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 the earliest event reported): November 2, 2016

 


 

COOPER-STANDARD HOLDINGS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

DELAWARE

 

001-36127

 

20-1945088

(State of Incorporation)

 

(Commission File No.)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

39550 Orchard Hill Place Drive

Novi, Michigan 48375

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (248) 596-5900

 


 

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.

 

5.625% Senior Notes due 2026

 

On November 2, 2016, Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc.’s (the “Company”) wholly-owned subsidiary, Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. (the “Issuer” or the “U.S. Borrower”), issued $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “Notes”), pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2016 (the “Indenture”), by and among the Issuer, the Company and the other guarantors party thereto (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

 

The Notes are guaranteed by the Company, CS Intermediate HoldCo 1 LLC, as well as each of the Issuer’s wholly-owned existing or subsequently organized U.S. subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, to the extent such subsidiary guarantees the Issuer’s Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility and the Term Loan Facility (each as defined below).

 

The Notes will mature on November 15, 2026. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on May 15, 2017.

 

The Issuer may redeem all or part of the Notes at any time prior to November 15, 2021 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date and a “Make-Whole Premium,” as described in the Indenture. The Issuer may redeem the Notes at any time on or after November 15, 2021 at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture. In addition, the Issuer may redeem up to 35% of the Notes prior to November 15, 2019 with an amount equal to or less than the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings at the redemption price set forth in the Indenture.

 

Upon the occurrence of certain events constituting a Change of Control (as defined in the Indenture), the Issuer will be required to make an offer to repurchase all of the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date.

 

The Indenture contains certain covenants that limit the Issuer’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, make restricted payments; sell assets; create or incur liens; enter into sale and lease-back transactions; and merge or consolidate with other entities. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The Indenture also provides for events of default, which, if any occur, would permit or require the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then-outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately.

 

The foregoing description of the Notes and the Indenture do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Indenture, attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

ABL Facility Amendment and Restatement

 

On November 2, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), the Company, the U.S. Borrower, Cooper-Standard Automotive Canada Limited (the “Canadian Borrower”), Cooper-Standard Automotive International Holdings B.V. (the “Dutch Borrower”, and, together with the U.S. Borrower and the Canadian Borrower, the “Borrowers”) and certain subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower, entered into that certain $210 million Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility”) with certain lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent (the “Agent”) for such lenders, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as joint lead arrangers and bookrunners, and other parties thereto, which amended and restated the existing $180 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, dated as of April 4, 2014, among the Company, the U.S. Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, the lenders and other parties thereto. The following is a summary of the material terms of the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility. The summary is generalized, incomplete and, as such, subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the loan and

 

2



 

security agreement governing the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility, which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this report and incorporated herein by reference.

 

General . The Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility provides for an aggregate revolving loan availability of up to $210 million, subject to borrowing base availability, including a $100 million letter of credit sub-facility and a $25 million swing line sub-facility. The Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility also provides for an uncommitted $100 million incremental loan facility, for a potential total Senior ABL Facility of $310 million (if requested by the Borrowers and the lenders agree to fund such increase). No consent of any lender (other than those participating in the increase) is required to effect any such increase.

 

Maturity . November 2, 2021.

 

Use of Proceeds . There were no borrowings made under the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility on the Closing Date. After the Closing Date, proceeds from the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility may be used by the Borrowers to issue commercial and standby letters of credit, to finance ongoing working capital needs and for general corporate purposes.

 

Borrowing Base.  Loan and letter of credit availability under the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility will be subject to a borrowing base, which at any time is limited to the lesser of: (A) the maximum facility amount (subject to certain adjustments) and (B) (i) up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable; plus (ii) the lesser of 70% of eligible inventory or 85% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory; plus (iii) up to the lesser of $30.0 million and 75% of eligible tooling accounts receivable; minus reserves established by the Agent. In addition, mechanics will be included to allow the U.S. Borrower to eliminate “tooling accounts receivable” from the borrowing base in order to establish a separate “tooling accounts receivable” facility. The accounts receivable portion of the borrowing base is subject to certain formulaic limitations (including concentration limits). The inventory portion of the borrowing base is limited to eligible inventory, as determined by the Agent. The borrowing base is also subject to certain reserves, which are established by the Agent (which may include changes to the advance rates indicated above). The loan availability under the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility will be apportioned as follows: $170.0 million to the U.S. Borrower, which includes a $60.0 million sublimit to the European Borrower and $40.0 million to the Canadian Borrower.

 

Guarantees; Security . The obligations of the U.S. Borrower, the Canadian Borrower and the European Borrower under the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility, as well as certain cash management arrangements and interest rate, foreign currency or commodity swaps entered into by the such Borrowers and their subsidiaries, and certain credit lines entered into by non-U.S. subsidiaries, in each case with the lenders and their affiliates (collectively, “Additional ABL Secured Obligations”) are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries (with certain exceptions), and the obligations of the Canadian Borrower under the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility and Additional ABL Secured Obligations of the Canadian Borrower and its Canadian subsidiaries are, in addition, guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Canadian subsidiaries of the Canadian Borrower. The obligations under the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility and related guarantees are secured by (1) a first priority lien on all of each Borrower’s and each guarantor’s existing and future personal property consisting of accounts receivable, payment intangibles, inventory, documents, instruments, chattel paper and investment property, certain money, deposit accounts and securities accounts and certain related assets and proceeds of the foregoing, with various enumerated exceptions, including that: (i) the collateral owned by Canadian Borrower or any of its Canadian subsidiaries that are Guarantors only secure the obligations of Canadian Borrower and such subsidiaries arising under the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility and Additional ABL Secured Obligations and (ii) no liens have been granted on any assets or properties of the European Borrower or any other non-US subsidiaries of the Company (other than the Canadian Borrower and Canadian Guarantors, as otherwise specified above) in connection with the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility and (2) a second priority lien on all the capital stock in restricted subsidiaries directly held by the U.S. Borrower and each of the U.S. Guarantors, and equipment of the U.S. Borrower and the U.S.-domiciled guarantors and all other material personal property of the U.S. Borrower and the U.S.-domiciled guarantors.

 

3



 

Interest . Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Borrowers’ option:

 

·      in the case of borrowings by the U.S. Borrower, LIBOR or the base rate plus , in each case, an applicable margin; or

 

·      in the case of borrowings by the European Borrower, LIBOR plus an applicable margin; or

 

·      in the case of borrowings by the Canadian Borrower, BA rate, Canadian prime rate or Canadian base rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin.

 

The initial applicable margin is 1.25% with respect to the LIBOR or Canadian BA rate-based borrowings and 0.25% with respect to U.S. base rate, Canadian prime rate and Canadian base rate borrowings. The applicable margin is subject, in each case, to quarterly pricing adjustments (based on average facility availability) commencing approximately three months after the Closing Date.

 

Fees . In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility, the Borrowers are required to pay a fee in respect of committed but unutilized commitments. The Borrowers are also required to pay a fee on outstanding letters of credit under the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility, together with customary issuance and other letter of credit fees. The Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility also requires the payment of customary agency and administrative fees.

 

Voluntary Prepayments . The Borrowers are able to voluntarily reduce the unutilized portion of the commitment amount and repay outstanding loans, in each case, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty (other than customary breakage and related reemployment costs with respect to repayments of LIBOR-based borrowings).

 

Covenants; Events of Default . The Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility includes affirmative and negative covenants that will impose substantial restrictions on the Company’s financial and business operations, including its ability to incur and secure debt, make investments, sell assets, pay dividends or make acquisitions. The Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility also includes a requirement to maintain a monthly fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.0 to 1.0 when availability under the Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility is less than specified levels. The Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility also contains various events of default that are customary for comparable facilities.

 

Term Loan Facility Amendment No. 1

 

On November 2, 2016, the Issuer , as borrower, entered into Amendment No. 1 to the term loan facility (as amended by Amendment No. 1, the “Term Loan Facility”) with Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent and collateral agent, certain lenders, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Barclays Bank PLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as syndication agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Barclays Bank PLC, as co-documentation agents. The following is a summary of the material terms of the Term Loan Facility. The summary is generalized, does not purport to be complete and, as such, subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the credit agreement governing the Term Loan Facility, which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

 

General . The Term Loan Facility provides for loans in an aggregate principal amount of $340 million. Subject to certain conditions, the Term Loan Facility, without the consent of the then existing lenders (but subject to the receipt of commitments), may be expanded (or a new term loan or revolving facility added) by an amount that will not cause the consolidated secured net debt ratio to exceed 2.25 to 1.00 plus $400 million plus any voluntary prepayments (including revolving facility and Amended and Restated Senior ABL Facility to the extent commitments are reduced) not funded from proceeds of long-term indebtedness.

 

Maturity . November 2, 2023, unless earlier terminated.

 

4



 

Guarantees . All obligations of the borrower under the Term Loan Facility are guaranteed jointly and severally on a senior secured basis by the direct parent company of the borrower and each existing and subsequently acquired or organized direct or indirect wholly owned U.S. restricted subsidiary of the borrower.

 

Security . The obligations under the Term Loan Facility are secured by (a) a first priority security interest (subject to permitted liens and other customary exceptions) on (i) all the capital stock in restricted subsidiaries directly held by the borrower and each of the guarantors, (ii) substantially all plant, material owned real property located in the U.S. and equipment of the borrower and the guarantors and (iii) all other personal property of the borrower and the guarantors, including, without limitation, accounts and investment property, contracts, patents, copyrights, trademarks, other general intangibles, intercompany notes and proceeds of the foregoing, and (b) a second priority security interest (subject to permitted liens and other customary exceptions) in accounts receivable of the borrowers and the guarantors arising from the sale of goods and services, inventory, tax refunds, cash, deposit accounts and books and records related to the foregoing and, in each case, proceeds thereof, in each case, excluding certain collateral and subject to certain limitations.

 

Interest . Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest, at the borrower’s option, at either (1) with respect to eurodollar rate loans, the greater of (x) the applicable eurodollar rate and (y) 0.75%, plus a margin of 2.75% per annum, or (2) with respect to base rate loans, the base rate (which is the highest of the then current federal funds rate plus 0.5%, the prime rate most recently announced by the administrative agent under the term loan, and the one-month eurodollar rate plus 1.0%), plus a margin of 1.75% per annum, If, at any time, the public corporate credit rating or corporate family rating of the borrower or a parent entity, as applicable, from S&P and Moody’s is equal to or better than BB- (stable) and Ba3 (stable), respectively, then for so long as such ratings remain at least such level and are not withdrawn, the applicable rate shall be reduced to a percentage per annum equal to 2.50% per annum for eurodollar rate loans and 1.50% per annum for base rate loans.

 

Voluntary Prepayments . The borrower may voluntarily prepay loans in whole or in part, with prior notice and without premium or penalty, subject to the actual LIBOR breakage costs, payment of accrued and unpaid interest, and customary limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments. However, in the case of a voluntary prepayment by the borrower in connection with a repricing transaction within 180 days of the closing date of the Term Loan Facility, there is a prepayment premium in an amount equal to 1.0% of the principal amount prepaid.

 

Covenants . The Term Loan Facility contains incurrence-based negative covenants customary for high yield senior secured debt securities, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the ability of the borrower and its restricted subsidiaries to merge and consolidate with other companies, incur indebtedness, grant liens or security interests on assets, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, sell or otherwise transfer assets, or enter into transactions with affiliates. These negative covenants are subject to exceptions, qualifications and certain carveouts.

 

Events of Default . The Term Loan Facility provides that, upon the occurrence of certain events of default, obligations thereunder may be accelerated. Such events of default include payment defaults to the lenders, material inaccuracies of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy proceedings, material money judgments, material pension-plan events, certain change of control events and other customary events of default.

 

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

 

The information set forth in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated in this Item 2.03.

 

5



 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

Exhibit

 

Description

4.1

 

Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2016, by and among Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association.

10.1

 

Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2016, among Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., Cooper-Standard Automotive Canada Limited, Cooper-Standard Automotive International Holdings BV, and certain subsidiaries of Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., as guarantors, CS Intermediate Holdco 1 LLC, as Holdings, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A. as agent for such lenders.

10.2

 

Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 2, 2016 to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, among Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., as the borrower, certain subsidiaries of Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., as guarantors, CS Intermediate Holdco 1 LLC, as Holdings, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent and the other lenders party thereto.

 

6



 

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.

 

 

 

Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc.

 

 

 

Date:        November 7, 2016

By:

/s/ Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

Name:

Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

Title

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

 

7



 

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit

 

Description

4.1

 

Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2016, by and among Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association.

10.1

 

Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2016, among Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., Cooper-Standard Automotive Canada Limited, Cooper-Standard Automotive International Holdings BV, and certain subsidiaries of Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., as guarantors, CS Intermediate Holdco 1 LLC, as Holdings, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A. as agent for such lenders.

10.2

 

Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 2, 2016 to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, among Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., as the borrower, certain subsidiaries of Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., as guarantors, CS Intermediate Holdco 1 LLC, as Holdings, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent and the other lenders party thereto.

 

8


Exhibit 4.1

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC.

 

as Issuer,

 

the Guarantors named herein

 

and

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

as Trustee

 


 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of November 2, 2016

 


 

5.625% Senior Notes due 2026

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

ARTICLE ONE

 

 

 

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

 

 

SECTION 1.01.

Definitions

1

SECTION 1.02.

[Reserved]

32

SECTION 1.03.

Rules of Construction

32

 

 

 

ARTICLE TWO

 

 

 

THE SECURITIES

 

 

 

SECTION 2.01.

Amount of Notes

33

SECTION 2.02.

Form and Dating; Legends

33

SECTION 2.03.

Execution and Authentication

34

SECTION 2.04.

Registrar and Paying Agent

35

SECTION 2.05.

Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust

36

SECTION 2.06.

Noteholder Lists

36

SECTION 2.07.

Transfer and Exchange

36

SECTION 2.08.

Replacement Notes

37

SECTION 2.09.

Outstanding Notes

37

SECTION 2.10.

Treasury Notes

38

SECTION 2.11.

Temporary Notes

38

SECTION 2.12.

Cancellation

39

SECTION 2.13.

Defaulted Interest

39

SECTION 2.14.

CUSIP and ISIN Numbers

39

SECTION 2.15.

Deposit of Moneys

40

SECTION 2.16.

Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes

40

SECTION 2.17.

Transfer and Exchange of Notes

42

SECTION 2.18.

Computation of Interest

49

 

 

 

ARTICLE THREE

 

 

 

REDEMPTION

 

 

 

SECTION 3.01.

Election To Redeem; Notices to Trustee

49

SECTION 3.02.

Selection by Trustee of Notes To Be Redeemed or Purchased

49

SECTION 3.03.

Notice of Redemption

50

SECTION 3.04.

Effect of Notice of Redemption or Purchase

52

SECTION 3.05.

Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price

53

 

i



 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

SECTION 3.06.

Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part

53

SECTION 3.07.

Mandatory Redemption ; Open Market Purchases

54

 

 

 

ARTICLE FOUR

 

 

 

COVENANTS

 

 

 

SECTION 4.01.

Payment of Notes

54

SECTION 4.02.

Maintenance of Office or Agency

54

SECTION 4.03.

Legal Existence

55

SECTION 4.04.

[Reserved]

55

SECTION 4.05.

Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws

55

SECTION 4.06.

Compliance Certificate

56

SECTION 4.07.

Taxes

56

SECTION 4.08.

Repurchase at the Option of Holders upon Change of Control

56

SECTION 4.09.

Limitation on Asset Disposition

60

SECTION 4.10.

Limitation on Restricted Payments

63

SECTION 4.11.

Limitation on Liens

68

SECTION 4.12.

[Reserved]

73

SECTION 4.13.

[Reserved]

73

SECTION 4.14.

[Reserved]

73

SECTION 4.15.

Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions

73

SECTION 4.16.

Reports to Holders

74

SECTION 4.17.

Additional Note Guarantees

76

SECTION 4.18.

Suspension of Covenants

76

 

 

 

ARTICLE FIVE

 

 

 

SUCCESSOR CORPORATION

 

 

 

SECTION 5.01.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

77

SECTION 5.02.

Successor Person Substituted

78

 

 

 

ARTICLE SIX

 

 

 

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

 

 

SECTION 6.01.

Events of Default

79

SECTION 6.02.

Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission

81

SECTION 6.03.

Other Remedies

82

SECTION 6.04.

Waiver of Existing Defaults and Events of Default

82

SECTION 6.05.

Control by Majority

83

SECTION 6.06.

Limitation on Suits

83

 

ii



 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

SECTION 6.07.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

84

SECTION 6.08.

Rights of Holders To Receive Payment

84

SECTION 6.09.

Collection Suit by Trustee

84

SECTION 6.10.

Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

84

SECTION 6.11.

Priorities

85

SECTION 6.12.

Undertaking for Costs

85

 

 

 

ARTICLE SEVEN

 

 

 

TRUSTEE

 

 

 

SECTION 7.01.

Duties of Trustee

86

SECTION 7.02.

Rights of Trustee

88

SECTION 7.03.

Individual Rights of Trustee

89

SECTION 7.04.

Trustee’s Disclaimer

89

SECTION 7.05.

Notice of Defaults

90

SECTION 7.06.

[Reserved]

90

SECTION 7.07.

Compensation and Indemnity

90

SECTION 7.08.

Replacement of Trustee

91

SECTION 7.09.

Successor Trustee by Consolidation, Merger, etc.

92

SECTION 7.10.

Eligibility; Disqualification

92

SECTION 7.11.

Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer

93

SECTION 7.12.

Paying Agents

93

 

 

 

ARTICLE EIGHT

 

 

 

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

 

 

 

SECTION 8.01.

Without Consent of Noteholders

93

SECTION 8.02.

With Consent of Noteholders

94

SECTION 8.03.

[Reserved]

96

SECTION 8.04.

Revocation and Effect of Consents

96

SECTION 8.05.

Notation on or Exchange of Notes

97

SECTION 8.06.

Trustee To Sign Amendments, etc.

97

 

 

 

ARTICLE NINE

 

 

 

DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE

 

 

 

SECTION 9.01.

Discharge of Indenture

97

SECTION 9.02.

Legal Defeasance

99

SECTION 9.03.

Covenant Defeasance

99

SECTION 9.04.

Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance

100

 

iii



 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

SECTION 9.05.

Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations To Be Held in Trust

101

SECTION 9.06.

Reinstatement

102

SECTION 9.07.

Moneys Held by Paying Agent

102

SECTION 9.08.

Moneys Held by Trustee

103

 

 

 

ARTICLE TEN

 

 

 

GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES

 

 

 

SECTION 10.01.

Guarantee

103

SECTION 10.02.

Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee

104

SECTION 10.03.

Release of Guarantors

105

SECTION 10.04.

Waiver of Subrogation

106

SECTION 10.05.

[Reserved]

106

SECTION 10.06.

Limitation on Guarantor’s Liability

106

 

 

 

ARTICLE ELEVEN

 

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

 

SECTION 11.01.

[Reserved]

107

SECTION 11.02.

Notices

107

SECTION 11.03.

Communications by Holders with Other Holders

109

SECTION 11.04.

Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent

109

SECTION 11.05.

Statements Required in Certificate and Opinion

109

SECTION 11.06.

Rules by Trustee and Agents

110

SECTION 11.07.

Business Days; Legal Holidays

110

SECTION 11.08.

Governing Law ; Submission to Jurisdiction

110

SECTION 11.09.

No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements

110

SECTION 11.10.

Successors

110

SECTION 11.11.

Multiple Counterparts

111

SECTION 11.12.

Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

111

SECTION 11.13.

Separability

111

SECTION 11.14.

Waiver of Jury Trial

111

SECTION 11.15.

Force Majeure

111

SECTION 11.16.

Trust Indenture Act

112

SECTION 11.17.

U.S.A. Patriot Act

112

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

S-1

 

 

 

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A.

Form of Note

A-1-1

 

iv



 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

Exhibit B.

Form of Private Placement Legend

B-1

Exhibit C.

Form of Legend for Global Note

C-1

Exhibit D.

[Reserved]

D-1

Exhibit E.

Form of Regulation S Legend

E-1

Exhibit F.

Form of Certificate of Transfer

F-1

Exhibit G.

Form of Certificate of Exchange

G-1

Exhibit H.

[Reserved]

H-1

Exhibit I.

[Reserved]

I-1

Exhibit J.

Form of Supplemental Indenture to be Delivered by Subsequent Guarantors

J-1

 

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INDENTURE, dated as of November 2, 2016 among Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., an Ohio corporation (the “ Issuer ”), the Guarantors (as defined below) and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”).

 

Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders.

 

ARTICLE ONE

 

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

SECTION 1.01.                                                            Definitions .

 

Accounting Change ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “GAAP.”

 

Additional Notes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

Additional Assets ” means:

 

(1)           any property or assets (other than Indebtedness and Capital Stock)  to be used by the Issuer or a Subsidiary;

 

(2)           the Capital Stock of a Person that becomes a Subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of such Capital Stock by the Issuer or another Subsidiary; or

 

(3)           Capital Stock constituting a non-controlling interest in any Person that at such time is a Subsidiary.

 

Advisory Firm ” means an accounting, appraisal, investment banking firm or consultant of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith judgment of the Issuer, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.

 

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person.  For purposes of this definition, “ control ” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “ controlling ,” “ controlled by ” and “ under common control with ”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.

 

Agent ” means any Registrar, Paying Agent, Depository Custodian, or agent for service or notices and demands.

 

Agent Members ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16.

 



 

amend ” means to amend, supplement, restate, amend and restate or otherwise modify; and “ amendment ” shall have a correlative meaning.

 

Applicable Treasury Rate ” for any Redemption Date means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such Make-Whole Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the Make-Whole Redemption Date to November 15, 2021; provided , however , that if the period from the Make-Whole Redemption Date to November 15, 2021 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Applicable Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given except that if the period from the Make-Whole Redemption Date to November 15, 2021 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

 

asset ” means any asset or property, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible.

 

Asset Disposition ” means any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition (or series of related sales, conveyances, transfers or dispositions) by the Issuer or any Subsidiary, including any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a “ disposition ”), of:

 

(1)           any shares of Capital Stock of a Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares or shares required by applicable law to be held by a Person other than the Issuer or a Subsidiary);

 

(2)           all or substantially all the assets of any division or line of business of the Issuer or any Subsidiary; or

 

(3)           any other assets or property of the Issuer or any Subsidiary outside of the ordinary course of business of the Issuer or such Subsidiary.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the following shall be deemed to be an Asset Disposition:

 

(1)           a disposition by a Subsidiary to the Issuer or any Parent Entity or by the Issuer or a Subsidiary to a Subsidiary or any Parent Entity;

 

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(2)           a disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Issuer in compliance with Section 5.01 or a disposition that constitutes a Change of Control pursuant to this Indenture;

 

(3)           a sale, contribution, conveyance or other transfer of accounts receivable, or participation therein, and Receivables Assets (or a fractional undivided interest therein) in a Permitted Receivables Financing;

 

(4)           the license or sublicense of intellectual property or other intangibles;

 

(5)           the lease, assignment or sublease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

 

(6)           any surrender or waiver of contract rights or settlement, release, recovery on or surrender of contract, tort or other claims in the ordinary course of business;

 

(7)           the granting of Security Interests not prohibited by Section 4.11;

 

(8)           the disposition by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries of (i) cash and Cash Equivalents, (ii) inventory and other assets acquired and held for resale in the ordinary course of business, (iii) damaged, uneconomical, negligible, worn out or obsolete assets or other assets (including equipment and intellectual property) that, in the Issuer’s reasonable judgment, are no longer used or useful in the business of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries, or (iv) rights granted to others pursuant to leases or licenses, to the extent not materially interfering with the operations of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries;

 

(9)           [Intentionally Omitted] ;

 

(10)         any exchange of assets for assets (including a combination of assets (which assets may include Equity Interests or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, Equity Interests, but which assets may not include any Indebtedness) and Cash Equivalents) of comparable or greater market value or usefulness to the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as determined in good faith by the Issuer;

 

(11)         dispositions of receivables in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or similar proceedings and exclusive of factoring or similar arrangements;

 

(12)         the issuance by the Issuer or a Subsidiary of preferred stock or any convertible securities;

 

(13)         any sale of Capital Stock or Indebtedness or other securities of a Foreign Subsidiary;

 

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(14)         any sale of assets received by the Issuer or any Subsidiary upon foreclosure on a Security Interest;

 

(15)         the unwinding of any Hedging Obligations (including sales under forward contracts);

 

(16)         any dispositions to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding agreements;

 

(17)         the lease or sublease of office space;

 

(18)         the abandonment, farm-out, lease, assignment, sublease, license or sublicense of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

 

(19)         the sale, lease, assignment, license, sublease or discount of inventory, equipment, accounts receivable, notes receivable or other current assets held for sale in the ordinary course of business or the conversion of accounts receivable to notes receivable or other dispositions of accounts receivable in connection with the collection or compromise thereof;

 

(20)         dispositions of property pursuant to casualty events, foreclosures or any similar action on assets;

 

(21)         any financing transaction with respect to property constructed or acquired by the Issuer or a Subsidiary after the Issue Date, including Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted under the terms hereof;

 

(22)         the lapse or abandonment of intellectual property rights in the ordinary course of business, which in the reasonable judgment of the Issuer are not material to the conduct of the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; or

 

(23)         a single transaction or series of related transactions that involve the disposition of assets, or issuance or sale of Capital Stock of any Subsidiary, with a fair market value of less than $20.0 million.

 

Attributable Indebtedness ,” when used with respect to any Sale and Leaseback Transaction, means, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at a rate borne by the Notes, compounded on a semiannual basis) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in any such Sale and Leaseback Transaction.

 

Authentication Order ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

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

 

Board of Directors ” means, with respect to any Person, the board of directors or comparable governing body of such Person.

 

Business Day ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.07.

 

Capital Stock ” means:

 

(1)           in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;

 

(2)           in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;

 

(3)           in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and

 

(4)           any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distribution of assets of, the issuing Person.

 

Capitalized Lease Obligations ” of any Person means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) in accordance with GAAP; provided that any obligation in respect of operating leases of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries, whether entered into before or after the Issue Date, that are subsequently recharacterized or characterized as capital lease obligations of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis due to a change in accounting treatment or otherwise after the Issue Date will be deemed not to be treated as a Capital Lease Obligation or Indebtedness.

 

Cash Equivalents ” means:

 

(1)           U.S. Dollars, Canadian dollars, Chinese yuan, Japanese yen, pounds sterling, euros or the national currency of any participating member state of the European Union or other currencies held by the Issuer or its Subsidiaries from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

 

(2)           securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the government of the United States, Canada or any country that is a member of the European Union or any agency or instrumentality thereof in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

 

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(3)           certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances, in each case with maturities not exceeding one year, and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000, or the foreign currency equivalent thereof, and whose long-term debt is rated “A” or higher or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency);

 

(4)           repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above;

 

(5)           commercial paper issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Issuer) rated at least “A-1” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) and in each case maturing within one year after the date of acquisition;

 

(6)           readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any municipal or political subdivision thereof with a rating of “AA-” from S&P or “Aa3” from Moody’s or guaranteed by a financial institution with a rating of “AA-” from S&P or “Aa3” from Moody’s (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

 

(7)           Indebtedness issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A-2” or higher from Moody’s in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition; and

 

(8)           investment funds investing at least 90% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (6) above.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clause (1) above, provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clause (1) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, any items identified as Cash Equivalents under this definition will be deemed to be Cash Equivalents under the Indenture regardless of the treatment of such items under GAAP.

 

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Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(1)           any Transfer (other than by way of merger or consolidation) of all or substantially all of the assets of Parent and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) or “group” (as defined in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act), other than any Transfer to Holdings, the Issuer, one or more Subsidiaries or the Permitted Holders;

 

(2)           a “person” (as defined above) or “group” (as defined above), other than any one or more Permitted Holders, becomes, directly or indirectly, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of Parent, other than as a result of (i) any transaction where the voting power of the Voting Stock of Parent immediately prior to such transaction constitutes or is converted into or exchanged for a majority of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such beneficial owner or (ii) any merger or consolidation of Parent with or into any “person” (as defined above) (a “ Permitted Person ”) or a Subsidiary of a Permitted Person, in each case, if immediately after such transaction no person (as defined above) is the beneficial owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such Permitted Person; or

 

(3)           the Issuer ceases to be a Subsidiary of Parent.

 

Notwithstanding the preceding or any provision of Section 13d- 3 of the Exchange Act, (i) a Person or group shall not be deemed to beneficially own Voting Stock subject to a stock or asset purchase agreement, merger agreement, option agreement, warrant agreement or similar agreement until the consummation of the acquisition of the Voting Stock in connection with the transactions contemplated by such agreement, (ii) if any group (other than a group that constitutes a Permitted Holder) includes one or more Permitted Holders, the issued and outstanding Voting Stock of the Issuer owned, directly or indirectly, by any Permitted Holders that are part of such group shall not be treated as being beneficially owned by such group or any other member of such group for purposes of determining whether a Change of Control has occurred and (iii) a Person or group will not be deemed to beneficially own the Voting Stock of another Person as a result of its ownership of Voting Stock or other securities of such other Person’s Parent Entity (or related contractual rights) unless it owns 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of such Parent Entity.

 

Change of Control Offer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.08.

 

Change of Control Payment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.08.

 

Change of Control Payment Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.08.

 

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Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Consolidated EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus, without duplication, to the extent the same was deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income:

 

(1)           Consolidated Taxes; plus

 

(2)           Consolidated Interest Expense; plus

 

(3)           Consolidated Non-cash Charges; plus

 

(4)           any fees, expenses, charges or losses (other than Consolidated Non-cash Charges) related to any issuance of Equity Interests, investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (whether or not successful), and any amendment or modification to the terms of any such transaction, including (i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the Transactions, (ii) any amendment or other modification of other Indebtedness and (iii) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Permitted Receivables Financing; plus

 

(5)           the amount of loss or discount on sale of receivables and Receivables Assets in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing; plus

 

(6)           the amount of any restructuring charges or reserves (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include retention, severance, systems development and establishment costs, conversion costs, excess pension charges, curtailments and modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plan costs or charges and contract termination costs, including future lease commitments, costs related to the start-up, closure, relocation or consolidation of facilities and costs to relocate employees and any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions after the Issue Date); plus

 

(7)           (x) the amount of “run rate” net cost savings, synergies and operating expense reductions projected by the Issuer in good faith to result from actions taken, committed to be taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or are expected in good faith to be taken no later than twelve (12) months after the date of determination to take such action (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies had been realized on the first day of the period for which EBITDA is being determined and if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions and (y) the amount of “run rate” net cost savings, synergies and operating expense

 

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reductions projected by the Issuer in good faith to result from actions taken, committed to be taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or are expected in good faith to be taken no later than twelve (12) months after the end of such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies had been realized on the first day of the period for which Consolidated EBITDA is being determined and if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies 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, operating expense reductions and synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable (it is understood and agreed that “run-rate” means the full recurring benefit for a period that is associated with any action taken, committed to be taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or are expected to be taken); provided , further , that the aggregate amount of cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies added pursuant to this clause (7) shall not exceed 20% of EBITDA for such period (giving pro forma effect to the relevant transaction, other than any cost savings, synergies, operating expense reductions) determined prior to giving effect to any adjustments pursuant to this clause (7); plus

 

(8)           costs of surety bonds incurred in such period in connection with financing activities; plus

 

(9)           any costs or expense incurred pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such costs or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Issuer or any Subsidiary or the net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are excluded from the calculation of the amount available for Restricted Payments pursuant to the first paragraph under Section 4.10; plus/minus

 

(10)         gains or losses due solely to fluctuations in currency values and the related tax effects;

 

less , without duplication, non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period (excluding any items that represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period).

