records indicating, summarizing, or evidencing such Borrower’s or such other Loan Party’s assets (including the Collateral) or liabilities, such Borrower’s or such other Loan Party’s Records relating to such Borrower’s or such other Loan Party’s business operations or financial condition, or such Borrower’s or such other Loan Party’s Goods or General Intangibles related to such information).

 

Borrowers ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

 

Borrowing ” means a borrowing consisting of Advances (i) requested by Borrowers, (ii) made automatically pursuant to Section 2.3(c)  without the request of Borrowers, (iii) made by Lender pursuant to Section 2.6(c) , or (iv) a Protective Advance.

 

Borrowing Base ” means, as of any date of determination, the result of:

 

(a)        90% of the amount of Eligible Accounts, plus

 

(b)       90% of the amount of Eligible Credit Card Receivables, plus

 

(c)        the lower of (i) $25,500,000 or (ii) the Inventory Formula Amount, minus

 

(d)       the aggregate amount of Reserves, if any, established by Lender in accordance with Section 2.5 .

 

Borrowing Base Certificate ” means a borrowing base certificate in form consistent with Exhibit F to this Agreement or otherwise acceptable to Lender.

 

Brand ” means each of the Loan Parties’ major business lines, as grouped in the most recent inventory appraisal reasonably acceptable to Lender. As of the Closing Date, the Loan Parties have following two Brands: Robert Graham and Hudson.

 

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which banks in New York City are authorized or required to close pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve System; provided that, when used in connection with a LIBOR Loan, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

 

Capital Expenditures ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures by such Person and its Subsidiaries during such period that are capital expenditures as determined in accordance with GAAP, whether such expenditures are paid in cash or financed, but excluding (a) normal replacements and maintenance which are properly charged to current operations; (b) expenditures financed with the net cash proceeds from any disposition or any casualty, condemnation or

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 3



 

similar event; and (c) expenditures made with cash proceeds from any issuances of Stock of Parent or contributions of capital made to Parent.

 

Capitalized Lease Obligation ” means that portion of the obligations under a Capital Lease that is required to be capitalized in accordance with GAAP.

 

Capital Lease ” means a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.

 

Cash Dominion Trigger Period ” means (a) the period commencing on the date that Excess Availability is less than 12.5% of the Maximum Credit for five (5) consecutive Business Days and continuing until, during the preceding 30 consecutive days, Excess Availability has been equal to or greater than 12.5% of the Maximum Credit at all times or (b) upon the occurrence of a Specified Event of Default, the period that such Specified Event of Default shall be continuing.

 

Cash Equivalents ” means (a) marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within 1 year from the date of acquisition thereof, (b) marketable direct obligations issued or fully guaranteed by any state of the United States or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within 1 year from the date of acquisition thereof and having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“ S&P ”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“ Moody’s ”), (c) commercial paper maturing no more than 270 days from the date of creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a rating of at least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from Moody’s, (d) certificates of deposit, time deposits, overnight bank deposits or bankers’ acceptances maturing within 1 year from the date of acquisition thereof issued by any bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or any United States branch of a foreign bank having combined capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000, (e) Deposit Accounts maintained with (i) any bank that satisfies the criteria described in clause (d) above, or (ii) any other bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof so long as the full amount maintained with any such other bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, (f) repurchase obligations of any commercial bank satisfying the requirements of clause (d)  of this definition or recognized securities dealer having combined capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000, having a term of not more than seven days, with respect to securities satisfying the criteria in clauses (a) or (d)  above, (g) debt securities with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any commercial bank satisfying the criteria described in clause (d)  above, and (h) Investments in money market funds substantially all of whose assets are invested in the types of assets described in clauses (a) through (g)  above.

 

Cash Management Documents ” means the agreements governing each of the Cash Management Services of Lender utilized by a Borrower or any Loan Party, which agreements have been provided to the Borrowers and  shall currently include the Master Agreement for Treasury Management Services or other applicable treasury management services agreement, the “Acceptance of Services”, the “Service Description” governing each such treasury management service used by a Borrower or any Loan Party, and all replacement or successor agreements which govern such Cash Management Services of Lender.

 

Cash Management Services ” means any cash management or related services including treasury, depository, return items, overdraft, controlled disbursement, merchant stored value cards, e-payables services, electronic funds transfer, interstate depository network, automatic clearing house transfer (including the Automated Clearing House processing of electronic funds transfers through the direct Federal Reserve Fedline system) and other cash management arrangements; provided that in no event shall “Cash Management Services” include maintaining any Treasury Shares Account.

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 4



 

Cash Management Transition Period ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.12(j)(i) .

 

CFC ” means a controlled foreign corporation (as that term is defined in the IRC).

 

Change in Law ” means the occurrence, after the date hereof, of (a) the adoption, taking effect or phasing in of any law, rule, regulation or treaty; (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof; or (c) the making, issuance or application of any request, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided , however, that “Change in Law” shall include, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued, all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives (i) under or relating to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or (ii) promulgated pursuant to Basel III by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any similar authority) or any other governmental authority.

 

Change of Control ” means that (a) Equity Sponsor shall cease to possess in the aggregate (together with any Permitted Holders) an amount of shares of Series A Preferred at least equal to 50% of the aggregate amount of shares of Series A Preferred held by Equity Sponsor on the Closing Date (after giving effect to all transactions occurring on the Closing Date), (b) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than Permitted Holders, becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 40%, or more, of the Stock of Parent having the right to vote for the election of members of the Board of Directors of Parent, (c) Parent fails to own and control, directly or indirectly, 100% of the Stock of each other Loan Party, or (d) a “Change of Control” shall occur under the Term Loan Agreement.

 

Chattel Paper ” means chattel paper (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes tangible chattel paper and electronic chattel paper.

 

Closing Date ” means the date of the making of the initial Advance (or other extension of credit) under this Agreement.

 

Code ” means the New York Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time; provided , however , that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the attachment, perfection, priority, or remedies with respect to Lender’s Lien on any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “Code” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions thereof relating to such attachment, perfection, priority, or remedies.  To the extent that defined terms set forth herein shall have different meanings under different Articles under the Uniform Commercial Code, the meaning assigned to such defined term under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code shall control.

 

Collateral ” means all of each Loan Party’s now owned or hereafter acquired:

 

(a)        Accounts;

 

(b)       Books;

 

(c)        Chattel Paper;

 

(d)       Deposit Accounts;

 

(e)        Goods, including Equipment and Fixtures;

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 5



 

(f)         General Intangibles, including, without limitation, Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses;

 

(g)        Inventory;

 

(h)       Investment Related Property;

 

(i)           Negotiable Collateral;

 

(j)           Supporting Obligations;

 

(k)       Commercial Tort Claims;

 

(l)           money, Cash Equivalents, or other assets of such Loan Party that now or hereafter come into the possession, custody, or control of Lender (or its agent or designee);

 

(m)   the Key Man Life Insurance Policy; and

 

(n)       all of the proceeds (as such term is defined in the Code) and products, whether tangible or intangible, of any of the foregoing, including proceeds of insurance or Commercial Tort Claims covering or relating to any or all of the foregoing, and any and all Accounts, Books, Chattel Paper, Deposit Accounts, Equipment, Fixtures, General Intangibles (including, without limitation, Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses), Inventory, Investment Related Property, Negotiable Collateral, Supporting Obligations, money, or other tangible or intangible property resulting from the sale, lease, license, exchange, collection, or other disposition of any of the foregoing, the proceeds of any award in condemnation with respect to any of the foregoing, any rebates or refunds, whether for taxes or otherwise, and all proceeds of any such proceeds, or any portion thereof or interest therein, and the proceeds thereof, and all proceeds of any loss of, damage to, or destruction of the above, whether insured or not insured, and, to the extent not otherwise included, any indemnity, warranty, or guaranty payable by reason of loss or damage to, or otherwise with respect to any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Proceeds ”).  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “Proceeds” includes whatever is receivable or received when Investment Related Property or proceeds are sold, exchanged, collected, or otherwise disposed of, whether such disposition is voluntary or involuntary, and includes proceeds of any indemnity or guaranty payable to such Loan Party or Lender from time to time with respect to any of the Investment Related Property.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Security Interest created by this Agreement shall not extend to, and the term “Collateral” shall not include, any Excluded Property.

 

Collateral Access Agreement ” means a landlord waiver, bailee letter, or acknowledgement agreement of any lessor, warehouseman, processor, consignee, or other Person in possession of, having a Lien upon, or having rights or interests in the  Books, Equipment, Accounts or Inventory of any Loan Party, in each case, in favor of Lender with respect to the Collateral at such premises or otherwise in the custody, control or possession of such lessor, warehouseman, processor, consignee or other Person and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender.

 

Collection Account ” means any Controlled Account identified on Schedule A-1 to the Information Certificate , as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes permitted under this Agreement upon Administrative Borrower providing prior written notice thereof to Lender in accordance with Section 12 .

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 6



 

Collections ” means all cash, checks, notes, instruments, and other items of payment (including insurance Proceeds, cash Proceeds of asset sales, rental Proceeds, and tax refunds); provided , that in no event shall “Collections” include proceeds of an Advance or Term Loan.

 

Commercial Tort Claims ” means commercial tort claims (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes those commercial tort claims listed on Schedule 5.6(d) to the Information Certificate .

 

Compliance Certificate ” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit A delivered by the chief financial officer (or other individual performing similar functions) of Parent or Administrative Borrower to Lender.

 

Confidential Information ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 17.8 .

 

Connection Income Taxes ” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

 

Control Agreement ” means a control agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, executed and delivered by a Loan Party, Lender, and the applicable securities intermediary (with respect to a Securities Account) or bank (with respect to a Deposit Account) or issuer (with respect to uncertificated securities).

 

Controlled Account ” means a bank account maintained at a Controlled Account Bank in accordance with Section 6.12 and Section 7.11 , as applicable.

 

Controlled Account Bank ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 6.12 (j) .

 

Convertible Notes ” means each Subordinated Convertible Note made by Parent pursuant to the terms of the Rollover Agreement, as such notes may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

Convertible Notes Documents ” means the Rollover Agreement and each other document, instrument and agreement related to or executed in connection with the Convertible Notes.

 

Copyrights ” means any and all rights in any copyrightable works of authorship, including (i) copyrights and moral rights, (ii) copyright registrations and all applications in connection therewith including those listed on Schedule 5.26(b) to the Information Certificate , (iii) income, license fees, royalties, damages, and payments now and hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including payments under all licenses entered into in connection therewith and damages and payments for past, present, or future infringements thereof, and (iv) the right to sue for past, present, and future infringements thereof.

 

Copyright Security Agreement ” means each Copyright Security Agreement executed and delivered by a Borrower or another Loan Party and Lender, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Lender.

 

Covenant Testing Trigger Period ” means (a) the period commencing on the date that Excess Availability is less than 10% of the Maximum Credit at any time and continuing until, during the preceding 60 consecutive days, Excess Availability has been equal to or greater than 10% of the Maximum Credit at all times or (b) upon the occurrence of a Specified Event of Default, the period that such Specified Event of Default shall be continuing .

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 7



 

Credit Card Issuer ” shall mean any person (other than a Borrower or other Loan Party) who issues or whose members issue credit cards, including, without limitation, MasterCard or VISA bank credit or debit cards or other bank credit or debit cards issued through MasterCard International, Inc., Visa, U.S.A., Inc. or Visa International and American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Carte Blanche and other non-bank credit or debit cards, including, without limitation, credit or debit cards issued by or through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., and Novus Services, Inc. and other issuers approved by the Lender.

 

Credit Card Notification ” has the meaning provided in Section 6.13 .

 

Credit Card Processor ” shall mean any servicing or processing agent or any factor or financial intermediary who facilitates, services, processes or manages the credit authorization, billing transfer and/or payment procedures with respect to any Borrower’s sales transactions involving credit card or debit card purchases by customers using credit cards or debit cards issued by any Credit Card Issuer.

 

Credit Card Receivables ” means each right to payment, whether or not it constitutes a “payment intangible” or an “Account” (as defined in the Code) together with all income, payments and proceeds thereof, owed by a Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor to a Loan Party resulting from charges by a customer of a Loan Party on credit or debit cards issued by such Credit Card Issuer in connection with the sale of goods by a Loan Party, or services performed by a Loan Party, in each case in the ordinary course of its business.

 

Credit Risk ” has the meaning specified therefor in each of the Factoring Agreements.

 

Daily Balance ” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to any Obligation, the amount of such Obligation owed at the end of such day.

 

Daily Three Month LIBOR ” means, for any day the rate per annum for United States dollar deposits determined by Lender for the purpose of calculating the effective Interest Rate for loans that reference Daily Three Month LIBOR as the Inter-Bank Market Offered Rate in effect from time to time for the 3 month delivery of funds in amounts approximately equal to the principal amount of such loans.  Borrowers understand and agree that Lender may base its determination of the Inter-Bank Market Offered Rate upon such offers or other market indicators of the Inter-Bank Market as Lender in its discretion deems appropriate, including but not limited to the rate offered for U.S. dollar deposits on the London Inter-Bank Market.  When interest is determined in relation to Daily Three Month LIBOR, each change in the interest rate shall become effective each Business Day that Lender determines that Daily Three Month LIBOR has changed. For purposes of this definition, if at any time the foregoing rate is less than 0.00%, then Daily Three Month LIBOR shall be deemed to be 0.00%.

 

Default ” means an event, condition, or default that, with the giving of notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.

 

Deposit Account ” means any deposit account (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Designated Account ” means any operating Deposit Account of a Borrower at Lender identified on Schedule D-1 to the Information Certificate , as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes permitted under this Agreement upon Administrative Borrower providing prior written notice thereof to Lender in accordance with Section 12 .

 

Dilution ” means, as of any date of determination, a percentage that is the result of dividing the Dollar amount of (a) bad debt write-downs, discounts, advertising allowances, credits, deductions, or

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 8



 

other dilutive items as determined by Lender in its Permitted Discretion with respect to Borrowers’ Accounts, by (b) Borrowers’ billings with respect to Accounts.

 

Dilution Reserve ” means, as of any date of determination and calculated separately for each Brand, an amount sufficient to reduce the advance rate against Eligible Accounts relating to such Brand by (i) 1 percentage point for each percentage point by which Dilution relating to such Brand is in excess of 5% but equal to or below 15% plus (ii) 2 percentage points for each percentage point by which Dilution relating to such Brand is in excess of 15%.

 

Document ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the Code.

 

Dollars ” or “ $ ” means United States dollars.

 

Domestic Foreign Holding Company ” means any Domestic Subsidiary with no material assets other than 65% or more of the voting Equity Interests (including, for this purpose, any debt or other instrument treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes) in one or more Foreign Subsidiaries that are “controlled foreign corporations” (as defined in Section 957 of the Code) and cash and Cash Equivalents incidental thereto and held on a temporary basis.

 

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

 

Drawing Document ” means any Letter of Credit or other document presented for purposes of drawing under any Letter of Credit.

 

EBITDA ” means, with respect to any fiscal period, the consolidated net income (or loss) of Parent and its Subsidiaries, plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining net income for such period, the sum of (i) interest expense for such period, (ii) any provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital (including federal, state and local taxes, franchise taxes, excise taxes and similar taxes, including any penalties or interest with respect thereto) for such period, (iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization expense for such period, (iv) any extraordinary charges for such period, (v) any other non-cash charges for such period (but excluding any non-cash charge in respect of an item that was included in net income in a prior period), (vi) management fees paid in cash during such period to the extent permitted to be paid under the Loan Documents, (vii) expenses incurred during such period related to discontinued operations (which shall in any event include any expenses, charges and costs arising out of or related to the wind-down of retail stores of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries), (viii) noncash foreign exchange translation losses with respect to currency hedges and currency remeasurements of indebtedness, (ix) any fees, expenses, commissions, costs or other charges related to any issuance of Stock or any investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (including with respect to indebtedness, a refinancing thereof), in each case whether or not consummated, and any amendment or modification to the terms of any such transactions, (x) without duplication of fees, expenses and charges incurred pursuant to clause (xi) below, reasonable and documented out of pocket fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the administration of the Loans after the Closing Date, (xi) fees, expenses or charges related to the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of this Agreement, other Loan Documents, Term Loan Documents, the Merger Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreements, the Rollover Agreement and the Asset Purchase Agreements, the borrowing of Loans and Term Loans and other credit extensions, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder (collectively, the “ Transaction ”) and incurred before, on or after (but not later than 90 days after) the Closing Date in aggregate amount not to exceed $7,000,000, (xii) fees, expenses or charges related to any litigation or other adverse proceeding arising directly out of the Transaction, (xiii) solely to be added for any computation period ending on or before

 

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December 31, 2016, the amount of severance expenses and cost savings in an amount not to exceed $5,600,000 attributable to (A) wage expense (and associated benefits and taxes) and (B) product sourcing costs as a result of diversifying the vendor base, projected by the Borrowers in good faith to result from actions taken or expected to be taken in connection with the Transaction after the Closing Date (in each case calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of such period and as if such cost savings were realized during the entirety of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that such cost savings are (x) reasonably supportable and quantifiable in the good faith judgment of the Borrowers, and (y) reasonably anticipated to be realized within 12 months after the Closing Date, (xiv) the amount of any restructuring charges and related charges, restructuring costs, integration costs, transition costs, consolidation and closing costs for stores and other facilities, project start-up costs, relocation costs, signing, retention and completion bonuses and other restructuring charges, accruals or reserves, (xv) severance expenses and pro forma adjustments, reflecting any synergies (other than revenue synergies), operating expense reductions and other operating improvements expected to be taken in connection with any acquisition and reasonably anticipated to be realized within 12 months after the consummation of the acquisition (in each case calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of such period and as if such cost savings were realized during the entirety of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that such cost savings are reasonably supportable and quantifiable in the good faith judgment of the Borrowers; provided , further , that, for purposes of calculating EBITDA for any period, written consent of the Lender shall be required to the extent the sum of all add-backs pursuant clauses (iv) , (ix) , (xii) , (xiv)  and this clause (xv)  exceeds 10% of EBITDA (before giving effect to any increases pursuant to this clause (xv) ), (xvi) non-cash income reduction adjustments derived from realigning Hudson Clothing Holdings, Inc.’s accounting policies to mirror accounting policies used by Parent, (xvii) expenses incurred in connection with store pre-opening and opening costs to the extent consistent with past practice, (xviii) fees, expenses or charges incurred during such period related to the Key Man Life Insurance Policy in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year, and (xix) non-cash income reduction adjustments derived from purchase accounting, minus (b) without duplication and to the extent included in net income, (x) any credit for taxes (including federal, state and local taxes, franchise taxes, excise taxes and similar taxes) based on net income tax and (y) any extraordinary gains and any non-cash items of income for such period on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

ECP ” means an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1(a)(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and the applicable rules issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or the SEC.

 

Effective Date ” the later of (a) the date of this Agreement and (b) the date on which all of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.1 shall have been fulfilled or waived by the Lender.

 

Eligible Accounts ” means those Accounts created by each Borrower in the ordinary course of its business, that arise out of such Borrower’s sale of Goods or rendition of services, that comply with each of the representations and warranties respecting Eligible Accounts made in the Loan Documents, that are not excluded as ineligible by virtue of one or more of the excluding criteria set forth below, and which Lender, in its Permitted Discretion, shall otherwise deem to be an Eligible Account; provided , however , that such criteria (except as provided in clause (l)  and the exclusion of Nordstrom and Macy’s and their Affiliates from clause (k)  of this definition) may be revised from time to time by Lender in Lender’s Permitted Discretion.  In determining the amount to be included, Eligible Accounts shall be calculated net of customer deposits, credits and unapplied cash.  Eligible Accounts shall not include the following:

 

(a)        Accounts that the Account Debtor has failed to pay within earlier of 120 days of original invoice date or 60 days of the original due date;

 

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(b)       Accounts with selling terms of more than 90 days, unless Factor has assumed and retained the Credit Risk (as defined in the applicable Factoring Agreement) thereon;

 

(c)        Accounts owed by an Account Debtor (or its Affiliates) where 25% or more of all Accounts owed by that Account Debtor (or its Affiliates) are deemed ineligible under clauses (a) or (b) above or clauses (i) or (s) below;

 

(d)       Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is an Affiliate of such Borrower or an employee or agent of such Borrower or any Affiliate of such Borrower;

 

(e)        Accounts arising in a transaction wherein Goods are placed on consignment or are sold pursuant to a guaranteed sale, a sale or return, a sale on approval, or any other terms by reason of which the payment by the Account Debtor may be conditional or contingent;

 

(f)         Accounts that are not payable in Dollars (except as may be approved in writing by Lender);

 

(g)        Accounts (except as may be approved in writing by Lender) with respect to which the Account Debtor either (i) does not maintain its chief executive office in the United States or Canada (excluding the Province of Quebec), or (ii) is not organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or Canada (excluding the Province of Quebec), or (iii) is the government of any foreign country or sovereign state, or of any state, province, municipality, or other political subdivision thereof, or of any department, agency, public corporation, or other instrumentality thereof, unless (x) the Account is supported by an irrevocable letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to Lender (as to form, substance, and issuer or domestic confirming bank) that has been delivered to Lender and is directly drawable by Lender, (y) the Account is covered by credit insurance in form, substance, and amount, and by an insurer, reasonably satisfactory to Lender, or (z) the Account is guaranteed pursuant to an approved working capital guarantee from the Export-Import Bank of the United States in favor of Lender and acceptable to Lender in all respects;

 

(h)       Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is either (i) the United States or any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States (exclusive, however, of Accounts with respect to which such Borrower has complied, to the reasonable satisfaction of Lender, with the Assignment of Claims Act, 31 USC §3727), or (ii) any state of the United States;

 

(i)           Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is a creditor of such Borrower, has or has asserted a right of setoff, or has disputed its obligation to pay all or any portion of the Account, to the extent of such claim, right of setoff, or dispute;

 

(j)           That portion of Accounts which reflect a reasonable reserve for warranty claims or returns or amounts which are owed to account debtors, including those for rebates, allowances, co-op advertising, new store allowances or other deductions;

 

(k)       other than Accounts for which Factor has assumed and retained the Credit Risk (as defined in the applicable Factoring Agreement) thereon, Accounts owing by a single Account Debtor or group of Affiliated Account Debtors (other than Nordstrom, Macy’s and each of their Affiliates) whose total obligations owing to Borrowers exceed twenty (20%) percent of the aggregate amount of all otherwise Eligible Accounts (but the portion of the Accounts not in excess of the foregoing applicable percentages may be deemed Eligible Accounts), such percentages being subject to reduction if the creditworthiness of such Account Debtor deteriorates;

 

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(l)           (x) Accounts that are otherwise Eligible Accounts of any Borrower owing by Nordstrom (including its Affiliates) to the extent the aggregate amount of such Accounts exceeds sixty percent (60%) of the aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts of all Borrowers, (y) Accounts that are otherwise Eligible Accounts of any Borrower owing by Macy’s (including its Affiliates) to the extent the aggregate amount of such Accounts exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts of all Borrowers or (z) Accounts that are otherwise Eligible Accounts of any Borrower owing by Nordstrom (including its Affiliates) or Macy’s (including its Affiliates) to the extent the aggregate amount of all such Accounts exceeds seventy percent (70%) of the aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts of all Borrowers (but the portion of such Accounts not in excess of the foregoing applicable percentages may remain Eligible Accounts); the foregoing percentages being subject to reduction by Lender in its Permitted Discretion if the creditworthiness of either of the foregoing Account Debtors deteriorates unless Factor has assumed and retained the Credit Risk (as defined in the applicable Factoring Agreement) thereon;

 

(m)   Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is subject to an Insolvency Proceeding, is not Solvent, has gone out of business, or as to which such Borrower has received notice of an imminent Insolvency Proceeding or a material impairment of the financial condition of such Account Debtor;

 

(n)       Accounts, the collection of which, Lender, in its Permitted Discretion, believes to be doubtful by reason of the Account Debtor’s financial condition;

 

(o)       Accounts representing credit card sales or “C.O.D.” sales;

 

(p)       Accounts that are not subject to a valid and perfected first priority Lien in favor of Lender or that are subject to any other Lien, unless such other Lien is a Permitted Lien and the holder of such Permitted Lien has entered into an intercreditor agreement with Lender reasonably acceptable to Lender;

 

(q)       Accounts that consist of progress billings (such that the obligation of the Account Debtors with respect to such Accounts is conditioned upon such Borrower’s satisfactory completion of any further performance under the agreement giving rise thereto) or retainage invoices;

 

(r)          Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is a Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Entity;

 

(s)         that portion of Accounts which represent finance charges, service charges, sales taxes or excise taxes;

 

(t)           that portion of Accounts which has been restructured, extended through reissuance of a credit memo, materially amended or otherwise materially modified;

 

(u)       bill and hold invoices, except those with respect to which Lender shall have received an agreement in writing from the Account Debtor, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, confirming the unconditional obligation of the Account Debtor to take the Goods related thereto and pay such invoice, so long as such Accounts satisfy all other criteria for Eligible Accounts hereunder;

 

(v)       Accounts which have not been invoiced; and

 

(w)    Accounts which are Credit Card Receivables.

 

Any Accounts which are not Eligible Accounts shall nonetheless constitute Collateral.

 

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Eligible Credit Card Receivables ” means at the time of any determination thereof, each Credit Card Receivable that satisfies the following criteria at the time of creation and continues to meet the same at the time of such determination, as determined by the Lender in its discretion: such Credit Card Receivable (i) has been earned by performance and represents the bona fide amounts due to a Borrower from a Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor, and in each case originated in the ordinary course of business of such Borrower, and (ii) in each case is acceptable to the Lender in its Permitted Discretion, and is not ineligible for inclusion in the calculation of the Borrowing Base pursuant to any of clauses (a) through (i) below.  Without limiting the foregoing, to qualify as an Eligible Credit Card Receivable, such Credit Card Receivable shall indicate no Person other than a Borrower as payee or remittance party. In determining the amount to be so included, the face amount of a Credit Card Receivable shall be reduced by, without duplication, to the extent not reflected in such face amount, (i) the amount of all accrued and actual discounts, claims, credits or credits pending, promotional program allowances, price adjustments, finance charges or other allowances (including any amount that a Borrower may be obligated to rebate to a customer, a Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor pursuant to the terms of any agreement or understanding (written or oral)) and (ii) the aggregate amount of all cash received in respect of such Credit Card Receivable but not yet applied by Borrower to reduce the amount of such Credit Card Receivable.  Except as otherwise agreed by the Lender, any Credit Card Receivable included within any of the following categories shall not constitute an Eligible Credit Card Receivable:

 

(a)        Credit Card Receivables which do not constitute an “Account” or a “payment intangible” (as defined in the Code);

 

(b)       Credit Card Receivables that have been outstanding for more than five (5) Business Days from the date of sale;

 

(c)        Credit Card Receivables (i) that are not subject to a perfected first-priority security interest in favor of the Lender, or (ii) with respect to which a Borrower does not have good, valid and marketable title thereto, free and clear of any Lien (other than (x) a Permitted Lien which does not have priority over the Lien in favor of Lender, and (y) Liens granted to, or for the benefit of, Lender to secure the Obligations);

 

(d)       Credit Card Receivables which are disputed, are with recourse, or with respect to which a claim, counterclaim, offset or chargeback has been asserted (to the extent of such claim, counterclaim, offset or chargeback);

 

(e)        Credit Card Receivables as to which the Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor has the right under certain circumstances to require a Loan Party to repurchase the Credit Card Receivables from such Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor;

 

(f)         Credit Card Receivables due from a Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor which is the subject of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings;

 

(g)        Credit Card Receivables which are not a valid, legally enforceable obligation of the applicable Credit Card Issuer or Credit Card Processor with respect thereto; or

 

(h)       Credit Card Receivables which do not conform to all representations, warranties or other provisions in the Loan Documents relating to Credit Card Receivables.

 

Eligible In-Transit Inventory ” means, as of any date of determination, without duplication of other Eligible Inventory, finished goods Inventory: (a) (i) which has been delivered to a carrier in a foreign port or foreign airport for receipt by a Loan Party in the United States within 60 days of the date

 

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of determination, but which has not yet been received by a Loan Party or (ii) which has been delivered to a carrier in the United States for receipt by a Loan Party in the United States within 5 Business Days of the date of determination, but which has not yet been received by a Loan Party; (b) for which the purchase order is in the name of a Loan Party and title has passed to such Loan Party; (c) included in a report of in-transit Inventory summarized by shipment that has been delivered by a Loan Party to Lender (and for which the applicable Loan Party is in possession of or received an electronic copy of the bill of lading and other shipping documents and documents of title) and, if requested by Lender, Lender has received a true and correct copy of the bill of lading and other shipping documents and documents of title for such Inventory, and (i) if the bill of lading or other documents of title are non-negotiable, the Inventory is in transit within the U.S. and Lender shall have received, if requested, a duly executed Collateral Access Agreement from the applicable customs broker, freight forwarder or carrier for such Inventory in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender or (ii) if the bill of lading or other documents of title are negotiable, the Inventory is in transit from outside the U.S. and Lender shall have received confirmation that the bill of lading or other documents of title are issued in the name of a Borrower and consigned to the order of Lender and a reasonably acceptable agreement has been executed with such Borrower’s customs broker or freight forwarder in which the customs broker or freight forwarder agrees that it holds the negotiable bills of lading or documents of title as agent for Lender and has granted Lender access to the Inventory; (d) which is insured in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, including marine cargo insurance; and (e) which otherwise is not excluded from the definition of Eligible Inventory; provided that Lender may, upon notice to Administrative Borrower, exclude any particular Inventory from the definition of “Eligible In-Transit Inventory” in the event that Lender determines that such Inventory is subject to any Person’s right or claim which is (or is capable of being) senior to, or pari passu with, the Lien granted to Lender under this Agreement, or may otherwise adversely impact the ability of Lender to realize upon such Inventory; provided , further that no Inventory shall be deemed Eligible In-Transit Inventory unless and until such time as Lender shall have investigated and tested the Loan Parties’ in-transit inventory reporting and documentation and Lender is satisfied with the results of such investigation and testing in its sole discretion.

 

Eligible Inventory ” means Eligible In-Transit Inventory and Inventory consisting of raw materials and first quality finished goods held for sale in the ordinary course of each Borrower’s business, that complies with each of the representations and warranties respecting Eligible Inventory made in the Loan Documents, and that is not excluded as ineligible by virtue of one or more of the excluding criteria set forth below; provided , however , that such criteria may be revised from time to time by Lender in Lender’s Permitted Discretion.  An item of Inventory shall not be included in Eligible Inventory or Eligible In-Transit Inventory if:

 

(a)        such Borrower does not have good, valid, and marketable title thereto;

 

(b)       it consists of work-in-process Inventory (other than fabrics), components which are not part of finished goods, supplies used or consumed in such Borrower’s business, or Goods that constitute spare parts, maintenance parts, packaging and shipping materials, or sample inventory or customer supplied parts or Inventory;

 

(c)        such Borrower does not have actual possession thereof (either directly or through a bailee or agent of such Borrower);

 

(d)       it is not located at one of the locations in the continental United States set forth on Schedule 5.29 to the Information Certificate (or in transit between such locations), except, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, Eligible Retail Inventory and Eligible In-Transit Inventory may be included as Eligible Inventory;

 

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(e)        it is stored at locations holding less than $100,000 of the aggregate value of such Borrower’s Inventory;

 

(f)         at any time after 90 days after the Closing Date, it is located (i) at any warehouse or distribution center leased by such Borrower or (ii) in any location leased by such Borrower, unless in each case (x) the lessor has delivered to Lender a Collateral Access Agreement or (y) a Rent Reserve for rent, charges and other amounts due or to become due with respect to such facility has been established by Lender in its Permitted Discretion;

 

(g)        which is located in any third party warehouse or is in the possession of a bailee (other than a third party processor) and is not evidenced by a Document, unless (i) such warehouseman or bailee has delivered to Lender a Collateral Access Agreement and such other documentation as the Lender may require or (ii) a Rent Reserve has been established by Lender in its Permitted Discretion;

 

(h)       except with respect to Eligible In-Transit Inventory, it is the subject of a bill of lading or other document of title;

 

(i)           it is on consignment from any consignor; or on consignment to any consignee or subject to any bailment unless the consignee or bailee has (i) executed an agreement with Lender, and (ii) provided evidence acceptable to Lender that the applicable Borrower has properly perfected a first priority security interest in such consigned Inventory and has properly notified in writing the other creditors of consignee who hold an interest in such Inventory of Borrower’s security interest in such Inventory, and (iii) the applicable Borrower has taken such other actions with respect to such consigned Inventory as Lender may reasonably request;

 

(j)           it is not subject to a valid and perfected first priority Lender’s Lien;

 

(k)       it consists of goods returned or rejected by such Borrower’s customers;

 

(l)           it consists of Goods that are damaged, defective, obsolete or slow moving;

 

(m)   Inventory that such Borrower has returned, has attempted to return, is in the process of returning or intends to return to the vendor of such Inventory;

 

(n)       it consists of Goods that are restricted or controlled, or regulated  items;

 

(o)       it consists of Goods that are bill and hold Goods;

 

(p)       it consists of damaged or defective Goods or “seconds”;

 

(q)       it is subject to third party trademark, licensing or other proprietary rights, unless Lender is satisfied that such Inventory can be freely sold by Lender on and after the occurrence of an Event of a Default despite such third party rights; or

 

(r)          it consists of customer-specific Inventory not supported by purchase orders.

 

Any Inventory which is not Eligible Inventory shall nonetheless constitute Collateral.

 

Eligible Retail Inventory ” means any Eligible Inventory located at, or in transit to, any retail store of a Borrower.

 

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Eligible Wholesale Inventory ” means any Eligible Inventory other than Eligible Retail Inventory.

 

Environmental Action ” means any written complaint, summons, citation, notice, directive, order, claim, litigation, investigation, judicial or administrative proceeding, judgment, letter, or other written communication from any Governmental Authority, or any third party involving violations of Environmental Laws or releases of Hazardous Materials (a) from any assets, properties, or businesses of any Loan Party, any Subsidiary of a Loan Party, or any of their predecessors in interest, (b) from adjoining properties or businesses, or (c) from or onto any facilities which received Hazardous Materials generated by any Loan Party, any Subsidiary of a Loan Party, or any of their predecessors in interest.

 

Environmental Law ” means any applicable federal, state, provincial, foreign or local statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, binding and enforceable guideline, binding and enforceable written policy, or rule of common law now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended, or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent decree or judgment, in each case, to the extent binding on any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, relating to the environment, the effect of the environment on employee health, or Hazardous Materials, in each case as amended from time to time.

 

Environmental Liabilities ” means all liabilities, monetary obligations, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including all reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel, experts, or consultants, and costs of investigation and feasibility studies), fines, penalties, sanctions, and interest incurred as a result of any claim or demand, or Remedial Action required, by any Governmental Authority or any third party, and which relate to any Environmental Action.

 

Environmental Lien ” means any Lien in favor of any Governmental Authority for Environmental Liabilities.

 

Equipment ” means equipment (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Equity Sponsor ” means Tengram Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Tengram Capital Partners Fund II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, TCP Denim and each of their respective controlled Affiliates and funds.

 

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and any successor statute thereto.

 

ERISA Affiliate ” means (a) any Person subject to ERISA whose employees are treated as employed by the same employer as the employees of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries under IRC Section 414(b), (b) any trade or business subject to ERISA whose employees are treated as employed by the same employer as the employees of any Loan Party  or its Subsidiaries under IRC Section 414(c), (c) solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the IRC, any organization subject to ERISA that is a member of an affiliated service group of which any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a member under IRC Section 414(m), or (d) solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 and 430 of the IRC, any Person subject to ERISA that is a party to an arrangement with any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and whose employees are aggregated with the employees of  a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries under IRC Section 414(o).

 

Event of Default ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 9 .

 

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Excess Availability ” means, as of any date of determination, the amount equal to Availability minus the aggregate amount, if any, of all trade payables and other obligations each Borrower and its Subsidiaries not paid in accordance with such Person’s historical practices (including being aged in excess of such historical aging practices) as of the end of the immediately preceding month, and all book overdrafts and fees of each Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in each case as determined by Lender in its Permitted Discretion.

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect from time to time.

 

Excluded Accounts ” means any Deposit Account which (i) is specially and exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes, withholding tax payments related thereto and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the employees of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries and accrued and unpaid employee compensation, (ii) is used for the sole purpose of paying taxes, including sales taxes, (iii) is used solely as an escrow account, a fiduciary or a trust account, (iv) is used solely to hold cash collateral for the outstanding Letter of Credit issued under the Existing RG Facility until such Letter of Credit is cancelled, expires or the Loan Parties’ reimbursement obligations with respect thereto are otherwise terminated, (v) is used to hold the good faith deposit in connection with the payoff of the Existing RG Facility until such good faith deposit is released or returned to the Loan Parties, (vi) constitutes Term Priority Collateral or (vii) is a Treasury Shares Account.

 

Excluded Hedge Obligation ” means, with respect to any Loan Party, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Loan Party of, or the grant by such Loan Party of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) (a) by virtue of such Loan Party’s failure for any reason to constitute an ECP at the time the Guarantee of such Loan Party or the grant of such security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation or (b) in the case of a Swap Obligation subject to a clearing requirement pursuant to Section 2(h) of the Commodity Exchange Act (or any successor provision thereto), because such Loan Party is a “financial entity”; as defined in Section 2(h)(7)(C)(i) of the Commodity Exchange Act (or any successor provision thereto), at the time the Guarantee of such Loan Party becomes or would become effective with respect to such related Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.

 

Excluded Property ” shall mean the following:

 

(a)                                any lease, license, permit, franchise, charter, authorization or agreement held by any Loan Party if the grant of a security interest therein shall (i) constitute or result in the violation or invalidation of any right, title or interest of such Loan Party therein or a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of any such lease, license, permit, franchise, charter, authorization or agreement or (ii) create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto or otherwise require consent thereunder of a third party (that is not a Debtor or any of its Subsidiaries) (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Code (or any successor provision or provisions) of the relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law or principles of equity);

 

(b)                               any assets or property to the extent the creation of a security interest therein or thereon requires consent, approval, license or authorization of a Governmental Authority or a third party (other than a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries) or creates a right of termination in favor of any third party (that is not a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries) (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Code(or any successor

 

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provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable Law or principles of equity); provided that such requirement or termination right shall have existed at the time of the acquisition thereof and was not created or made binding on the assets in contemplation of or in connection with the acquisition of such assets;

 

(c)                                voting Stock in excess of 65% of the Stock of (i) any Foreign Subsidiary, (ii) any Domestic Foreign Holding Company or (iii) any Subsidiary that is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal tax purposes and that owns more than 65% of the Stock of any Subsidiary described in clause (i) and (ii) above;

 

(d)                               any intent-to-use trademark application prior to the filing with, and acceptance of, the United States Patent and Trademark Office of a “Statement of Use” or an “Amendment to Allege Use” with respect thereto, pursuant to Section 1(c) or 1(d) of the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. § 1051 et seq.)  to the extent the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use trademark application or the resulting trademark registration under applicable United States federal law;

 

(e)                                any assets subject to a purchase money agreement, Capital Lease or similar arrangement to the extent the creation of a security interest therein is prohibited thereby (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Code (or any successor provision or provisions) of the relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable Law or principles of equity);

 

(f)                                 any Treasury Shares Account; and

 

(g)                                any specifically identified asset with respect to which Lender and the Borrowers have reasonably determined that the costs or other consequences (including adverse tax consequences) of providing a security interest is excessive in view of the practical benefits to be obtained by Lender;

 

provided , however , that in each case described in clauses (a)  and (b)  of this definition, such property shall constitute “Excluded Property” only to the extent and for so long as such lease, license, permit, franchise, charter, authorization or agreement or applicable Law or contractual obligation validly prohibits the creation of a Lien on such property in favor of Lender and, upon the termination of such prohibition (howsoever occurring), such property shall cease to constitute “Excluded Property”; provided further , that “Excluded Property” shall not include the right to receive any proceeds arising therefrom or any proceeds, substitutions or replacements of any Excluded Property (unless such proceeds, substitutions or replacements would otherwise constitute Excluded Property).

 

Excluded Taxes ” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to Lender or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to Lender: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of Lender being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes; (b) U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or commitment or (ii) Lender changes its lending office, except to the extent that, pursuant to Section 16 , amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable to Lender immediately before it changed its lending office; (c) Taxes attributable to Lender’s failure to comply with Section 16(d) ; and (d)  any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA .

 

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Existing Joe’s Facility ” shall mean the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2013, by and among Joe’s Jeans Inc., Joe’s Jeans Subsidiary, Inc., Hudson Clothing, LLC, Joe’s Jeans Retail Subsidiary, Inc., Innovo West Sales, Inc., Hudson Clothing Holdings, Inc., HC Acquisition Holdings, Inc., The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc., and the other lenders party thereto, as amended, extended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time.

 

Existing RG Facility ” shall mean the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2013, by and among RG Parent LLC, Robert Graham Holdings, LLC, Robert Graham Designs, LLC, Robert Graham Retail LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and the other lenders party thereto, as amended, extended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time.

 

Factor ” shall mean The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc. and its permitted successors and assigns.

 

Factoring Agreement ” shall mean each of (a) the Amended and Restated Deferred Purchase Factoring Agreement, dated January 28, 2016, among Hudson, RG Designs and Factor, (b) the Deferred Purchase Factoring Agreement, dated December 23, 2014, between RG Designs and Factor and (c) the Amended and Restated Factoring Agreement, dated September 30, 2013, between Hudson and Factor, in each of the foregoing cases as amended, extended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time .

 

FATCA ” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the IRC, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) , any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the IRC, and any intergovernmental agreements (and related legislation, administrative rules or official interpretations thereof) with respect to the foregoing.

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate ” means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by Lender from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.  For purposes of this definition, if at any time the foregoing rate is less than 0.00%, then the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be deemed to be 0.00%.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to Parent and its Subsidiaries for any period, the ratio of (i) EBITDA for such period, minus (a) Non-Financed Capital Expenditures made (to the extent not already incurred in a prior period) during such period, (b) federal, state, local and foreign income taxes (other than any such taxes resulting from the consummation of the transactions under the Asset Purchase Agreements) paid in cash (net of refunds received during such period) during such period, to the extent greater than zero, (c) Restricted Junior Payments paid in cash by Parent during such period (excluding Restricted Junior Payments paid on the Closing Date), (d) any earn-outs paid in cash during such period and (e) management fees paid to Equity Sponsor in cash during such period to (ii) Fixed Charges for such period.

 

Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any fiscal period and with respect to Parent and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, the sum, without duplication, of (a) Interest Expense paid or required to be paid in cash during such period (other than interest paid-in-kind, amortization of financing fees, and other non-cash Interest Expense), and (b) scheduled payments of principal required to be made in cash (after giving effect to any prepayments paid in cash prior to the

 

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applicable period that reduce the amount of such required payments) on account of Indebtedness for such period (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, payments of principal made pursuant to mandatory prepayments).

 

Fixtures ” means fixtures (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Foreign Subsidiary ” means as to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

 

Funding Date ” means the date on which a Borrowing occurs.

 

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the United States, consistently applied.

 

General Intangibles ” means general intangibles (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes payment intangibles, contract rights, rights to payment, rights under Hedge Agreements (including the right to receive payment on account of the termination (voluntarily or involuntarily) of any such Hedge Agreements), rights arising under common law, statutes, or regulations, choses or things in action, goodwill, Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property Licenses, purchase orders, customer lists, monies due or recoverable from pension funds, route lists, rights to payment and other rights under any royalty or licensing agreements, including Intellectual Property Licenses, infringement claims, pension plan refunds, pension plan refund claims, insurance premium rebates, tax refunds, and tax refund claims, interests in a partnership or limited liability company which do not constitute a security under Article 8 of the Code, and any other personal property other than Commercial Tort Claims, money, Accounts, Chattel Paper, Deposit Accounts, Goods, Investment Related Property, Negotiable Collateral, and oil, gas, or other minerals before extraction.

 

Gift Card Reserve ” means, as of any date of determination, the Dollar amount of reserves that Lender has determined in its Permitted Discretion it is necessary or appropriate to establish in respect of gift cards, gift certificates or other similar customer credits of any Loan Party then outstanding.

 

Goods ” means goods (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Governing Documents means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating or limited liability company agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

 

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local, or other governmental or administrative body, instrumentality, board, department, or agency or any court, tribunal, administrative hearing body, arbitration panel, commission, or other similar dispute-resolving panel or body.

 

Great American Agreement ” means the Consulting Agreement, dated December 11, 2015, among Great American Group, LLC and Parent, as amended, extended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time.

 

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Guarantee ” means, as to any Person, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien).  The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof.  The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

 

Guarantors ” means (a) each of Hudson Clothing Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, HC Acquisition Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Innovo West Sales, Inc., a Texas corporation, DBG Holdings Subsidiary Inc., a California corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Retail Subsidiary, Inc., RGH Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Marco Brunelli IP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and (b) each other Person that becomes a guarantor after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6.17 , and each of them is a “ Guarantor ”.

 

Guaranty ” means that certain guaranty, dated as of even date with this Agreement, executed and delivered by each Guarantor in favor of Lender in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender and any other guaranty agreement delivered at any time by a Guarantor in favor of Lender, and all of such guaranties are, collectively, the “ Guaranties ”.

 

Hazardous Materials ” means (a) substances that are defined or listed in, or otherwise classified pursuant to, any applicable laws or regulations as “hazardous substances,” “hazardous materials,” “hazardous wastes,” “toxic substances,” or any other formulation intended to define, list, or classify substances by reason of deleterious properties such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, or “EP toxicity”, (b) oil, petroleum, or petroleum derived substances, natural gas, natural gas liquids, synthetic gas, drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil, natural gas, or geothermal resources, (c) any flammable substances or explosives or any radioactive materials, and (d) asbestos in any form or electrical equipment that contains any oil or dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million.

 

Hedge Agreement ” means a “swap agreement” as that term is defined in Section 101(53B) (A) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

Hedge Obligations ” means any and all obligations or liabilities, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, determined or undetermined, voluntary or involuntary,  due, not due or to become due, incurred in the past or now existing or hereafter arising, however arising of any Borrower or Loan Party or any of its/their Subsidiaries arising under, owing pursuant to, or existing in respect of Hedge Agreements entered into with Lender or another Bank Product Provider.

 

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High Season ” means all times other than Low Season.

 

Indebtedness ” as to any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar instruments and all reimbursement or other obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, or other similar financial products, (c) all obligations of such Person as a lessee under Capital Leases, (d) all obligations or liabilities of others secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, irrespective of whether such obligation or liability is assumed, (e) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of assets (other than (i) trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business , (ii) any earn-out obligation until such obligation is not paid after becoming due and payable or such obligation is no longer subject to any contingency and (iii) accruals for payroll and other liabilities accrued in the ordinary course of business ), (f) all obligations of such Person owing under Hedge Agreements (which amount shall be calculated based on the amount that would be payable by such Person if the Hedge Agreement were terminated on the date of determination), (g) any Prohibited Preferred Stock of such Person, and (h) any obligation of such Person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee (whether directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed, co-made, discounted, or sold with recourse) any obligation of any other Person that constitutes Indebtedness under any of clauses (a) through (g) above.  For purposes of this definition, (i) the amount of any Indebtedness represented by a guaranty or other similar instrument shall be the lesser of the principal amount of the obligations guaranteed and still outstanding and the maximum amount for which the guaranteeing Person may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument embodying such Indebtedness, and (ii) the amount of any Indebtedness described in clause (d) above shall be the lower of the amount of the obligation and the fair market value of the assets of such Person securing such obligation.

 

Indemnified Liabilities ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 11.3 .

 

Indemnified Person ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 11.3 .

 

Indemnified Taxes ” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.

 

Information Certificate ” means the Information Certificate dated as of the Closing Date and completed and executed by the Loan Parties.

 

Insolvency Proceeding ” means any proceeding commenced by or against any Person under any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or under any other state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency law, assignments for the benefit of creditors, receiverships, formal or informal moratoria, compositions, extensions generally with creditors, or proceedings seeking reorganization, arrangement, or other similar relief.

 

Intellectual Property ” means any and all Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, trade secrets, and proprietary rights in know-how, inventions (whether or not patentable), algorithms, software programs (including source code and object code), processes, product designs, industrial designs, blueprints, drawings, data, customer lists, URLs and domain names, specifications, documentations, reports, catalogs, literature, and any other forms of technology or proprietary information of any kind, including all rights therein and all applications for registration or registrations thereof.

 

Intellectual Property Licenses ” means, with respect to any Person (the “ Specified Party ”), (i) any licenses or other similar rights provided to the Specified Party in or with respect to Intellectual Property owned or controlled by any other Person, and (ii) any licenses or other similar rights provided to

 

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any other Person in or with respect to Intellectual Property owned or controlled by the Specified Party, in each case, including (A) any software license agreements (other than license agreements for commercially available off-the-shelf software that is generally available to the public which have been licensed to the Specified Party pursuant to end-user licenses), (B) the license agreements listed on Schedule 5.26(b) to the Information Certificate , and (C) the right to use any of the licenses or other similar rights described in this definition in connection with the enforcement of the Lender’s rights under the Loan Documents.

 

Intercreditor Agreement ” means the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and between Lender and Term Loan Agent, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

Interest Expense ” means, for any period, the aggregate of the interest expense of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

Interest Period ” means, with respect to each LIBOR Loan, a period commencing on the date of the making of such LIBOR Loan (or the continuation of a LIBOR Loan or the conversion of a Base Rate Loan to a LIBOR Loan) and ending 1, 2, or 3 months thereafter; provided , that (a) interest shall accrue at the applicable rate based upon LIBOR from and including the first day of each Interest Period to, but excluding, the day on which any Interest Period expires, (b) any Interest Period that would end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (c) with respect to an Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period), the Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month that is 1, 2, or 3 months after the date on which the Interest Period began, as applicable, and (d) Borrowers may not elect an Interest Period which will end after the Maturity Date.

 

Interest Rate ” means:

 

(a)                                Base Rate with respect to Base Rate Loans, which interest rate shall change whenever Base Rate Changes, and

 

(b)                               LIBOR for the specified Interest Period with respect to LIBOR Loans, provided, that, in no event shall the Interest Rate calculated based on LIBOR be less than 0%.

 

Inventory ” means inventory (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Inventory Formula Amount ” means an amount equal to:

 

(a)        the lowest of (i) 100% of the Value (calculated at cost computed on a first-in first-out basis in accordance with GAAP) of Eligible Retail Inventory consisting of finished goods, (ii) 90% of the most recently determined High Season or Low Season (as and if applicable) Net Liquidation Percentage times the Value of Eligible Retail Inventory consisting of finished goods, or (iii) $14,000,000; plus

 

(b)       the lowest of (i) 70% of the Value (calculated at cost computed on a first-in first-out basis in accordance with GAAP) of Eligible Wholesale Inventory consisting of finished goods, (ii) 85% of the most recently determined High Season or Low Season (as and if applicable) Net Liquidation Percentage times the Value of Eligible Wholesale Inventory consisting of finished goods, or (iii) $15,000,000; plus

 

(c)        the lowest of (i) 50% of the Value (calculated at cost computed on a first-in first-out basis in accordance with GAAP) of Eligible In-Transit Inventory consisting of finished goods, (ii) 85% of the

 

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most recently determined High Season or Low Season (as and if applicable) Net Liquidation Percentage times the Value of Eligible In-Transit Inventory consisting of finished goods, or (iii) $2,000,000; plus

 

(d)       the lowest of (i) 25% of the Value (calculated at cost computed on a first-in first-out basis in accordance with GAAP) of Eligible Inventory consisting of fabrics, (ii) 85% of the most recently determined High Season or Low Season (as and if applicable) Net Liquidation Percentage times the Value of Eligible Inventory consisting of fabrics, or (iii) $500,000.

 

Investment ” means, with respect to any Person, any investment by such Person in any other Person (including Affiliates) in the form of loans, guarantees, advances, capital contributions (excluding (a) commission, travel, and similar advances to officers and employees of such Person made in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $500,000 in aggregate outstanding at any time, and (b) bona fide Accounts arising in the ordinary course of business), or acquisitions of Indebtedness, Stock, or all or substantially all of the assets of such other Person (or of any division or business line of such other Person), and any other items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

Investment Related Property ” means any and all investment property (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

IRC ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, as in effect from time to time.

 

ISP ” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the International Standby Practices 1998 (International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590) and any subsequent revision thereof adopted by the International Chamber of Commerce on the date such Letter of Credit is issued.

 

Joinder Agreement ” means a Joinder Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit G .

 

Key Man Life Insurance Policy ” means a life insurance policy in the amount of $20,000,000 insuring the life of Michael Buckley, chief executive officer of Parent.

 

Lender ” has the meaning specified therefor in the preamble to this Agreement and its successors and assigns.

 

Lender Expenses ” means all (a) reasonable and documented out-of pocket costs or expenses (including taxes, and insurance premiums) required to be paid by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries under any of the Loan Documents that are paid, advanced, or incurred by Lender, (b) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees or charges paid or incurred by Lender in connection with Lender’s transactions with any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries under any of the Loan Documents, including, fees or charges for photocopying, notarization, couriers and messengers, telecommunication, public record searches (including tax lien, judgment lien, litigation, bankruptcy and Code searches and including searches with the patent and trademark office, the copyright office, or the department of motor vehicles), filing, recording, publication, appraisal (including periodic collateral appraisals or business valuations to the extent of the fees and charges (and up to the amount of any limitation contained in this Agreement), real estate surveys, real estate title insurance policies and endorsements, and environmental audits, (c) Lender’s reasonable and documented out-of pocket fees and charges (as adjusted from time to time) with respect to the disbursement of funds (or the receipt of funds) to or for the account of Borrowers (whether by wire transfer or otherwise), together with any out of pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, (d) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket charges paid or incurred by Lender resulting from the dishonor of checks payable by or to any Loan Party, (e) reasonable and documented

 

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out-of-pocket costs and expenses paid or incurred by Lender to correct any default or enforce any provision of the Loan Documents, or during the continuance of an Event of Default, in gaining possession of, maintaining, handling, preserving, storing, shipping, selling, preparing for sale, or advertising to sell the Collateral, or any portion thereof, irrespective of whether a sale is consummated, (f) reasonable and documented out-of pocket fees and expenses to initiate electronic reporting by Borrowers to Lender, (g) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket examination fees and expenses of Lender related to any inspections, audits, examinations, or appraisals to the extent of the fees and charges (and up to the amount of any limitation) contained in this Agreement, (h) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses of third party claims or any other suit paid or incurred by Lender in enforcing or defending the Loan Documents or in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or Lender’s relationship with any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, (i) Lender’s reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) incurred in advising, structuring, drafting, reviewing, administering, or amending the Loan Documents, (j) Lender’s reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other advisors fees and expenses) incurred in terminating, enforcing (including reasonable attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other advisors fees and expenses incurred in connection with a “workout,” a “restructuring,” or an Insolvency Proceeding concerning any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or in exercising rights or remedies under the Loan Documents), or defending the Loan Documents, irrespective of whether suit is brought, or in taking any Remedial Action concerning the Collateral, and (k) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket charges, fees, costs and expenses for amendments, renewals, extensions, transfers, or drawings from time to time imposed by Lender in respect of Letters of Credit and out-of-pocket charges, fees, costs and expenses paid or incurred by Lender in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal, extension, or transfer of, or drawing under, any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder, subject to the limitations set forth on Schedule 2.12.

 

Lender Representatives ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 17.8(a) .

 

Lender-Related Persons ” means Lender, together with its Affiliates (including in their capacity as a Bank Product Provider) officers, directors, employees, attorneys, and agents.

 

Lender’s Accoun t” means the Deposit Account of Lender identified on Schedule D-2 (or such other Deposit Account of Lender that has been designated as such, in writing, by Lender to the Borrowers).

 

Lender’s Liens ” mean the Liens granted by Borrowers and the other Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries to Lender for its benefit and for the benefit of any Bank Product Provider under the Loan Documents.

 

Letter of Credit ” means a letter of credit (as that term is defined in the Code) issued by Lender.

 

Letter of Credit Agreements ” means a Letter of Credit Application, together with any and all related letter of credit agreements pursuant to which Lender agrees to issue, amend, or extend a Letter of Credit, or pursuant to which Borrowers agree to reimburse Lender for all Letter of Credit Disbursements, each such application and related agreement to be in the form specified by Lender from time to time.

 

Letter of Credit Application ” means an application requesting Lender to issue, amend, or extend a Letter of Credit, each such application to be in the form specified by Lender from time to time.

 

Letter of Credit Collateralization ” means either (a) providing cash collateral (pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory to Lender, including provisions that specify that the Letter of Credit fee and all usage charges set forth in this Agreement and the Letter of Credit Agreements will

 

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continue to accrue while the Letters of Credit are outstanding) to be held by Lender for the benefit of Lender in an amount equal to 105% of the then existing Letter of Credit Usage, (b) delivering to Lender the original of each Letter of Credit, together with documentation executed by all beneficiaries under each Letter of Credit in form and substance acceptable to Lender terminating all of such beneficiaries’ rights under such Letters of Credit, or (c) providing Lender with a standby letter of credit, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, from a commercial bank acceptable to Lender (in its sole discretion) in an amount equal to 105% of the then existing Letter of Credit Usage (it being understood that the Letter of Credit fee and all usage charges set forth in this Agreement will continue to accrue while the Letters of Credit are outstanding and that any such fees that accrue must be an amount that can be drawn under any such standby letter of credit).

 

Letter of Credit Disbursement ” means a payment made by Lender pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

 

Letter of Credit Indemnified Costs ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.13(e)  of this Agreement.

 

Letter of Credit Related Person ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.13(e)  of this Agreement.

 

Letter of Credit Usage ” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (i) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit, and (ii) the aggregate amount of outstanding reimbursement obligations with respect to Letters of Credit which remain unreimbursed or which have not been paid through an Advance under the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

LIBOR ” means for any Interest Period, the per annum rate of interest (rounded up, if necessary, to the nearest 1/8th of 1%) determined by Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to commencement of such Interest Period, for a term comparable to such Interest Period (a) equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or comparable or successor rate approved by Lender, as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source designated by Lender); or (b) if the rate described in clause (a) is unavailable for any reason, the interest rate at which Dollar deposits in the approximate amount of the Loan would be offered to major banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market. For purposes of this definition, if at any time the foregoing rate is less than 0.00%, then LIBOR shall be deemed to be 0.00%.

 

LIBOR Loan ” means any Loan or portion thereof bears interest at a rate determined by reference to LIBOR for a specified Interest Period.

 

Lien ” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment in the nature of a security interest, encumbrance, easement, lien (statutory or other), security interest, or other security arrangement, including any conditional sale contract or other title retention agreement, the interest of a lessor under a Capital Lease and any synthetic or other financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing.

 

Loan ” means the Advances.

 

Loan Account ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.8 .

 

Loan Documents ” means this Agreement, any Borrowing Base Certificate, the Information Certificate, the Control Agreements, the Guaranty, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Assignment of Factoring Proceeds, the Letters of Credit, the Patent and Trademark Security Agreement, the Copyright Security Agreement, any note or notes executed by any Borrower in connection with this Agreement and

 

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payable to Lender, any Letter of Credit Applications and other Letter of Credit Agreements entered into by any Borrower in connection with this Agreement, and any other instrument or agreement entered into, now or in the future, by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and Lender in connection with this Agreement, but specifically excluding all Hedge Agreements.

 

Loan Parties ” means collectively, each Borrower and each Guarantor and each of them is a “Loan Party”.

 

Lockbox ” means “Lockbox” as defined and described in the Cash Management Documents.

 

Low Season ” means for any period of determination of any applicable portion of the Inventory Formula Amount in the Borrowing Base, the period of months identified as a low selling period or similar term in the most recent inventory appraisal delivered to Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Margin Stock ” as defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as in effect from time to time.

 

Material Adverse Change ” means (a) a material adverse change in the business, operations, results of operations, assets, liabilities or financial condition of the Borrowers and the other Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) a material impairment of the ability of any Borrower or any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party or of the Lender’s ability to enforce the Obligations or realize upon the Collateral, or (c) a material impairment of the enforceability or priority of Lender’s Liens with respect to the Collateral as a result of an action or failure to act on the part of any Borrower or any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries.

 

Material Contract ” means (i) each contract or agreement to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party (other than a Loan Document, any real estate lease, any Term Loan Document, any Factoring Agreement, the Merger Agreement, any Convertible Notes Document, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Asset Purchase Agreements) involving aggregate consideration payable to or by Parent or such Subsidiary of $1,000,000 or more per calendar year (other than purchase orders in the ordinary course of the business of Parent or such Subsidiary), and (ii) all other contracts or agreements to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party (other than a Loan Document, any real estate lease, any Term Loan Document, any Factoring Agreement, the Merger Agreement, any Convertible Notes Document, the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Asset Purchase Agreements), the loss of which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

Maturity Date ” means the earlier of (a) January 28, 2021 and (b) the date which is ninety (90) days prior to the stated maturity date of the Term Loan.

 

Maximum Credit ” means, at any time, the lesser of (i) the Maximum Revolver Amount in effect at such time and (ii) the Borrowing Base at such time.

 

Maximum Revolver Amount ” means $40,000,000, or as such maximum amount may be increased pursuant to Section 2.2 or may be decreased pursuant to Section 2.9(b) .

 

Merger Agreement ” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 8, 2015, by and among RG Parent, Merger Sub and Parent.

 

Moody’s ” has the meaning specified therefor in the definition of Cash Equivalents.

 

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Negotiable Collateral ” means letters of credit, letter-of-credit rights, instruments, promissory notes, drafts and documents (as each such term is defined in the Code).

 

Net Liquidation Percentage ” means the percentage of the Value of a Borrower’s Inventory that is estimated to be recoverable in an orderly liquidation of such Inventory as set forth in the most recent acceptable appraisal received by Lender and upon which Lender may rely, net of all operating expenses and associated costs and expenses of such liquidation, such percentage to be as determined from time to time by an appraisal company selected or approved by Lender with such most  recent acceptable appraisal to be in form, scope, methodology and content acceptable to Lender in its Permitted Discretion.  For avoidance of doubt, (a) different Net Liquidation Percentages may apply to different subcategories of Inventory (such as full-price retail store Inventory and off-price retail store Inventory) as Lender may determine in its Permitted Discretion based on the most recent acceptable appraisal received by Lender with respect to such subcategories and (b) if the most recent acceptable appraisal received by Lender does not separately break out in-transit finished goods Inventory as a subcategory, then the Net Liquidation Percentage applicable to Eligible In-Transit Inventory shall be the lowest Net Liquidation Percentage applicable to any subcategory of finished goods Inventory set forth in such appraisal.

 

Non-Financed Capital Expenditures ” means Capital Expenditures not financed by the seller of the capital asset, by a third party lender or by means of any extension of credit by Lender other than by means of an Advance under the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

Obligations ” means (a) all loans (including the Advances), debts, principal, interest (including any interest that accrues after the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in whole or in part as a claim in any such Insolvency Proceeding), reimbursement or indemnification obligations with respect to Letters of Credit (irrespective of whether contingent), premiums, liabilities (including all amounts charged to the Loan Account pursuant to this Agreement), obligations (including indemnification obligations), fees, Lender Expenses (including any fees or expenses that accrue after the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in whole or in part as a claim in any such Insolvency Proceeding), guaranties, and all covenants and duties of any other kind and description owing by any Loan Party pursuant to or evidenced by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents and irrespective of whether for the payment of money, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, determined or undetermined, voluntary or involuntary, due, not due or to become due, sole, joint, several or joint and several, incurred in the past or now existing or hereafter arising, however arising, and including all interest not paid when due, and all other expenses or other amounts that any Borrower or any other Loan Party is required to pay or reimburse by the Loan Documents or by law or otherwise in connection with the Loan Documents, and (b) all Bank Product Obligations; provided, however, that the definition of “Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Loan Party of (or grant of security interest by any Loan Party to support, as applicable) any Excluded Hedge Obligations of such Loan Party for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Party.  Any reference in this Agreement or in the Loan Documents to the Obligations shall include all or any portion thereof and any extensions, modifications, renewals, or alterations thereof, both prior and subsequent to any Insolvency Proceeding.

 

OFAC ” means The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

 

Other Connection Taxes ” means, with respect to Lender, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between Lender and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from Lender having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

 

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Other Taxes ” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment.

 

Overadvance Amount ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.4(f) .

 

Pass-Through Tax Liabilities ” means the amount of state and federal income tax paid or to be paid by the direct or indirect owner of any Stock in a Loan Party on income directly or indirectly attributable to such owner of Stock as a result of such Loan Party’s (and any intermediate entity’s) “pass-through” tax status, assuming the highest marginal income tax rate for federal and state (for the state or states in which any owner of Stock is liable for income taxes with respect to such income) income tax purposes, after taking into account any deduction for state income taxes in calculating the federal income tax liability and all other deductions, credits, deferrals and other reductions currently available to such owners of Stock directly or indirectly from or through such Loan Party.

 

Patents ” means patents and patent applications, including (i) the patents and patent applications listed on Schedule 5.26(b) to the Information Certificate , (ii) all continuations, divisionals, continuations-in-part, re-examinations, reissues, and renewals thereof and improvements thereon, (iii) all income, royalties, damages and payments now and hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including payments under all licenses entered into in connection therewith and damages and payments for past, present, or future infringements thereof, and (iv) the right to sue for past, present, and future infringements thereof.

 

Patent and Trademark Security Agreement ” means each Patent and Trademark Security Agreement executed and delivered by the applicable Loan Party in favor of Lender, in form and substance acceptable to Lender.

 

Patriot Act ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 5.18 of Exhibit D to this Agreement.

 

Payment Conditions ” means, at any time of determination, that either (i) (x) immediately after giving pro forma effect to the subject Specified Payment, Excess Availability shall be greater than 15% of the Maximum Credit, and (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, in each case, as of the end of the most recently ended Test Period for which financial statements have been or were required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 shall be greater than or equal to 1.1 to 1.0 after giving pro forma effect to such Specified Payment, as if such Specified Payment had been made as of the first day of such Test Period or (ii) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such Specified Payment, Excess Availability is greater than 25% of the Maximum Credit.

 

Pension Plan ” means a pension plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) maintained for employees of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate and covered by Title IV of ERISA.

 

Permitted Discretion ” means a determination made by Lender in good faith in the exercise of its reasonable (from the perspective of a secured lender) business judgment.

 

Permitted Dispositions ” means:

 

(a)        sales, abandonment, or other dispositions of property (other than Inventory or Accounts) that is used, worn, damaged, obsolete or surplus in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(b)       sales of Inventory to buyers in the ordinary course of business;

 

(c)        the granting of Permitted Liens;

 

(d)       the making of a Restricted Junior Payment that is expressly permitted to be made pursuant to this Agreement;

 

(e)        the making of a Permitted Investment;

 

(f)         the sales of Accounts pursuant to the Factoring Agreements, subject at all times to the Assignment of Factoring Proceeds;

 

(g)        dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary;

 

(h)       sales, transfers and other disposition of assets that are not permitted by any other clause of this definition; provided that the aggregate fair market value of all such assets sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of in reliance upon this clause (h)  shall not exceed $500,000 during any fiscal year of Parent;

 

(i)           Sales, transfers and other dispositions of property (i) between Loan Parties, (ii) to a Loan Party or (iii) between Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties;

 

(j)           the unwinding of any Hedge Agreement;

 

(k)       the lapse or abandonment in the ordinary course of business of any registrations or applications for registration of any Intellectual Property rights, to the extent permitted hereunder or in any other Loan Documents;

 

(l)           dispositions, discounting or forgiveness of Accounts in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the collection or compromise thereof, it being acknowledged and agreed that, for purposes of clarity, bulk sales shall not be deemed to be permitted pursuant to this clause (l) ;

 

(m)   leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses, in each case in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and

 

(n)       sales, transfers and other dispositions expressly provided for under the Asset Purchase Agreements and sales, transfers and other dispositions pursuant to the Great American Agreement.

 

Permitted Holders ” means Tengram Capital Partners, L.P., together with investment funds managed by or otherwise affiliated with Tengram Capital Partners, L.P., and the Affiliates of each of the foregoing.

 

Permitted Indebtedness ” means:

 

(a)        Indebtedness evidenced by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

 

(b)       Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 5.19(a) to the Information Certificate and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of such Indebtedness;

 

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(c)        Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of such Indebtedness;

 

(d)       endorsement of instruments or other payment items for deposit;

 

(e)        the incurrence by any Borrower or any Loan Party or their Subsidiaries of Indebtedness under Hedge Agreements that are incurred for the bona fide purpose of hedging the interest rate, commodity, or foreign currency risks associated with such Borrower’s or Loan Party’s and its Subsidiaries’ operations and not for speculative purposes;

 

(f)         Indebtedness incurred in respect of Bank Products other than pursuant to Hedge Agreements;

 

(g)        Indebtedness constituting Permitted Investments or Permitted Intercompany Advances;

 

(h)       Indebtedness in a maximum aggregate amount not exceeding the Maximum Term Principal Obligations (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) under the Term Loan Agreement; provided that such Indebtedness shall not be permitted hereunder unless and until the Term Loan Agent shall have executed and delivered the Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(i)           Indebtedness in a maximum aggregate outstanding principal amount not exceeding $16,500,000 (excluding any interest paid-in-kind to the holder of such Indebtedness) incurred under the Convertible Note Documents; provided that such Indebtedness shall not be permitted hereunder unless the Convertible Notes contain subordination provisions and a legend consistent with those in effect on the Closing Date or otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender with a reference to the fact that such Convertible Notes are subordinate in right of payment to Lender’s rights under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

 

(j)           Guarantees by a Loan Party of Indebtedness of any other Loan Party if the primary obligation is permitted elsewhere in this definition;

 

(k)       customary indemnification and purchase price adjustment obligations of any such Person incurred in connection with Permitted Dispositions;

 

(l)           Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the financing of insurance premiums;

 

(m)   Indebtedness incurred by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries in any Permitted Investment hereunder, in each case to the extent constituting obligations in respect of purchase price (including earn-outs) or other similar adjustments;

 

(n)       Indebtedness incurred by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances, warehouse receipts or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in respect of workers compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims;

 

(o)       Indebtedness owed to any Person providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such Person, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(p)       Indebtedness of any Loan Party or Subsidiary in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds and similar obligations, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(q)       Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees, directors and consultants of Parent or any Subsidiary incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(r)          Indebtedness in an aggregate outstanding principal amount up to $ 2 , 5 00,000 ; provided that no more than an aggregate outstanding principal of $1,000,000 of Indebtedness under this clause (r)  shall be secured Indebtedness and all other Indebtedness under this clause (r)  shall be unsecured; and provided, further, that any Lien securing any such secured Indebtedness in an aggregate outstanding principal amount of more than $250,000 permitted pursuant to this clause (r)  must be subordinated to Lender’s Lien pursuant to a subordination agreement in form and substance acceptable to Lender;

 

(s)         without duplication of any other Indebtedness, non-cash accruals of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount and payment-in-kind interest with respect to Indebtedness permitted hereunder; and

 

(t)           all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (s) above.

 

Permitted Intercompany Advances ” means loans made by (a) a Loan Party to another Loan Party or (b) a Subsidiary of a Loan Party which is not a Loan Party to another Subsidiary of a Loan Party which is not a Loan Party.

 

Permitted Investments ” means:

 

(a)        Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;

 

(b)       Investments in negotiable instruments deposited or to be deposited for collection in the ordinary course of business;

 

(c)        advances made in connection with purchases of Goods or services in the ordinary course of business;

 

(d)       Investments owned by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule P-1 ;

 

(e)        Permitted Intercompany Advances;

 

(f)         Investments resulting from entering into (i) Bank Product Agreements, or (ii) agreements relative to Indebtedness that is permitted under clause (e)  of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness;

 

(g)        Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;

 

(h)       Investments (including debt obligations and Stock) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers or in settlement of delinquent obligations of, or

 

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other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business or upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured Investment;

 

(i)           Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is made solely with Stock of Parent (other than Prohibited Preferred Stock) or net cash proceeds thereof;

 

(j)           guarantees by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(k)       Investments by the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries in Stock in their respective Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date;

 

(l)           Investments made by any Loan Party in any other Loan Party and Investments by any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in another Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party ;

 

(m)   guarantees constituting Permitted Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.1 ;

 

(n)       Investments received in connection with the disposition of assets permitted by Section 7.4 ; and

 

(o)       additio nal Investments not to exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any one time.

 

Permitted Liens ” means:

 

(a)        Liens granted to, or for the benefit of, Lender to secure the Obligations;

 

(b)       Liens for unpaid taxes, assessments, or other governmental charges or levies that either (i) are not yet delinquent by more than 30 days or (ii) do not have priority over Lender’s Liens and the underlying taxes, assessments, or charges or levies are the subject of Permitted Protests;

 

(c)        judgment Liens arising solely as a result of the existence of judgments, orders, or awards that do not constitute an Event of Default under Section 9.3 ;

 

(d)       Liens set forth on Schedule P-2 ; provided , however , that to qualify as a Permitted Lien, any such Lien described on Schedule P-2 shall only secure the Indebtedness that it secures on the Closing Date and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof;

 

(e)        the interests of lessors under operating leases and licensors under license agreements;

 

(f)         purchase money Liens or the interests of lessors under Capital Leases to the extent that such Liens or interests secure Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness and so long as (i) such Lien attaches only to the asset purchased or acquired and the proceeds thereof, and (ii) such Lien only secures the Indebtedness that was incurred to acquire the asset purchased or acquired or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof;

 

(g)        Liens that are replacements of Permitted Liens to the extent that the original Indebtedness is the subject of permitted Refinancing Indebtedness and so long as the replacement Liens only encumber those assets that secured the original Indebtedness;

 

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(h)       Liens granted in favor of the Term Loan Agent pursuant to the Term Loan Agreement or any other Term Loan Document, so long as such Liens are subject to the Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(i)           Liens granted in favor of Factor pursuant to the Factoring Agreement, so long as such Liens are subject to the Assignment of Factoring Proceeds;

 

(j)           Liens of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4-208 of the Code in effect on the relevant jurisdiction covering only the terms being collected upon;

 

(k)       Liens granted by a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in favor of any Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary;

 

(l)           pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;

 

(m)   deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(n)       easements, zoning restrictions , rights-of-way and encumbrances on real or immovable property that do not secure any obligations for borrowed money and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of Parent or any Subsidiary;

 

(o)       the filing of financing statements or the equivalent thereof in any applicable jurisdiction filed solely as a precautionary measure in connection with operating leases or consignment of goods;

 

(p)       Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of l aw to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business, so long as such payments are not past due , unless such Liens are the subject of Permitted Protests;

 

(q)       Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or other similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into by any Loan Party or its Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business to the extent such Liens do not attach to any assets other than the goods subject to such arrangement; and

 

(r)          other Liens so long as the aggregate outstanding principal amount of obligations secured thereby does not exceed $1,000,000; provided , that any and all Liens permitted pursuant to this clause (r)  securing obligations in an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $250,000 or more must be subordinated to Lender’s Lien pursuant to a subordination agreement in form and substance acceptable to Lender.

 

Permitted Preferred Stock ” means and refers to any Preferred Stock issued by a Loan Party that is not Prohibited Preferred Stock.

 

Permitted Protest ” means the right of any Borrower or any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries to protest any Lien (other than any Lien that secures the Obligations), taxes (other than payroll taxes or taxes that are the subject of a United States federal tax lien), or rental payment, provided that (a) a reserve with respect to such obligation is established on books and records of such Borrower, such other Loan Party or such Subsidiary in such amount as is required under GAAP, (b) any such protest is instituted promptly and prosecuted diligently by such Borrower, Loan Party or Subsidiary,

 

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as applicable, in good faith, and (c) Lender is satisfied that, while any such protest is pending, there will be no impairment of the enforceability, validity, or priority of any of Lender’s Liens resulting from such protest.

 

Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness ” means, as of any date of determination, Purchase Money Indebtedness incurred after the Closing Date in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time not in excess of $1,000,000.

 

Person ” means natural persons, corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability partnerships, joint ventures, trusts, land trusts, business trusts, or other organizations, irrespective of whether they are legal entities, and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof.

 

Plan ” means an employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) maintained for employees of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate.

 

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

 

Prime Rate ” means at any time the rate of interest most recently announced by Lender at its principal office as its Prime Rate, with the understanding that the Prime Rate is one of Lender’s base rates, and serves as the basis upon which effective rates of interest are calculated for those loans making reference to it, and is evidenced by its recording in such internal publication or publications as Lender may designate.  Each change in the rate of interest shall become effective on the date each Prime Rate change is announced by Lender.

 

Proceeds ” has the meaning specified therefor in the definition of “Collateral” set forth in Schedule 1.1 .

 

Prohibited Preferred Stock ” means , with respect to any Person, any Preferred Stock of such Person that by its terms is mandatorily redeemable or subject to any other payment obligation (including any obligation to pay dividends, other than dividends of shares of Preferred Stock of the same class and series payable in kind or dividends of shares of common stock) , other than as a result of a change of control, asset sale, or similar event, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise on or before a date that is less than 91 days after the Maturity Date, or, on or before the date that is less than 91 days after the Maturity Date, other than as a result of a change of control, asset sale, or similar event, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise , is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof for cash or assets or securities (other than distributions in kind of shares of Preferred Stock of the same class and series or of shares of common stock) ; provided that if Preferred Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of Parent or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Preferred Stock shall not constitute Prohibited Preferred Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by Parent or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, death, or disability .  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Series A Preferred shall not be deemed “Prohibited Preferred Stock”.

 

Projections ” means Parent’s forecasted (a) balance sheets, (b) profit and loss statements, (c) Availability projections, and (d) cash flow statements, all prepared on a basis consistent (as applicable) with Parent’s historical financial statements, together with appropriate supporting details and a statement of underlying assumptions.

 

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Protective Advance ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.3(d) .

 

PTO ” means the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 

Purchase Money Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness (other than the Obligations, but including Capitalized Lease Obligations), incurred at the time of, or within 60 days after, the acquisition of any fixed assets for the purpose of financing all or any part of the acquisition cost thereof.

 

Qualified ECP Guarantor ” means, in respect of any Hedge Obligation, each Loan Party that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant guaranty or grant of the relevant security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Hedge Obligation or such other person as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section la(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

Real Property ” means any estates or interests in real property now owned or hereafter acquired by a Loan Party and the improvements thereto.

 

Record ” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

 

Refinancing Indebtedness ” means refinancings, renewals, or extensions of Indebtedness so long as:

 

(a)        such refinancings, renewals, or extensions do not result in an increase in the principal amount of the Indebtedness so refinanced, renewed, or extended (unless otherwise expressly permitted hereunder), other than by the amount of premiums paid thereon and the fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith and by the amount of unfunded commitments with respect thereto,

 

(b)       such refinancings, renewals, or extensions do not result in a shortening of the average weighted maturity (measured as of the refinancing, renewal, or extension) of the Indebtedness so refinanced, renewed, or extended, nor are they on terms or conditions that, taken as a whole, are or could reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the interests of Lender,

 

(c)        if the Indebtedness that is refinanced, renewed, or extended was subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, then the terms and conditions of the refinancing, renewal, or extension must include subordination terms and conditions that are at least as favorable to the Lender as those that were applicable to the refinanced, renewed, or extended Indebtedness, and

 

(d)       unless otherwise expressly permitted hereby, the Indebtedness that is refinanced, renewed, or extended is not recourse to any Person that is liable on account of the Obligations other than those Persons which were obligated with respect to the Indebtedness that was refinanced, renewed, or extended.

 

Remedial Action ” means all actions taken to (a) clean up, remove, remediate, contain, treat, monitor, assess, evaluate, or in any way address Hazardous Materials in the indoor or outdoor environment, (b) prevent or minimize a release or threatened release of Hazardous Materials so they do not migrate or endanger or threaten to endanger public health or welfare or the indoor or outdoor environment, (c) restore or reclaim natural resources or the environment, (d) perform any pre-remedial studies, investigations, or post-remedial operation and maintenance activities, or (e) conduct any other actions with respect to Hazardous Materials required by Environmental Laws.

 

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Reserves ” means, as of any date of determination, the sum without duplication of (a) an amount or percent of a specified item or category of items that Lender establishes from time to time in its Permitted Discretion to reduce Availability under the Borrowing Base or the Maximum Revolver Amount to reflect (i) such matters, events, conditions, contingencies or risks which affect or which may reasonably be expected to affect the assets, business or prospects of a Borrower, any other Loan Party or the Collateral or its value or the enforceability, perfection or priority of Lender’s Liens in the Collateral, or (ii) Lender’s judgment that any collateral report or financial information relating to a Borrower or any other Loan Party delivered to Lender is incomplete, inaccurate or misleading in any material respect, plus (b) the Dilution Reserve, Gift Card Reserve and the Bank Product Reserve Amount. The amount of any Reserve established by Lender shall have a reasonable relationship to the event, condition, contingency, risk, other circumstance or fact that is the basis for such Reserve and shall not be duplicative of any other Reserve established and currently maintained. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Reserves may include (but are not limited to) reserves based on rent; provided that, as long as no Event of Default is continuing, such Reserves shall be limited to an amount not to exceed the sum of (x) past due rent for all of the Borrowers’ leased locations plus (y) three (3) month’s rent for all of each Borrower’s leased locations at which Eligible Inventory, or books and Records relating to Eligible Inventory, or that are distribution centers or warehouses, other than, in each case, such locations, distribution centers or warehouses with respect to which Lender has received a Collateral Access Agreement reasonably satisfactory to Lender (“ Rent Reserves ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else to the contrary in this Agreement, no Rent Reserves shall be established with respect to any location until the earlier of the date (i) that is 90 days after the Closing Date and (ii) that the applicable landlord affirmatively refuses to provide a Collateral Access Agreement reasonable acceptable to Lender.

 

Restricted Junior Payment ” means (a) any declaration or payment of any dividend or the making of any other payment or distribution on account of Stock issued by any Loan Party or to the direct or indirect holders of Stock issued by any Loan Party in their capacity as such (other than (i) any compensation paid to officers and employees and (ii) dividends or distributions payable in Stock (other than Prohibited Preferred Stock) issued by any Loan Party), or (b) any purchase, redemption, or other acquisition or retirement for value (including in connection with any merger or consolidation involving any Loan Party) of any Stock issued by any Loan Party.

 

Revolver Usage ” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (a) the amount of outstanding Advances, plus (b) the amount of the Letter of Credit Usage.

 

Revolving Credit Facility ” means the revolving line of credit facility described in Section 2.1 pursuant to which Lender provides Advances to Borrowers and issues Letters of Credit for the account of Borrowers.

 

Rollover Agreement ” means the Rollover Agreement dated September 8, 2015, by and among Parent and the noteholders party thereto.

 

Sanctioned Entity ” means (a) a country or a government of a country, (b) an agency of the government of a country, (c) an organization directly or indirectly controlled by a country or its government, (d) a Person resident in or determined to be resident in a country, in each case, that is subject to a country sanctions program administered and enforced by OFAC.

 

Sanctioned Person ” means a person named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals maintained by OFAC.

 

S&P ” has the meaning specified therefor in the definition of Cash Equivalents.

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 37



 

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any successor thereto.

 

Securities Account ” means a securities account (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

 

Security Interest ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3.1 .

 

Series A Preferred ” means the Series A Preferred Stock issued by Parent pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement.

 

Solvent ” means, with respect to any Person as of any date of determination, that (a) at fair valuations, the sum of such Person’s debts (including contingent liabilities) is less than all of such Person’s assets, (b) such Person is not engaged or about to engage in a business or transaction for which the remaining assets of such Person are unreasonably small in relation to the business or transaction or for which the property remaining with such Person is an unreasonably small capital, and (c) such Person has not incurred and does not intend to incur, or reasonably believe that it will incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they become due (whether at maturity or otherwise).  For purposes of this definition, the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability (irrespective of whether such contingent liabilities meet the criteria for accrual under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 5).

 

Specified Event of Default ” means any Event of Default of the type described in Section 9.1, 9.2, 9.5, 9.6 or 9.3(a)  (with respect to any Borrowing Base Certificate).

 

Specified Payment ” means any Investment, Restricted Junior Payment or prepayment, redemption, defeasance, purchase or other acquisition of Indebtedness that in each case is subject to the satisfaction of the Payment Conditions.

 

Standard Letter of Credit Practice ” means, for Lender, any domestic or foreign law or letter of credit practices applicable in the city in which Lender issued the applicable Letter of Credit or, for its branch or correspondent, such laws and practices applicable in the city in which it has advised, confirmed or negotiated such Letter of Credit, as the case may be, in each case, (a) which letter of credit practices are of banks that regularly issue letters of credit in the particular city, and (b) which laws or letter of credit practices are required or permitted under ISP or UCP 600, as chosen in the applicable Letter of Credit.

 

Stock ” means all shares, options, warrants, membership interests, participations, or other equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in a Person, whether voting or nonvoting, including common stock, preferred stock (including the Series A Preferred), or any other “equity security” (as such term is defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act).

 

Stock Purchase Agreement ” means the Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of September 8, 2015, by and between Parent and TCP Denim.

 

Subsidiary ” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity in which that Person directly or indirectly owns or controls the shares of Stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or appoint other comparable managers) of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity.

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 38



 

Supporting Obligations ” means supporting obligations (as such term is defined in the Code), and includes letters of credit and guaranties issued in support of Accounts, Chattel Paper, documents, General Intangibles, instruments or Investment Related Property.

 

Taxes ” means any taxes, levies, imposts, duties, fees, assessments or other charges of whatever nature now or hereafter imposed by any Governmental Authority and all interest, penalties or similar liabilities with respect thereto.

 

TCP Denim ” means TCP Denim, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

Term Lenders ” has the meaning specified therefor in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Term Loan ” means the term loan made under the Term Loan Agreement.

 

Term Loan Agent ” means the “Agent” as such term is defined in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

Term Loan Agreement ” means that certain Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among Borrowers, Guarantors, Term Loan Agent and the term loan lenders party thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with and to the extent permitted under the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Term Loan Document ” has the meaning assigned to the term “Loan Document” in the Term Loan Agreement.

 

Term Obligations ” has the meaning specified therefor in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Term Priority Collateral ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Termination Date ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.9 .

 

Test Period ” means, for any determination under this Agreement, the four consecutive fiscal quarters of Parent then last ended and for which financial statements shall have been delivered (or were required to be delivered) to Lender under this Agreement (or, before the first delivery of financial statements hereunder, the most recent period of four fiscal quarters at the end of which financial statements are available), or as otherwise provided in Section 8(a) .

 

Trademarks ” means any and all trademarks, trade names, registered trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, registered service marks and service mark applications, including (i) the trade names, registered trademarks, trademark applications, registered service marks and service mark applications listed on Schedule 5.26(b) to the Information Certificate , (ii) all renewals thereof, (iii) all income, royalties, damages and payments now and hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including payments under all licenses entered into in connection therewith and damages and payments for past or future infringements or dilutions thereof, (iv) the right to sue for past, present and future infringements and dilutions thereof, (v) the goodwill of each Loan Party’s business symbolized by the foregoing or connected therewith, and (vi) all of each Loan Party’s rights corresponding thereto throughout the world.

 

Treasury Shares Account ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 7.11(b) .

 

UCP 600 ” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits 2007 Revision, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600 and any

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 39



 

subsequent revision thereof adopted by the International Chamber of Commerce on the date such Letter of Credit is issued.

 

United States ” means the United States of America.

 

Unused Amount ” has the meaning specified therefor in Schedule 2.12 of this Agreement.

 

Unused Fee ” has the meaning specified therefor in Schedule 2.12 of this Agreement.

 

URL ” means “uniform resource locator,” an internet web address.

 

Value ” means, as determined by Lender in good faith, with respect to Inventory, the lower of (a) cost computed on a first-in first-out basis in accordance with GAAP or (b) market value, provided that for purposes of the calculation of the Borrowing Base, (i) the Value of the Inventory shall not include:  (A) the portion of the value of Inventory equal to the profit earned by any Affiliate on the sale thereof to any Borrower or (B) write-ups or write-downs in value with respect to currency exchange rates and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the cost of the Inventory shall be computed in the same manner and consistent with the most recent appraisal of the Inventory received and accepted by Lender, if any.

 

Voidable Transfer ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 17.7 .

 

a.              Accounting Terms.   All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP; provided that all leases of any Person that are or would be characterized as operating leases in accordance with GAAP immediately prior to the Closing Date (whether or not such operating leases were in effect on such date) shall continue to be accounted for as operating leases (and not as Capital Leases) for purposes of this Agreement regardless of any change in GAAP following the date that would otherwise require such leases to be recharacterized as Capital Leases; provided , further however, that if any Borrower notifies Lender that such Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change in accounting principles required by the promulgation of any rule, regulation, pronouncement or opinion by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (or successor thereto or any agency with similar functions) (an “ Accounting Change ”) occurring after the Closing Date, or in the application thereof (or if Lender notifies any Borrower that Lender requests an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such Accounting Change or in the application thereof, then Lender and Borrowers agree that they will negotiate in good faith amendments to the provisions of this Agreement that are directly affected by such Accounting Change with the intent of having the respective positions of the Lender and each Borrower after such Accounting Change conform as nearly as possible to their respective positions as of the date of this Agreement and, until any such amendments have been agreed upon, the provisions in this Agreement shall be calculated as if no such Accounting Change had occurred.  Whenever used herein, the term “financial statements” shall include the footnotes and schedules thereto.  Whenever the term “Borrower” is used in respect of a financial covenant or a related definition, it shall be understood to mean Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless the context clearly requires otherwise .

 

b.             Code.   Any terms used in this Agreement that are defined in the Code shall be construed and defined as set forth in the Code unless otherwise defined herein.  The meaning of any term defined herein by reference to the Code will not be limited by reason of any limitation set forth on the scope of the Code, whether under Section 9-109 of the Code, by reason of federal preemption or otherwise.

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 40



 

c.              Construction.   Unless the context of this Agreement or any other Loan Document clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the singular, references to the singular include the plural, the terms “includes” and “including” are not limiting, and the term “or” has, except where otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or.”  The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and similar terms in this Agreement or any other Loan Document refer to this Agreement or such other Loan Document, as the case may be, as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement or such other Loan Document, as the case may be.  Section, subsection, clause, schedule, and exhibit references herein are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified, any definition of or reference in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document to any agreement, instrument, or document shall be construed as referring to all alterations, amendments, amendments and restatements, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements, thereto and thereof, as applicable (subject to any restrictions on such alterations, amendments, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements set forth herein).  The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts, and contract rights.  Any reference herein or in any other Loan Document to the satisfaction, repayment, or payment in full of the Obligations shall mean the repayment in full in cash or immediately available funds (or, (a) in the case of contingent reimbursement obligations with respect to Letters of Credit, providing Letter of Credit Collateralization, and (b) in the case of obligations with respect to Bank Products (other than Hedge Obligations), providing Bank Product Collateralization) of all of the Obligations (including the payment of any Lender Expenses that have accrued irrespective of whether demand has been made therefor and the payment of any termination amount then applicable (or which would or could become applicable as a result of the repayment of the other Obligations) under Hedge Agreements) other than unasserted contingent indemnification Obligations.  Any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns.  Any requirement of a writing contained herein or in any other Loan Document shall be satisfied by the transmission of a Record.  References herein to any statute or any provision thereof include such statute or provision (and all rules, regulations and interpretations thereunder) as amended, revised, re-enacted, and /or consolidated from time to time and any successor statute thereto.

 

d.             Schedules and Exhibits.   All of the schedules and exhibits attached to this Agreement shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.

 

e.              Time References . Unless the context of this Agreement or any other Loan Document clearly requires otherwise, all references to time of day refer to Eastern standard time or Eastern daylight saving time.

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 41


 


 

SCHEDULE 2.12

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Borrowers shall pay to Lender each of the following fees:

 

On the Closing Date:

Closing Fee . A one-time closing fee of $200,000 which shall be fully earned and payable upon the execution of this Agreement.

 

 

Monthly:

 

(a)  Unused Fee . An unused line fee (the “ Unused Fee ”) of one quarter of one percent (0.25%) per annum of the daily average of the Maximum Revolver Amount reduced by outstanding Advances and Letter of Credit Usage (the “ Unused Amount ”), from the date of this Agreement to and including the Termination Date, which unused line fee shall be payable monthly in arrears on the first day of each month and on the Termination Date.

 

(b)  Collateral Management Fee .  A collateral management fee in the amount of $2,500 per month, which fee shall be fully earned, due and payable monthly in advance on the first day of each month after the Closing Date.

 

(c)  Cash Management and Other Service Fees .  Service fees to Lender for Cash Management Services provided pursuant to the Cash Management Documents, Bank Product Agreements or any other agreement entered into by the parties, including Lender’s customary fees and charges (as adjusted from time to time) with respect to the disbursement of funds (or the receipt of funds) to or for the account of Borrowers (whether by wire transfer or otherwise) in the amount prescribed in Lender’s current service fee schedule.

 

(d)  Letter of Credit Fees .  A Letter of Credit fee (in addition to the charges, commissions, fees, and costs set forth in Section 2.13(e) ) which shall accrue at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable Margin for LIBOR Loans times the Daily Balance of the undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit, payable in arrears on the first day of each month and on the Termination Date and continuing until all undrawn Letters of Credit have expired or been returned for cancellation.  In addition, Borrowers shall pay to Lender all fees upon the occurrence of any other activity with respect to any Letter of Credit (including, without limitation, the issuance, transfer, amendment, extension or cancellation of any Letter of Credit and honoring of draws under any Letter of Credit) determined in accordance with Lender’s standard fees and charges then in effect for such activity.

 

 

 

Schedule 2.1

Page 1



 

Within 10 days after demand by Lender (accompanied by a reasonably detailed invoice) or as otherwise specified in this Agreement:

 

(a)   Collateral Exam Fees, Costs and Expenses .  Lender’s fees, costs and expenses in connection with any collateral exams or inspections conducted by or on behalf of Lender at the current rates established from time to time by Lender as its fee for collateral exams or inspections (which fees are currently $950 per day per collateral examiner), together with all reasonable and documented actual out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in conducting any collateral exam or inspection; provided, however, after the Closing Date, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Borrowers shall not be obligated to reimburse Lender for more than $15,000 in fees, costs and expenses related such collateral exams and inspections per examination. Applicable fees related to electronic collateral reporting will also be charged.

 

(b)   Appraisal Fees, Costs and Expenses .   Lender’s fees, costs and expenses (including any fees, costs and expenses incurred by any appraiser) in connection with any appraisal of all or any part of the Collateral conducted at the request of Lender as permitted under this Agreement.

 

 

Schedule 2.1

Page 2



 

SCHEDULE 6.1

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Deliver to Lender, each of the financial statements, reports, or other items set forth below at the following times in form reasonably satisfactory to Lender; provided that (i) any financial statements delivered to Lender shall be deemed to be in a form reasonably satisfactory to Lender if such financial statements are the financial statements filed by Parent with EDGAR; and (ii) any Compliance Certificate delivered to Lender shall be deemed to be in a form reasonably satisfactory to Lender if such Compliance Certificate is in the form of Exhibit A :

 

within 45 days after the end of the first three full fiscal months after the Closing Date and 30 days after the end of each fiscal month thereafter

(a)   an unaudited consolidated balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flow, and statement of shareholder’s or owner’s equity with respect to Parent and its Subsidiaries during such period and compared to the prior period (if applicable), prepared in accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes; and

 

(b)   a Compliance Certificate along with the underlying calculations, including the calculations of the financial covenant set forth in Section 8 (if applicable).

 

within 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter after the Closing Date (other than the fourth fiscal quarter of a fiscal year)

(a)   consolidated financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal quarter, prepared in accordance with GAAP; and

 

(b)   a Compliance Certificate along with the underlying calculations, including the calculations of the financial covenant set forth in Section 8 (if applicable).

 

within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year

(a)   consolidated financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, audited by Parent’s independent certified public accountants, prepared in accordance with GAAP, and certified, without any “going concern” or like qualification or exception, or qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit by such accountants to have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (such audited financial statements to include a balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flow, and statement of stockholder’s or owners’ equity); and

 

(b)   commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016, a Compliance Certificate along with the underlying calculations, including the calculations of the financial covenant set forth in Section 8 (if applicable).

 

within 45 days after the end of each fiscal year commencing after the end of the 2016 fiscal year

(a)   copies of Borrowers’ Projections for the forthcoming fiscal year, on a monthly basis, certified by the chief financial officer (or similar officer) of Parent as being such officer’s good faith estimate of the financial performance of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries during the period covered thereby (it being understood by Lender that projections of future events are subject to uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the

 

Schedule 6.1

Page 1



 

 

control of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, and that actual results may vary significantly from projected results).

 

If and when filed by any Borrower (unless posted to any Borrower’s website or filed with EDGAR, in which case Borrowers shall be deemed to be in compliance):

 

(a)   Form 10-Q quarterly reports, Form 10-K annual reports, and Form 8-K current reports; and

 

(b) any other filings made by any Borrower with the SEC.

 

Schedule 6.1

Page 2



 

SCHEDULE 6.2

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Provide Lender with each of the documents and information set forth below at the following times in form reasonably satisfactory to Lender:

 

During a Cash Dominion Trigger Period, weekly, no later than the third Business Day after the end of each such week

 

(a) a Borrowing Base Certificate.

Within 20 days after the end of each calendar month

 

(a)  a Borrowing Base Certificate;

 

(b)  an Account roll-forward with supporting details supplied from sales journals, collection journals, credit registers and any other records;

 

(c)  Inventory system/perpetual reports specifying the cost of each Borrower’s Inventory, by location (delivered electronically, if a Borrower has implemented electronic reporting); and

 

(d)  a detailed aging of each Borrower’s Accounts, together with a reconciliation to the monthly Account roll-forward and supporting documentation for any reconciling items noted (delivered electronically, if a Borrower has implemented electronic reporting);a summary aging, by vendor, of each Borrower’s accounts payable (delivered electronically in an acceptable format, if a Borrower has implemented electronic reporting).

 

Monthly (no later than the 30th day of each month)

(a)     a reconciliation of Accounts aging, trade accounts payable aging, and Inventory perpetual of each Borrower to the general ledger and the monthly financial statements, including any book reserves related to each category.

 

Upon written request by Lender

(a)   copies of purchase orders and invoices for Inventory and Equipment acquired by each Borrower, and

 

(b)   such other reports and information as to the Collateral and as to each Borrower and each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries, as Lender may reasonably request.

 

 

Schedule 6.2

Page 1


 


 

EXHIBIT A

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

 

FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

To:                            Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

333 South Grand Avenue, 12th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

 

Attn: Portfolio Manager

 

Re:                            Compliance Certificate dated [_________________]

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit and Security Agreement (as amended, restated, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“ Lender ”), DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Inc. (“ Parent ”), DBG SUBSIDIARY INC., a Delaware corporation  (“ DBG ”), HUDSON CLOTHING, LLC, a California limited liability company (“ Hudson ”), RG PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ RG Parent ”), ROBERT GRAHAM HOLDINGS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Holding ”), ROBERT GRAHAM DESIGNS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Designs ”), ROBERT GRAHAM RETAIL LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ RG Retail ”) and JJ MERGER SUB LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Merger Sub ” and, together with Parent, DBG, Hudson, RG Parent, RG Holding, RG Designs, RG Retail and each other Subsidiary of Parent that becomes a borrower hereunder, collectively, the  “ Borrowers ”, and each a  “ Borrower ”) and the other Loan Parties signatory thereto.  Capitalized terms used in this Compliance Certificate have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement unless specifically defined herein.

 

Pursuant to Schedule 6.1 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned officer of [_____________] hereby certifies , solely in such capacity and not in such undersigned’s individual capacity, that:

 

a.              Attached is the financial information of Parent and its Subsidiaries which is required to be furnished to Lender pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Credit Agreement for the [fiscal month][fiscal quarter][fiscal year] ended ____________, __________ (the “ Reporting Date ”).  Such financial information has been prepared in accordance with GAAP [(except for year-end adjustments and the lack of footnotes)] 1 , and fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition of Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such [fiscal month][fiscal quarter][fiscal year].

 

b.             Such officer has reviewed the terms of the Credit Agreement and has made, or caused to be made under his/her supervision, a review in reasonable detail of the transactions and condition of each Borrower and its Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by the financial statements delivered pursuant to Schedule 6.1 of the Credit Agreement.

 

c.              Such review has not disclosed the existence on and as of the date hereof, and the undersigned does not have knowledge of the existence as of the date hereof, of any event or condition that constitutes a

 


1  Exclude bracketed language with annual audits.

 

Exhibit A

Page 1



 

Default or Event of Default [except as set forth in detail below, together with the actions taken to cure: ___________________].

 

d.             The representations and warranties of each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries set forth in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof (except to the extent they relate to a specified date).

 

e.              As of the Reporting Date, the calculations of the applicable covenant contained in Section 8 of the Credit Agreement is set forth on Schedule 1 hereof.

 

[f.  Schedule 2 attached hereto sets forth any (a) issued Patents or Patent applications owned by any Loan Party and not listed on Exhibit A to the Patent and Trademark Security Agreement or disclosed in a prior Compliance Certificate, (b) Trademark registrations or applications owned by any Loan Party and not listed on Exhibit B to the Patent and Trademark Security Agreement or disclosed in a prior Compliance Certificate and (c) registered Copyrights or Copyright applications owned by any Loan Party and not listed on Exhibit A to the Copyright Security Agreement or disclosed in a prior Compliance Certificate.] 2

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Compliance Certificate is executed by the undersigned this [_____] day of [_______________], 20[__].

 

DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC.

 

By:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


2  To be included only with the fiscal quarter-end Compliance Certificates.

 

Exhibit A

Page 2



 

SCHEDULE 1 TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

Financial Covenant

 

I further certify that (Please check and complete each of the following):

 

a.              Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio .  The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of Parent and its Subsidiaries, measured on a trailing twelve-month basis, for the applicable period ending on the Reporting Date is ___ :1.0[, which * satisfies * does not satisfy the requirement set forth in Section 8(a)  of the Credit Agreement that the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio be not less than 1.0 to 1.0 as required during the [trailing twelve-month][applicable] period ending on the Reporting Date] 3 .  Attached to this Schedule 1 are calculations supporting the foregoing calculation with respect to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


3  To be inserted if a Covenant Testing Trigger Period is in effect.

 



 

SCHEDULE 2 TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

Intellectual Property

 



 

EXHIBIT B

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

The obligation of Lender to make its initial extension of credit provided for in this Agreement is subject to the fulfilment, to the satisfaction of Lender, of each of the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)        Lender shall have received financing statements in form for filing in such office or offices as may be necessary or, in the opinion of Lender, desirable to perfect the Lender’s Liens in and to the Collateral of the Loan Parties;

 

(b)       Lender shall have received each of the following documents, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, duly executed, and each such document shall be in full force and effect:

 

(i)                this Agreement and the other Loan Documents required to be delivered on the Closing Date,

 

(ii)            the Control Agreement(s) with respect to each Loan Party’s deposit accounts (other than Excluded Accounts) maintained at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,

 

(iii)        a notice of Borrowing in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.6(c) ,

 

(iv)        the Guaranty,

 

(v)            the Intercreditor Agreement,

 

(vi)        a customary payoff letter, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, from The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc. with respect to the Existing Joe’s Facility, together with termination statements and other documentation evidencing the termination by The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc. of its Liens securing the obligations under the Existing Joe’s Facility in and to the properties and assets of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries,

 

(vii)    a customary payoff letter, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. with respect to the Existing RG Facility, together with termination statements and other documentation evidencing the termination by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. of its Liens securing the obligations under the Existing RG Facility in and to the properties and assets of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, and

 

(viii)                   the Assignment of Factoring Proceeds duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto;

 

(c)        Lender shall have received a certificate from the Secretary or Assistant Secretary (or other individual performing similar functions) of each Loan Party (i) attesting to the corporate, partnership, member or other necessary action taken by such Loan Party authorizing its execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party, (ii) authorizing specific officers or authorized persons of such Loan Party to execute the same, and (iii) attesting to the incumbency and signatures of such specific officers or authorized persons of such Loan Party;

 

Exhibit B

Page 1



 

(d)       Lender shall have received copies of each Loan Party’s Governing Documents, as amended, modified, or supplemented to the Closing Date, certified as true, correct and complete by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary (or other individual performing similar functions) of such Loan Party;

 

(e)        Lender shall have received a certificate of status (or certificate of similar meaning) with respect to each Loan Party issued of a recent date, such certificate to be issued by the appropriate officer of the jurisdiction of organization of each Loan Party, which certificate shall indicate that such Loan Party is in good standing (or similar meaning) in such jurisdiction;

 

(f)         Lender shall have received certificates of status with respect to each Loan Party, each dated within 30 days of the Closing Date, such certificates to be issued by the appropriate officer of the jurisdictions (other than the jurisdiction of organization of such Loan Party) in which its failure to be duly qualified or licensed would constitute a Material Adverse Change, which certificates shall indicate that such Loan Party is in good standing in such jurisdictions;

 

(g)        Lender shall have received copies of the certificates of insurance as are required by Section 6.6 ;

 

(h)       Lender shall have received a customary opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP, special counsel to each Loan Party, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender;

 

(i)           Borrowers shall have Excess Availability of at least $7,500,000 after giving effect to (i) the initial extensions of credit hereunder, and (ii) the payment of all fees and expenses required to be paid by Borrowers on the Closing Date under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

 

(j)           [Reserved];

 

(k)       Lender shall have received fully-executed copies of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement shall have been consummated in all material respects in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement , without giving effect to any modifications, amendments, consents or waivers thereto that are material and adverse to Lender without the prior consent of Lender (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) ;

 

(l)           Lender shall have received fully-executed copies of the Stock Purchase Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement shall have been consummated in all material respects in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Stock Purchase Agreement , without giving effect to any modifications, amendments, consents or waivers thereto that are material and adverse to Lender without the prior consent of Lender (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) ;

 

(m)   Lender shall have received fully-executed copies of the Rollover Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Rollover Agreement shall have been consummated in all material respects in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Rollover Agreement , without giving effect to any modifications, amendments, consents or waivers thereto that are material and adverse to Lender without the prior consent of Lender (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) ;

 

(n)       [Reserved];

 

(o)       Lender shall have received, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender, copies of the Term Loan Documents;

 

Exhibit B

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(p)       [Reserved];

 

(q)       [Reserved];

 

(r)          Lender shall have received at least 3 Business Days prior to the Closing Date all documentation and other information required by bank regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Patriot Act;

 

(s)         Borrowers shall have paid all Lender Expenses due and payable and incurred in connection with the transactions evidenced by this Agreement for which invoices have been presented at least 1 Business Day prior to the Closing Date (which amounts may, at the option of Parent, be offset against the initial Borrowings hereunder); and

 

(t)           [Reserved].