 

Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means the ratio of (A) Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries during the most recent four consecutive full fiscal quarters for which financial statements are available (the “ Four-Quarter Period ”) ending on or prior to the date of the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (the “ Transaction Date ”) to (B) Consolidated Fixed Charges of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries for the Four-Quarter Period.

 

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For purposes of this definition, Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Fixed Charges shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis for the period of such calculation to the incurrence of any Indebtedness or the issuance of any Preferred Stock of the Issuer or any Subsidiary (and the application of the proceeds thereof) and any repayment, retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness or redemption of other Preferred Stock (and the application of the proceeds therefrom) (other than the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes pursuant to any revolving credit arrangement) occurring during the Four-Quarter Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of the Four-Quarter Period and on or prior to the Transaction Date, as if such incurrence, repayment, retirement, extinguishment, issuance or redemption, as the case may be (and the application of the proceeds thereof), occurred on the first day of the Four-Quarter Period.

 

For purposes of making the computation referred to above, investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations and disposed operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP) and operational changes that have been made by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries during the Four-Quarter Period or subsequent to such Four-Quarter Period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Transaction Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations, disposed operations and operational changes (and the change in any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in Consolidated EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the Four-Quarter Period. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Subsidiary or was merged or amalgamated with or into the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries since the beginning of such period shall have made any investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, amalgamation, consolidation or disposed operation that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such Four-Quarter Period as if such investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, amalgamation, consolidation or disposed operation had occurred at the beginning of the Four-Quarter Period.

 

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible officer of the Issuer (and may include, for the avoidance of doubt and without duplication, cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies resulting from any asset sale or other disposition or such investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation or other transaction, in each case calculated in accordance with and subject to the limitations set forth in clause (7) of the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA” herein).

 

If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Transaction Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any

 

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Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible officer of the Issuer to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period or, if lower, the maximum commitments under such revolving credit facility as of the Transaction Date. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Issuer may designate.

 

Consolidated Fixed Charges ” for any period means the sum, without duplication, of (a) Consolidated Interest Expense of the Issuer and the Subsidiaries for such period, plus (b) the product of (a) all dividend payments on any series of Disqualified Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Subsidiary or any Preferred Stock of any Subsidiary (other than any such Disqualified Equity Interests or any Preferred Stock held by the Issuer or a Subsidiary or to the extent paid in Qualified Equity Interests) for such period, multiplied by (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of the Issuer and the Subsidiaries, expressed as a decimal.

 

Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(1)           interest expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income ( including (i) amortization of original issue discount or premium resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than or greater than par, as applicable, (ii) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, (iii) net payments and receipts (if any) pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations and (iv) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, and excluding (q) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and original issue discount with respect to Indebtedness issued in connection with the Transactions or any intercompany Indebtedness, (r) any expensing of bridge, commitment or other financing fees, (s) any expense resulting from the discounting of Indebtedness in connection with the application of recapitalization or purchase accounting, (t) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (u) non-cash interest expense attributable to movement in mark-to-market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivatives (in each case, permitted hereunder and under GAAP), (v) accretion or accrual of discounted liabilities not constituting Indebtedness, (w) interest expense attributable to a parent entity

 

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resulting from push-down accounting, and (x) commissions, discounts, yield, make whole premium and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Permitted Receivables Financing);

 

(2)           interest on Indebtedness, the proceeds of which have been contributed to such Person (other than as Disqualified Equity Interests) and that has been guaranteed by, and is otherwise considered Indebtedness of, such Person or any of its Subsidiaries (to the extent not already included in clause (1) above); and

 

(3)           consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued;

 

less interest income for such period; provided that, for purposes of calculating Consolidated Interest Expense, no effect shall be given to the discount and/or premium resulting from the bifurcation of derivatives under FASB ASC 815 and related interpretations as a result of the terms of the Indebtedness to which such Consolidated Interest Expense relates.

 

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.

 

Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis; provided , however , that:

 

(1)           any after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains, losses or charges (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses (including relating to the Transactions), severance, relocation costs, curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans, start-up, facilities opening, transition, integration and other restructuring costs, charges, reserves or expenses (including related to acquisitions after the Issue Date and to the start-up, closure and/or consolidation of facilities), new product introductions, one-time compensation charges and signing, retention or completion bonuses, shall be excluded;

 

(2)           the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period, shall be excluded;

 

(3)           any net after-tax effect of gains or losses from disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations, shall be excluded;

 

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(4)           any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to business dispositions (including Capital Stock of any Person) or asset dispositions or abandonments other than in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) shall be excluded;

 

(5)           any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to the early extinguishment of Indebtedness, Hedging Obligations and other derivative instruments (including deferred financing costs written off and premiums paid), shall be excluded;

 

(6)           the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of such Person, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting (other than a Guarantor), shall be excluded to the extent such Person is prohibited by contract (including its organizational documents) from making dividends or distributions to the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash or cash equivalents) to the referent Person or a Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period;

 

(7)           solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under the first paragraph of  Section 4.10, the Net Income for such period of any Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, is otherwise restricted by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that the Consolidated Net Income of such Person shall be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash (or converted into cash) or cash equivalents by any such Subsidiary to such Person, to the extent not already included therein;

 

(8)           any non-cash compensation expense realized from employee benefit plans or post-employment benefit plans, grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, phantom equity, stock options, restricted stock, units or other rights to officers, directors and employees of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries shall be excluded;

 

(9)           (a) (i) the non-cash portion of “straight-line” rent expense shall be excluded and (ii) the cash portion of “straight-line” rent expense that exceeds the amount expensed in respect of such rent expense shall be included and (b) non-cash gains,

 

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losses, income and expenses resulting from fair value accounting required by FASB ASC 815 shall be excluded;

 

(10)         unrealized gains and losses relating to hedging transactions and mark-to-market of Indebtedness denominated in foreign currencies resulting from the application of FASB ASC 830 shall be excluded;

 

(11)         any (a) severance or relocation costs or expenses, (b) one-time non-cash compensation charges, (c) the costs and expenses after the Issue Date related to employment of terminated employees, or (d) costs or expenses realized in connection with or resulting from stock appreciation or similar rights, phantom equity, stock options, restricted stock units or other rights existing on the Issue Date of officers, directors and employees, in each case of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries, shall be excluded;

 

(12)         accruals and reserves, contingent liabilities and any gains and losses on the settlement of any pre-existing contractual or non-contractual relationships as a result of the Transactions that are established or adjusted within 12 months after the Issue Date and that are so required to be established or adjusted in accordance with GAAP or as a result of adoption or modification of accounting policies shall be excluded;

 

(13)         the effect of any non-cash impairment charges or write-ups, write-downs or write-offs of assets (including intangible assets, goodwill and deferred financing costs but excluding accounts receivable) or liabilities resulting from the application of GAAP (including in connection with the Transactions) and the amortization of intangibles arising from the application of GAAP (excluding any non-cash item to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any future period except to the extent such item is subsequently reversed) shall be excluded; and

 

(14)         any fees, expenses or charges (such as capitalized manufacturing profit in inventory) incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, investment, recapitalization, disposition, issuance or repayment of Indebtedness, issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to the Issue Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded.

 

In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include (i) the amount of proceeds actually received from

 

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business interruption insurance, (ii) other than for purposes of calculating the amount available for Restricted Payments under the first paragraph of Section 4.10, the amount of proceeds as to which the Issuer has determined there is reasonable evidence it will be reimbursed by the insurer in respect of such period from business interruption insurance (with a deduction for any amounts so added back to the extent denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days or not so reimbursed within 365 days) and (iii) reimbursements of any expenses and charges pursuant to indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets, in each case, permitted under the terms hereof.

 

Consolidated Non-cash Charges ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate depreciation, amortization (including amortization of intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period), impairment, compensation and other non-cash expenses of such Person and its Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that if any non-cash charges referred to in this definition represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA in such future period to such extent paid.

 

Consolidated Taxes ” means, with respect to any Person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any period, provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital, including, without limitation, state franchise and similar taxes, and including an amount equal to the amount of tax distributions actually made to the holders of Capital Stock of such Person or any direct or indirect parent of such Person in respect of such period which shall be included as though such amounts had been paid as income taxes directly by such Person.

 

Consolidated Total Assets ” means, the consolidated total assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries as set forth on the consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer as of the most recent period for which financial statements were required to have been delivered pursuant to Section 4.16(a)(1); provided that, for purposes of testing the covenants under the Indenture in connection with any transaction, the Consolidated Total Assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries shall be adjusted to reflect such pro forma adjustments as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of “Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.”

 

Contingent Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person Guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“ primary obligations ”) of any other Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent:

 

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(1)           to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor;

 

(2)           to advance or supply funds:

 

(a)           for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation; or

 

(b)           to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; or

 

(3)           to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

 

Corporate Trust Office ” means the office of the Trustee at which any time its corporate trust business in relation to this Indenture shall be administered, which at the date hereof is located at 535 Griswold Street, Suite 550, Detroit, Michigan 48226, Attention: Global Corporate Trust Services, and for purposes of Section 2.04 and Section 4.02(a) such office shall also mean the office or agency of the Trustee located at 100 Wall Street, Suite 1600, New York, New York 10005, Attention.: Global Corporate Trust Services, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer).

 

Covenant Defeasance ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03.

 

Covenant Suspension Event ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.18.

 

Credit Facilities ” means one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities) or other financing arrangements (including, without limitation, commercial paper facilities or indentures), providing for revolving credit loans, term loans or letters of credit or other Indebtedness, including any notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements, refundings, replacements, exchanges or refinancings thereof, in whole or in part, and any financing arrangements that amend, supplement, modify, extend, renew, restate, refund, replace, exchange or refinance any part thereof, including, without limitation, any such amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated, refunding, replacement, exchanged or refinancing financing arrangement that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed or issued thereunder or alters the maturity thereof or adds the Issuer, Subsidiaries or Parent Entities as additional

 

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borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, trustee, lender or group of lenders, investors, holders or otherwise.

 

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

 

Depository ” means, with respect to the Global Notes, The Depository Trust Company or another Person designated as depository by the Issuer, which Person must be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act.

 

Depository Custodian ” means the Trustee as custodian with respect to the Global Notes or any successor entity thereto.

 

Designated Non-cash Consideration ” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by the Issuer or a Subsidiary in connection with an Asset Disposition that is designated as “Designated Non-cash Consideration” pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash or Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale, redemption or payment of, on or with respect to such Designated Non-cash Consideration.

 

Disqualified Equity Interests ” of any Person means any class of Equity Interests of such Person that, by its terms, or by the terms of any related agreement or of any security into which it is convertible, puttable or exchangeable, is, or upon the happening of any event or the passage of time would be, required to be redeemed by such Person, whether or not at the option of the holder thereof, or matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date which is 91 days after the final maturity date of the Notes; provided , however , that any class of Equity Interests of such Person that, by its terms, authorizes such Person to satisfy in full its obligations with respect to the payment of dividends or upon maturity, redemption (pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise) or repurchase thereof or otherwise by the delivery of Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests, and that is not convertible, puttable or exchangeable for Disqualified Equity Interests or Indebtedness, will not be deemed to be Disqualified Equity Interests so long as such Person satisfies its obligations with respect thereto solely by the delivery of Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests; provided , further , however , that any Equity Interests that would not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof (or the holders of any security into or for which such Equity Interests are convertible, exchangeable or exercisable) the right to require the Issuer to redeem such Equity Interests upon the occurrence of a change in control occurring prior to the 91st day after the final maturity date of the Notes shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests if the change of control provisions applicable to such Equity Interests are no more favorable to such holders than the provisions of Section 4.08 and such Equity Interests specifically provide that the Issuer will not redeem any such Equity Interests pursuant to such provisions prior to the Issuer’s purchase of the Notes as required pursuant to Section 4.08.

 

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Domestic Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary organized under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, other than any such Subsidiary that for U.S. federal income tax purposes is treated as a partnership or disregarded as an entity separate from its sole owner and that is a Subsidiary of a Subsidiary of the Issuer that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Equity Interests ” of any Person means (1) any and all shares or other equity interests (including common stock, preferred stock, limited liability company interests and partnership interests) in such Person and (2) all rights to purchase, warrants or options (whether or not currently exercisable), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) such shares or other interests in such Person, but excluding any debt securities that are convertible into such shares or other interests in such Person.

 

Equity Offering ” means a public or private sale or issuance of common stock of the Issuer or any Parent Entity of the Issuer, other than (i) public offerings with respect to common stock of the Issuer or any of its Parent Entities registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or (ii) any sale to any Subsidiary of Parent.

 

Event of Default ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

 

Excess Proceeds ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.09.

 

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

 

Excluded Contributions ” means cash and Cash Equivalents received by the Issuer after the Term Loan Facility Date from;

 

(1)           contributions to its common equity capital; and

 

(2)           the sale of Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer;

 

in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by an officer of the Issuer, the cash proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (c)(2) of the first paragraph of Section 4.10.

 

Fiscal Year ” means the fiscal year of the Issuer, which at the date hereof ends on December 31.

 

Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary other than a Domestic Subsidiary.

 

Four-Quarter Period ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.”

 

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GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, which are in effect from time to time (“ GAAP ”); provided that for purposes of calculating the Consolidated Net Income, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio and the Total Net Leverage Ratio, “GAAP” shall mean GAAP as in effect on the Issue Date.

 

If there occurs a change in generally accepted accounting principles occurring after the Issue Date (including with respect to the treatment of leases in the definition of “Capitalized Lease Obligations” and operating leases) and such change would cause a change with respect to any term or measure used in the Indenture (an “ Accounting Change ”), then the Issuer may elect, as evidenced by a written notice of the Issuer to the Trustee, that such term or measure shall be calculated as if such Accounting Change had occurred.

 

Global Note Legend ” means the legend substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit C .

 

Global Notes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16.

 

Guarantee ” means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, through letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness. “Guarantee” when used as a verb shall have a corresponding meaning.

 

Guarantor ” means:

 

(1)           Parent;

 

(2)           Holdings;

 

(3)           each Domestic Subsidiary that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that executes and delivers a Note Guarantee pursuant to Section 4.17; and

 

(4)           each Subsidiary that otherwise executes and delivers a Note Guarantee;

 

in each case, until such time as such Person is released from its Note Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

 

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Hedging Obligations ” of any Person means the obligations of such Person under swap, cap, collar, forward purchase or similar agreements or arrangements dealing with interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices or availability, either generally or under specific contingencies, and including both physical and financial settlement transactions.

 

Holder ” or “ Noteholder ” means any registered holder, from time to time, of any Notes.

 

Indebtedness ” of any Person at any date means, without duplication:

 

(1)           the principal and premium (if any) of any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, (a) in respect of borrowed money, (b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), (c) representing the deferred and unpaid purchase price of any property, except (i) any such balance that constitutes a trade payable, accrued expense or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP, (d) in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations, (e) representing any Hedging Obligations or (f) under or in respect of Permitted Receivables Financings, if and to the extent that any of the foregoing indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP;

 

(2)           to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation of such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the indebtedness of another Person (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business); and

 

(3)           to the extent not otherwise included, indebtedness of another Person secured by a Security Interest on any asset owned by such Person (whether or not such indebtedness is assumed by such Person); provided , however , that the amount of such indebtedness will be the lesser of: (a) the fair market value of such asset at such date of determination, and (b) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Person;

 

provided that Contingent Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business shall not be deemed to constitute Indebtedness.

 

Indenture ” means this Indenture as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.

 

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Initial Purchasers ” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Barclays Capital Inc.

 

Initial Security Interest ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.11.

 

Interest Payment Date ” means the stated maturity of an installment of interest on the Notes.

 

Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, in each case with stable outlook, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

 

Issue Date ” means November 2, 2016, the date on which Notes were first issued under this Indenture.

 

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

 

Legal Defeasance ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02.

 

Legal Holiday ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.07.

 

Make-Whole Premium ” means, with respect to a Note at any Make-Whole Redemption Date, an amount equal to the greater of (i) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note and (ii) the excess, if any, of (x) the present value at such Make-Whole Redemption Date of (A) the redemption price of such Note on November 15, 2021 (such redemption price being set forth in the table appearing in paragraph 5 of the Notes), plus (B) all required remaining interest payments due on such Note through November 15, 2021(excluding accrued and unpaid interest to such Make-Whole Redemption Date), computed by the Issuer on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) using a discount rate equal to the Applicable Treasury Rate on such Make-Whole Redemption Date plus 0.50%, over (y) the outstanding principal amount of such Note.

 

Make-Whole Redemption ” has the meaning set forth in paragraph 5 of the Notes.

 

Make-Whole Redemption Date ” means with respect to a redemption at the Make-Whole Premium, the date such redemption is effectuated.

 

Market Capitalization ” means an amount equal to (i) the total number of issued and outstanding shares of common Equity Interests of the Issuer (or its Parent Entity) on the date of the declaration of a Restricted Payment permitted pursuant to clause (g) of the second paragraph of Section 4.10  multiplied by (ii) the arithmetic mean of the closing prices per

 

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share of such common Equity Interests on the principal securities exchange on which such common Equity Interests are traded for the 30 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of declaration of such Restricted Payment.

 

Maturity Date ” when used with respect to any Note, means the date on which the principal amount of such Note becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided.

 

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating agency business.

 

Net Available Cash ” from an Asset Disposition means cash proceeds received by the Issuer or a Subsidiary therefrom (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating to such properties or assets or received in any other noncash form), in each case net of:

 

(1)           all legal, accounting, investment banking, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees (including financial and other advisory fees) and expenses incurred, and all Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be paid or accrued as a liability under GAAP, and any relocation expenses incurred, relating to or as a result of such Asset Disposition;

 

(2)           all payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets subject to such Asset Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any Security Interest upon or other security agreement of any kind with respect to such assets, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Disposition, or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Disposition, or any costs associated with unwinding any related Hedging Obligations;

 

(3)           all distributions and other payments required to be made to non-controlling interest holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Disposition; and

 

(4)           appropriate amounts provided by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the property or other assets disposed in such Asset Disposition and retained by the Issuer or any Subsidiary after such Asset Disposition, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.

 

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Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) attributable to such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.

 

Non-U.S. Person ” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person.

 

Note Guarantee ” means the Guarantee by each Guarantor of the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes, pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture.

 

Notes ” means the 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 issued by the Issuer pursuant to this Indenture.  The Notes issued on the Issue Date and the Additional Notes shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, and unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the Notes shall include the Notes issued on the Issue Date and any Additional Notes.

 

Offer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.09.

 

Offering Memorandum ” means the Offering Memorandum of the Issuer, dated October 27, 2016, relating to the offering of the Notes issued on the Issue Date.

 

Officers ” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman, any director, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer, Controller, Chief Accounting Officer, General Counsel, Secretary, Chief Compliance Officer, any Executive Vice President, any Senior Vice President, any Vice President of such Person or any other officer designated by any such individuals of such Person.

 

Officer’s Certificate ” means, with respect to any Person, a certificate signed on behalf of such Person by an Officer of such Person that meets the requirements set forth in this Indenture.

 

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion from legal counsel, who may be an employee of, or outside counsel to, the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or Parent Entities, or other counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee (which opinion may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions).

 

Parent Entity ” means any Person that, with respect to another Person, owns 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of such other Person. Unless the context otherwise requires, any references to Parent Entity refer to a Parent Entity of the Issuer.

 

Pari Passu Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor that ranks pari passu in right of payment with the Notes or the Note Guarantees, as applicable.

 

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Paying Agent ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04.

 

Payment Default ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

 

Permitted Asset Swap ” means the substantially concurrent purchase and sale or exchange, including as a deposit for future purchases, of Related Business Assets or a combination of Related Business Assets and cash or Cash Equivalents between the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries and another Person; provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents received must be applied in accordance with Section 4.09.

 

Permitted Holders ” means any funds or accounts managed by Silver Point Capital, L.P. and any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) of which any of the foregoing or any Permitted Holder specified in the last sentence of this definition are members and any member of such group; provided , that, in the case of such group and without giving effect to the existence of such group or any other group, such Permitted Holders and Person or group specified in the last sentence of this definition, collectively, own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of Parent held by such group. Any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) whose acquisition of beneficial ownership constitutes a Change of Control in respect of which a Change of Control Offer is made in accordance with the requirements of the Indenture will thereafter, together with its Affiliates, constitute an additional Permitted Holder.

 

Permitted Receivables Financing ” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Issuer or any Subsidiary pursuant to which it may sell, convey, contribute to capital or otherwise transfer (which sale, conveyance, contribution to capital or transfer may include or be supported by the grant of a security interest) accounts receivable or interests therein and all collateral securing such receivables, all contracts and contract rights, purchase orders, security interests, financing statements or other documentation in respect of such receivables, any guarantees, indemnities, warranties or other obligations in respect of such receivables, any other assets that are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving receivables similar to such receivables and any collections or proceeds of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Receivables Assets ”) (i) to a trust, partnership, corporation or other Person (other than any Parent Entity or any of its Subsidiaries, other than a Subsidiary formed solely for the purpose of, and that engages only in, Permitted Receivables Financing, a “ Receivables Subsidiary ”), which transfer is funded in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by the incurrence or issuance by the transferee or any successor transferee of Indebtedness, fractional undivided interests or other securities that are to receive payments from, or that represent interests in, the cash flow derived from such receivables and Receivables Assets or interests in such receivables and Receivables Assets, or (ii) directly to one or more investors or other purchasers (other than any Parent Entity or any of its Subsidiaries), it being understood that a Permitted Receivables Financing may involve (A) one or

 

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more sequential transfers or pledges of the same receivables and Receivables Assets, or interests therein (such as a sale, conveyance or other transfer to an Receivables Subsidiary followed by a pledge of the transferred receivables and Receivables Assets to secure Indebtedness incurred by the Receivables Subsidiary), and all such transfers, pledges and Indebtedness incurrences shall be part of and constitute a single Permitted Receivables Financing, and (B) periodic transfers or pledges of receivables and/or revolving transactions in which new receivables and Receivables Assets, or interests therein, are transferred or pledged upon collection of previously transferred or pledged receivables and Receivables Assets, or interests therein; provided that any such transactions shall provide for recourse to such Subsidiary (other than any Receivables Subsidiary) or the Issuer only in respect of the cash flows in respect of such receivables and Receivables Assets and to the extent of other customary securitization undertakings (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the appropriate Receivables Subsidiary) in the jurisdiction relevant to such transactions.

 

The “amount” or “principal amount” of any Permitted Receivables Financing shall be deemed at any time to be (1) the aggregate principal or stated amount of the Indebtedness, fractional undivided interests (which stated amount may be described as a “net investment” or similar term reflecting the amount invested in such undivided interest) or other securities incurred or issued pursuant to such Permitted Receivables Financing, in each case outstanding at such time, or (2) in the case of any Permitted Receivables Financing in respect of which no such Indebtedness, fractional undivided interests or securities are incurred or issued, the cash purchase price paid by the buyer in connection with its purchase of receivables less the amount of collections received in respect of such receivables and paid to such buyer, excluding any amounts applied to purchase fees or discount or in the nature of interest.

 

Permitted Security Interest ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.11.

 

Person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, unincorporated organization, trust or joint venture, or a governmental agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Physical Notes ” means certificated Notes in registered form that are not Global Notes.

 

Preferred Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any and all preferred or preference stock or other equity interests (however designated) of such Person having a preference or priority over other Equity Interests (however designated) of such Person, whether now outstanding or issued after the Issue Date.

 

principal ” of a Note means the principal of such Note plus the premium, if any, payable on such Note which is due or overdue or is to become due at the relevant time.

 

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Principal Facility ” means the land, land improvements, buildings and fixtures (to the extent they constitute real property interests) (including any leasehold interest therein), constituting corporate office, any manufacturing plant or any manufacturing facility and the machinery and equipment located thereon, which are owned, on the date of the Indenture or thereafter, by the Issuer or a Subsidiary and which have a net book value at the date as of which the determination is being made of in excess of one percent of the Consolidated Total Assets (including, for purposes of such calculation, the land, land improvements, buildings and such fixtures comprising such office, plant or facilities, as the case may be), other than any such land, land improvements, buildings and fixtures which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Issuer (evidenced by a board resolution), is not of material importance to the business conducted by the Issuer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

 

Private Placement Legend ” means the legend substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B .

 

Qualified Equity Interests ” of any Person means Equity Interests of such Person other than Disqualified Equity Interests. Unless otherwise specified, Qualified Equity Interests refer to Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer.

 

Rating Agencies ” means Moody’s and S&P or if Moody’s or S&P or both shall not make a rating on the Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by the Issuer which shall be substituted for Moody’s or S&P or both, as the case may be.

 

Receivables Assets ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Permitted Receivables Financing.”

 

Receivables Fees ” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any participation interest issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Subsidiary in connection with, any Permitted Receivables Financing.

 

Receivables Subsidiary ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Permitted Receivables Financing.”

 

Redemption Date ” when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed pursuant to paragraph 5 of the Notes means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to the terms of this Indenture and the Notes.

 

Registrar ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04.

 

Regulation S ” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

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Regulation S Global Note ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16.

 

Regulation S Legend ” means the legend substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit E .

 

Regulation S Notes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

 

Related Business Assets ” means assets (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) used or useful in a Similar Business; provided that any assets received by the Issuer or a Subsidiary in exchange for assets transferred by the Issuer or a Subsidiary will not be deemed to be Related Business Assets if they consist of securities of a Person, unless upon receipt of the securities of such Person, such Person would become a Subsidiary.

 

Responsible Officer ” shall mean, when used with respect to the Trustee, any officer in the Corporate Trust Department of the Trustee including any vice president, assistant vice president or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, in each case having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture, and any other officer to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

 

Restricted Global Note ” means a Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.

 

Restricted Payment ” means any of the following:

 

(a)           the declaration or payment of any dividend or any other distribution on Equity Interests of the Issuer or any payment made to the direct or indirect holders (in their capacities as such) of Equity Interests of the Issuer, including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Issuer but excluding dividends or distributions payable solely in Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer or through accretion or accumulation of such dividends on such Equity Interests; or

 

(b)           the redemption of any Equity Interests of the Issuer, including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Issuer.

 

Restricted Payments Basket ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.10.

 

Restricted Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.17.

 

Restricted Physical Note ” means a Physical Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.

 

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Reversion Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.18.

 

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Rule 144A ” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Rule 144A Global Note ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16.

 

Rule 144A Notes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

 

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor to its rating agency business.

 

Sale and Leaseback Transaction ” means any sale or transfer made by the Issuer or one or more Subsidiaries (except a sale or transfer made to the Issuer or one or more Subsidiaries) of any Principal Facility that (in the case of a Principal Facility which is a building or equipment) has been in operation, use or commercial production (exclusive of test and start-up periods) by the Issuer or any Subsidiary for more than 180 days prior to such sale or transfer, or that (in the case of a Principal Facility that is a parcel of real property not containing a building) has been owned by the Issuer or any Subsidiary for more than 180 days prior to such sale or transfer, if such sale or transfer is made with the intention of leasing, or as part of an arrangement involving the lease of such Principal Facility to the Issuer or a Subsidiary (except a lease for a period not exceeding 36 months made with the intention that the use of the leased Principal Facility by the Issuer or such Subsidiary will be discontinued on or before the expiration of such period); provided , however , that the creation of any Secured Debt permitted under Section 4.11 shall not be deemed to create or be considered a Sale and Leaseback Transaction.

 

Secured Debt ” means outstanding Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Subsidiary which is secured by (a) a Security Interest in any property or asset of the Issuer or any Subsidiary, or (b) a Security Interest in any shares of stock owned directly or indirectly by the Issuer in a Subsidiary. The securing in the foregoing manner of any previously unsecured Indebtedness shall be deemed to be the creation of Secured Debt at the time such security is given. The amount of Secured Debt at any time outstanding shall be the aggregate principal amount then owing thereon by the Issuer and the Subsidiaries.

 

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

 

Security Interest ” means any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or other security interest which secures payment or performance of an obligation.

 

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Senior Secured Credit Facilities ” means each of (i) the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Issuer, as borrower, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other parties thereto and (ii) the Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, among Holdings, the Issuer, Cooper-Standard Automotive Canada Limited and Cooper -Standard Automotive International Holdings, B.V., as borrowers, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other parties thereto (the “ ABL Facility ”), in each case, as the same may be in effect from time to time, including, in each case, any related notes, mortgages, letters of credit, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any appendices, exhibits, annexes or schedules to any of the foregoing (as the same may be in effect from time to time) and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements, refundings, replacements, exchanges or refinancings thereof, in whole or in part, and any financing arrangements that amend, supplement, modify, extend, renew, restate, refund, replace, exchange or refinance any part thereof, including, without limitation, any such amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated, refunding, replacement, exchanged or refinancing financing arrangement that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed or issued thereunder or alters the maturity thereof or adds Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, trustee, lender or group of lenders, investors, holders or otherwise.

 

Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio ” means, as of the date of determination, the ratio of (a) the Total Debt of the Issuer and the Subsidiaries secured by a Security Interest to (b) Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer and the Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four fiscal quarter period ending immediately prior to such date for which financial statements are available. In the event that the Issuer or any Subsidiary incurs, redeems, retires, defeases or extinguishes any Total Debt (other than Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently paid and not replaced) subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio is made, then the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, redemption, retirement, defeasance or extinguishment of Total Debt as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA” (and all component definitions referenced in such definitions), whenever pro forma effect is to be given to acquisition, disposition or incurrence, redemption, retirement, defeasance or extinguishment of Total Debt, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible officer of the Issuer.