 

Exhibit B

Page 3



 

EXHIBIT C

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

POST CLOSING OBLIGATIONS

 

 

 

 

(a)        Within 30 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Lender expressly agrees), Lender shall have received copies of the policies of insurance, together with the endorsements thereto, as are required by Section 6.6 ;

 

(b)       Within (i) 7 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Lender expressly agrees) with respect to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and (ii) 90 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Lender expressly agrees) with respect to each other bank, Lender shall have received the Control Agreements required pursuant to Section 6.12 (other than the Control Agreement(s) of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. delivered on or prior to the Closing Date);

 

(c)        Within 60 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Lender expressly agrees), Lender shall have received the Credit Card Notifications required pursuant to Section 6.13 ; and

 

(d)       Within 60 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Lender expressly agrees), Lender shall have received evidence that the Key Man Life Insurance Policy is in effect and has been collaterally assigned to Term Loan Agent.

 

Exhibit C

Page 1


 


 

EXHIBIT D

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

5.1     Due Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries .

 

(a)        Each Loan Party (i) is duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation, (ii) is qualified to do business in any jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, and (iii) has all requisite power and authority to own and operate its properties, to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, to enter into the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to carry out the transactions contemplated thereby.

 

(b)       Set forth on Schedule 5.1(c) to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under this Agreement), is a complete and accurate list of the Loan Parties’ direct and indirect Subsidiaries, showing: (i) the number of shares of each class of common and preferred Stock authorized for each of such Subsidiaries, and (ii) the number and the percentage of the outstanding shares of each such class owned directly or indirectly by each Loan Party.  All of the outstanding capital Stock of each such Subsidiary has been validly issued and is fully paid and non-assessable.

 

(c)        Except as set forth on Schedule 5.1(c) to the Information Certificate , as of the Closing Date there are no subscriptions, options, warrants, or calls relating to any shares of any capital stock of any Subsidiary of any Loan Party, including any right of conversion or exchange under any outstanding security or other instrument.

 

5.2     Due Authorization; No Conflict.

 

(a)        As to each Loan Party, the execution, delivery, and performance by such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Loan Party.

 

(b)       As to each Loan Party, the execution, delivery, and performance by such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party do not and will not (i) violate any material provision of federal, state, or local law or regulation applicable to any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, the Governing Documents of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, or any order, judgment, or decree of any court or other Governmental Authority binding on any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any Material Contract of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries except to the extent that any such conflict, breach or default could not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, (iii) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any assets of any Loan Party, other than Permitted Liens, or (iv) require any approval of any Loan Party’s interest holders or any approval or consent of any Person under any Material Contract of any Loan Party, other than consents or approvals that have been obtained and that are still in force and effect and except, in the case of Material Contracts, for consents or approvals, the failure to obtain could not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.3     Governmental and Other Consents .  No consent, approval, authorization, or other order or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is

 

Exhibit D

Page 2



 

required (a) for the grant of a Lien by such Loan Party in and to the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or for the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement by such Loan Party, or (b) for the exercise by Lender of the voting or other rights provided for in this Agreement with respect to the Investment Related Property or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement, except (i) as may be required in connection with such disposition of Investment Related Property by laws affecting the offering and sale of securities generally, (ii) for those registrations, consents, approvals, notices, or other actions that have been obtained and that are still in force and effect, (iii) for filings and recordings with respect to the Collateral to be made, or otherwise delivered to Lender for filing or recordation, as of the Closing Date, or (iv) where the failure to obtain the foregoing could not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.4     Binding Obligations .  Each Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is a party thereto and is the legally valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its respective terms, except as enforcement may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally.

 

5.5     Title to Assets; No Encumbrances .  Each of the Loan Parties has (a) good, sufficient and legal title to (in the case of fee interests in Real Property), (b) valid leasehold interests in (in the case of leasehold interests in real or personal property), and (c) good and marketable title to (in the case of all other personal property), all of their respective assets reflected in their most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 and most recent collateral reports delivered pursuant to Section 6.2 , in each case except (A) for assets disposed of since the date of such financial statements to the extent permitted hereby or (B) as individually or in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.  All of such assets are free and clear of Liens except for Permitted Liens.

 

5.6     Jurisdiction of Organization; Location of Chief Executive Office; Organizational Identification Number; Commercial Tort Claims .

 

(a)        The exact legal name of (within the meaning of Section 9-503 of the Code) and jurisdiction of organization of each Loan Party is set forth on Schedule 5.6(a) to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under this Agreement).

 

(b)       The chief executive office of each Loan Party is located at the address indicated on Schedule 5.6(b) to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under this Agreement).

 

(c)        The tax identification number and organizational identification number, if any, of each Loan Party is identified on Schedule 5.6(c) to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under this Agreement).

 

(d)       As of the Closing Date, no Loan Party holds any Commercial Tort Claims known by such Loan Party to be in existence on such date except as set forth on Schedule 5.6(d) to the Information Certificate in an amount reasonably estimated by such Loan Party to be in excess of $250,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate.

 

5.7     Litigation .  Except as provided on Schedule 5.7 to the Information Certificate , there are no actions, suits, or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, after due inquiry, threatened in writing against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries that either individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

Exhibit D

Page 3



 

5.8     Compliance with Laws .  No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries (a) is in violation of any applicable laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, or codes (including Environmental Laws) that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, or (b) is subject to or in default with respect to any final judgments, writs, injunctions, decrees, rules or regulations of any court or any federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.9     No Material Adverse Change .  All historical financial statements relating to the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries that have been delivered by Borrowers to Lender have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except, in the case of unaudited financial statements, for the lack of footnotes and being subject to year-end audit adjustments) and present fairly in all material respects, the consolidated financial condition of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and results of operations for the period then ended.  Since the date of the most recent financial statement delivered to Lender, no event, circumstance, or change has occurred that has or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.10                     Fraudulent Transfer .

 

(a)        The Loan Parties are Solvent.

 

(b)       No transfer of property is being made by any Loan Party and no obligation is being incurred by any Loan Party in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud either present or future creditors of such Loan Party.

 

5.11                     Employee Benefits .  No Loan Party, none of their Subsidiaries, nor any of their ERISA Affiliates maintains or contributes to any Benefit Plan.

 

5.12                     Environmental Condition .  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.12 to the Information Certificate , (a) to each Loan Party’s knowledge, no properties or assets of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries have been used in the disposal of, or to produce, store, handle, treat, release, or transport, any Hazardous Materials, where such disposal, production, storage, handling, treatment, release or transport was in violation, in any material respect, of any applicable Environmental Law, (b) to each Loan Party’s knowledge, no Loan Party’s nor any of its Subsidiaries’ properties or assets have been designated or identified in any manner pursuant to any environmental protection statute as a Hazardous Materials disposal site, (c) no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice that a Lien arising under any Environmental Law has attached to any revenues or to any Real Property owned or operated by a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, and (d) no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any outstanding written order, consent decree, or settlement agreement with any Person relating to any Environmental Law or Environmental Liability that, in each case individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.13                     Intellectual Property .  Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries own, or hold licenses in, or otherwise has the rights to use, all material trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents, and licenses that are necessary to the conduct of its business as currently conducted.

 

5.14                     Leases .  Except as, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries enjoy peaceful and undisturbed possession under all leases material to their business and to which it is a party or under which

 

Exhibit D

Page 4



 

it is operating, and, subject to Permitted Protests, all of such material leases are valid and subsisting and no material default by the applicable Loan Party or the applicable Subsidiary exists under any of them.

 

5.15                     Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts; Credit Card Arrangements .

 

(a)        Set forth on Schedule 5.15(a) to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time) is a listing of all of the Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts of each Loan Party, including, with respect to each bank or securities intermediary (a) the name and address of such Person, and (b) the account numbers of the Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts maintained with such Person.

 

(b)       Set forth on Schedule 5.15(b) to the Information Certificate is a listing of all arrangements as of the Closing Date to which any Loan Party is a party with respect to the processing and/or payment to such Loan Party of the proceeds of any credit card charges and debit card charges for sales made by such Loan Party.

 

5.16                     Complete Disclosure .  All factual information taken as a whole (other than budgets, estimates, forward-looking information and projections and information of a general economic nature and general information about the industry of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries) furnished by or on behalf of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in writing to Lender (including all information contained in the Schedules hereto or in the other Loan Documents) for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and all other such factual information taken as a whole (other than budgets, estimates, forward-looking information and projections and information of a general economic nature and general information about the industry of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries) hereafter furnished by or on behalf of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in writing to Lender will be, true and accurate, in all material respects, on the date as of which such information is dated or certified and not incomplete by omitting to state any fact necessary to make such information (taken as a whole) not misleading in any material respect at such time in light of the circumstances under which such information was provided.  The Projections most recently delivered to Lender represent, and as of the date on which any other Projections are delivered to Lender, such additional Projections represent, each Borrowers’ good faith estimate, on the date such Projections are delivered, of the future performance of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries for the periods covered thereby based upon assumptions believed by Borrowers to be reasonable at the time of the delivery thereof to Lender (it being understood by Lender that projections of future events are subject to uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, and that actual results may vary significantly from projected results).

 

5.17                     Material Contracts .  Set forth on Schedule 5.17 to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time in accordance herewith) is a list of the Material Contracts of each Loan Party as of the Closing Date or, as applicable, as of the most recent date on which Borrowers provided a fiscal quarter-end Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.1 ; provided , however , that any Borrower may amend Schedule 5.17 to the Information Certificate to add or remove Material Contracts so long as such amendment occurs by written notice to Lender on or prior to the date that such Borrower provides its fiscal quarter-end Compliance Certificate.  Except for matters which, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, each Material Contract (other than those that have expired at the end of their normal terms) (a) is in full force and effect and is binding upon and enforceable against the applicable Loan Party or the applicable Subsidiary in accordance with its terms, (b) has not been otherwise amended or modified (other than amendments or modifications permitted by Section 7.7(b) ), and (c) is not in default due to the action or inaction of the applicable Loan Party or the applicable Subsidiary.

 

Exhibit D

Page 5



 

5.18                     Patriot Act .  To the extent applicable, each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance, in all material respects, with the (a) 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 (b) Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA Patriot Act of 2001) (the “ Patriot Act ”).  No part of the proceeds of the loans made hereunder will be used by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their Affiliates, 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.

 

5.19                     Indebtedness .  Set forth on Schedule 5.19(a) to the Information Certificate is a true and complete list of all Indebtedness for borrowed money of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date that is to remain outstanding immediately after giving effect to the transactions occurring on the Closing Date and such Schedule accurately sets forth the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the transactions occurring on the Closing Date.

 

5.20                     Payment of Taxes .  Except as otherwise permitted under Section 6.5 and where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Change, (i) all tax returns and reports of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries required to be filed by any of them have been timely filed, (ii) all taxes shown on such tax returns to be due and payable and all assessments, fees and other governmental charges upon a Loan Party and its Subsidiaries and upon their respective assets, income, businesses and franchises that are due and payable have been paid when due and payable, and (iii) each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries have made adequate provision in accordance with GAAP for all taxes not yet due and payable.  No Borrower knows of any proposed tax assessment against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries that is not being actively contested by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary diligently, in good faith, and by appropriate proceedings; provided such reserves or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made or provided therefor, except for any such tax assessments that would not reasonably be expected to result in, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.21                     Margin Stock .  No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.  No part of the proceeds of the loans made to Borrowers will be used to purchase or carry any such Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such Margin Stock or for any purpose that violates the provisions of Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve.

 

5.22                     Governmental Regulation .  No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act or the Investment Company Act of 1940 or under any other federal or state statute or regulation which may materially limit its ability to incur the Obligations or which may otherwise render all or any portion of the Obligations unenforceable.  No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is a “registered investment company” or a company “controlled” by a “registered investment company” or a “principal underwriter” of a “registered investment company” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

5.23                     OFAC .  No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any of the country or list based economic and trade sanctions administered and enforced by OFAC.  No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries (a) is a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Entity, (b) has its assets located in Sanctioned

 

Exhibit D

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Entities, or (c) derives revenues from investments in, or transactions with Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Entities.  No proceeds of any loan made hereunder will be used to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Entity.

 

5.24                     Employee and Labor Matters .  Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change, there is (a) no unfair labor practice complaint pending or, to the knowledge of Borrowers, threatened against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries before any Governmental Authority and no grievance or arbitration proceeding pending or threatened against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries which arises out of or under any collective bargaining agreement and that could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability, (b) no strike, labor dispute, slowdown, stoppage or similar action or grievance pending or threatened in writing against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability, or (c) to the knowledge of Borrowers no union representation question existing with respect to the employees of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and no union organizing activity taking place with respect to any of the employees of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries.  No Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any material liability or obligation under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or similar state law, which remains unpaid or unsatisfied.  The hours worked and payments made to employees of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable legal requirements, except to the extent such violations could  not, individually  or  in  the  aggregate, reasonably  be  expected  to  result in a Material Adverse Change.  All material payments due from any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of such Loan Party, except where the failure to do so could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.25                     Use of Proceeds . The proceeds of any Loan made hereunder shall be used for general corporate and working capital purposes of Parent and its Subsidiaries.

 

5.26                     Collateral .

 

(a)        Real Property Schedule 5.26(a) to the Information Certificate sets forth all Real Property owned by any of the Loan Parties as of the Closing Date.

 

(b)       Intellectual Property .

 

(i)                As of the Closing Date, Schedule 5.26(b) to the Information Certificate provides a complete and correct list of: (A) all registered Copyrights owned by any Loan Party, all applications for registration of Copyrights owned by any Loan Party; (B) all material Intellectual Property Licenses entered into by any Loan Party pursuant to which (x) any Loan Party has provided any license or other rights in Intellectual Property owned or controlled by such Loan Party to any other Person or (y) any Person has granted to any Loan Party any license or other rights in Intellectual Property owned or controlled by such Person that is material to the business of such Loan Party, including any Intellectual Property that is incorporated in any Inventory, software, or other product marketed, sold, licensed, or distributed by such Loan Party; (C) all issued Patents owned by any Loan Party and all applications for patents owned by any Loan Party; and (D) all registered Trademarks owned by any Loan Party, all applications for registration of Trademarks owned by any Loan Party;

 

(ii)            to each Loan Party’s knowledge, no Person is currently infringing or misappropriating any Intellectual Property rights owned by such Loan Party, in each case, that either individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

 

Exhibit D

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(iii)        to each Loan Party’s knowledge, all registered Copyrights, registered Trademarks, and issued Patents that are owned by such Loan Party and necessary to the conduct of its business as currently conducted are valid, subsisting and enforceable and in compliance with all legal requirements, filings, and payments and other actions that are required to maintain such Intellectual Property in full force and effect, except to the extent failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; and

 

(iv)        each Loan Party has taken commercially reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of and otherwise protect its rights in all trade secrets owned by such Loan Party that are necessary in the business of such Loan Party as currently conducted, except to the extent the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

(c)        Valid Security Interest . This Agreement and the other Loan Documents will, when executed and delivered, create a valid security interest in the Collateral of each Loan Party, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.  Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, w hen the Collateral constituting Certificated Securities, Instruments or Chattel Paper is delivered to Lender, together with instruments of transfer duly endorsed in blank, the security interest created under this Agreement in such Collateral will constitute a fully perfected security interest in all right, title and interest of the applicable Loan Party hereunder in such Collateral. When financing statements in appropriate form are filed in the applicable filing offices, the security interest created under this Agreement will constitute a fully perfected security interest in all right, title and interest of the applicable Loan Party in the remaining Collateral to the extent perfection can be obtained by filing Uniform Commercial Code financing statements.  Upon filing of the Copyright Security Agreement with the United States Copyright Office (if applicable), filing of the Patent and Trademark Security Agreement with the PTO, and the filing of appropriate financing statements in the jurisdictions listed on Schedule 5.6(a) to the Information Certificate , all action necessary to protect and perfect the Security Interest in and to each Loan Party’s United States issued, registered or applied-for Patents, Trademarks, or Copyrights included in the Collateral existing as of the Closing Date has been taken to the extent such security interest can be perfected by such filings with the Copyright Office and the USPTO has been taken and such perfected Security Interest is enforceable as such as against any and all creditors of and purchasers from any Loan Party.

 

5.27                     Eligible Accounts .  As to each Account that is identified by a Borrower as an Eligible Account in a Borrowing Base Certificate submitted to Lender, such Account is, at the time of submission of such Borrowing Base Certificate to Lender, (a) a bona fide existing payment obligation of the applicable Account Debtor created by the sale and delivery of Inventory or the rendition of services to such Account Debtor in the ordinary course of such Borrower’s business, (b) owed to such Borrower, and (c) not excluded as ineligible by virtue of one or more of the excluding criteria (other than Lender-discretionary criteria) set forth in the definition of Eligible Accounts.

 

5.28                     Eligible Inventory .  As to each item of Inventory that is identified by Borrower as Eligible Inventory in a Borrowing Base Certificate submitted to Lender, such Inventory is, at the time of submission of such Borrowing Base Certificate to Lender (a) of good and merchantable quality, free from known defects, and (b) not excluded as ineligible by virtue of one or more of the excluding criteria (other than Lender-discretionary criteria) set forth in the definition of Eligible Inventory.

 

5.29                     Locations of Inventory and Equipment .  The Inventory and Equipment (other than vehicles or Equipment out for repair) of the Loan Parties with an aggregate value of more than $250,000 (i) are not stored with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party except at a location identified on Schedule 5.29 to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated pursuant to Section 6.15 ) and (ii)

 

Exhibit D

Page 8



 

are located only at, or in-transit between or to, the locations identified on Schedule 5.29 to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated pursuant to Section 6.15 ).

 

5.30                     Inventory Records .  Each Loan Party keeps records that are correct and accurate in all material respects itemizing and describing the type, quality, and quantity of its Inventory and of the Inventory of its Subsidiaries and the book value thereof.

 

Exhibit D

Page 9



 

EXHIBIT F

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

 



 

EXHIBIT G

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Form of Joinder Agreement

 


 


 

SCHEDULE A-2

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

 

Authorized Person

 

 

Michael Buckley, Chief Executive Officer of:

1.             Differential Brands Group Inc., a Delaware corporation

2.             RG Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

3.             Robert Graham Retail LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

4.             RGH Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

5.             Marco Brunelli IP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

6.             Robert Graham Designs, LLC, a New York limited liability company

7.             Robert Graham Holdings, LLC, a New York limited liability company

8.             Innovo West Sales, Inc., a California corporation

9.             DBG Holdings Subsidiary Inc., a California corporation

10.     DBG Subsidiary Inc., a Delaware corporation

 

Scott Vogel, Chief Financial Officer of:

1.             RG Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

2.             Robert Graham Retail LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

3.             RGH Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

4.             Marco Brunelli IP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

5.             Robert Graham Designs, LLC, a New York limited liability company

6.             Robert Graham Holdings, LLC, a New York limited liability company

 

Hamish Sandhu, Chief Financial Officer of:

1.             Differential Brands Group Inc., a Delaware corporation

2.             Hudson Clothing Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation

3.             HC Acquisition Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation

4.             Hudson Clothing, LLC, a California limited liability company

5.             Innovo West Sales, Inc., a Texas corporation

6.             DBG Holdings Subsidiary Inc., a California corporation

7.             DBG Subsidiary Inc., a Delaware Corporation

 

Schedule A-2



 

SCHEDULE D-2

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Lender’s Account

 

Schedule D-2



 

SCHEDULE P-1

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Permitted Investments

 

Debt Issuer

Debt Holder

Currency

Outstanding Principal

Joseph Giannavola

Hudson Clothing, LLC

USD

$5,000

Benjamin Taverniti

Hudson Clothing,  LLC

USD

$18,189.96

 

Schedule P-1



 

SCHEDULE P-2

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Permitted Liens

 

Loan Party
(Name on Record)

Name and Address 
of Secured Party

Description of
Collateral

File No. of Financing
Statement/File Date/
Jurisdiction

 

Joe’s Jeans, Inc.

KMBS Business
Solutions U.S.A., Inc
10201 Centurion
Parkway North Suite
100
Jacksonville, FL 32256

Equipment

2011 4909381
12/21/2011
Delaware

Joe’s Jeans, Inc.

TIMEPAYMENT CORPORATION
16 New England
Executive Park #200
Burlington, MA 01803

Equipment

2012 2450122
6/18/2012
Delaware

Joe’s Jeans, Inc.

Konica Minolta
Business Solutions
USA Inc
10201 Centurion
Parkway North, Suite
100
Jacksonville, FL 32256

Equipment

2014 4333910
10/28/2014
Delaware

Hudson Clothing, LLC

The CIT
Group/Commercial
Services, Inc.
300 South Grand
Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
90071

That certain collateral pertaining to Factoring Agreement

06-7058341640
2/8/2006
California

Hudson Clothing, LLC

Irwin Commercial
Finance Corporation,
Equipment Finance
330 120th Avenue NE
Suite 110
Bellevue, WA 98005

Equipment

07-7130791762
9/28/2007
California

Hudson Clothing, LLC

WEBBANK
6440 S. Wasatch Blvd.,
Ste 300
Salt Lake City, UT
84121

Equipment

12-7320029531
7/9/2012
California

 

Schedule P-2



 

Robert Graham Designs, LLC

The CIT
Group/Commercial
Services, Inc.
11 West 42nd Street,
12th Floor
New York, NY 10036

That certain collateral pertaining to Factoring Agreement

201312240715415
12/24/2013
New York

Robert Graham Retail LLC

JPMorgan Chase Bank,
N.A.

That cash collateral ($136,237.50) pertaining to the 105% cash collateralization of a JPMorgan letter of credit to Robert Graham Retail LLC (LC # CTCS-930422) dated as of July 24, 2014

N/A

 

Schedule P-2


 

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

 

 

 

CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

by and among

 

RG PARENT LLC,

 

as the Administrative Borrower and a Borrower,

 

the other Borrowers party hereto,

 

the Guarantors party hereto,

 

the Lenders party hereto,

 

and

 

TCW ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY,

 

as Agent

 

Dated as of January 28, 2016

 

 

 

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

PAGE

 

 

 

 

1.

DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

 

1

 

1.1.

Definitions, Code Terms, Accounting Terms and Construction

 

1

 

 

 

 

2.

LOANS AND TERMS OF PAYMENT

 

1

 

2.1.

Term Loan

 

1

 

2.2.

Incremental Facility Loans

 

2

 

2.3.

LIBOR Option

 

4

 

2.4.

Payments; Prepayments

 

5

 

2.5.

Defaulting Lenders

 

10

 

2.6.

Interest Rates: Rates, Payments, and Calculations

 

11

 

2.7.

[Reserved]

 

12

 

2.8.

Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of Obligations

 

12

 

2.9.

[Reserved]

 

13

 

2.10.

Effect of Maturity; Releases

 

13

 

2.11.

Fees

 

13

 

2.12.

Increased Costs and Reduced Return

 

13

 

2.13.

Changes in Law; Impracticability or Illegality

 

15

 

2.14.

Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

 

15

 

2.15.

Extent of Each Borrower’s Liability, Contribution

 

16

 

2.16.

RG Parent LLC as Agent for Borrowers

 

17

 

 

 

 

3.

SECURITY INTEREST

 

18

 

3.1.

Grant of Security Interest

 

18

 

3.2.

Loan Parties Remain Liable

 

18

 

3.3.

Assignment of Insurance

 

18

 

3.4.

Financing Statements

 

18

 

3.5.

Intercreditor Agreement

 

18

 

 

 

 

4.

CONDITIONS

 

19

 

4.1.

Conditions Precedent to the making of the Term Loan

 

19

 

 

 

 

5.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

19

 

 

 

 

6.

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

19

 

6.1.

Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates

 

19

 

6.2.

Collateral Reporting

 

19

 

6.3.

Existence

 

20

 

6.4.

Maintenance of Properties

 

20

 

6.5.

Taxes

 

20

 

6.6.

Insurance

 

20

 

6.7.

Inspections, Exams, Collateral Exams and Appraisals

 

21

 

6.8.

Account Verification

 

21

 

6.9.

Compliance with Laws

 

21

 

6.10.

Environmental

 

21

 

6.11.

Disclosure Updates

 

22

 

6.12.

Collateral Covenants

 

23

 

6.13.

Credit Card Notifications

 

27

 

i



 

 

6.14.

Material Contracts

 

27

 

6.15.

Location of Inventory and Equipment

 

27

 

6.16.

Further Assurances

 

27

 

6.17.

Formation of Subsidiaries

 

28

 

6.18.

Post-Closing Obligations

 

29

 

 

 

 

7.

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

29

 

7.1.

Indebtedness

 

29

 

7.2.

Liens

 

29

 

7.3.

Restrictions on Fundamental Changes

 

29

 

7.4.

Disposal of Assets

 

30

 

7.5.

Change Name

 

30

 

7.6.

Nature of Business

 

30

 

7.7.

Prepayments and Amendments

 

30

 

7.8.

Change of Control

 

31

 

7.9.

Restricted Junior Payments

 

31

 

7.10.

Fiscal Year

 

31

 

7.11.

Investments; Controlled Investments

 

32

 

7.12.

Transactions with Affiliates

 

32

 

7.13.

[Reserved]

 

33

 

7.14.

[Reserved]

 

33

 

7.15.

[Reserved]

 

33

 

7.16.

Inventory and Equipment with Bailees

 

33

 

 

 

 

8.

FINANCIAL COVENANTS

 

33

 

 

 

 

9.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

 

36

 

 

 

 

10.

RIGHTS AND REMEDIES

 

38

 

10.1.

Rights and Remedies

 

38

 

10.2.

Additional Rights and Remedies

 

39

 

10.3.

Agent Appointed Attorney in Fact

 

40

 

10.4.

Remedies Cumulative

 

41

 

10.5.

Crediting of Payments and Proceeds

 

41

 

10.6.

Marshaling

 

41

 

10.7.

License

 

42

 

 

 

 

11.

WAIVERS; INDEMNIFICATION

 

42

 

11.1.

Demand; Protest; etc.

 

42

 

11.2.

The Agent’s Liability for Collateral

 

42

 

11.3.

Indemnification

 

42

 

 

 

 

12.

NOTICES

 

43

 

 

 

 

13.

CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER

 

44

 

 

 

 

14.

ASSIGNMENTS; SUCCESSORS

 

45

 

 

 

 

15.

AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS

 

48

 

 

 

 

16.

TAXES

 

51

 

ii



 

17.

AGENT

 

54

 

17.1.

Appointment and Authorization

 

54

 

17.2.

Agent and Affiliates

 

54

 

17.3.

Action by Agent

 

55

 

17.4.

Consultation with Experts

 

55

 

17.5.

Liability of Agent

 

55

 

17.6.

Indemnification

 

55

 

17.7.

Right to Request and Act on Instructions

 

56

 

17.8.

Credit Decision

 

56

 

17.9.

Collateral Matters

 

56

 

17.10.

Agency for Perfection

 

56

 

17.11.

Notice of Default

 

57

 

17.12.

Successor Agent

 

57

 

17.13.

Return of Payments

 

57

 

17.14.

Right to Perform, Preserve and Protect

 

58

 

 

 

 

18.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

58

 

18.1.

Effectiveness

 

58

 

18.2.

Section Headings

 

58

 

18.3.

Interpretation

 

58

 

18.4.

Severability of Provisions

 

59

 

18.5.

Debtor-Creditor Relationship

 

59

 

18.6.

Counterparts; Electronic Execution

 

59

 

18.7.

Revival and Reinstatement of Obligations

 

59

 

18.8.

Confidentiality

 

59

 

18.9.

Expenses

 

60

 

18.10.

Setoff

 

61

 

18.11.

Survival

 

61

 

18.12.

Patriot Act

 

61

 

18.13.

Integration

 

61

 

18.14.

Conflict

 

61

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT D

 

 

 

 

5.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

2

 

5.1.

Due Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries

 

2

 

5.2.

Due Authorization; No Conflict

 

2

 

5.3.

Governmental and Other Consents

 

3

 

5.4.

Binding Obligations

 

3

 

5.5.

Title to Assets; No Encumbrances

 

3

 

5.6.

Jurisdiction of Organization; Location of Chief Executive Office; Organizational Identification Number; Commercial Tort Claims

 

3

 

5.7.

Litigation

 

4

 

5.8.

Compliance with Laws

 

4

 

5.9.

No Material Adverse Change

 

4

 

5.10.

Fraudulent Transfer

 

4

 

5.11.

Employee Benefits

 

4

 

5.12.

Environmental Condition

 

4

 

5.13.

Intellectual Property

 

5

 

5.14.

Leases

 

5

 

5.15.

Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts; Credit Card Arrangements

 

5

 

iii



 

 

5.16.

Complete Disclosure

 

5

 

5.17.

Material Contracts

 

6

 

5.18.

Patriot Act

 

6

 

5.19.

Indebtedness

 

6

 

5.20.

Payment of Taxes

 

6

 

5.21.

Margin Stock

 

7

 

5.22.

Governmental Regulation

 

7

 

5.23.

OFAC

 

7

 

5.24.

Employee and Labor Matters

 

7

 

5.25.

Use of Proceeds

 

8

 

5.26.

Collateral

 

8

 

5.27.

Locations of Inventory and Equipment

 

9

 

5.28.

Inventory Records

 

9

 

iv



 

EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

Commitment Annex

 

Schedule 1.1

Definitions

Schedule 6.1

Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates

Schedule 6.2

Collateral Reporting

Exhibit A

Form of Compliance Certificate

Exhibit B

Conditions Precedent

Exhibit C

Post-Closing Obligations

Exhibit D

Representations and Warranties

Exhibit E

Form of Excess Cash Flow Certificate

Exhibit F

Form of LIBOR Notice

Exhibit G

Form of Joinder Agreement

Exhibit H

Form of Assignment and Acceptance

Exhibit I

Form of Notice of Borrowing

Schedule A-2

Authorized Person

Schedule D-2

Agent’s Account

Schedule P-1

Permitted Investments

Schedule P-2

Permitted Liens

 

v


 


 

CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

THIS CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into as of January 28, 2016, by and among the lenders identified on the signature pages hereto (each such lender and any lender that becomes a party hereto pursuant to an Incremental Facility Amendment, together with its successors and permitted assigns, is referred to herein as a “ Lender ”), TCW ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY (in its individual capacity, “ TCW ”), as Agent, DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Inc. (“ Parent ”), DBG SUBSIDIARY INC., a Delaware corporation (“ DBG ”), HUDSON CLOTHING, LLC, a California limited liability company (“ Hudson ”), RG PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ RG Parent ”), ROBERT GRAHAM HOLDINGS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Holding ”), ROBERT GRAHAM DESIGNS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Designs ”), ROBERT GRAHAM RETAIL LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ RG Retail ” and together with Parent, DBG, Hudson, RG Parent, RG Holding, RG Designs and each other Subsidiary of Parent that becomes a borrower hereunder, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”, and each a  “ Borrower ”), and the Guarantors from time to time party hereto.

 

The parties agree as follows:

 

1.                                     DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.

 

1.1.                         Definitions, Code Terms, Accounting Terms and Construction .   Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings specified therefor on Schedule 1.1 .  Additionally, matters of (i) interpretation of terms defined in the Code, (ii) interpretation of accounting terms and (iii) construction are set forth in Schedule 1.1 .

 

2.                                     LOANS AND TERMS OF PAYMENT.

 

2.1.                         Term Loan .

 

(a)                                On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, the Lenders hereby agree to make to Borrowers on the Closing Date a term loan in an aggregate original principal amount equal to $50,000,000 (the “ Term Loan ”).  Each Lender’s obligation to fund the Term Loan on the Closing Date shall be limited to such Lender’s Term Loan Commitment, and no Lender shall have any obligation to fund any portion of the Term Loan required to be funded by any other Lender, but not so funded.  Borrowers shall not have any right to reborrow any portion of the Term Loan which is repaid or prepaid from time to time. Each Lender’s Term Loan Commitment shall terminate immediately and without further action upon the making of the Term Loan on the Closing Date in the amount of such Lender’s Term Loan Commitment in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(b)                               The Administrative Borrower shall give the Agent prior written notice in substantially the form of Exhibit I hereto (a “ Notice of Borrowing ”), not later than 12:00 noon (New York City time) on the Closing Date (or with respect to any Incremental Term Loan, on the date on which such Incremental Term Loan is requested to be made). Such Notice of Borrowing shall be irrevocable and shall specify (i) the principal amount of the Term Loan or Incremental Term Loan requested, (ii) whether the Term Loan or Incremental Term Loan is requested to be Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Loan, and if a LIBOR Loan, the Interest Period applicable thereto, and (iii) wire transfer instructions pursuant to which the proceeds of the Term Loan or Incremental Term Loan should be disbursed.  Agent and the Lenders may act without liability upon the basis of such Notice of Borrowing believed by Agent in good faith to be from the Administrative Borrower. The Agent and the Lenders shall have no duty to verify the authenticity of the signature appearing on any written Notice of Borrowing.

 

1



 

(b)                               Each Lender shall make its Term Loan Commitment available to Agent, in immediately available funds, in the Agent’s Account no later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Closing Date (or with respect to any Incremental Term Loan, on the date on which such Incremental Term Loan is requested to be made). Upon receipt of all amounts requested in the Notice of Borrowing, the Agent will make the proceeds of such Term Loan available to the Borrowers on the day of the proposed Term Loan by causing said amount, in immediately available funds, to be deposited in the account or accounts designated by the Administrative Borrower.

 

2.2.                         Incremental Facility Loans .

 

(a)                                Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein the Lenders agree that the Borrowers may, on any Business Day from time to time after the Closing Date and before the fourth anniversary of the Closing Date, deliver a written notice to Agent (an “ Incremental Request ”) at least 15 Business Days (or such shorter period as Agent may agree in its sole discretion) prior to the proposed borrowing date requesting to add additional term loans (the “ Incremental Term Loans ”; and each credit facility for making any Incremental Term Loans is an “ Incremental Facility ”) up to an aggregate amount not to exceed the Available Increase Amount, provided that, (i) immediately prior to and immediately after giving effect to any Incremental Facility Amendment and the closing of such Incremental Facility, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, (ii) immediately prior to and immediately after giving effect to any Incremental Facility Amendment and the closing of such Incremental Facility, the representations and warranties of each Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in this Agreement or in the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date such Incremental Term Loans are advanced, as though made on and as of such date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date), (iii)  immediately prior to and immediately after giving effect to any Incremental Facility Amendment and the closing of such Incremental Facility, the Loan Parties shall be in pro forma compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 8 (after giving effect to the related use of proceeds)  as of the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Quarter for which the Loan Parties’ financial statements are available, (iv) immediately prior to and immediately after giving effect to any Incremental Facility Amendment and the closing of such Incremental Facility, the Net Senior Leverage Ratio, calculated on a pro forma basis for the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter for which the Loan Parties’ internal financial statements are available and after giving effect to the related use of proceeds, shall not exceed the lesser of (x) the maximum Net Senior Leverage Ratio permitted under Section 8(a) as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter less 0.25x and (y) 3.00 to 1.00, (v) the final stated maturity date for any Incremental Term Loan shall be no earlier than the Maturity Date, (vi) the weighted average life to maturity applicable to each Incremental Facility shall be no shorter than weighted average life to maturity of the Term Loan, (vii) the aggregate principal amount of all Incremental Term Loans shall not exceed $50,000,000, (viii) each Incremental Facility shall be in a principal amount of at least $10,000,000 and integral multiples of $5,000,000 in excess thereof and (ix) no more than four (4) Incremental Requests may be delivered during the term of this Agreement.

 

(b)                               The existing Lenders shall have the right to, but shall not be obligated to, participate in any Incremental Facility in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares.  If one or more existing Lenders decline participation in any Incremental Facility (any Lender who does not respond within 15 Business Days to a request by Agent or Borrowers shall be deemed to have declined), any existing Lenders who have elected to participate in such Incremental Facility shall have the right, but not the obligation, to participate in any such declined portion in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares (ignoring, for the purpose of calculating such Pro Rata Shares, the portion of the Term Loan held by any

 

2



 

existing Lender who has elected not to participate).  Agent or the Borrowers may seek one or more new financial institutions (each of which must qualify as an assignee pursuant to Section 14) to be added as Lenders for purposes of participating in any remaining portion of any Incremental Facility declined by the existing Lenders (with allocations among such new Lenders to be determined by the Agent and the Borrowers).

 

(c)                                The interest rates, original issue discount, and initial fees for any Incremental Term Loans (collectively referred to herein as the “yield” therefor) shall be determined mutually by the Borrowers and the Lenders providing the applicable Incremental Term Loans; provided, that anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, if the yield that is applicable to any Incremental Term Loan is more than 0.50% higher than the corresponding yield applicable to the other outstanding Term Loan hereunder immediately prior to the effectiveness of the applicable Incremental Facility (the amount by which the yield is higher, less 0.50%, the “Excess”), then the yield applicable to the other outstanding Term Loan hereunder immediately prior to the effectiveness of such Incremental Facility shall be increased by the amount of the Excess, effective on the date such Incremental Term Loan is made, and without the necessity of any action by any party hereto.  In determining the applicable “yield” for purposes of the foregoing: (w) original issue discount or upfront fees paid by the Borrowers in connection with any Incremental Facility or the Term Loan (based on a four (4) year average life to maturity or lesser remaining life to maturity) shall be included, (x) any amendments to the rates of interest applicable to the other outstanding Term Loan that became effective subsequent to the Closing Date but prior to the time of such Incremental Facility shall be included, (y) arrangement, commitment, structuring and underwriting fees and any amendment fees paid or payable to the Agent (or its affiliates) in its capacity as such in connection with any of the other outstanding Term Loan or to one or more arrangers (or their affiliates) in their capacities as such applicable to any Incremental Facility shall be excluded and (z) if the Incremental Facility includes any interest rate floor greater than that applicable to the other outstanding Term Loan and such floor is greater than the floor applicable to the other outstanding Term Loan on the date of determination such excess amount shall be equated to interest margin for determining the increase.  Subject to the limitations set forth in this Section 2.2, any Incremental Term Loans shall be on terms and pursuant to documentation to be determined by the Borrowers and the Lenders providing such Incremental Term Loans; provided that, to the extent such terms and documentation relating to the Incremental Term Loans are not consistent with the other outstanding Term Loan (except to the extent permitted above with respect to the interest rate and maturity date and below with respect to mandatory prepayments), they shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

 

(d)                               Incremental Facilities shall rank pari passu in right of payment and pari passu with respect to security with the other Term Loan.  Incremental Facilities shall share ratably in any prepayments of the other outstanding Term Loans unless the Borrowers and the Lenders in respect of the Incremental Facilities elect less than a ratable share of such prepayments.

 

(e)                                The proceeds of any Incremental Facility may be used by the Borrowers solely for the financing of Acquisitions permitted hereunder; provided , that the proceeds of any Incremental Facility shall not be used to acquire any Affiliate of Equity Sponsor.

 

(f)                                 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Section 2.2, no Lender shall be obligated to provide any Incremental Facility.

 

(g)                                Unless otherwise specifically provided herein or in the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment, all references in this Agreement and any other Loan Document to the Term Loan shall be deemed, unless the context otherwise requires, to include any Incremental Term Loan made pursuant to this Section 2.2.  The Term Loan, including any such Incremental Term Loan established pursuant to this Section 2.2 shall constitute the Term Loan under, and shall be entitled to all the benefits

 

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afforded by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and shall, without limiting the foregoing, benefit equally and ratably from any guarantees and the security interests created by the Loan Documents.  Borrowers shall take any actions reasonably required by Agent to ensure and demonstrate that the Liens and security interests granted by the Loan Documents continue to be perfected under the Code or otherwise after giving effect to the establishment of any such Incremental Term Loan, subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in, and to the extent required by, the Loan Documents.

 

(h)                               Each Incremental Facility shall be evidenced by an amendment (an “ Incremental Facility Amendment ”) to this Agreement, giving effect only to the modifications required to implement such Incremental Facility as permitted by this Section 2.2 (and subject to the limitations set forth in this Section 2.2), executed by Borrowers, the Guarantors, Agent and each Lender (including any new Lender, if any) providing a portion of the Incremental Facility; which such amendment, when so executed, shall amend this Agreement as provided therein.  The implementation of an Incremental Facility may also require amendments to the other Loan Documents, and such other new Loan Documents, as Agent deems necessary or appropriate to effect the modifications permitted by this Section 2.2.  Without limiting the foregoing, in connection with any Incremental Facility Amendment, the respective Loan Parties shall (at their expense) amend (and the Agent is hereby directed to amend) any mortgage securing the Obligations that has a stated maximum amount of loans secured thereby less than the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan after giving effect to such Incremental Facility Amendment so that such stated maximum amount of loans secured thereby is increased to reflect the increase contemplated by the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment (or such different amount as may be advised by local counsel to the Agent).  The Borrowers agree to pay the reasonable documented out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent relating to any Incremental Facility Amendment and the transactions contemplated thereby.  Neither the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment, nor any such amendments to the other Loan Documents or such other new Loan Documents, shall be required to be executed or approved by any Lender, other than any Lender providing a portion of the Incremental Facility and the Agent, in order to be effective.  The effectiveness of any Incremental Facility Amendment shall be subject to, among other things, the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in this Section 2.2, and, except as otherwise specified in the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment, Agent shall have received customary legal opinions as to matters reasonably requested, board resolutions and other customary closing documents and certificates reasonably requested by Agent in connection therewith.

 

2.3.                         LIBOR Option .

 

(a)                                The Borrowers may, at any time and from time to time, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, elect to have interest on all or a portion of the Loans be charged at a rate of interest based upon the LIBOR Rate (the “ LIBOR Option ”) by notifying the Agent in writing prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) at least 3 Business Days prior to (i) the commencement of the proposed Interest Period or (ii) in the case of the conversion of a LIBOR Loan into a Base Rate Loan, by 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) at least 1 Business Day prior to the last day of the then current Interest Period (the “ LIBOR Deadline ”).  Notice of the Borrowers’ election of the LIBOR Option for a permitted portion of the Loans and an Interest Period pursuant to this Section 2.3(a) shall be made by delivery by Administrative Borrower to the Agent of a LIBOR Notice received by the Agent before the LIBOR Deadline.  Promptly upon its receipt of each such LIBOR Notice, the Agent shall provide a copy thereof to each of the Lenders.  Each LIBOR Notice shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrowers.

 

(b)                               Interest on LIBOR Loans shall be payable in accordance with Section 2.6.  On the last day of each applicable Interest Period, unless the Borrowers properly have exercised the LIBOR Option with respect thereto, the interest rate applicable to such LIBOR Loans automatically shall convert to the rate of interest then applicable to Base Rate Loans of the same type hereunder.  At any time that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrowers no longer shall have the option to request

 

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that any portion of the Loans bear interest at the LIBOR Rate and the Agent shall have the right to convert the interest rate on all outstanding LIBOR Loans to the rate of interest then applicable to Base Rate Loans of the same type hereunder on the last day of the then current Interest Period.

 

(c)                                Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Borrowers (i) shall have not more than eight (8) LIBOR Loans in effect at any given time, and (ii) only may exercise the LIBOR Option for LIBOR Loans of at least $1,000,000 and integral multiples of $500,000 in excess thereof.

 

(d)                               The Borrowers may prepay LIBOR Loans at any time; provided , however , that in the event that LIBOR Loans are prepaid on any date that is not the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, including as a result of any mandatory prepayment pursuant or any application of payments or proceeds of Collateral, or for any other reason, including early termination of the term of this Agreement or acceleration of all or any portion of the Obligations pursuant to the terms hereof, the Borrowers shall indemnify, defend, and hold Agent and Lenders and their participants harmless against any and all Funding Losses in accordance with Section 2.3(f).

 

(e)                                Anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, neither Agent nor any Lender, nor any of their participants, is required actually to acquire eurodollar deposits to fund or otherwise match fund any Obligation as to which interest accrues at the LIBOR Rate.  The provisions of this Agreement shall apply as if each Lender or its participants had match funded any Obligation as to which interest is accruing at the LIBOR Rate by acquiring eurodollar deposits for each Interest Period in the amount of the LIBOR Loans.

 

(f)                                 In connection with each LIBOR Loan, the Borrowers shall indemnify, defend, and hold Agent and the Lenders harmless against any loss, cost, or expense incurred by Agent or any Lender as a result of (a) the payment of any principal of any LIBOR Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or any mandatory prepayment required pursuant to Section 2.4(d)), (b) the conversion of any LIBOR Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), or (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any LIBOR Loan on the date specified in any Notice of Borrowing or LIBOR Notice delivered pursuant hereto (such losses, costs, and expenses, collectively, “ Funding Losses ”), provided that in no event shall Funding Losses include any loss of anticipated profits.  Funding Losses shall be paid by Borrowers directly to the applicable Agent or Lender, and with respect to any Agent or any Lender, be deemed to equal the amount reasonably determined by such Agent or such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest that would have accrued on the principal amount of such LIBOR Loan had such event not occurred, at the LIBOR Rate that would have been applicable thereto (but disregarding clause (b) of the definition thereof), 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 therefor), minus (ii) the amount of interest that would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Agent or such Lender would be offered were it to be offered, at the commencement of such period, Dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period in the London interbank market.  A certificate of an Agent or a Lender delivered to the Administrative Borrower setting forth any amount or amounts that such Agent or such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 2.3(f) (and a reasonably detailed calculation thereof) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

2.4.                         Payments; Prepayments .

 

(a)                                Payments by Borrowers.   The Borrowers will make each payment under this Agreement not later than 12:00 noon (New York City time) on the day when due, in lawful money of the

 

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United States of America and in immediately available funds, to Agent’s Account.  All payments received by Agent after 12:00 noon (New York City time) on any Business Day may be credited (solely for purposes of calculating interest hereunder) to the Loan Account on the next succeeding Business Day.  All payments shall be made by the Borrowers without set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, deduction or other defense to Agent and Lenders.  After receipt, Agent will promptly thereafter cause to be distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal ratably to the applicable Lenders in accordance with their Pro Rata Share of the Term Loan and like funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender, in each case to be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, provided that Agent will cause to be distributed all interest and fees received from or for the account of the Borrowers not less than once each month and in any event promptly after receipt thereof.  Whenever any payment to be made under any such Loan Document shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of interest.

 

(b)                               Scheduled Amortization Payments .  The principal amount of the Term Loan shall be paid in installments (all such installment payments, collectively, the “ Scheduled Term Loan Installment Payments ”) on the dates shown below in an amount equal to the product of (i) the percentage set forth in Column B below shown opposite each date as set forth in Column A below times (ii) the sum of (x) the original principal amount of the Term Loan made on the Closing Date plus (y) except as otherwise provided in any applicable Incremental Facility Amendment, commencing on the last Business Day of the Fiscal Quarter in which each Incremental Term Loan is advanced pursuant to Section 2.2, the aggregate original principal amount of all Incremental Term Loans advanced prior to such date (subject to adjustment for any prepayments as set forth in Section 2.4(c) and Section 2.4(e)):

 

Column A

 

Column B

 

 

 

Date of Payment

 

Percentage of Original
Principal Amount of Term
Loan to be Paid

 

 

 

March 31, 2016

 

0.25%

June 30, 2016

 

0.25%

September 30, 2016

 

0.25%

December 31, 2016

 

0.25%

 

 

 

March 31, 2017

 

0.625%

June 30, 2017

 

0.625%

September 30, 2017

 

0.625%

December 31, 2017

 

0.625%

 

 

 

March 31, 2018

 

1.25%

June 30, 2018

 

1.25%

September 30, 2018

 

1.25%

December 31, 2018

 

1.25%

 

 

 

March 31, 2019

 

1.875%

June 30, 2019

 

1.875%

September 30, 2019

 

1.875%

December 31, 2019

 

1.875%

 

 

 

March 31, 2020

 

2.50%

 

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Column A

 

Column B

 

 

 

Date of Payment

 

Percentage of Original
Principal Amount of Term
Loan to be Paid

 

 

 

June 30, 2020

 

2.50%

September 30, 2020

 

2.50%

December 31, 2020

 

2.50%

 

 

 

January 28, 2021

 

The remaining principal balance of the Term Loan

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other Obligations accrued and unpaid, shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date.

 

(c)                                Optional Prepayments.   At any time and from time to time, upon at least 3 days’ prior written notice to the Agent (or such shorter period consented to by the Agent), and subject to Section 2.3(d)  in the case of LIBOR Loans, the Borrowers may prepay the principal of the Loans in whole or in part and ratably in accordance with each Lender’s Pro Rata Share as to the Loans being prepaid.  Each prepayment made pursuant to this clause (c) shall be accompanied by the payment of (A) accrued interest to the date of such payment and (B) the Applicable Prepayment Premium.  Each such prepayment shall be applied against the remaining installments of principal due on the Term Loan on a pro rata basis.

 

(d)                               Mandatory Prepayments. Subject to the ABL Credit Agreement and the Intercreditor Agreement (and without duplication):

 

(i)                                   Upon the issuance or incurrence by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness), or upon an Equity Issuance by Parent (other than Excluded Equity Issuances), in each case, after the Closing Date, the Borrowers shall prepay the outstanding amount of the Loans in accordance with clause (e) below in an amount equal to (A) 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds received by such Person in connection therewith, plus (B) the Applicable Prepayment Premium.  The provisions of this Section 2.4(d)(i) shall not be deemed to be implied consent to any such issuance, incurrence or sale otherwise prohibited by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

(ii)                               On or prior to the date audited annual financial statements are required to be delivered to Agent pursuant to Section 6.1, commencing with the financial statements for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2017, the Borrowers shall prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Loans in accordance with clause (e) below in an amount equal to the result of (A) the ECF Percentage of the Excess Cash Flow of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year minus (B) the aggregate amount of all optional principal payments on the Loans that were made during such Fiscal Year pursuant to Section 2.4(c) and any Applicable Prepayment Premium paid during such Fiscal Year in connection therewith, such amount not to be less than zero.

 

(iii)                           Upon the receipt by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries of any Extraordinary Receipts (but only, unless the ABL Obligations have been paid in full, to the extent constituting Term Priority Collateral), the Borrowers shall, no later than three Business Days following receipt thereof, prepay the outstanding principal of the Loans in accordance with clause (e) below in an amount equal to 100% of such Extraordinary Receipts (net of any expenses incurred in collecting such

 

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Extraordinary Receipts or otherwise in connection therewith and any taxes payable or estimated by Borrowers in good faith to be payable by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in connection therewith) (“Net Extraordinary Receipts”), to the extent that the aggregate amount of Net Extraordinary Receipts received by all Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries exceeds $250,000 in any Fiscal Year (or, in the case of the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2016, during the period commencing with the day after the Closing Date and ending on December 31, 2016).

 

(iv)                           Upon any Disposition by any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries described in clause (a), (g) or (h) of the definition of Permitted Dispositions (but only, unless the ABL Obligations have been paid in full, to the extent resulting from a Disposition of Term Priority Collateral), the Borrowers shall, no later than three Business Days following receipt thereof, prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Loans in accordance with clause (e) below in an amount equal to (A) 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds received by such Person in connection with such Disposition, to the extent that the aggregate amount of Net Cash Proceeds received by all Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries (and not paid to the Lenders as a prepayment of the Loans in accordance herewith) shall exceed for all such Dispositions $250,000 in any Fiscal Year (or, in the case of the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2016, during the period commencing with the day after the Closing Date and ending on December 31, 2016), plus (B) except in connection with any prepayment in connection with a Disposition pursuant to clause (g) of the definition of Permitted Dispositions, the Applicable Prepayment Premium.  Nothing contained in this Section 2.4(d)(iv) shall permit any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries to make a Disposition of any property other than in accordance with Section 7.4.

 

(v)                               If a Change of Control occurs, the Borrowers shall immediately prepay the entire outstanding principal amount of the Loans, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, all other Obligations accrued and unpaid and the Applicable Prepayment Premium .