 

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the Issue Date.

 

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Similar Business ” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries on the Issue Date and any business or other activities that are reasonably similar, ancillary, complementary or related thereto, or a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof.

 

Subordinated Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the guarantees of the Notes by the Issuer or such Subsidiary, as the case may be.

 

Subsidiary ” means a corporation, association, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding Voting Stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person, or by a Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person. Unless otherwise specified, a Subsidiary refers to a Subsidiary of the Issuer.

 

Suspended Covenants ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.18.

 

Suspension Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.18.

 

Term Loan Facility Date ” means April 4, 2014.

 

TIA ” or “ Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

 

Total Debt ” means, at any date of determination, the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness of the Issuer and the Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, minus the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents held by the Issuer and its Subsidiaries as of such date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of the covenant set forth in Section 4.11 at the election of the Issuer a binding commitment to lend under a revolving credit facility, including under the ABL Facility, shall be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness in the full amount of such commitment on the date that such commitment is entered into, regardless of whether the full amount of such revolving credit facility is actually borrowed, and thereafter the amount of such commitment shall be deemed fully borrowed at all times.

 

Total Net Leverage Ratio ” means, as of the date of determination, the ratio of (a) the Total Debt of the Issuer and the Subsidiaries to (b) Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer and the Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four fiscal quarter period ending immediately prior to such date for which financial statements are available. In the event that the Issuer or any Subsidiary incurs, redeems, retires, defeases or extinguishes any Total Debt (other than Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently paid and not replaced) subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Total Net Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the

 

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calculation of the Total Net Leverage Ratio is made, then the Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, redemption, retirement, defeasance or extinguishment of Total Debt as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA” (and all component definitions referenced in such definitions), whenever pro forma effect is to be given to acquisition, disposition or incurrence, redemption, retirement, defeasance or extinguishment of Total Debt, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible officer of the Issuer.

 

Transactions ” means the “Transactions” as defined in the “Summary” section of the Offering Memorandum.

 

Transfer ” means to sell, assign, transfer, lease (other than pursuant to an operating lease entered into in the ordinary course of business), convey or otherwise dispose of, including by Sale and Leaseback Transaction, consolidation, merger, liquidation, dissolution or otherwise, in one transaction or a series of transactions.

 

Treasury Management Arrangement ” means any agreement or other arrangement governing the provision of treasury or cash management services, including deposit accounts, overdraft, credit or debit card, funds transfer, automated clearinghouse, zero balance accounts, returned check concentration, controlled disbursement, lockbox, account reconciliation and reporting and trade finance services and other cash management services.

 

Trustee ” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it pursuant to this Indenture and thereafter means the successor.

 

Unrestricted Notes ” means Unrestricted Global Notes and Unrestricted Physical Notes.

 

Unrestricted Global Note ” means a permanent Global Note, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or not prohibited by this Indenture, bearing the Global Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in Global Note” attached thereto, and that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depository, representing the Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

Unrestricted Physical Note ” means a Physical Note that does not bear and is not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

U.S. Government Obligations ” means marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed as to full and timely payment by, the United States Government or issued by any agency or instrumentality thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of

 

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the United States of America that, in each case, mature within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.

 

U.S. Person ” means a “U.S. person” as defined in Rule 902(k) under the Securities Act.

 

Voting Stock ” means any class or classes of Capital Stock pursuant to which the holders thereof have power to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees of any Person (irrespective of whether or not, at the time, stock of any other class or classes shall have, or might have, voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).

 

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

SECTION 1.02.                                                            [Reserved].

 

SECTION 1.03.                                                            Rules of Construction .

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(1)           a term has the meaning assigned to it herein, whether defined expressly or by reference;

 

(2)           “or” is not exclusive;

 

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

 

(4)           words used herein implying any gender shall apply to both genders;

 

(5)           “herein,” “hereof” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subsection;

 

(6)           unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP;

 

(7)           “$” and “U.S. Dollars” each refer to United States dollars, or such other money of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts;

 

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(8)           “will” shall be interpreted to express a command;

 

(9)           “including” means including without limitation; and

 

(10)         so long as a Guarantor that is a Parent Entity of the Issuer does not hold any material assets other than, directly or indirectly, the Equity Interests of the Issuer (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or senior management of such Parent Entity), any calculations or measure that is determined with reference to the Issuer’s financial statements (including, without limitation, Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated Interest Expense, Consolidated Net Income, Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio, Total Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Consolidated Fixed Charges, Permitted Receivables Financing, Consolidated Total Assets and the Restricted Payments Basket may be determined with reference to such Parent Entity’s financial statements instead.

 

ARTICLE TWO

 

THE SECURITIES

 

SECTION 2.01.                                                            Amount of Notes .

 

The Trustee shall initially authenticate $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes for original issue on the Issue Date upon an Issuer Order, together with an Officer’s Certificate; provided that an Opinion of Counsel shall not be required in connection with such issuance, authentication and delivery of the Notes on the Issue Date.  The Trustee shall authenticate additional Notes (“ Additional Notes ”) thereafter in unlimited amount for original issue upon an Issuer Order (an “ Authentication Order ”) in aggregate principal amount as specified in such Authentication Order.  The Trustee shall also authenticate (i) replacement Notes as provided in Section 2.08,  (ii) temporary Notes as provided in Section 2.11, (iii) Notes issued in connection with certain transfers and exchanges as provided in Sections 2.07, 2.16 and 2.17, (iv) Notes issued in connection with a partial redemption of the Notes as provided in Section 3.06 or a partial repurchase of a Note as provided in Sections 4.08 and 4.09 and (v) Notes exchanged as provided in Section 8.05, in each case upon an Authentication Order in aggregate principal amount as specified in such order.  Each such written order shall specify the principal amount of Notes to be authenticated and the date on which the Notes are to be authenticated.

 

SECTION 2.02.                                                            Form and Dating; Legends .

 

The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication with respect thereto shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A , each of which is incorporated in and forms a part of this Indenture.  Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication.

 

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The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, rule or usage to which the Issuer is subject.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Notes offered and sold to Qualified Institutional Buyers in reliance on Rule 144A (“ Rule 144A Notes ”), Notes offered and sold in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S (“ Regulation S Notes ”) and all other Restricted Notes shall bear the Private Placement Legend.  All Global Notes shall bear the Global Note Legend. Regulation S Notes shall bear the Regulation S Legend.

 

The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are expressly made, a part of this Indenture and, to the extent applicable, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and agree to be bound thereby.  If there is a conflict between the terms of the Notes and this Indenture, the terms of this Indenture shall govern.

 

The Notes may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at the offices of the Registrar.

 

SECTION 2.03.                                                            Execution and Authentication .

 

The Notes shall be executed on behalf of the Issuer by one Officer of the Issuer.  The signature of such Officer on the Notes may be manual, facsimile or electronic (including “.pdf”).

 

If an Officer whose signature is on a Note was an Officer at the time of such execution but no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note, the Note shall be valid nevertheless.

 

No Note shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Note a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual, facsimile or electronic (including “.pdf”) signature, and such certificate upon any Note shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Note has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Note shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Issuer, and the Issuer shall deliver such Note to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 2.12, for all purposes of this Indenture such Note shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

 

The Trustee may appoint one or more authenticating agents reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate the Notes.  Unless otherwise provided in the appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate the Notes whenever the Trustee may do so.  Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent.  An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with the Issuer

 

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and Affiliates of the Issuer.  Each Paying Agent is designated as an authenticating agent for purposes of this Indenture.

 

Notes shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

SECTION 2.04.                                                            Registrar and Paying Agent .

 

The Issuer shall maintain (a) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the “ Registrar ”), (b) an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, the State of New York or in the city in the United States in which the Trustee’s Corporate Trust Office is located, where Notes may be presented for payment (the “ Paying Agent ”) and (c) an office or agency where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer, if any, in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served.  The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange.  The Registrar shall provide a copy of such register from time to time upon request of the Issuer.  The Issuer may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional Paying Agents.  The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrars.  The term “Paying Agents” means the Paying Agent and any additional Paying Agents.  The Issuer or any Affiliate thereof may act as Registrar or a Paying Agent.

 

The Issuer shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Agent that is not a party to this Indenture.  The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such Agent.  The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such Agent.  If the Issuer fails to maintain a Registrar or any required co-registrar or Paying Agent, or fails to give the foregoing notice, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation in accordance with Section 7.07.

 

The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee as Registrar, Paying Agent and Depository Custodian.

 

The Issuer initially appoints The Depository Trust Company to act as Depository with respect to the Global Notes.  The Issuer may change the Depository at any time without notice to any Holder, but the Issuer will notify the Trustee of the name and address of any new Depository.

 

The Issuer shall be responsible for making calculations called for under the Notes, including but not limited to determination of redemption price, premium, if any, and any additional amounts or other amounts payable on the Notes.  The Issuer will make the calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, its calculations will be final and binding on the Holders.  The Issuer will provide a schedule of its calculations to the Trustee when reasonably requested by the Trustee, and the Trustee is entitled to rely conclusively on the accuracy of the Issuer’s calculations without independent verification. The Trustee shall forward

 

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the Issuer’s calculations referred to above in this paragraph to any Holder of the Notes upon the written request of such Holder.

 

SECTION 2.05.                                                            Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust .

 

The Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of the Noteholders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of or premium or interest on the Notes (whether such money has been paid to it by the Issuer, one or more of the Guarantors or any other obligor on the Notes), and the Issuer and the Paying Agent shall notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuer (or any other obligor on the Notes) in making any such payment.  Money held in trust by a Paying Agent need not be segregated except as required by law and in no event shall a Paying Agent be liable for any interest on any money received by it hereunder.  The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and account for any funds disbursed and the Trustee may at any time during the continuance of any Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or (2), upon written request to a Paying Agent, require such Paying Agent to pay forthwith all money so held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed.  Upon making such payment, such Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee.

 

SECTION 2.06.                                                            Noteholder Lists .

 

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of the Noteholders.  If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee at least two Business Days before each Interest Payment Date, and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Noteholders.

 

SECTION 2.07.                                                            Transfer and Exchange .

 

Subject to Sections 2.16 and 2.17, when Notes are presented to the Registrar with a request from the Holder of such Notes to register a transfer or to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Notes of other authorized denominations, the Registrar shall register the transfer as requested.  Every Note presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be duly endorsed or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorneys duly authorized in writing.  To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall issue and execute and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.01,  the Trustee shall authenticate new Notes (and the Guarantors shall execute the Guarantees thereon) evidencing such transfer or exchange at the Registrar’s request.  No service charge shall be made to the Noteholder for any registration of transfer or exchange.  The Issuer or the Trustee may require from the Noteholder payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer taxes or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation to a transfer

 

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or exchange, but this provision shall not apply to any exchange pursuant to Section 2.11, 3.06, 4.08, 4.09 or 8.05 (in which events the Issuer shall be responsible for the payment of such taxes).  The Registrar shall not be required to exchange or register a transfer of any Note for a period of 15 days immediately preceding the mailing of notice of redemption of Notes to be redeemed or of any Note selected, called or being called for redemption except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

 

Any Holder of a Global Note shall, by acceptance of such Global Note, agree that transfers of the beneficial interests in such Global Note may be effected only through a book entry system maintained by the Holder of such Global Note (or its agent), and that ownership of a beneficial interest in the Global Note shall be required to be reflected in a book entry.  By its acceptance of any Note bearing the Private Placement Legend, each Holder of such Note acknowledges the restrictions on transfer of such Note set forth in this Indenture and in the Private Placement Legend and agrees that it will transfer such Note only as provided in this Indenture.

 

SECTION 2.08.                                                            Replacement Notes .

 

If a mutilated Note is surrendered to the Registrar or the Trustee, or if the Holder of a Note claims that the Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Note (and the Guarantors shall execute the Guarantees thereon) if the Holder of such Note furnishes to the Issuer and the Trustee evidence reasonably acceptable to them of the ownership and the destruction, loss or theft of such Note and if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code as in effect on the date of this Indenture are met.  If required by the Trustee or the Issuer, an indemnity bond shall be posted, sufficient in the judgment of all to protect the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Registrar and any Paying Agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if such Note is replaced.  The Issuer may charge such Holder for the Issuer’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in replacing such Note and the Trustee may charge the Issuer for the Trustee’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements) in replacing such Note and may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, assessment, fee or other charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.  Every replacement Note shall constitute a contractual obligation of the Issuer.  The provisions of this Section 2.08 are exclusive and will preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of lost, destroyed, mutilated or wrongfully taken Notes.

 

SECTION 2.09.                                                            Outstanding Notes .

 

The Notes outstanding at any time are all Notes that have been authenticated by the Trustee except for (a) those canceled by or on behalf of the Trustee, (b) those accepted

 

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by the Trustee for cancellation, (c) those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, (d) to the extent set forth in Sections 9.01, 9.02 and 9.03, on or after the date on which the conditions set forth in Section 9.01, 9.02 or 9.03 have been satisfied, those Notes theretofore authenticated by the Trustee hereunder and (e) those described in this Section 2.09 as not outstanding.  Subject to Section 2.10, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuer or one of its Affiliates holds the Note.

 

If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to the Trustee and the Issuer that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Note is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer.

 

If a Paying Agent holds, in its capacity as such, on any Maturity Date, Redemption Date or purchase date, U.S. Dollars sufficient to pay all accrued and unpaid interest and principal with respect to the Notes payable on that date and is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders thereof pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, then on and after that date such Notes shall cease to be outstanding and interest on them shall cease to accrue.

 

SECTION 2.10.                                                            Treasury Notes .

 

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any declaration of acceleration or notice of default or direction, waiver or consent or any amendment, modification or other change to this Indenture, Notes owned by the Issuer or any other Affiliate of the Issuer shall be disregarded as though they were not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent or any amendment, modification or other change to this Indenture, only Notes as to which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actually received an Officer’s Certificate stating that such Notes are so owned shall be so disregarded.  Notes so owned which have been pledged in good faith shall not be disregarded if the pledgee established to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to the Notes and that the pledgee is not the Issuer, a Guarantor, any other obligor on the Notes or any of their respective Affiliates.

 

SECTION 2.11.                                                            Temporary Notes .

 

Until definitive Notes are prepared and ready for delivery, the Issuer may prepare and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Notes.  Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of definitive Notes but may have variations that the Issuer considers appropriate for temporary Notes.  Without unreasonable delay, the Issuer shall prepare and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate definitive Notes

 

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in exchange for temporary Notes.  Until such exchange, temporary Notes shall be entitled to the same rights, benefits and privileges as definitive Notes.

 

SECTION 2.12.                                                            Cancellation .

 

The Issuer at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation.  The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment.  The Trustee shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall dispose of such canceled Notes in its customary manner.  The Issuer may not reissue or resell or issue new Notes to replace Notes that the Issuer has redeemed or paid, or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

SECTION 2.13.                                                            Defaulted Interest .

 

If the Issuer defaults on a payment of interest on the Notes, the Issuer shall pay the defaulted interest then borne by the Notes plus (to the extent permitted by law) any interest payable on the defaulted interest, in accordance with the terms hereof, to the Persons who are Holders thereof on a subsequent special record date, which date shall be at least five Business Days prior to the payment date.  If such default continues for thirty (30) days, the Issuer shall fix such special record date and payment date in a manner satisfactory to the Trustee.  At least 10 days before such special record date, the Issuer (or upon the written request of the Issuer, the Trustee, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer) shall mail to each affected Noteholder a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest, and interest payable on defaulted interest, if any, to be paid.  The Issuer may make payment of any defaulted interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements (if applicable) of any securities exchange on which the Notes may be listed and, upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after written notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this sentence, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.  If the Issuer elects for the Trustee to send such notice to the Holders then the Issuer shall provide such notice to the Trustee at least five (5) days (or such  shorter time as may be agreed by the Trustee in its discretion) before such notice is required to be mailed to the Holders.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any interest which is paid prior to the expiration of the 30-day period set forth in Section 6.01(1) shall be paid to Holders as of the record date for the Interest Payment Date for which interest has not been paid.

 

SECTION 2.14.                                                            CUSIP and ISIN Numbers .

 

The Issuer in issuing the Notes may use “CUSIP” and “ISIN” numbers, and if so used, such CUSIP and ISIN numbers shall be included in notices as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness

 

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or accuracy of the CUSIP or ISIN numbers printed in the notice or on the Notes, that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such notice shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such CUSIP or ISIN numbers.  The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee, in writing, of any such CUSIP or ISIN number used by the Issuer in connection with the issuance of the Notes and of any change in any such CUSIP or ISIN number. In the case of any Additional Notes that are not fungible with the Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such Additional Notes will have a separate CUSIP number and ISIN number from the Notes.

 

SECTION 2.15.                                                            Deposit of Moneys .

 

Prior to noon, New York City time, on each Interest Payment Date and Maturity Date, the Issuer shall have deposited with the Paying Agent in immediately available funds U.S. Dollars sufficient to make cash payments, if any, due on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be, in a timely manner which permits such Paying Agents to remit payment to the Holders on such Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be.  The principal and interest on Global Notes shall be payable to the Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole Holder of the Global Notes represented thereby.  The principal and interest on Physical Notes shall be payable, either in person, by wire transfer or by mail, at the office of the Paying Agent.  Final payment of principal at maturity will only be made by the Trustee upon surrender of the related Note to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office.

 

SECTION 2.16.                                                            Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes .

 

(a)           Rule 144A Notes initially shall be represented by one or more Notes in registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the “ Rule 144A Global Note ”).  Regulation S Notes initially shall be represented by one or more Notes in registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the “ Regulation S Global Note ”).  The term “ Global Notes ” means the Rule 144A Global Note and the Regulation S Global Note.  The Global Notes shall bear the Global Note Legend.  The Global Notes initially shall (i) be registered in the name of the Depository or the nominee of such Depository, in each case for credit to an account of an Agent Member, (ii) be delivered to the Trustee as custodian for such Depository and (iii) bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

Members of, or direct or indirect participants in, the Depository (“ Agent Members ”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depository or under the Global Notes.  The Depository may be treated by the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee as the absolute owner of the Global Notes for all purposes whatsoever.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depository or impair, as between the Depository and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices

 

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governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of any Note.  None of the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent nor the Registrar shall have any responsibility or liability for any acts or omissions of the Depository with respect to such Global Note, for the records of the Depository, including records in respect of the beneficial owners of any such Global Note, for any transactions between the Depository and any Agent Member or between or among the Depository, any such Agent Member and/or any Holder or beneficial owner of such Global Note, or for any transfers of beneficial interests in any such Global Note.

 

(b)           Transfers of Global Notes shall be limited to transfer in whole, but not in part, to the Depository, its successors or their respective nominees.  Interests of beneficial owners in the Global Notes may be transferred or exchanged for Physical Notes only in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository and the provisions of Section 2.17.  In addition, a Global Note shall be exchangeable for Physical Notes (i) if requested by a holder of such interests upon receipt by the Trustee of written instructions from the Depository or its nominee on behalf of any beneficial owner and in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Depository and provisions of this Section 2.16 or (ii) if the Depository notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for such Global Note and the Issuer thereupon fail to appoint a successor depository within 120 days or (iii) if the Depository has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act or (iv) if there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to such Global Note and the Depository has requested such exchange.  In all cases, Physical Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests therein shall be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the Depository in accordance with its customary procedures.

 

(c)           In connection with the transfer of a Global Note as an entirety to beneficial owners pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section 2.16, such Global Note shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Issuer shall execute and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, to each beneficial owner identified by the Depository in writing in exchange for its beneficial interest in such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of Physical Notes of authorized denominations.

 

(d)           Any Restricted Physical Note delivered in exchange for an interest in a Global Note pursuant to Section 2.17 shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.17, bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

(e)           The Holder of any Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.

 

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SECTION 2.17.                                                            Transfer and Exchange of Notes .

 

(a)           Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes .  A Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except as set forth in Section 2.16(b).  Global Notes will not be exchanged by the Issuer for Physical Notes except under the circumstances described in Section in Section 2.16(b).  Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.08 and 2.11.  Beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.17(b) or 2.17(f).

 

(b)           Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes .  The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through the Depository, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository.  Beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act.  Beneficial interests in Global Notes shall be transferred or exchanged only for beneficial interests in Global Notes.  Transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:

 

(i)            Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note .  Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided , however , that prior to the 40th day after the later of the commencement of the offering of the Notes represented by a Regulation S Global Note and the issue date of such Notes (such period through and including such 40th day, the “ Restricted Period ”), transfers of beneficial interests in a Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser).  A beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note.  No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.17(b)(i).

 

(ii)           All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes .  In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests in any Global Note that is not subject to Section 2.17(b)(i), the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar (1) a written order from an Agent Member given to the Depository in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository directing the Depository to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of the Depository containing information regarding the Agent Member account to be credited with such increase.  Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements

 

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for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.17(f).

 

(iii)          Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note .  A beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.17(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:

 

(A)          if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in a Rule 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (1) thereof; and

 

(B)          if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (2) thereof.

 

(iv)          Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note .  A beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.17(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:

 

(A)          if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit G , including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or

 

(B)          if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (4) thereof,

 

and, in each such case, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.  If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subparagraph (iv) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer

 

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shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred or exchanged pursuant to this subparagraph (iv).

 

(v)           Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note .  Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note.

 

(c)           Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes for Physical Notes .  A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be exchanged for a Physical Note except under the circumstances described in Section 2.16(b).  A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Physical Note except under the circumstances described in Section 2.16(b).

 

(d)           Transfer and Exchange of Physical Notes for Beneficial Interests in Global Notes .  Transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i), (ii) or (ii) below, as applicable:

 

(i)            Restricted Physical Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes .  If any Holder of a Restricted Physical Note proposes to exchange such Restricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Physical Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

 

(A)          if the Holder of such Restricted Physical Note proposes to exchange such Restricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit G , including the certifications in item (2)(a) thereof;

 

(B)          if such Restricted Physical Note is being transferred to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

 

(C)          if such Restricted Physical Note is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

 

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(D)          if such Restricted Physical Note is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

 

(E)           [Reserved]; or

 

(F)           if such Restricted Physical Note is being transferred to the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof;

 

the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Physical Note, and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of  the appropriate Restricted Global Note.

 

(ii)           Restricted Physical Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes .  A Holder of a Restricted Physical Note may exchange such Restricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Restricted Physical Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note only if the Registrar receives the following:

 

(A)          if the Holder of such Restricted Physical Note proposes to exchange such Restricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit G , including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or

 

(B)          if the Holder of such Restricted Physical Notes proposes to transfer such Restricted Physical Note to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (4) thereof,

 

and, in each such case, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.  Upon satisfaction of the conditions of this subparagraph (ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Physical Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.  If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subparagraph (ii) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate

 

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principal amount of Restricted Physical Notes transferred or exchanged pursuant to this subparagraph (ii).

 

(iii)          Unrestricted Physical Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes .  A Holder of an Unrestricted Physical Note may exchange such Unrestricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Unrestricted Physical Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time.  Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall cancel the applicable Unrestricted Physical Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.  If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subparagraph (iii) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Unrestricted Physical Notes transferred or exchanged pursuant to this subparagraph (iii).

 

(iv)          Unrestricted Physical Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes .  An Unrestricted Physical Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note.

 

(e)           Transfer and Exchange of Physical Notes for Physical Notes .  Upon request by a Holder of Physical Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.17(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Physical Notes.  Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall present or surrender to the Registrar the Physical Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in writing.  In addition, the requesting Holder shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.17(e).

 

(i)            Restricted Physical Notes to Restricted Physical Notes .  A Restricted Physical Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Physical Note if the Registrar receives the following:

 

(A)          if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

 

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(B)          if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

 

(C)          if the transfer will be made pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

 

(D)          [Reserved]; and

 

(E)           if such transfer will be made to the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof.

 

(ii)           Restricted Physical Notes to Unrestricted Physical Notes .  Any Restricted Physical Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Physical Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Physical Note if the Registrar receives the following:

 

(1)           if the Holder of such Restricted Physical Note proposes to exchange such Restricted Physical Note for an Unrestricted Physical Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit G , including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or

 

(2)           if the Holder of such Restricted Physical Note proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Physical Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit F , including the certifications in item (4) thereof,

 

and, in each such case, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

 

(iii)          Unrestricted Physical Notes to Unrestricted Physical Notes .  A Holder of an Unrestricted Physical Note may transfer such Unrestricted Physical Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Physical Note at any time.  Upon receipt of a request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Physical Notes pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof.

 

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(iv)          Unrestricted Physical Notes to Restricted Physical Notes .  An Unrestricted Physical Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of, a Restricted Physical Note.

 

(f)            Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes .  At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Physical Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.12.  At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Physical Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depository at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depository at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.

 

(g)           Private Placement Legend .  Upon the registration of transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes not bearing the Private Placement Legend, the Registrar shall deliver Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend.  Upon the registration of transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes bearing the Private Placement Legend, the Registrar shall deliver only Notes that bear the Private Placement Legend unless (i) there is delivered to the Registrar an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee to the effect that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act or (ii) such Note has been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and the Registrar has received an Officer’s Certificate from the Issuer to such effect.

 

(h)           General .  All Global Notes and Physical Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Physical Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Physical Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

 

The Registrar shall retain for a period of two years copies of all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to Section 2.16 or this Section 2.17.  The Issuer shall have the right to inspect and make copies of all such letters, notices or other written communications at any reasonable time upon the giving of reasonable notice to the Registrar.

 

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None of the Issuer, the Trustee, Paying Agent nor any Agent of the Issuer shall have any responsibility or liability in any respect of the records relating to or payment made on account of beneficial interests in a Global Note, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

 

Neither the Trustee nor the Registrar shall have any obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Agent Members or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

 

SECTION 2.18.                                                            Computation of Interest .

 

Interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year, comprising twelve 30-day months and, in the case of an incomplete month, the number of actual days elapsed.

 

ARTICLE THREE

 

REDEMPTION

 

SECTION 3.01.                                                            Election To Redeem; Notices to Trustee .

 

If the Issuer elects to redeem Notes pursuant to paragraph 5 of the Notes, at least 2 Business Days (or such shorter time period as the Trustee may agree) before notice of redemption is required to be sent or caused to be sent to Holders pursuant to Section 3.03 but not more than 65 days before the Redemption Date (except as set forth in the last paragraph of Section 3.03), the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate setting forth (a) the paragraph or subparagraph of such Note pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (b) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed, (c) the Redemption Date and (d) the redemption price(s) (or manner of calculation if not then known) ; provided that no Opinion of Counsel pursuant to Section 11.04 or otherwise shall be required in connection with the delivery of such notice of redemption or redemption.

 

SECTION 3.02.                                                            Selection by Trustee of Notes To Be Redeemed or Purchased.

 

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed or purchased at any time, selection of Notes for redemption or purchase will be made by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes to be redeemed or purchased are listed or, if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis (or, in

 

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the case of Global Notes, the Notes will be selected for redemption or purchase based on the Depository’s applicable procedures).  Such Notes to be redeemed or purchased shall be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 15 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date or the purchase date from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption or purchase.

 

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Notes selected for redemption or purchase and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption or purchase, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed or purchased.  Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $1,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; provided that no Notes with a principal amount of $2,000 or less shall be redeemed or purchased in part, except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed or purchased, the entire outstanding amount of Notes of such series held by such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000, shall be redeemed or purchased. For all purposes of this Indenture unless the context otherwise requires and except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption or purchase also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase.

 

If any Note is to be redeemed or purchased in part only, the notice of redemption or offer to purchase that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed or purchased. With respect to Physical Notes, a new Physical Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the original Physical Note will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note; provided that any new Notes will be only issued in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. On and after the redemption or purchase date, interest will cease to accrue on such Notes or portions thereof called for redemption or purchase. Redemption or purchase price shall only be paid upon presentation and surrender of any such Notes to be redeemed or purchased.

 

SECTION 3.03.                                                            Notice of Redemption .

 

At least 15 days but, except as set forth in the last paragraph of this Section 3.03, no more than 60 days, before a Redemption Date or purchase date, the Issuer shall send, or cause to be sent, a notice of redemption electronically or by first-class mail to each Holder to be redeemed at his or her last address as the same appears on the registry books maintained by the Registrar pursuant to Section 2.06 or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of the Depository, except that redemption notices may be delivered or mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 9. Notice of redemption may be conditional.

 

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The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed (including the CUSIP and/or ISIN numbers thereof) and shall state:

 

(1)           the Redemption Date;

 

(2)           the redemption price and the amount of premium (or manner of calculation if not then known) , if any, and accrued and unpaid interest to be paid;

 

(3)           if any Note is being redeemed or purchased in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed or purchased and that, with respect to Physical Notes, after the Redemption Date and upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the original Note representing the same indebtedness to the extent not redeemed or repurchased will be issued in the name of the Holder of such Notes upon cancellation of the original Note; provided that the new Notes will be only issued in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof;

 

(4)           the name and address of the Paying Agent;

 

(5)           that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;

 

(6)           that unless the Issuer defaults in making the redemption payment, interest on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the Redemption Date;

 

(7)           that paragraph or subparagraph of the Notes pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed;

 

(8)           the aggregate principal amount of Notes that are being redeemed;

 

(9)           any condition to such redemption; and

 

(10)         that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP or ISIN numbers printed in the notice or on the Notes.

 

A notice of redemption need not set forth the exact redemption price but only the manner of calculation thereof.

 

At the Issuer’s written request made at least 2 Business Days prior to the date on which notice is to be given (unless a shorter notice shall be agreed to by the Trustee), together with the notice of redemption to be given, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at the Issuer’s sole expense.

 

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Notice of any redemption of, or any offer to purchase, the Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given subject to one or more conditions precedent. In addition, if such redemption or purchase is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date or the purchase date may be delayed until such time (including more than 60 days after the date the notice of redemption or offer to purchase was mailed or delivered, including by electronic transmission) as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption or purchase may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Redemption Date or the purchase date or by the Redemption Date or the purchase date as so delayed, or such notice or offer may be rescinded at any time in the Issuer’s discretion if the Issuer reasonably believes that any or all of such conditions will not be satisfied. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption or purchase price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption or offer to purchase may be performed by another Person.

 

SECTION 3.04.                                                            Effect of Notice of Redemption or Purchase .