 

(vi)                           Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to Net Cash Proceeds received by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with a Disposition or the receipt of Extraordinary Receipts consisting of insurance proceeds or condemnation awards that are required to be used to prepay the Loans pursuant to Section 2.4(d)(iii) or Section 2.4(d)(iv), as the case may be, an amount equal to such Net Cash Proceeds and Extraordinary Receipts shall not be required to be so used to prepay the Loans to the extent that an amount equal to such Net Cash Proceeds and Net Extraordinary Receipts are used to replace, repair or restore properties or assets used in or are reinvested in assets usable in the business of the Loan Parties, provided that, (A) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date such Person receives such Net Cash Proceeds or Extraordinary Receipts, (B) the Administrative Borrower delivers a certificate to Agent within 30 days after such Disposition or receipt of such Extraordinary Receipts, as the case may be, stating that an amount equal to such Net Cash Proceeds or Net Extraordinary Receipts shall be used to replace, repair, restore or reinvest in properties or other assets used or usable in the business of the Loan Parties within a period specified in such certificate not to exceed 180 days (which period shall be extended to 365 days in the event a binding letter of intent is entered into within such 180-day period) after the date of receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds or Extraordinary Receipts (which certificate shall set forth estimates of the Net Cash Proceeds or Net Extraordinary Receipts to be so expended), (C) pending usage, such Net Cash Proceeds or Net Extraordinary Receipts are deposited in an account subject to a Control Agreement, and (D) upon the earlier of (1) the expiration of the period specified in the relevant certificate furnished to Agent pursuant to clause (B) above or (2) the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default, an amount equal to such Net Cash Proceeds or Net Extraordinary Receipts, if not theretofore so used, may, at the direction of Agent, be used to prepay the Loans in accordance with Section 2.4(d)(iii) or (iv), as applicable.

 

(vii)                       Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary contained in this Section 2.4(d), it is agreed and understood that (a) until the ABL Obligations have been paid in full, the

 

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Net Cash Proceeds of a Disposition of ABL Priority Collateral, or any Extraordinary Receipts consisting of insurance recoveries or condemnation awards that are direct proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral, shall not be subject to the prepayment requirements of this Section 2.4(d), and (b) the mandatory prepayment provisions set forth in this Section 2.4(d) shall be subject to, and superseded by, any applicable provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(viii)                   The Administrative Borrower shall provide written notice of any payments made pursuant to this Section 2.4(d) when paid, which notice shall state pursuant to which clause of this Section 2.4(d) the prepayment is being made.

 

(e)                                Application and Apportionment of Payments.

 

(i)                                   Subject to the terms of Section 2.4(e)(ii) below, each prepayment made by the Borrowers pursuant to subsections (c) or (d) above shall be applied to the remaining installments of principal of the Term Loan on a pro rata basis.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, prepayments required under Section 2.4(c) and (d) shall be applied in the manner set forth in Section 2.4(e)(ii) below.

 

(ii)                               Subject to the Intercreditor Agreement and any prior application required by the ABL Lender under the ABL Credit Agreement, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Agent may, and upon the direction of the Required Lenders shall, apply all proceeds of the Collateral and any other payments received by Agent, (I)  first , ratably to pay the Obligations in respect of any fees, cost and expense reimbursements, indemnities and other amounts then due and payable to the Agent until paid in full; (II)  second , ratably to pay interest then due and payable in respect of the Agent Advances until paid in full; (III)  third , ratably to pay principal of the Agent Advances until paid in full; (IV)  fourth , ratably to pay any fees, costs, expenses and indemnities in respect of the Obligations then due and payable to the Lenders until paid in full; (V)  fifth , ratably to pay interest then due and payable in respect of the Obligations until paid in full; (VI)  sixth , ratably to pay principal of the Loans until paid in full; and (VII)  seventh , to the ratable payment of all other Obligations applicable to any Loan Party then due and payable until paid in full.

 

(iii)                           For the avoidance of doubt, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and Agent has elected to or has been directed by the Required Lenders to apply payments in respect of any Obligations and all proceeds of the Collateral in accordance with Section 2.4(e)(ii), Section 2.4(e)(ii) shall not be deemed to apply to any payment by the Borrowers specified by the Administrative Borrower to Agent to be for the payment of Obligations then due and payable under any provision of this Agreement or the prepayment of all or part of the principal of the Loan in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 2.4(c).

 

(iv)                           All payments of principal and interest in respect of outstanding Loans, all payments of fees (other than the fees set forth in Section 2.11 hereof), and all other payments in respect of any other Obligations, shall be allocated by Agent among such of the Lenders as are entitled thereto, in proportion to their respective Pro Rata Shares or otherwise as provided herein or, in respect of payments not made on account of the Loans, as designated by the Person making payment when the payment is made.

 

(f)                                 Crediting Payments. For purposes of calculating the accrual of interest on outstanding Obligations, each payment shall be applied to the applicable Obligations as of the Business Day of receipt of immediately available funds by Agent ; provided that all payments received by Agent after 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on any Business Day will be credited (solely for purposes of

 

9



 

calculating interest) to the Obligations on the next succeeding Business Day. Any payment received by Agent that is not a transfer of immediately available funds shall be considered provisional until the item or items representing such payment have been finally paid under applicable law. Should any payment item not be honored when presented for payment, then Borrowers shall be deemed not to have made such payment, and that portion of Borrowers’ outstanding Obligations corresponding to the amount of such dishonored payment item shall be deemed to bear interest as if the dishonored payment item had never been received by Agent.

 

(g)                                Sharing of Payments.   Except as otherwise expressly provided herein that a payment is to be made for the account of an individual Lender, if any Lender shall obtain any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set-off, or otherwise) on account of any Obligation in excess of its ratable share of payments on account of similar obligations obtained by all the Lenders, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from the other Lenders such participations in such similar obligations held by them as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment ratably with each of them; provided , however , that (a) if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, such purchase from each Lender shall be rescinded and such Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of such recovery together with an amount equal to such Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender of any interest or other amount paid by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered) and (b) the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (i) any payment made by the Borrowers pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender), or (ii) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans.  The Borrowers agree that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.4(g) may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all of its rights (including the Lender’s right of set-off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrowers in the amount of such participation.

 

2.5.                         Defaulting Lenders .   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law:

 

(a)                                Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be restricted as set forth in Section 15.

 

(b)                               It is agreed and understood that Agent shall be entitled to set off any funding shortfall of a Defaulting Lender against such Defaulting Lender’s respective Pro Rata Share of any payments received by Agent pursuant to the terms hereof.  Agent shall not be obligated to transfer to such Defaulting Lender any payments made by or for the account of any Borrower to Agent for such Defaulting Lender’s benefit (unless and until any outstanding funding shortfall of such Defaulting Lender has been cured, including by way of an exercise of the set off rights provided for in the immediately preceding sentence), and, in the absence of such transfer to such Defaulting Lender, Agent shall transfer any such payments to each other non-Defaulting Lender ratably in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares (without giving effect to the Pro Rata Shares of such Defaulting Lender) (but only to the extent that such Defaulting Lender’s Loans were funded by the other Lenders and such payments have not been used to set off any outstanding funding shortfall of such Defaulting Lender) or, if so directed by the Administrative Borrower and if no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (and to the extent such Defaulting Lender’s Loans were not funded by the other Lenders and any funding shortfall of such Defaulting Lender has otherwise not been cured), retain the same to be re-advanced to the Borrowers as if

 

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such Defaulting Lender had made such Loans to the Borrowers.  Subject to the foregoing, Agent may hold and, in its discretion, re-lend to the Borrowers for the account of such Defaulting Lender the amount of all such payments received and retained by Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender.

 

(c)                                Any such failure to fund by any Defaulting Lender shall constitute a material breach by such Defaulting Lender of this Agreement and shall entitle (but not obligate) the Borrowers to replace the Defaulting Lender with one or more substitute Lenders reasonably acceptable to the Agent, and the Defaulting Lender shall have no right to refuse to be replaced hereunder.  Such notice to replace the Defaulting Lender shall specify an effective date for such replacement, which date shall not be later than 15 Business Days after the date such notice is given.  Prior to the effective date of such replacement, the Defaulting Lender shall execute and deliver an Assignment and Acceptance, subject only to the Defaulting Lender being repaid its share of the outstanding Obligations without any premium or penalty of any kind whatsoever.  If the Defaulting Lender shall refuse or fail to execute and deliver any such Assignment and Acceptance prior to the effective date of such replacement, the Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Acceptance.  The replacement of any Defaulting Lender shall be made in accordance with the terms of Section 14.

 

(d)                               The operation of this Section 2.5 shall not be construed to increase or otherwise affect the Term Loan Commitment of any Lender, to relieve or excuse the performance by a Defaulting Lender or any other Lender of its duties and obligations hereunder, or to relieve or excuse the performance by any Borrower of its duties and obligations hereunder to Agent or to the Lenders other than such Defaulting Lender.

 

(e)                                Other than as expressly set forth in this Section 2.5, the rights and obligations of a Defaulting Lender (including the obligation to indemnify Agent) and the other parties hereto shall remain unchanged.  Nothing in this Section 2.5 shall be deemed to release any Defaulting Lender from its obligations under this Agreement and the Loan Documents, shall alter such obligations, shall operate as a waiver of any default by such Defaulting Lender hereunder, or shall prejudice any rights which any Borrower, Agent or any Lender may have against any Defaulting Lender as a result of any default by such Defaulting Lender hereunder.

 

(f)                                 This Section 2.5 shall remain effective with respect to any Defaulting Lenders until either (i) the Obligations under this Agreement shall have been declared or shall have become immediately due and payable or (ii) the non-Defaulting Lenders, Agent, and the Borrowers shall have waived such Defaulting Lender’s default in writing, and the Defaulting Lender makes its Pro Rata Share of the applicable defaulted Loans and pays to Agent all amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender in respect thereof; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrowers while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided further that, except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from such Lender having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

2.6.                         Interest Rates: Rates, Payments, and Calculations .

 

(a)                                Interest Rates Subject to the terms of this Agreement, at the option of the Administrative Borrower, each Loan or any portion thereof shall be either a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Loan.  Each portion of a Loan that is a Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the principal amount thereof from time to time outstanding, from the date of the Loan until repaid, at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin.  Each portion of a Loan that is a LIBOR Loan shall bear interest on the principal amount thereof from time to time outstanding, from the date of the Loan until repaid, at a

 

11



 

rate per annum equal to the LIBOR Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Loan (or such portion thereof) plus the Applicable Margin.

 

(b)                               Default Rate.   Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default and at any time following the Maturity Date, in each case at the election of Agent (or at the direction of Required Lenders) by notice to the Administrative Borrower (which notice may be revoked by Agent at its option (provided, that if an election to increase the interest rate as set forth in this paragraph is made at the direction of Required Lenders, then such revocation shall be made only at the direction of Required Lenders)), the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to two (2) percentage points above the per annum rate otherwise applicable thereto hereunder.  For avoidance of doubt, Agent may assess such default rate commencing on the date of the occurrence of an Event of Default irrespective of the date of reporting or declaration of such Event of Default.

 

(c)                                Payment.   Interest on each Base Rate Loan shall be payable monthly, in arrears, on the first day of each month, commencing on the first day of the month following the month in which such Loan is made, upon any prepayment of such Loan in accordance with Section 2.4, and at maturity (whether upon demand, by acceleration or otherwise).  Interest on each LIBOR Loan shall be payable on the last day of each Interest Period relating to such Loan (and, in the case of a LIBOR Loan with an Interest Period in excess of 3 months, on the last day of each 3-month interval of such Interest Period), commencing on the first day of the month following the month in which such Loan is made, upon any prepayment of such Loan in accordance with Section 2.4, and at maturity (whether upon demand, by acceleration or otherwise).  Default interest payable pursuant to Section 2.6(b) shall be payable on demand.  Any interest, fees, costs, expenses, or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document that are not paid as and when due and payable shall accrue interest at the rate then applicable to Base Rate Loans.

 

(d)                               Computation.   All interest shall be computed for the actual number of days, including the first day but excluding the last day, elapsed on the basis of (i) a year of 360 days for interest calculated based on the LIBOR Rate or (ii) a year of 365/366 days for interest calculated based on the Base Rate.

 

(e)                                Intent to Limit Charges to Maximum Lawful Rate.   In no event shall the interest  rate or rates payable under this Agreement, plus any other amounts paid in connection herewith, exceed the highest rate permissible under any law that a court of competent jurisdiction shall, in a final determination, deem applicable.  Borrowers, Agent and Lenders, in executing and delivering this Agreement, intend legally to agree upon the rate or rates of interest and manner of payment stated within it; provided , however , that, anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if said rate or rates of interest or manner of payment exceeds the maximum allowable under applicable law, then, as of the date of this Agreement, Borrowers are and shall be liable only for the payment of such maximum amount as is allowed by law, and payment received from Borrowers in excess of such legal maximum, whenever received, shall be applied to reduce the principal balance of the Obligations to the extent of such excess.

 

2.7.                         [Reserved].

 

2.8.                         Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of Obligations . Agent shall maintain an account on its books in the name of Borrowers (the “ Loan Account ”) in which will be recorded all Loans and other advances made by Agent and Lenders to Borrowers or for Borrowers’ account and all other payment Obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, including accrued interest, fees and expenses.  In accordance with Section 2.4 and Section 2.6 , the Loan Account will be credited with all payments received by Agent from Borrowers or for Borrowers’ account.  Within 1 Business Day after any

 

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activity on the Loan Account, Agent shall deliver to Administrative Borrower, or make available to Administrative Borrower electronically, statements regarding the Loan Account, including with respect to principal, interest, fees, and including an itemization of all charges and expenses owing, and such statements shall be subject to subsequent adjustment by Agent as provided in this Agreement upon notice to Borrowers but shall, absent manifest error, be conclusively presumed to be correct and accurate and constitute an account stated between Borrowers on the one hand and Agent and Lenders on the other unless, within 30 days after receipt thereof by Borrowers, Borrowers shall deliver to Agent written objection thereto describing the error or errors contained in any such statements.

 

2.9.                         [Reserved].

 

2.10.                 Effect of Maturity; Releases .

 

(a)                                On the Maturity Date, all obligations of Agent and Lenders hereunder shall automatically be terminated and all of the Obligations shall immediately become due and payable without notice or demand and Borrowers shall immediately repay all of such Obligations in full.  No termination of the obligations of Agent and Lenders (other than cash payment in full of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable) ) shall relieve or discharge any Loan Party of its duties, obligations, or covenants hereunder or under any other Loan Document and Agent’s Liens in the Collateral shall continue to secure the Obligations and shall remain in effect until all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable) have been paid in full in cash and Agent ’s and Lenders’ obligations to provide additional credit hereunder shall have been terminated.   Agent shall, at Borrowers’ expense, release or terminate any filings or other agreements that perfect the Agent’s Liens in the Collateral, upon Agent’s receipt of each of the following: (i) cash payment in full of all Obligations in good and available funds, (ii) evidence that any obligation of Agent and Lenders to provide any further credit to any Borrower hereunder has been terminated, and (iii) an agreement by each Borrower and each Guarantor to indemnify Agent and Lenders and each of their Affiliates for any payments received by Agent or its Affiliates that are applied to the Obligations as a final payoff that may subsequently be returned or otherwise not paid for any reason.

 

(b)                               If any of the Collateral shall be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by any Loan Party to a Person that is not a Loan Party in a transaction expressly permitted by this Agreement, then such Collateral shall be automatically released from the Liens created by the Loan Documents without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any party, and all rights to the Collateral shall revert to such Loan Party or its transferee, as the case may be, and Agent, at the request of Administrative Borrower and the sole expense of such Loan Party, shall execute and deliver to such Loan Party all releases or other documents reasonably necessary to evidence the release of the Liens created by the Loan Documents on such Collateral.  In the event that all of the Stock of a Loan Party shall be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of to a Person that is not a Loan Party in a transaction that is expressly permitted by this Agreement, then at the request of Administrative Borrower and the sole expense of Borrowers, Agent shall release such Loan Party from its obligations under the Loan Documents and shall execute and deliver to such Loan Party all releases or other documentation reasonably necessary to evidence such release.

 

2.11.                 Fees .   The Borrowers shall pay to Agent the fees set forth in the Fee Letter in accordance with the terms of the Fee Letter.

 

2.12.                 Increased Costs and Reduced Return .

 

(a)                                Except with respect to taxes (which shall be governed by Section 16), if any Lender or Agent shall have determined that any Change in Law shall (i) subject Agent or such Lender, or

 

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any Person controlling Agent or such Lender to any duty or other charge with respect to this Agreement or any Loan made by Agent or such Lender, (ii) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against any Loan or against assets of or held by, or deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, Agent or such Lender or any Person controlling Agent or such Lender or (iii) impose on Agent or such Lender or any Person controlling such Agent or such Lender any other condition regarding this Agreement or any Loan, and the result of any event referred to in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above shall be to increase the cost to Agent or such Lender of making any Loan, or agreeing to make any Loan, or to reduce any amount received or receivable by Agent or such Lender hereunder, then, promptly (and in any event within 3 days) following demand by Agent or such Lender, the Borrowers shall pay to Agent or such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate Agent or such Lender for such increased costs or reductions in amount.

 

(b)                               If Agent or any Lender shall have determined that any Change in Law either (i) affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by Agent or such Lender or any Person controlling Agent or such Lender, and Agent or such Lender determines that the amount of such capital is increased as a direct or indirect consequence of any Loan made or maintained, Agent’s or such Lender’s or such other controlling Person’s other obligations hereunder, or (ii) has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on Agent’s or such Lender’s such other controlling Person’s capital to a level below that which Agent or such Lender or such controlling Person could have achieved but for such circumstances as a consequence of any Loan made or maintained, or any agreement to make any Loan, or Agent’s or such Lender’s or such other controlling Person’s other obligations hereunder (in each case, taking into consideration, Agent’s or such Lender’s or such other controlling Person’s policies with respect to capital adequacy), then, promptly (and in any event within 3 days) following demand by Agent or such Lender, the Borrowers shall pay to Agent or such Lender from time to time such additional amounts as will compensate Agent or such Lender for such cost of maintaining such increased capital or such reduction in the rate of return on Agent’s or such Lender’s or such other controlling Person’s capital.

 

(c)                                All amounts payable under this Section 2.12 shall bear interest from the date that is 10 days after the date of demand by Agent or any Lender (accompanied by reasonable back-up documentation therefor) until payment in full to Agent or such Lender at the rate applicable to Base Rate Loans.  A certificate of Agent or such Lender claiming compensation under this Section 2.12, specifying the event herein above described and the nature of such event shall be submitted by Agent or such Lender to the Administrative Borrower, setting forth the additional amount due and a reasonably detailed explanation of the calculation thereof, and Agent’s or such Lender’s reasons for invoking the provisions of this Section 2.12, and shall be final and conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(d)                               Failure or delay on the part of Agent or any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12 shall not constitute a waiver of Agent’s or such Lender’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate Agent or any Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12 for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Administrative Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).  The determination by Lender of any amount due pursuant to this Section 2.12, as set forth in a certificate setting forth the calculation thereof in reasonable detail, shall, in the absence of manifest or demonstrable error, be final and conclusive and binding on all of the parties hereto.

 

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(e)                                The obligations of the Loan Parties under this Section 2.12 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

 

2.13.                 Changes in Law; Impracticability or Illegality .

 

(a)                                The LIBOR Rate may be adjusted by Agent with respect to any Lender on a prospective basis to take into account any additional or increased costs to such Lender (other than Excluded Taxes or Taxes which are governed by Section 16 hereof) of maintaining or obtaining any eurodollar deposits or increased costs due to changes in applicable law occurring subsequent to the commencement of the then applicable Interest Period, including changes in tax laws (except changes of general applicability in corporate income tax laws) and changes in the reserve requirements imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor), excluding the Reserve Percentage, which additional or increased costs would increase the cost of funding loans bearing interest at the LIBOR Rate.  In any such event, the affected Lender shall give the Administrative Borrower and Agent written notice of such a determination and adjustment and Agent promptly shall transmit the notice to each other Lender and, upon its receipt of the notice from the affected Lender, the Administrative Borrower may, by notice to such affected Lender (i) require such Lender to furnish to the Administrative Borrower a statement setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for adjusting such LIBOR Rate and the method for determining the amount of such adjustment, or (ii) repay the LIBOR Loans with respect to which such adjustment is made (together with any amounts due under Section 2.3(f)).

 

(b)                               In the event that any change in market conditions or any law, regulation, treaty, or directive, or any change therein or in the interpretation of application thereof, shall at any time after the date hereof, in the reasonable opinion of any Lender, make it unlawful or impractical for such Lender to fund or maintain LIBOR Loans or to continue such funding or maintaining, or to determine or charge interest rates at the LIBOR Rate, such Lender shall give written notice of such changed circumstances to the Administrative Borrower and Agent, and Agent promptly shall transmit the notice to each other Lender and (i) in the case of any LIBOR Loans of such Lender that are outstanding, the date specified in such Lender’s notice shall be deemed to be the last day of the Interest Period of such LIBOR Loans, and interest upon the LIBOR Loans of such Lender thereafter shall accrue interest at the rate then applicable to Base Rate Loans hereunder, and (ii) the Borrowers shall not be entitled to elect the LIBOR Option until such Lender determines that it would no longer be unlawful or impractical to do so.

 

(c)                                The obligations of the Loan Parties under this Section 2.13 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

 

2.14.                 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders .

 

(a)                                If any Lender requires any Borrower to pay any additional amounts under Section 16 or requests compensation under Section 2.12 or Section 2.13(a), or any Lender gives notice of the occurrence of circumstances described in Section 2.13(b), then such Lender shall (at the request of the Administrative Borrower) use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the sole judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to such Section 16, 2.12 or 2.13(a) in the future or eliminate the circumstances described in Section 2.13(b), as applicable, and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender in any material respect.  The Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

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(b)                               If any Lender requires a Borrower to pay any additional amounts under Section 16 or requests compensation under Section 2.12 or Section 2.13(a), or any Lender gives notice of the occurrence of circumstances described in Section 2.13(b), and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with clause (a) above, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, then the Administrative Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 14), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to an assignee that is reasonably acceptable to Agent that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if such Lender accepts such assignment); provided that:

 

(i)                                   the Borrowers shall have paid to Agent any assignment fees specified in Section 14;

 

(ii)                               Agent shall have received all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the USA PATRIOT Act, for the assignee;

 

(iii)                           such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 2.3(f) and Section 16);

 

(iv)                           in the case of any such assignment resulting from payments required to be made pursuant to Section 16 or requests for compensation made under Section 2.12 or Section 2.13(a), such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and

 

(v)                               such assignment does not conflict with applicable law.

 

Prior to the effective date of such assignment, the assigning Lender shall execute and deliver an Assignment and Acceptance, subject only to the conditions set forth above.  If the assigning Lender shall refuse or fail to execute and deliver any such Assignment and Acceptance prior to the effective date of such assignment, the assigning Lender shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Acceptance.  Any such assignment shall be made in accordance with the terms of Section 14.

 

2.15.                 Extent of Each Borrower’s Liability, Contribution .

 

(a)                                Joint and Several Liability.   Each Borrower agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to Agent and each Lender the prompt payment and performance of, all Obligations under this Agreement and all agreements under the Loan Documents.  Each Borrower agrees that its guaranty obligations hereunder constitute a continuing guaranty of payment and not of collection, that such obligations shall not be discharged until cash payment in full of the Obligations, and that such obligations are absolute and unconditional, irrespective of (i) the genuineness, validity, regularity, enforceability, subordination or any future modification of, or change in, any Obligations or Loan Document, or any other document, instrument or agreement to which any Borrower is or may become a party or be bound; (ii) the absence of any action to enforce this Agreement (including this Section) or any other Loan Document, or any waiver, consent or indulgence of any kind by Agent and/or Lenders with respect thereto; (iii) the existence, value or condition of, or failure to perfect any of Agent’s Liens or to preserve rights against, any security or guaranty for the Obligations or any action, or the absence of any action, by Agent or Lenders in respect thereof (including the release of any security or guaranty); (iv) the insolvency of any Borrower; (v) any election by Agent or any

 

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Lender in an Insolvency Proceeding for the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code; (vi) any borrowing or grant of a Lien by any other Borrower, as debtor-in-possession under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; (vii) the disallowance of any claims of Agent or any Lender against any Borrower for the repayment of any Obligations under Section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; or (viii) any other action or circumstances that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor, except cash payment in full of all Obligations.

 

(b)                               [Reserved.]

 

(c)                                Contribution. Each Borrower hereby agrees that it will not enforce any of its rights of contribution or subrogation against any other Borrower with respect to any liability incurred by it hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, any payments made by it to Agent or any Lender with respect to any of the Obligations or any collateral security therefor until such time as all of the Obligations have been paid in full in cash.  Any claim which any Borrower may have against any other Borrower with respect to any payments to Agent or any Lender on behalf of another Borrower hereunder are hereby expressly made subordinate and junior in right of payment, without limitation as to any increases in the Obligations arising hereunder or thereunder, to the prior payment in full in cash of the Obligations and, in the event of any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceeding under the laws of any jurisdiction relating to any Borrower, its debts or its assets, whether voluntary or involuntary, all such Obligations shall be paid in full in cash before any payment or distribution of any character, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be made to any other Borrower therefor.

 

(d)                               No Limitation on Liability. Nothing contained in this Section 2.15 shall limit the liability of any Borrower to pay any Obligations, whether arising from Loans made directly or indirectly to that Borrower or to any other Borrower and all accrued interest, fees, expenses and other related Obligations with respect thereto, for which each Borrower shall be primarily liable for all purposes hereunder.

 

2.16.                 RG Parent LLC as Agent for Borrowers .   Each Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints RG Parent as the Administrative Borrower and attorney-in-fact for all Borrowers (the “ Administrative Borrower ”) which appointment shall remain in full force and effect unless and until Agent shall have received prior written notice signed by each Borrower that such appointment has been revoked and that another Borrower has been appointed Administrative Borrower.  Each Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Borrower (a) to provide Agent with all notices and instructions under this Agreement, and (b) to take such action as the Administrative Borrower deems appropriate on its behalf to direct the disbursement of the Term Loan and to exercise such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.  It is understood that the handling of the Loan Account and Collateral in a combined fashion, as more fully set forth herein, is done solely as an accommodation to Borrowers in order to utilize the collective borrowing powers of Borrowers in the most efficient and economical manner and at their request, and that neither Agent nor any Lender shall incur liability to any Borrower as a result hereof.  Each Borrower expects to derive benefit, directly or indirectly, from the handling of the Loan Account and the Collateral in a combined fashion since the successful operation of each Borrower is dependent on the continued successful performance of the integrated group.  To induce Agent and Lenders to do so, and in consideration thereof, each Borrower hereby jointly and severally agrees to indemnify Agent and each Lender and hold Agent and each Lender harmless against any and all liability, expense, loss or claim of damage or injury, made against Agent or any Lender by any Borrower or by any third party whosoever, arising from or incurred by reason of (a) the handling of the Loan Account and Collateral of Borrowers as herein provided, or (b) Agent’s or any Lender’s reliance on any instructions of the Administrative Borrower, except that Borrowers will have no liability to Agent or any Lender under this Section 2.16 with respect to any

 

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liability that has been finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Person.

 

3.                                     SECURITY INTEREST.

 

3.1.                         Grant of Security Interest .   Each Loan Party hereby grants, assigns, and pledges to Agent, for itself and for the benefit of each Lender, to secure payment and performance of the Obligations, a continuing Lien and security interest (hereinafter referred to as the “ Security Interest ”) in all of such Loan Party’s right, title, and interest in and to the Collateral, as security for the payment and performance of all Obligations.  Following request by Agent, each Loan Party shall grant Agent, for itself and for the benefit of each Lender, a Lien and Security Interest in all Commercial Tort Claims that it may have against any Person.  The Security Interest created hereby secures the payment and performance of the Obligations, whether now existing or arising hereafter.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement secures the payment of all amounts which constitute part of the Obligations and would be owed by any Loan Party to Agent or any Lender, but for the fact that they are unenforceable or not allowable (in whole or in part) as a claim in an Insolvency Proceeding involving any Borrower due to the existence of such Insolvency Proceeding.  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the term “Collateral” shall not include, and no Security Interest is granted in, any Excluded Property.  This Agreement grants only the Security Interests herein described and is not intended to and does not effect the transfer of title of any trademark registration or application.

 

3.2.                         Loan Parties Remain Liable .   Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (a) Borrowers and each other Loan Party shall remain liable under the contracts and agreements included in the Collateral to perform all of the duties and obligations thereunder to the same extent as if this Agreement had not been executed, (b) the exercise by Agent or any Lender of any of the rights hereunder shall not release any Borrower or any other Loan Party from any of its duties or obligations under such contracts and agreements included in the Collateral, and (c) neither Agent nor any Lender shall not have any obligation or liability under such contracts and agreements included in the Collateral by reason of the Security Interest, nor shall Agent or any Lender be obligated to perform any of the obligations or duties of any Borrower or any other Loan Party thereunder or to take any action to collect or enforce any claim for payment assigned hereunder.

 

3.3.                         Assignment of Insurance .   As additional security for the Obligations, each Loan Party hereby grants and pledges to Agent, for itself and for the benefit of each Lender, a lien and security interest in all rights of such Borrower and such Loan Party under (a) the Key Man Life Insurance Policy and (b) every policy of insurance covering the Collateral and all other assets and property of each Borrower and each other Loan Party (including, without limitation business interruption insurance and proceeds thereof) and all business records and other documents relating to it, and all monies (including proceeds and refunds) that may be payable under any such policy.  After the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Agent may (but need not), in Agent’s or any Borrower’s or any other Loan Party’s name, and upon notice to Administrative Borrower, execute and deliver proofs of claim, receive payment of proceeds and endorse checks and other instruments representing payment of the policy of insurance, and adjust, litigate, compromise or release claims against the issuer of any policy.

 

3.4.                         Financing Statements .   Each Borrower and each other Loan Party authorizes Agent to file financing statements describing Collateral to perfect Agent’s Security Interest in the Collateral, and Agent may describe or indicate the Collateral as “all assets of debtor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising, together with all proceeds thereof” or words of similar meaning.

 

3.5.                         Intercreditor Agreement .   Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, so long as the ABL Obligations remain outstanding, any provision hereof that requires any Loan Party to (a) deliver

 

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any Collateral  to Agent or (b) provide that Agent have control over such Collateral, may, if required by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, be satisfied by (x) the delivery of such Collateral by such Loan Party to the ABL Lender, and (y) providing that the ABL Lender be provided with control with respect to such Collateral (for the benefit of Agent to the extent provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement).  Any reference in this Agreement to a “first priority lien” or words of similar effect in describing the security interests created hereunder shall be understood to refer to such priority subject, in the case of ABL Priority Collateral, to the claims of ABL Lender as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement. All representations, warranties and covenants in this Agreement shall be subject to the provisions and qualifications set forth in this Section 3.5 .

 

4.                                     CONDITIONS.

 

4.1.                         Conditions Precedent to the making of the Term Loan .   The obligations of Lenders to make the Term Loan provided for hereunder on the Closing Date is subject to the fulfillment of the conditions precedent set forth on Exhibit B (the making of the Term Loan on the Closing Date by a Lender to be conclusive evidence of its satisfaction or waiver of such conditions precedent).

 

5.                                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

 

In order to induce Agent and Lenders to enter into this Agreement, each Borrower and each other Loan Party makes the representations and warranties to Agent and Lenders set forth on Exhibit D .  Each of such representations and warranties shall be true, correct, and complete, in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), as of the Closing Date, and shall be true, correct, and complete, in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), as of the date of the making of each Incremental Term Loan made hereunder thereafter, as though made on and as of the date such Incremental Term Loan is made (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date) and such representations and warranties shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

6.                                     AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

 

Each Borrower and each other Loan Party covenants and agrees that, until payment in full of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable), each Borrower and each other Loan Party shall and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to comply with each of the following:

 

6.1.                         Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates .   Deliver to Agent copies of each of the financial statements, reports, and other items set forth on Schedule 6.1 no later than the times specified therein.  In addition, each Borrower agrees that no Subsidiary of a Borrower will have a fiscal year different from that of Borrowers.  Each Loan Party agrees to maintain a system of accounting that enables such Loan Party to produce financial statements in accordance with GAAP.  Each Loan Party shall also (a) keep a reporting system that shows all additions, sales, claims, returns, and allowances with respect to the sales of such Loan Party and its Subsidiaries, and (b) maintain its billing systems/practices substantially as in effect as of the Closing Date or otherwise consistent with past practices and shall only make material modifications thereto following prior notice to Agent.

 

6.2.                         Collateral Reporting .   Provide Agent with each of the reports set forth on Schedule 6.2 at the times specified therein.

 

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6.3.                         Existence .   Except as otherwise permitted under Section 7.3 or Section 7.4 , at all times maintain and preserve in full force and effect (a) its existence (including being in good standing, to the extent such concept exists, in its jurisdiction of organization) and (b) all rights and franchises, licenses and permits material to its business; provided , however , that no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to preserve any such right or franchise, licenses or permits if (i) such Person shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of such Person, and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to such Person or to Agent or Lenders and (ii) the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

6.4.                         Maintenance of Properties .   Maintain and preserve all of its tangible assets that are necessary or useful in the proper conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear, tear and casualty excepted and Permitted Dispositions excepted (and except where the failure to so maintain and preserve such assets could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change), and comply with the provisions of all leases to which it is a party as lessee, so as to prevent the loss or forfeiture thereof, unless such provisions are the subject of a Permitted Protest or failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

6.5.                         Taxes .

 

(a)                                Cause all material assessments and taxes imposed, levied, or assessed against any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective assets or in respect of any of its income, businesses, or franchises to be paid in full, before delinquency or before the expiration of any extension period, except (x) to the extent that the validity of such assessment or tax shall be the subject of a Permitted Protest and so long as, in the case of an assessment or tax that has or may become a Lien against any of the Collateral, (i) such contest proceedings conclusively operate to stay the sale of any portion of the Collateral to satisfy such assessment or tax, and (ii) any such other Lien is at all times subordinate to Agent’s Liens or (y) for taxes in an aggregate amount not in excess of $50,000.

 

(b)                               Make timely payment or deposit of all material tax payments and withholding taxes required of it and them by applicable laws, including those applicable laws concerning F.I.C.A., F.U.T.A., state disability, and local, state, and federal income taxes, and will, upon request, furnish Agent with proof indicating that such Loan Party and its Subsidiaries have made such payments or deposits except to the extent subject to a Permitted Protest.

 

6.6.                         Insurance .   At Borrowers’ expense, maintain insurance with respect to the assets of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries wherever located, covering liabilities, losses or damages as are customarily insured against by other Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses.  Borrowers also shall maintain, with respect to each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries, business interruption insurance, general liability insurance, flood insurance for Real Property Collateral located in a flood plain, product liability insurance, director’s and officer’s liability insurance, fiduciary liability insurance, and employment practices liability insurance, as well as insurance against larceny, embezzlement, and criminal misappropriation.  All such policies of insurance shall be with financially sound and reputable insurance companies having a financial strength rating of at least A- by A.M. Best Company or that are otherwise reasonably acceptable to Agent and in such amounts as is carried generally in accordance with sound business practice by companies in similar businesses similarly situated and located and in any event in amount, adequacy and scope reasonably satisfactory to Agent.  Unless otherwise agreed by Agent, (i) all property insurance policies covering the Collateral are to be made payable to Agent for the benefit of Lenders, as its interests may appear, in case of loss, pursuant to a lender loss payable endorsement reasonably acceptable to Agent and are to contain such other provisions as Agent may reasonably require to fully protect the Agent’s interest in the Collateral and to any payments to be made

 

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under such policies and (ii) such evidence of property and general liability insurance shall be delivered to Agent, with the lender loss payable endorsements (but only in respect of Collateral) and additional insured endorsements (with respect to general liability coverage) in favor of Agent and such policies shall provide for not less than 30 days (10 days in the case of non-payment) prior written notice to Agent of the exercise of any right of cancellation.  If Borrowers fail to maintain such insurance, Agent may arrange for such insurance, but at Borrowers’ expense and without any responsibility on Agent’s part for obtaining the insurance, the solvency of the insurance companies, the adequacy of the coverage, or the collection of claims.  Administrative Borrower shall give Lender prompt notice of any loss exceeding $1,000,000 covered by Borrowers’ casualty or business interruption insurance.  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, Agent shall have the sole right to file claims under any property and general liability insurance policies in respect of the Collateral, to receive and give acquittance for any payments that may be payable thereunder, and to execute any and all endorsements, receipts, releases, assignments, reassignments or other documents that may be necessary to effect the collection, compromise or settlement of any claims under any such insurance policies.

 

6.7.                         Inspections, Exams, Collateral Exams and Appraisals .   Permit Agent and each of Agent’s duly authorized representatives to visit any of its properties and inspect any of its assets or books and records, to conduct inspections, exams and appraisals of the Collateral, to examine and make copies of its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances, and accounts with, and to be advised as to the same by, its officers and employees at such reasonable times and intervals as Agent may designate and, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, with reasonable prior written notice to Borrowers. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.7 , no Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries will be required to disclose, permit the visit, inspection, examination, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (x) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information of such Loan Party, (y) in respect of which disclosure to Agent or the Lenders (or their representatives) is prohibited by law or any binding legal agreement or (z) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work product.  Agent shall give Administrative Borrower the opportunity to participate in any discussions with Borrowers’ independent public accountants.

 

6.8.                         Account Verification .   Permit Agent, in Agent’s name or in the name of a nominee of Agent, to verify the validity, amount or any other matter relating to any Account, by mail, telephone, facsimile transmission or otherwise.  Further, at the request of Agent, Borrowers shall send requests for verification of Accounts or send notices of assignment of Accounts to Account Debtors and other obligors.

 

6.9.                         Compliance with Laws .   Comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and orders of any Governmental Authority, other than laws, rules, regulations, and orders the non-compliance with which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

6.10.                 Environmental .

 

(a)                                Keep any property either owned or operated by any Borrower or any other Loan Party or its Subsidiaries free of any Environmental Liens securing obligations or liabilities in excess of $250,000 or post bonds or other financial assurances reasonably satisfactory to Agent and in an amount sufficient to satisfy the obligations or liability evidenced by such Environmental Liens;

 

(b)                               Comply with Environmental Laws, except to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, and provide to Agent documentation of such compliance which Agent reasonably requests;

 

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(c)                                Promptly notify Agent of any release of which any Borrower or any other Loan Party has knowledge of a Hazardous Material that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change from or onto property owned or operated by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and take any Remedial Actions required to abate said release or otherwise to come into compliance with applicable Environmental Law, except to the extent that such non-compliance would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; and

 

(d)                               Promptly, but in any event within 5 Business Days of its receipt thereof, provide Agent with written notice of any of the following:  (i) notice that an Environmental Lien has been filed against any of the real or personal property of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, (ii) commencement of any Environmental Action or written notice that an Environmental Action will be filed against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, and (iii) written notice of a violation by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, a citation of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or any other administrative order from a Governmental Authority in respect of an Environmental Action or violation of Environmental Law by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

6.11.                 Disclosure Updates .

 

(a)                                Promptly and in no event later than 5 Business Days after obtaining knowledge thereof, notify Agent in writing:

 

(i)                                   if any written information, exhibit, or report furnished to Agent contained, at the time it was furnished, any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances in which made.  Any notification pursuant to the foregoing provision will not cure or remedy the effect of the prior untrue statement of a material fact or omission of any material fact nor shall any such notification have the effect of amending or modifying this Agreement or any of the Schedules hereto;

 

(ii)                               of all actions, suits, or proceedings brought by or against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries before any court or Governmental Authority which reasonably could be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

 

(iii)                           of any material disputes or similar material claims by any Borrower’s customers with respect to an Account in an amount in excess of $250,000;

 

(iv)                           of any material loss or damage to any Collateral; or

 

(v)                               of a violation by any Loan Party or Subsidiary thereof of any law, rule or regulation, the non-compliance with which reasonably could be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

(b)                               Promptly upon obtaining knowledge thereof after the occurrence thereof, notify Agent in writing of any event or condition which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default and, upon Agent’s written request, provide a statement of the action that such Borrower proposes to take with respect to such Default or Event of Default.

 

(c)                                Prior to consigning or selling on conditional terms of sale (including bill and hold, sale or return, sale on approval, or other similar conditional terms of sale) any Inventory with an aggregate value in excess of $250,000 pursuant to a new arrangement after the Closing Date with a

 

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customer not previously involved in any such arrangement, provide Agent with written notice of such arrangement, including the details thereof.

 

(d)                               Upon the reasonable request of Agent, each Loan Party shall deliver to Agent any other materials, reports, records or information reasonably requested relating to the operations, business affairs, financial condition of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries or the Collateral.

 

6.12.                 Collateral Covenants .

 

(a)                                Possession of Collateral .  In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 , in the event that any Collateral, including Proceeds, is evidenced by or consists of Negotiable Collateral, Investment Related Property, or Chattel Paper, in each case having an individual value of $250,000 or more or an aggregate value of $500,000 or more, the Loan Parties shall promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days after receipt thereof or such longer period as Agent agrees), notify Agent thereof, and if and to the extent that perfection or priority of Agent’s Liens is dependent on or enhanced by possession, the applicable Loan Party, promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days) after request by Agent, shall execute such other documents and instruments as shall be requested by Agent or, if applicable, endorse and deliver physical possession of such Negotiable Collateral, Investment Related Property, or Chattel Paper to Agent (or, in the case of ABL Priority Collateral, if required by the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Lender), together with such undated powers (or other relevant document of assignment or transfer acceptable to Agent) endorsed in blank as shall be requested by Agent, and shall do such other acts or things reasonably requested by Agent and deemed necessary or desirable by Agent to perfect and protect Agent’s Liens therein.

 

(b)                               Chattel Paper.

 

(i)                                   In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 , promptly (and in any event within  5 Business Days or such longer period as Agent agrees) after request by Agent, each Loan Party shall take all steps reasonably requested by Agent and necessary to grant Agent control of all electronic Chattel Paper of any Loan Party in accordance with the Code and all “transferable records” as that term is defined in Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act and Section 201 of the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction, to the extent that the individual value of such electronic Chattel Paper equals or exceeds $250,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate; and

 

(ii)                               Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 , if any Loan Party retains possession of any Chattel Paper or instruments (which retention of possession shall be subject to the extent permitted hereby), promptly upon the request of Agent, such Chattel Paper and instruments shall be marked with a legend in form and substance satisfactory to Agent with a reference to the fact that such Chattel Paper or instruments are subject to the Security Interest of Agent.

 

(c)                                Control Agreements.

 

(i)                                   In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 , and except to the extent otherwise provided by Section 7.11 and other than with respect to Excluded Accounts, each Loan Party shall obtain a Control Agreement, from each bank maintaining a Deposit Account for such Loan Party (in the case of Deposit Accounts maintained as of the Closing Date, no later than 90 days (or such longer period as Agent shall agree) after the Closing Date);

 

(ii)                               In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 , and except to the extent otherwise provided by Section 7.11 , each Loan Party shall obtain a

 

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Control Agreement from each securities intermediary or commodities intermediary issuing or holding any financial assets or commodities to or for any Loan Party (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any Treasury Shares Account) (in the case of financial assets or commodities of the Loan Parties as of the Closing Date, no later than 90 days (or such longer period as Agent shall agree) after the Closing Date); and

 

(iii)                           In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and except to the extent otherwise provided by Section 7.11 , each Loan Party shall cause Agent to obtain “control”, as such term is defined in the Code, with respect to all of such Loan Party’s investment property (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any Treasury Shares Account) .

 

(d)                               Letter-of-Credit Rights.   In each case subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and Section 3.5 , if the Loan Parties (or any of them) are or become the beneficiary of any letter of credit (other than any ABL Priority Collateral) having an individual value of $250,000 or more or aggregate value of $500,000 or more , then the applicable Loan Party or Loan Parties shall promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days after becoming a beneficiary or such longer period as Agent agrees), notify Agent thereof and, promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days or such longer period as Agent agrees) after request by Agent, use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into an agreement with Agent, ABL Lender and the issuer or confirming bank with respect to letter-of-credit rights assigning such letter-of-credit rights to Agent.

 

(e)                                Commercial Tort Claims.   On each date on which a Compliance Certificate is required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement, each Loan Party shall notify Agent in writing of any commercial tort claim acquired by such Loan Party and known by such Loan Party to be in existence as of such date and not previously identified to Agent in an amount reasonably estimated by such Loan Party to be in excess of $250,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate and provide reasonably specific descriptions of each such commercial tort claim ;

 

(f)                                 Government Contracts .  Other than Accounts and Chattel Paper the aggregate value of which does not at any one time exceed $250,000, if any Account or Chattel Paper of any Loan Party  arises out of a contract or contracts with the United States of America or any State or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, Loan Parties shall promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days of the creation thereof) notify Agent thereof and, promptly (and in any event within 5 Business Days) after request by Agent, execute any instruments or take any steps reasonably required by Agent in order that all moneys due or to become due under such contract or contracts shall be assigned to Agent, for the benefit of Agent and each Lender, and shall provide written notice thereof under the Assignment of Claims Act or other applicable law.

 

(g)                                Intellectual Property.

 

(i)                                   Upon the request of Agent, in order to facilitate filings with the PTO and the United States Copyright Office, each Loan Party shall execute and deliver to Agent one or more Copyright Security Agreements or Patent and Trademark Security Agreements to further evidence Agent’s Lien on such Loan Party’s U.S. issued, registered or applied-for Patents, Trademarks, or Copyrights;

 

(ii)                               Each Loan Party shall have the duty, with respect to Intellectual Property that is necessary in the conduct of such Loan Party’s business, to protect and diligently enforce and defend at such Loan Party’s expense its Intellectual Property in the exercise of such Loan Party’s reasonable business judgment, including (A) to diligently enforce and defend, including, where determined to be appropriate in the exercise of such Loan Party’s reasonable business judgment suing for infringement,

 

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misappropriation, or dilution and to recover any and all damages for such infringement, misappropriation, or dilution, and filing for opposition, interference, and cancellation against conflicting Intellectual Property rights of any Person, (B) to prosecute diligently any trademark application or service mark application that is part of the Trademarks pending as of the date hereof or hereafter, (C) to prosecute diligently any patent application that is part of the Patents pending as of the date hereof or hereafter, and (D) to take all reasonable and necessary action to preserve and maintain all of such Loan Party’s Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, and its rights therein, including paying all required maintenance fees and filing of required applications for renewal, affidavits of use, and affidavits of noncontestability, in each case, except to the extent that the failure to do any of the foregoing would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.  No Loan Party shall abandon any Intellectual Property, except to the extent that such abandonment would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change or otherwise constitute a Permitted Disposition.  Each Loan Party shall take the steps described in this Section 6.12(g)(ii)  with respect to all new or acquired Intellectual Property to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is now or later becomes entitled that is necessary in the conduct of such Loan Party’s or Subsidiary’s business;

 

(iii)                           Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that Agent shall have no duties with respect to any Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses of any Loan Party.  Without limiting the generality of this Section 6.12(g)(iii) , each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that Agent shall not be under any obligation to take any steps necessary to preserve rights in the Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses against any other Person, but Agent may do so at its option from and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, and all expenses incurred in connection therewith (including reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys and other professionals) shall be for the sole account of Loan Party and shall constitute Obligations;

 

(iv)                           Each Loan Party shall promptly file an application with the United States Copyright Office for any Copyright owned by such Loan Party that has not been registered with the United States Copyright Office, except to the extent that such failure to register would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.  Any expenses incurred in connection with the foregoing shall be borne by the Loan Parties; and

 

(v)                               If any Loan Party shall enter into any material Intellectual Property License to receive any license or rights in any Intellectual Property of any other Person, such Loan Party shall promptly thereafter use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver a licensor’s consent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, with respect to such license or rights in such Intellectual Property.

 

(h)                               Investment Related Property.

 

(i)                                   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default and subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, following the written request of Agent, all sums of money and property paid or distributed in respect of the Investment Related Property that are received by any Loan Party shall be held by such Loan Party in trust for the benefit of Agent and Lenders, and to the extent constituting Term Priority Collateral, such Loan Party shall deliver it promptly to Agent in the exact form received; and

 

(ii)                               Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and any limitations and exceptions in any Loan Document, each Loan Party shall, upon the written request of Agent, cooperate with Agent in obtaining necessary approvals and making necessary filings under federal, state or local law to effect the perfection of the Security Interest on the Investment Related Property .

 

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(i)                                   Real Property; Fixtures.   Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, upon the acquisition by any Loan Party of any fee interest in Real Property located in the United States with a fair market value of $500,000 as estimated by such Loan Party in good faith, such Loan Party will promptly (and in any event within 30 Business Days of acquisition or such longer period as Agent agrees) notify Agent of the acquisition of such Real Property and will grant to Agent, for itself and for the benefit of the Lenders, a mortgage on each fee interest in such Real Property now or hereafter owned by such Loan Party, which Real Property shall not be subject to any other Liens except Permitted Liens, and shall deliver such other customary documentation and opinions, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, in connection with the grant of such mortgage as Agent shall reasonably request, including appraisals, title insurance policies and endorsements, surveys, financing statements, fixture filings, flood insurance, flood insurance certifications and environmental audits and such Loan Party shall pay all recording costs, mortgage registration taxes, intangible taxes and other fees and costs (including reasonable and documented out of pocket attorney’s fees and expenses) incurred in connection therewith.  All such appraisals, title insurance policies and endorsements, environmental audits and surveys shall be prepared or issued by parties reasonably acceptable to Agent. To the extent permitted by applicable law, all of the Collateral shall remain personal property regardless of the manner of its attachment or affixation to real property.

 

(j)                                   Controlled Accounts.

 

(i)                                   Each Loan Party shall  (A) take reasonable steps to ensure that all of the Account Debtors of each Loan Party forward payment of the amounts owed by them to such Loan Party directly to an account with one or more banks set forth on Schedule 6.12(j)  to the Information Certificate or another financial institution that has executed a Control  Agreement (each a “ Controlled Account Bank ”), and (B) deposit or cause to be deposited promptly, and in any event no later than the third Business Day after the date of receipt thereof (or such longer period as Agent agrees), all of their cash Collections (including those sent directly by their Account Debtors to a Loan Party) into a bank account of such Loan Party (each, a “ Controlled Account ”) at one of the Controlled Account Banks; provided that the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) shall not be applicable to (i) petty cash not in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate held at retail stores of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries and (ii) cash or Cash Equivalents (or amounts on deposit in any Deposit Account or Securities Account) reasonably expected by the Borrowers to be used to pay any taxes required to be paid or incurred in connection with any transaction consummated pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreements.

 

(ii)                               Subject to any post-closing period provided for pursuant to Section 6.18 , each Loan Party shall maintain Control Agreements with each Controlled Account Bank (other than any Controlled Account Bank where no Loan Party maintains a Deposit Account or Securities Account), in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent with respect to each Controlled Account. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, Agent shall have the sole and exclusive right to direct, and is hereby authorized to give instructions pursuant to such Control Agreement directing, the disposition of funds in the Controlled Accounts (any such instructions, an “ Activation Notice ”) to Agent on a daily basis, either to any account maintained by Agent at said Controlled Account Bank or by wire transfer to appropriate account(s) of Agent as Agent may direct and, in each case, to be applied to the Obligations in the manner set forth in Section 2.4(e) .  To the extent Agent issues an Activation Notice, Agent agrees to rescind such Activation Notice at such time as no Event of Default shall exist (it being understood that, notwithstanding any such rescission, Agent shall have the right and is authorized to issue an additional Activation Notice if an Event of Default shall exist at any time thereafter).

 

For the avoidance of doubt, all notices required under this Section 6.12 shall be in writing.

 

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6.13.                 Credit Card Notifications .   Within 60 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Agent agrees), each Loan Party shall deliver to the Agent copies of credit card notifications (each, a “ Credit Card Notification ”) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent which have been executed on behalf of such Loan Party and delivered to such Loan Party’s Credit Card Issuers and Credit Card Processors listed on Schedule 5.15(b)  of the Information Certificate.

 

6.14.                 Material Contracts .   Borrowers shall maintain all Material Contracts in full force and effect and shall not default in the payment or performance of any obligations thereunder, except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.  At the request of Agent, (a) Borrowers shall promptly, but in any event within 5 Business Days following such written request therefor, provide Agent with copies of (i) each Material Contract entered into since the delivery of the previous Compliance Certificate and (ii) each material amendment or modification of any Material Contract entered into since the delivery of the previous Compliance Certificate, and (b) Borrowers shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a “no-offset” letter in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent from each customer of a Borrower which is a party to any Material Contract.

 

6.15.                 Location of Inventory and Equipment .   Keep the Inventory and Equipment (other than Inventory in transit, vehicles and Equipment out for repair) of each Loan Party with an aggregate value in excess of $250,000 only at the locations identified on Schedule 5.29 to the Information Certificate and keep the chief executive office of each Loan Party only at the locations identified on Schedule 5.6(b) to the Information Certificate unless Borrowers amend Schedules 5.6(b)  or 5.29 to the Information Certificate (as applicable) by written notice to Agent (a) with respect to Schedule 5.29 to the Information Certificate , not less than 10 days prior (or such shorter period as Agent agrees) to the date on which such Inventory or Equipment is moved to a location not identified on Schedule 5.29 to the Information Certificate and (b) with respect to Schedule 5.6(b) to the Information Certificate , not less than 10 days prior (or such shorter period as Agent agrees) to the date on which the chief executive office is moved to a location not identified on Schedule 5.6(b) to the Information Certificate .