 

Once a notice of redemption described in Section 3.03 is sent (including electronically) and subject to the proviso to this sentence, Notes called for redemption or purchase become due and payable on the Redemption Date or purchase date, as applicable, and at the redemption price or purchase price, as applicable, including any premium, plus interest accrued and unpaid to, but excluding, the Redemption Date or purchase date; provided , however , that any redemption or purchase and notice or offer thereof pursuant to this Indenture may, in the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent described in such notice and in which case if and/or to the extent such condition(s) precedent is/are not satisfied the Issuer shall have no obligation to redeem or purchase Notes on such Redemption Date or purchase date. The notice, if sent in a manner herein provided (including electronically), shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice. In any case, failure to give such notice or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Note designated for redemption or purchase in whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption or purchase of any other Note or portions thereof.  Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Notes shall be paid at the redemption price or the purchase price, as the case may be, including any premium, plus interest accrued and unpaid to, but excluding, the Redemption Date or purchase date and such Notes shall be cancelled by the Trustee; provided that if the Redemption Date or purchase date is after a regular record date and on or prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, the accrued and unpaid interest shall be payable to the Holder registered on the relevant record date; and provided , further , that if a Redemption Date or purchase date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and no interest shall accrue for the period from such Redemption Date or purchase to such succeeding Business Day. Subject to Section 3.05, on and

 

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after the Redemption Date or purchase date, as the case may be, interest shall cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption or purchase.

 

SECTION 3.05.                                                            Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price .

 

On or prior to 1 p.m., New York City time (or such later time as the Trustee may agree), on each Redemption Date or purchase date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent U.S. Dollars sufficient to pay the redemption price or purchase price of, including premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on any and all Notes to be redeemed or purchased on that date (other than Notes or portions thereof called for redemption or purchase on that date which have been delivered by the Issuer to the Trustee for cancellation). The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Issuer any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Issuer in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price or purchase price of, including premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on any and all Notes to be redeemed or purchased.

 

On and after any Redemption Date or purchase date, as the case may be, if money sufficient to pay the redemption price or purchase price of, including premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all Notes called for redemption or purchase shall have been made available in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph, the Notes called for redemption or purchase will cease to accrue interest and the only right of the Holders of such Notes will be to receive payment of the redemption price or purchase price of and, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date falling on or after the Redemption Date or purchase date, as the case may be, accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes to the Redemption Date or purchase date.  If any Note surrendered for redemption or purchase shall not be so paid, interest will be paid, from the Redemption Date or purchase date, as the case may be, until such redemption or purchase payment is made, on the unpaid principal of the Note and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate and in the manner provided in the Notes.

 

SECTION 3.06.                                                            Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part .

 

Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed or purchased in part, the Issuer shall execute and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder thereof a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered representing the same indebtedness to the extent not redeemed or purchased; provided that each new Note will be issued in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. It is understood that, notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, only an Officer’s Certificate and not an Opinion of Counsel is required for the Trustee to authenticate such new Note.

 

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SECTION 3.07.                                                            Mandatory Redemption ; Open Market Purchases .

 

Subject to Sections 4.08 and 4.09, the Issuer shall not be required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes. The Issuer and its Affiliates may acquire Notes at any time and from time to time by means other than a redemption, whether by tender offer, open market purchases, negotiated transactions or otherwise, in accordance with applicable securities laws, so long as such acquisition does not otherwise violate the terms of the Indenture.

 

ARTICLE FOUR

 

COVENANTS

 

SECTION 4.01.                                                            Payment of Notes .

 

The Issuer shall pay the principal of and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and this Indenture ; provided that all payments of principal and interest with respect to the Notes represented by one or more Global Notes registered in the name of or held by the Depository or its nominee will be made in accordance with the Depository’s applicable procedures.  An installment of principal or interest shall be considered paid on the date it is due if the Trustee or the Paying Agents hold by noon, New York City time, on that date U.S. Dollars designated for and sufficient to pay such installment. If an Interest Payment Date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding Business Day and no interest on such payment will accrue in respect of the delay.

 

The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal (including post-petition interest in a proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law), and overdue interest, to the extent lawful, at the rate specified in the Notes.

 

SECTION 4.02.                                                            Maintenance of Office or Agency .

 

(a)           The Issuer shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an Affiliate of the Trustee or Registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The designated office of the Trustee shall be such office or agency of the Issuer in the City of New York, unless the Issuer shall designate and maintain some other office or agency for one or more purposes.  The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any change in the location of such office or agency.  If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or

 

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served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee , and the Issuer hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

 

(b)           The Issuer may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided , however , that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuer of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York.  The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

 

(c)           The Issuer hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, or its Agent, in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, as such office or agency of the Issuer in accordance with Section 2.04.

 

SECTION 4.03.                                                            Legal Existence .

 

Except as permitted by Article Five, the Issuer shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect (i) its legal existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each Domestic, Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Issuer and each such Subsidiary and (ii) the material rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Issuer and such Subsidiaries; provided that the Issuer shall not be required to preserve any such right, franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its Subsidiaries if the Board of Directors of the Issuer or such Subsidiary shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. For the avoidance of doubt, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries shall be permitted to change their organizational form.

 

SECTION 4.04.                                                            [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 4.05.                                                            Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws .

 

The Issuer and each of the Guarantors covenant (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that they shall not at any time insist upon, or plead (as a defense or otherwise) or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law or any usury law which would prohibit or forgive the Issuer and the Guarantors from paying all or any portion of the principal of, premium, if any, and/or interest on the Notes as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) the Issuer and the Guarantors hereby expressly waive all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that they will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power

 

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herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

 

SECTION 4.06.                                                            Compliance Certificate .

 

(a)           The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each Fiscal Year,  an Officer’s Certificate stating that such Officer has conducted or supervised a review of the activities of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and the Issuer’s and its Subsidiaries’ performance under this Indenture during such Fiscal Year, and further stating, as to such Officer signing such certificate, that, to the best of such Officer’s knowledge, based upon such review, the Issuer has fulfilled all obligations under this Indenture or, if there has been a Default under this Indenture that is continuing, a description of such Default of which such Officer has knowledge and what action the Issuer and its Subsidiaries are taking or propose to take with respect thereto.

 

(b)           The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, within 30 Business Days after an executive officer of the Issuer becomes aware of any Default or Event of Default, a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

 

SECTION 4.07.                                                            Taxes .

 

The Issuer shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay prior to delinquency all material taxes, assessments, and governmental levies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon the property of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries; provided , however , that, neither the Issuer nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or where failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.

 

SECTION 4.08.                                                            Repurchase at the Option of Holders upon Change of Control .

 

(a)           Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder shall have the right to require the Issuer to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of such Holder’s Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “ Change of Control Offer ”) at an offer price in cash (the “ Change of Control Payment ”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to but excluding the purchase date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date falling on or after the Change of Control Payment Date.

 

(b)           Within 30 days following any Change of Control or, at the Issuer’s option, prior to the consummation of such Change of Control, the Issuer will mail (or to the extent permitted or required by applicable Depository procedures or regulations with respect to

 

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global Notes, send electronically) a notice to each Holder and the Trustee.  The notice shall describe the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offer to repurchase Notes on the purchase date specified in such notice (which must be no earlier than 20 Business Days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is sent, other than as required by law) (the “ Change of Control Payment Date ”) pursuant to the procedures required by this Indenture and described in such notice.  Such notice shall state:

 

(1)           that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.08 and that all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to such Change of Control Offer will be accepted for payment;

 

(2)           the Change of Control Payment and the Change of Control Payment Date (which shall be no earlier than 20 Business Days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is sent, other than as may be required by law); provided that the Change of Control Payment Date may be delayed, in the Issuer’s discretion, until such time (including more than 60 days after the date such notice is sent) as any or all such conditions referred to in clause (8) below shall be satisfied;

 

(3)           that any Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;

 

(4)           that, unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment Date;

 

(5)           that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Note completed, to the Paying Agent and Registrar for the Note at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third (3 rd ) Business Day prior to the Change of Control Payment Date;

 

(6)           that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their tendered Notes and their election to require the Issuer to purchase such Notes if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the expiration time of the Change of Control Offer, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Notes the Holder tendered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Notes and its election to have such Note purchased;

 

(7)           that if the Issuer is redeeming less than all of the Notes, Holders whose Notes are purchased only in part will be issued new Notes in a principal amount equal to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered; provided , however , each new

 

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Note issued shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof;

 

(8)           if such notice is sent prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control or such other conditions specified therein and shall describe each such condition, and, if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Change of Control Payment Date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or that such purchase may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Change of Control Payment Date, or by the Change of Control Payment Date as so delayed; and

 

(9)           the other instructions, as determined by the Issuer, consistent with this Section 4.08 that a Holder must follow.

 

(c)           On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer shall, to the extent permitted by law:

 

(1)           accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof (in minimum amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;

 

(2)           deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered; and

 

(3)           deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes (or portions thereof) being purchased by the Issuer.

 

The Paying Agent will promptly remit to each Holder so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Issuer shall execute and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and deliver (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new Note shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. The Issuer shall publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

 

If Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in a Change of Control Offer and the Issuer, or any other Person making a Change of Control Offer in lieu of the Issuer as described below, purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such

 

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Holders, the Issuer or such other Person will have the right, upon not less than 15 nor more than 30 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Offer described above, to redeem all Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price in cash equal to the applicable Change of Control Payment plus, to the extent not included in the Change of Control Payment, accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date of redemption.

 

Upon the payment of the Change of Control Payment, the Trustee shall, subject to the provisions of Section 2.16, return the Notes purchased to the Issuer for cancellation.  The Trustee may act as the Paying Agent for purposes of any Change of Control Offer.

 

(d)           The Issuer will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if (1) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.08 with respect to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuer and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer or (2) notice of redemption has been given or will be given pursuant to this Indenture as described in paragraph 5 of the Notes or as set forth in Section 9.01, prior to the date the Issuer is required to send notice of the Change of Control Offer to the Holders of the Notes, unless and until there is a default in payment of the applicable redemption price.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditioned upon the consummation of such Change of Control, or such other conditions specified therein, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time the Change of Control Offer is made and such Change of Control Offer is otherwise made in compliance with the provisions of this Section 4.08. The Issuer’s obligation to make a Change of Control Offer shall not continue after a discharge of the Issuer, satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or defeasance from the Issuer’s obligations with respect to the Notes.

 

(e)           The Issuer shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Section 4.08, the Issuer shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.08 by virtue thereof.

 

(f)            Other than as specifically provided in this Section 4.08, any purchase pursuant to this Section 4.08 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.02, 3.05 and 3.06.

 

(g)           The provisions of this Section 4.08 relating to the Issuer’s obligation to make a Change of Control Offer with respect to the Notes upon a Change of Control may be

 

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waived or modified with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes.

 

SECTION 4.09.                                                            Limitation on Asset Disposition .

 

(a)           The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, consummate any Asset Disposition unless:

 

(1)           the Issuer or such Subsidiary receives consideration at least equal to the fair market value (such fair market value to be determined in good faith by the Issuer on the date of contractually agreeing to such Asset Disposition) of the equity and assets subject to such Asset Disposition;

 

(2)           except in the case of a Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of the consideration for such Asset Disposition received by the Issuer or such Subsidiary is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents, Additional Assets or any combination thereof (collectively, the “ Cash Consideration ”); and

 

(3)           within 540 days from the later of the date of such Asset Disposition or the receipt of the Net Available Cash from such Asset Disposition, an amount equal to 100% of the Net Available Cash from such Asset Disposition is applied by the Issuer, at its option (or such Subsidiary, as the case may be):

 

(A)          to the extent the Issuer elects (or is required by the terms of any applicable Indebtedness), to prepay, repay, redeem or purchase Secured Debt of the Issuer or any Guarantor or Indebtedness of a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor (in each case other than Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer), provided that such prepayment, repayment, redemption or purchase permanently retires, or reduces the related loan commitment (if any) (other than commitments in respect of any asset based credit facility to the extent the assets sold or otherwise disposed of in connection with such Asset Disposition constituted “borrowing base assets”) for, such Indebtedness in an amount equal to the principal amount so prepaid, repaid, redeemed or purchased;

 

(B)          to the extent the Issuer elects (or is required by the terms of any applicable Indebtedness), to prepay, repay, redeem or purchase any senior Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor (other than Indebtedness referred to in clause (A) above or owed to the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer), provided such prepayment, repayment, redemption or purchase permanently retires, or reduces the related loan commitment (if any) (other than commitments in respect of any asset-based credit facility to the extent the assets sold or otherwise disposed of in connection with such Asset Disposition constituted “borrowing

 

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base assets”) for, such Indebtedness in an amount equal to the principal amount so prepaid, repaid, redeemed or purchased; provided , further , that the Issuer or such Subsidiary will either (i) reduce the aggregate principal amount of the Notes on an equal or ratable basis with any senior Indebtedness repaid pursuant to this clause (B) by, at its option, (x) redeeming Notes as provided under paragraph 5 of the Notes and/or (y) purchasing Notes through open-market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions and/or (ii) make an offer (in accordance with the provisions set forth below for an Offer) to all Holders to purchase the Notes on an equal or ratable basis with any senior Indebtedness repaid pursuant to this clause (B) (which offer shall be deemed to be an Offer for purposes hereof);

 

(C)          to the extent the Issuer elects, to invest in the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, including acquiring Additional Assets or making any other capital expenditures; provided that this requirement shall be deemed satisfied if the Issuer by the end of such 540-day period has entered into a binding agreement under which it is contractually committed to acquire Additional Assets, make any other capital expenditures or investments and such acquisition, capital expenditure or investment is consummated within the later of the end of such 540-day period and within 180 days from the date on which such binding agreement is entered into; or

 

(D)          any combination of the foregoing.

 

(b)           For the purposes of this Section 4.09, the following are deemed to be Cash Consideration:

 

(1)           the greater of the principal amount and the carrying value of any liabilities (as shown on the Issuer’s or any Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto, or if incurred, accrued or increased subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been reflected on the balance sheet of the Issuer or such Subsidiary or in the footnotes thereto if such incurrence, accrual or increase had taken place on or prior to the date of such balance sheet, as determined in good faith by the Issuer) (other than contingent liabilities) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets (or are otherwise extinguished in connection with the transactions relating to such Asset Disposition) pursuant to a written agreement which releases or indemnifies the Issuer or such Subsidiary from such liabilities;

 

(2)           any securities, notes or other obligations or assets received by the Issuer or any Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Issuer or such Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents, or by their terms are required to be satisfied for cash or Cash Equivalents, in each case, within 180 days after such Asset Disposition, to the extent of the cash and Cash Equivalents received in that conversion; and

 

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(3)           any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in such Asset Disposition having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause that has at that time not been converted into cash or Cash Equivalent, not to exceed 20.0% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of contractually agreeing to such Asset Disposition (with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time of contractually agreeing to the related Asset Disposition and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value).

 

(c)           The amount of Net Available Cash not applied or invested as provided above will constitute “ Excess Proceeds .” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $50.0 million, the Issuer shall make an offer to purchase Notes (an “ Offer ”) within 20 Business Days thereof, and shall purchase the aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of Notes tendered pursuant to an Offer and other Pari Passu Indebtedness that requires the purchase, prepayment or redemption of such Indebtedness that is, in the case of the Notes only, equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof, that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at a purchase price, in the case of the Notes only, of 100% of their principal amount without premium, plus accrued but unpaid interest to, but excluding, the purchase date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date falling on or after the purchase date) (or, in respect of such other Pari Passu Indebtedness, such lesser price, if any, as may be provided for by the terms of such Pari Passu Indebtedness) in accordance with the procedures (including prorating in the event of oversubscription) set forth in the Indenture and the terms of such other Pari Passu Indebtedness. The Issuer may satisfy the foregoing obligation with respect to such Excess Proceeds from an Asset Disposition by making an Offer in advance of being required to do so by the Indenture (an “ Advance Offer ”) with respect to all or part of the available Excess Proceeds (the “ Advance Portion ”).

 

If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Offer and the contemporaneous offer with respect to any other Pari Passu Indebtedness contemplated above, the Issuer may use those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds (or in the case of an Advance Offer, the Advance Portion), the Issuer shall allocate the Excess Proceeds between the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness on a pro rata basis but with such adjustments as necessary so that no Notes or Parti Passu Indebtedness, as the case may be, will be repurchased in an unauthorized denomination and will select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis but in denominations of $1,000 principal amount or integral multiples thereof. The remainder of the Excess Proceeds allocable to the other Pari Passu Indebtedness will be repurchased as provided pursuant to the terms of such Indebtedness. Upon completion of such an Offer to purchase, Excess Proceeds will be deemed to be reset to zero (regardless of whether there are any remaining Excess Proceeds upon such completion) and in

 

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the case of an Advance Offer, the Advance Portion shall be excluded in subsequent calculations of Excess Proceeds.

 

Pending application of an amount equal to the Net Available Cash pursuant to Section 4.09, such Net Available Cash may be applied to temporarily reduce revolving credit Indebtedness (including under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities) or in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture.

 

(d)           The Issuer shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to an Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 4.09, the Issuer shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.09 by virtue of its compliance with such securities laws or regulations.

 

(e)           Other than as specifically provided in this Section 4.0 9, any purchase pursuant to this Section 4.09 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.02, 3.05 and 3.06.

 

(f)            The provision of this Section 4.09 relating to the Issuer’s obligation to make an offer to repurchase the Notes as a result of an Asset Disposition may be waived or modified with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Notes.

 

SECTION 4.10.                                                            Limitation on Restricted Payments .

 

The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make any Restricted Payment if at the time of such Restricted Payment:

 

(a)           a Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall occur as a consequence thereof;

 

(b)           after giving effect to such Restricted Payment (including, without limitation, the incurrence of any Indebtedness to finance such Restricted Payment), the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio would be less than 2:00 to 1:00; or

 

(c)           the amount of such Restricted Payment, when added to the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made since the Term Loan Facility Date (including Restricted Payments made pursuant to clauses (a) and (g) of the second succeeding paragraph but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by the second succeeding paragraph), exceeds the sum (the “ Restricted Payments Basket ”) of (without duplication):

 

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(1)           50% of Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP for the period (taken as one accounting period) commencing on January 1, 2014 to and including the last day of the fiscal quarter ended immediately prior to the date of such calculation for which consolidated financial statements are available (or, if such Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such aggregate deficit), plus

 

(2)           100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Issuer, of property and marketable securities received by the Issuer from the issuance and sale of Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity (to the extent such net cash proceeds and fair market value of property and marketable securities are actually contributed to the Issuer) since the Term Loan Facility Date or from the issue or sale of convertible or exchangeable Disqualified Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity (to the extent such net cash proceeds and fair market value of property and marketable securities are actually contributed to the Issuer) or convertible or exchangeable debt securities of the Issuer or any Parent Entity (to the extent such net cash proceeds and fair market value of property and marketable securities are actually contributed to the Issuer), in each case that have been converted into or exchanged for Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity, other than (A) any such proceeds which are used to redeem Notes in accordance with the first paragraph under paragraph 5 of the Notes or (B) any such proceeds or assets received from a Subsidiary of the Issuer, plus

 

(3)           100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Issuer, of property and marketable securities contributed to the capital of the Issuer, or that becomes part of the capital of the Issuer through consolidation or merger following the Term Loan Facility Date, plus

 

(4)           the aggregate amount by which Indebtedness (other than any Subordinated Indebtedness) incurred by the Issuer or any Subsidiary since the Term Loan Facility Date is reduced on the Issuer’s balance sheet upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a Subsidiary of the Issuer) into Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity (less the amount of any cash, or the fair value of assets, distributed by the Issuer or any Subsidiary upon such conversion or exchange).

 

The foregoing provisions will not prohibit:

 

(a)           the payment by the Issuer of any dividend or distribution or the consummation of any redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof or

 

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the giving of the redemption notice, as the case may be, if on the date of declaration or notice, the dividend, distribution or redemption payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

(b)           the redemption of any Equity Interests of the Issuer in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent issuance and sale of, Qualified Equity Interests;

 

(c)           payments by the Issuer to repurchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity held by future, present or former officers, directors, employees, managers or consultants (or their transferees, estates or beneficiaries under their estates) of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries or any Parent Entity, upon their death, disability, retirement, severance or termination of employment or service or other repurchase event pursuant to any management, director and/or employee equity plan or stock option plan, stock appreciation rights plan or any other management, director or employee benefit plan or agreement or arrangement or equity subscription or equityholder agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any principal and interest payable on any Indebtedness issued by the Issuer or any Parent Entity in connection with such repurchase, retirement or other acquisition); provided that the aggregate cash consideration paid for all such redemptions shall not exceed (A) $25.0 million during any calendar year (with unused amounts being available to be used in the following calendar years) plus (B) the amount of any net cash proceeds received by the Issuer from the issuance and sale after the Issue Date of Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity to future, present or former officers, directors, employees, managers or consultants (or their transferees, estates or beneficiaries under their estates) of the Issuer or the Subsidiaries or any Parent Entity that have not been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments pursuant to this clause (c), plus (C) the net cash proceeds of any “key-man” life insurance policies that have not been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments pursuant to this clause (c); provided , that neither (x) cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Issuer or its Subsidiaries or any Parent Entity from any future, current or former officer, director, employee, manager or consultant (or any permitted transferees thereof) of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or any Parent Entity, in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity from such Persons nor (y) any payments or other obligations arising in respect of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity held by future, present or former officers, directors, employees, managers or consultants (or their transferees, estates or beneficiaries under their estates) in connection with or resulting from the announcement or consummation of a Change of Control, will be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this covenant or any other provisions of the indenture;

 

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(d)           repurchases, acquisitions or retirements for value of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options, warrants, rights to acquire Equity Interests or other convertible securities if the Equity Interests represents a portion of the exercise price thereof, or in connection with the withholding of a portion of the Equity Interests granted or awarded to a director, employee, manager or consultant (or their transferees, estates or beneficiaries under their estates) to pay for the taxes payable by such director, employee, manager or consultant upon such grant or award;

 

(e)           Restricted Payments to allow the payment of cash in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares upon (i) the exercise of options or warrants or (ii) the conversion or exchange of Equity Interests of any Person (including in connection with a dividend, distribution, share split, reverse share split, merger, consolidation, amalgamation or similar transaction) and payments of cash to dissenting shareholders in connection with a merger, consolidation, amalgamation, transfer of assets;

 

(f)            [ Intentionally Omitted ];

 

(g)           the declaration and payment of dividends on the Issuer’s common stock (or the payment of dividends to any Parent Entity to fund a payment of dividends on such entity’s common stock) of up to (A) 6.0% per annum of the net cash proceeds received by the Issuer from any public offering of common stock or contributed to the Issuer by any Parent Entity in or from any public offering of common stock (other than public offerings with respect to common stock registered on Form S-8) and (B) an aggregate amount not to exceed 7.0% of Market Capitalization;

 

(h)           Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed $125.0 million since the Issue Date;

 

(i)            Restricted Payments that are made in an amount equal to the amount of Excluded Contributions;

 

(j)            the payment or distribution of Receivables Fees;

 

(k)           the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions by the Issuer to, or the making of loans to, any Parent Entity in amounts required for any Parent Entity to pay or cause to be paid, in each case without duplication,

 

(1)                                  franchise, excise and similar taxes and other fees, taxes and expenses, in each case, required to maintain their corporate or other legal existence;

 

(2)                                  for any taxable period for which Parent and/or any of its Subsidiaries are members of a consolidated, combined or unitary tax group for U.S. federal and/or applicable state, local, provincial, territorial or foreign

 

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income or similar tax purposes of which a Parent Entity is the common parent (a “ Tax Group ”), the portion of any U.S. federal, state, local, provincial, territorial or foreign income or similar taxes (as applicable), including any interest or penalties related thereto, of such Tax Group for such taxable period that are attributable to the income, revenue, receipts or capital of the Issuer and/or its Subsidiaries; provided that payments made pursuant to this subclause (2) shall not exceed the amount of liability that the Issuer and/or its Subsidiaries (as applicable) would have incurred were such taxes determined as if such entity(ies) were a stand-alone taxpayer or a stand-alone group, which amount shall be reduced by any such tax directly paid by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(3)                                  customary salary, bonus, severance and other benefits payable to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, future, current or former officers, employees, directors, managers and consultants of any Parent Entity to the extent such salaries, bonuses, severance and other benefits and indemnities are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, including the Issuer’s or its Subsidiaries’ proportionate share of such amount relating to such Parent Entity being a public company;

 

(4)                                  general corporate, operating and other costs and expenses (including, without limitation, expenses related to the maintenance of corporate or other existence and auditing or other accounting or tax reporting matters) and listing fees and other costs and expenses attributable to being a public company, of any Parent Entity;

 

(5)                                  amounts required for any Parent Entity to pay interest and/or principal on Indebtedness, the proceeds of which have been contributed to the Issuer (other than as Disqualified Equity Interests) and that has been guaranteed by, and is otherwise considered Indebtedness of, the Issuer or any Subsidiary;

 

(6)                                  fees and expenses related to any equity or debt offering, financing transaction, acquisitions, divestitures, investments or other non-ordinary course transaction (whether or not successful) of such Parent Entity; provided that any such acquisition or investment was intended to be for the benefit of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries; and

 

(7)                                  any Restricted Payment permitted by clause (c) of this paragraph; or

 

(l)            other Restricted Payments if, at the time of the making of such payments, and after giving effect thereto (including, without limitation, the incurrence

 

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of any Indebtedness to finance such payment), the Total Net Leverage Ratio would not exceed 3.00 to 1.00,

 

provided that (x) in the case of any Restricted Payment pursuant to clauses (g) and (h) above, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or occur as a consequence thereof, (y) no issuance and sale of Qualified Equity Interests that are used to make a payment pursuant to clauses (b) or (c)(B) above shall increase the Restricted Payments Basket and (z) in the case of any Restricted Payment pursuant to clause (l) above, such Restricted Payment shall not be made prior to the utilization of any amounts available for such Restricted Payment under clause (c) of the first paragraph of this Section 4.10  or under clauses (a) through (k) above.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.10, in the event that a proposed Restricted Payment (or a portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Restricted Payments described in the preceding clauses (a) through (l) above and/or is entitled to be made pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 4.10, the Issuer will be entitled to divide or classify (or later divide, classify or reclassify in whole or in part in their sole discretion) such Restricted Payment (or a portion thereof) among such clauses (a) through (l) and/or such first paragraph, in a manner that otherwise complies with this Section 4.10.

 

The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the fair market value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the assets or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by the Issuer or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment.

 

SECTION 4.11.                                                            Limitation on Liens .

 

The Issuer will not at any time create, incur, assume or guarantee, and will not cause or permit a Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or guarantee, any Secured Debt (the “ Initial Security Interest ”), without first making effective provision whereby the Notes then outstanding under this Indenture and any other Indebtedness of or guaranteed by the Issuer or such Subsidiary then entitled thereto, subject to applicable priorities of payment, shall be secured by the Security Interest securing such Secured Debt equally and ratably with any and all other obligations and indebtedness so secured, so long as such other obligations and indebtedness shall be so secured; provided , however , that the foregoing prohibition will not prevent the creation, incurrence, assumption or guarantee of the following permitted Security Interests (the “ Permitted Security Interests ”):

 

(1)           Security Interests on property or assets acquired, constructed, developed or improved after the Issue Date by the Issuer or a Subsidiary and created prior to or contemporaneously with, or within 180 days after, the acquisition of property which is a parcel of real property, a building, machinery or equipment, and extensions,

 

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renewals and replacements of any such Security Interests so long as such Security Interests are not extended to any other property of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(2)           Security Interests on property or assets at the time of acquisition which secure obligations assumed by the Issuer or a Subsidiary, or on the property, assets or on the Equity Interests or indebtedness of a Person at the time it becomes a Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the Issuer or a Subsidiary, or on properties of a Person acquired by the Issuer or a Subsidiary as an entirety or substantially as an entirety; provided that the Security Interests may not extend to any other property of the Issuer or Subsidiary other than proceeds and products of such property, shares or indebtedness and accessions thereto, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Security Interests so long as such Security Interests are not extended to any other property of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(3)           Security Interests arising from conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar agreements or arrangements for the sale of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(4)           Security Interests in favor of the Issuer, any Parent Entity or any Subsidiary;

 

(5)           Security Interests to secure obligations under Credit Facilities, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the sum of (A) $1.05 billion, plus (B) an additional amount so long as the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio of the Issuer would not exceed 2.50 to 1.00 after giving effect to the incurrence of the obligations to be secured by such Security Interests, and Security Interests to secure any modification, refinancing, refunding, restatement, exchange, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancing, refunding, restatement, exchange, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of such obligations under Credit Facilities;

 

(6)           Security Interests existing on the Issue Date and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Security Interests so long as such Security Interests are not extended to any other property of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(7)           any Security Interest arising by reason of deposits with, or the giving of any form of security to, any governmental agency or any body created or approved by law or governmental regulations, which is required by law or governmental regulation as a condition to the transaction of any business, or the exercise of any privilege, franchise or license;

 

(8)           liens of carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics, suppliers’ materialmen, repairmen and other liens imposed by law arising in the ordinary course of business (including construction of facilities) in respect of obligations that are not due, that are

 

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not yet delinquent for a period of more than 60 days or that are being contested in good faith;

 

(9)           Security Interests for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims (a) that are not yet delinquent for a period of more than 30 days, (b) not yet payable or subject to penalties for non-payment or (c) that are being contested in good faith;

 

(10)         Security Interests (including judgment liens) arising in connection with legal proceedings so long as such proceedings are being contested in good faith or, in the case of judgment liens, execution thereon is stayed or not giving rise to an Event of Default;

 

(11)         landlords’ liens on fixtures on premises leased in the ordinary course of business;

 

(12)         Security Interests to secure the performance of statutory obligations, insurance, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds, or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business (including Security Interests to secure letters of credit issued to assure payment of such obligations);

 

(13)         Security Interests on assets of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries securing Indebtedness consisting of Hedging Obligations or Treasury Management Arrangements;

 

(14)         survey exceptions, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, minor defects or irregularities in title, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of, charges or encumbrances in respect of, real property that do not materially impair the use of said properties in the operation of the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries;

 

(15)         Security Interests on insurance policies and proceeds thereof, or other deposits, to secure insurance premium financings;

 

(16)         filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements as a precautionary measure in connection with operating leases or consignments;

 

(17)         bankers’ liens and rights of setoff or Security Interests that are contractual rights of set-off relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(18)         Security Interests in cash, Cash Equivalents or other property arising in connection with the defeasance, discharge or redemption of Indebtedness;

 

(19)         Security Interests on specific items of inventory or other goods (and the proceeds thereof) of the Issuer or a Subsidiary securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or trade-related letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

 

(20)         grants of intellectual property licenses (including software and other technology licenses) in the ordinary course of business;

 

(21)         Security Interests incurred or pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment and other insurance and other types of social security and employee health and disability benefits or similar obligations (including Security Interests to secure letters of credit issued to assure payment of such obligations and also including pledges or deposits securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements) or to secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar obligations;

 

(22)         deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;

 

(23)         Security Interests to secure partial, progress, advance or other payments or any indebtedness incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or the cost of construction, development, or substantial repair, alteration or improvement of the property subject to such Security Interests if the commitment for the financing is obtained not later than 180 days after the later of the completion of or the placing into operation (exclusive of test and start-up periods) of such property;

 

(24)         Security Interests in cash proceeds (or securities purchased therewith) from Indebtedness which are set aside at the time of such incurrence in order to secure an escrow arrangement pursuant to which such cash proceeds (or securities purchased therewith) are contemplated to ultimately be released to the Issuer or a Subsidiary or returned to the lenders of such Indebtedness; provided that such Security Interests are automatically released concurrently with the release of such cash proceeds (or securities purchased therewith) from such escrow arrangement;

 

(25)         any interest or title of a lessor under any lease, whether or not characterized as capital or operating; provided that such Security Interests do not extend to any property or assets which is not leased property subject to such lease;

 

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(26)         Security Interests encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from statutory, regulatory, contractual or warranty requirements of the Issuer or a Subsidiary, including rights of offset and set-off;

 

(27)         leases or subleases granted to others not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Issuer or a Subsidiary;

 

(28)         Security Interests in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of custom duties in connection with importation of goods;

 

(29)         Security Interests encumbering initial deposits and margin deposits, and other Security Interests incurred in the ordinary course of business and that are within the general parameters customary in the industry;

 

(30)         any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to Equity Interests of any joint venture or similar arrangement;

 

(31)         Security Interests solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Issuer or a Subsidiary in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement;

 

(32)         Security Interests in respect of cash-pooling arrangement outside of the United States covering assets of Subsidiaries;

 

(33)         Security Interests on account receivables and Receivables Assets incurred in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing;

 

(34)         Security Interests on equipment of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer granted in the ordinary course of business to Issuer’s or such Subsidiary’s client at which such equipment is located;

 

(35)         Security Interests (a) of a collection bank arising under Section 4 210 of the Uniform Commercial Code or any comparable or successor provision on items in the course of collection, (b) attaching to pooling, commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice and (c) in favor of a banking or other financial institution or electronic payment service providers arising as a matter of law or under general terms and conditions encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking or finance industry;

 

(36)         Security Interests in favor of the Trustee or Security Interests securing the Notes and the Guarantees; or

 

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(37)         other Security Interests securing Indebtedness, in an aggregate principal amount for the Issuer and its Subsidiaries together with the amount of Attributable Indebtedness incurred in connection with Sale and Leaseback Transactions, not exceeding at the time such Security Interest is created or assumed the greater of (x) $100.0 million and (y) 3.75% of Consolidated Total Assets.

 

Additionally, such permitted Secured Debt includes any extension, renewal or refunding, in whole or in part, of any Secured Debt permitted at the time of the original incurrence thereof, provided that the Security Interest securing the extended, renewed or refunded Secured Debt is limited to all or part of the same property and assets that secured or, under the written agreements pursuant to which the original Security Interest arose, could secure the original Security Interest (plus improvements, additions and accessions to such property or proceeds, distributions or products thereof).

 

Any Security Interest created for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes pursuant to this Section 4.11 shall provide by its terms that such Security Interest shall be unconditionally and automatically released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Initial Security Interest that gave rise to the obligation to secure the Notes.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.11, a Security Interest securing an item of Secured Debt need not be permitted solely by one category of Permitted Security Interest but may be permitted in part under any combination thereof and of any other available exemption, and if a Permitted Security Interest meets the criteria or more than one of the exceptions described in clauses (1) through (37) of this Section 4.11, the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify the Permitted Security Interest (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this Section 4.11.

 

SECTION 4.12.                                                            [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 4.13.                                                            [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 4.14.                                                            [Reserved] .

 

SECTION 4.15.                                                            Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions .

 

The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, engage in any Sale and Leaseback Transaction unless:

 

(1)           the Issuer or such Subsidiary would be entitled to incur Secured Debt pursuant to the covenant described in Section 4.11 equal in amount to the net proceeds of the property sold or transferred or to be sold or to be transferred pursuant to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction and secured by a Security Interest on the property to

 

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be leased, without equally and ratably securing the Notes outstanding under this Indenture as provided under Section 4.11; or

 

(2)           the Issuer or a Subsidiary shall apply, within 365 days after the effective date of such Sale and Leaseback Transaction, an amount equal to such net proceeds to (i) the acquisition, construction, development or improvement of properties, facilities or equipment which are, or upon such acquisition, construction, development or improvement will be, a Principal Facility or Facilities or a part thereof or (ii) the redemption of Notes issued under the Indenture or to the repayment or redemption of long-term Indebtedness of the Issuer or of any Subsidiary, or in part to such acquisition, construction, development or improvement and in part to such redemption and/or repayment. In lieu of applying an amount equal to such net proceeds to such redemption, the Issuer may, within 365 days after such sale or transfer, deliver to the Trustee Notes issued under the Indenture or to the applicable representative such long-term Indebtedness for cancellation and thereby reduce the amount to be applied to the redemption of such Notes or long-term Indebtedness by an amount equivalent to the aggregate principal amount of Notes or long-term Indebtedness.

 

SECTION 4.16.                                                            Reports to Holders .

 

(a)           Whether or not the Issuer is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, so long as any Notes are outstanding hereunder, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee and Holders thereof the following:

 

(1)           all quarterly and annual financial statements of the Issuer that would be required to be filed with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” that describes the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer and its consolidated Subsidiaries and, with respect to the annual information only, a report thereon by the Issuer’s certified independent accountants; and

 

(2)           all current reports required to be filed with the Commission on Form 8-K under Items 1.01, 1.02. 1.03, 2.01, 2.02, 2.05, 2.06, 4.01, 4.02, 5.01 and 5.02 (other than with respect to information otherwise required or contemplated by Item 402 of Regulation S-K) as in effect on the Issue Date if the Issuer were required to file such reports; provided , however , that no such current report will be required to include as an exhibit, or to include a summary of the terms of, any employment or compensatory arrangement agreement, plan or understanding between the Issuer (or any of its Subsidiaries) and any director, manager or executive officer, of the Issuer (or any of its Subsidiaries),

 

in each case, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and regulations (and, during any period in which the Issuer is not required to file reports with the

 

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Commission, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and regulations applicable to a “non-accelerated filer”); provided , however , that (i) in no event shall such reports be required to comply with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Commission or contain separate financial statements for the Issuer, the Guarantors or other Subsidiaries the shares of which are pledged to secure the Notes or any Guarantee that would be required under(a) Section 3-09 of Regulation S-X, (b) Section 3-10 of Regulation S-X or (c) Section 3-16 of Regulation S-X, respectively, promulgated by the Commission.

 

(b)           The Issuer will make all such information available to the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes, in each case, by posting such information on its website, on Intralinks or any comparable password-protected online data system which will require a confidentiality acknowledgment. In addition, the Issuer shall, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding, furnish to the Holders of such Notes and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act so long as the Notes are not freely transferable under the Securities Act.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Issuer is permitted to satisfy its obligations in this Section 4.16 with respect to financial information relating to the Issuer by furnishing financial information relating to any Parent Entity; provided that if such Parent Entity has any material assets other than its direct or indirect Equity Interests of the Issuer, the same is accompanied by selected financial metrics, which may be unaudited, that show the differences (in the Issuer’s sole discretion) between the information relating to such Parent Entity, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Issuer and its Subsidiaries on a stand-alone basis, on the other hand.

 

(c)           The Issuer will be deemed to have furnished the reports referred to in clauses (1) and (2) of Section 4.16(a) if the Issuer or any Parent Entity has filed reports containing such information (or any such information of a Parent Entity in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph) with the Commission. The terms of the Indenture shall not impose any duty on the Issuer under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related Commission rules that would not otherwise be applicable to it.

 

(d)           Delivery of such reports and information to the Trustee shall be for informational purposes only, and the Trustee’s receipt of them shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on an Officer’s Certificate).

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Issuer will not be deemed to have failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Section 4.16 for purposes of clause (4) under Section 6.01 until 180 days after the date any report hereunder is due.

 

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SECTION 4.17.                                                            Additional Note Guarantees .

 

If, on or after the Issue Date:

 

(1)           the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries acquires or creates another Domestic Subsidiary that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary and that incurs any Indebtedness under (i) the Senior Secured Credit Facilities or (ii) any syndicated loan or capital markets debt securities in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $100.0 million or guarantees any such Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Guarantor; or

 

(2)           any Domestic Subsidiary of the Issuer that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary incurs Indebtedness under (i) the Senior Secured Credit Facilities or (ii) any syndicated loan or capital markets debt securities in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $100.0 million or guarantees any such Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Guarantor and that Domestic Subsidiary was not a Guarantor immediately prior to such incurrence or guarantee (an “ Additional Obligor ”),

 

then that newly acquired or created Domestic Subsidiary or Additional Obligor, as the case may be, must become a Guarantor and execute a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of an exhibit to the Indenture within 30 Business Days of the date on which it became an obligor or a guarantor under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities or such capital markets debt securities; provided that this covenant shall not be applicable to any guarantee of any acquired Domestic Subsidiary that existed at the time such Person became a Subsidiary of the Issuer and was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 4.18.                                                            Suspension of Covenants.

 

(a)           If on any date following the Issue Date (i) the Notes have Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies, and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “ Covenant Suspension Event ”), then beginning on such date, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries will not be subject to Sections 4.09, 4.10, 4.15(2) and 4.17 hereof (collectively, the “ Suspended Covenants ”).

 

(b)           Upon the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event (the date of such occurrence, the “ Suspension Date ”), the amount of Excess Proceeds from any Asset Disposition shall be reset at zero. In the event that the Issuer and its Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “ Reversion Date ”) one or both of the Rating Agencies withdraw their Investment Grade Rating or downgrade the rating assigned to the Notes below an Investment Grade Rating, then the Issuer and its Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants with respect to future events. The period of time between (and including) the Suspension

 

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Date and the Reversion Date (but excluding the Reversion Date) is referred to in this description as the “ Suspension Period .”

 

(c)           In the event of any such reinstatement, no action taken or omitted to be taken by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries prior to such reinstatement will give rise to a Default or Event of Default with respect to Notes. With respect to Restricted Payments made on or after the Reversion Date, the amount of Restricted Payments made will be calculated as though Section 4.10 had been in effect prior to, but not during,  the Suspension Period. No Subsidiary of the Issuer shall be required to comply with Section 4.17 on or after the Reversion Date with respect to any guarantee entered into by such Subsidiary during the Suspension Period. In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, the continued existence after any reinstitution of the foregoing covenants of facts and circumstances or obligations arising from transactions that occurred during the Suspension Period shall not constitute a breach of any covenant set forth in this Indenture or cause a Default or an Event of Default thereunder. Following a Reversion Date, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries will be permitted, without causing a Default or Event of Default, to honor, comply with or otherwise perform any contractual commitments or obligations arising during the Suspension Period and to consummate the transactions thereby.

 

(d)           The Issuer, in an Officer’s Certificate, shall provide the Trustee notice of any Suspension Date or Reversion Date.  The Trustee will have no obligation to (i) independently determine or verify if such events have occurred, (ii) make any determination regarding the impact of actions taken during the Suspension Period on the Issuer’s future compliance with their covenants or (iii) notify the Holders of a Suspension Date or Reversion Date.  The Trustee may deliver a copy of any such Officer’s Certificate to the Holders upon request.

 

ARTICLE FIVE

 

SUCCESSOR CORPORATION

 

SECTION 5.01.                                                            Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets .

 

(a)           (i) The Issuer will not consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or Transfer all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole and (ii) the Issuer will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, Transfer all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in each case, to, another Person unless:

 

(1)           the Issuer shall be the continuing corporation, or the successor shall be a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust organized and existing under the laws of the United States or a state thereof, the District of Columbia or any

 

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territory thereof, and the successor Person expressly assumes by a supplemental indenture or amendment of the relevant documents the Issuer’s obligations under the Notes and this Indenture; and

 

(2)           after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing.

 

The Issuer shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each to the effect that such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, assignment, transfer, lease or other disposition complies with the requirements of this Indenture.

 

This Section 5.01 will not apply to any Transfer of assets between or among the Issuer and any one or more of its Subsidiaries or between or among any one or more of the Issuer’s Subsidiaries. Clause (2) of Section 5.01(a) (and the requirement to deliver an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel) shall not apply to (1) any merger or consolidation of the Issuer with or into, or Transfer of all of the properties or assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to one of its Subsidiaries for any purpose or (2) any merger or consolidation of the Issuer or a Subsidiary solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Issuer or a Subsidiary in another jurisdiction.

 

SECTION 5.02.                                                            Successor Person Substituted .

 

Upon any consolidation, combination or merger of the Issuer, or any Transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in accordance with the foregoing provisions of Section 5.01, in which the Issuer is not the continuing obligor under the Notes, the surviving entity formed by such consolidation or into which the Issuer is merged or to which such Transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, is made will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes with the same effect as if such surviving entity had been named therein as the Issuer and, the Issuer and all of the Guarantors will be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on such Notes or in respect of its related Note Guarantee, as the case may be, and all of the Issuer’s or such Guarantor’s other obligations and covenants under such Notes, this Indenture and its related Note Guarantee, if applicable.

 

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ARTICLE SIX

 

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

SECTION 6.01.                                                            Events of Default .

 

Each of the following constitutes an “ Event of Default ” with respect to the Notes:

 

(1)           default for 30 consecutive days in the payment when due of interest with respect to the Notes;

 

(2)           default in payment when due of principal or premium, if any, on the Notes at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise;

 

(3)           failure by the Issuer or any Subsidiary after receipt of notice from the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding under this Indenture (with a copy to the Trustee) to comply with any of the provisions under Section 4.08;

 

(4)           failure by the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer for 60 consecutive days after receipt of notice from the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding under this Indenture (with a copy to the Trustee) to comply with any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture (other than the covenants and agreements specified in clauses (1) through (3) of this Section 6.01);

 

(5)           default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or the payment of which is Guaranteed by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or a Subsidiary), whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists or is created after the Issue Date, which default (a) is caused by a failure to pay when due at final stated maturity (giving effect to any grace period related thereto) principal of such Indebtedness (a “ Payment Default ”) or (b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its stated maturity, and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $100.0 million or more; and, in each case, the Issuer has received notice specifying the default from the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding (with a copy to the Trustee) and does not cure the default within 30 days;

 

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(6)           failure by the Issuer or any Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or group of Subsidiaries of the Issuer that, together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary  to pay final and non-appealable judgments (net of any amounts covered by insurance and as to which such insurer has not denied responsibility or coverage in writing) aggregating $100.0 million or more, which judgments are not paid, discharged, bonded, stayed or waived within 60 days after such judgment becomes final, and in the event such judgment is covered in full by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed;

 

(7)           (A) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that (i) is for relief against the Issuer or any Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or group of Subsidiaries of the Issuer that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case or proceeding in which the Issuer or any Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or group of Subsidiaries of the Issuer that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary is to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, (ii) appoints a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Issuer or any Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or group of Subsidiaries of the Issuer that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or for all or substantially all of the property of the Issuer or any Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or group of Subsidiaries of the Issuer that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or (iii) orders the winding up or liquidation of the Issuer or any Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or group of Subsidiaries of the Issuer that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, and in each of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), such order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or (B) the Issuer or any Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or group of Subsidiaries of the Issuer that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law (i) commences a voluntary case to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent or consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case, (ii) consents to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Issuer or any such Subsidiary or group of Subsidiaries or for all or substantially all of its property, (iii) effects any general assignment for the benefit of its creditors or (iv) generally is not paying its debts as they become due; and

 

(8)           any Note Guarantee of any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary ceases to be in full force and effect in all material respects (other than in accordance with the terms of such Note Guarantee and this Indenture) or is declared null and void and unenforceable or found to be invalid or any such Guarantor denies its liability under its Note Guarantee (other than by reason of the satisfaction and discharge of the

 

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Indenture or the release of such Guarantor from its Note Guarantee in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and such Note Guarantee).

 

SECTION 6.02.                                                            Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission .

 

If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing under this Indenture, either the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, may declare all Notes then outstanding to be due and payable by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Trustee, in the case of notice by Holders, specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a “notice of acceleration” and the same shall become immediately due and payable; provided , however , that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(7) occurs with respect to the Issuer and is continuing under this Indenture, all outstanding Notes shall become due and payable without further action or notice.

 

In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (5) of Section 6.01, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 30 days after such Event of Default arose:

 

(1)           the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged; or

 

(2)           holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default; or

 

(3)           the payment default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured.

 

In the event of a declaration of acceleration with respect to the Notes , the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may, by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, on behalf of all of the Holders, rescind and annul such acceleration and its consequences, so long as such rescission and annulment would not conflict with any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction if:

 

(1)           all Events of Default, other than nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration, have been cured or waived;

 

(2)           to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid; and

 

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(3)           the Issuer has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its reasonable expenses, disbursements, indemnities and advances.

 

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

 

SECTION 6.03.                                                            Other Remedies .

 

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, and interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture and may take any necessary action requested by the Holders of a majority of the principal amount outstanding of the Notes to settle, compromise, adjust or otherwise conclude any proceedings to which it is a party.

 

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding.  A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Noteholder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default.  Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes in Section 2.08, no remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is exclusive of any other remedy.  All available remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

 

SECTION 6.04.                                                            Waiver of Existing Defaults and Events of Default .

 

(a)           Subject to Sections 2.10 and 6.08, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding shall have the right to waive any past and existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under this Indenture, except a Default in the payment of the principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on any Note held by a non-consenting Holder as specified in clauses (1) and (2) of Section 6.01 or in respect of a covenant or a provision which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each Holder as provided for in Section 8.02 (which shall require the consent of all Holders); provided that, subject to Section 6.02, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration.  In case of any such waiver, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder and under the Notes, respectively.

 

(b)           Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture,

 

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but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

 

SECTION 6.05.                                                            Control by Majority .

 

Subject to Sections 2.10 , 6.06 and 7.01, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee by this Indenture.  The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of another Holder not taking part in such direction, and the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any such directions are unduly prejudicial to such Holders) if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that the action so directed may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a Responsible Officer, determine that the proceedings so directed may involve it in personal liability; provided that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.  In the event the Trustee takes any action or follows any direction pursuant to this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to indemnification reasonably satisfactory to it against any cost, liability or expense that might be caused by taking such action or following such direction.

 

SECTION 6.06.                                                            Limitation on Suits .

 

Subject to Section 6.08, no Holder shall have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to this Indenture or the Notes or for any remedy thereunder unless:

 

(1)           such Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default;

 

(2)           the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding have made a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

 

(3)           such Holder or Holders have offered the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any costs, liability or expense;

 

(4)           the Trustee has not complied with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity against any cost, liability or expense that might be caused by complying with such request; and

 

(5)           during such 60-day period, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction that is inconsistent with the request.

 

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A Noteholder may not use any provision of this Indenture to disturb or prejudice the rights of another Noteholder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Noteholder.

 

SECTION 6.07.                                                            No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders.

 

No past, present or future director, officer, employee, manager, member, partner, incorporator or stockholder of the Issuer or of any Subsidiary of the Issuer or any Parent Entity of the Issuer (other than the Issuer in respect of the Notes and each Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee), as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the Notes, this Indenture, the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

 

SECTION 6.08.                                                            Rights of Holders To Receive Payment .

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the contractual right of any Holder to bring suit to enforce the payment, of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on its Note on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for in such Note shall not be amended without the consent of such Holder.

 

SECTION 6.09.                                                            Collection Suit by Trustee .

 

If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or (2) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuer or any Guarantor (or any other obligor on the Notes) for the whole amount of unpaid principal and accrued interest remaining unpaid, together with interest on overdue principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest, in each case at the rate set forth in the Notes, and such further amounts as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

 

SECTION 6.10.                                                            Trustee May File Proofs of Claim .

 

The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07) and the Noteholders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or any Guarantor (or any other obligor upon the Notes), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such

 

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claims and to distribute the same after deduction of its charges and expenses to the extent that any such charges and expenses are not paid out of the estate in any such proceedings and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Noteholder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Noteholders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07.

 

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Noteholder any plan or reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Noteholder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Noteholder in any such proceedings.

 

SECTION 6.11.                                                            Priorities .

 

If the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article Six, such money or property shall  be paid out or distributed in the following order:

 

FIRST:  to the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.07;

 

SECOND:  to Noteholders for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, respectively; and

 

THIRD:  to the Issuer or, to the extent the Trustee collects any amount from any Guarantor, to such Guarantor.

 

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Noteholders pursuant to this Section 6.11.

 

SECTION 6.12.                                                            Undertaking for Costs .

 

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant.  This Section 6.12 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Noteholder pursuant to Section 6.08 or a suit by Noteholders of more than 10% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.

 

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ARTICLE SEVEN

 

TRUSTEE

 

SECTION 7.01.                                                            Duties of Trustee .

 

(a)           If a Default or Event of Default actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has occurred and is continuing, subject to the protections of this Article Seven (including, but not limited to, the provision of reasonable indemnity) the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person under the circumstances would exercise or use under the same circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.

 

Except for an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6.01(1) or 6.01(2) (upon the occurrence of which the Trustee if then acting as Paying Agent will be deemed to have knowledge thereof), the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice or be charged with knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default or Event of Default by the Issuer or by the Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes by written notice of such event sent to the Trustee in accordance with Section 11.02 at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture.

 

(b)           Except during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge:

 

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

 

(2)           In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture but, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform on their face to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).  Whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may require and, in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officer’s Certificate and/or an Opinion of Counsel (if the Indenture permits or provides for such

 

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Opinion of Counsel), subject to the requirement in the preceding sentence, if applicable.

 

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

 

(1)           This paragraph does not limit the effect of subsection (b) of this Section 7.01.

 

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

 

(3)           The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it from a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

 

(d)           Whether or not therein expressly so provided, subsections (a), (b), (c) and (e) of this Section 7.01 and Section 7.02 shall govern every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee.

 

(e)           The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders or otherwise pursuant to this Indenture, unless the Trustee has been offered security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction or such exercise (including, but in no way limited to, the fees and disbursements of agents and attorneys).  The Trustee’s fees, expenses and indemnities (including, but in no way limited to, the fees and disbursements of agents and attorneys) are included in the amounts guaranteed by the Note Guarantees.

 

(f)            The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuer or any Guarantor.  Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by the law.

 

(g)           No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its rights, powers or duties. The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers or duties hereunder.

 

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SECTION 7.02.                                                            Rights of Trustee .

 

Subject to Section 7.01:

 

(1)           The Trustee may conclusively rely on any document (whether in its original, facsimile or electronic (including .pdf) form) reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person.  The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

 

(2)           Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require and shall be entitled to receive an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel, or both, which shall conform to the provisions of Section 11.05.  The Trustee shall be protected and shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such certificate or opinion.

 

(3)           The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any attorney or agent appointed by it with due care.

 

(4)           The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it reasonably believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers; provided that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute negligence or willful misconduct.

 

(5)           The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and the advice or opinion of such counsel as to matters of law shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.

 

(6)           The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be compensated, reimbursed and indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder (including but not limited to as Registrar, Paying Agent and Depository Custodian), and each agent, custodian and other person employed to act hereunder.

 

(7)           The right of the Trustee to perform any discretionary act enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty, and the Trustee shall not be answerable for other than its own negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of such act.

 

(8)           The Trustee may from time to time request that the Issuer deliver an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officer’s

 

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Certificate may be signed by any persons authorized to sign an Officer’s Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

 

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

 

(10)         The Trustee will not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness, or other paper or document, or inquire as to the performance by the Issuer or the Guarantors of any of their covenants in this Indenture but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit.

 

SECTION 7.03.                                                            Individual Rights of Trustee .

 

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may make loans to, accept deposits from, perform services for or otherwise deal with either the Issuer or any Guarantor, or any Affiliates thereof, with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.  However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the TIA, it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue as Trustee or resign.  Any Agent may do the same with like rights.  The Trustee shall also be subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11.

 

SECTION 7.04.                                                            Trustee’s Disclaimer .

 

The recitals contained herein and in the Notes, except for the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes or any Note Guarantee, it shall not be accountable for the Issuer’s or any Guarantor’s use of the proceeds from the sale of Notes, it will not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent (other than itself as Paying Agent) or any money paid to the Issuer or any Guarantor pursuant to the terms of this Indenture and it shall not be responsible for any statement in the Notes, the Note Guarantees or this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.  The Trustee shall not be responsible for any statement in the Offering Memorandum or any other document utilized by the Issuer in connection with the sale of the Notes, and shall not be responsible for any rating on the Notes or any action or omission of any Rating Agency.

 

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SECTION 7.05.                                                            Notice of Defaults .

 

If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing (which shall not be cured or waived) and if it is known to the Trustee (pursuant to Section 7.01(a) hereof), the Trustee shall give to each Holder a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days of having received such notice as provided in this Indenture.  Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on any Note (including payments pursuant to a redemption or repurchase of the Notes pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture), the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders.

 

SECTION 7.06.                                                            [Reserved]

 

SECTION 7.07.                                                            Compensation and Indemnity .

 

The Issuer and the Guarantors shall pay to the Trustee from time to time compensation as agreed upon for its services hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust).  The Issuer and the Guarantors shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable disbursements, expenses and advances incurred or made by it in connection with the Trustee’s duties under this Indenture, including the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

 

The Issuer and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall indemnify each of the Trustee and its agents, employees, stockholders, directors and officers and any predecessor Trustee for, and hold each of them harmless against, any and all loss, damage, claim, liability or expense, including without limitation taxes (other than taxes based on the income of the Trustee) and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses (collectively, “ Losses ”) incurred by each of them in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Indenture or the performance of its duties under this Indenture or the exercise of its rights and powers under the Notes and the Guarantees, including the reasonable costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture (including this Section 7.07), the Notes and the Guarantees or otherwise arising under this Indenture and including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by any Holder, the Issuer, any Guarantor or otherwise) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its rights, powers or duties hereunder (including, without limitation, settlement costs).  The Trustee shall notify the Issuer and the Guarantors in writing promptly of any third party claim of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge asserted against the Trustee for which it may seek indemnity (each, a “ Third Party Claim ”); provided that the failure by the Trustee to so notify the Issuer and the Guarantors shall not relieve the Issuer and Guarantors of their obligations hereunder except to the extent the Issuer and the Guarantors are actually prejudiced thereby.  Neither the

 

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Issuer nor any Guarantor need pay for any settlement or provide any indemnification for any other Losses associated therewith to the extent such settlement is made in connection with any Third Party Claim without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  The Trustee shall have the right to its own counsel and the Issuer shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel in connection with any Third Party Claim to the extent the Trustee reasonably determines that a conflict of interest exists or is required in connection with the performance of its duties under this Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuer and the Guarantors need not reimburse the Trustee for any expense or indemnify it against any loss or liability to have been incurred by the Trustee through its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

 

To secure the payment obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors in this Section 7.07, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee except for such money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Notes.  Such lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

The obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under this Section 7.07 to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall be joint and several liabilities of each Issuer and each of the Guarantors and shall survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee and the satisfaction, discharge or other termination of this Indenture, including any termination or rejection hereof under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01 (7) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any applicable Bankruptcy Law.

 

For purposes of this Section 7.07, the term “Trustee” shall include any trustee appointed pursuant to this Article Seven, provided, however , that the negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of any Trustee hereunder shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee hereunder.  The provisions of this Section 7.07 shall apply to Trustee in its capacity as Paying Agent, Registrar and any other Agent under this Indenture and shall survive the termination of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

 

SECTION 7.08.                                                            Replacement of Trustee .

 

The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Issuer and the Guarantors in writing.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by notifying the Issuer and the removed Trustee in writing and may appoint a successor Trustee with the Issuer’s written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  The Issuer may remove the Trustee at its election if:

 

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

 

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

 

(3)                                  a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

 

(4)                                  the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

 

If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.

 

If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Issuer or the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may petition at the expense of the Issuer any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, Noteholders holding at least 10% in principal amount of the Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer.  Immediately following such delivery, the retiring Trustee shall, subject to its rights under Section 7.07, transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture.  A successor Trustee shall mail notice of its succession to each Noteholder.  Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under Section 7.07 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

 

SECTION 7.09.                                                            Successor Trustee by Consolidation, Merger, etc .

 

If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust assets to, another corporation, subject to Section 7.10, the successor corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee; provided that such entity shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article Seven.

 

SECTION 7.10.                                                            Eligibility; Disqualification .

 

There will at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation or national banking association organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee

 

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power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $100.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

 

SECTION 7.11.                                                            Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer .

 

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

 

SECTION 7.12.                                                            Paying Agents .

 

The Issuer shall cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to it and the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 7.12:

 

(A)                                that it will hold all sums held by it as agent for the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Notes (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Issuer or by any obligor on the Notes) in trust for the benefit of Holders of the Notes or the Trustee;

 

(B)                                that it will at any time during the continuance of any Event of Default, upon written request from the Trustee, deliver to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by it together with a full accounting thereof; and

 

(C)                                that it will give the Trustee written notice within three Business Days of any failure of the Issuer (or by any obligor on the Notes) in the payment of any installment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, the Notes when the same shall be due and payable.

 

ARTICLE EIGHT

 

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

 

SECTION 8.01.                                                            Without Consent of Noteholders .

 

Notwithstanding Section 8.02, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee may modify and amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes or the Note Guarantees without the consent of any Holder for any of the following purposes:

 

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

 

(2)                                  to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of Physical Notes;

 

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(3)                                  to provide for the assumption of the Issuer’s or any Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Issuer’s or such Guarantor’s assets;

 

(4)                                  to secure the Notes and the Note Guarantees;

 

(5)                                  to add any Guarantor or release any Guarantor from its Note Guarantee if such release is permitted by the terms of this Indenture;

 

(6)                                  to conform the text of this Indenture, the Notes or the Note Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” section of the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in the “Description of the Notes” section of the Offering Memorandum was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, the Notes or the Note Guarantees;

 

(7)                                  to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

 

(8)                                  to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect the rights under this Indenture of any Holder in any material respect;

 

(9)                                  to comply with the rules of any applicable securities depositary;

 

(10)                           to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor or separate Trustee with respect to the Notes; or

 

(11)                           to make any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes; provided , however , that (a) compliance with this Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities law and (b) such amendment does not adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes.