 

6.16.                 Further Assurances .

 

(a)                                Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and any limitations and exceptions in any Loan Document, at any time upon the reasonable request of Agent, each Loan Party shall execute or deliver to Agent any and all financing statements, fixture filings, security agreements, pledges, assignments, endorsements of certificates of title, mortgages, deeds of trust, opinions of counsel, and all other documents (the “ Additional Documents ”) that Agent may reasonably request and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, to create, perfect, and continue perfection or to better perfect Agent’s Liens in all of the assets of each Loan Party (whether now owned or hereafter arising or acquired, tangible or intangible, real or personal), and in order to fully consummate all of the transactions contemplated hereby and under the other Loan Documents.  To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, if a Borrower or any other Loan Party refuses or fails to execute or deliver any reasonably requested Additional Documents, such Borrower and such other Loan Party hereby authorizes Agent to execute any such Additional Documents in the applicable Borrower’s or other Loan Party’s name, as applicable, and authorizes Agent to file such executed Additional Documents in any appropriate filing office.  In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each Borrower and each other Loan Party shall take such actions as Agent may reasonably request from time to time to ensure that the Obligations are guaranteed by the Guarantors and are secured by substantially all of the assets of each Borrower and each other Loan Party to the extent required by the Loan Documents.

 

(b)                               Each Borrower and each other Loan Party authorizes the filing by Agent of financing or continuation statements, or amendments thereto, and, subject to the limitations and exceptions set forth in the Loan Documents, such Loan Party will execute and deliver to Agent such other

 

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instruments or notices, as Agent may reasonably request, in order to perfect and preserve the Security Interest granted or purported to be granted hereby.

 

(c)                                Each Borrower and each other Loan Party authorizes Agent at any time and from time to time to file, transmit, or communicate, as applicable, financing statements and amendments (i) describing the Collateral as “all assets of debtor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising, together with all proceeds thereof” or words of similar meaning, (ii) describing the Collateral as being of equal or lesser scope or with greater detail, or (iii) that contain any information required by Part 5 of Article 9 of the Code for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of such financing statement.

 

(d)                               Each Borrower and each other Loan Party acknowledges that no Loan Party is authorized to file any financing statement or amendment or termination statement with respect to any financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement without the prior written consent of Agent, subject to such Loan Party’s rights under Section 9-509(d)(2) of the Code.

 

6.17.                 Formation of Subsidiaries .   At the time that any Loan Party forms any direct or indirect Subsidiary or acquires any direct or indirect Subsidiary after the Closing Date, such Loan Party shall (a) within 15 days of such formation or acquisition (or such later date as permitted by Agent in its sole discretion) cause any such new Subsidiary to provide to Agent with a Joinder Agreement and (in the case of a Subsidiary becoming a Guarantor) a joinder to the Guaranty, together with such other security documents, as well as appropriate financing statements (and with respect to all property subject to a mortgage, fixture filings), all in form and substance reasonably requested by Agent and reasonably satisfactory to Agent (including being sufficient to grant Agent a first priority Lien (subject to Permitted Liens) in and to the assets of such newly formed or acquired Subsidiary, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and any limitations and exceptions in any Loan Document) to the extent required by the Loan Documents; provided that the foregoing shall not be required to be provided to Agent with respect to any (x) Domestic Foreign Holding Company or (y) Subsidiary that is a CFC if providing any of the foregoing would result in adverse tax consequences or the costs to the Loan Parties of providing such Guaranty, executing any security documents or perfecting the security interests created thereby are unreasonably excessive (as determined by Agent in consultation with Borrowers) in relation to the benefits to Agent and Lenders of the security or guarantee afforded thereby, (b) within 15 days of such formation or acquisition (or such later date as permitted by Agent in its sole discretion) provide to Agent a pledge agreement and, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and any limitations and exceptions in any Loan Document, appropriate certificates and powers or financing statements, pledging all of the direct or beneficial ownership interest in such new Subsidiary owned by a Loan Party; provided that only 65% of the total outstanding voting Stock of any (x) Domestic Foreign Holding Company owned by a Loan Party and (y) first tier Subsidiary that is a CFC owned by a Loan Party (and none of the Stock of any Subsidiary of such CFC or Domestic Foreign Holding Company) shall be required to be pledged if pledging a greater amount would result in adverse tax consequences or the costs to the Loan Parties of providing such pledge or perfecting the security interests created thereby are unreasonably excessive (as determined by Agent in consultation with Borrowers) in relation to the benefits to Agent and Lenders of the security afforded thereby (with any foreign stock pledges be prepared in conformity with applicable local law (and with the advice of local counsel in such jurisdiction) to the extent the applicable foreign Subsidiary has a value of more than $1,000,000) , and (c) within 15 days of such request by Agent  (or such later date as permitted by Agent in its sole discretion) provide to Agent, upon its reasonable request, all other documentation which in its opinion is appropriate with respect to the execution and delivery of the applicable documentation referred to above (including policies of title insurance or other documentation with respect to all Real Property owned in fee by a Loan Party and required hereunder to be subject to a mortgage).  Any document, agreement, or instrument executed or issued pursuant to this Section 6.17 shall be a Loan Document.

 

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6.18.                 Post-Closing Obligations .   The Loan Parties shall comply with each requirement set forth on Exhibit C on or before the date referred to in Exhibit C (or such later date as Agent shall agree).

 

7.                                     NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

 

Each Loan Party covenants and agrees that, until payment in full of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable), no Borrower and no other Loan Party will do, nor will any Borrower or any other Loan Party permit any of its Subsidiaries (as applicable) to do any of the following:

 

7.1.                         Indebtedness .   Create, incur, assume, suffer to exist, guarantee, or otherwise become or remain, directly or indirectly, liable with respect to any Indebtedness, except for Permitted Indebtedness.

 

7.2.                         Liens .   Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, directly or indirectly, any Lien on or with respect to any of its assets, of any kind, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or any income or profits therefrom, except for Permitted Liens.

 

7.3.                         Restrictions on Fundamental Changes .

 

(a)                                Merge or consolidate with or into any other Person, except for (i) any merger or consolidation between Loan Parties, provided that a Borrower must be the surviving entity of any such merger to which a Borrower is a party and Parent must be the surviving entity of any such merger to which Parent is a party, (ii) any merger or consolidation between Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties, (iii) any Guarantor may merge or consolidate with or into any other Guarantor, (iv) any merger or consolidation to effect a transaction permitted by Section 7.4 or a Permitted Investment and (v) the transactions occurring on the Closing Date.

 

(b)                               Liquidate, wind up, or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution), except for (i) the liquidation or dissolution of Subsidiaries of any Borrower with nominal assets and nominal liabilities, provided, that, Administrative Borrower shall provide Agent with at least 10 days’ prior written notice (or such shorter period as Agent agrees) of any such liquidation or dissolution, (ii) the liquidation or dissolution of a Loan Party (other than a Borrower) or any of its Subsidiaries so long as all of the assets (including any interest in any Stock) of such liquidating or dissolving Loan Party or Subsidiary are transferred to a Loan Party that is not liquidating or dissolving (unless otherwise permitted by Section 7.4 ), or (iii) the liquidation or dissolution of a Subsidiary of a Borrower that is not a Loan Party (other than any such Subsidiary the Stock of which (or any portion thereof) is subject to a Lien in favor of Agent) so long as all of the assets of such liquidating or dissolving Subsidiary are transferred to a Subsidiary of a Borrower that is not liquidating or dissolving (unless otherwise permitted by Section 7.4 ).

 

(c)                                Suspend or cease operation of a substantial portion of its or their business, except as permitted pursuant to Sections 7.3(a)  or (b)  above or in connection with the transactions permitted pursuant to Section 7.4 .

 

(d)                               No Loan Party may form or acquire any direct or indirect Subsidiary; except , that , upon ten (10) days prior written notice (or such shorter period as Agent agrees) by a Loan Party to Agent, a Loan Party may form a Subsidiary so long as such Subsidiary becomes a Loan Party hereunder, to the extent required by Section 6.17 , subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

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(e)                                Enter into any merger, migration, re-incorporation, consolidation or conversion, or series of such actions, the result of which is that the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of any Borrower or Guarantor is no longer within the United States.

 

7.4.                         Disposal of Assets .   Other than Permitted Dispositions or transactions expressly permitted by Sections 7.3 or 7.12 , sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral or any of its other assets except as expressly permitted by this Agreement.  Agent and Lenders shall not be deemed to have consented to any sale or other disposition of any of the Collateral or any other asset except as expressly permitted in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

 

7.5.                         Change Name .   Without at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice by Administrative Borrower to Agent (or such shorter period as Agent agrees), change the legal name, organizational identification number, state of organization, type of organization or “location” for purposes of Section 9-307 of the Code, in each case of any Loan Party.

 

7.6.                         Nature of Business .   Make any material change in the nature of its or their business as conducted on the date of this Agreement; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not prevent any Borrower or any other Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries from (i) engaging in any business that is reasonably related, complementary or ancillary to the business of Parent and its Subsidiaries or (ii) consummating any transaction expressly provided for under the Asset Purchase Agreements.

 

7.7.                         Prepayments and Amendments .

 

(a)                                Except in connection with Refinancing Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.1 ,

 

(i)                                   optionally prepay, redeem, defease, purchase, or otherwise acquire any Indebtedness of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, other than (A) the Obligations in accordance with this Agreement, (B) Permitted Intercompany Advances, (C) Indebtedness owing under the ABL Credit Agreement, (D) Indebtedness owing under the Convertible Notes, subject at all times to the subordination provisions set forth in the Convertible Notes, (E) the conversion of any Indebtedness to Stock (other than Prohibited Preferred Stock) of Parent or any prepayment, redemption, defeasance, purchase or other acquisition of Indebtedness with the proceeds of issuance of Stock of Parent, and (F) commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2018, on any date following the date on which Agent has received a prepayment (if required) pursuant to Section 2.4(d)(ii) arising from Excess Cash Flow for the immediately preceding Fiscal Year, any other prepayment, redemption, defeasance, purchase or other acquisition of Indebtedness so long as immediately before and immediately after giving effect to any such prepayment (i) no Event of Default exists, (ii) Borrowers are in compliance on a pro forma basis (giving effect to such prepayment, redemption, defeasance, purchase or other acquisition) with the covenants set forth in Section 8 recomputed for the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter for which financial statements have been delivered in accordance with Section 6.1, as if such payment had been made on the last day of such period, (iii) the Payment Conditions are satisfied and (iv) the amount of all such prepayments, redemptions, defeasances, purchases or other acquisitions of Indebtedness, together with all Restricted Junior Payments made pursuant to Section 7.9(d) in any Fiscal Year do not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of Excess Cash Flow for the immediately preceding Fiscal Year, or

 

(ii)                               make any payment on account of Indebtedness that has been contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations if such payment is not permitted at such time under the subordination terms and conditions.

 

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(b)                               Directly or indirectly, amend, modify, or change any of the terms or provisions of,

 

(i)                                   any agreement, instrument, document, indenture or other writing evidencing Permitted Indebtedness for borrowed money in an aggregate outstanding principal amount in excess of $250,000, in each case in a manner that is materially adverse to Agent or Lenders, other than (A) the Obligations in accordance with this Agreement, (B) Permitted Intercompany Advances, (C) any ABL Loan Document if such amendment, modification or change is permitted under the Intercreditor Agreement and (D) Indebtedness permitted under clauses (c)  and (e)  of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness;

 

(ii)                               any Material Contract except to the extent that such amendment, modification, or change could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; or

 

(iii)                           the Governing Documents of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries if the effect thereof, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the interests of Agent and Lenders.

 

7.8.                         Change of Control .   Cause, permit, or suffer, directly or indirectly, any Change of Control.

 

7.9.                         Restricted Junior Payments .   Make any Restricted Junior Payment; provided , however , that, (a) Parent may declare and pay dividends with respect to its common Stock payable solely in additional shares of its common Stock, and, with respect to its preferred Stock, payable solely in additional shares of such preferred Stock (which shall be Permitted Preferred Stock) or in shares of its common Stock, (b) each Loan Party may make Restricted Junior Payments to Parent or any other Loan Party and each Subsidiary of any Loan Party that is not a Loan Party may make Restricted Junior Payments to Parent or any other Subsidiary of Parent (and, in the case of a Restricted Junior Payment by a non-wholly owned Subsidiary, to any Loan Party and any other Subsidiary and to each other owner of Stock of such Subsidiary based on their relative ownership interests of the relevant class of Stock), (c) Parent and its Subsidiaries may make Restricted Junior Payments pursuant to and in accordance with equity incentive plans, employment agreements or other benefit plans for management or employees of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries made in the ordinary course of such Person’s business in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000 in any fiscal year, (d)  commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2018, on any date following the date on which Agent has received a prepayment (if required) pursuant to Section 2.4(d)(ii) arising from Excess Cash Flow for the immediately preceding Fiscal Year, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries may make any other Restricted Junior Payment so long as immediately before and immediately after giving effect to any such Restricted Junior Payment (i) no Event of Default exists, (ii) Borrowers are in compliance on a pro forma basis (giving effect to such Restricted Junior Payment) with the covenants set forth in Section 8 recomputed for the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter for which financial statements have been delivered in accordance with Section 6.1, as if such Restricted Junior Payment had been made on the last day of such period, (iii) the Payment Conditions are satisfied and (iv) the amount of all such Restricted Junior Payments, together with all payments made pursuant to Section 7.7(a)(i)(F) in any Fiscal Year do not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of Excess Cash Flow for the immediately preceding Fiscal Year and (e) Parent or any of its Subsidiaries may make any Restricted Junior Payment on the Closing Date to the extent required by the Merger Agreement, Stock Purchase Agreement, Rollover Agreement and Asset Purchase Agreements.

 

7.10.                 Fiscal Year .   Modify or change its fiscal year or its method of accounting (other than as may be required to conform to GAAP).

 

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7.11.                 Investments; Controlled Investments .

 

(a)                                Except for Permitted Investments, directly or indirectly, make or acquire any Investment or incur any liabilities (including contingent obligations) for or in connection with any Investment (except for liabilities or obligations otherwise permitted under this Agreement).

 

(b)                               Commencing on the date that is no later than 90 days (or such longer period as Agent shall agree) after the Closing Date, other than (i) an aggregate amount of not more than $250,000 with respect to any single Deposit Account of any Loan Party or $500,000 with respect to all Deposit Accounts of the Loan Parties, (ii) amounts deposited into any Excluded Account and (iii) petty cash, not in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate for all Loan Parties held at retail stores of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, no Loan Party shall make, acquire, or permit to exist Permitted Investments consisting of amounts credited to Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts unless the applicable Loan Party and the applicable bank  or securities intermediary have entered into Control Agreements with Agent governing such Permitted Investments in order to perfect (and further establish) Agent’s Liens in such Permitted Investments. In no event shall any Loan Party be required to pledge or provide a Control Agreement with respect to its account with Apex Clearing Corporation (or any other Person in similar capacity) holding only treasury shares of Parent (the “ Treasury Shares Account ”).

 

7.12.                 Transactions with Affiliates .   Directly or indirectly enter into or permit to exist any transaction with any Affiliate of any Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their Subsidiaries except for:

 

(a)                                transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or transactions (other than the payment of management, consulting, monitoring, or advisory fees) with any Affiliates of any Borrower or any Loan Party in the ordinary course of business of such Borrower or Loan Party or Subsidiary, undertaken in good faith, upon fair and reasonable terms fully disclosed to Agent and no less favorable than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a non-Affiliate;

 

(b)                               any customary fees and reasonable out-of-pocket costs to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of directors (or comparable managers) of such Loan Party or Subsidiary;

 

(c)                                the payment of reasonable compensation, severance, or employee benefit arrangements to employees, officers, and outside directors of a Loan Party and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(d)                               any issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment agreements, phantom equity, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by a Loan Party’s Board of Directors in the ordinary course of business and consistent with industry practice or such Loan Party’s past practice;

 

(e)                                (i) any transaction consummated on the Closing Date that is contemplated under the Merger Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement or the Rollover Agreement and (ii) escrow and indemnity arrangements contemplated in the Asset Purchase Agreements ;

 

(f)                                 any Loan Party or Subsidiary may pay management and consulting fees to Equity Sponsor or its Affiliates so long as (i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, (ii) the aggregate amount of such fees paid during any fiscal year does not exceed $500,000 and related indemnities (such related indemnities may be paid irrespective of whether an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), (iii) such fees are paid pursuant to a management agreement (the “Management Agreement”) entered into by Equity Sponsor and/or one of its Affiliates and one or

 

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more of the Loan Parties in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and (iv) the Equity Sponsor, or its Affiliate(s), as applicable, shall have entered into a subordination agreement in favor of Agent with respect to the obligations of the Loan Parties under the Management Agreement which shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Agent;

 

(g)                                so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, customary payments by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 in any fiscal year to the Equity Sponsor or any of its Affiliates for services actually rendered with respect to 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 members of the Board of Directors and a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of Parent, in good faith;

 

(h)                               transactions among Parent and its Subsidiaries or between Subsidiaries to the extent otherwise permitted under Section 7 ; and

 

(i)                                   transactions permitted by Section 7.3 or Section 7.9 or Section 7.11 or clause (h)  or (i)  of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”, or any Permitted Intercompany Advance.

 

7.13.                 [Reserved] .

 

7.14.                 [Reserved] .

 

7.15.                 [Reserved] .

 

7.16.                 Inventory and Equipment with Bailees .   Store the Inventory or Equipment with an aggregate value in excess of $250,000 for all Loan Parties in the aggregate at any time now or hereafter with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party, except as set forth on Schedule 7.16 to the Information Certificate without at least 10 days’ prior written notice to Agent.

 

8.                                     FINANCIAL COVENANTS.

 

Each Borrower and Guarantor covenants and agrees that, until indefeasible payment in full of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable), Borrowers shall not:

 

(a)                                Net Senior Leverage Ratio .  Permit the Net Senior Leverage Ratio for any period of 4 consecutive Fiscal Quarters of Parent and its Subsidiaries for which the last Fiscal Quarter ends on a date set forth below to be greater than the ratio set forth opposite such date:

 

Fiscal Quarter End

Net Senior Leverage
Ratio

June 30, 2016

4.20 to 1.00

September 30, 2016

4.20 to 1.00

December 31, 2016

3.95 to 1.00

March 31, 2017

4.13 to 1.00

June 30, 2017

3.95 to 1.00

 

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Fiscal Quarter End

Net Senior Leverage
Ratio

September 30, 2017

3.86 to 1.00

December 31, 2017

3.59 to 1.00

March 31, 2018

3.62 to 1.00

June 30, 2018

3.26 to 1.00

September 30, 2018

3.26 to 1.00

December 31, 2018

3.21 to 1.00

March 31, 2019

3.22 to 1.00

June 30, 2019

2.90 to 1.00

September 30, 2019

2.87 to 1.00

December 31, 2019

2.80 to 1.00

March 31, 2020

2.79 to 1.00

June 30, 2020

2.46 to 1.00

September 30, 2020

2.44 to 1.00

December 31, 2020
and each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 thereafter

2.38 to 1.00

 

(b)                               Net Senior Rent Adjusted Leverage Ratio .  Permit the Net Senior Rent Adjusted Leverage Ratio for any period of 4 consecutive Fiscal Quarters of Parent and its Subsidiaries for which the last Fiscal Quarter ends on a date set forth below to be greater than the ratio set forth opposite such date:

 

Fiscal Quarter End

Net Senior Rent
Adjusted Leverage
Ratio

June 30, 2016

5.29 to 1.00

September 30, 2016

5.29 to 1.00

December 31, 2016

5.10 to 1.00

March 31, 2017

5.25 to 1.00

June 30, 2017

5.16 to 1.00

September 30, 2017

5.09 to 1.00

December 31, 2017

4.85 to 1.00

March 31, 2018

4.90 to 1.00

 

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Fiscal Quarter End

Net Senior Rent
Adjusted Leverage
Ratio

June 30, 2018

4.66 to 1.00

September 30, 2018

4.68 to 1.00

December 31, 2018

4.64 to 1.00

March 31, 2019

4.66 to 1.00

June 30, 2019

4.44 to 1.00

September 30, 2019

4.43 to 1.00

December 31, 2019

4.36 to 1.00

March 31, 2020

4.37 to 1.00

June 30, 2020

4.15 to 1.00

September 30, 2020

4.16 to 1.00

December 31, 2020
and each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 thereafter

4.10 to 1.00

 

(c)                                Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio .  Permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for any period of 4 consecutive Fiscal Quarters of Parent and its Subsidiaries for which the last Fiscal Quarter ends on a date set forth below to be less than the ratio set forth opposite such date:

 

Fiscal Quarter End

Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio

June 30, 2016

1.56 to 1.00

September 30, 2016

1.77 to 1.00

December 31, 2016

1.85 to 1.00

March 31, 2017

1.66 to 1.00

June 30, 2017

1.46 to 1.00

September 30, 2017

1.50 to 1.00

December 31, 2017

1.52 to 1.00

March 31, 2018

1.45 to 1.00

June 30, 2018

1.45 to 1.00

September 30, 2018

1.45 to 1.00

December 31, 2018

1.48 to 1.00

March 31, 2019

1.47 to 1.00

 

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Fiscal Quarter End

Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio

June 30, 2019

1.47 to 1.00

September 30, 2019

1.45 to 1.00

December 31, 2019

1.47 to 1.00

March 31, 2020

1.47 to 1.00

June 30, 2020

1.47 to 1.00

September 30, 2020

1.45 to 1.00

December 31, 2020
and each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 thereafter

1.47 to 1.00

 

9.                                     EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

 

Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an event of default (each, an “ Event of Default ”) under this Agreement:

 

9.1.                         If any Borrower fails to pay when due and payable, or when declared due and payable, all or any portion of the Obligations consisting of principal of any Loan when and as the same shall become due and payable;

 

9.2.                         If any Borrower fails to pay when due and payable, or when declared due and payable, all or any portion of the Obligations payable under this Agreement (except as covered in Section 9 .1) and such failure continues for a period of 3 Business Days;

 

9.3.                         If any Loa n Party or any of its Subsidiaries:

 

(a)                                fails to perform or observe any covenant or other agreement contained in any of (i)  Sections 6.1 , 6.2 , 6.3 (solely if any Loan Party is not in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization ), 6.5(a)  (solely with respect to F.I.C.A., F.U.T.A., federal income taxes and any other taxes or assessments the non-payment of which may result in a Lien having priority over Agent’s Liens), 6.5(b) , 6.6 (solely with respect to the maintenance of insurance), 6.7 (solely if any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries refuses to allow Agent or any of its representatives or agents to visit its properties, inspect its assets or books or records, examine and make copies of its books and records, or discuss its affairs, finances, and accounts with its officers and employees in the manner required by such Section), 6.12 , 6.14 , 6.17 , or 6.18 (ii)  Section 7   or (iii)  Section 8;

 

(b)                               fails to perform or observe any covenant or other agreement contained in (A) any of Sections 6.3 (other than if a Loan Party is not in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization), 6.7 (other than if any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries refuses to allow Agent or any of its representatives or agents to visit its properties, inspect its assets or books or records, examine and make copies of its books or records or disclose it affairs, finances and accounts with its officers and employees), 6.8 , 6.9 , 6.11 , 6.13 , 6.15 , or 6.16 and such failure continues for a period of 15 days after the earlier of (i) the date on which such failure shall first become known by any officer of any Loan Party or (ii) the date on which written notice thereof is given to any Loan Party by Agent; or (B) Section 6.6 (other than with respect to

 

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the Loan Parties’ maintenance of insurance) and such failure continues for a period of 5 days after the earlier of (i) the date on which such failure shall first become known to any officer of any Loan Party or (ii) the date on which written notice thereof is given to any Loan Party by Agent; or

 

(c)                                fails to perform or observe any covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement, or in any of the other Loan Documents, in each case, other than any such covenant or agreement that is unable to be cured (in which case an Event of Default shall occur immediately) or is the subject of another provision of this Section 9 (in which event such other provision of this Section 9 shall govern), and such failure continues for a period of 30 days after the earlier of (i) the date on which such failure shall first become known to any officer of any Loan Party or (ii) the date on which written notice thereof is given to any Loan Party by Agent;

 

9.4.                         If one or more final judgments, orders, or awards for the payment of money involving an aggregate amount of $2,500,000 or more (except to the extent paid or covered (other than to the extent of customary deductibles) by insurance pursuant to which the insurer has not denied coverage) is entered or filed against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or with respect to any of their respective assets, and either (a) there is a period of 30 consecutive days at any time after the entry of any such judgment, order, or award during which (1) the same is not discharged, satisfied, vacated, or bonded pending appeal, or (2) a stay of enforcement thereof is not in effect, or (b) enforcement proceedings are commenced upon such judgment, order, or award;

 

9.5.                         a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries shall voluntarily commence an Insolvency Proceeding;

 

9.6.                         If an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and any of the following events occur: (a) such Loan Party or such Subsidiary  consents to the institution of such Insolvency Proceeding against it, (b) the petition commencing the Insolvency Proceeding is not timely controverted, (c) the petition commencing the Insolvency Proceeding is not dismissed within 60 calendar days of the date of the filing thereof, (d) an interim trustee is appointed to take possession of all or any substantial portion of the properties or assets of, or to operate all or any substantial portion of the business of, such Loan Party or its Subsidiary, or (e) an order for relief shall have been issued or entered therein;

 

9.7.                         If any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is enjoined, restrained, or in any way prevented by court order from continuing to conduct all or substantially all of the business affairs of Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

9.8.                         If there is (a) a default in one or more agreements to which a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party with one or more third Persons governing the Indebtedness of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary (other than any ABL Loan Document) involving an aggregate amount of $2,500,000 or more, and such default (i) occurs at the final maturity of the obligations thereunder, or (ii) results in a right by such third Person, irrespective of whether exercised, to accelerate the maturity of such Loan Party’s or its Subsidiary’s obligations thereunder, or (b) a default by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries under or an involuntary early termination of one or more Hedge Agreements to which a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party resulting in a liability of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount of $2,500,000 or more;

 

9.9.                         If any warranty, representation, certificate, statement, or record made by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries herein or in any other Loan Document or delivered in writing to Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document proves to be untrue in any material respect as of the date of issuance or making or deemed making thereof;

 

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9.10.                 If the obligation of any Guarantor under its Guaranty or any other Loan Document to which any Guarantor is a party is terminated by operation of law or by such Guarantor (other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement), or if any Guarantor fails to perform any obligation under its Guaranty or under any such Loan Document, or repudiates or revokes or purports to repudiate or revoke any obligation under its Guaranty, or under any such Loan Document, or any individual Guarantor dies or becomes incapacitated, or any other Guarantor ceases to exist for any reason (except as otherwise permitted hereunder);

 

9.11.                 If this Agreement or any other Loan Document that purports to create a Lien, shall, for any reason (except as expressly permitted by this Agreement), fail or cease to create a valid and perfected and, except to the extent of Permitted Liens which are permitted purchase money Liens, the interests of lessors under Capital Leases, or Liens securing the ABL Obligations (subject to the terms and provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement), first priority Lien on the Collateral covered thereby (other than with respect to an aggregate amount of Collateral with a value of less than $250,000) ;

 

9.12.                 Any executive officer of a Loan Party is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony offense under state or federal law, or a Loan Party hires an executive officer who has been convicted of or has plead guilty to any such felony offense;

 

9.13.                 The validity or enforceability of any Loan Document against any Loan Party shall at any time for any reason be declared to be null and void, or a proceeding shall be commenced by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, seeking to establish the invalidity or unenforceability thereof, or a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries shall deny that such Loan Party or such Subsidiary has any liability or obligation purported to be created under any Loan Document;

 

9.14.                 An “Event of Default” under, and as defined in, the ABL Credit Agreement shall have occurred;

 

9.15.                 An “Event of Default” under, and as defined in, any Factoring Agreement shall have occurred; or

 

9.16.                 An “Event of Default” under, and as defined in the Convertible Notes Documents shall have occurred.

 

10.                             RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.

 

10.1.                 Rights and Remedies .   Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Agent may, and at the instruction of the Required Lenders shall, in addition to any other rights or remedies provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document or by applicable law, do any one or more of the following:

 

(a)                                by notice to the Administrative Borrower (except, that, no such notice shall be required for an Event of Default arising under Section 9.5 or Section 9.6 herein), declare the Obligations, whether evidenced by this Agreement or by any of the other Loan Documents immediately due and payable, whereupon the same shall become and be immediately due and payable and Borrowers shall be obligated to repay all of such Obligations in full, without presentment, demand, protest, or further notice or other requirements of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Borrower and each other Loan Party;

 

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(b)                               by notice to the Administrative Borrower (except, that, no such notice shall be required for an Event of Default arising under Section 9.5 or Section 9.6 herein), declare the funding obligations of Lenders (if any) under this Agreement terminated;

 

(c)                                subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, give notice to an Account Debtor or other Person obligated to pay an Account, a General Intangible, Negotiable Collateral, or other amount due, that the Account, General Intangible, Negotiable Collateral or other amount due has been assigned to Agent for security and must be paid directly to Agent and Agent may collect the Accounts, General Intangible and Negotiable Collateral of each Borrower and each other Loan Party directly, and any collection costs and expenses shall constitute part of the  Obligations under the Loan Documents;

 

(d)                               without notice to or consent from any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, and without any obligation to pay rent or other compensation, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, take exclusive possession of all locations where any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries conduct its business or has any rights of possession and use the locations to store, process, manufacture, sell, use, and liquidate or otherwise dispose of items that are Collateral, and for any other incidental purposes deemed appropriate by Agent in good faith; and

 

(e)                                exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein, in the other Loan Documents, or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the Code or any other applicable law.

 

10.2.                 Additional Rights and Remedies .   Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Party expressly agrees that upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default:

 

(a)                                Agent, without demand of performance or other demand, advertisement or notice of any kind (except a notice specified below of time and place of public or private sale) to or upon any Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Person (all and each of which demands, advertisements and notices are hereby expressly waived to the maximum extent permitted by the Code or any other applicable law), may, and at the direction of Required Lenders shall, take immediate possession of all or any portion of the Collateral and (i) require Loan Parties to, and each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that it will at its own expense and upon request of Agent forthwith, assemble all or part of the Collateral as directed by Agent and make it available to Agent at one or more locations designated by Agent where such Borrower or other Loan Party conducts business, and (ii) without notice except as specified below, sell the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any of Agent’s or Loan Party’s offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit, and upon such other terms as Agent may deem commercially reasonable.  Each Borrower and each other Loan Party agrees that, to the extent notice of sale shall be required by law, at least 10 days’ notice to such Borrower or such other Loan Party of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale is to be made shall constitute reasonable notification and such notice shall constitute a reasonable “authenticated notification of disposition” within the meaning of Section 9-611 of the Code.  Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral regardless of notice of sale having been given.  Agent may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time, and such sale may be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned.  Each Borrower and each other Loan Party agrees that the internet shall constitute a “place” for purposes of Section 9-610(b) of the Code.  Each Borrower and each other Loan Party agrees that any sale of Collateral to a licensor pursuant to the terms of a license agreement between such licensor and such Borrower or such other Loan Party is sufficient to constitute a commercially reasonable sale (including as to method, terms, manner, and time) within the meaning of Section 9-610 of the Code;

 

(b)                               Agent may, and at the direction of Required Lenders shall, in addition to other rights and remedies provided for herein, in the other Loan Documents, or otherwise available to it under

 

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applicable law and without the requirement of notice to or upon any Loan Party or any other Person (which notice is hereby expressly waived to the maximum extent permitted by the Code or any other applicable law), (i) with respect to any Loan Party’s Deposit Accounts in which Agent’s Liens are perfected by control under Section 9-104 of the Code, instruct the bank maintaining such Deposit Account for the applicable Loan Party to pay the balance of such Deposit Account to or as directed by Agent, and (ii) with respect to any Loan Party’s Securities Accounts in which Agent’s Liens are perfected by control under Section 9-106 of the Code, instruct the securities intermediary maintaining such Securities Account for the applicable Loan Party to (A) transfer any cash in such Securities Account to or as directed by Agent, or (B) liquidate any financial assets in such Securities Account that are customarily sold on a recognized market and transfer the cash proceeds thereof to or at the direction of Agent;

 

(c)                                any cash held by Agent as Collateral and all cash proceeds received by Agent in respect of any sale of, collection from, or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral shall be applied against the Obligations in the order set forth in Section 2.4(e) .  In the event the proceeds of Collateral are insufficient to satisfy all of the Obligations in full, each Borrower and each other Loan Party shall remain jointly and severally liable for any such deficiency; and

 

(d)                               the Obligations arise out of a commercial transaction, and that if an Event of Default shall occur Agent shall have the right to an immediate writ of possession without notice of a hearing.  Agent shall have the right to the appointment of a receiver for each Loan Party or for the properties and assets of each Loan Party, and each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby consents to such rights and such appointment and hereby waives any objection such Borrower or such Loan Party may have thereto or the right to have a bond or other security posted by Agent or Lenders.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary contained in Section 10.1 , upon the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default described in Section 9.5 or Section 9.6 , in addition to the remedies set forth above, without any notice to any Borrower or any other Person or any act by Agent, all of the Obligations shall automatically and immediately become due and payable and each Borrower shall be obligated to repay all of such Obligations in full, without presentment, demand, protest, or notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by each Borrower.

 

10.3.                 Agent Appointed Attorney in Fact .   Each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby irrevocably appoints Agent its attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Borrower and such Loan Party and in the name of such Borrower or such Loan Party or otherwise, at such time as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to take any action and to execute any instrument which Agent may reasonably deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, including:

 

(a)                                to ask, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compromise, receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become due under or in connection with the Accounts or any other Collateral of such Borrower or such other Loan Party;

 

(b)                               to receive, indorse, and collect any drafts or other instruments, documents, Negotiable Collateral or Chattel Paper;

 

(c)                                to file any claims or take any action or institute any proceedings which Agent may deem necessary or desirable for the collection of any of the Collateral of such Borrower or such other Loan Party or otherwise to enforce the rights of Agent and Lenders with respect to any of the Collateral;

 

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(d)                               to repair, alter, or supply Goods, if any, necessary to fulfill in whole or in part the purchase order of any Person obligated to Borrower or such other Loan Party in respect of any Account of such Borrower or such other Loan Party;

 

(e)                                to use any Intellectual Property or Intellectual Property Licenses of such Borrower or such other Loan Party including but not limited to any labels, Patents, Trademarks, trade names, URLs, domain names, industrial designs, Copyrights, or advertising matter, in preparing for sale, advertising for sale, or selling Inventory or other Collateral and to collect any amounts due under Accounts, contracts or Negotiable Collateral of such Borrower or such other Loan Party;

 

(f)                                 to take exclusive possession of all locations where each Borrower or other Loan Party conducts its business or has rights of possession, without notice to or consent of any Borrower or any Loan Party and to use such locations to store, process, manufacture, sell, use, and liquidate or otherwise dispose of items that are Collateral, without obligation to pay rent or other compensation for the possession or use of any location;

 

(g)                                Agent shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to bring suit in its own name or in the applicable Loan Party’s name, to enforce the Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses and, if Agent shall commence any such suit, the appropriate Borrower or such other Loan Party shall, at the request of Agent, do any and all lawful acts and execute any and all proper documents reasonably required by Agent in aid of such enforcement; and

 

(h)                               to the extent permitted by law, such Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby ratifies all that such attorney-in-fact shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  This power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable until all Obligations have been paid in full in cash.

 

10.4.                 Remedies Cumulative .   The rights and remedies of Agent and Lenders under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and all other agreements shall be cumulative.  Agent and Lenders shall have all other rights and remedies not inconsistent herewith as provided under the Code, by law, or in equity.  No exercise by Agent or any Lender of one right or remedy shall be deemed an election, and no waiver by Agent or any Lender of any Default or Event of Default shall be deemed a continuing waiver.  No delay by Agent or any Lender shall constitute a waiver, election, or acquiescence by it.

 

10.5.                 Crediting of Payments and Proceeds .   In the event that the Obligations have been accelerated pursuant to Section 10.1 or during an Event of Default the Agent has exercised any remedy set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, all payments received by Agent upon the Obligations and all net proceeds from the enforcement of the Obligations shall be applied, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, to the Obligations in accordance with Section 2.4(e)(ii) and, thereafter, to Borrowers or such other Person entitled thereto under applicable law.

 

10.6.                 Marshaling .   Neither Agent nor any Lender shall be required to marshal any present or future collateral security (including but not limited to the Collateral) for, or other assurances of payment of, the Obligations or any of them or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of Agent’s and Lenders’ rights and remedies under this Agreement and under the other Loan Documents and in respect of such collateral security and other assurances of payment shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights and remedies, however existing or arising.  To the extent that it lawfully may, each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that it will not invoke any law relating to the marshaling of collateral which might cause delay in or impede the enforcement of Agent’s and Lenders’ rights and remedies under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document or instrument creating or evidencing any of the Obligations or under which any of the Obligations is

 

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outstanding or by which any of the Obligations is secured or payment thereof is otherwise assured, and, to the extent that it lawfully may, each Borrower hereby irrevocably waives the benefits of all such laws.

 

10.7.                 License .   Solely for the purpose of enabling Agent to exercise its rights and remedies hereunder, at such time as Agent is lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, e ach Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby grants to Agent a non-exclusive, worldwide license (without the payment of royalties to any Debtor) to use or otherwise exploit all Intellectual Property rights of such Borrower or such Loan Party for the purpose of: (a) completing the manufacture of any in-process materials while any Event of Default exists so that such materials become saleable Inventory, all in accordance with the same quality standards previously adopted by such Borrower or such other Loan Party for its own manufacturing; and (b) selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of any or all Collateral while any Event of Default exists; provided that such license shall be subject to the exclusive rights of any licensee under a license granted prior to such Event of Default, and (ii) the quality of any products or services in connection with which any Trademarks licensed hereunder are used will not be materially inferior to the quality of such services or products provided by such Borrower or such Loan Party under such Trademarks immediately prior to such Event of Default and such Borrower or such Loan Party shall have the right to inspect any such products and services to monitor compliance with such standard .

 

11.                             WAIVERS; INDEMNIFICATION.

 

11.1.                 Demand; Protest; etc .   Each Borrower and each other Loan Party waives demand, protest, notice of protest, notice of default or dishonor, notice of payment and nonpayment, nonpayment at maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension, or renewal of documents, instruments, chattel paper, and guarantees at any time held by Agent on which such Borrower or such other Loan Party may in any way be liable.

 

11.2.                 The Agent’s Liability for Collateral .   Each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that:  (a) so long as Agent complies with its obligations, if any, under the Code, Agent shall not in any way or manner be liable or responsible for:  (i) the safekeeping of the Collateral, (ii) any loss or damage thereto occurring or arising in any manner or fashion from any cause, (iii) any diminution in the value thereof, or (iv) any act or default of any carrier, warehouseman, bailee, forwarding agency, or other Person, and (b) all risk of loss, damage, or destruction of the Collateral shall be borne by each Borrower and such other Loan Parties.

 

11.3.                 Indemnification .   Each Borrower and each other Loan Party shall pay, indemnify, defend, and hold the Lender-Related Persons (each, an “ Indemnified Person ”) harmless (to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law) from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, investigations, proceedings, liabilities, fines, costs, penalties, and damages, and all reasonable fees and disbursements of attorneys, experts, or consultants and all other costs and expenses actually incurred and documented in connection therewith or in connection with the enforcement of this indemnification (as and when they are incurred and irrespective of whether suit is brought), at any time asserted against, imposed upon, or incurred by any of them (a) in connection with or as a result of or related to the execution and delivery, enforcement, performance, or administration (including any restructuring, forbearance or workout with respect hereto) of this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the monitoring of compliance by each Borrower and each other Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries with the terms of the Loan Documents, (b) with respect to any investigation, litigation, or proceeding related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or the use of the proceeds of the credit provided hereunder (irrespective of whether any Indemnified Person is a party thereto), or any act, omission, event, or circumstance in any manner related thereto, (c) in connection with the custody, preservation, use or operation of, or, while an Event of Default exists, the sale of, collection from, or other realization upon, any of the Collateral in accordance with this Agreement and the other

 

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Loan Documents, (d) with respect to the failure by any Borrower or any other Loan Party to perform or observe any of the provisions hereof or any other Loan Document, (e) in connection with the exercise or enforcement of any of the rights of Agent and Lenders hereunder or under any other Loan Document, and (f) in connection with or arising out of any presence or release of Hazardous Materials at, on, under, to or from any assets or properties owned, leased or operated by any Borrower or any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Borrower or any other Loan Party or any Environmental Actions, Environmental Liabilities or Remedial Actions related in any way to any such assets or properties of such Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (each and all of the foregoing, the “ Indemnified Liabilities ”).  The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, no Borrower or any other Loan Party shall have any obligation to any Indemnified Person under this Section 11.3 with respect to any Indemnified Liability that a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines to have resulted from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person or its officers, directors, employees, or attorneys.  This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the repayment of the Obligations.  If any Indemnified Person makes any payment to any other Indemnified Person with respect to an Indemnified Liability as to which a Borrower or any other Loan Party was required to indemnify the Indemnified Person receiving such payment, the Indemnified Person making such payment is entitled to be indemnified and reimbursed by such Borrower or such other Loan Party with respect thereto.  WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE FOREGOING INDEMNITY SHALL APPLY TO EACH INDEMNIFIED PERSON WITH RESPECT TO INDEMNIFIED LIABILITIES WHICH IN WHOLE OR IN PART ARE CAUSED BY OR ARISE OUT OF ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION OF SUCH INDEMNIFIED PERSON OR OF ANY OTHER PERSON.

 

12.        NOTICES.

 

Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices or demands relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be in writing and (except for financial statements and other informational documents which may be sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid) shall be personally delivered or sent by certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), overnight courier, electronic mail (at such email addresses as a party may designate in accordance herewith), or telefacsimile.  In the case of notices or demands to Borrowers, any other Loan Party or Agent, as the case may be, they shall be sent to the respective address set forth below:

 

If to Loan Parties or to the

Administrative Borrower at:

c/o RG Parent LLC

1231 S. Gerhart Avenue

Commerce, CA 90022

Attn: Hamish Sandhu

Fax No.: (323) 417-5127

Email: Hamish@joesjeans.com

with courtesy copies to
(which shall not constitute
Notice for purposes of this
Section 12):

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

300 South Grand Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Attn: Kristine Dunn

Fax No.: 213.621.5493
Email:  Kristine.Dunn@skadden.com

 

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If to Agent:

TCW Asset Management Company

200 Clarendon Street, 51st Floor

Boston, Massachusetts  02116

Attention:  James Synborski

Fax:

Email: James.Synborski@tcw.com

 

and

 

Cortland Capital Market Services LLC

225 W. Washington Street, Suite 2100

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Attn: Valerie Opperman and Legal Department

Email: Valerie.opperman@cortlandglobal.com; legal@cortlandglobal.com

Fax: 312-376-0751

with courtesy copies to
(which shall not constitute
Notice for purposes of this
Section 12):

 

Goldberg Kohn Ltd.

55 East Monroe, Suite 3300

Chicago, Illinois 60603

Attention:  Seth H. Good, Esq.

Fax:  (312) 863-7838

Email:  Seth.Good@goldbergkohn.com

 

 

Any party hereto may change the address at which it is to receive notices hereunder, by notice in writing in the foregoing manner given to the other parties.  All notices or demands sent in accordance with this Section 12 shall be deemed received on the earlier of the date of actual receipt or 3 Business Days after the deposit thereof in the mail; provided , that (a) notices sent by overnight courier service shall be deemed to have been given when received, (b) notices by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient) and (c) notices by electronic mail shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgment from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return email or other written acknowledgment).  Any notice given by Agent to any Borrower as provided in this Section 12 shall be deemed sufficient notice as to all Loan Parties, regardless of whether each Loan Party is sent a separate copy of such notice or whether each Loan Party is specifically identified in such notice.

 

13.        CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER.

 

(a)        THE VALIDITY OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS (UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED TO THE CONTRARY IN ANOTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN RESPECT OF SUCH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT), THE CONSTRUCTION, INTERPRETATION, AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF AND THEREOF, AND THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THERETO WITH RESPECT TO ALL MATTERS ARISING HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO OR THERETO AS WELL AS ALL CLAIMS, CONTROVERSIES OR DISPUTES ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS SHALL BE DETERMINED UNDER, GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF (OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW).

 

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(b)        THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS MAY BE TRIED AND LITIGATED IN THE STATE AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK; PROVIDED , HOWEVER , THAT ANY SUIT SEEKING ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE BROUGHT, AT AGENT’S OPTION, IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION WHERE AGENT ELECTS TO BRING SUCH ACTION OR WHERE SUCH COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND.  EACH BORROWER, EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY, AGENT AND EACH LENDER WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT EACH MAY HAVE TO ASSERT THE DOCTRINE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR TO OBJECT TO VENUE TO THE EXTENT ANY PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION 13(b) .

 

(c)        TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH BORROWER, EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY, AGENT AND EACH LENDER HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS, IF ANY, TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS (EACH, A “ CLAIM ”).  EACH BORROWER EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY, AGENT AND EACH LENDER REPRESENT THAT EACH HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER AND EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.  IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

 

(d)        NO CLAIM MAY BE MADE BY ANY PARTY HERETO AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF SUCH OTHER PARTY OR ANY  DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, COUNSEL, REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT, OR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT OF ANY OF THEM FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN RESPECT OF ANY CLAIM FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY ACT, OMISSION, OR EVENT OCCURRING IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, AND EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, RELEASES, AND AGREES NOT TO SUE UPON ANY CLAIM FOR SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER OR NOT ACCRUED AND WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR SUSPECTED TO EXIST IN ITS FAVOR.

 

14.        ASSIGNMENTS; SUCCESSORS .

 

(a)        This Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each Loan Party, Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns; provided , however , that, except as permitted in Section 7.3(a), none of the Loan Parties may assign or transfer any of its rights hereunder or under the other Loan Documents without the prior written consent of each Lender and any such assignment without the Lenders’ prior written consent shall be null and void.

 

(b)        Each Lender may with the written consent of Agent (such consent of Agent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, except in the case of a proposed assignment to any holder of Indebtedness that is contractually subordinated to the Obligations , in which case Agent may withhold

 

45



 

consent in its sole and absolute discretion) and the written consent of the Administrative Borrower (such consent of the Administrative Borrower not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed and shall be deemed given if not denied in writing by the Administrative Borrower within 5 Business Days after receipt of written request therefor), assign to one or more other lenders or other entities all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to all or a portion of its Loans; provided , however , that (1) such assignment is in an amount which is at least $3,000,000 or a multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof (or such lesser amount as may be agreed to by Agent in its sole discretion) (except such minimum amount shall not apply to an assignment by a Lender to (x) a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or a Related Fund of such Lender or (y) a group of new Lenders, each of whom is an Affiliate or Related Fund of each other to the extent the aggregate amount to be assigned to all such new Lenders is at least $3,000,000 or a multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof), (2) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to Agent, for its acceptance, an Assignment and Acceptance, together with any promissory note (if requested by the applicable Lender) subject to such assignment and such parties shall deliver to Agent, for the benefit of Agent, a processing and recordation fee of $5,000 (except the payment of such fee shall not be required in connection with an assignment by a Lender to a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or a Related Fund of such Lender) and Agent shall have received all documentation and other information with respect to the assignee that is required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act, (3) no written consent of the Administrative Borrower shall be required in connection with any assignment by a Lender to a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or a Related Fund of such Lender or if (A) such assignment is in connection with any merger, amalgamation, consolidation, sale, transfer, or other disposition of all or any substantial portion of the business or loan portfolio of such Lender or (B) a Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (4) so long as no Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no such assignment shall be made to any Disqualified Institution without the consent of Administrative Borrower (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and (5) no such assignment shall be made to any Loan Party, Equity Sponsor or any of their respective Affiliates.  Upon such execution, delivery and acceptance, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance and recordation on the Register, which effective date shall be at least 3 Business Days after the delivery thereof to Agent (or such shorter period as shall be agreed to by Agent and the parties to such assignment), (A) the assignee thereunder shall become a “Lender” hereunder and, in addition to the rights and obligations hereunder held by it immediately prior to such effective date, have the rights and obligations hereunder that have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance and (B) the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto).

 

(c)        By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the assigning Lender and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows:  (i) other than as provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, the assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other Loan Document furnished pursuant hereto; (ii) the assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or the performance or observance by any Loan Party of any of its obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with such other documents and information it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the

 

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assigning Lender, Agent or any Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; (v) such assignee appoints and authorizes Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to Agent by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vi) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 

(d)        Agent shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, maintain, or cause to be maintained at its office, a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it that has been accepted by Agent and a register (the “ Register ”) for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Term Loan Commitments of, and the principal amount of the Loans (and stated interest thereon) (the “ Registered Loans ”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Borrowers, Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Administrative Borrower and any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(e)        Upon receipt by Agent of a completed Assignment and Acceptance and Agent’s acceptance of such Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to Section 14(b)  (which consent of Agent must be evidenced by Agent’s execution of an acceptance to such Assignment and Acceptance), Agent shall record the information contained therein in the Register.

 

(f)        A Registered Loan (and the registered note, if any, evidencing the same) may be assigned or sold in whole or in part only by registration of such assignment or sale on the Register (and each registered note shall expressly so provide).  Any assignment or sale of all or part of such Registered Loan (and the registered note, if any, evidencing the same) may be effected only by registration of such assignment or sale on the Register, together with the surrender of the registered note, if any, evidencing the same duly endorsed by (or accompanied by a written instrument of assignment or sale duly executed by) the holder of such registered note, whereupon, at the request of the designated assignee(s) or transferee(s), one or more new registered notes in the same aggregate principal amount shall be issued to the designated assignee(s) or transferee(s).  Prior to the registration of assignment or sale of any Registered Loan (and the registered note, if any, evidencing the same), Agent shall treat the Person in whose name such Registered Loan (and the registered note, if any, evidencing the same) is registered on the Register as the owner thereof for the purpose of receiving all payments thereon, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.

 

(g)        In the event that any Lender sells participations in a Registered Loan, such Lender shall, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent on behalf of the Borrowers, maintain, or cause to be maintained, a register, on which it enters the name of all participants in the Registered Loans held by it and the principal amount (and stated interest thereon) of the portion of the Registered Loan that is the subject of the participation (the “ Participant Register ”).  A Registered Loan (and the registered note, if any, evidencing the same) may be participated in whole or in part only by registration of such participation on the Participant Register (and each registered note shall expressly so provide).  Any participation of such Registered Loan (and the registered note, if any, evidencing the same) may be effected only by the registration of such participation on the Participant Register.  The Participant Register shall be available for inspection by the Administrative Borrower and any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.  No Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any participant or any information relating to a participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other

 

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obligations under any Loan Document) to any person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations.  The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, Agent shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

(h)        Any Person who purchases or is assigned or participates in any portion of such Registered Loan shall, at the time such Person is claiming the benefits under Section 16, comply with any requirements described in Section 16 at the time such Person is claiming the benefits under Section 16.

 

(i)         Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks or other entities in or to all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Term Loan Commitment and the Loans made by it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including without limitation, its Term Loan Commitment hereunder) and the other Loan Documents shall remain unchanged; (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, and the Borrowers, the Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; (iii) a participant shall not be entitled to require such Lender to take or omit to take any action hereunder except (A) action directly effecting an extension of the maturity dates or decrease in the principal amount of the Loans, (B) action directly effecting an extension of the due dates or a decrease in the rate of interest payable on the Loans or the fees payable under this Agreement, or (C) actions directly effecting a release of all or  substantially all of the Collateral or all or substantially all of the Loan Parties; (iv) the sale of a participation shall not be made to any Loan Party, Equity Sponsor or any of their respective Affiliates, (v) to the extent the Borrowers have made the list of Disqualified Institutions available to the Lenders, so long as no Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no participation shall be made to any Disqualified Institution and (vi) the sale of a participation to any holder of Indebtedness that is contractually subordinated to the Obligations shall require the written consent of the Agent, which consent the Agent may grant or withhold in its sole and absolute discretion.  The Loan Parties agree that each participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 16 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein) and Section 2.12 of this Agreement with respect to its participation in any portion of the Commitments and the Loans as if it were a Lender; provided that such participant complies with the requirements applicable to Lenders in such Sections, Section 2.14 and this Section 14 as if it were a Lender.

 

(j)         Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank or loans made to such Lender pursuant to securitization or similar credit facility (a “ Securitization ”); provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.  If requested by such Lender, the Loan Parties shall cooperate with such Lender and its Affiliates to effect the Securitization including, without limitation, by providing such information as may be reasonably requested by such Lender in connection with the rating of its Loans or the Securitization.