 

After an amendment or supplement under this Section 8.01 becomes effective, the Issuer shall send to the Holders a notice briefly describing the amendment or supplement. Any failure of the Issuer to send such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment or supplement.

 

SECTION 8.02.                                                            With Consent of Noteholders .

 

(a)                                  Except to the extent provided in Section 8.01 and subsection (b) of this Section 8.02, this Indenture, the Notes or any Note Guarantee may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of

 

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the then outstanding Notes voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, tender offer or exchange offer for , Notes), and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of this Indenture, the Notes or any Note Guarantee may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes).

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Section 8.02, without the consent of each Holder affected thereby, an amendment or waiver may not (with respect to any Note held by a non-consenting Holder):

 

(1)                                  reduce the principal amount of Notes issued under this Indenture whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

(2)                                  reduce the principal amount of or change the Maturity Date of any Notes, or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of any such Notes other than the provisions of Sections 4.08 and 4.09 of this Indenture;

 

(3)                                  reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any such Notes;

 

(4)                                  waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any such Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

 

(5)                                  make any such Note payable in currency other than that stated in such Note;

 

(6)                                  modify any of the provisions in the Indenture regarding the waiver of past Defaults;

 

(7)                                  amend the contractual right expressly set forth in the Indenture or any Note of any Holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on such Note on or after the stated maturity or Redemption Date of any such Note;

 

(8)                                  release the Issuer or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary from any of its obligations under its Note Guarantee or this Indenture otherwise than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or

 

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(9)                                  modify or change any provision of this Indenture affecting the ranking of the Notes or Note Guarantees in a manner adverse to the Holders.

 

(c)                                   It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 8.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

 

(d)                                  After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 8.02 becomes effective, the Issuer shall send to the Holders a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver.  Any failure of the Issuer to send such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

SECTION 8.03.                                                            [Reserved].

 

SECTION 8.04.                                                            Revocation and Effect of Consents .

 

(a)                                  Until an amendment, supplement, waiver or other action becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent, conclusive and binding upon such Holder and every subsequent Holder of the same Note or portion thereof, and of any Note issued upon the transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in place thereof, even if notation of the consent is not made on any such Note.

 

(b)                                  The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver.  If a record date is fixed, then, notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Noteholders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only such Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such amendment, supplement, or waiver or to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Noteholders after such record date.  No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date unless the consent of the requisite number of Noteholders has been obtained.

 

(c)                                   After an amendment, supplement, waiver or other action under Section 8.01 or Section 8.02 becomes effective, it shall bind every Noteholder, unless it makes a change described in any of clauses (1) through (9) of Section 8.02(b).  In that case the amendment, supplement, waiver or other action shall bind each Noteholder who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder of the same Note or portion thereof, and of any Note issued upon the transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in place thereof, even if notation of the consent is not made on any such Note.

 

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SECTION 8.05.                                                            Notation on or Exchange of Notes .

 

If an amendment, supplement, or waiver changes the terms of a Note, the Trustee (in accordance with the specific written direction of the Issuer) shall request the Holder of the Note to deliver it to the Trustee.  In such case, the Trustee shall place an appropriate notation on the Note about the changed terms and return it to the Noteholder.  Alternatively, if the Issuer or the Trustee so determines, the Issuer in exchange for the Note shall issue, the Guarantors shall endorse and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.01, the Trustee shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms.  Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

SECTION 8.06.                                                            Trustee To Sign Amendments, etc .

 

The Trustee shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article Eight if the amendment, supplement or waiver does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee.  If it does adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee, the Trustee may, but need not, sign such amendment, supplement or waiver. The Issuer or the Guarantors may not sign an amendment, supplement or waiver until its Board of Directors approve it.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in signing an amendment, supplement or waiver, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and, subject to Section 7.01, shall be fully protected in relying upon an Officer’s Certificate and (other than in the case of an amendment or supplement for the purpose of adding a Guarantor under this Indenture in accordance with Section 8.01(5)) an Opinion of Counsel stating, in addition to the matters required by Section 11.04, that the execution of such amendment, supplement or waiver is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such amendment, supplement or waiver is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer and the Guarantors party thereto, enforceable against the Issuer and the Guarantors party thereto in accordance with its terms (subject to customary exceptions). Guarantors may, but shall not be required to, execute supplemental indentures that do not modify such Guarantor’s Guarantee.

 

ARTICLE NINE

 

DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE

 

SECTION 9.01.                                                            Discharge of Indenture .

 

This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes and Note Guarantees, and the Trustee, at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees, when either:

 

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(1)                                  the Issuer delivers to the Trustee all outstanding Notes issued under this Indenture (other than (i) Notes which have been mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.08 and (ii) Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuer and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or discharged from such trust) for cancellation; or

 

(2)                                  (a) all Notes outstanding under this Indenture not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (I) have become due and payable, whether at maturity or as a result of the sending of a notice of redemption, or otherwise (II) will become due and payable within one year, or (III) are to be called for redemption within one year, under arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer, and the Issuer or any Guarantor irrevocably deposits or cause to be deposited with the Trustee as funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes outstanding under this Indenture not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation on the maturity date or on the applicable Redemption Date, as the case may be; (b) no Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the granting of Security Interests in connection therewith) shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or shall occur as a result of such deposit and such deposit shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material instrument to which the Issuer or any Guarantor is a party or by which the Issuer or any Guarantor is bound (other than that resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the granting of Security Interests in connection therewith); (c) the Issuer or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by the Issuer or any Guarantor under this Indenture; and (d) the Issuer have delivered (I) irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or the Redemption Date, as the case may be, and (II) an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

 

The Trustee shall acknowledge satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture on demand of and at the expense of the Issuer.

 

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors, as applicable, under Sections 4.01, 4.02, 7.07 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 9.01(2), 9.05 and the obligations of the Trustee under Sections 9.05, 9.07 and 9.08 shall survive such satisfaction and discharge.

 

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SECTION 9.02.                                                            Legal Defeasance .

 

The Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have all of its obligations and the obligations of the Guarantors discharged with respect to all outstanding Notes on the date the conditions set forth in Section 9.04 are satisfied (hereinafter, “ Legal Defeasance ”).  For this purpose, such Legal Defeasance means that the Issuer shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, to have cured all then existing Events of Default and to have satisfied all of its other obligations under such Notes and this Indenture, including the obligations of the Guarantors, with respect to the Notes (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuer, shall, subject to Section 9.06, execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:

 

(1)                                  the rights of the Holders of the outstanding Notes to receive solely from the trust described in Section 9.04 and as more fully set forth in Section 9.04, payments in respect of the principal amount of, premium, if any, and interest on such Notes when such payments are due,

 

(2)                                  the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such Notes under Sections 2.07, 2.08, 2.11, 4.02 and 9.05,

 

(3)                                  the rights, powers, trusts, duties, and immunities of the Trustee hereunder (including claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.07) and the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations in connection therewith and

 

(4)                                  this Section 9.02.

 

Concurrently with any Legal Defeasance, the Issuer may, at its further option, cause to be terminated, as of the date on which such Legal Defeasance occurs, all of the obligations under any or all of the Note Guarantees, if any, then existing and obtain the release of the Note Guarantees of any or all Guarantors.

 

Subject to compliance with this Article Nine (other than Section 9.01), the Issuer may exercise its option under this Section 9.02 with respect to the Notes notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 9.03 with respect to the Notes.

 

SECTION 9.03.                                                            Covenant Defeasance .

 

The Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have all of its obligations and the obligations of the Guarantors under Sections 4.03, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.15, 4.16 and 4.17 released with respect to the Notes on the date the conditions set forth in Section 9.04 are satisfied (hereinafter, “ Covenant Defeasance ”), and the Notes shall thereafter be deemed not to be “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration

 

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or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that Notes shall not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes) .  For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the Notes, the Issuer may omit or fail to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees shall be unaffected thereby.  In addition, upon the Issuer’s exercise of the option in this Section 9.03, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 9.04, Sections 6.01(3), (4), (5), (6), (7) (solely with respect to a Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary and any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) and (8) shall not constitute Events of Default.

 

Notwithstanding any discharge or release of any obligations under this Indenture pursuant to Section 9.02 or this Section 9.03, the obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors, as applicable, under Sections 7.07, 9.05 and 9.06 and, the obligations of the Trustee under Sections 9.05, 9.07 and 9.08 shall survive such discharge or release.

 

SECTION 9.04.                                                            Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance .

 

The following shall be the conditions to application of Section 9.02 or Section 9.03 to the outstanding Notes:

 

(1)                                  the Issuer must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes issued under this Indenture, cash in U.S. Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of an Advisory Firm (such opinion shall be delivered to the Trustee, and upon which the Trustee shall have no liability in relying), to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes outstanding under this Indenture on the stated maturity or on the applicable Redemption Date, as the case may be, and the Issuer must specify whether such Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular Redemption Date;

 

(2)                                  in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States (upon which the Trustee shall have no liability in relying) confirming that (a) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (b) since the Issue Date, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the Notes outstanding under this Indenture will not recognize income, gain or loss

 

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for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

 

(3)                                  in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States (upon which the Trustee shall have no liability in relying) confirming that the Holders of the Notes outstanding under this Indenture will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

 

(4)                                  no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the granting of Security Interests in connection therewith) or insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit;

 

(5)                                  such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under any material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Issuer or any of the Guarantors is a party or by which the Issuer or any of the Guarantors is bound (other than that resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the granting of Security Interests in connection therewith);

 

(6)                                  the Issuer must deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate (upon which the Trustee shall have no liability in relying) stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuer with the intent of preferring the Holders issued under this Indenture over the other creditors of the Issuer with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Issuer or others; and

 

(7)                                  the Issuer must deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel upon which the Trustee shall have the right to rely, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

 

SECTION 9.05.                                                            Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations To Be Held in Trust .

 

Subject to Section 9.08, a ll money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 9.01 or Section 9.04, as the case may be, in respect of the outstanding Notes shall be held in trust and applied by

 

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the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agents (including the Issuer or a Guarantor acting as Paying Agent), to the Holders of such Notes, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

The Issuer and the Guarantors shall (on a joint and several basis) pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 9.01 or Section 9.04, as the case may be, or the principal, premium, if any, and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.

 

Anything in this Article Nine to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuer from time to time upon a request of the Issuer any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 9.01 or Section 9.04, as the case may be, which, in the opinion of an Advisory Firm expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

SECTION 9.06.                                                            Reinstatement .

 

If the Trustee or any Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 9.01, 9.02 or 9.03 , as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Issuer’s and each Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article Nine until such time as the Trustee or such Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 9.01, 9.02 or 9.03, as the case may be; provided that if the Issuer or the Guarantors have made any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or accrued interest on any Notes because of the reinstatement of their obligations, the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be, shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or any Paying Agent.

 

SECTION 9.07.                                                            Moneys Held by Paying Agent .

 

In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, all moneys and U.S. Government Obligations then held by any Paying Agent under the provisions of this Indenture shall, upon written demand of the Issuer, be paid or delivered to the Trustee, or if sufficient moneys and U.S. Government Obligations have been deposited pursuant to Section

 

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9.04, to the Issuer upon a request of the Issuer (or, if such moneys and U.S. Government Obligations had been deposited by the Guarantors, to such Guarantors), and thereupon such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys.

 

SECTION 9.08.                                                            Moneys Held by Trustee .

 

Subject to applicable escheat laws, any moneys and U.S. Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent or then held by the Issuer or the Guarantors in trust for the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any Note that are not applied but remain unclaimed by the Holder of such Note for two years after the date upon which the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on such Note shall have respectively become due and payable shall be repaid or returned to the Issuer (or, if appropriate, the Guarantors) upon a request of the Issuer, or if such moneys and U.S. Government Obligations are then held by the Issuer or the Guarantors in trust, such moneys and U.S. Government Obligations shall be released from such trust; and the Holder of such Note entitled to receive such payment shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Issuer and the Guarantors for the payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust moneys and U.S. Government Obligations shall thereupon cease .

 

ARTICLE TEN

 

GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES

 

SECTION 10.01.                                                     Guarantee .

 

Subject to this Article 10, t he Guarantors, by execution of this Indenture, jointly and severally, guarantee to each Holder and to the Trustee (i) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on each Note, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Notes, to the extent lawful, and the due and punctual payment of all other obligations and due and punctual performance of all obligations of the Issuer to the Holders or the Trustee all in accordance with the terms of such Note and this Indenture and (ii) in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, in each case, to the limitation set forth in Section 10.06.  Each Guarantor, by execution of this Indenture, agrees that, subject only to the applicable provisions, if any, of Section 10.06, its obligations hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of any such Note or this Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of any such Note or this Indenture, any waiver or consent with respect thereto by the Holder of such Note, or any other circumstances which may otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or such Guarantor. 

 

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Each Guarantor further agrees that its Note Guarantee herein constitutes a Guarantee of payment when due (and not a Guarantee of collection).

 

Each Guarantor hereby waives (to the extent permitted by law) diligence, presentment, demand for payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest or notice with respect to any such Note or the Indebtedness evidenced thereby and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that this Guarantee will not be discharged as to any such Note except by payment in full of the principal thereof and interest thereon.  Each Guarantor hereby agrees that, as between such Guarantor, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (i) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article Six for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (ii) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article Six, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by each Guarantor for the purpose of this Guarantee.

 

The Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Trustee or any Holder under the Note Guarantees. Each Guarantor that makes a payment under its Note Guarantee shall be entitled upon payment in full of all guaranteed obligations under this Indenture to a contribution from each other Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Guarantor’s pro rata portion of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Guarantors at the time of such payment determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

SECTION 10.02.                                                     Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee .

 

To evidence the Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01, each Guarantor hereby agrees this Indenture (or supplemental indenture in the form of Exhibit J hereto) shall be executed by either manual, facsimile or electronic (including “.pdf”) signature of an Officer of such Guarantor.

 

Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 shall be in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Guarantee on the Notes.

 

If an Officer of a Guarantor whose signature is on this Indenture (or a supplemental indenture in the form of Exhibit J hereto) no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note, such Guarantor’s Guarantee of such Note shall be valid nevertheless.

 

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The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of any Note Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantor.

 

SECTION 10.03.                                                     Release of Guarantors .

 

(a)                                  A Note Guarantee of a Guarantor will be unconditionally and automatically released and discharged upon any of the following:

 

(1)                                  any Transfer (including, without limitation, by way of consolidation, merger, dividend, distribution or otherwise) by such Guarantor to any Person that is not a Guarantor or the Issuer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Guarantor;

 

(2)                                  any Transfer directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, by way of consolidation , merger, dividend, distribution or otherwise) to any Person that is not a Guarantor or the Issuer of Equity Interests of such Guarantor (other than Parent) or any issuance by such Guarantor (other than Parent) of its Equity Interests, such that such Guarantor ceases to be a Subsidiary of Parent;

 

(3)                                  the merger or consolidation of any Guarantor with and into the Issuer or another Guarantor that is the surviving Person in such merger or consolidation, or upon the liquidation of a Guarantor;

 

(4)                                  the release or discharge of the guarantee by, or direct obligation of, of such Guarantor in respect of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities or any other Indebtedness that gave rise to such Guarantor’s obligation to provide such Note Guarantee, except in each case, a release or discharge by, or as a result of, payment under such guarantee; or

 

(b)                                  upon legal defeasance, covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture in accordance with Article Nine.

 

(c)                                   No such release or discharge of a Note Guarantee of a Guarantor shall be effective against the Trustee or the Holders to which such Note Guarantee relates until the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate, upon which the Trustee shall have the right to rely, stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the Indenture relating to such transactions have been complied with. At the request of the Issuer, and upon being provided an Officer’s Certificate, the Trustee shall execute and deliver an instrument evidencing such release.

 

(d)                                  If the Note Guarantee of any Guarantor is deemed to be released or is automatically released, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating

 

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the identity of the released Guarantor, the basis for release in reasonable detail, and that such release complies with this Indenture. At the request of the Issuer, and upon delivery to the Trustee of an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that a Guarantor has been released and that execution by the Trustee of an appropriate instrument evidencing the release of such Guarantor from its Guarantee complies with this Indenture, the Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably requested by either the Issuer or a Guarantor in order to evidence the release of such Guarantor from its obligations under its Guarantee endorsed on the Notes and under this Article Ten (it being understood that the failure to obtain any such instrument shall not impair any automatic release pursuant to this Section 10.03).

 

SECTION 10.04.                                                     Waiver of Subrogation .

 

Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any claim or other rights which it may now or hereafter acquire against the Issuer that arise from the existence, payment, performance or enforcement of such Guarantor’s obligations under its Note Guarantee and this Indenture, including, without limitation, any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, indemnification, and any right to participate in any claim or remedy of any Holder against the Issuer, whether or not such claim, remedy or right arises in equity, or under contract, statute or common law, including, without limitation, the right to take or receive from the Issuer, directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or Note on account of such claim or other rights.  If any amount shall be paid to any Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence and the Notes shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall have been deemed to have been paid to such Guarantor for the benefit of, and held in trust for the benefit of, the Holders of the Notes, and shall forthwith be paid to the Trustee for the benefit of such Holders to be credited and applied upon the Notes, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.  Each Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by this Indenture and that the waiver set forth in this Section 10.04 is knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

 

SECTION 10.05.                                                     [Reserved]

 

SECTION 10.06.                                                     Limitation on Guarantor’s Liability .

 

Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance hereof, each Holder and the Trustee, hereby confirm that it is the intention of all such parties that the Guarantee of a Guarantor does not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of the Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar U.S. Federal or state or other applicable law.  To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, each Holder and each Guarantor hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of a Guarantor under its Note Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor, result in the obligations of such Guarantor not constituting such a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

 

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ARTICLE ELEVEN

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 11.01.                                                     [Reserved].

 

SECTION 11.02.                                                     Notices .

 

Except for notice or communications to Holders, any notice or communication shall be given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), fax or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, addressed as follows, or given electronically:

 

If to the Issuer or any Guarantor:

 

Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.

39550 Orchard Hill Place Drive

Novi, Michigan 48375

Facsimile: (312) 207-1529

Attention:  General Counsel

Email: Aleks.Miziolek@cooperstandard.com

 

With copies to:

 

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10017

Facsimile: ( 212) 455-2502

Attention:  Kenneth B. Wallach

E-mail: kwallach@stblaw.com

 

If to the Trustee:

 

U.S. Bank National Association

535 Griswold Street, Suite 550

Detroit, Michigan 48226

Attention: Global Corporate Trust Services

Fax: 313-963-9428

E-mail: james.kowalski@usbank.com

 

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The Issuer, the Guarantors or the Trustee by written notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

 

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall be deemed to have been duly given at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five (5) calendar days after mailing if sent by first class mail, postage prepaid (except that a notice of change of address shall not be deemed to have been given until actually received by the addressee); when receipt acknowledged, if faxed; on the first date on which the publication is made, if given by publication; the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery; and at the time sent, if given electronically. Notice otherwise given in accordance with the procedures of the Depository will be deemed given on the date sent to the Depository.

 

The Trustee shall accept and act upon instructions, directions, reports, notices and other communications or information pursuant to this Indenture sent by unsecured electronic transmissions (including email and .pdf attachments); provided that (i) the Trustee shall not have any duty or obligation to verify or confirm that the Person sending instructions, directions, reports, notices or other communications or information by electronic transmission is, in fact, a Person authorized to give such instructions, directions, reports, notices or other communications or information on behalf of the party purporting to send such electronic transmission; and the Trustee shall not have any liability for any losses, liabilities, costs or expenses incurred or sustained by any party as a result of such reliance upon or compliance with such instructions, directions, reports, notices or other communications or information and (ii) each other party agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of electronic methods to submit instructions, directions, reports, notices or other communications or information to the Trustee, including the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized instructions, notices, reports or other communications or information, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.

 

Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar.  Any notice or communication shall also be so mailed to any Person to the extent required by the rules of any applicable securities depositary.  Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.  Where this Indenture or any Note provides for notice of any event (including any notice of redemption or repurchase) to a Holder of a Global Note (whether by mail or otherwise), such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to the Depository (or its designee) pursuant to the standing instructions from the Depository or its designee, including by electronic mail in accordance with applicable Depository procedures.

 

If a notice or communication to a Holder is mailed in the manner provided above, it shall be deemed duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

 

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

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any notice to the Trustee shall be deemed given when actually received.

 

SECTION 11.03.                                                     Communications by Holders with Other Holders.

 

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

 

SECTION 11.04.                                                     Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent .

 

Upon any request or application by the Issuer or any Guarantor to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, such Issuer or such Guarantor , as the case may be, shall furnish to the Trustee:

 

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

 

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

 

SECTION 11.05.                                                     Statements Required in Certificate and Opinion .

 

Each certificate and opinion with respect to compliance by or on behalf of the Issuer or any Guarantor with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to Section 4.06) shall include:

 

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

 

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

 

(3)                                  a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, it or he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable it or him to express an informed

 

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opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with (and, in the case of an Opinion of Counsel, may be limited to reliance on an Officer’s Certificate as to matters of fact); and

 

(4)                                  a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such covenant or condition has been complied with.

 

SECTION 11.06.                                                     Rules by Trustee and Agents .

 

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or meetings of Noteholders.  The Registrar and Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.

 

SECTION 11.07.                                                     Business Days; Legal Holidays .

 

A “ Business Day ” is a day that is not a Legal Holiday.  A “ Legal Holiday ” is a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York, the State of New York or at the place of payment in respect of the Notes are not required to be open.  If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

 

SECTION 11.08.                                                     Governing Law ; Submission to Jurisdiction .

 

This Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any New York State court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York or any federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture, any Note Guarantee and the Notes, and irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts.

 

SECTION 11.09.                                                     No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements .

 

This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture, loan, security or debt agreement of the Issuer or any Subsidiary thereof.  No such indenture, loan, security or debt agreement may be used to interpret this Indenture.

 

SECTION 11.10.                                                     Successors .

 

All agreements of the Issuer and the Guarantors in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind their respective successors.  All agreements of the Trustee, any additional trustee and any Agents in this Indenture shall bind its successor.

 

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SECTION 11.11.                                                     Multiple Counterparts .

 

The parties may sign multiple counterparts of this Indenture.  Each signed counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all of them together represent one and the same agreement.  The exchange of copies of this Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

 

SECTION 11.12.                                                     Table of Contents, Headings, etc .

 

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

 

SECTION 11.13.                                                     Separability .

 

Each provision of this Indenture shall be considered separable and if for any reason any provision which is not essential to the effectuation of the basic purpose of this Indenture or the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

SECTION 11.14.                                                     Waiver of Jury Trial

 

THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS AND THE TRUSTEE, AND EACH HOLDER OF A NOTE BY ITS ACCEPTANCE THEREOF, IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES, THE NOTE GUARANTEES OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

SECTION 11.15.                                                     Force Majeure.

 

In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances

 

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SECTION 11.16.                                                     Trust Indenture Act

 

The Issuer and the Guarantors shall not be required to qualify this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the Trust Indenture Act, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.

 

The following Trust Indenture Act term used in this Indenture has the following meaning:

 

“obligor” on the Notes of any series and the Note Guarantees means the Issuer and the Guarantors, respectively, and any successor obligor upon the Notes of such series and the Note Guarantees, respectively.

 

All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the Trust Indenture Act, defined by Trust Indenture Act reference to another statute or defined by the Commission rule under the Trust Indenture Act have the meanings so assigned to them.

 

SECTION 11.17.                                                     U.S.A. Patriot Act.

 

The Issuer and the Guarantors acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC.,

 

as Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Matthew W. Hardt

 

 

Name:

Matthew W. Hardt

 

 

Title:

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 



 

 

GUARANTORS :

 

 

 

 

 

CS INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO 1 LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Glenn Dong

 

Name:

Glenn Dong

 

Title:

Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD HOLDINGS INC.

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE OH, LLC

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE NC L.L.C.

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE FLUID SYSTEMS MEXICO HOLDINGS LLC

 

COOPER-STANDARD FHS LLC

 

CSA SERVICES INC.

 

NISCO HOLDING COMPANY

 

COOPER-STANDARD CANADA HOLDINGS LLC

 

 

 

By:

/s/Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

Name:

Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

Title:

Secretary

 



 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ James Kowalski

 

 

Name:

James Kowalski

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

[FORM OF NOTE]

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC.

 

5.625 % SENIOR NOTE DUE 2026

 

[ Insert Global Note Legend , if applicable ]

 

[ Insert Private Placement Legend, if applicable ]

 

No. [   ]

CUSIP No. [           ]

 

ISIN No. [           ]

 

$[            ]

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC., an Ohio corporation (the “ Issuer ”), for value received promises to pay to [                      ][CEDE & CO.] or registered assigns the principal sum [of $[                     ]][set forth in the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in Global Note attached hereto] on November 15, 2026.

 

Interest Payment Dates:   May 15 and November 15, commencing on May 15, 2017.

 

Record Dates:   May 1 and November 1 (whether or not a Business Day).

 

Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

A-1- 1



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this Note to be signed manually, by facsimile or electronically (including “.pdf”) by its duly authorized officer.

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

Dated:

 

A-1- 2



 

Certificate of Authentication

 

This is one of the 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as Trustee

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Dated:

 

A-1- 3



 

[FORM OF REVERSE OF NOTE]

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC.

 

5.625% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2026

 

1.                                       Interest .  Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., an Ohio corporation (the “ Issuer ”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount set forth on the face hereof at a rate of 5.625% per annum.  Interest hereon will accrue from and including the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including November 2, 2016 to but excluding the date on which interest is paid.  Interest shall be payable in arrears on each May 15 and November 15, commencing on May 15, 2017, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “Interest Payment Date”) and no interest on such payment will accrue in respect of the delay.  Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprising twelve 30-day months, and in the case of an incomplete month, the number of actual days elapsed.  The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal and on overdue interest (to the extent lawful) at the rate borne by the Notes.

 

2.                                       Method of Payment .  The Issuer will pay interest hereon (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on May 1 or November 1, as the case may be, immediately preceding the Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day).  Interest may be paid by check mailed to the Holder entitled thereto at the address indicated on the register maintained by the Registrar for the Notes; provided that all payments of principal and interest and premium, if any, with respect to the Notes represented by one or more Global Notes will be made in accordance with the Depository’s applicable procedures. The Issuer will pay principal and interest in U.S. Dollars.  Holders must surrender Notes to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments.

 

3.                                       Paying Agent and Registrar .  Initially, U.S. Bank National Association (the “ Trustee ”) will act as a Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice.  The Issuer or any Affiliate thereof may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

 

4.                                       Indenture .  The Issuer issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of November 2, 2016 (the “ Indenture ”) among the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee.  This is one of an issue of Notes of the Issuer issued, or to be issued, under the Indenture. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture for a statement of them.  Capitalized and certain other terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Indenture. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

 

A-1- 4



 

5.                                       Optional Redemption .

 

At any time prior to November 15, 2019, the Issuer may on any one or more occasions redeem up to (i) 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under the Indenture and (ii) all or a portion of any Additional Notes issued after the Issue Date, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 105.625% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, with an amount of cash no greater than the cash proceeds (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) of all Equity Offerings to the extent such cash proceeds are received by or contributed to the Issuer since the Issue Date, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the applicable Redemption Date; provided that:

 

(1)                               at least 65% (calculated without giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) of the original aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under the Indenture (excluding Notes held by the Issuer and its Subsidiaries) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption; and

 

(2)                                  each such redemption occurs within 120 days of the date of the closing of each such Equity Offering.

 

In addition, prior to November 15, 2021, the Issuer may redeem the Notes on any one or more occasions, at their option, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the Make-Whole Redemption Date, plus the applicable Make-Whole Premium (a “ Make-Whole Redemption ”). The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the Make-Whole Premium on or before the applicable Redemption Date, and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for verifying or otherwise for such calculation.

 

On or after November 15, 2021, the Issuer may redeem the Notes on any one or more occasions, in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Notes redeemed to but excluding the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on November 15 of the years indicated below:

 

Year

 

Percentage

 

2021

 

102.813

%

2022

 

101.875

%

2023

 

100.938

%

2024 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

 

Unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable Redemption Date. The Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price

 

A-1- 5



 

and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.

 

In addition, the Issuer and its Affiliates may acquire Notes at any time and from time to time by means other than a redemption, whether by tender offer, open market purchases, negotiated transactions or otherwise, in accordance with applicable securities laws, so long as such acquisition does not otherwise violate the terms of the Indenture.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payment of accrued but unpaid interest in connection with any redemption of Notes is subject to the rights of a Holder on a record date for the payment of interest whose Notes are to be redeemed on or after such record date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date to receive interest on such Interest Payment Date.

 

6.                                       Offers To Purchase .  The Indenture provides that upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Disposition and subject to further limitations and exceptions contained therein, the Issuer may be required to make an offer to purchase outstanding Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. Except as set forth in Sections 4.08 and 4.09 of the Indenture, the Issuer is not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 

7.                                       Denominations, Transfer, Exchange .  The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture.  The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay to it any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture.  The Registrar or the Issuer need not register the transfer of or exchange any Notes or portion of a Note selected for redemption, or register the transfer of or exchange any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

 

8.                                       Persons Deemed Owners .  The registered Holder of this Note may be treated as the owner of this Note for all purposes.

 

9.                                       Unclaimed Money .  Subject to applicable escheat laws, if money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee will pay the money back to the Issuer at its written request.  After that, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer and the Guarantors for payment as general unsecured creditors unless an “abandoned property” law designates another Person.

 

10.                                Amendment, Supplement, Waiver, Etc .  The Indenture, the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented as provided in the Indenture.

 

11.                                Restrictive Covenants .  The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries to, among other things, create liens, make Restricted Payments, enter into Sale and Leaseback Transactions or consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and requires the Issuer to

 

A-1- 6



 

provide reports to Holders.  Such limitations are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions.  Pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Issuer must annually report to the Trustee on compliance with such limitations.

 

13.                                Defaults and Remedies .  The Events of Default relating to the Notes are defined in Section 6.01 of the Indenture. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default relating to the Notes, the rights and obligations of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders shall be as set forth in the applicable provisions of the Indenture.

 

14.                                No Recourse Against Others .  No past, present or future director, officer, employee, manager, member, partner, incorporator or stockholder of the Issuer or of any Subsidiary or any Parent Entity (other than the Issuer in respect of the Notes and each Guarantor in respect of its Note Guarantee), as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Indenture or the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.  Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability.

 

15.                                Guarantees .  From and after the Issue Date, the Notes will be entitled to the benefits of certain Note Guarantees made for the benefit of the Holders.  Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders.