 

15.        AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS .

 

(a)        No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than the Fee Letter and other than any supplements or modifications to the Information

 

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Certificate accepted by Agent or any joinder to the Guaranty required hereunder), and no consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed (x) in the case of an amendment, consent or waiver to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency or granting a new Lien for the benefit of Agent and the Lenders or extending an existing Lien over additional property, by Agent and the Borrowers (or by the Administrative Borrower on behalf of the Borrowers), (y) in the case of any other waiver or consent, by Agent and Required Lenders (or by Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders) and the Borrowers (or by the Administrative Borrower on behalf of the Borrowers) and (z) in the case of any other amendment, by Agent and Required Lenders (or by Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders) and the Borrowers (or by the Administrative Borrower on behalf of the Borrowers), and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided , however , that no amendment, waiver or consent shall:

 

(i)         increase the Term Loan Commitment of any Lender, reduce the principal of, or interest on, any Loan payable to any Lender, or reduce the amount of any fee payable for the account of any Lender, in each case, without the written consent of such Lender (except in connection with the waiver of default interest (which shall be effective with the consent of the Required Lenders)) (it being understood that any change to the definition of “Net Senior Leverage Ratio” or the component definitions thereof shall not constitute a reduction or forgiveness in interest);

 

(ii)        postpone or extend any scheduled date fixed for any payment (but not prepayment) of principal of, or interest or fees on, any Loan payable to any Lender, in each case, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

 

(iii)       change the percentage of the Term Loan Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans that is required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder without the written consent of each Lender;

 

(iv)       amend the definition of “Required Lenders” or “Pro Rata Share” without the written consent of each Lender;

 

(v)        release all or substantially all of the Collateral (except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents), subordinate any Lien granted in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the Agents and the Lenders (except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or any other Loan Document), or release any Borrower or all or substantially all the Guarantors (except, in each case, in connection with a transaction permitted hereunder), in each case, without the written consent of each Lender;

 

(vi)       except as provided in Section 2.2, create any new class, tranche or series of commitments or Loans, change any commitment or Loan to a commitment or Loan of a different class, tranche or series, or subordinate any commitment or Loan to the Loans and commitments held by another Lender, in each case, without the written consent of each Lender; or

 

(vii)      amend, modify or waive Section 2.4(e) or this Section 15 without the written consent of each Lender.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) no amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of the Fee Letter (or the definition thereof), and no consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Agent and the Borrowers (and shall not require the written consent of any of the Lenders), (B) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by Agent, affect the rights or duties of Agent (but not in its capacity as a

 

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Lender) under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, (C) any amendment, waiver or consent to any provision of this Agreement (including Section 2.4(e) and Section 2.4(g)) that permits any Loan Party, Equity Sponsor or any of their respective Affiliates to purchase Loans on a non-pro rata basis, become an eligible assignee pursuant to Section 14 and/or make offers to make optional prepayments on a non-pro rata basis shall require the prior written consent of the Required Lenders rather than the prior written consent of each Lender, (D) any supplements or modifications to the Information Certificate shall require only the signature of (1) Administrative Borrower and (2) other than with respect to Schedules 5.1(c), 5.6(a), 5.6(b), 5.6(c), 5.15(a), 5.29 or 7.16, Agent, and (E) any joinder to the Guaranty required hereunder shall require only the signature of the applicable Loan Party.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) no Defaulting Lender, shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent under the Loan Documents and any Loans held by such Person for purposes hereof shall be automatically deemed to be voted pro rata according to the Loans of all other Lenders in the aggregate (other than such Defaulting Lender) and (ii) any Lender that also holds Indebtedness of any Loan Party that is contractually subordinated to the Obligations (x) shall be excluded from the determination of Required Lenders, and shall not have voting rights with respect to any matters requiring the approval of Required Lenders and (y) shall have voting rights solely with respect to the matters described in clause (i) of this Section 15(a) and otherwise shall not have any voting rights under this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

(b)        If any action to be taken by the Lenders hereunder requires the consent, authorization, or agreement of all of the Lenders or any Lender affected thereby, and a Lender other than Agent (or an affiliate of Agent) (the “ Holdout Lender ”) fails to give its consent, authorization, or agreement, then Administrative Borrower or Agent, upon at least 5 Business Days’ prior notice to the Holdout Lender and, in the case of any such replacement by Administrative Borrower, Agent, may replace the Holdout Lender with one or more substitute lenders reasonably acceptable to Agent (each, a “ Replacement Lender ”), and the Holdout Lender shall have no right to refuse to be replaced hereunder.  Such notice to replace the Holdout Lender shall specify an effective date for such replacement, which date shall not be later than 15 Business Days after the date such notice is given.  Prior to the effective date of such replacement, the Holdout Lender and each Replacement Lender shall execute and deliver an Assignment and Acceptance, subject only to the Holdout Lender being repaid its share of the outstanding Obligations without any premium or penalty of any kind whatsoever.  If the Holdout Lender shall refuse or fail to execute and deliver any such Assignment and Acceptance prior to the effective date of such replacement, the Holdout Lender shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Acceptance.  The replacement of any Holdout Lender shall be made in accordance with the terms of Section 14 (including with the consent of Administrative Borrower to the extent required by Section 14(b)).  Until such time as the Replacement Lender shall have acquired all of the Obligations, the Term Loan Commitments, and the other rights and obligations of the Holdout Lender hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Holdout Lender shall remain obligated to make its Pro Rata Share of the Term Loan.

 

(c)        No failure on the part of Agent or any Lender to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right under any Loan Document preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.  The rights and remedies of Agent and the Lenders provided herein and in the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies provided by law.  The rights of Agent and the Lenders under any Loan Document against any party thereto are not conditional or contingent on any attempt by Agent and the Lenders to exercise any of their rights under any other Loan Document against such party or against any other Person.

 

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16.        TAXES.

 

(a)        Any and all payments by any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto except as required by applicable law. If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of the applicable Loan Party or Agent) requires deduction or withholding of any tax, excluding (i) taxes imposed on or measured by the net income (however denominated) of Agent or any Lender (or any transferee or assignee thereof, including a participation holder (any such entity, a “ Transferee ”)),  franchise taxes, and branch profits taxes , in each case (A) imposed as a result of Agent, such Lender or Transferee being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such tax (or any other political subdivision thereof) or (B) imposed as a result of a present or former connection between Agent, such Lender or Transferee and the jurisdiction imposing such tax (other than connections arising solely from entering into any Loan Document, receiving a payment thereunder, securing collateral with respect thereto, or enforcing any right or remedy with respect thereto), (ii) U.S. federal withholding taxes attributable to Agent’s or any Lender’s (or Transferee’s) failure to comply with Section 16(d)  and (iii) any U.S. federal withholding taxes imposed under FATCA (all such nonexcluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges withholdings and liabilities, collectively or individually, “ Taxes ”, and all such excluded taxes, “ Excluded Taxes ”) from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder to Agent or any Lender (or any Transferee), (i) the sum payable by the Loan Party shall be increased by the amount (an “ Additional Amount ”) necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 16) Agent or such Lender (or such Transferee) shall receive an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) such Loan Party shall make such deductions and (iii) such Loan Party shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

(b)        In addition, each Loan Party agrees to pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies that arise from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document (“ Other Taxes ”).  Each Loan Party shall deliver to Agent official receipts or other evidence of such payment reasonably acceptable to Agent in respect of any Taxes or Other Taxes payable hereunder as soon as practicable after payment of such Taxes or Other Taxes.

 

(c)        The Loan Parties hereby jointly and severally indemnify and agree to hold each Agent and each Lender harmless from and against Taxes and Other Taxes and related expenses including reasonable attorneys’ fees and tax advisor fees (including, without limitation, Taxes and Other Taxes imposed on any amounts payable under this Section 16) paid by such Person, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  Such indemnification shall be paid within 10 days from the date on which any such Person makes written demand therefore specifying in reasonable detail the nature and amount of such Taxes or Other Taxes, absent manifest error in such written demand.

 

(d)        If any Lender (or Transferee) is entitled under applicable law to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document, such Lender (or Transferee) shall deliver to Administrative Borrower and Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by Administrative Borrower or Agent, such properly completed an executed documentation reasonably requested by Administrative Borrower or Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, if reasonably requested by Administrative Borrower or Agent, each Lender (or Transferee) shall deliver such other documentation

 

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prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by Administrative Borrower or Agent as will enable Administrative Borrower or Agent to determine whether or not such Lender (or Transferee) is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 16(d)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) below) shall not be required if in the applicable Lender’s or Transferee’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender or Transferee to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender, Transferee or their respective Affiliates. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

 

(i)         Each Lender (or Transferee) that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States (a “ Non-U.S. Lender ”) agrees that it shall, no later than the Closing Date (or, in the case of a Lender which becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 14 hereof after the Closing Date, on or before the date upon which such Lender becomes a party hereto) deliver to Administrative Borrower and Agent one properly completed and duly executed originals of either U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E W-8ECI or W-8IMY or any subsequent versions thereof or successors thereto, in each case claiming complete exemption from, or reduced rate of, U.S. Federal withholding tax and payments of interest hereunder.  In addition, in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender claiming exemption from U.S. Federal withholding tax under Section 871(h) or 881(c) of the IRC, such Non-U.S. Lender hereby represents to the Administrative Borrower and Agent that such Non-U.S. Lender is not a bank for purposes of Section 881(c) of the IRC, is not a 10-percent shareholder (within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the IRC) of a Loan Party and is not a controlled foreign corporation related to a Loan Party (within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the IRC), and such Non-U.S. Lender agrees that it shall promptly notify Administrative Borrower and Agent in the event any such representation is no longer accurate.  Such forms shall be delivered by each Non-U.S. Lender on or before the date it becomes a party to this Agreement (or, in the case of a Transferee that is a participation holder, on or before the date such participation holder becomes a Transferee hereunder) and on or before the date, if any, such Non-U.S. Lender changes its applicable lending office by designating a different lending office (a “ New Lending Office ”).  In addition, such Non-U.S. Lender shall deliver such forms within 20 days after receipt of a written request therefor from any Administrative Borrower, Agent, the assigning Lender or the Lender granting a participation, as applicable.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 16, a Non-U.S. Lender shall not be required to deliver any form pursuant to this Section 16(d)  that such Non-U.S. Lender is not legally able to deliver.

 

(ii)        Each Lender (or Transferee) that is a “United States person” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the IRC) (each a “ U.S. Lender ”) agrees that it shall, no later than the Closing Date (or, in the case of a Lender which becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 14 after the Closing Date, or before the date upon which such Lender becomes a party hereto) deliver to Administrative Borrower and Agent a complete and duly executed original of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 or any subsequent versions thereof or successors thereto certifying that such Lender (or Transferee) is not subject to United States backup withholding tax on the date it becomes a party to this Agreement.  In addition, such U.S. Lender shall deliver such forms within 20 days after receipt of a written request therefore from Administrative Borrower, Agent, the assigning Lender or the Lender granting a participation, as applicable.

 

(iii)       any Non-U.S. Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to Administrative Borrower and Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Non-U.S. Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of any Borrower or 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

 

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prescribed by applicable law to permit Administrative Borrower or Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

 

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

 

Each Lender (or Transferee) and Agent 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 Administrative Borrower and Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

(e)        The Loan Parties shall not be required to indemnify any Non-U.S. Lender, or pay any Additional Amounts to any Non-U.S. Lender, in respect of United States Federal withholding tax pursuant to this Section 16 to the extent that (i) the obligation to withhold amounts with respect to United States Federal withholding tax existed on the date such Non-U.S. Lender became a party to this Agreement (or, in the case of a Transferee that is a participation holder, on the date such participation holder became a Transferee hereunder) or, with respect to payments to a New Lending Office, the date such Non-U.S. Lender (or Transferee) designated such New Lending Office with respect to a Loan; provided , however , that this clause (i) shall not apply to the extent the indemnity payment or Additional Amounts any Transferee, or Lender (or Transferee) through a New Lending Office, would be entitled to receive (without regard to this clause (i)) do not exceed the indemnity payment or Additional Amounts that the Person making the assignment, participation or transfer to such Transferee, or Lender (or Transferee) making the designation of such New Lending Office, would have been entitled to receive in the absence of such assignment, participation, transfer or designation, or (ii) the obligation to pay such Additional Amounts would not have arisen but for a failure by such Non-U.S. Lender (or Transferee) to comply with the provisions of clause (d) above.

 

(f)        Agent or any Lender (or Transferee) claiming any indemnity payment or additional payment amounts payable pursuant to this Section 16 shall use reasonable efforts (consistent with legal and regulatory restrictions) to file any certificate or document reasonably requested in writing by the Administrative Borrower or to change the jurisdiction of its applicable lending office if the making of such a filing or change would avoid the need for or reduce the amount of any such indemnity payment or additional amount that may thereafter accrue, would not require Agent or such Lender (or Transferee) to disclose any information Agent or such Lender (or Transferee) deems confidential and would not, in the reasonable determination of Agent or such Lender (or Transferee), be otherwise disadvantageous to Agent or  such Lender (or Transferee).

 

(g)        Treatment of Certain Refunds .  So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, if any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 16 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 16), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made

 

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under this Section with respect to such Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided, however, that if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any amounts otherwise payable to any Loan Party pursuant to this Section 16(g) shall be paid to Agent’s Account and shall be treated as payments made by Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.4(e), provided, further, that no such payments shall require payment of any Applicable Prepayment Premium.  Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (g), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such tax had never been paid.  This paragraph shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

 

(h)        The obligations of the Loan Parties, Agent and the Lenders (and Transferees) under this Section 16 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

 

17.        AGENT

 

17.1.    Appointment and Authorization.

 

Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes Agent to enter into each of the Loan Documents and any subordination and/or intercreditor agreements with the holders of other Indebtedness of the Loan Parties on its behalf and to take such actions as Agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are delegated to Agent by the terms thereof, together with all such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 14 or by the terms of the Loan Documents, Agent is authorized and empowered to amend, modify, or waive any provisions of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents on behalf of Lenders.  Except as provided in Section 17.9(c)  and Section 17.12: (i)  the provisions of this Article 17 are solely for the benefit of Agent and Lenders and (ii) neither Borrowers nor any other Loan Party shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions hereof.  In performing its functions and duties under this Agreement, Agent shall act solely as agent of Lenders and does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation toward or relationship of agency or trust with or for Borrower or any other Loan Party.  Agent may perform any of its duties hereunder, or under the Loan Documents, by or through its agents or employees.

 

17.2.    Agent and Affiliates.

 

If Agent is also a Lender, it shall have the same rights and powers under the Loan Documents as any other Lender and may exercise or refrain from exercising the same as though it were not Agent, and Agent and its Affiliates may lend money to, invest in and generally engage in any kind of business with each Loan Party or Affiliate of any Loan Party as if it were not Agent hereunder.

 

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17.3.                 Action by Agent.

 

The duties of Agent shall be mechanical and administrative in nature.  Agent shall not have by reason of this Agreement a fiduciary relationship in respect of any Lender.  Nothing in this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, express or implied, is intended to or shall be construed to impose upon Agent any obligations in respect of this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents except as expressly set forth herein or therein.

 

17.4.                 Consultation with Experts.

 

Agent may consult with legal counsel, independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

17.5.                 Liability of Agent.

 

Neither Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable to any Lender for any action taken or not taken by it in connection with the Loan Documents, except that Agent shall be liable to the extent of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.  Neither Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into or verify (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in connection with any Loan Document or any borrowing hereunder; (ii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants or agreements specified in any Loan Document; (iii) the satisfaction of any condition specified in any Loan Document, except receipt of items required to be delivered to Agent; (iv) the validity, effectiveness, sufficiency or genuineness of any Loan Document, any Lien purported to be created or perfected thereby or any other instrument or writing furnished in connection therewith; (v) the existence or non-existence of any Default or Event of Default; or (vi) the financial condition of any Loan Party.  Agent shall not incur any liability by acting in reliance upon any notice, consent, certificate, statement, or other writing (which may be a bank wire, telex, facsimile or electronic transmission or similar writing) believed by it to be genuine or to be signed by the proper party or parties.  Agent shall not be liable for any apportionment or distribution of payments made by it in good faith and if any such apportionment or distribution is subsequently determined to have been made in error the sole recourse of any Lender to whom payment was due but not made, shall be to recover from other Lenders any payment in excess of the amount to which they are determined to be entitled (and such other Lenders hereby agree to return to such Lender any such erroneous payments received by them).

 

17.6.                 Indemnification.

 

Each Lender shall, in accordance with its Pro Rata Share, indemnify Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by Borrower) and hold Agent harmless against any cost, expense (including counsel fees and disbursements), claim, demand, action, loss or liability (except such as result from Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction) that Agent may suffer or incur in connection with the Loan Documents or any action taken or omitted by Agent hereunder or thereunder .  If any indemnity furnished to Agent for any purpose shall, in the opinion of Agent, be insufficient or become impaired, Agent may call for additional indemnity and cease, or not commence, to do the acts indemnified against even if so directed by Required Lenders until such additional indemnity is furnished.  The obligations of Lenders under this Section 17.6 shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

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17.7.                 Right to Request and Act on Instructions.

 

Agent may at any time request instructions from Lenders with respect to any actions or approvals which by the terms of this Agreement or of any of the Loan Documents Agent is permitted or desires to take or to grant, and Agent shall be absolutely entitled to refrain from taking any action or to withhold any approval and shall not be under any liability whatsoever to any Person for refraining from any action or withholding any approval under any of the Loan Documents until it shall have received such instructions from Required Lenders or all or such other portion of the Lenders as shall be prescribed by this Agreement.  Without limiting the foregoing, no Lender shall have any right of action whatsoever against Agent as a result of Agent acting or refraining from acting under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents in accordance with the instructions of Required Lenders or all or such other portion of the Lenders as shall be prescribed by this Agreement and, notwithstanding the instructions of Required Lenders, Agent shall have no obligation to take any action if it believes, in good faith, that such action exposes Agent to any liability for which it has not received satisfactory indemnification in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.6.

 

17.8.                 Credit Decision.

 

Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking any action under the Loan Documents.

 

17.9.                 Collateral Matters.

 

(a)                                Lenders irrevocably authorize Agent, at its option and in its discretion, (i) to release any Lien granted to or held by Agent under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.10 (or with the approval of Required Lenders or all Lenders, as the case may be, in accordance with Section 15), and (ii) to release any Loan Party whose Stock is sold or transferred from its obligations under any of the Loan Documents in accordance with Section 2.10 (or with the approval of Required Lenders or all Lenders, as the case may be, in accordance with Section 15).

 

(b)                               Agent may conclusively rely without further inquiry on a certificate of an officer of any Loan Party as to the sale, transfer or other disposition of property (including equity interests) being made in full compliance with the provisions of the Loan Documents.  Upon request by Agent at any time, Lenders will confirm in writing Agent’s authority to release particular types or items of Collateral or a particular Loan Party from its obligations under any of the Loan Documents pursuant to this Section 17.9.

 

(c)                                In connection with any release contemplated by this Section 10.9, Agent agrees to execute and deliver to Borrowers, at Borrowers’ reasonable request and at Borrowers’ expense, such documents as Agent reasonably deems appropriate to evidence such release.

 

17.10.         Agency for Perfection.

 

Agent and each Lender hereby appoint each other Lender as agent for the purpose of perfecting Agent’s security interest in assets which, in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code in any applicable jurisdiction, can be perfected by possession or control.  Should any Lender (other than Agent) obtain possession or control of any such assets, such Lender shall notify Agent thereof, and, promptly upon Agent’s request therefore, shall deliver such assets to Agent or in accordance with Agent’s

 

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instructions or transfer control to Agent in accordance with Agent’s instructions.  Each Lender agrees that it will not have any right individually to enforce or seek to enforce any Loan Document or to realize upon any Collateral for the Obligations unless instructed to do so by Agent, it being understood and agreed that such rights and remedies may be exercised only by Agent.

 

17.11.         Notice of Default.

 

Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to Agent for the account of Lenders, unless Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender or a Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”.  Agent will notify each Lender of its receipt of any such notice.  Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as may be requested by Required Lenders (or if required all Lenders or all affected Lenders) in accordance with the terms hereof.  Unless and until Agent has received any such request, 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 or in the best interests of Lenders.

 

17.12.         Successor Agent.

 

Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and Administrative Borrower.  Upon any such resignation, Required Lenders and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Administrative Borrower, shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent.  If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within thirty (30) days after the retiring Agent gives notice of resignation, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of Lenders, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be an institution organized or licensed under the laws of the United States of America or of any State thereof.  Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder.  After any retiring Agent’s resignation hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Section 17 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent.

 

17.13.         Return of Payments.

 

(a)                                If Agent pays an amount to a Lender under this Agreement in the belief or expectation that a related payment has been or will be received by Agent from Borrowers and such related payment is not received by Agent, then Agent will be entitled to recover such amount from such Lender on demand without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind, together with interest accruing on a daily basis at the Federal Funds Effective Rate.

 

(b)                               If Agent determines at any time that any amount received by Agent under this Agreement must be returned to a Borrower or paid to any other Person pursuant to any insolvency law or otherwise, then, notwithstanding any other term or condition of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, Agent will not be required to distribute any portion thereof to any Lender.  In addition, each Lender will repay to Agent on demand any portion of such amount that Agent has distributed to such Lender, together with interest at such rate, if any, as Agent is required to pay to Borrowers or such other Person, without setoff, counterclaim or deduction of any kind.

 

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17.14.         Right to Perform, Preserve and Protect.

 

If any Loan Party fails to perform any obligation hereunder or under any other Loan Document, Agent itself may, but shall not be obligated to, cause such obligation to be performed at Borrowers’ expense.  Agent is further authorized by Borrowers and the Lenders upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default or during such time as exigent circumstances exist, to make expenditures (“ Agent Advances ”) from time to time which Agent, in its reasonable business judgment, deems necessary or desirable to (i) preserve or protect the business conducted by Borrower, the Collateral, or any portion thereof and/or (ii) enhance the likelihood of, or maximize the amount of, repayment of the Loans and other Obligations.  Borrowers hereby agrees to reimburse Agent on demand for any and all reasonable costs, liabilities and obligations incurred by Agent pursuant to this Section 17.14.  Each Lender hereby agrees to indemnify Agent upon demand for any and all costs, liabilities and obligations incurred by Agent pursuant to this Section 17.14, in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.6. For purposes of this Section 17.14 “exigent circumstances” means any circumstances causing Agent or Required Lenders to reasonably believe that an expenditure is necessary or appropriate in order to prevent or mitigate the destruction of, physical harm to, impairment of or decrease in value of the Collateral or the rights and interests of Agent and Lenders (including any loss of priority of the Liens of Agent under the Loan Documents).  Agent Advances shall be repayable on demand (without any prepayment premium or penalty) and be secured by the Collateral and shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the rate then applicable to Base Rate Loans.  Agent Advances shall constitute Obligations hereunder.  Agent shall notify each Lender and the Administrative Borrower in writing of each such Agent Advance, which notice shall include a description of the purpose of such Agent Advance.  Without limitation to its obligations pursuant to Section 17.6, each Lender agrees that it shall make available to Agent, upon the Agent’s demand, in Dollars in immediately available funds, the amount equal to such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of each such Agent Advance.  If such funds are not made available to Agent by such Lender, Agent shall be entitled to recover such funds on demand from such Lender, together with interest thereon for each day from the date such payment was due until the date such amount is paid to Agent, at the Federal Funds Effective Rate for three Business Days and thereafter at the Base Rate.  Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event shall (i) Agent make or be authorized to make any Agent Advance that would cause Indebtedness outstanding under this Agreement to exceed Maximum Term Principal Obligations (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement), (ii) any Agent Advance cause a Default or Event of Default under Section 8 that would not exist in the absence of such Agent Advance or (iii) any Agent Advance be subject to any prepayment premium or penalty (including the Applicable Prepayment Premium).

 

18.                             GENERAL PROVISIONS.

 

18.1.                 Effectiveness .   This Agreement shall be binding and deemed effective when executed by each Borrower, each other Loan Party, each Lender and Agent.

 

18.2.                 Section Headings .   Headings and numbers have been set forth herein for convenience only.  Unless the contrary is compelled by the context, everything contained in each Section applies equally to this entire Agreement.

 

18.3.                 Interpretation .   Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or ambiguity herein shall be construed against Agent or any Loan Party, whether under any rule of construction or otherwise.  On the contrary, this Agreement has been reviewed by all parties and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to accomplish fairly the purposes and intentions of all parties hereto.

 

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18.4.                 Severability of Provisions .   Each provision of this Agreement shall be severable from every other provision of this Agreement for the purpose of determining the legal enforceability of any specific provision.

 

18.5.                 Debtor-Creditor Relationship .   The relationship between Agent and Lenders, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, on the other hand, is solely that of creditor and debtor.  Neither Agent nor any Lender shall have (and shall not be deemed to have) any fiduciary relationship or duty to any Loan Party arising out of or in connection with the Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby, and there is no agency or joint venture relationship between Agent or any Lender, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, on the other hand, by virtue of any Loan Document or any transaction contemplated therein.

 

18.6.                 Counterparts; Electronic Execution .   This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement.  Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Agreement but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Agreement.

 

18.7.                 Revival and Reinstatement of Obligations .   If the incurrence or payment of the Obligations by any Borrower or any other Loan Party or the transfer to Agent or any Lender of any property should for any reason subsequently be asserted, or declared, to be void or voidable under any state or federal law relating to creditors’ rights, including provisions of the Bankruptcy Code relating to fraudulent conveyances, preferences, or other voidable or recoverable payments of money or transfers of property (each, a “ Voidable Transfer ”), and if Agent or any Lender is required to repay or restore, in whole or in part, any such Voidable Transfer, or elects to do so upon the reasonable advice of its counsel, then, as to any such Voidable Transfer, or the amount thereof that Agent or such Lender is required or elects to repay or restore, and as to all reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys fees of Agent or such Lender related thereto, the liability of such Borrower and such other Loan Party automatically shall be revived, reinstated, and restored and shall exist as though such Voidable Transfer had never been made and all of Agent’s Liens in the Collateral shall be automatically reinstated without further action.

 

18.8.                 Confidentiality .

 

(a)                                Agent and each Lender agrees (on behalf of itself and each of its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and representatives) to use reasonable precautions to keep confidential, in accordance with its customary procedures for handling confidential information of this nature and in accordance with safe and sound practices of comparable commercial finance companies, any non-public information supplied to it by the Loan Parties pursuant to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (and which at the time is not, and does not thereafter become, publicly available or available to such Person from another source not known to be subject to a confidentiality obligation to such Person not to disclose such information), provided that nothing herein shall limit the disclosure by any Agent or any Lender of any such information (i) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, counsel, advisors and representatives who need to know such information in connection with providing the Loan or acting as Agent hereunder (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such information and instructed to keep such information confidential in accordance with this Section 18.8); (ii) to any other party hereto; (iii) to any assignee or participant (or prospective assignee or participant) or

 

59



 

any party to a Securitization so long as such assignee or participant (or prospective assignee or participant) or party to a Securitization first agrees, in writing, to be bound by confidentiality provisions similar in substance to this Section 18.8; (iv) to the extent required by any requirement of law or judicial process or as otherwise requested by any Governmental Authority (in which case the Person disclosing the information agrees to give the Administrative Borrower reasonable advance notice of such disclosure if reasonably permissible and in any event prompt notice of such disclosure and any disclosure under this clause (iv) shall be limited to the portion of the information as may be required); (v) to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any similar organization, any examiner, auditor or accountant or any nationally recognized rating agency or otherwise to the extent consisting of general portfolio information that does not identify Loan Parties; (vi) in connection with any litigation to which Agent or any Lender is a party relating to the Loan Documents (in which case the Person disclosing the information agrees to give the Administrative Borrower reasonable advance notice of such disclosure if reasonably permissible and in any event prompt notice of such disclosure); (vii) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder; or (viii) with the prior consent of the Administrative Borrower.

 

(b)                               Each Loan Party agrees that neither it nor any of its controlled Affiliates will now or in the future issue any press release or other public disclosure using the name of Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates or referring to this Agreement or any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of Agent or such Lender (not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned and such consent shall be deemed given if not provided by the Agent or such Lender within 5 Business Days after receipt of written request therefor ), except to the extent that such Loan Party or such controlled Affiliate is required to do so under applicable law (in which event, to the extent permissible, such Loan Party or such controlled Affiliate will consult with Agent or such Lender before issuing such press release or other public disclosure).  Each Loan Party hereby authorizes Agent and each Lender, after consultation with the Borrowers, to advertise the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and to make appropriate announcements of the financial arrangements entered into among the parties hereto, as Agent or such Lender shall deem appropriate, including, without limitation, on a home page or similar place for dissemination of information on the Internet or worldwide web, or in announcements commonly known as tombstones, in such trade publications, business journals, newspapers of general circulation and to such selected parties as Agent or such Lender shall deem appropriate.

 

18.9.                 Expenses .   Borrowers hereby agree to promptly pay (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses of Agent (including without limitation the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses of counsel to, and independent appraisers and consultants retained by Agent) in connection with the examination, review, due diligence investigation, documentation, negotiation, closing and syndication of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, in connection with the performance by Agent of its rights and remedies under the Loan Documents and in connection with the continued administration of the Loan Documents including any amendments, modifications, consents and waivers to and/or under any and all Loan Documents, (ii) without limitation of the preceding clause (i), all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses of Agent in connection with the creation, perfection and maintenance of Liens pursuant to the Loan Documents, including title investigations, lien searches and the like, (iii) without limitation of the preceding clause (i), expenses of Agent in connection with protecting, storing, insuring, handling, maintaining or selling any Collateral and in connection with any workout, collection, bankruptcy, insolvency and other enforcement proceedings under any and all of the Loan Documents, (iv) all costs and expenses incurred by Agent in connection with any workout, collection, bankruptcy, insolvency and other enforcement proceedings under any and all Loan Documents, and (v) all costs and expenses for travel and counsel incurred by any Lender after the Closing Date in connection with any workout, collection, bankruptcy, insolvency and other enforcement proceedings under any and all Loan Documents; provided that, in the case of costs and

 

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expenses of outside counsel, such costs and expenses shall be limited to the costs and expenses of (x) one primary outside counsel for Agent, (y) one local counsel in each jurisdiction as is reasonably necessary, and (z) in the case of an actual or potential conflict of interest among any one or more of Agent and any Lender, one additional counsel for each group of similarly situated Persons.  Each Borrower agrees that its obligations contained in this Section 18.9 shall survive payment or satisfaction in full of all other Obligations .

 

18.10.         Setoff .   If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Agent or any Lender may, in its sole discretion at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by Agent or such Lender to or for the credit or the account of the Borrowers or any Guarantor against any of and all the Obligations held by Agent or such Lender, irrespective of whether or not Agent or such Lender shall have made any demand under the Loan Documents and although such obligations may be unmatured. Agent or any Lender exercising such set-off shall notify the Administrative Borrower (and in the case of a Lender, Agent) of such set-off or application, provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such set-off or application under this Section.

 

18.11.         Survival .   All representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any loans, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any of the Obligations is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the obligation of Agent or any Lender to provide extensions of credit hereunder has not expired or been terminated.

 

18.12.         Patriot Act .   Agent and each Lender hereby notify the Loan Parties that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of each Loan Party and other information that will allow Agent and such Lender to identify each Loan Party in accordance with the Patriot Act. In addition, if Agent or any Lender is required by law or regulation or internal policies to do so, it shall have the right to periodically conduct (a) Patriot Act searches, OFAC/PEP searches, and customary individual background checks for the Loan Parties, and (b) OFAC/PEP searches and customary individual  background checks of the Loan Parties’ senior management and key principals, and each Borrower and each other Loan Party agrees to cooperate in respect of the conduct of such searches invoiced to Administrative Borrower and further agrees that the reasonable costs and charges for such searches shall constitute expenses payable under Section 18.9 hereof and be for the account of Borrowers.

 

18.13.         Integration .   This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof.

 

18.14.         Conflict .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the priority of the Liens and security interest granted to Agent, for the benefit of Agent and Lenders, pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the exercise of any right or remedy by Agent hereunder and thereunder are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.  In the event of any direct conflict between the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document and the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement with respect to the priority of the Liens and security interests granted herein or therein and/or the exercise of any right or remedy hereunder, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.

 

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[ Signature pages to follow ]

 

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Exhibit 10.3

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 

 

 

BORROWERS :

 

 

 

DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC. , a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name:

Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

DBG SUBSIDIARY INC. (f/k/a Joe’s Jeans Subsidiary, Inc.), a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name:

Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

HUDSON CLOTHING, LLC , a California limited liability company

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Peter Kim

 

 

Name:

Peter Kim

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature page to Credit and Security Agreement (TCW)

 



 

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

RG PARENT LLC , a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive

 

 

 

 

ROBERT GRAHAM RETAIL LLC a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive

 

 

 

 

ROBERT GRAHAM DESIGNS, LLC, a New York limited liability company

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive

 

 

 

 

ROBERT GRAHAM HOLDINGS, LLC, a New York limited liability company

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature page to Credit and Security Agreement (TCW)

 


 


 

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

 

GUARANTORS:

 

 

 

INNOVO WEST SALES, INC. , a Texas corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name:

Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DBG HOLDINGS SUBSIDIARY INC. (f/k/a Joe’s Jeans Retail Subsidiary, Inc.), a California corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Name:

Hamish Sandhu

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HUDSON CLOTHING HOLDINGS, INC. , a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Peter Kim

 

 

Name:

Peter Kim

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HC ACQUISITION HOLDINGS, INC. , a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Peter Kim

 

 

Name:

Peter Kim

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature page to Credit and Security Agreement (TCW)

 



 

 

RGH GROUP LLC , a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARCO BRUNELLI IP, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael Buckley

 

 

Name:

Michael Buckley

 

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Credit and Security Agreement (TCW)

 



 

 

AGENT:

 

 

 

TCW ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Suzanne Grosso

 

 

Name: Suzanne Grosso

 

Title: Managing Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Credit and Security Agreement (TCW)

 



 

 

LENDERS:

 

 

 

TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC ,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Suzanne Grosso

 

 

Name: Suzanne Grosso

 

Title: Managing Director

 

 

 

TCW DIRECT LENDING STRATEGIC VENTURES LLC,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Suzanne Grosso

 

 

Name: Suzanne Grosso

 

Title: Managing Director

 

 

 

WEST VIRGINIA DIRECT LENDING LLC ,

 

as a Lender

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Suzanne Grosso

 

 

Name: Suzanne Grosso

 

Title: Managing Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Credit and Security Agreement (TCW)

 



 

Commitment Annex

 

Lenders

Term Loan Commitment

TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

$28,700,000

TCW DIRECT LENDING STRATEGIC VENTURES LLC

$18,000,000

WEST VIRGINIA DIRECT LENDING LLC

$3,300,000

Total

$ 50,000,000

 

Commitment Annex

Page 1



 

Schedule 1.1
to
CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

a.                                  Definitions.   As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following definitions:

 

ABL Credit Agreement ” means that certain Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among the Borrowers, the Guarantors and the ABL Lender, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

ABL Lender ” means the “Lender” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

ABL Loan Documents ” has the meaning assigned to the term “Loan Documents” in the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

ABL Obligations ” has the meaning specified therefor in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

ABL Priority Collateral ” has the meaning specified therefor in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Account ” means an account (as that term is defined in Article 9 of the Code).

 

Account Debtor ” means an account debtor (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Acquisition ” means any transaction or series of related transactions, consummated on or after the date of this Agreement, by which any Borrower or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly (a) acquires all or substantially all of the assets comprising one or more business units of any other Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise or (b) acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series of transactions) at least (i) a majority (in number of votes) of the capital stock and/or other securities of a corporation having ordinary voting power for the election of directors (other than stock and/or other securities having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency), (ii) a majority (by percentage of voting power) of the outstanding partnership interests of a partnership, (iii) a majority (by percentage of voting power) of the outstanding membership interests of a limited liability company or (iv) a majority of the ownership interests in any organization or entity other than a corporation, partnership or limited liability company.

 

Activation Notice ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 6.12(j) .

 

Additional Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 16(a).

 

Additional Documents ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 6.16 .

 

Administrative Borrower ” shall have the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.16 .

 

Affiliate ” means, as applied to any Person, any other Person who controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person.  For purposes of this definition, “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of Stock, by contract, or otherwise; provided , however , that, for purposes Section 7.12 : (a) any Person which owns directly or indirectly 10% or more of the Stock having ordinary voting power for the election of the board of directors or equivalent governing

 

Schedule 1.1
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body of a Person or 10% or more of the partnership or other ownership interests of a Person (other than as a limited partner of such Person) shall be deemed an Affiliate of such Person, (b) each director (or comparable manager) of a Person shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of such Person, and (c) each partnership in which a Person is a general partner shall be deemed an Affiliate of such Person.

 

Agent ” means TCW in its capacity as agent for all Lenders hereunder and any successor thereto in such capacity.

 

Agent Advances ” has the meaning set forth in Section 17.14 .

 

Agent’s Accoun t” means the Deposit Account of Agent identified on Schedule D-2 (or such other Deposit Account of Agent that has been designated as such, in writing, by Agent to the Borrowers).

 

Agent’s Liens ” mean the Liens granted by Borrowers and the other Loan Parties to Agent for its benefit and for the benefit of the Lenders under the Loan Documents.

 

Agreement ” means the Credit and Security Agreement to which this Schedule 1.1 is attached.

 

Applicable Margin ” means (a) the applicable rate per annum corresponding to the applicable Net Senior Leverage Ratio, all as set forth in the following table:

 

Net Senior Leverage Ratio

Base Rate

LIBOR Rate

> 3.00 to 1.00

8.00%

9.00%

> 2.50 to 1.00, but
< 3.00 to 1.00

 

7.50%

 

8.50%

<2.50 to 1.00

6.00%

7.00%

 

and (b) with respect to any Incremental Term Loans, a percent per annum set forth in the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment.

 

The Applicable Margin shall be adjusted quarterly, to the extent applicable, as of the first Business Day following the date on which financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 (including with respect to the last Fiscal Quarter of each Fiscal Year) after the end of each related Fiscal Quarter based on the Net Senior Leverage Ratio as of the last day of such Fiscal Quarter; provided that, the initial Applicable Margin shall be the rates corresponding to the Net Senior Leverage Ratio of > 3.00 to 1.00 in the foregoing table.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) if Borrowers fail to deliver the financial statements and the related Compliance Certificate required by Section 6.1 , by the respective date required thereunder after the end of any related Fiscal Quarter, if requested in writing by Agent or Required Lenders, the Applicable Margin, to the extent applicable, shall be the rates corresponding to the Net Senior Leverage Ratio of > 3.00 to 1.00 in the foregoing table until such financial statements and Compliance Certificate are delivered (plus, if requested by Agent or Required Lenders, the default rate of interest as described in Section 2.6(b) ), and (b) no reduction to the Applicable Margin shall become effective at any time when an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; provided , that any such reduction shall occur on the date all such Events of Default have been cured or waived in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Schedule 1.1

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If, as a result of any restatement of or other adjustment to the financial statements of the Loan Parties or for any other reason, Agent determines that (a) the Net Senior Leverage Ratio as calculated by Borrowers as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (b) a proper calculation of the Net Senior Leverage Ratio would have resulted in a different Applicable Margin for any period, then (i) if the proper calculation of the Net Senior Leverage Ratio would have resulted in a higher Applicable Margin for such period, Borrowers shall automatically and retroactively be obligated to pay to Agent, for the benefit of the applicable Lenders, promptly on demand by Agent (accompanied by back-up calculations relating thereto in accordance with this Agreement), an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period; and (ii) if the proper calculation of the Net Senior Leverage Ratio would have resulted in a lower Applicable Margin for such period, neither Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to repay any interest to Borrowers; provided , such excess shall be credited in a manner reasonably acceptable to Agent against interest and fees payable hereunder in the next succeeding period, and provided further , that, if as a result of any restatement or other event a proper calculation of the Net Senior Leverage Ratio would have resulted in a higher Applicable Margin for one or more periods and lower pricing for one or more other periods (due to the shifting of income or expenses from one period to another period or any similar reason), then (x) the amount payable by Borrowers pursuant to clause (i) above shall be based upon the excess, if any, of the amount of interest that should have been paid for all applicable periods over the amount of interest and fees paid for all such periods and (y) the amount credited to Borrowers pursuant to clause (ii) above shall be based upon the excess, if any, of the amount of interest paid by Borrowers for all applicable periods over the amount of interest that should have been paid for all such periods.

 

Applicable Prepayment Premium ” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to (a) during the period from and after the Closing Date to and including the first anniversary of the Closing Date, 2.00% multiplied by the principal amount of the Loans prepaid on such date, (b) during the period after the date that is the first anniversary of the Closing Date to and including the second anniversary of the Closing Date, 1.00% multiplied by the principal amount of the Loans prepaid on such date, and (c) after the second anniversary of the Closing Date $0.

 

Asset Purchase Agreements ” means that certain (i) Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2015, by and among Parent, Joe’s Holdings LLC and Sequential Brands Group Inc. and/or (ii) Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2015, by and between Parent and GBG USA Inc., in each case, as amended, extended, restated, modified and/or supplemented prior to or on the Closing Date.

 

Assignment and Acceptance ” means an assignment and acceptance entered into by an assigning Lender and an assignee, and accepted by Agent, in accordance with Section 14 hereof and substantially in the form of Exhibit H hereto or such other form acceptable to Agent.

 

Assignment of Factoring Proceeds ” shall mean the Assignment and Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among Factor, Robert Graham Designs, LLC, Hudson Clothing, LLC , ABL Lender and Agent.

 

Available Increase Amount ” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the result of (a) $50,000,000 minus (b) the aggregate principal amount of Incremental Term Loans previously made pursuant to Section 2.2 of the Agreement.

 

Bankruptcy Code ” means title 11 of the United States Code, as in effect from time to time.

 

Base Rate Loan ” means a Loan or portion thereof which bears interest at a rate determined by reference to Base Rate.

 

Schedule 1.1

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Base Rate ” means a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus ½ of 1% and (c) the LIBOR Rate (which rate shall be calculated based upon an Interest Period of 1 month and shall be determined on a daily basis) plus 1.00% per annum .  Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the LIBOR 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 the LIBOR Rate, as the case may be.

 

Benefit Plan ” means a “defined benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA) for which any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates has been an “employer” (as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA) within the past six years.

 

Board of Directors ” means the board of directors (or comparable managers) of a Borrower or any other Loan Party or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of the board of directors (or comparable managers).

 

Books ” means books and records (including a Borrower’s or any other Loan Party’s Records indicating, summarizing, or evidencing such Borrower’s or such other Loan Party’s assets (including the Collateral) or liabilities, such Borrower’s or such other Loan Party’s Records relating to such Borrower’s or such other Loan Party’s business operations or financial condition, or such Borrower’s or such other Loan Party’s Goods or General Intangibles related to such information).

 

Borrowers ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

 

Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which banks in New York City are authorized or required to close pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve System; provided that, when used in connection with a LIBOR Loan, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

 

Capital Expenditures ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures by such Person and its Subsidiaries during such period that are capital expenditures as determined in accordance with GAAP, whether such expenditures are paid in cash or financed, but excluding (a) normal replacements and maintenance which are properly charged to current operations; (b) expenditures financed with the Net Cash Proceeds from any Disposition or any casualty, condemnation or similar event; and (c) expenditures made with cash proceeds from any Equity Issuances.

 

Capitalized Lease Obligation ” means that portion of the obligations under a Capital Lease that is required to be capitalized in accordance with GAAP.

 

Capital Lease ” means a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.

 

Cash Equivalents ” means (a) marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within 1 year from the date of acquisition thereof, (b) marketable direct obligations issued or fully guaranteed by any state of the United States or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within 1 year from the date of acquisition thereof and having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“ S&P ”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“ Moody’s ”), (c) commercial paper maturing no more than

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 4



 

270 days from the date of creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a rating of at least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from Moody’s, (d) certificates of deposit, time deposits, overnight bank deposits or bankers’ acceptances maturing within 1 year from the date of acquisition thereof issued by any bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or any United States branch of a foreign bank having combined capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000, (e) Deposit Accounts maintained with (i) any bank that satisfies the criteria described in clause (d) above, or (ii) any other bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof so long as the full amount maintained with any such other bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, (f) repurchase obligations of any commercial bank satisfying the requirements of clause (d)  of this definition or recognized securities dealer having combined capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000, having a term of not more than seven days, with respect to securities satisfying the criteria in clauses (a) or (d)  above, (g) debt securities with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any commercial bank satisfying the criteria described in clause (d)  above, and (h) Investments in money market funds substantially all of whose assets are invested in the types of assets described in clauses (a) through (g)  above.

 

Cash Management Services ” means any cash management or related services including treasury, depository, return items, overdraft, controlled disbursement, merchant stored value cards, e-payables services, electronic funds transfer, interstate depository network, automatic clearing house transfer (including the Automated Clearing House processing of electronic funds transfers through the direct Federal Reserve Fedline system) and other cash management arrangements.

 

CFC ” means a controlled foreign corporation (as that term is defined in the IRC).

 

Change in Law ” means the occurrence, after the date hereof, of (a) the adoption, taking effect or phasing in of any law, rule, regulation or treaty; (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof; or (c) the making, issuance or application of any request, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided , however, that “Change in Law” shall include, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued, all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives (i) under or relating to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or (ii) promulgated pursuant to Basel III by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any similar authority) or any other governmental authority, in each case, be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

 

Change of Control ” means that (a) Equity Sponsor shall cease to possess in the aggregate (together with any Permitted Holders) at least 50% of the aggregate amount of shares of Series A Preferred, (b) any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than Permitted Holders, becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 40%, or more, of the Stock of Parent having the right to vote for the election of members of the Board of Directors of Parent, (c) Parent fails to own and control, directly or indirectly, 100% of the Stock of each other Loan Party, or (d) a “Change of Control” shall occur under the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

Chattel Paper ” means chattel paper (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes tangible chattel paper and electronic chattel paper.

 

Closing Date ” means the date of the making of the Term Loan under this Agreement.

 

Code ” means the New York Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time; provided , however , that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 5



 

attachment, perfection, priority, or remedies with respect to Agent’s Lien on any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “Code” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions thereof relating to such attachment, perfection, priority, or remedies.  To the extent that defined terms set forth herein shall have different meanings under different Articles under the Uniform Commercial Code, the meaning assigned to such defined term under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code shall control.

 

Collateral ” means all of each Loan Party’s now owned or hereafter acquired:

 

(a)                            Accounts;

 

(b)                           Books;

 

(c)                            Chattel Paper;

 

(d)                           Deposit Accounts;

 

(e)                            Goods, including Equipment and Fixtures;

 

(f)                             General Intangibles, including, without limitation, Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses;

 

(g)                            Inventory;

 

(h)                           Investment Related Property;

 

(i)                               Negotiable Collateral;

 

(j)                               Supporting Obligations;

 

(k)                           Commercial Tort Claims;

 

(l)                               money, Cash Equivalents, or other assets of such Loan Party that now or hereafter come into the possession, custody, or control of Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective agents or designees);

 

(m)                       the Key Man Life Insurance Policy; and

 

(n)                           all of the proceeds (as such term is defined in the Code) and products, whether tangible or intangible, of any of the foregoing, including proceeds of insurance or Commercial Tort Claims covering or relating to any or all of the foregoing, and any and all Accounts, Books, Chattel Paper, Deposit Accounts, Equipment, Fixtures, General Intangibles (including, without limitation, Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses), Inventory, Investment Related Property, Negotiable Collateral, Supporting Obligations, money, or other tangible or intangible property resulting from the sale, lease, license, exchange, collection, or other disposition of any of the foregoing, the proceeds of any award in condemnation with respect to any of the foregoing, any rebates or refunds, whether for taxes or otherwise, and all proceeds of any such proceeds, or any portion thereof or interest therein, and the proceeds thereof, and all proceeds of any loss of, damage to, or destruction of the above, whether insured or not insured, and, to the extent not otherwise included, any indemnity, warranty, or guaranty payable by reason of loss or damage to, or otherwise with respect to any of the foregoing (collectively, the

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 6



 

Proceeds ”).  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “Proceeds” includes whatever is receivable or received when Investment Related Property or proceeds are sold, exchanged, collected, or otherwise disposed of, whether such disposition is voluntary or involuntary, and includes proceeds of any indemnity or guaranty payable to such Loan Party or Agent from time to time with respect to any of the Investment Related Property.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Security Interest created by this Agreement shall not extend to, and the term “Collateral” shall not include, any Excluded Property.

 

Collateral Access Agreement ” means a landlord waiver, bailee letter, or acknowledgement agreement of any lessor, warehouseman, processor, consignee, or other Person in possession of, having a Lien upon, or having rights or interests in the Books, Equipment, Accounts or Inventory of any Loan Party, in each case, in favor of Agent with respect to the Collateral at such premises or otherwise in the custody, control or possession of such lessor, warehouseman, processor, consignee or other Person and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

Collections ” means all cash, checks, notes, instruments, and other items of payment (including insurance Proceeds, cash Proceeds of asset sales, rental Proceeds, and tax refunds).

 

Commercial Tort Claims ” means commercial tort claims (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes those commercial tort claims listed on Schedule 5.6(d)  to the Information Certificate.

 

Commitment Letter ” means that certain Commitment Letter dated as of September 8, 2015 between RG Parent and TCW Direct Lending, LLC.

 

Compliance Certificate ” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit A delivered by the chief financial officer (or other individual performing similar functions) of Parent or Administrative Borrower to Agent.

 

Consolidated Rental Expense ” means, for any fiscal period, the product of (i)(a) consolidated cash rental expense of Parent and its Subsidiaries with respect to operating leases for retail stores for such period minus (b) consolidated cash sublease income of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such period multiplied by (ii) eight (8).

 

Control Agreement ” means a control agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, executed and delivered by a Loan Party, Agent, and the applicable securities intermediary (with respect to a Securities Account) or bank (with respect to a Deposit Account) or issuer (with respect to uncertificated securities).

 

Controlled Account ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 6.12(j) .

 

Controlled Account Bank ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 6.12(j) .

 

Convertible Notes ” means each Subordinated Convertible Note made by Parent pursuant to the terms of the Rollover Agreement, as such notes may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

Convertible Notes Documents ” means the Rollover Agreement and each other document, instrument and agreement related to or executed in connection with the Convertible Notes.

 

Schedule 1.1

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Copyrights ” means any and all rights in any copyrightable works of authorship, including (i) copyrights and moral rights, (ii) copyright registrations and all applications in connection therewith including those listed on Schedule 5.26(b) to the Information Certificate , (iii) income, license fees, royalties, damages, and payments now and hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including payments under all licenses entered into in connection therewith and damages and payments for past, present, or future infringements thereof, and (iv) the right to sue for past, present, and future infringements thereof.

 

Copyright Security Agreement ” means each Copyright Security Agreement executed and delivered by a Borrower or another Loan Party and Agent, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent.

 

Credit Card Issuer ” shall mean any person (other than a Borrower or other Loan Party) who issues or whose members issue credit cards, including, without limitation, MasterCard or VISA bank credit or debit cards or other bank credit or debit cards issued through MasterCard International, Inc., Visa, U.S.A., Inc. or Visa International and American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Carte Blanche and other non-bank credit or debit cards, including, without limitation, credit or debit cards issued by or through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., and Novus Services, Inc. and other issuers approved by the Agent

 

Credit Card Processor ” shall mean any servicing or processing agent or any factor or financial intermediary who facilitates, services, processes or manages the credit authorization, billing transfer and/or payment procedures with respect to any Borrower’s sales transactions involving credit card or debit card purchases by customers using credit cards or debit cards issued by any Credit Card Issuer.

 

Credit Card Notification ” has the meaning provided in Section 6.13 .

 

Current Assets ” means, as at any date of determination, the total assets of Parent and its Subsidiaries (other than cash and Cash Equivalents) which may properly be classified as current assets on a consolidated balance sheet of Parent and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

 

Current Liabilities ” means, as at any date of determination, the total liabilities of Parent and its Subsidiaries which may properly be classified as current liabilities (other than the current portion of the Term Loan and the revolving loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility) on a consolidated balance sheet of Parent and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

 

Default ” means an event, condition, or default that, with the giving of notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.

 

Defaulting Lender ” means, for so long as such failure shall exist, any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two Business Days of the date such Loans were required by such Lender to be funded hereunder, or (ii) pay to the Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified Administrative Borrower or Agent in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect, (c) has failed, within three Business Days after written request by Agent or Administrative Borrower, to confirm in writing to Agent and Administrative Borrower that it will comply with any prospective funding obligations it is required to make hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by Agent and Administrative Borrower), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any the Bankruptcy Code or any other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium,

 

Schedule 1.1

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rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect, or (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender 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 Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender.  Any determination by Agent in good faith that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender upon delivery of written notice of such determination to Administrative Borrower and each Lender.

 

Deposit Account ” means any deposit account (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Disposition ” means any transaction, or series of related transactions, pursuant to which any Person or any of its Subsidiaries sells, assigns, transfers or otherwise disposes of any property or assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to any other Person, in each case, whether or not the consideration therefor consists of cash, securities or other assets owned by the acquiring Person, excluding any sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of business on ordinary business terms.

 

Disqualified Institutions ” means (a) any banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders and investors that have been separately identified in writing by a Borrower to Agent, and accepted by the Agent in its sole discretion, as being a Disqualified Institution, prior to the date of the Commitment Letter (or, if after such date, that are acceptable to the Agent and Required Lenders in their sole discretion), (b) those persons who are identified in writing by the Administrative Borrower to the Agent, and accepted by the Agent in its sole discretion, as being a direct competitor of any Loan Party or any of its material subsidiaries (it being understood and acknowledged that institutional lenders shall not be deemed to be direct competitors), and (c) in the case of each of clauses (a) and (b), any Person that is a reasonably identifiable Affiliate of any such Person.

 

Document ” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the Code.

 

Dollars ” or “ $ ” means United States dollars.

 

Domestic Foreign Holding Company ” means any Domestic Subsidiary with no material assets other than 65% or more of the voting Equity Interests (including, for this purpose, any debt or other instrument treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes) in one or more Foreign Subsidiaries that are “controlled foreign corporations” (as defined in Section 957 of the Code) and cash and Cash Equivalents incidental thereto and held on a temporary basis.

 

Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary organized under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

 

EBITDA ” means, with respect to any fiscal period, the consolidated net income (or loss) of Parent and its Subsidiaries, plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining net income for such period, the sum of (i) Interest Expense for such period (including, without limitation, fees and expenses payable in respect of the Factoring Agreement and any other factoring arrangement subject

 

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to terms reasonably acceptable to Agent), (ii) any provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital (including federal, state and local taxes, franchise taxes, excise taxes and similar taxes, including any penalties or interest with respect thereto) for such period, (iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization expense for such period, (iv) any extraordinary charges for such period, (v) any other non-cash expenditure, charge or loss for such period (other than any non-cash expenditure, charge or loss (i) relating to write-offs, write-downs or reserves with respect to accounts and Inventory or (ii) in respect of an item that was included in net income in a prior period), (vi) management fees paid in cash during such period to the extent permitted to be paid under the Loan Documents, (vii) expenses incurred during such period related to discontinued operations (which shall in any event include any expenses, charges and costs arising out of or related to the wind-down of retail stores of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries), (viii) noncash foreign exchange translation losses with respect to currency hedges and currency remeasurements of indebtedness, (ix) any fees, expenses, commissions, costs or other charges related to any issuance of Stock or any investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (including with respect to indebtedness, a refinancing thereof), in each case whether or not consummated, and any amendment or modification to the terms of any such transactions, (x) without duplication of fees, expenses and charges incurred pursuant to clause (xi) below, reasonable and documented out of pocket fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the administration of the Loans after the Closing Date, (xi) fees, expenses or charges related to the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of this Agreement, other Loan Documents, Term Loan Documents, the Merger Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreements, the Rollover Agreement and the Asset Purchase Agreements, the borrowing of Loans and Term Loans and other credit extensions, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder (collectively, the “ Transaction ”) and incurred before, on or after (but not later than 90 days after) the Closing Date in aggregate amount not to exceed $7,000,000, (xii) fees, expenses or charges related to any litigation or other adverse proceeding arising directly out of the Transaction, (xiii) solely to be added for any computation period ending on or before December 31, 2016, the amount of severance expenses and cost savings in an amount not to exceed $5,600,000 attributable to (A) wage expense (and associated benefits and taxes) and (B) product sourcing costs as a result of diversifying the vendor base) projected by the Borrowers in good faith to result from actions taken or expected to be taken in connection with the Transaction after the Closing Date (in each case calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of such period and as if such cost savings were realized during the entirety of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that such cost savings are (A) reasonably supportable and quantifiable in the good faith judgment of the Borrowers, and (B) reasonably anticipated to be realized within 12 months after the Closing Date, (xiv) the amount of any restructuring charges and related charges, restructuring costs, integration costs, transition costs, consolidation and closing costs for stores and other facilities, project start-up costs, relocation costs, signing, retention and completion bonuses and other restructuring charges, accruals or reserves, (xv) severance expenses and pro forma adjustments, reflecting any synergies, operating expense reductions and other operating improvements expected to be taken in connection with any acquisition and reasonably anticipated to be realized within 12 months after the consummation of the acquisition (in each case calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of such period and as if such cost savings were realized during the entirety of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that such cost savings are (A) reasonably supportable and quantifiable in the good faith judgment of the Borrowers; provided that, for purposes of calculating EBITDA for any period, written consent of the Agent shall be required to the extent the sum of all add-backs pursuant clauses (iv), (ix), (xii), (xiv) and this clause (xv) exceeds 10% of EBITDA (before giving effect to any increases pursuant to this clause (xv)), (xvi) non-cash income reduction adjustments derived from realigning Hudson Clothing Holdings, Inc.’s accounting policies to mirror accounting policies used by Parent, (xvii) expenses incurred in connection with store pre-opening and opening costs to the extent consistent with past practice, (xviii) fees, expenses or charges incurred during such period related to the Key Man Life Insurance Policy in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 in any Fiscal Year, and

 

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(xix) non-cash income reduction adjustments derived from purchase accounting, minus (b) without duplication and to the extent included in net income, (i) any credit for taxes (including federal, state and local taxes, franchise taxes, excise taxes and similar taxes) based on net income tax, and (ii) any extraordinary gains and any non-cash items of income for such period on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, EBITDA for (i) the three-month period ended March 31, 2015 shall be deemed to be $6,306,000, (ii) the three-month period ended June 30, 2015 shall be deemed to be $3,882,000, (iii) the three-month period ended September 30, 2015 shall be deemed to be $3.143.000 and (iv) the three-month period ended December 31, 2015 shall be deemed to be $5,653,000.

 

EBITDAR ” means, for any fiscal period, for Parent and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, an amount equal to (a) EBITDA for such period, plus (b) consolidated cash rental expense with respect to operating leases for retail stores for such period.

 

ECF Percentage ” means (i) 50% or (ii) commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2017, if the Net Senior Leverage Ratio as of the last day of such Fiscal Year is less than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00, 25%.

 

Environmental Action ” means any written complaint, summons, citation, notice, directive, order, claim, litigation, investigation, judicial or administrative proceeding, judgment, letter, or other written communication from any Governmental Authority, or any third party involving violations of Environmental Laws or releases of Hazardous Materials (a) from any assets, properties, or businesses of any Loan Party, any Subsidiary of a Loan Party, or any of their predecessors in interest, (b) from adjoining properties or businesses, or (c) from or onto any facilities which received Hazardous Materials generated by any Loan Party, any Subsidiary of a Loan Party, or any of their predecessors in interest.

 

Environmental Law ” means any applicable federal, state, provincial, foreign or local statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, binding and enforceable guideline, binding and enforceable written policy, or rule of common law now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended, or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent decree or judgment, in each case, to the extent binding on any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, relating to the environment, the effect of the environment on employee health, or Hazardous Materials, in each case as amended from time to time.

 

Environmental Liabilities ” means all liabilities, monetary obligations, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including all reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel, experts, or consultants, and costs of investigation and feasibility studies), fines, penalties, sanctions, and interest incurred as a result of any claim or demand, or Remedial Action required, by any Governmental Authority or any third party, and which relate to any Environmental Action.

 

Environmental Lien ” means any Lien in favor of any Governmental Authority for Environmental Liabilities.

 

Equipment ” means equipment (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Equity Interests ” means (a) all shares of capital stock (whether denominated as common stock or preferred stock), equity interests, beneficial, partnership or membership interests, joint venture interests, participations or other ownership or profit interests in or equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in a Person (other than an individual), whether voting or non-voting and (b) all securities convertible into or exchangeable for any of the foregoing and all warrants, options or other rights to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire any of the foregoing, whether or not presently convertible, exchangeable or exercisable.

 

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Equity Issuance ” means either (a) the sale or issuance by Parent of any shares of its Equity Interests or (b) the receipt by Parent of any cash capital contributions.

 

Equity Sponsor ” means Tengram Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Tengram Capital Partners Fund II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, TCP Denim and each of their respective controlled Affiliates and funds.

 

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and any successor statute thereto.

 

ERISA Affiliate ” means (a) any Person subject to ERISA whose employees are treated as employed by the same employer as the employees of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries under IRC Section 414(b), (b) any trade or business subject to ERISA whose employees are treated as employed by the same employer as the employees of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries under IRC Section 414(c), (c) solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the IRC, any organization subject to ERISA that is a member of an affiliated service group of which any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a member under IRC Section 414(m), or (d) solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 and 430 of the IRC, any Person subject to ERISA that is a party to an arrangement with any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and whose employees are aggregated with the employees of a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries under IRC Section 414(o).

 

Event of Default ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 9 .

 

Excess Availability ” means, as of any date of determination, “Excess Availability” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement as in effect on the Closing Date.

 

Excess Cash Flow ” means for any period, the remainder of (a) EBITDA for such period, minus (b) the sum, without duplication, of (i) scheduled repayments of principal of the Term Loan and other Permitted Indebtedness of the Loan Parties paid in cash during such period, plus (ii) cash payments made in such period with respect to Non-Financed Capital Expenditures permitted hereunder, plus (iii) Interest Expense paid in cash during such period, plus (iv) income taxes paid in cash during such period, plus (v) any expenditures, charges or losses paid in cash and added back to net income of Parent and its Subsidiaries in the calculation of EBITDA (or expressly excluded in the calculation of consolidated net income) for such period, plus (vi) cash payments in respect of non-cash adjustments to EBITDA accounted for in a prior period, plus (vii) the amounts added back in calculating such EBITDA for such period pursuant to clauses (a)(xiii) and (xv) of the definition of EBITDA, plus (viii) to the extent not deducted in the calculation of net income, any premium, make whole or penalty payments paid in cash by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries during such period that are required to be made in connection with any prepayment of Permitted Indebtedness, plus (ix) the excess, if any, of Net Working Capital at the end of such period over Net Working Capital at the beginning of such period (or, if the difference results in an amount less than zero, minus the excess, if any, of Net Working Capital at the beginning of such period over Net Working Capital at the end of such period).

 

Excluded Accounts ” means any Deposit Account which (i) is specially and exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes, withholding tax payments related thereto and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the employees of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries and accrued and unpaid employee compensation, (ii) is used for the sole purpose of paying taxes, including sale taxes, (iii) is used solely as an escrow account, a fiduciary or a trust account, (iv) is used to hold cash collateral for the outstanding letter of credit issued under the Existing RG Facility until such letter of credit is canceled, expires or the Loan Parties’ reimbursement obligations with respect thereto are otherwise terminated, in a maximum amount not to exceed $136,238, (v) is used to hold the good faith deposit in connection with the payoff of

 

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the Existing RG Facility until such good faith deposit is released or returned to the Loan Parties in a maximum amount not to exceed $25,000 or (vi) is a Treasury Shares Account.

 

Excluded Equity Issuance ” means (a) the issuance of Equity Interests by Parent to any Person that is an equity holder of Parent prior to such issuance (an “Equity Holder”), so long as no Event of Default then exists and such Equity Holder did not acquire any Equity Interests of Parent so as to become an Equity Holder concurrently with, or in contemplation of, the issuance of such Equity Interests to such Equity Holder, (b) the issuance of Equity Interests of Parent to directors, officers and employees of Parent and its Subsidiaries pursuant to employee stock option plans (or other employee incentive plans or other compensation arrangements) approved by the Board of Directors of Parent, (c) the issuance of Equity Interests of Parent in order to finance capital expenditures and permitted Acquisitions which are actually consummated within 180 days of the receipt of proceeds of such issuance and (d) the issuance of Equity Interests by a Subsidiary of Parent to its parent or member in connection with the contribution by such parent or member to such Subsidiary of the proceeds of an issuance described in clauses (a) through (d) above.

 

Excluded Property ” shall mean the following:

 

(a)                                any lease, license, permit, franchise, charter, authorization or agreement held by any Loan Party if the grant of a security interest therein shall (i) constitute or result in the violation or invalidation of any right, title or interest of such Loan Party therein or a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of any such lease, license, permit, franchise, charter, authorization or agreement or (ii) create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto or otherwise require consent thereunder of a third party (that is not a Debtor or any of its Subsidiaries) (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Code (or any successor provision or provisions) of the relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law or principles of equity);

 

(b)                               any assets or property to the extent the creation of a security interest therein or thereon requires consent, approval, license or authorization of a Governmental Authority or a third party (other than a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries) or creates a right of termination in favor of any third party (that is not a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries) (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Code(or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable Law or principles of equity); provided that such requirement or termination right shall have existed at the time of the acquisition thereof and was not created or made binding on the assets in contemplation of or in connection with the acquisition of such assets;

 

(c)                                voting Stock in excess of 65% of the Stock of (i) any Foreign Subsidiary, (ii) any Domestic Foreign Holding Company or (iii) any Subsidiary that is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal tax purposes and that owns more than 65% of the Stock of any Subsidiary described in clause (i) and (ii) above;

 

(d)                               any intent-to-use trademark application prior to the filing with, and acceptance of, the United States Patent and Trademark Office of a “Statement of Use” or an “Amendment to Allege Use” with respect thereto, pursuant to Section 1(c) or 1(d) of the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. § 1051 et seq.)  to the extent the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use trademark application or the resulting trademark registration under applicable United States federal law;

 

(e)                                any assets subject to a purchase money agreement, Capital Lease or similar arrangement to the extent the creation of a security interest therein is prohibited thereby (other than to the extent that

 

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any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Code (or any successor provision or provisions) of the relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable Law or principles of equity);

 

(f)                                 any Treasury Shares Account; and

 

(g)                                any specifically identified asset with respect to which Agent and the Borrowers have reasonably determined that the costs or other consequences (including adverse tax consequences) of providing a security interest is excessive in view of the practical benefits to be obtained by Agent and Lenders;

 

provided , however , that in each case described in clauses (a)  and (b)  of this definition, such property shall constitute “Excluded Property” only to the extent and for so long as such lease, license, permit, franchise, charter, authorization or agreement or applicable Law or contractual obligation validly prohibits the creation of a Lien on such property in favor of Agent and, upon the termination of such prohibition (howsoever occurring), such property shall cease to constitute “Excluded Property”; provided further , that “Excluded Property” shall not include the right to receive any proceeds arising therefrom or any proceeds, substitutions or replacements of any Excluded Property (unless such proceeds, substitutions or replacements would otherwise constitute Excluded Property).

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect from time to time.

 

Excluded Taxes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 16(a) .

 

Existing Joe’s Facility ” shall mean the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2013, by and among Joe’s Jeans Inc., Joe’s Jeans Subsidiary, Inc., Hudson Clothing, LLC, Joe’s Jeans Retail Subsidiary, Inc., Innovo West Sales, Inc., Hudson Clothing Holdings, Inc., HC Acquisition Holdings, Inc., The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc., and the other lenders party thereto, as amended, extended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time.

 

Existing RG Facility ” shall mean the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2013, by and among RG Parent LLC, Robert Graham Holdings, LLC, Robert Graham Designs, LLC, Robert Graham Retail LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and the other lenders party thereto, as amended, extended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time.

 

Extraordinary Receipts ” means any cash received by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries not in the ordinary course of business (and not consisting of proceeds described in Section 2.4(d)(i) or (iv) hereof), including, without limitation and without duplication, (a) foreign, United States, state or local tax refunds, (b) pension plan reversions, (c) proceeds of insurance (other than (i) solely to the extent no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, business interruption insurance and (ii) to the extent such proceeds of insurance are (A) immediately payable to a Person that is not Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates in accordance with applicable requirements of law or contractual obligations entered into in the ordinary course of business or (B) received by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries as reimbursement for any out-of-pocket costs incurred or made by such Person prior to the receipt thereof directly related to the event resulting in the payment of such proceeds), (d) judgments, proceeds of settlements or other consideration of any kind in connection with any cause of action, (e) condemnation awards (and payments in lieu thereof), (f) indemnity payments (other than to the extent such indemnity payments are (i) immediately payable to a Person that is not an Affiliate of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) received by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries as reimbursement for any payment previously made to such Person) and (g) any purchase price adjustment received in connection with (i) any purchase agreement for an Acquisition, (ii) the Merger Agreement or (iii) any Asset Purchase Agreement; provided

 

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that in no event shall “Extraordinary Receipts” include (i) any amounts received by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries under the Great American Agreement or (ii) any amount referred to in clause (iv) or (v) of the definition of “Excluded Accounts” that is returned or released to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

Factor ” shall mean The CIT Group/Commercial Services, Inc. and its permitted successors and assigns.

 

Factoring Agreement ” shall mean each of (a) the Amended and Restated Deferred Purchase Factoring Agreement, dated January 28, 2016, among Hudson Clothing, LLC, Robert Graham Designs, LLC and Factor, (b) the Amended and Restated Factoring Agreement, dated September 30, 2013, by and among Factor, DBG Subsidiary Inc. (f/k/a Joe’s Jeans Subsidiary, Inc.), and Hudson Clothing, LLC, as amended, extended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time and (c) the Deferred Purchase Factoring Agreement, dated December 23, 2013, between Robert Graham Designs, LLC and Factor.

 

FATCA ” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the IRC, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) , any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the IRC, and any intergovernmental agreements (and related legislation, administrative rules or official interpretations thereof) with respect to the foregoing.

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate ” means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.  For purposes of this definition, if at any time the foregoing rate is less than 0.00%, then the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be deemed to be 0.00%.

 

Fee Letter ” means, that certain letter agreement regarding fees dated as of the Closing Date between TCW and Borrowers.

 

Fiscal Quarter ” means a fiscal quarter of a Fiscal Year.

 

Fiscal Year ” means the fiscal year of Parent and its Subsidiaries, which shall be the 12-month period ending on December 31 of each year.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to Parent and its Subsidiaries for any period, the ratio of (i) EBITDA for such period, minus (a) Non-Financed Capital Expenditures made (to the extent not already incurred in a prior period) during such period, (b) federal, state, local and foreign income taxes (other than taxes paid in connection with the Asset Purchase Agreements from the proceeds of the Term Loan made on the Closing Date) paid in cash (net of refunds received during such period) during such period, to the extent greater than zero, (c) Restricted Junior Payments paid in cash by Parent during such period (excluding Restricted Junior Payments paid on the Closing Date), (d) any earn-outs paid in cash during such period and (e) management fees (and other payments permitted by Section 7.12(f)) paid to Equity Sponsor (or an affiliate of Equity Sponsor, as applicable) in cash during such period to (ii) Fixed Charges for such period; provided that the amount of Fixed Charges and the items included in clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) above, (x) for the measurement period ending on June 30, 2016 shall be the amount of Fixed Charges and the items included in clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) above (as applicable) for the two Fiscal Quarters ending on such date multiplied by two (2), and (y) for the

 

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measurement period ending on September 30, 2016 shall be the amount of Fixed Charges and the items included in clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) above (as applicable) for the three Fiscal Quarters ending on such date multiplied by four-thirds (4/3) .

 

Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any fiscal period and with respect to Parent and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, the sum, without duplication, of (a) Interest Expense paid or required to be paid in cash during such period (other than interest paid-in-kind, amortization of financing fees, and other non-cash Interest Expense), and (b) scheduled payments of principal required to be made in cash (after giving effect to any prepayments paid in cash prior to the applicable period that reduce the amount of such required payments) on account of Indebtedness for such period (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, payments of principal made pursuant to mandatory prepayments).

 

Fixtures ” means fixtures (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Foreign Subsidiary ” means as to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

 

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the United States, consistently applied.

 

General Intangibles ” means general intangibles (as that term is defined in the Code), and includes payment intangibles, contract rights, rights to payment, rights under Hedge Agreements (including the right to receive payment on account of the termination (voluntarily or involuntarily) of any such Hedge Agreements), rights arising under common law, statutes, or regulations, choses or things in action, goodwill, Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property Licenses, purchase orders, customer lists, monies due or recoverable from pension funds, route lists, rights to payment and other rights under any royalty or licensing agreements, including Intellectual Property Licenses, infringement claims, pension plan refunds, pension plan refund claims, insurance premium rebates, tax refunds, and tax refund claims, interests in a partnership or limited liability company which do not constitute a security under Article 8 of the Code, and any other personal property other than Commercial Tort Claims, money, Accounts, Chattel Paper, Deposit Accounts, Goods, Investment Related Property, Negotiable Collateral, and oil, gas, or other minerals before extraction.

 

Goods ” means goods (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Governing Documents ” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating or limited liability company agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

 

Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, local, or other governmental or administrative body, instrumentality, board, department, or agency or any court, tribunal, administrative hearing body, arbitration panel, commission, or other similar dispute-resolving panel or body.

 

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Great American Agreement ” shall mean the Consulting Agreement, dated December 11, 2015, among Great American Group, LLC and Parent, as amended, extended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time.

 

Guarantee ” means, as to any Person, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien).  The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof.  The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

 

Guarantors ” means (a) each of Hudson Clothing Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, HC Acquisition Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Innovo West Sales, Inc., a Texas corporation, DBG Holdings Subsidiary Inc. (f/k/a Joe’s Jeans Retail Subsidiary, Inc.), a California corporation, RGH Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Marco Brunelli IP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and (b) each other Person that becomes a guarantor after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6.17 , and each of them is a “ Guarantor ”.

 

Guaranty ” means that certain guaranty, dated as of even date with this Agreement, executed and delivered by each Guarantor in favor of Agent for the benefit of the Lenders in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and any other guaranty agreement delivered at any time by a Guarantor in favor of Agent for the benefit of the Lenders, and all of such guaranties are, collectively, the “ Guaranties ”.

 

Hazardous Materials ” means (a) substances that are defined or listed in, or otherwise classified pursuant to, any applicable laws or regulations as “hazardous substances,” “hazardous materials,” “hazardous wastes,” “toxic substances,” or any other formulation intended to define, list, or classify substances by reason of deleterious properties such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, or “EP toxicity”, (b) oil, petroleum, or petroleum derived substances, natural gas, natural gas liquids, synthetic gas, drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil, natural gas, or geothermal resources, (c) any flammable substances or explosives or any radioactive materials, and (d) asbestos in any form or electrical equipment that contains any oil or dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million.

 

Hedge Agreement ” means a “swap agreement” as that term is defined in Section 101(53B) (A) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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Indebtedness ” as to any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar instruments and all reimbursement or other obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, or other similar financial products, (c) all obligations of such Person as a lessee under Capital Leases, (d) all obligations or liabilities of others secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, irrespective of whether such obligation or liability is assumed, (e) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of assets (other than (i) trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business, (ii) any earn-out obligation when incurred whether or not subject to any contingency (and the amount of such earn-out obligation for purposes of this Agreement shall be the maximum amount that could be required to be paid) and (iii) accruals for payroll and other liabilities accrued in the ordinary course of business), (f) all obligations of such Person owing under Hedge Agreements (which amount shall be calculated based on the amount that would be payable by such Person if the Hedge Agreement were terminated on the date of determination), (g) any Prohibited Preferred Stock of such Person, and (h) any obligation of such Person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee (whether directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed, co-made, discounted, or sold with recourse) any obligation of any other Person that constitutes Indebtedness under any of clauses (a) through (g) above.  For purposes of this definition, (i) the amount of any Indebtedness represented by a guaranty or other similar instrument shall be the lesser of the principal amount of the obligations guaranteed and still outstanding and the maximum amount for which the guaranteeing Person may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument embodying such Indebtedness, and (ii) the amount of any Indebtedness described in clause (d) above shall be the lower of the amount of the obligation and the fair market value of the assets of such Person securing such obligation.

 

Indemnified Liabilities ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 11.3 .

 

Indemnified Person ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 11.3 .

 

Information Certificate ” means the Information Certificate dated as of the Closing Date completed and executed by the Loan Parties and delivered to Agent.

 

Insolvency Proceeding ” means any proceeding commenced by or against any Person under any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or under any other state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency law, assignments for the benefit of creditors, receiverships, formal or informal moratoria, compositions, extensions generally with creditors, or proceedings seeking reorganization, arrangement, or other similar relief.

 

Intellectual Property ” means any and all Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, trade secrets, and proprietary rights in know-how, inventions (whether or not patentable), algorithms, software programs (including source code and object code), processes, product designs, industrial designs, blueprints, drawings, data, customer lists, URLs and domain names, specifications, documentations, reports, catalogs, literature, and any other forms of technology or proprietary information of any kind, including all rights therein and all applications for registration or registrations thereof.

 

Intellectual Property Licenses ” means, with respect to any Person (the “ Specified Party ”), (i) any licenses or other similar rights provided to the Specified Party in or with respect to Intellectual Property owned or controlled by any other Person, and (ii) any licenses or other similar rights provided to any other Person in or with respect to Intellectual Property owned or controlled by the Specified Party, in each case, including (A) any software license agreements (other than license agreements for commercially available off-the-shelf software that is generally available to the public which have been licensed to the Specified Party pursuant to end-user licenses), (B) the license agreements listed on Schedule 5.26(b) to the Information Certificate , and (C) the right to use any of the licenses or other similar rights described in

 

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this definition in connection with the enforcement of the Agent’s and Lenders’ rights under the Loan Documents.

 

Intercreditor Agreement ” means the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016, by and between Agent and ABL Lender, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

Interest Expense ” means, for any period, the aggregate of the interest expense of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

Interest Period ” means, with respect to each LIBOR Loan, a period commencing on the date of the making of such LIBOR Loan (or the continuation of a LIBOR Loan or the conversion of a Base Rate Loan to a LIBOR Loan) and ending 1, 2, 3 or 6 months thereafter; provided , that (a) interest shall accrue at the applicable rate based upon LIBOR from and including the first day of each Interest Period to, but excluding, the day on which any Interest Period expires, (b) any Interest Period that would end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (c) with respect to an Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period), the Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month that is 1, 2, 3 or 6 months after the date on which the Interest Period began, as applicable, and (d) Borrowers may not elect an Interest Period which will end after the Maturity Date.

 

Inventory ” means inventory (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Investment ” means, with respect to any Person, any investment by such Person in any other Person (including Affiliates) in the form of loans, guarantees, advances, capital contributions (excluding (a) commission, travel, and similar advances to officers and employees of such Person made in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $500,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any time, and (b) bona fide Accounts arising in the ordinary course of business), or acquisitions of Indebtedness, Stock, or all or substantially all of the assets of such other Person (or of any division or business line of such other Person), and any other items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

Investment Related Property ” means any and all investment property (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

IRC ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, as in effect from time to time.

 

Joinder Agreement ” means a Joinder Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit G .

 

Key Man Life Insurance Policy ” means a life insurance policy in the amount of $20,000,000 insuring the life of Michael Buckley, chief executive officer of Parent, issued by an insurance provider reasonably acceptable to Agent.

 

Lenders ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

Lender-Related Persons ” means Agent, each Lender, each of their respective Affiliates officers, directors, employees, attorneys, and agents.

 

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LIBOR ” means, with respect to each day during each Interest Period pertaining to a LIBOR Loan, the rate per annum determined by Agent as appearing on Bloomberg L.P.’s (the “ Service ”) Page BBAM1/(Official ICE USD Dollar Libor Fixings) (or on any successor or substitute page of such Service, or any successor to or substitute for such Service)  two Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period, in an amount approximately equal to the principal amount of the LIBOR Loan to which such Interest Period is to apply and for a period of time comparable to such Interest Period, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

LIBOR Deadline ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.3(a).

 

LIBOR Loan ” means any Loan or portion thereof bears interest at a rate determined by reference to the LIBOR Rate for a specified Interest Period.

 

LIBOR Notice ” means a written notice substantially in the form of Exhibit F.

 

LIBOR Option ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.3(a).

 

LIBOR Rate ” means, for each Interest Period for each LIBOR Loan, the greater of (a) the rate per annum determined by Agent (rounded upwards if necessary, to the next 1/100%) by dividing (i) LIBOR for such Interest Period by (ii) 100% minus the Reserve Percentage and (b) 0.50% per annum.  The LIBOR Rate shall be adjusted on and as of the effective day of any change in the Reserve Percentage.

 

Lien ” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment in the nature of a security interest, encumbrance, easement, lien (statutory or other), security interest, or other security arrangement, including any conditional sale contract or other title retention agreement, the interest of a lessor under a Capital Lease and any synthetic or other financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing.

 

Loan ” means the Term Loan (including any Incremental Term Loans) or any portion thereof, and “ Loans ” means collectively, all of the foregoing.

 

Loan Account ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.8 .

 

Loan Documents ” means this Agreement, the Information Certificate, the Control Agreements, the Guaranty, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Assignment of Factoring Proceeds, the Patent and Trademark Security Agreement, the Copyright Security Agreement, the Intercompany Subordination Agreement, the Fee Letter, any note or notes executed by any Borrower in connection with this Agreement and payable to Agent or any Lender, and any other instrument or agreement entered into, now or in the future, by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement.

 

Loan Parties ” means collectively, each Borrower and each Guarantor and each of them is a “Loan Party”.

 

Margin Stock ” as defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as in effect from time to time.

 

Material Adverse Change ” means (a) a material adverse change in the business, operations, results of operations, assets, liabilities or financial condition of the Borrowers and the other Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) a material impairment of the ability of any Borrower or any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a

 

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party or of Agent’s or any Lender’s ability to enforce the Obligations or realize upon the Collateral, or (c) a material impairment of the enforceability or priority of Agent’s Liens with respect to the Collateral as a result of an action or failure to act on the part of any Borrower or any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries.

 

Material Contract ” means, (i) each contract or agreement to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party (other than a Loan Document, any lease agreement, any ABL Loan Document, any Factoring Agreement, the Merger Agreement, any Convertible Notes Document, the Stock Purchase Agreements and the Asset Purchase Agreements) involving aggregate consideration payable to or by Parent or such Subsidiary of $1,000,000 or more per calendar year (other than purchase orders in the ordinary course of the business of Parent or such Subsidiary), and (ii) all other contracts or agreements to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party (other than a Loan Document, any lease agreement, any ABL Loan Document, any Factoring Agreement, the Merger Agreement, any Convertible Notes Document, the Stock Purchase Agreements and the Asset Purchase Agreements), the loss of which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

Maturity Date ” means January 28, 2021.

 

Maximum Credit ” means “Maximum Credit”, as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement, as in effect on the Closing Date and giving effect to any modifications permitted pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Merger Agreement ” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 8, 2015, by and among RG Parent, Merger Sub and Parent.

 

Moody’s ” has the meaning specified therefor in the definition of Cash Equivalents.

 

Negotiable Collateral ” means letters of credit, letter-of-credit rights, instruments, promissory notes, drafts and documents (as each such term is defined in the Code).

 

Net Cash Proceeds ” means, (a) with respect to any Disposition by any Person or any of its Subsidiaries, the aggregate amount of cash received (directly or indirectly) from time to time (whether as initial consideration or through the payment or disposition of deferred consideration) by or on behalf of such Person or such Subsidiary, in connection therewith after deducting therefrom only (i) the amount of any Indebtedness secured by any Permitted Lien on any asset (other than Indebtedness assumed by the purchaser of such asset) which is required to be, and is, repaid in connection with such Disposition (other than Indebtedness under this Agreement), (ii) reasonable expenses related thereto incurred by such Person or such Subsidiary in connection therewith, (iii) transfer taxes to be paid to any taxing authorities by such Person or such Subsidiary in connection therewith, (iv) net income taxes to be paid in connection with such Disposition (after taking into account any tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements) and (v) amounts provided as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities under any indemnification obligations or purchase price adjustment associated with such Disposition ( provided that, to the extent and at the time any such amounts are released from such reserve, such amounts shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds) and (b) with respect to the issuance or incurrence of any Indebtedness by any Person or any of its Subsidiaries, or an Equity Issuance, the aggregate amount of cash received (directly or indirectly) from time to time (whether as initial consideration or through the payment or disposition of deferred consideration) by or on behalf of such Person or such Subsidiary in connection therewith, after deducting therefrom only (i) reasonable expenses related thereto incurred by such Person or such Subsidiary in connection therewith, (ii) transfer taxes to be paid by such Person or such Subsidiary in connection therewith and (iii) net income taxes to be paid in connection therewith (after taking into account any tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements); in each case of clause (a) and (b) to the extent, but only to the extent, that the amounts so deducted are (x) actually paid

 

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to a Person that, except in the case of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and distributions made to facilitate the payment of taxes due and owing by an Affiliate as a result of such Disposition, is not an Affiliate of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries and (y) properly attributable to such transaction or to the asset that is the subject thereof.

 

Net Senior Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any twelve-month period, the ratio of (x) (i) the principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Term Loan, any Factoring Agreement, any Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness and any Capital Leases, minus (ii) unrestricted cash on hand of the Loan Parties, up to an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000, that is subject to a Control Agreement in favor of Agent, in each case, as of the last day of such period to (y) EBITDA for such period.

 

Net Senior Rent Adjusted Leverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any twelve-month period, the ratio of (i) (a)(x) the principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Term Loan, any Factoring Agreement, any Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness and any Capital Leases minus (y) the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash on hand of the Loan Parties, up to an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000, that is subject to a Control Agreement in favor of Agent, in each case, as of the last day of such period, plus (b) Consolidated Rental Expense for such period to (ii) EBITDAR for such period.

 

Net Working Capital ” means, as of any date of determination, Current Assets as of such date minus Current Liabilities as of such date.

 

New Lending Office ” has the meaning specified therefore in Section 16(d).

 

Non-Financed Capital Expenditures ” means Capital Expenditures not financed by the seller of the capital asset, by a third party lender or by means of any extension of credit other than by means of an advance under the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

Non-U.S. Lender ” has the meaning specified therefore in Section 16(d).

 

Obligations ” means all loans, debts, principal, interest (including any interest that accrues after the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in whole or in part as a claim in any such Insolvency Proceeding), premiums, liabilities (including all amounts charged to the Loan Account pursuant to this Agreement), obligations (including indemnification obligations), fees, expenses (including any fees or expenses that accrue after the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in whole or in part as a claim in any such Insolvency Proceeding), guaranties, and all covenants and duties of any other kind and description owing by any Loan Party pursuant to or evidenced by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents and irrespective of whether for the payment of money, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, determined or undetermined, voluntary or involuntary, due, not due or to become due, sole, joint, several or joint and several, incurred in the past or now existing or hereafter arising, however arising, and including all interest not paid when due, and all other expenses or other amounts that any Borrower or any other Loan Party is required to pay or reimburse by the Loan Documents or by law or otherwise in connection with the Loan Documents.  Any reference in this Agreement or in the Loan Documents to the Obligations shall include all or any portion thereof and any extensions, modifications, renewals, or alterations thereof, both prior and subsequent to any Insolvency Proceeding.

 

OFAC ” means The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

 

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Other Taxes ” has the meaning specified therefore in Section 16(b).

 

Patents ” means patents and patent applications, including (i) the patents and patent applications listed on Schedule 5.26(b) to the Information Certificate , (ii) all continuations, divisionals, continuations-in-part, re-examinations, reissues, and renewals thereof and improvements thereon, (iii) all income, royalties, damages and payments now and hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including payments under all licenses entered into in connection therewith and damages and payments for past, present, or future infringements thereof, and (iv) the right to sue for past, present, and future infringements thereof.

 

Patent and Trademark Security Agreement ” means each Patent and Trademark Security Agreement executed and delivered by the applicable Loan Party in favor of Agent, in form and substance acceptable to Agent.

 

Patriot Act ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 5.18 of Exhibit D to this Agreement.

 

Payment Conditions means, at any time of determination, that either (i) (x) immediately after giving pro forma effect to the subject Specified Payment, Excess Availability shall be greater than 15% of the Maximum Credit, and (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, in each case, as of the end of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter for which financial statements have been or were required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 shall be greater than or equal to 1.1 to 1.0 after giving pro forma effect to such Specified Payment, as if such Specified Payment had been made as of the first day of such period or (ii) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such Specified Payment, Excess Availability is greater than 25% of the Maximum Credit.

 

Pension Plan ” means a pension plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) maintained for employees of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate and covered by Title IV of ERISA.

 

Permitted Dispositions ” means:

 

(a)                                sales, abandonment, or other dispositions of property (other than Inventory or Accounts) that is used, worn, damaged, obsolete or surplus in the ordinary course of business;

 

(b)                               sales of Inventory to buyers in the ordinary course of business;

 

(c)                                the granting of Permitted Liens;

 

(d)                               the making of a Restricted Junior Payment that is expressly permitted to be made pursuant to this Agreement;

 

(e)                                the making of a Permitted Investment;

 

(f)                                 the sales of Accounts pursuant to the Factoring Agreements, subject at all times to the Assignment of Factoring Proceeds;

 

(g)                                dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary;

 

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(h)                               sales, transfers and other disposition of assets that are not permitted by any other clause of this definition ; provided that the aggregate fair market value of all such assets sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of in reliance upon this clause (h)  shall not exceed $250,000 during any fiscal year of Parent;

 

(i)                                   Sales, transfers and other dispositions of property (i) between Loan Parties, (ii) to a Loan Party or (iii) between Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties;

 

(j)                                   the unwinding of any Hedge Agreement;

 

(k)                               the lapse or abandonment in the ordinary course of business of any registrations or applications for registration of any Intellectual Property rights, to the extent permitted hereunder or in any other Loan Documents;

 

(l)                                   dispositions, discounting or forgiveness of Accounts in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the collection or compromise thereof, it being acknowledged and agreed that, for purposes of clarity, bulk sales shall not be deemed to be permitted pursuant to this clause (l);

 

(m)                           leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses, in each case in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and

 

(n)                               Dispositions expressly provided for under the Asset Purchase Agreements and Dispositions pursuant to the Great American Agreement.

 

Permitted Holders ” means Tengram Capital Partners, L.P., together with investment funds managed by or otherwise affiliated with Tengram Capital Partners, L.P., and the Affiliates of each of the foregoing.

 

Permitted Indebtedness ” means:

 

(a)                                Indebtedness evidenced by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

 

(b)                               Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 5.19(a) to the Information Certificate that is outstanding as of the Closing Date and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of such Indebtedness;

 

(c)                                Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of such Indebtedness;

 

(d)                               endorsement of instruments or other payment items for deposit;

 

(e)                                the incurrence by any Borrower or any Loan Party or their Subsidiaries of Indebtedness under Hedge Agreements that are incurred for the bona fide purpose of hedging the interest rate, commodity, or foreign currency risks associated with such Borrower’s or Loan Party’s and its Subsidiaries’ operations and not for speculative purposes;

 

(f)                                 Indebtedness incurred with respect to Cash Management Services incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(g)                                Indebtedness constituting Permitted Investments or Permitted Intercompany Advances;

 

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(h)                               Indebtedness in a maximum aggregate amount not exceeding the Maximum ABL Principal Obligations (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) under the ABL Credit Agreement;

 

(i)                                   Indebtedness in a maximum aggregate outstanding principal amount not exceeding $16,500,000 (excluding any interest paid-in-kind to the holder of such Indebtedness) incurred under the Convertible Note Documents; provided that such Indebtedness shall not be permitted hereunder unless the Convertible Notes contain subordination provisions and a legend consistent with those in effect on the Closing Date or otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent with a reference to the fact that such Convertible Notes are subordinate in right of payment to the Obligations and to Agent’s and Lenders’ rights under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

 

(j)                                   Guarantees by a Loan Party of Indebtedness of any other Loan Party if the primary obligation is permitted elsewhere in this definition;

 

(k)                               customary indemnification and purchase price adjustment obligations of any such Person incurred in connection with Permitted Dispositions;

 

(l)                                   Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the financing of insurance premiums;

 

(m)                           [reserved] ;

 

(n)                               Indebtedness incurred by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances, warehouse receipts or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in respect of workers compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims;

 

(o)                               Indebtedness owed to any Person providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such Person, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(p)                               Indebtedness of any Loan Party or Subsidiary in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds and similar obligations, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(q)                               Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees, directors and consultants of Parent or any Subsidiary incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(r)                                  other Indebtedness in an aggregate outstanding principal amount up to $1,000,000;

 

(s)                                 without duplication of any other Indebtedness, non-cash accruals of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount and payment-in-kind interest with respect to Indebtedness permitted hereunder; and

 

(t)                                   all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (s) above.

 

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Permitted Intercompany Advances ” means loans made by (a) a Loan Party to another Loan Party or (b) a Subsidiary of a Loan Party which is not a Loan Party to another Subsidiary of a Loan Party which is not a Loan Party.

 

Permitted Investments ” means:

 

(a)                                Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;

 

(b)                               Investments in negotiable instruments deposited or to be deposited for collection in the ordinary course of business;

 

(c)                                advances made in connection with purchases of Goods or services in the ordinary course of business;

 

(d)                               Investments owned by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule P-1 ;

 

(e)                                Permitted Intercompany Advances;

 

(f)                                 Investments resulting from entering into agreements relative to Indebtedness that is permitted under clause (e)  or clause (f)  of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness;

 

(g)                                Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;

 

(h)                               Investments (including debt obligations and Stock) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers or in settlement of delinquent obligations of, or other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business or upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured Investment;

 

(i)                                   Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is made solely with Stock of Parent (other than Prohibited Preferred Stock) or net cash proceeds thereof;

 

(j)                                   guarantees by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(k)                               Investments by the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries in Stock in their respective Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date;

 

(l)                                   Investments made by any Loan Party in any other Loan Party and Investments by any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in another Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party ;

 

(m)                           guarantees constituting Permitted Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.1 ;

 

(n)                               Investments received in connection with the Disposition of assets permitted by Section 7.4 ; and

 

(o)                               additio nal Investments not to exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any one time.

 

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Permitted Liens ” means:

 

(a)                                Liens granted to, or for the benefit of, Agent to secure the Obligations;

 

(b)       Liens for unpaid taxes, assessments, or other governmental charges or levies that either (i) are not yet delinquent by more than 30 days or (ii) do not have priority over Agent’s Liens and the underlying taxes, assessments, or charges or levies are the subject of Permitted Protests;

 

(c)                                judgment Liens arising solely as a result of the existence of judgments, orders, or awards that do not constitute an Event of Default under Section 9.3 ;

 

(d)                               Liens set forth on Schedule P-2 ; provided , however , that to qualify as a Permitted Lien, any such Lien described on Schedule P-2 shall only secure the Indebtedness that it secures on the Closing Date and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof;

 

(e)                                the interests of lessors under operating leases and licensors under license agreements;

 

(f)                                 purchase money Liens or the interests of lessors under Capital Leases to the extent that such Liens or interests secure Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness and so long as (i) such Lien attaches only to the asset purchased or acquired and the proceeds thereof, and (ii) such Lien only secures the Indebtedness that was incurred to acquire the asset purchased or acquired or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof;

 

(g)                                Liens that are replacements of Permitted Liens to the extent that the original Indebtedness is the subject of permitted Refinancing Indebtedness and so long as the replacement Liens only encumber those assets that secured the original Indebtedness;

 

(h)                               Liens granted in favor of the ABL Lender pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement or any other ABL Loan Document, so long as such Liens are subject to the Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(i)                                   Liens granted in favor of Factor pursuant to the Factoring Agreement, so long as such Liens are subject to the Assignment of Factoring Proceeds;

 

(j)                                   Liens of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4-208 of the Code in effect on the relevant jurisdiction covering only the terms being collected upon;

 

(k)                               Liens granted by a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in favor of any Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary;

 

(l)                                   pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;

 

(m)                           deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(n)                               easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and encumbrances on real or immovable property that do not secure any obligations for borrowed money and do not materially detract

 

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from the value of the affected property or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of Parent or any Subsidiary;

 

(o)                               the filing of financing statements or the equivalent thereof in any applicable jurisdiction filed solely as a precautionary measure in connection with operating leases or consignment of goods;

 

(p)                               Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of l aw to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business, so long as such payments are not past due , unless such Liens are the subject of Permitted Protests ;

 

(q)                               Liens arising out of any conditional sale, title retention, consignment or other similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into by any Loan Party or its Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business to the extent such Liens do not attach to any assets other than the goods subject to such arrangement; and

 

(r)                                  other Liens so long as the aggregate outstanding principal amount of obligations secured thereby does not exceed $250,000.

 

Permitted Preferred Stock ” means and refers to any Preferred Stock issued by a Loan Party that is not Prohibited Preferred Stock.

 

Permitted Protest ” means the right of any Borrower or any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries to protest any Lien (other than any Lien that secures the Obligations), taxes (other than payroll taxes or taxes that are the subject of a United States federal tax lien), or rental payment, provided that (a) a reserve with respect to such obligation is established on books and records of such Borrower, such other Loan Party or such Subsidiary in such amount as is required under GAAP, (b) any such protest is instituted promptly and prosecuted diligently by such Borrower, Loan Party or Subsidiary, as applicable, in good faith, and (c) Agent is satisfied that, while any such protest is pending, there will be no impairment of the enforceability, validity, or priority of any of Agent’s Liens resulting from such protest.

 

Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness ” means, as of any date of determination, Purchase Money Indebtedness incurred after the Closing Date in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time not in excess of $1,000,000.

 

Person ” means natural persons, corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability partnerships, joint ventures, trusts, land trusts, business trusts, or other organizations, irrespective of whether they are legal entities, and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof.

 

Plan ” means an employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) maintained for employees of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate.

 

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

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 28



 

Prime Rate ” means at any time the rate last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the United States or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by Agent) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by Agent) .  Each change in the rate of interest shall become effective on the date such change is publicly announced as being effective .

 

Pro Rata Share ” means the percentage obtained by dividing (i) such Lender’s Term Loan Commitment, by (ii) the aggregate Term Loan Commitments of all Lenders, provided that if the Term Loan Commitment has been reduced to zero, the numerator shall be the aggregate unpaid principal amount of such Lender’s portion of the Term Loan and the denominator shall be the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Term Loan.

 

Proceeds ” has the meaning specified therefor in the definition of “Collateral” set forth in Schedule 1.1 .

 

Prohibited Preferred Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Preferred Stock of such Person that by its terms is mandatorily redeemable or subject to any other payment obligation (including any obligation to pay dividends, other than dividends of shares of Preferred Stock of the same class and series payable in kind or dividends of shares of common stock), other than as a result of a change of control, asset sale, or similar event, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise on or before a date that is less than 91 days after the Maturity Date, or, on or before the date that is less than 91 days after the Maturity Date, other than as a result of a change of control, asset sale, or similar event, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof for cash or assets or securities (other than distributions in kind of shares of Preferred Stock of the same class and series or of shares of common stock); provided that if Preferred Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of Parent or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Preferred Stock shall not constitute Prohibited Preferred Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by Parent or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, death, or disability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Series A Preferred shall not be deemed “Prohibited Preferred Stock”.

 

Projections ” means Parent’s forecasted (a) balance sheets, (b) profit and loss statements, (c) Availability projections, and (d) cash flow statements, all prepared on a basis consistent (as applicable) with Parent’s historical financial statements, together with appropriate supporting details and a statement of underlying assumptions.

 

PTO ” means the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 

Purchase Money Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness (other than the Obligations, but including Capitalized Lease Obligations), incurred at the time of, or within 90 days after, the acquisition of any fixed assets for the purpose of financing all or any part of the acquisition cost thereof.

 

Real Property ” means any estates or interests in real property now owned or hereafter acquired by a Loan Party and the improvements thereto.

 

Record ” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 29



 

Refinancing Indebtedness ” means refinancings, renewals, or extensions of Indebtedness so long as:

 

(a)           such refinancings, renewals, or extensions do not result in an increase in the principal amount of the Indebtedness so refinanced, renewed, or extended (unless otherwise expressly permitted hereunder), other than by the amount of premiums paid thereon and the fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith and by the amount of unfunded commitments with respect thereto,

 

(b)           such refinancings, renewals, or extensions do not result in a shortening of the average weighted maturity (measured as of the refinancing, renewal, or extension) of the Indebtedness so refinanced, renewed, or extended, nor are they on terms or conditions that, taken as a whole, are or could reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the interests of Agent or Lenders,

 

(c)           if the Indebtedness that is refinanced, renewed, or extended was subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, then the terms and conditions of the refinancing, renewal, or extension must include subordination terms and conditions that are at least as favorable to the Agent and Lenders as those that were applicable to the refinanced, renewed, or extended Indebtedness, and

 

(d)           unless otherwise expressly permitted hereby, the Indebtedness that is refinanced, renewed, or extended is not recourse to any Person that is liable on account of the Obligations other than those Persons which were obligated with respect to the Indebtedness that was refinanced, renewed, or extended.

 

Related Fund ” means, with respect to any Person, an Affiliate of such Person, or a fund or account managed by such Person or an Affiliate of such Person.

 

Remedial Action ” means all actions taken to (a) clean up, remove, remediate, contain, treat, monitor, assess, evaluate, or in any way address Hazardous Materials in the indoor or outdoor environment, (b) prevent or minimize a release or threatened release of Hazardous Materials so they do not migrate or endanger or threaten to endanger public health or welfare or the indoor or outdoor environment, (c) restore or reclaim natural resources or the environment, (d) perform any pre-remedial studies, investigations, or post-remedial operation and maintenance activities, or (e) conduct any other actions with respect to Hazardous Materials required by Environmental Laws.

 

Required Lenders ” means Lenders whose Pro Rata Shares aggregate at least 50.1%; provided that the Pro Rata Shares of any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in the determination of the Required Lenders.

 

Reserve Percentage ” means, on any day, for any Lender, the maximum percentage prescribed by the Board (or any successor Governmental Authority) for determining the reserve requirements (including any basic, supplemental, marginal, or emergency reserves) that are in effect on such date with respect to eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “eurocurrency liabilities”) of that Lender, but so long as such Lender is not required or directed under applicable regulations to maintain such reserves, the Reserve Percentage shall be zero.

 

Restricted Junior Payment ” means (a) any declaration or payment of any dividend or the making of any other payment or distribution on account of Stock issued by any Loan Party or to the direct or indirect holders of Stock issued by any Loan Party in their capacity as such (other than (i) any compensation paid to officers and employees and (ii) dividends or distributions payable in Stock (other than Prohibited Preferred Stock) issued by any Loan Party), or (b) any purchase, redemption, or other

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 30



 

acquisition or retirement for value (including in connection with any merger or consolidation involving any Loan Party) of any Stock issued by any Loan Party.

 

Revolving Credit Facility ” means the revolving line of credit facility described in Section 2.1 of the ABL Credit Agreement pursuant to which ABL Lender provides revolving loans to Borrowers and issues letters of credit for the account of Borrowers.

 

Rollover Agreement ” means the Rollover Agreement dated September 8, 2015, by and among Parent and the noteholders party thereto.

 

S&P ” has the meaning specified therefor in the definition of Cash Equivalents.

 

Sanctioned Entity ” means (a) a country or a government of a country, (b) an agency of the government of a country, (c) an organization directly or indirectly controlled by a country or its government, (d) a Person resident in or determined to be resident in a country, in each case, that is subject to a country sanctions program administered and enforced by OFAC.

 

Sanctioned Person ” means a person named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals maintained by OFAC.

 

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any successor thereto.

 

Securities Account ” means a securities account (as that term is defined in the Code).

 

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

 

Securitization ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 14(j).

 

Security Interest ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 3.1 .

 

Series A Preferred ” means the Series A Preferred Stock issued by Parent pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement.

 

Solvent ” means, with respect to any Person as of any date of determination, that (a) at fair valuations, the sum of such Person’s debts (including contingent liabilities) is less than all of such Person’s assets, (b) such Person is not engaged or about to engage in a business or transaction for which the remaining assets of such Person are unreasonably small in relation to the business or transaction or for which the property remaining with such Person is an unreasonably small capital, and (c) such Person has not incurred and does not intend to incur, or reasonably believe that it will incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they become due (whether at maturity or otherwise).  For purposes of this definition, the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability (irrespective of whether such contingent liabilities meet the criteria for accrual under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 5).

 

Specified Event of Default ” means any Event of Default of the type described in Section 9.1, 9.2, 9.5, 9.6 or 9.3(a)(i) (solely with respect to a failure to deliver quarterly or annual financial statements required to be delivered by Section 6.1 and required to enable the calculation of the financial covenants set forth in Section 8) or 9.3(a)(iii) .

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 31



 

Specified Payment ” means any Restricted Junior Payment or prepayment, redemption, defeasance, purchase or other acquisition of Indebtedness that in each case is subject to the satisfaction of the Payment Conditions.

 

Stock ” means all shares, options, warrants, membership interests, participations, or other equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in a Person, whether voting or nonvoting, including common stock, preferred stock (including the Series A Preferred), or any other “equity security” (as such term is defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act).

 

Stock Purchase Agreement ” means the Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of September 8, 2015, by and between Parent and TCP Denim.

 

Subsidiary ” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity in which that Person directly or indirectly owns or controls the shares of Stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or appoint other comparable managers) of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity.

 

Supporting Obligations ” means supporting obligations (as such term is defined in the Code), and includes letters of credit and guaranties issued in support of Accounts, Chattel Paper, documents, General Intangibles, instruments or Investment Related Property.

 

Taxes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 16(a).

 

TCP Denim ” means TCP Denim, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

Term Loan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

 

Term Loan Commitment ” means, for each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make its portion of the Term Loan on the Closing Date, in the principal amount with respect to each such Lender equal to the amount set forth opposite the name of such Lender under “Term Loan Commitment” on the Commitment Annex.

 

Term Priority Collateral ” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Trademarks ” means any and all trademarks, trade names, registered trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, registered service marks and service mark applications, including (i) the trade names, registered trademarks, trademark applications, registered service marks and service mark applications listed on Schedule 5.26(b) to the Information Certificate , (ii) all renewals thereof, (iii) all income, royalties, damages and payments now and hereafter due or payable under and with respect thereto, including payments under all licenses entered into in connection therewith and damages and payments for past or future infringements or dilutions thereof, (iv) the right to sue for past, present and future infringements and dilutions thereof, (v) the goodwill of each Loan Party’s business symbolized by the foregoing or connected therewith, and (vi) all of each Loan Party’s rights corresponding thereto throughout the world.

 

Transaction ” has the meaning specified therefore in the definition of “EBITDA”.

 

Transferee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 16(a).

 

Treasury Shares Account ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 7.11(b) .

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 32



 

U.S. Lender ” has the meaning specified therefore in Section 16(d).

 

United States ” means the United States of America.

 

URL ” means “uniform resource locator,” an internet web address.

 

Voidable Transfer ” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 18.7 .