 

16.                                Authentication .  This Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually, by facsimile or electronically (including “.pdf”) signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Note.

 

17.                                Governing Law .  THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

18.                                Abbreviations .  Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as:  TEN COM (=  tenants in common), TENANT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

 

19.                                CUSIP and ISIN numbers .  Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuer has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers and/or similar numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP and ISIN numbers and/or similar numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders.  No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

The Issuer will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture.  Requests may be made to:

 

Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.

 

A-1- 7



 

39550 Orchard Hill Place Drive

Novi, Michigan 48375
Attn:  General Counsel
Telephone:  (248) 596-5900
Facsimile:    (248) 596-6535

 

A-1- 8



 

ASSIGNMENT

 

I or we assign and transfer this Note to:

 

 

(Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. number)

 

 

(Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee)

 

and irrevocably appoint

 

 

Agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuer.  The Agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

Date:

 

 

Your Signature:

 

 

 

 

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note)

 

 

 

Signature Guarantee:

 

 

 

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

 

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

A-1- 9



 

OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

 

If you want to elect to have all or any part of this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box:

 

 

o     Section 4.08

o     Section 4.09

 

 

If you want to have only part of the Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.08 or Section 4.09 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

 

$

 

($1,000 or any integral multiple

 

thereof; provided that the part not

 

purchased must be at least $2,000)

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Signature:

 

 

 

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Guaranteed

 

 

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

 

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

A-1- 10



 

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN GLOBAL NOTE*

 

The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Physical Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Physical Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

 

Amount of decrease in
Principal Amount
of
this Global Note

 

Amount of increase in
Principal Amount
of
this Global Note

 

Principal Amount
of this Global Note
following such decrease
(or increase)

 

Signature of authorized
signatory of Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


* Insert in Global Securities only.

 

A-1- 11



 

EXHIBIT B

 

[FORM OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT LEGEND]

 

Any Restricted Note authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend (which would be in addition to any other legends required in the case of a Global Note) in substantially the following form:

 

THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION, NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, SUCH REGISTRATION.

 

THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE, HEREOF AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS ONE YEAR (IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A SECURITIES) AFTER THE LATER OF THE ISSUE DATE OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES) AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY OR ANY ADDITIONAL NOTE) OR 40 DAYS (IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S SECURITIES), ONLY (A) TO THE ISSUER, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A ‘‘QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER’’ AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (E) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 501(a)(1),(2),(3) OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT IS AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR ACQUIRING THE SECURITY FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF ANOTHER INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR, IN EACH CASE IN A MINIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOTES OF $250,000, FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT OR (F) PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION

 

B- 1



 

FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE ISSUER’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (C), (D), (E) OR (F) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.

 

B- 2



 

EXHIBIT C

 

[FORM OF LEGEND FOR GLOBAL NOTE]

 

Any Global Note authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend (which would be in addition to any other legends required in the case of a Restricted Note) in substantially the following form:

 

THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE OF A DEPOSITORY.  THIS NOTE IS NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR NOTES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITORY OR ITS NOMINEE EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITORY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY TO THE DEPOSITORY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

 

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

C- 1



 

EXHIBIT D

 

[RESERVED]

 

D- 1



 

Exhibit E

 

[FORM OF LEGEND FOR REGULATION S NOTE]

 

Any Regulation S Note authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend (which would be in addition to any other legends required in the case of a Restricted Note) in substantially the following form:

 

“BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON, NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON, AND IS ACQUIRING THIS NOTE IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.”

 

E- 1



 

Exhibit F

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

 

Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.

39550 Orchard Hill Place Drive

Novi, Michigan 48375

 

U.S. Bank National Association

60 Livingston Avenue, 2nd Floor

St. Paul, MN 55107

Facsimile: (651) 495-8146

Attention: Corporate Trust, DWAC UNIT

 

re: Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.

 

Re:                              5.625% Senior Notes due 2026

 

(CUSIP                       )
(ISIN                          )

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2016 (as amended or supplemented from time to time with respect to the Notes, the “ Indenture ”), by and among Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. (the “ Issuer ”), the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

 

                          (the “ Transferor ”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of                              in such Note[s] or interests (the “ Transfer ”), to                         (the “ Transferee ”), as further specified in Annex A hereto.  In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:

 

[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]

 

1.                                       o   Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a Rule 144A Global Note or a Physical Note pursuant to Rule 144A .   The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Physical Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Physical Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole

 

F- 1



 

investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.  Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Rule 144A Global Note and/or the Physical Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

2.                                       o   Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note or a Physical Note pursuant to Regulation S .   The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser).  Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Regulation S Global Note and/or the Physical Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

3.                                       o   Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Global Note or a Physical Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S .   The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Physical Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):

 

(a)                                  o  such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act;

 

or

 

(b)                                  o  such Transfer is being effected to the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof;

 

or

 

F- 2



 

(c)                                   o  such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act;

 

or

 

(d)                                  o  such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A, Rule 144 or Rule 904, and the Transferor hereby further certifies that it has not engaged in any general solicitation within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act and the Transfer complies with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note or Restricted Physical Notes and the requirements of the exemption claimed, which certification is supported by, if such Transfer is in respect of a principal amount of Notes at the time of transfer of less than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel provided by the Transferor or the Transferee (a copy of which the Transferor has attached to this certification), to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act.  Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Global Note and/or the Physical Notes and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

4.                                       o   Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or an Unrestricted Physical Note.

 

(a)                                  o  Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144.  (i)  The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.  Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Physical Notes and in the Indenture.

 

(b)                                  o  Check if Transfer is pursuant to Regulation S.  (i)  The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.  Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Physical Notes and in the Indenture.

 

F- 3



 

(c)                                   o  Check if Transfer is pursuant to Other Exemption.  (i)  The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.  Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Physical Notes and in the Indenture.

 

(d)                                  o  Check if Transfer is pursuant to an Effective Registration Statement.   (i)  The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.  Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Physical Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Physical Notes and in the Indenture.

 

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

F- 4



 

ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

 

1.                                       The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:

 

[CHECK ONE]

 

(a)                                  o  a beneficial interest in a:

 

(i)                                      o  Rule 144A Global Note (CUSIP           ) (ISIN           ), or

 

(ii)                                   o  Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP           ) (ISIN           ), or

 

(b)                                  o  a Restricted Physical Note.

 

2.                                       After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:

 

[CHECK ONE]

 

(a)                                  o  a beneficial interest in the:

 

(i)                                      o  Rule 144A Global Note (CUSIP           ) (ISIN           ), or

 

(ii)                                   o  Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP           )(ISIN           ), or

 

(iii)                                o  Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP           ) (ISIN           ), or

 

(b)                                  o  a Restricted Physical Note; or

 

(c)                                   o  an Unrestricted Physical Note,

 

in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

F- 5



 

EXHIBIT G

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

 

Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.

39550 Orchard Hill Place Drive

Novi, Michigan 48375

 

U.S. Bank National Association

60 Livingston Avenue, 2nd Floor

St. Paul, MN 55107

Facsimile: (651) 495-8146

Attention: Corporate Trust, DWAC UNIT

 

re: Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.

 

Re:                              5.625% Senior Notes due 2026

 

(CUSIP                      )
(ISIN                         )

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2016 (as amended or supplemented from time to time with respect to the Notes, the “ Indenture ”), by and among Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. (the “ Issuer ”), the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

 

                                (the “ Owner ”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of                                   in such Note[s] or interests (the “ Exchange ”).  In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:

 

1.                                       Exchange of Restricted Physical Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Physical Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note

 

(a)                                  o                                     Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note .   In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the

 

G- 1



 

Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

(b)                                  o                                     Check if Exchange is from Restricted Physical Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note .   In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Physical Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

(c)                                   o                                     Check if Exchange is from Restricted Physical Note to Unrestricted Physical Note .   In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Physical Note for an Unrestricted Physical Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Physical Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Physical Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Physical Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

2.                                       Exchange of Restricted Physical Notes for Restricted Physical Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes.

 

(a)                                  o                                     Check if Exchange is from Restricted Physical Note to beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note .  In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Physical Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE]    Rule 144A Global Note,   Regulation S Global Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.  Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

G- 2



 

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Insert Name of Owner]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

G- 3



 

EXHIBIT H

 

[RESERVED]

 

H- 1



 

EXHIBIT I

 

[Reserved]

 

I- 1



 

EXHIBIT J

 

FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “ Supplemental Indenture ”), dated as of                    , among                        (the “ Guaranteeing Subsidiary ”), a subsidiary of Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. (or its permitted successor), an Ohio corporation (the “ Issuer ”), the Issuer, the other Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to herein) and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee under the Indenture referred to below (the “ Trustee ”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H

 

WHEREAS, the Issuer has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture, dated as of November 2, 2016 (the “ Indenture ”), providing for the issuance of the Issuer’s 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “ Notes ”);

 

WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Issuer’s obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the “ Note Guarantee ”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture to amend or supplement the Indenture without the consent of any Holder.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:

 

1.                                       CAPITALIZED TERMS.  Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

2.                                       AGREEMENT TO GUARANTEE.  The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees to provide an unconditional Guarantee on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture including but not limited to Article 10 thereof.

 

3.                                       EXECUTION AND DELIVERY.  The Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees that the Note Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Note Guarantee on the Notes.

 

J- 1



 

4.                                       THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

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

 

6.                                       EFFECT OF HEADINGS.  The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

 

7.                                       THE TRUSTEE.  The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Issuer.

 

J- 2



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the date first above written.

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARY]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[EXISTING GUARANTORS]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

 

as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

J- 3


Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

$210,000,000

 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT

 

among

 

CS INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO 1 LLC

as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and a Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC. ,

as the U.S. Borrower, a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and a Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE CANADA LIMITED ,

as the Canadian Borrower and a Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS B.V.,

as the European Borrower

 

THE OTHER GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO ,

 

CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ,

as Lenders

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A . ,

as Agent

 

and

 

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC. ,

as Syndication Agent

 

Dated as of November 2, 2016

 

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED ,

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.,
and
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

as Joint Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

 

2

 

 

 

1.1

 

Definitions

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

1.2

 

Accounting Terms

 

71

 

 

 

 

 

1.3

 

Uniform Commercial Code/PPSA

 

71

 

 

 

 

 

1.4

 

Certain Matters of Construction

 

71

 

 

 

 

 

1.5

 

Interpretation (Quebec)

 

72

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2. CREDIT FACILITIES

 

73

 

 

 

2.1

 

Commitment

 

73

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1.1

Revolver Loans

 

73

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1.2

Revolver Notes

 

74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1.3

Use of Proceeds

 

74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1.4

Reduction or Termination of Commitments; Increase of Commitments

 

74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1.5

Overadvances

 

77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1.6

Protective Advances

 

77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1.7

Prepayments

 

78

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2

 

U.S. and European Letter of Credit Facility

 

78

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2.1

Issuance of Letters of Credit

 

78

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2.2

U.S. Letters of Credit and European Letters of Credit: Reimbursement and Participations

 

80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2.3

Cash Collateral

 

82

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2.4

Resignation of U.S. Issuing Bank

 

82

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.3

 

Canadian Letter of Credit Facility

 

82

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.3.1

Issuance of Letters of Credit

 

82

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.3.2

Canadian Letters of Credit: Reimbursement and Participations

 

84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.3.3

Cash Collateral

 

85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.3.4

Resignation of Canadian Issuing Bank

 

86

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.4

 

FILO Credit Facility

 

86

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 3. INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES

 

89

 

 

 

3.1

 

Interest

 

89

 

i



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1.1

Rates and Payment of Interest

 

89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1.2

Application of LIBOR to Outstanding Loans

 

90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1.3

Application of Canadian BA Rate to Outstanding Loans

 

90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1.4

Interest Periods

 

91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1.5

Interest Rate Not Ascertainable

 

91

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

 

Fees

 

91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2.1

Unused Line Fee

 

91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2.2

U.S. LC Facility Fees

 

91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2.3

European LC Facility Fees

 

92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2.4

Canadian LC Facility Fees

 

92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2.5

Other Fees

 

92

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.3

 

Computation of Interest, Fees, Yield Protection

 

92

 

 

 

 

 

3.4

 

Reimbursement Obligations

 

93

 

 

 

 

 

3.5

 

Illegality

 

93

 

 

 

 

 

3.6

 

Inability to Determine Rates

 

94

 

 

 

 

 

3.7

 

Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy

 

94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.7.1

Change in Law

 

94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.7.2

Capital Adequacy

 

95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.7.3

Compensation

 

95

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.8

 

Mitigation

 

95

 

 

 

 

 

3.9

 

Funding Losses

 

95

 

 

 

 

 

3.10

 

Maximum Interest

 

96

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 4. LOAN ADMINISTRATION

 

97

 

 

 

 

 

4.1

 

Manner of Borrowing and Funding Loans

 

97

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.1.1

Notice of Borrowing

 

97

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.1.2

Fundings by Lenders

 

98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.1.3

Swingline Loans; Settlement

 

98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.1.4

Notices

 

99

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2

 

Defaulting Lender

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.1

Reallocation of Pro Rata Share; Amendments

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.2

Payments; Fees

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.3

Cure

 

100

 

ii



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

4.3

 

Number and Amount of Interest Period Loans; Determination of Rate

 

101

 

 

 

 

 

4.4

 

Loan Party Agent

 

101

 

 

 

 

 

4.5

 

One Obligation

 

101

 

 

 

 

 

4.6

 

Effect of Termination

 

102

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 5. PAYMENTS

 

102

 

 

 

 

 

5.1

 

General Payment Provisions

 

102

 

 

 

 

 

5.2

 

Repayment of Obligations

 

102

 

 

 

 

 

5.3

 

Payment of Other Obligations

 

103

 

 

 

 

 

5.4

 

Marshaling; Payments Set Aside

 

103

 

 

 

 

 

5.5

 

Post-Default Allocation of Payments

 

103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.5.1

Allocation

 

103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.5.2

Erroneous Application

 

105

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.6

 

Application of Payments

 

105

 

 

 

 

 

5.7

 

Loan Account; Account Stated

 

106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.7.1

Loan Account

 

106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.7.2

Entries Binding

 

106

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.8

 

Taxes

 

106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.8.1

Payments Free of Taxes

 

106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.8.2

Other Taxes

 

106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.8.3

Indemnification by Loan Parties

 

107

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.8.4

Indemnification by Lenders

 

107

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.8.5

Evidence of Payment

 

107

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.8.6

Treatment of Certain Refunds

 

107

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.8.7

Survival

 

108

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.8.8

Defined Terms

 

108

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.9

 

Lender Tax Information

 

108

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.9.1

Generally

 

108

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.9.2

U.S. Borrower

 

108

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.9.3

Lender Obligations

 

109

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.10

 

Guarantee by U.S. Facility Loan Parties

 

109

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.10.1

Joint and Several Liability

 

109

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.10.2

Waivers

 

110

 

iii



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.10.3

Extent of Liability; Contribution

 

111

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.10.4

Joint Enterprise

 

112

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.10.5

Subordination

 

112

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.11

 

Currency Matters

 

112

 

 

 

 

 

5.12

 

Currency Fluctuations

 

113

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

114

 

 

 

 

 

6.1

 

Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans

 

114

 

 

 

 

 

6.2

 

Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions

 

116

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 7. CASH COLLATERAL

 

117

 

 

 

 

 

7.1

 

Cash Collateral

 

117

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 8. COLLATERAL ADMINISTRATION

 

117

 

 

 

 

 

8.1

 

Borrowing Base Certificates

 

117

 

 

 

 

 

8.2

 

Administration of Accounts

 

118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.2.1

Records and Schedules of Accounts

 

118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.2.2

Taxes

 

118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.2.3

Account Verification

 

118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.2.4

Maintenance of DACA Deposit Accounts and Dominion Accounts

 

118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.2.5

Proceeds of Collateral; Payment Items Received

 

119

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.3

 

Administration of Inventory

 

119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.3.1

Records and Reports of Inventory

 

119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.3.2

Returns of Inventory

 

119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.3.3

Acquisition, Sale and Maintenance

 

120

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.4

 

[Intentionally Omitted]

 

120

 

 

 

 

 

8.5

 

Administration of Deposit Accounts

 

120

 

 

 

 

 

8.6

 

General Provisions

 

120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.6.1

Location of Collateral

 

120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.6.2

Insurance of Collateral; Condemnation Proceeds

 

121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.6.3

Protection of Collateral

 

122

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.6.4

Defense of Title to Collateral

 

122

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.7

 

Power of Attorney

 

122

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 9. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

123

 

iv



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

9.1

 

General Representations and Warranties

 

123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.1

Organization and Qualification

 

123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.2

Power and Authority

 

123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.3

Enforceability

 

123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.4

Corporate Names; Capital Structure

 

123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.5

Locations

 

124

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.6

Title to Properties; Priority of Liens

 

124

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.7

Accounts and Inventory

 

124

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.8

Financial Statements; Solvency; Material Adverse Effect

 

125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.9

Taxes

 

125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.10

[Intentionally Omitted]

 

126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.11

Intellectual Property

 

126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.12

Governmental Approvals

 

126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.13

Compliance with Laws

 

126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.14

Compliance with Environmental Laws

 

126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.15

Burdensome Contracts

 

127

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.16

Litigation

 

127

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.17

No Defaults

 

127

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.18

ERISA

 

128

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.19

Trade Relations

 

129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.20

Labor Relations

 

129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.21

Payable Practices

 

129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.22

Not a Regulated Entity

 

129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.23

Margin Stock

 

129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.24

Perfection, Etc.

 

130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.25

OFAC; Sanctions

 

131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.26

EEA Financial Institution

 

131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1.27

Anti-Corruption Laws

 

131

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.2

 

Complete Disclosure

 

131

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 10. COVENANTS AND CONTINUING AGREEMENTS

 

131

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Affirmative Covenants

 

131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.1

Financial and Other Information

 

131

 

v



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.2

Notices

 

136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.3

Landlord and Storage Agreements

 

136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.4

Compliance with Laws

 

137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.5

Taxes

 

137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.6

Preservation of Existence, Etc.

 

137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.7

Maintenance of Properties

 

137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.8

Insurance

 

137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.9

Inspections; Appraisals

 

138

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.10

Use of Proceeds

 

139

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.11

Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security

 

139

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.12

Licenses

 

141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1.13

Post-Closing Matters

 

141

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Negative Covenants

 

141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.1

Permitted Liens

 

141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.2

Permitted Indebtedness

 

142

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.3

Restricted Payments

 

150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.4

[Intentionally Omitted]

 

158

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.5

[Intentionally Omitted]

 

158

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.6

[Intentionally Omitted]

 

158

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.7

Fundamental Changes

 

158

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.8

[Intentionally Omitted]

 

160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.9

Organization Documents

 

161

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.10

Tax Consolidation

 

161

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.11

Accounting Changes

 

161

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.12

Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries

 

161

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.13

Hedging Agreements

 

163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.14

Conduct of Business

 

164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.15

Affiliate Transactions

 

164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.16

Plans

 

167

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.17

Certain Amendments

 

167

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2.18

[Intentionally Omitted]

 

167

 

vi



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

10.3

 

Financial Covenant

 

167

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.3.1

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio

 

167

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 11. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES ON DEFAULT

 

168

 

 

 

 

 

11.1

 

Events of Default

 

168

 

 

 

 

 

11.2

 

Remedies upon Default

 

170

 

 

 

 

 

11.3

 

License

 

170

 

 

 

 

 

11.4

 

Setoff

 

171

 

 

 

 

 

11.5

 

Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver

 

171

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.5.1

Cumulative Rights

 

171

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.5.2

Waivers

 

171

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.6

 

Judgment Currency

 

171

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 12. AGENT

 

172

 

 

 

 

 

12.1

 

Appointment, Authority and Duties of Agent

 

172

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.1.1

Appointment and Authority

 

172

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.1.2

Duties

 

173

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.1.3

Agent Professionals

 

173

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.1.4

Instructions of Required Lenders

 

173

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.2

 

Agreements Regarding Collateral, Borrower Materials and Intercreditor Matters

 

174

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.2.1

Lien Releases; Care of Collateral; Intercreditor Matters

 

174

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.2.2

Possession of Collateral

 

175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.2.3

Reports

 

176

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.3

 

Reliance By Agent

 

176

 

 

 

 

 

12.4

 

Action Upon Default

 

176

 

 

 

 

 

12.5

 

Ratable Sharing

 

176

 

 

 

 

 

12.6

 

Indemnification

 

177

 

 

 

 

 

12.7

 

Limitation on Responsibilities of Agent

 

177

 

 

 

 

 

12.8

 

Successor Agent and Co-Agents

 

178

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.8.1

Resignation; Successor Agent

 

178

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.8.2

Co-Collateral Agent

 

178

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.9

 

Due Diligence and Non-Reliance

 

178

 

 

 

 

 

12.10

 

Replacement of Certain Lenders

 

179

 

vii



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

12.11

 

Remittance of Payments and Collections

 

179

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.11.1

Remittances Generally

 

179

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.11.2

Failure to Pay

 

179

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.11.3

Recovery of Payments

 

179

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.12

 

Individual Capacity

 

180

 

 

 

 

 

12.13

 

Titles

 

180

 

 

 

 

 

12.14

 

Bank Product Providers

 

180

 

 

 

 

 

12.15

 

No Third Party Beneficiaries

 

180

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 13. BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS

 

180

 

 

 

 

 

13.1

 

Successors and Assigns

 

180

 

 

 

 

 

13.2

 

Participations

 

181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.2.1

Permitted Participants; Effect

 

181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.2.2

Voting Rights

 

181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.2.3

Benefit of Set-Off

 

181

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.3

 

Assignments

 

182

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.3.1

Permitted Assignments

 

182

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.3.2

Register

 

182

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.3.3

Effect; Effective Date

 

183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.3.4

Certain Assignees

 

183

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 14. MISCELLANEOUS

 

183

 

 

 

 

 

14.1

 

Consents, Amendments and Waivers

 

183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.1.1

Amendment

 

183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.1.2

Limitations

 

184

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.1.3

Payment for Consents

 

185

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.2

 

Indemnity

 

185

 

 

 

 

 

14.3

 

Notices and Communications

 

185

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.3.1

Notice Address

 

185

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.3.2

Electronic Communications; Voice Mail

 

186

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.3.3

Platform

 

186

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.3.4

Non-Conforming Communications

 

186

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.4

 

Performance of the Loan Parties’ Obligations

 

186

 

viii



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

14.5

 

Credit Inquiries

 

187

 

 

 

 

 

14.6

 

Severability

 

187

 

 

 

 

 

14.7

 

Cumulative Effect; Conflict of Terms

 

187

 

 

 

 

 

14.8

 

Counterparts

 

187

 

 

 

 

 

14.9

 

Entire Agreement

 

187

 

 

 

 

 

14.10

 

Relationship with Lenders

 

187

 

 

 

 

 

14.11

 

No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility

 

188

 

 

 

 

 

14.12

 

Confidentiality

 

188

 

 

 

 

 

14.13

 

[Intentionally Omitted]

 

189

 

 

 

 

 

14.14

 

GOVERNING LAW

 

189

 

 

 

 

 

14.15

 

Consent to Forum

 

189

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.15.1

Forum

 

189

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.16

 

Waivers by the Loan Parties

 

189

 

 

 

 

 

14.17

 

Patriot Act Notice

 

189

 

 

 

 

 

14.18

 

Canadian Anti-Money Laundering Legislation

 

190

 

 

 

 

 

14.19

 

Reinstatement

 

190

 

 

 

 

 

14.20

 

Nonliability of Lenders

 

191

 

 

 

 

 

14.21

 

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

 

191

 

 

 

 

 

14.22

 

Amendment and Restatement

 

192

 

 

 

 

 

14.23

 

Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions

 

192

 

 

 

 

 

14.24

 

Senior Notes Issuance

 

193

 

ix



 

LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

Exhibit A-1

Form of Canadian Revolver Note

Exhibit A-2

Form of U.S. Revolver Note

Exhibit A-3

Form of European Revolver Note

Exhibit B

Notice of Borrowing

Exhibit C

Notice of Conversion/Continuation

Exhibit D

Assignment and Acceptance

Exhibit E

Assignment Notice

Exhibit F

[Reserved]

Exhibit G

Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

Exhibit H

Form of Landlord Waiver

Exhibit I

Form of Bailee Letter

Exhibit J

Intercreditor Agreement

Exhibit K

Pledge and Security Agreement

Exhibit L

Intercompany Subordination Agreement

Schedule 1.1(a)

Commitments of Lenders

Schedule 1.1(b)

Contingent Obligations

Schedule 1.1(c)

Existing Letters of Credit

Schedule 1.1(d)

Investments

Schedule 6.1

List of Closing Documents

Schedule 8.5

Deposit Accounts

Schedule 8.6.1

Business Locations

Schedule 9.1.4

Corporate Names and Capital Structure

Schedule 9.1.6(b)

Owned Real Property

Schedule 9.1.11

Intellectual Property

Schedule 9.1.14

Environmental Matters

Schedule 9.1.16

Litigation

Schedule 9.1.18(e)

Canadian Pension Plan

Schedule 9.1.20

Labor Contracts

Schedule 9.1.24

Filing Offices

Schedule 10.1.13

Post-Closing Matters

Schedule 10.2.1

Liens

Schedule 10.2.2

Existing Indebtedness

 

x



 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT

 

THIS THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is dated as of November 2, 2016, among CS INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO 1 LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”) as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and a Canadian Facility Guarantor (each as defined herein), COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC . , an Ohio corporation (the “ U.S. Borrower ”), COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE CANADA LIMITED , an Ontario corporation (together with its permitted successors, the “ Canadian Borrower ”), COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS B.V. , a corporation under the laws of the Netherlands ( besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid ) (the “ European Borrower ” and together with the U.S. Borrower and the Canadian Borrower, the “ Borrowers ”), the other U.S. Subsidiaries (as defined herein) of Holdings which are and may hereafter become party to this Agreement as U.S./European Facility Guarantors and Canadian Facility Guarantors, the other Canadian Subsidiaries (as defined herein) of Holdings which are or may hereafter become party to this Agreement as Canadian Facility Guarantors, the financial institutions party to this Agreement from time to time as lenders (collectively, “ Lenders ”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , a national banking association, in its capacity as collateral agent and administrative agent for itself and the Secured Parties (as defined herein) (together with any successor agent appointed pursuant to Section 12.8 , “ Agent ”).

 

R E C I T A L S:

 

A.            Holdings, the U.S. Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, the European Borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, Agent and the financial institutions party thereto are party to that certain Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2014 (as amended up to but not including the date hereof, the “ Existing Loan Agreement ”).

 

B.            Holdings, the Borrowers, the other Loan Parties, Agent and the Lenders party hereto wish to amend and restate the Existing Loan Agreement upon and subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

C.            Each Subsidiary of Holdings which is or hereafter becomes a party hereto as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor is or will be affiliated, is or will be engaged in interrelated businesses, and is or will derive substantial direct and indirect benefit from extensions of credit to the U.S. Borrower and/or the European Borrower.

 

D.            Each Subsidiary of Holdings which is or hereafter becomes a party hereto as a Canadian Facility Guarantor is or will be affiliated, is or will be engaged in interrelated businesses, and is or will derive substantial direct and indirect benefit from extensions of credit to the Canadian Borrower.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , for valuable consideration hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 



 

SECTION 1.   DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

 

1.1           Definitions .   As used herein, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

 

ABL Collateral : as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Account : as defined in the UCC and the PPSA, as applicable, including all rights to payment for goods sold or leased, or for services rendered.

 

Account Debtor : a Person who is obligated under an Account, Chattel Paper or General Intangible.

 

Acquired Indebtedness : with respect to any specified Person:

 

(1)           Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into, or becoming a Subsidiary of such specified Person, and

 

(2)           Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

 

Adverse Proceeding : any action, suit, proceeding (whether administrative, judicial or otherwise), governmental investigation or arbitration (whether or not purportedly on behalf of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) at law or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Authority, domestic or foreign (including any Environmental Claims) pending against or affecting Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any property of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

Affiliate : of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly Controlling or Controlled by or under direct or indirect common Control with such specified Person.  For purposes of this definition, “ Control ” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “ Controlling ,” “ Controlled by ” and “ under common Control with ”), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.

 

Agent : as defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

Agent Fee Letter : the agent fee letter agreement among Agent, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and Loan Party Agent dated October 19, 2016.

 

Agent Indemnitees : Agent and its officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents and attorneys.

 

2



 

Agent Professionals : attorneys, accountants, appraisers, auditors, business valuation experts, environmental engineers or consultants, turnaround consultants, and other professionals and experts retained by Agent.

 

Allocable Amount : as defined in Section 5.10.3 .

 

Anti-Terrorism Laws : any laws relating to terrorism or money laundering, including the Patriot Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act.

 

Applicable Lenders :  (i) with respect to the U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower, the U.S. Lenders, and (ii) with respect to the Canadian Borrower, the Canadian Lenders.

 

Applicable Loan Party Group : (i) with respect to the U.S. Borrower, the U.S. Facility Loan Parties, (ii) with respect to the Canadian Borrower, the Canadian Facility Loan Parties that are domiciled in Canada and (iii) with respect to the European Borrower, the U.S./European Facility Loan Parties.

 

Applicable Margin : with respect to any Type of Loan and such other Obligations specified below, the respective margin set forth below, as determined by reference to the Average Quarterly Availability:

 

Level

 

Average Quarterly Availability

 

LIBOR Loans,
Canadian BA Rate
Loans, Letter of Credit
Fees

 

U.S. Base Rate Loans,
Canadian Base Rate
Loans and Canadian
Prime Rate Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

 

Greater than or equal to 45% of the Borrowing Base

 

1.25

%

0.25

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

II

 

Greater than or equal to 20% of the Borrowing Base but less than 45% of the Borrowing Base

 

1.50

%

0.50

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

III

 

Less than 20% of the Borrowing Base

 

1.75

%

0.75

%

 

The Applicable Margin shall be adjusted quarterly as of the first (1st) day of each calendar quarter, based upon the Average Quarterly Availability for the immediately preceding calendar quarter.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, until April 1, 2017, the Applicable Margin shall be the rates corresponding to Level 2 in the foregoing table.

 

Approved Fund : any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in its ordinary course of activities, has the capacity to fund Revolver Loans hereunder and is administered or managed by a Lender, an entity that administers or manages a Lender, or an Affiliate of either.