 

a.             Accounting Terms.   All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP; provided that all leases of any Person that are or would be characterized as operating leases in accordance with GAAP immediately prior to the Closing Date (whether or not such operating leases were in effect on such date) shall continue to be accounted for as operating leases (and not as Capital Leases) for purposes of this Agreement regardless of any change in GAAP following the date that would otherwise require such leases to be recharacterized as Capital Leases; provided , further however, that if any Borrower notifies Agent that such Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change in accounting principles required by the promulgation of any rule, regulation, pronouncement or opinion by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (or successor thereto or any agency with similar functions) (an “ Accounting Change ”) occurring after the Closing Date, or in the application thereof (or if Agent notifies any Borrower that Agent requests an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such Accounting Change or in the application thereof, then Agent and Borrowers agree that they will negotiate in good faith amendments to the provisions of this Agreement that are directly affected by such Accounting Change with the intent of having the respective positions of the Agent and each Borrower after such Accounting Change conform as nearly as possible to their respective positions as of the date of this Agreement and, until any such amendments have been agreed upon, the provisions in this Agreement shall be calculated as if no such Accounting Change had occurred.  Whenever used herein, the term “financial statements” shall include the footnotes and schedules thereto.  Whenever the term “Borrower” is used in respect of a financial covenant or a related definition, it shall be understood to mean Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

 

b.             Code.   Any terms used in this Agreement that are defined in the Code shall be construed and defined as set forth in t he Code unless otherwise defined herein.  The meaning of any term defined herein by reference to the Code will not be limited by reason of any limitation set forth on the scope of the Code, whether under Section 9-109 of the Code, by reason of federal preemption or otherwise.

 

c.             Construction.   Unless the context of this Agreement or any other Loan Document clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the singular, references to the singular include the plural, the terms “includes” and “including” are not limiting, and the term “or” has, except where otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or.”  The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and similar terms in this Agreement or any other Loan Document refer to this Agreement or such other Loan Document, as the case may be, as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement or such other Loan Document, as the case may be.  Section, subsection, clause, schedule, and exhibit references herein are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified, any definition of or reference in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document to any agreement, instrument, or document shall be construed as referring to all alterations, amendments, amendments and restatements, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements, thereto and thereof, as applicable (subject to any restrictions on such alterations, amendments, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements set forth herein).  The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts, and

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 33



 

contract rights.  Any reference herein or in any other Loan Document to the satisfaction, repayment, or payment in full of the Obligations shall mean the repayment in full in cash or immediately available funds of all of the Obligations (including the payment of any expenses that have accrued irrespective of whether demand has been made therefor) other than unasserted contingent indemnification Obligations.  Any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns.  Any requirement of a writing contained herein or in any other Loan Document shall be satisfied by the transmission of a Record.  References herein to any statute or any provision thereof include such statute or provision (and all rules, regulations and interpretations thereunder) as amended, revised, re-enacted, and /or consolidated from time to time and any successor statute thereto.

 

d.             Schedules and Exhibits.   All of the schedules and exhibits attached to this Agreement shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.

 

e.             Time References . Unless the context of this Agreement or any other Loan Document clearly requires otherwise, all references to time of day refer to Eastern standard time or Eastern daylight saving time.

 

f.              Funding and Settlement Currency .  Unless otherwise specified herein, the settlement of all payments and fundings hereunder between or among the parties hereto shall be made in Dollars and in immediately available funds.

 

Schedule 1.1

Page 34



 

Schedule 6.1

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Deliver to Agent, each of the financial statements, reports, or other items set forth below at the following times:

 

on or before the Monday following every second week after the Closing Date and ending on the later of (i) December 31, 2016 or (ii) the week the  EBITDA of Parent and its Subsidiaries for the most recent trailing twelve-month period is equal to or exceeds $22,700,000

(a)  bi-weekly cash balance reports.

 

 

within 10 Business Days after the end of each fiscal month, beginning with the fiscal month ending February 29, 2016

(a)  flash sales reports for the prior fiscal month; and

 

(a)  consolidated same-store sales figures for the prior fiscal month compared to the same period during the prior year.

 

 

within 45 days after the end of the first three full fiscal months after the Closing Date and 30 days after the end of each fiscal month thereafter

(a)  an unaudited consolidated balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flow, and statement of stockholders’ or owners’ equity with respect to Parent and its Subsidiaries during such period and compared to the prior period (if applicable)and plan, prepared in accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, together with a corresponding discussion and analysis of results from management, including commentary on individual brand performance;

 

(b)  a Compliance Certificate (but excluding the  calculations of the financial covenants set forth in Section 8) ;

 

(c)  a monthly forward bookings report by brand, with a comparison to the prior period;

 

 

 

 

within (i) 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter (other than a fiscal quarter ending December 31) and (ii) 60 days after the end of each fiscal quarter ending December 31, in each case, after the Closing Date

(a)  consolidated financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal quarter, prepared in accordance with GAAP and compared to the prior period and plan, together with a corresponding discussion and analysis of results from management, including commentary on individual brand performance; and

 

(b)  Compliance Certificate along with the underlying calculations, including the calculations of the financial covenants set forth in Section 8 (except that such Compliance Certificate for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2016 shall not be required to include any

 

Schedule 6.1

Page 1



 

 

calculations of financial covenants).

 

(c)  head count savings realized since the Closing Date.

 

 

within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year

(a)  consolidated financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, audited by Parent’s independent certified public accountants, prepared in accordance with GAAP, and certified, without any “going concern” or like qualification or exception, or qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit by such accountants to have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (such audited financial statements to include a balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flow, and statement of stockholders’ or owners’ equity, and comparison to the prior period, together with (but not part of the audit report), a comparison to plan (if applicable) and a corresponding discussion and analysis of results from management, including commentary on individual brand performance);

 

(b)  commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016, a Compliance Certificate along with the underlying calculations, including the calculations of the financial covenants set forth in Section 8; and

 

(c)  Commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2017, an Excess Cash Flow Certificate along with the underlying calculations.

 

 

within 45 days after the end of each fiscal year commencing after the end of the 2016 fiscal year

(d)  copies of Borrowers’ Projections for the forthcoming fiscal year, on a monthly basis, certified by the chief financial officer (or similar officer) of Parent as being such officer’s good faith estimate of the financial performance (including balance sheet, profit and loss and cash flow figures) of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries during the period covered thereby (it being understood by Agent and Lenders that projections of future events are subject to uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, and that actual results may vary significantly from projected results) .

 

 

If and when filed by Parent or any other Borrower:

(a)  Form 10 Q quarterly reports, Form 10 K annual reports, and Form 8 K current reports; and

 

(b)  any other filings made by any Borrower with the SEC.

 

 

Schedule 6.1

Page 2



 

Schedule 6.2

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Provide Agent with each of the documents and information set forth below at the following times:

 

Substantially concurrently upon delivery thereof to ABL Lender:

(a)  copies of each report delivered to ABL Lender as required by Section 6.2 of the ABL Credit Agreement;

 

 

Upon written request by Agent

(a)      copies of purchase orders and invoices for Inventory and Equipment acquired by each Borrower, and

 

(b)  such other reports and information as to the Collateral and as to each Borrower and each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries, as Agent may reasonably request.

 

 

Schedule 6.2

Page 1



 

EXHIBIT A

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

 

FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

To:       TCW Asset Management Company

The John Hancock Tower

200 Clarendon Street, 51 st  Floor

Boston, MA 02116

 

Attn:    Portfolio Manager

 

Re:       Compliance Certificate dated [_________________]

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit and Security Agreement (as amended, restated, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among the Lenders party thereto from time to time, TCW ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY, as Agent for all Lenders, DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Inc. (“ Parent ”), DBG SUBSIDIARY INC., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Subsidiary, Inc. (“ DBG ”), HUDSON CLOTHING, LLC, a California limited liability company (“ Hudson ”), RG PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ RG Parent ”), ROBERT GRAHAM HOLDINGS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Holding ”), ROBERT GRAHAM DESIGNS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Designs ”), ROBERT GRAHAM RETAIL LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ RG Retail ” and, together with Parent, DBG, Hudson, RG Parent, RG Holding, RG Designs and each other Subsidiary of Parent that becomes a borrower hereunder, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”, and each a “ Borrower ”) and the other Loan Parties signatory thereto.  Capitalized terms used in this Compliance Certificate have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement unless specifically defined herein.

 

Pursuant to Schedule 6.1 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned officer of [_____________] hereby certifies , solely in such capacity and not in such undersigned’s individual capacity, that:

 

a.         Attached is the financial information of Parent and its Subsidiaries which is required to be furnished to Agent pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Credit Agreement for the [fiscal month][fiscal quarter][fiscal year] period ended ____________, __________ (the “Reporting Date”).  Such financial information has been prepared in accordance with GAAP [(except for year-end adjustments and the lack of footnotes)] 1 , and fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition of Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such [fiscal month][fiscal quarter][fiscal year].

 

b.         Such officer has reviewed the terms of the Credit Agreement and has made, or caused to be made under his/her supervision, a review in reasonable detail of the transactions and condition of each Borrower and its Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by the financial statements delivered pursuant to Schedule 6.1 of the Credit Agreement.

 

 


1   Exclude bracketed language with annual audits

 

Exhibit A

Page 1



 

c.         Such review has not disclosed the existence on and as of the date hereof, and the undersigned does not have knowledge of the existence as of the date hereof, of any event or condition that constitutes a Default or Event of Default [except as set forth in detail below, together with the actions taken to cure: ___________________].

 

d.         The representations and warranties of each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries set forth in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof (except to the extent they relate to a specified date).

 

e.         As of the Reporting Date, the calculations of the financial covenants contained in Section 8 of the Credit Agreement are set forth on Schedule 1 hereof.

 

f.          [MONTHLY COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES TO INCLUDE ONLY UNITED STATES IP DISCLOSURES] Schedule 2 attached hereto sets forth any (a)  [United States] Patents or [United States] Patent applications owned by any Loan Party and not listed on Exhibit A to the Patent and Trademark Security Agreement or disclosed in a prior Compliance Certificate, (b)  [United States] Trademark registrations or applications owned by any Loan Party and not listed on Exhibit B to the Patent and Trademark Security Agreement or disclosed in a prior Compliance Certificate and (c)  [United States] registered Copyrights or [United States] Copyright applications owned by any Loan Party and not listed on Exhibit A to the Copyright Security Agreement or disclosed in a prior Compliance Certificate.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Compliance Certificate is executed by the undersigned this [_____] day of [_______________], 20[__].

 

DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Exhibit A

Page 2



 

SCHEDULE 1 TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

Financial Covenants

 

I further certify that (Please check and complete each of the following):

 

a.         Net Senior Leverage Ratio .  The Net Senior Leverage Ratio of Parent and its Subsidiaries, for the four Fiscal Quarter period ended on the Reporting Date is ___ to 1.0, which [satisfies / does not satisfy] the requirement set forth in Section 8(a) of the Credit Agreement.

 

b.         Net Senior Rent Adjusted Leverage Ratio .  The Net Senior Rent Adjusted Leverage Ratio of Parent and its Subsidiaries, for the four Fiscal Quarter period ended on the Reporting Date is ___ to 1.0, which [satisfies / does not satisfy] the requirement set forth in Section 8(b) of the Credit Agreement.

 

c.         Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio .  The Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of Parent and its Subsidiaries, for the four Fiscal Quarter period ended on the Reporting Date is ___:1.0 [satisfies / does not satisfy] the requirement set forth in Section 8(c) of the Credit Agreement.

 

Attached to this Schedule 1 are calculations supporting the foregoing calculations with respect to the Net Senior Leverage Ratio, Net Senior Rent Adjusted Leverage Ratio and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

 



 

SCHEDULE 2 TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

Intellectual Property

 



 

EXHIBIT B

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

The obligation of each Lender to make its Pro Rata Share of the Term Loan provided for in this Agreement is subject to the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in the Commitment Letter under the heading “Conditions” and the conditions precedent set forth in Exhibit A to the Commitment Letter under the heading “Conditions Precedent”.

 

Exhibit B

Page 1



 

EXHIBIT C

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

POST CLOSING OBLIGATIONS

 

a.         Within 30 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Agent agrees), Agent shall have received copies of the policies of insurance, together with the endorsements thereto, as are required by Section 6.6 ;

 

b.         Within 7 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Agent agrees), Agent shall have received the Control Agreements required pursuant to Section 6.12(c)  with respect to deposit accounts at Wells Fargo Bank, National Association;

 

c.         Within 90 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Agent agrees), Agent shall have received the Control Agreements required pursuant to Section 6.12(c)  (other than the Control Agreement(s) with respect to deposit accounts at JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. delivered on or prior to the Closing Date and with respect to deposit accounts at Wells Fargo Bank, National Association governed by clause b. above);

 

d.         Within 60 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Agent agrees), Agent shall have received the Credit Card Notifications required pursuant to Section 6.13 ;

 

e.         Within 60 days following the Closing Date (or such longer period as Agent agrees; provided, that such period shall be extended to 90 days if, despite working diligently and in good faith to satisfy the requirements set forth in this paragraph, Borrowers’ have been unable to do so within such 60 day period), Agent shall have received evidence that the Key Man Life Insurance Policy is in effect and has been collaterally assigned to Agent as security for the Obligations, each pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

Exhibit C

Page 1



 

EXHIBIT D

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

5.          REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

5.1.      Due Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries .

 

(a)        Each Loan Party (i) is duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation, (ii) is qualified to do business in any jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, and (iii) has all requisite power and authority to own and operate its properties, to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, to enter into the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to carry out the transactions contemplated thereby.

 

(b)        Set forth on Schedule 5.1(c) to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under this Agreement), is a complete and accurate list of the Loan Parties’ direct and indirect Subsidiaries, showing: (i) the number of shares of each class of common and preferred Stock authorized for each of such Subsidiaries, and (ii) the number and the percentage of the outstanding shares of each such class owned directly or indirectly by each Loan Party.  All of the outstanding capital Stock of each such Subsidiary has been validly issued and is fully paid and non-assessable.

 

(c)        Except as set forth on Schedule 5.1(c) to the Information Certificate , as of the Closing Date there are no subscriptions, options, warrants, or calls relating to any shares of any capital stock of any Subsidiary of any Loan Party, including any right of conversion or exchange under any outstanding security or other instrument.

 

5.2.      Due Authorization; No Conflict .

 

(a)        As to each Loan Party, the execution, delivery, and performance by such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Loan Party.

 

(b)        As to each Loan Party, the execution, delivery, and performance by such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party do not and will not (i) violate any material provision of federal, state, or local law or regulation applicable to any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, the Governing Documents of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, or any order, judgment, or decree of any court or other Governmental Authority binding on any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any Material Contract of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries except to the extent that any such conflict, breach or default could not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change, (iii) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any assets of any Loan Party, other than Permitted Liens, or (iv) require any approval of any Loan Party’s interest holders or any approval or consent of any Person under any Material Contract of any Loan Party, other than consents or approvals that have been obtained and that are still in force and effect and except, in the case of Material Contracts, for consents or approvals, the failure to obtain could not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Change.

 

Exhibit D

Page 2



 

5.3.      Governmental and Other Consents .

 

No consent, approval, authorization, or other order or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required (a) for the grant of a Lien by such Loan Party in and to the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or for the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement by such Loan Party, or (b) for the exercise by Agent of the voting or other rights provided for in this Agreement with respect to the Investment Related Property or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement, except (i) as may be required in connection with such disposition of Investment Related Property by laws affecting the offering and sale of securities generally, (ii) for those registrations, consents, approvals, notices, or other actions that have been obtained and that are still in force and effect, (iii) for filings and recordings with respect to the Collateral to be made, or otherwise delivered to Agent for filing or recordation, as of the Closing Date, or (iv) where the failure to obtain the foregoing could not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.4.      Binding Obligations .

 

Each Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is a party thereto and is the legally valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its respective terms, except as enforcement may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally.

 

5.5.      Title to Assets; No Encumbrances .

 

Each of the Loan Parties has (a) good, sufficient and legal title to (in the case of fee interests in Real Property), (b) valid leasehold interests in (in the case of leasehold interests in real or personal property), and (c) good and marketable title to (in the case of all other personal property), all of their respective assets reflected in their most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.1 and most recent collateral reports delivered pursuant to Section 6.2, in each case except (A) for assets disposed of since the date of such financial statements to the extent permitted hereby or (B) as individually or in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.  All of such assets are free and clear of Liens except for Permitted Liens.

 

5.6.      Jurisdiction of Organization; Location of Chief Executive Office; Organizational Identification Number; Commercial Tort Claims .

 

(a)        The exact legal name of (within the meaning of Section 9-503 of the Code) and jurisdiction of organization of each Loan Party is set forth on Schedule 5.6(a) to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under this Agreement).

 

(b)        The chief executive office of each Loan Party is located at the address indicated on Schedule 5.6(b) to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under this Agreement).

 

(c)        The tax identification number and organizational identification number, if any, of each Loan Party is identified on Schedule 5.6(c) to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under this Agreement) .

 

Exhibit D

Page 3



 

(d)        As of the Closing Date, no Loan Party holds any Commercial Tort Claims known by such Loan Party to be in existence on such date except as set forth on Schedule 5.6(d) to the Information Certificate in an amount reasonably estimated by such Loan Party to be in excess of $250,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate.

 

5.7.      Litigation .

 

Except as provided on Schedule 5.7 to the Information Certificate , there are no actions, suits, or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, after due inquiry, threatened in writing against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries that either individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.8.      Compliance with Laws .

 

No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries (a) is in violation of any applicable laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, or codes (including Environmental Laws) that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, or (b) is subject to or in default with respect to any final judgments, writs, injunctions, decrees, rules or regulations of any court or any federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.9.      No Material Adverse Change .

 

All historical financial statements relating to the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries that have been delivered by Borrowers to Agent have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except, in the case of unaudited financial statements, for the lack of footnotes and being subject to year-end audit adjustments) and present fairly in all material respects, the consolidated financial condition of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and results of operations for the period then ended.  Since the date of the most recent financial statement delivered to Agent, no event, circumstance, or change has occurred that has or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.10.    Fraudulent Transfer .

 

(a)        The Loan Parties are Solvent.

 

(b)        No transfer of property is being made by any Loan Party and no obligation is being incurred by any Loan Party in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud either present or future creditors of such Loan Party.

 

5.11.    Employee Benefits .

 

No Loan Party, none of their Subsidiaries, nor any of their ERISA Affiliates maintains or contributes to any Benefit Plan.

 

5.12.    Environmental Condition .

 

Except as set forth on Schedule 5.12 to the Information Certificate , (a) to each Loan Party’s knowledge, no properties or assets of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries have been used in the disposal of, or to produce, store, handle, treat, release, or transport, any Hazardous Materials, where such

 

Exhibit D

Page 4



 

disposal, production, storage, handling, treatment, release or transport was in violation, in any material respect, of any applicable Environmental Law, (b) to each Loan Party’s knowledge, no Loan Party’s nor any of its Subsidiaries’ properties or assets have been designated or identified in any manner pursuant to any environmental protection statute as a Hazardous Materials disposal site, (c) no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice that a Lien arising under any Environmental Law has attached to any revenues or to any Real Property owned or operated by a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, and (d) no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any outstanding written order, consent decree, or settlement agreement with any Person relating to any Environmental Law or Environmental Liability that, in each case individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.13.    Intellectual Property .

 

Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries own, or hold licenses in, or otherwise has the rights to use, all material trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents, and licenses that are necessary to the conduct of its business as currently conducted.

 

5.14.    Leases .

 

Except as, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries enjoy peaceful and undisturbed possession under all leases material to their business and to which it is a party or under which it is operating, and, subject to Permitted Protests, all of such material leases are valid and subsisting and no material default by the applicable Loan Party or the applicable Subsidiary exists under any of them.

 

5.15.    Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts; Credit Card Arrangements .

 

(a)        Set forth on Schedule 5.15(a) to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time) is a listing of all of the Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts of each Loan Party, including, with respect to each bank or securities intermediary (a) the name and address of such Person, and (b) the account numbers of the Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts maintained with such Person.

 

(b)        Set forth on Schedule 5.15(b) to the Information Certificate is a listing of all arrangements as of the Closing Date to which any Loan Party is a party with respect to the processing and/or payment to such Loan Party of the proceeds of any credit card charges and debit card charges for sales made by such Loan Party.

 

5.16.    Complete Disclosure .

 

All factual information taken as a whole (other than budgets, estimates, forward-looking information and projections and information of a general economic nature and general information about the industry of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries) furnished by or on behalf of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in writing to Agent or any Lender (including all information contained in the Schedules hereto or in the other Loan Documents) for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and all other such factual information taken as a whole (other than budgets, estimates, forward-looking information and projections and information of a general economic nature and general information about the industry of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries) hereafter furnished by or on behalf of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in writing to Agent or any Lender will be, true and accurate, in all material respects, on the date as of which such information is dated or certified and not incomplete by omitting to state any fact necessary to make such information (taken as a whole) not

 

Exhibit D

Page 5



 

misleading in any material respect at such time in light of the circumstances under which such information was provided.  The Projections most recently delivered to Agent represent, and as of the date on which any other Projections are delivered to Agent, such additional Projections represent, each Borrowers’ good faith estimate, on the date such Projections are delivered, of the future performance of a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries for the periods covered thereby based upon assumptions believed by Borrowers to be reasonable at the time of the delivery thereof to Agent (it being understood by Agent and Lenders that projections of future events are subject to uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, and that actual results may vary significantly from projected results).

 

5.17.    Material Contracts .

 

Set forth on Schedule 5.17 to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time in accordance herewith) is a list of the Material Contracts of each Loan Party as of the Closing Date or, as applicable, as of the most recent date on which Borrowers provided a fiscal quarter-end Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.1; provided, however, that any Borrower may amend Schedule 5.17 to the Information Certificate to add or remove Material Contracts so long as such amendment occurs by written notice to Lender on or prior to the date that such Borrower provides its fiscal quarter-end Compliance Certificate. Except for matters which, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, each Material Contract (other than those that have expired at the end of their normal terms) (a) is in full force and effect and is binding upon and enforceable against the applicable Loan Party or the applicable Subsidiary in accordance with its terms, (b) has not been otherwise amended or modified (other than amendments or modifications permitted by Section 7.7(b) ), and (c) is not in default due to the action or inaction of the applicable Loan Party or the applicable Subsidiary.

 

5.18.    Patriot Act .

 

To the extent applicable, each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance, in all material respects, with the (a) 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 (b) Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA Patriot Act of 2001) (the “ Patriot Act ”).  No part of the proceeds of the loans made hereunder will be used by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their Affiliates, 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.

 

5.19.    Indebtedness .

 

Set forth on Schedule 5.19(a) to the Information Certificate is a true and complete list of all Indebtedness for borrowed money of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date that is to remain outstanding immediately after giving effect to the transactions occurring on the Closing Date and such Schedule accurately sets forth the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the transactions occurring on the Closing Date.

 

5.20.    Payment of Taxes .

 

Exhibit D

Page 6



 

Except as otherwise permitted under Section 6.5 and where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Change, (i) all tax returns and reports of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries required to be filed by any of them have been timely filed, (ii) all taxes shown on such tax returns to be due and payable and all assessments, fees and other governmental charges upon a Loan Party and its Subsidiaries and upon their respective assets, income, businesses and franchises that are due and payable have been paid when due and payable, and (iii) each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries have made adequate provision in accordance with GAAP for all taxes not yet due and payable.  No Borrower knows of any proposed tax assessment against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries that is not being actively contested by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary diligently, in good faith, and by appropriate proceedings; provided such reserves or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made or provided therefor, except for any such tax assessments that would not reasonably be expected to result in, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.21.    Margin Stock .

 

No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.  No part of the proceeds of the loans made to Borrowers will be used to purchase or carry any such Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such Margin Stock or for any purpose that violates the provisions of Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve.

 

5.22.    Governmental Regulation .

 

No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act or the Investment Company Act of 1940 or under any other federal or state statute or regulation which may materially limit its ability to incur the Obligations or which may otherwise render all or any portion of the Obligations unenforceable.  No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is a “registered investment company” or a company “controlled” by a “registered investment company” or a “principal underwriter” of a “registered investment company” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

5.23.    OFAC .

 

No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any of the country or list based economic and trade sanctions administered and enforced by OFAC.  No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries (a) is a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Entity, (b) has its assets located in Sanctioned Entities, or (c) derives revenues from investments in, or transactions with Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Entities.  No proceeds of any loan made hereunder will be used to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Entity.

 

5.24.    Employee and Labor Matters .

 

Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change, there is (a) no unfair labor practice complaint pending or, to the knowledge of Borrowers, threatened against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries before any Governmental Authority and no grievance or arbitration proceeding pending or threatened against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries which arises out of or under any collective bargaining agreement and that could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability, (b) no strike, labor dispute, slowdown, stoppage or similar action or grievance pending or threatened in writing against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected

 

Exhibit D

Page 7



 

to result in a material liability, or (c) to the knowledge of Borrowers no union representation question existing with respect to the employees of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries and no union organizing activity taking place with respect to any of the employees of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries.  No Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any material liability or obligation under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or similar state law, which remains unpaid or unsatisfied.  The hours worked and payments made to employees of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable legal requirements, except to the extent such violations could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.  All material payments due from any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of such Loan Party, except where the failure to do so could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

5.25.    Use of Proceeds .

 

The proceeds of the Term Loan made hereunder on the Closing Date shall be used to (a) repay outstanding Indebtedness of the Loan Parties on the Closing Date, (b) fund a portion of the consideration payable in connection with the Transaction, (c) pay costs, fees and expenses relating to this Agreement and the Transaction, and (d) fund other general corporate purposes of the Loan Parties.

 

5.26.    Collateral.

 

(a)        Real Property Schedule 5.26(a) to the Information Certificate sets forth all Real Property owned by any of the Loan Parties as of the Closing Date.

 

(b)        Intellectual Property .

 

(i)         As of the Closing Date, Schedule 5.26(b) to the Information Certificate provides a complete and correct list of: (A) all registered Copyrights owned by any Loan Party, all applications for registration of Copyrights owned by any Loan Party; (B) all material Intellectual Property Licenses entered into by any Loan Party pursuant to which (x) any Loan Party has provided any license or other rights in Intellectual Property owned or controlled by such Loan Party to any other Person or (y) any Person has granted to any Loan Party any license or other rights in Intellectual Property owned or controlled by such Person that is material to the business of such Loan Party, including any Intellectual Property that is incorporated in any Inventory, software, or other product marketed, sold, licensed, or distributed by such Loan Party; (C) all issued Patents owned by any Loan Party and all applications for patents owned by any Loan Party; and (D) all registered Trademarks owned by any Loan Party, all applications for registration of Trademarks owned by any Loan Party;

 

(ii)        to each Loan Party’s knowledge, no Person is currently infringing or misappropriating any Intellectual Property rights owned by such Loan Party, in each case, that either individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

 

(iii)       to each Loan Party’s knowledge, all registered Copyrights, registered Trademarks, and issued Patents that are owned by such Loan Party and necessary to the conduct of its business as currently conducted are valid, subsisting and enforceable and in compliance with all legal requirements, filings, and payments and other actions that are required to maintain such Intellectual Property in full force and effect, except to the extent failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; and

 

Exhibit D

Page 8



 

(iv)       each Loan Party has taken commercially reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of and otherwise protect its rights in all trade secrets owned by such Loan Party that are necessary in the business of such Loan Party as currently conducted, except to the extent the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

(c)        Valid Security Interest . This Agreement and the other Loan Documents will, when executed and delivered, create a valid security interest in the Collateral of each Loan Party, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.  Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, when the Collateral constituting Certificated Securities, Instruments or Chattel Paper is delivered to Agent, together with instruments of transfer duly endorsed in blank, the security interest created under this Agreement in such Collateral will constitute a fully perfected security interest in all right, title and interest of the applicable Loan Party hereunder in such Collateral. When financing statements in appropriate form are filed in the applicable filing offices, the security interest created under this Agreement will constitute a fully perfected security interest in all right, title and interest of the applicable Loan Party in the remaining Collateral to the extent perfection can be obtained by filing Uniform Commercial Code financing statements.  Upon filing of the Copyright Security Agreement with the United States Copyright Office (if applicable), filing of the Patent and Trademark Security Agreement with the PTO, and the filing of appropriate financing statements in the jurisdictions listed on Schedule 5.6(a) to the Information Certificate , all action necessary to protect and perfect the Security Interest in and to each Loan Party’s United States issued, registered or applied-for Patents, Trademarks, or Copyrights included in the Collateral existing as of the Closing Date has been taken to the extent such security interest can be perfected by such filings with the Copyright Office and the USPTO has been taken and such perfected Security Interest is enforceable as such as against any and all creditors of and purchasers from any Loan Party.

 

5.27.    Locations of Inventory and Equipment .

 

The Inventory and Equipment (other than (i) vehicles or Equipment out for repair and (ii) Inventory and Equipment with an aggregate value for all Loan Parties not in excess of $250,000) of the Loan Parties (i) are not stored with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party e xcept at a location identified on Schedule 5.29 to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated pursuant to Section 6.15) and (ii)  are located only at, or in-transit between or to, the locations identified on Schedule 5.29 to the Information Certificate (as such Schedule may be updated pursuant to Section 6.15).

 

5.28.    Inventory Records .

 

Each Loan Party keeps records correct and accurate in all material respects itemizing and describing the type, quality, and quantity of its Inventory and of the Inventory of its Subsidiaries and the book value thereof.

 

Exhibit D

Page 9



 

EXHIBIT E

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

FORM OF EXCESS CASH FLOW CERTIFICATE

 

To:       TCW Asset Management Company

The John Hancock Tower

200 Clarendon Street, 51 st  Floor

Boston, MA 02116

 

Attn:    Portfolio Manager

 

Re:       Excess Cash Flow Certificate dated [_________________] 2

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit and Security Agreement (as amended, restated, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among the Lenders party thereto from time to time, TCW ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY, as Agent for all Lenders, DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Inc. (“ Parent ”), DBG SUBSIDIARY INC., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Subsidiary, Inc. (“ DBG ”), HUDSON CLOTHING, LLC, a California limited liability company (“ Hudson ”), RG PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ RG Parent ”), ROBERT GRAHAM HOLDINGS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Holding ”), ROBERT GRAHAM DESIGNS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Designs ”), ROBERT GRAHAM RETAIL LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ RG Retail ” and, together with Parent, DBG, Hudson, RG Parent, RG Holding, RG Designs and each other Subsidiary of Parent that becomes a borrower hereunder, collectively, the  “ Borrowers ”, and each a  “ Borrower ”) and the other Loan Parties signatory thereto.  Capitalized terms used in this Excess Cash Flow Certificate have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement unless specifically defined herein.

 

Pursuant to Schedule 6.1 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned officer of [_____________] hereby certifies , solely in such capacity and not in such undersigned’s individual capacity, that:

 

a.         Attached is a schedule of Excess Cash Flow for the Fiscal Year ended _______________; and

 

b.         the attached schedule is based on the audited financial statements which have been delivered to Agent in accordance with Section 6.1 of the Credit Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


2   Commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2017.

 

Exhibit E

Page 1



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Excess Cash Flow Certificate is executed by the undersigned this [_____] day of [_______________], 20[__].

 

RG PARENT LLC, as Administrative Borrower

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Exhibit E

Page 2



 

SCHEDULE TO EXCESS CASH FLOW CERTIFICATE

 

Excess Cash Flow for the Fiscal Year ended [December 31, 20__] is calculated as follows: 3

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA for such period (as calculated on the Compliance Certificate delivered in connection with the audited financial statements for such Fiscal Year which have been delivered to Agent in accordance with Section 6.1 of the Credit Agreement:

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

minus (without duplication):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

scheduled repayments of principal of the Term Loan and other Permitted Indebtedness of the Loan Parties paid in cash during such period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cash payments made in such period with respect to Non-Financed Capital Expenditures permitted hereunder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense paid in cash during such period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

income taxes paid in cash during such period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

any expenditures, charges or losses paid in cash and added back to net income of Parent and its Subsidiaries in the calculation of EBITDA (or expressly excluded in the calculation of consolidated net income) for such period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cash payments in respect of non-cash adjustments to EBITDA accounted for in a prior period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the amounts added back in calculating such EBITDA for such period pursuant to clauses (a)(xiii) and (xv) of the definition of EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to the extent not deducted in the calculation of net income, any premium, make whole or penalty payments paid in cash by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries during such period that are required to be made in connection with any prepayment of Permitted Indebtedness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the excess, if any, of Net Working Capital at the end of such period over Net Working Capital at the beginning of such period (or, if the difference results in an amount less than zero, minus the excess, if any, of Net Working Capital at the beginning of such period over Net Working Capital at the end of such period), as set forth on the attached worksheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess Cash Flow:

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

Multiplied by the ECF Percentage 4  for such Fiscal Year:

 

 

x [0.50][0.25]

 

 

 


3   [The calculation set forth herein is qualified by its entirety by the text of the Credit Agreement and the related definitions set forth in Schedule 1.1 thereto.]

 

Exhibit E

Page 3



 

minus:

the aggregate amount of all optional principal payments on the Loans that were made during such Fiscal Year pursuant to Section 2.4(c) of the Credit Agreement and any Applicable Prepayment Premium paid during such Fiscal Year in connection therewith

 

 

$

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Required Excess Cash Flow Payment:

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4   [“ ECF Percentage ” means (i) 50% or (ii) commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2017, if the Net Senior Leverage Ratio as of the last day of such Fiscal Year is less than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00, 25%.]

5   [Not to be less than zero.]

 

Exhibit E

Page 4



 

Decrease (increase) in Net Working Capital, for the purposes of the calculation of Excess Cash Flow, means the following:

 

 

 

Beg. of Period

 

End of Period

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets (as defined by GAAP):

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:    Cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted current assets:

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities (as defined by GAAP):

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less:    current portion of Term Loan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of revolving loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted current liabilities:

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Working Capital:

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease (Increase) in Net Working Capital (calculated as the beginning of period Net Working Capital minus end of period Net Working Capital)

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

Exhibit E

Page 5



 

EXHIBIT F

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

FORM OF LIBOR NOTICE 6

 

To:       TCW Asset Management Company

The John Hancock Tower

200 Clarendon Street, 51 st  Floor

Boston, MA 02116

Attn:    Portfolio Manager

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit and Security Agreement (as amended, restated, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among the Lenders party thereto from time to time, TCW ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY, as Agent for all Lenders, DIFFERENTIAL BRANDS GROUP INC., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Inc. (“ Parent ”), DBG SUBSIDIARY INC., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Subsidiary, Inc. (“ DBG ”), HUDSON CLOTHING, LLC, a California limited liability company (“ Hudson ”), RG PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ RG Parent ”), ROBERT GRAHAM HOLDINGS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Holding ”), ROBERT GRAHAM DESIGNS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Designs ”), ROBERT GRAHAM RETAIL LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ RG Retail ” and, together with Parent, DBG, Hudson, RG Parent, RG Holding, RG Designs and each other Subsidiary of Parent that becomes a borrower hereunder, collectively, the  “ Borrowers ”, and each a  “ Borrower ”) and the other Loan Parties signatory thereto.  Capitalized terms used herein have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement unless specifically defined herein.

 

This LIBOR Notice represents the Borrowers’ request to [convert into ] [ continue as ] [ LIBOR Loans ] [ Base Rate Loans ]:

 

1.             On [______________] (a Business Day)

2.             In the principal amount of $[________] 7

3.             Comprised of  [ LIBOR Loans ] [ Base Rate Loans ]

4.             [For LIBOR Loans: with an Interest Period of [one] [two] [three] [six] month(s), commencing on ____________.]

 

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

 

 

 


6   Borrowers may elect to have interest on all or a portion of the Loan be charged at a rate of interest based upon the LIBOR Rate by notifying the Agent in writing prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) at least 3 Business Days prior to (i) the commencement of the proposed Interest Period or (ii) in the case of the conversion of a LIBOR Loan into a Base Rate Loan, by 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) at least 1 Business Day prior to the last day of the then current Interest Period.

7   Borrower shall not have more than eight (8) LIBOR Loans in effect at any given time and only may exercise the LIBOR Option for LIBOR Loans of at least $1,000,000 and integral multiples of $500,000 in excess thereof.

 

Exhibit F

Page 1



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this LIBOR Notice is executed by the undersigned this [_____] day of [_______________], 20[__].

 

RG PARENT LLC, as Administrative Borrower

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Exhibit F

Page 2



 

EXHIBIT G

TO

CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “ Joinder Agreement ”), dated as of _________________, 20__, is by and between ___________________, a ______________ (the “ [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ] ”) and TCW ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY as administrative agent for the Lenders (as defined below) (in such capacity, the “ Agent ”) under that certain Credit and Security Agreement (as the same may be amended, amended and restated, modified, extended or supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement” ) dated as of January 28, 2016 by and among RG PARENT LLC (the “ Administrative Borrower ”), the other borrowers from time to time party thereto (together with the Administrative Borrower, the “ Borrowers ”), the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and the Agent.  All of the defined terms in the Credit Agreement are incorporated herein by reference.

 

The [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ] has indicated its desire to become a [ Borrower][Guarantor ] pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

Accordingly the [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ] and Agent hereby agree as follows:

 

1.       The [New Borrower][New Guarantor] hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Joinder Agreement, the [New Borrower][New Guarantor] will be deemed to be a party to the Credit Agreement and a “ [Borrower][Guarantor] ” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and shall have all of the obligations of a [Borrower][Guarantor] thereunder as if it has executed the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The [New Borrower][New Guarantor] hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Credit Agreement and in the Loan Documents, including without limitation (i) all of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5 of the Credit Agreement, (ii) all of the affirmative covenants set forth in Section 6 of the Credit Agreement, and (iii) all of the negative covenants set forth in Section 7 of the Credit Agreement.

 

2.       Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ] hereby grants, assigns, and pledges to Agent, for itself and the benefit of each Lender , to secure payment and performance of the Obligations, a continuing Lien and security interest in and to all of [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ]’s right, title, and interest in and to the Collateral. [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ] authorizes Agent at any time and from time to time to file, transmit, or communicate, as applicable, financing statements and amendments (i) describing the Collateral as “all assets of debtor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising and wheresoever located” or words of similar meaning, (ii) describing the Collateral as being of equal or lesser scope or with greater detail, or (iii) that contain any information required by Part 5 of Article 9 of the Code for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of such financing statement.

 

Exhibit G

Page 1



 

3.       The [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ] acknowledges and confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement and the schedules and exhibits thereto.  The schedules to the Credit Agreement are amended to provide the information shown on the attached Schedule A .

 

4.       The [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ] confirms that all of the Obligations under the Credit Agreement, upon the [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ] becoming a [Borrower][Guarantor] will and shall continue to be, in full force and effect and that immediately upon the [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ] becoming a [ Borrower][Guarantor ], the term “Obligations”, as used in the Credit Agreement, shall include all Obligations of such [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ] under the Credit Agreement and under each other Loan Document.

 

5.       The [ New Borrower][New Guarantor ] agrees that at any time and from time to time, upon the reasonable request of Agent, it will execute and deliver such further documents and do such further acts and things as Agent may reasonably request in order to effect the purposes of this Joinder Agreement.

 

6.       This Joinder Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute one contract.

 

7.       THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF (OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW).

 

Exhibit G

Page 2



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each of the undersigned has caused this Joinder Agreement to be duly executed by its authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

[[ NEW BORROWER][NEW GUARANTOR ]]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCW ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY , as Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Exhibit G

Page 3



 

SCHEDULE A

to

Joinder Agreement

 

 

[ Identify Schedules in Information Certificate

to be Amended ]

 

Exhibit G

Page 4



 

EXHIBIT H

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

 

This ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT (“ Assignment Agreement ”) is entered into as of _____ __, 20__ between ___________ (“ Assignor ”) and ______________ (“ Assignee ”).  Reference is made to the agreement described in Item 2 of Annex I annexed hereto (as amended, restated, modified or otherwise supplemented from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”).  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

1.         In accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 14 of the Credit Agreement, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells, transfers, conveys and assigns without recourse, representation or warranty (expect as expressly set forth herein) to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, that interest in and to the Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Loan Documents with respect to the Obligations owing to the Assignor, and the Assignor’s portion of the Loans as specified on Annex I .

 

2.         The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any adverse claim, and (ii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; (b) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Loan Documents or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (c) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of any Loan Party or the performance or observance by any Loan Party of any of its obligations under the Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto.

 

3.         The Assignee (a) confirms that it has received copies of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with copies of the financial statements referred to therein and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment Agreement; (b) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, the Assignor, or any other Lender, based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents; (c) confirms that it is eligible as an assignee under the terms of the Credit Agreement; (d) appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as Agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (e) agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender; and (f)  attaches the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying as to the Assignee’s status for purposes of determining exemption from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to the Assignee under the Credit Agreement or such other documents as are necessary to indicate that all such payments are subject to such rates at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty.

 

4.         Following the execution of this Assignment Agreement by the Assignor and the Assignee, it will be delivered by the Assignor to Agent for recording by Agent.  The effective date of this

 

Exhibit H

Page 1



 

Assignment Agreement (the “ Settlement Date ”) shall be the latest of (a) the date of the execution hereof by the Assignor and the Assignee, (b) the date this Assignment Agreement has been accepted by Agent (if required by the Credit Agreement) and the Administrative Borrower (if required by the Credit Agreement) and recorded in the Register by Agent, (c) the date of receipt by Agent of a processing and recordation fee in the amount of $5,000 8 , (d) the settlement date specified on Annex I , and (e) the receipt by Assignor of the Purchase Price specified in Annex I .

 

5.         As of the Settlement Date (a) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned pursuant to this Assignment Agreement, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and (b) the Assignor shall, to the extent of the interest assigned pursuant to this Assignment Agreement, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

6.         Upon recording by Agent, from and after the Settlement Date, Agent shall make all payments under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including, without limitation, all payments of principal, interest and commitment fees (if applicable) with respect thereto) to the Assignee.  The Assignor and the Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents for periods prior to the Settlement Date directly between themselves on the Settlement Date.

 

7.         THIS ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

8.         EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A COURT AND NOT BEFORE A JURY.

 

9.         This Assignment Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Assignment Agreement by facsimile or electronic mail shall be equally effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart.

 

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


8     The payment of such fee shall not be required in connection with an assignment by a Lender to a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or a Related Fund of such Lender.

 

Exhibit H

Page 2



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.

 

 

 

 

[ASSIGNOR]

 

By:                                                                                               

 

 

Name:                                                                                          

 

 

Title:                                                                                            

 

 

Date:                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

[ASSIGNEE]

 

 

By:                                                                                               

 

 

Name:                                                                                          

 

 

Title:                                                                                            

 

 

Date:                                                                                            

 

 

Exhibit H

Page 3

Signature Page to Assignment and Acceptance

 



 

[ ACCEPTED AND CONSENTED TO as of the date

first set forth above.

 

TCW ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY,

as Agent

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:                                                                          

 

Name:                                                             

 

Title:                                                               ]

 

 

Exhibit H

Page 4

Signature Page to Assignment and Acceptance

 



 

[ ACCEPTED AND CONSENTED TO as of the date

first set forth above.

 

RG PARENT LLC,

as Administrative Borrower

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:                                                                          

 

Name:                                                             

 

Title:                                                                ]

 

 

Exhibit H

Page 5

Signature Page to Assignment and Acceptance

 



 

ANNEX FOR ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

 

ANNEX I

 

1.

Administrative Borrower: Differential Brands Group Inc.

 

 

2.

Name and Date of Credit Agreement:

 

 

 

Credit and Security Agreement (as amended, restated, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”) dated as of January 28, 2016, by and among the Lenders party thereto from time to time, TCW ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY, as Agent for all Lenders, Differential Brands Group Inc., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Inc. (“ Parent ”), DBG SUBSIDIARY INC., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Joe’s Jeans Subsidiary, Inc. (“ DBG ”), HUDSON CLOTHING, LLC, a California limited liability company (“ Hudson ”), RG PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ RG Parent ”), ROBERT GRAHAM HOLDINGS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Holding ”), ROBERT GRAHAM DESIGNS, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Designs ”), ROBERT GRAHAM RETAIL LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ RG Retail ” and, together with Parent, DBG, Hudson, RG Parent, RG Holding, RG Designs and each other Subsidiary of Parent that becomes a borrower hereunder, collectively, the  “ Borrowers ”, and each a  “ Borrower ”) and the other Loan Parties signatory thereto.

 

 

3.

Date of Assignment Agreement:

 

 

 

 

4.

Amount of Term Loan Assigned:

$

 

 

 

 

5.

Purchase Price:

$

 

 

 

 

6.

Settlement Date:

 

 

 

 

7.

Notice and Payment Instructions, etc.

 

 

 

Assignee:

 

Assignor:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attn:

 

 

Attn:

 

 

Fax No.:

 

 

Fax No.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank Name:

 

Bank Name:

 

ABA Number: 

 

ABA Number: 

 

Account Name: 

 

Account Name: 

 

Account Number: 

 

Account Number: 

 

Sub-Account Name: 

 

Sub-Account Name: 

 

Sub-Account Number: 

 

Sub-Account Number: 

 

 

Exhibit H

Page 6



 

Assignee:

 

Assignor:

 

 

 

 

 

Reference: 

 

Reference: 

 

Attn: 

 

Attn: 

 

 

Exhibit H

Page 7



 

EXHIBIT I

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING

 

RG PARENT LLC, as Administrative Borrower

264 West 40th Street, 10th Floor

New York, NY 10018

 

 

 

[DATE]

 

 

TCW ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY, as Agent
under the Credit Agreement referenced below

The John Hancock Tower
200 Clarendon Street, 51st Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02116

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The undersigned, as Administrative Borrower (as defined below), (i) refers to that certain Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”; capitalized terms used herein but not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement), by and among DBG Subsidiary Inc. (f/k/a Joe’s Jeans Subsidiary, Inc.), a Delaware corporation (“ DBG Sub ”), Hudson Clothing, LLC, a California limited liability company (“ Hudson ”), RG Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ RG Parent ” and “ Administrative Borrower ”), Robert Graham Holdings LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Holding ”), Robert Graham Designs, LLC, a New York limited liability company (“ RG Designs ”), Robert Graham Retail LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ RG Retail ”), Differential Brands Group Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ DBG Parent ”, and together with DBG Sub, Hudson, RG Parent, RG Holding, RG Designs, RG Retail, and each other borrower from time to time party to the Credit Agreement, collectively, the “ Borrowers ”), the other Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and TCW Asset Management Company, in its capacity as agent (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, the “ Agent ”) for each of the Lenders, and (ii) hereby gives you notice that, pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement and as of the date hereof, the Borrowers desire to borrow an aggregate principal amount of [______] , which shall constitute [the Term Loan contemplated by Section 2.1 ][an Incremental Term Loan contemplated by Section 2.2 ] of the Credit Agreement (the [“ Closing Date Loan ”][“ Incremental Term Loan ”] ), and which shall be a [Base Rate][LIBOR] Loan [with an Interest Period of [one (1)/two (2)/three (3)/six (6)] months] . The undersigned hereby authorizes and directs Agent to transfer the aggregate principal amount of the [Closing Date][Incremental Term] Loan by wire transfer to the accounts and payees indicated on Annex I hereto, and each such payee’s receipt of such payment is hereby deemed receipt by the Borrowers of the proceeds of the [Closing Date][Incremental Term] Loan.

 

Exhibit I

Page 1



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned has executed this Notice of Borrowing and Letter of Direction as of the date first above written.

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE BORROWER :

 

 

 

RG PARENT LLC , a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Exhibit I

Page 2



 

ANNEX I

 

Funds Flow

 

Exhibit I

Page 3



 

Schedule D-2

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Agent’s Account

 

Schedule D- 2



 

Schedule P-1

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Permitted Investments

 

Schedule P- 1



 

Schedule P-2

 

TO CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Permitted Liens

 

Schedule P- 2


Exhibit 99.1

 

Hudson Jeans and Robert Graham Complete

Merger to Launch Differential Brands Group

 

-       Transformative transaction creates Differential Brands Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:DFBG), a new public platform focusing on branded operating companies in the premium consumer space

-       Transaction sponsored by Tengram Capital Partners with $50 million preferred security investment

-       William Sweedler to serve as Chairman and Michael Buckley to lead Company as Chief Executive Officer

-       Total merger consideration to Robert Graham equity holders based on pre-closing per share valuation of $0.37 per share (or $11.16 following a 1-for-30 reverse stock split approved in connection with the transaction)

LOS ANGELES—January 28, 2015—Joe’s Jeans, Inc. (NASDAQ:JOEZ) (the “Company”), today announced the completion of a merger combining Hudson Jeans and Robert Graham, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 8, 2015. Concurrent with the closing of the transaction, the Company has been renamed Differential Brands Group Inc. (“Differential”) and will remain publicly listed on NASDAQ under the ticker DFBG. The name change signifies the transformation of the standalone Hudson Jeans and Robert Graham businesses into a unified consumer platform.

The strategic combination of Hudson Jeans and Robert Graham will serve as the initial foundation for Differential, which will focus on organically growing its owned brands through a global, omni-channel distribution strategy across premium wholesale channels, direct-to-consumer retail stores and e-commerce, while seeking opportunities to acquire accretive, complementary, premium brands.

Michael Buckley, current Chief Executive Officer of Robert Graham, who has previous public company leadership experience at True Religion, in addition to experience at Diesel and Ben Sherman, will lead Differential as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Buckley stated, “I believe Differential is uniquely positioned to become one of the foremost premium omni-channel brand platforms in the world, and I am thrilled with the opportunity to lead the company as Chief Executive Officer and to work closely with the Board of Directors and Tengram Capital Partners in the years to come.”

Mr. Sweedler, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Tengram Capital Partners, added, “Tengram is thrilled to sponsor this unique transaction and to have the opportunity to create a new transformative public platform focused on wholesale operating companies with strong brands that possess the potential to grow through global omni-channel distribution.” Mr. Sweedler further added, “We believe Differential fills a void in the U.S. public market landscape by focusing exclusively on brands that develop products for consumers shopping at premium retailers. Additionally, we believe that Differential will be able to offer retail customers a unique, one-stop resource for their diverse in-store brand needs. Our playbook calls for Differential to build its existing brands organically and for the company to pursue complementary acquisitions with strong accretion metrics both financially and operationally.”

 



 

About Robert Graham

Robert Graham is ‘American Eclectic.’ Since its launch in 2001, Robert Graham was created on the premise of introducing sophisticated, eclectic style to the fashion market as an American-based company with an intention of inspiring a global movement. Robert Graham operates freestanding stores in 30 locations nationwide. The brand also sells at luxury department stores and boutiques, and it has showrooms located in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. In 2014, Robert Graham received the “Menswear Brand of the Year” award from the American Apparel & Footwear Association. Additional information can be found at: www.robertgraham.us .

 

About Hudson Jeans

Hudson Jeans designs, produces and sells apparel and apparel-related products to the retail and premium markets under the Hudson® brand and related trademarks. Additional information can be found at: www.hudsonjeans.com .

 

About Tengram Capital Partners

Tengram Capital Partners is a private equity firm that focuses exclusively on leading consumer and retail companies that own strong recognizable brands. The team has a diverse background of consumer investing and operating expertise that assists and guides company management to unlock the true potential of their brand. Tengram invests in both traditional “growth” and “restructuring/turnaround” situations in either the public or private sectors. Previous and current investments for Tengram and its predecessor investment entity, Windsong Brands, LLC, include Sequential Brands Group, Cos Bar, Zanella, This Works, Luciano Barbera, Tommie Copper, Active Ride Shop, DevaCurl, Laura Geller Beauty, NEST Fragrances, Robert Graham, Joe Boxer, Joe’s Jeans, Field & Stream, and Design Within Reach.  Additional information can be found at: www.tengramcapital.com.

 

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. The matters discussed in this news release involve estimates, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical facts are forward-looking statements, including statements containing the words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “continue,” “believe,” “plan,” “project,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” or similar expressions. Any forward-looking statement inherently involves risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of the merger on the Company’s stock price, the anticipated benefits of the merger on its financial results, business performance and product offerings, the Company’s ability to successfully integrate Robert Graham business and realize cost savings and any other synergies, the risk that the credit ratings of the combined company or its subsidiaries may be different from what the Company expects, continued acceptance of our product, product demand, competition, capital adequacy, general economic conditions and the potential inability to raise additional capital if required; the risk that the Company will be unsuccessful in gauging fashion trends and changing customer preferences; the risk that changes in general economic conditions, consumer confidence, or consumer spending patterns will have a negative impact on the Company’s financial performance; the highly competitive nature of the Company’s business in the United States and internationally and its dependence on consumer spending patterns, which are influenced by numerous other factors; the Company’s ability to respond to the business environment and fashion trends; continued acceptance of the Company’s brands in the marketplace; and other risks. The Company discusses certain of these factors more fully in its additional filings with the SEC, including its last annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, and this release should be read in conjunction with those reports, together with all of the Company’s other filings, including current reports on Form 8-K, through the date of this release. The Company urges you to consider all of these risks, uncertainties and other factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this release.

 



 

Any forward-looking statement is based on information current as of the date of this document and speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

 

Source: Differential Brands Group, Inc.

Investor Relations

Hamish Sandhu, 323-837-3700 x 304