 

3



 

Asset Review and Approval Conditions :  with respect to any acquisition, amalgamation or merger in respect of which the Accounts or Inventory acquired therein or thereby are requested to be included in the Canadian Borrowing Base or U.S./European Borrowing Base, Agent shall have completed its review of such assets, including, without limitation, field examinations, audits, appraisals and other due diligence as Agent shall in its Permitted Discretion require; it being acknowledged and agreed that, (1) such additional assets, if any, to be included in the Canadian Borrowing Base or U.S./European Borrowing Base may be subject to different advance rates or eligibility criteria or may require the imposition of additional reserves with respect thereto and (2) prior to the inclusion of any additional assets in the Canadian Borrowing Base or U.S./European Borrowing Base, all actions shall have been taken to ensure that Agent has a perfected and continuing first priority security interest in and Lien on such assets (to the extent otherwise required herein).

 

Asset Sale :  defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

Assignment and Acceptance : an assignment agreement between a Lender and Eligible Assignee, in the form of Exhibit D .

 

Assignment of Claims Act : Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, 31 U.S.C. § 3727, 41 U.S.C. § 15, as amended.

 

Audit Trigger Period : the period (a) commencing on the day that an Event of Default occurs, or Average Period Availability (for a one-day period) is less than the greater of (i) $35,000,000 and (ii) 17.5% of the Borrowing Base at such time; and (b) continuing until, during the preceding thirty (30) consecutive days, no Event of Default has existed and Average Period Availability has been greater than the greater of (i) $35,000,000 and (ii) 17.5% of the Borrowing Base at such time.

 

Availability : at any time, the sum of the Canadian Availability and the U.S. Availability, in each case, at such time.

 

Average Availability Test Trigger : with respect to the Specified Transaction Conditions, any time that Average Period Availability is (for a one-day period) less than the greater of (i) $45,000,000 and (ii) 30% of the Commitments on the date of such action or proposed action.

 

Average Period Availability : for any period, an amount equal to the sum of the Availability for each day of such period (determined as of the close of business of each such day) divided by the actual number of days in such period, as determined by Agent, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

Average Quarterly Availability : for any calendar quarter, an amount equal to the sum of the Availability for each day of such calendar quarter (determined as of the close of business of each such day) divided by the actual number of days in such calendar quarter, as determined by Agent, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

Bail-In Action : means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution.

 

4



 

Bail-In Legislation : means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

 

Bank of America : Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association, and its successors and assigns.

 

Bank of America (Canada) : Bank of America, N.A. (acting through its Canada branch).

 

Bank of America Indemnitees : Bank of America and its officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents and attorneys.

 

Bank Product : any of the following products, services or facilities extended to any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary (or any other Affiliate thereof requested by a Borrower and approved by Agent) by a Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) Cash Management Services; (b) products under Hedging Agreements; and (c) commercial credit card and merchant card services; provided , however , that for any of the foregoing to be included as an “Obligation” for purposes of a distribution under Section 5.5.1 , the Lender or Affiliate providing such Bank Product and Loan Party Agent must have previously provided written notice to Agent of (i) the existence of such Bank Product, (ii) the maximum dollar amount of obligations arising thereunder to be included as a Canadian Bank Product Reserve or U.S. Bank Product Reserve, as applicable (“ Bank Product Amount ”), (iii) the methodology to be used by such parties in determining the Secured Bank Product Obligations owing from time to time and if Agent has received no such notice with respect to any such Bank Product, then Agent shall be permitted to assume that no such Bank Product is outstanding in connection with making distributions under Section 5.5.1 and (iv) its agreement to be bound by Section 12.14 ; provided , however , that no such notice from Loan Party Agent shall be required with respect to any Bank Products provided by Bank of America or its Affiliates.  The Bank Product Amount may be changed from time to time by Agent (with respect to Bank Products provided by Bank of America or its Affiliates) in its Permitted Discretion or upon written notice to Agent by the Lender or Affiliate providing the related Bank Product and Loan Party Agent.  No additional Bank Product Amount may be voluntarily established or increased by the Loan Parties at any time that a Default or Event of Default exists, or if a reserve in such amount would cause an Overadvance.

 

Bank Product Amount : as defined in the definition of Bank Product.

 

Board of Directors : as to any Person, the board of directors or managers, sole member or managing member, as applicable, of such Person (or, if such Person is a partnership, the board of directors or other governing body of the general partner of such Person) or any duly authorized committee thereof.

 

Borrowed Money : with respect to any Person, any (a) obligation that (i) arises from the borrowing of money by such Person (including, for the avoidance of doubt, arising from any Permitted Receivables Financing of such Person), (ii) is evidenced by notes, drafts, bonds, debentures, credit documents or similar instruments, (iii) accrues interest or is a type upon which interest charges are customarily paid (excluding trade payables or administrative or general

 

5



 

expenses owing in the ordinary course of business) or (iv) was issued or assumed as full or partial payment for property (excluding trade payables owing in the ordinary course of business); (b) capitalized amount in respect of Capital Leases of such Person; (c) reimbursement obligations by such Person with respect to letters of credit issued for the account of such Person; and (d) guarantees by such Person of any of the foregoing owing by another Person.

 

Borrower Materials : Borrowing Base Certificates, Compliance Certificates and other information, reports, financial statements and other materials delivered by Borrowers hereunder, as well as the Reports provided by Agent to Lenders.

 

Borrowers :  as defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

Borrowing : a group of Loans of one Type that are made on the same day or are converted into Loans of one Type on the same day.

 

Borrowing Base : the Canadian Borrowing Base and/or the U.S./European Borrowing Base, as the context requires.

 

Borrowing Base Certificate : a certificate, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit G or otherwise in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, by which Loan Party Agent certifies calculation of any Borrowing Base.

 

Business Day : any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any other day that is a legal holiday under the laws of the State of North Carolina or the State of New York or is a day on which banking institutions located in such States are closed; and when used with reference to (i) a LIBOR Loan denominated in Dollars, the term shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for the transaction of banking business in London, England, (ii) a LIBOR Loan denominated in Euros, any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in Euros in respect of any such LIBOR Loan, or any other dealings in Euros to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such LIBOR Loan, the term shall also exclude any day that is not a TARGET Day, and (iii) a Canadian Revolver Loan, the term shall also exclude a day on which banks in Toronto, Ontario, Canada are not open for the transaction of banking business.

 

Canadian Auto-Extension Letter of Credit : as defined in Section 2.3.1(e) .

 

Canadian Availability :  as of any date of determination, the Canadian Borrowing Base as of such date of determination plus solely for purposes of calculating “Availability” in connection with the satisfaction of any Specified Transaction Conditions (other than in connection with the making of any Revolver Loan to the European Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1 or the issuance of any Letter of Credit for the account of the European Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2 .), the Canadian Suppressed Amount on such date of determination plus the Canadian Designated Cash Amount on such date of determination minus the Canadian Revolver Exposure (calculated without duplication of any amounts reserved under the Canadian LC Reserve) on such date of determination..

 

Canadian Availability Reserve : the sum (without duplication) of (a) the Inventory Reserve with respect to the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties’ Inventory; (b) the Canadian Rent and Charges Reserve; (c) the Canadian LC Reserve; (d) the Canadian Bank Product Reserve; (e)

 

6



 

the aggregate amount of liabilities secured by Liens upon any Canadian Facility Collateral that are senior to Agent’s L iens (but imposition of any such reserve shall not waive an Event of Default arising therefrom); (f) the Canadian Priority Payables Reserve; (g) the Wage Earner Protection Act Reserve; (h) the Canadian Designated Foreign Guaranty Reserve; (i) the Canadian Tooling Vendor Reserve and (j) such additional reserves (including, without limitation, dilution reserves), in such amounts and with respect to such matters, as Agent in its Permitted Discretion may establish.

 

Canadian BA Rate :  with respect to each Interest Period for a Canadian BA Rate Loan, the rate of interest per annum equal to the average rate applicable to Canadian Dollar Bankers’ Acceptances having an identical or comparable term as the proposed Canadian BA Rate Loan displayed and identified as such on the display referred to as the “CDOR Page” (or any display substituted therefor) of Reuter Monitor Money Rates Service as at approximately 10:00 a.m.  Toronto time on such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, as of 10:00 a.m.  Toronto time on the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that if such rate does not appear on the CDOR Page at such time on such date, the rate for such date will be the annual discount rate (rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) as of 10:00 a.m.  Eastern time on such day at which a Canadian chartered bank listed on Schedule 1 of the Bank Act (Canada) as selected by Agent is then offering to purchase Canadian Dollar Bankers’ Acceptances accepted by it having such specified term (or a term as closely as possible comparable to such specified term); provided that if the Canadian BA Rate determined pursuant to the foregoing method is less than zero, then such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement.

 

Canadian BA Rate Loan :  a Canadian Revolver Loan, or portion thereof, funded in Canadian Dollars and bearing interest calculated by reference to the Canadian BA Rate.

 

Canadian Bank Product Reserve : the aggregate amount of reserves, as established by Agent from time to time in its Permitted Discretion to reflect the reasonably anticipated liabilities in respect of the then outstanding Secured Bank Product Obligations of the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries (or any other Affiliate thereof requested by the Canadian Borrower and approved by Agent).

 

Canadian Base Rate : for any day, a fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America (Canada) as its “base rate”, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%,  and (c) LIBOR for a thirty (30) day interest period as of such day, plus 1.0%; provided that if the Canadian Base Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement.  The “base rate” being a rate set by Bank of America (Canada) based on various factors including costs and desired return of Bank of America (Canada), general economic conditions and other factors, and used as a reference point for pricing loans in Dollars made at its “base rate”, which may be priced at, above or below such announced rate).  Any change in the “base rate” announced by Bank of America (Canada) shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.  Each interest rate based upon the Canadian Base Rate shall be adjusted simultaneously with any change in the “base rate”.  In the event that Bank of America (Canada) (including any successor or assignee) does not at any time publicly announce a “base rate”, then “Canadian Base Rate” shall mean the “base rate” publicly announced by a Schedule 1 chartered bank in Canada selected by Agent.

 

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Canadian Base Rate Loan :  a Canadian Revolver Loan, or portion thereof, funded in Dollars and bearing interest calculated by reference to the Canadian Base Rate.

 

Canadian Borrower :  as defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

Canadian Borrowing Base : on any date of determination, an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the Maximum Canadian Facility Amount minus (x) the Canadian Priority Payables Reserve minus (y) the Wage Earner Protection Act Reserve minus (z) the Canadian LC Reserve; and (b) (1) the sum of (x) 85% of the Value of Eligible Accounts of the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties; plus (y) the lesser of (i) 70% of the Value of Eligible Inventory of the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties; and (ii) 85% of the NOLV Percentage of the Value of Eligible Inventory of the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties; plus (z) 75% of the Value of Eligible Tooling Accounts of the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties minus (2) the Canadian Availability Reserve.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the maximum amount of availability under the Canadian Borrowing Base and the U.S./European Borrowing Base resulting from the inclusion of Eligible Tooling Accounts exceed $30,000,000 in the aggregate.

 

Canadian Cash Collateral Account : a demand deposit, money market or other account established by Agent at Bank of America (Canada) or such other financial institution as Agent may select in its discretion, which account shall be for the benefit of the Canadian Facility Secured Parties and shall be subject to Agent’s Liens securing the Canadian Facility Obligations.

 

Canadian Designated Cash Amount : the aggregate amount of cash of the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties deposited in segregated DACA Deposit Accounts with Agent.

 

Canadian Designated Foreign Guaranty Reserve : the aggregate amount of reserves established by Agent from time to time in its Permitted Discretion in respect of any Designated Foreign Guaranty established in favor of a Canadian Lender and/or an Affiliate of a Canadian Lender.

 

Canadian Dollars or Cdn$ : the lawful currency of Canada.

 

Canadian Domiciled Loan Party : each Canadian Subsidiary of Holdings now or hereafter party hereto as a Loan Party, and “ Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties ” means all such Persons, collectively.

 

Canadian Dominion Account : a special account established by the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties at Bank of America (Canada) or another bank reasonably acceptable to Agent, over which Agent has exclusive control for withdrawal purposes.

 

Canadian Facility Collateral : Collateral that now or hereafter secures (or is intended to secure) any of the Canadian Facility Obligations, including property of the U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties pledged to secure their Obligations under their guarantee of the Canadian Facility Obligations.

 

Canadian Facility Guarantee : each guarantee agreement (including this Agreement) at any time executed by a Canadian Facility Guarantor in favor of Agent guaranteeing all or any portion of the Canadian Facility Obligations.

 

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Canadian Facility Guarantor : Holdings, each Canadian Subsidiary of Holdings, each other U.S. Subsidiary of Holdings, and each other Person (if any) who guarantees payment and performance of any Canadian Facility Obligations.

 

Canadian Facility Loan Party : the Canadian Borrower or a Canadian Facility Guarantor.

 

Canadian Facility Obligations : all applicable Obligations of the Canadian Facility Loan Parties (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, all U.S./European Facility Obligations).

 

Canadian Facility Secured Parties : Agent, Canadian Issuing Bank, Canadian Lenders, Secured Bank Product Providers of Bank Products to Canadian Facility Loan Parties, and the Lead Arrangers.

 

Canadian Issuing Bank : (a) Bank of America (Canada) or an Affiliate of Bank of America (Canada), as an issuer of Letters of Credit under this Agreement and (b) Deutsche Bank AG Canada Branch or an Affiliate of Deutsche Bank AG Canada Branch, as an issuer of Letters of Credit under this Agreement.

 

Canadian LC Obligations : the sum (without duplication) of (a) all amounts owing by the Canadian Borrower for any drawings under Letters of Credit; (b) the stated amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Canadian Borrower; and (c) all fees and other amounts owing with respect to Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Canadian Borrower.

 

Canadian LC Reserve : the aggregate of all Canadian LC Obligations, other than (a) those that have been Cash Collateralized; and (b) if no Default or Event of Default exists, amounts specified in clause (c)  of the definition of Canadian LC Obligations.

 

Canadian Lenders : Bank of America (Canada) and each other Lender that has issued a Canadian Revolver Commitment (provided that such Person or an Affiliate of such Person also has a U.S./European Revolver Commitment), including Bank of America (Canada) in its capacity as a provider of Canadian Swingline Loans.  Each Canadian Lender shall be a Canadian Qualified Lender.

 

Canadian Letter of Credit Sublimit : $1,000,000.

 

Canadian Letters of Credit : as defined in Section 2.3.1 hereof.

 

Canadian Multi-Employer Plan :  each multi-employer plan, within the meaning of the Regulations under the Income Tax Act (Canada), but excluding, for greater certainty, any Multi-Employer Plan.

 

Canadian Non-Extension Notice Date : as defined in Section 2.3.1(e) .

 

Canadian Overadvance :  as defined in Section 2.1.5 hereof.

 

Canadian Overadvance Loan :  a Loan made to the Canadian Borrower when a Canadian Overadvance exists or is caused by the funding thereof.

 

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Canadian Overadvance Loan Balance :  on any date, the amount by which the aggregate Canadian Revolver Exposure exceeds the amount of the Canadian Borrowing Base on such date.

 

Canadian Pension Plan :  a “registered pension plan” as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada), and any other pension plan maintained or contributed to by, or to which there is or may be an obligation to contribute by, any Loan Party in respect of its Canadian employees or former Canadian employees, excluding, for greater certainty, a Canadian Multi-Employer Plan.

 

Canadian Prime Rate :  on any date, a fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America (Canada) as its “Canadian Prime rate” and (b) the CDOR Rate for a thirty (30) day Interest Period as determined on such day plus 1.00%; provided that if the Canadian Prime Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement.  The “Canadian Prime Rate” is a rate set by Bank of America (Canada) based upon various factors including Bank of America (Canada)’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate.  Any change in such rate announced by Bank of America (Canada) shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.

 

Canadian Prime Rate Loan : a Canadian Revolver Loan, or portion thereof, funded in Canadian Dollars and bearing interest calculated by reference to the Canadian Prime Rate.

 

Canadian Priority Payables Reserve : on any date of determination, a reserve in such amount as Agent may reasonably determine in its Permitted Discretion, which reflects the unpaid (when due) or un-remitted (when due) payroll tax deductions, employment insurance premiums, amounts deducted for vacation pay, wages, workers’ compensation and other unpaid (when due) or unremitted (when due) amounts by any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party which would give rise to a Lien with priority under applicable Law over the Lien of Agent and if any Loan Party issues a notice of intended wind up of the Canadian Pension Plan, the Superintendent, FSCO or other Governmental Authority issues a notice of the intended decision to wind up a Canadian Pension Plan or Agent reasonably determines in its Permitted Discretion that it is probable that a Canadian Pension Plan will be wound up and there is Canadian Unfunded Pension Liability at such time, a reserve, which Agent may assess and apply, in its Permitted Discretion, up to an amount that reflects the Canadian Unfunded Pension Liability of such Canadian Pension Plan.

 

Canadian Qualified Lender : a financial institution that is listed on Schedule I, II, or III of the Bank Act (Canada) or is not a foreign bank for purposes of the Bank Act (Canada), or if such financial institution is not resident in Canada and is not deemed to be resident in Canada with respect to any amounts received pursuant to this Agreement for purposes of Part XIII of the Income Tax Act (Canada), that financial institution deals at arm’s length with the Canadian Borrower for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

 

Canadian Reimbursement Date : as defined in Section 2.3.2(a) .

 

Canadian Rent and Charges Reserve : the aggregate of (a) all past due rent and other past due amounts owing by any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party to any landlord, warehouseman,

 

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processor, repairman, mechanic, shipper, freight forwarder, broker or other Person who possesses any Canadian Facility Collateral of any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party or could assert a Lien on such Canadian Facility Collateral under applicable Law; plus (b) a reserve at least equal to three (3) months (or such shorter period as Agent determines in its Permitted Discretion as it will take to liquidate the ABL Collateral at such location) rent and other charges that could reasonably be expected to be payable to any such Person who possesses any Canadian Facility Collateral of any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party and could reasonably be expected to assert a Lien on such Canadian Facility Collateral under applicable Law, unless, in any such case, such Person has executed a Collateral Access Agreement.

 

Canadian Revolver Commitment : for any Canadian Lender, its obligation to make Canadian Revolver Loans and to issue Canadian Letters of Credit, in the case of Canadian Issuing Bank, or participate in Canadian LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c)  of such definition), in the case of the other Canadian Lenders, to the Canadian Borrower up to the maximum principal amount shown on Schedule 1.1(a) , or as hereafter determined pursuant to each Assignment and Acceptance to which it is a party, as such Canadian Revolver Commitment may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2.1.4 or 11.2 .  “ Canadian Revolver Commitments ” means the aggregate amount of such commitments of all Canadian Lenders.

 

Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date : the earliest of (a) the U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date (without regard to the reason therefor), (b) the date on which Loan Party Agent terminates or reduces to zero (0) all of the Canadian Revolver Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1.4 , and (c) the date on which the Canadian Revolver Commitments are terminated pursuant to Section 11.2 .

 

Canadian Revolver Exposure :  on any date, an amount equal to the sum of the Dollar Equivalent of the Canadian Revolver Loans outstanding on such date plus the Canadian LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c)  of such definition) on such date.

 

Canadian Revolver Loan :  a Revolver Loan made by Canadian Lenders to the Canadian Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1.1(b) , and any Canadian Swingline Loan, which Revolver Loan shall, if denominated in Canadian Dollars, be either a Canadian BA Rate Loan or a Canadian Prime Rate Loan and, if denominated in Dollars, shall be either a Canadian Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Loan, in each case as selected by the Canadian Borrower or Loan Party Agent.

 

Canadian Revolver Notes :  collectively, each promissory note, if any, executed by the Canadian Borrower in favor of a Canadian Lender to evidence the Canadian Revolver Loans funded from time to time by such Canadian Lender, which shall be in the form of Exhibit A-1 to this Agreement, together with any replacement or successor notes therefor.

 

Canadian Security Agreement : each general security agreement or deed of hypothec among any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party and Agent and each Section 427 Bank Act (Canada) security document among the Canadian Borrower and any Canadian Lender, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.

 

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Canadian Subsidiary :  a Subsidiary of Holdings incorporated or organized under the laws of Canada or any province or territory of Canada.

 

Canadian Suppressed Amount :  to the extent that the amount calculated pursuant to clause (b) of the Canadian Borrowing Base definition exceeds the then-current Canadian Revolver Commitment as of any date of determination, the amount of any such excess designated in writing by Loan Party Agent to Agent as “Canadian Suppressed Amount” under this Agreement; provided, that in no event shall the Canadian Suppressed Amount exceed $5,000,000 less the U.S./European Suppressed Amount as of such date of determination.

 

Canadian Swingline Loan : any Borrowing of Canadian Prime Rate Loans made pursuant to Section 4.1.3(c) .

 

Canadian Tooling Vendor Reserve : the aggregate amount of reserves, as established by Agent from time to time in its Permitted Discretion to reflect the reasonably anticipated liabilities in respect of the then outstanding amounts owing to all tooling vendors with respect to the tooling giving rise to Eligible Tooling Accounts of the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties.

 

Canadian Unfunded Pension Liability:   any unfunded wind up deficiency as identified in (a) the most recent actuarial valuation report for the purposes of the PBA, or (b) any wind up report for the purposes of the PBA, and filed or required to be filed with any applicable Governmental Authority in respect of any Canadian Pension Plan.

 

Canadian Unused Line Fee Rate :  at any date of determination, a rate per annum equal to (a) 0.25% when the Canadian Revolver Exposure is greater than 50% of the Canadian Revolver Commitments and (b) 0.30% at all other times.

 

Capital Expenditures : all liabilities incurred or expenditures made by a Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary for the acquisition of any fixed assets, or any improvements, replacements, substitutions or additions thereto with a useful life of more than one (1) year that would, in any case, in accordance with GAAP, be included as additions to property, plant and equipment, but excluding (to the extent that they would otherwise be included): including, for the avoidance of doubt, any amount included in the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (i) any expenditures during such period made for the replacement or restoration of assets with assets of the same or similar type to the extent paid for by any identifiable proceeds of casualty insurance or condemnation awards; (ii) the purchase price of assets purchased during such period to the extent the consideration therefor consists of the proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale of assets; (iii) any expenditures for the purchase price of assets acquired in an acquisition during such period; (iv) liabilities incurred or expenditures made to the extent such Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary has received reimbursement in cash from a third party during such period; (v) the non-cash book value of any asset owned by any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary which is included as an addition to property, plant and equipment as a result of the reuse of such asset during such period without a corresponding expenditure actually having been made or liability incurred in such period; (vi) the non-cash purchase price of equipment purchased during such period to the extent the consideration therefor consists of used or surplus equipment traded in at the time of such purchase; (vii) the non-cash purchase price of equipment that is purchased during such period and substantially contemporaneously with the trade-in of existing equipment

 

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to the extent that the gross amount of such purchase price is reduced by the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the equipment being traded in at such time; and (viii) any expenditures during such period made with the proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests by Holdings with respect to which: (a) such proceeds shall have been received by Holdings within one-hundred eighty days (180) of such expenditure, and (b) Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer of Loan Party Agent certifying in reasonable detail as to compliance with preceding clause (a).

 

Capital Stock :

 

(1)                                  in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;

 

(2)                                  in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;

 

(3)                                  in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and

 

(4)                                  any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

 

Capitalized Lease Obligation : at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) in accordance with GAAP; provided that any obligation in respect of operating leases of Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether entered into before or after the Third Restatement Date, that are subsequently recharacterized as capital lease obligations of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis due to a change in accounting treatment or otherwise after the Third Restatement Date will be deemed not to be treated as a Capitalized Lease Obligation or Indebtedness.

 

Cash Collateral :  cash or Cash Equivalents, and any interest or other income earned thereon, that is delivered to Agent to Cash Collateralize any Obligations.

 

Cash Collateralize : the delivery of cash to Agent, as security for the payment of Obligations, in an amount equal to (a) with respect to LC Obligations, 105% of the aggregate amount of such LC Obligations, and (b) with respect to any inchoate, contingent or other Obligations (including Secured Bank Product Obligations), Agent’s good faith estimate of the amount due or to become due, including all fees and other amounts relating to such Obligations.

 

Cash Collateralization ” and “ Cash Collateralized ” have correlative meanings.  For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that the Obligors shall not Cash Collateralize Obligations hereunder with Cash Equivalents issued or guaranteed by the government of any Participating Member State.

 

Cash Collateral Account : the Canadian Cash Collateral Account and/or the U.S. Cash Collateral Account, as the context may require.

 

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Cash Contribution Amount : the aggregate amount of cash contributions made to the capital of any U.S. Domiciled Loan Party.

 

Cash Dominion Trigger Period : the period (a) commencing on the day that an Event of Default occurs, or Average Period Availability is for a five (5) consecutive Business Day period, less than the greater of (i) $18,000,000 and (ii) 10% of the Borrowing Base at such time; and (b) continuing until, during the preceding thirty (30) consecutive day period, no Event of Default has existed and Average Period Availability has been greater than the greater of (i) $18,000,000 and (ii) 10% of the Borrowing Base at such time.

 

Cash Equivalents : (1) U.S. Dollars, Canadian dollars, pounds sterling, euros or the national currency of any participating member state of the European Union;

 

(2)                                  securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the government of the United States, Canada or any country that is a member of the European Union or any agency or instrumentality thereof in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

 

(3)                                  certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances, in each case with maturities not exceeding one year, and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000, or the foreign currency equivalent thereof, and whose long-term debt is rated “A” or higher or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency);

 

(4)                                  repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2)  and (3)  above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3)  above;

 

(5)                                  commercial paper issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of Holdings) rated at least “A-1” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) and in each case maturing within one year after the date of acquisition;

 

(6)                                  readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any municipal or political subdivision thereof with a rating of “AA-” from S&P or “Aa3” from Moody’s or guaranteed by a financial institution with a rating of “AA-” from S&P or “Aa3” from Moody’s (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

 

(7)                                  Indebtedness issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A-2” or higher from Moody’s in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

 

(8)                                  investment funds investing at least 90% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1)  through (7)  above; and

 

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(9)                                  in the case of Investments by any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Foreign Subsidiary, (x) such local currencies in those countries in which such Foreign Subsidiary transacts business from time to time in the ordinary course of business and (y) Investments of comparable tenor and credit quality to those described in the foregoing clauses (1)  through (8)  customarily utilized in countries in which such Foreign Subsidiary operates for short-term cash management purposes.

 

Cash Management Services : any services provided from time to time by any Lender or any of its Affiliates to any Loan Party or Subsidiary in connection with operating, collections, payroll, trust, or other depository or disbursement accounts, including automated clearinghouse, e-payable, electronic funds transfer, wire transfer, controlled disbursement, overdraft, depository, information reporting, lockbox and stop payment services.

 

Casualty Event :  any involuntary loss of title, any involuntary loss of, damage to or any destruction of, or any condemnation or other taking (including by any Governmental Authority) of, any property of any Loan Party or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.  “Casualty Event” shall include but not be limited to any taking of all or any part of any real property of any Person or any part thereof, in or by condemnation or other eminent domain proceedings, or by reason of the temporary requisition of the use or occupancy of all or any part of any real property of any Person or any part thereof by any Governmental Authority, civil or military, or any settlement in lieu thereof.

 

CCAA : Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-36.

 

CFC : a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code.

 

Change in Law : 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 at any time, Holdings becomes aware of (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, or written notice) the acquisition by any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), other than a Permitted Holder, in a single transaction or in a related series of transactions, by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) of 35% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of Holdings or any Parent Entity unless (i) the Permitted Holders have, at such

 

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time, the right or the ability, directly or indirectly, by voting power, contract or otherwise, to elect or designate for election at least a majority of the Board of Directors of Holdings or (ii) during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the Board of Directors of Holdings shall be occupied by persons who were (x) members of the Board of Directors of Holdings nominated, or whose nomination or election was approved, by one or more Permitted Holders or (y) appointed by directors so approved or nominated; provided that so long as Holdings is a Subsidiary of a Parent Entity, no Person shall be deemed to be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of Holdings unless such Person shall be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of such Parent Entity.

 

Claims : all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, judgments, proceedings, interest, costs and expenses of any kind (including remedial response costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees and Extraordinary Expenses) at any time (including after Full Payment of the Obligations, resignation or replacement of Agent, or replacement of any Lender) incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee in any way relating to (a) any Loans, Letters of Credit, Loan Documents, Borrower Materials or the use thereof or transactions relating thereto, (b) any action taken or omitted to be taken by any Indemnitee in connection with any Loan Documents, (c) the existence or perfection of any Liens, or realization upon any Collateral, (d) exercise of any rights or remedies under any Loan Documents or applicable Law, (e) failure by any Loan Party to perform or observe any terms of any Loan Document, or (f) any actual or alleged presence or Release or threatened Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, under or from any real property owned, leased or operated by any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary of any Loan Party at any time (other than any such presence, Release or threatened Release resulting solely from acts or omissions by Persons other than Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after Agent sells the applicable Real Estate pursuant to a foreclosure or has accepted a deed in lieu of foreclosure), or any Environmental Claim related in any way to any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary, in each case, including all costs and expenses relating to any investigation, litigation, arbitration or other proceeding (including an Insolvency Proceeding or appellate proceedings), whether or not the applicable Indemnitee is a party thereto.

 

Code : the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

Collateral : all of each Loan Party’s right, title and interest in all property of such Loan Party, subject to a Lien under, or purported to be subject to a Lien under, the Security Documents, that, in each case, now or hereafter secures (or is intended to secure) any of the Obligations.

 

Collateral Access Agreement : an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, by which (a) for any Collateral located on premises leased by a Loan Party, the lessor waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, and agrees to permit Agent to enter upon the premises and remove the Collateral or to use the premises to store or dispose of the Collateral; (b) for any Collateral held by a warehouseman, processor, shipper, customs broker or freight forwarder, such Person waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, agrees to hold any Documents in its possession relating to the Collateral as agent for Agent, and agrees to deliver the Collateral to Agent upon request; (c) for any Collateral held by a repairman, mechanic or bailee, such Person acknowledges Agent’s Lien, waives or subordinates any Lien it

 

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may have on the Collateral, and agrees to deliver the Collateral to Agent upon request; and (d) for any Collateral subject to a Licensor’s Intellectual Property rights, the Licensor grants to Agent the right, vis-à-vis such Licensor, to enforce Agent’s Liens with respect to the Collateral, including the right to dispose of it with the benefit of the Intellectual Property, whether or not a default exists under any applicable License; it  being understood that any “Landlord Waiver” in substantially the form of Exhibit H and any “Bailee Letter” in substantially the form of Exhibit I , in any case obtained by or on behalf of any Loan Party, shall be satisfactory to Agent as a Collateral Access Agreement.

 

Commitment :  for any Lender, the aggregate amount of such Lender’s Facility Commitments.  “ Commitments ” means the aggregate amount of all Facility Commitments, which amount shall be $210,000,000 on the Third Restatement Date.

 

Commodity Exchange Act : the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. ).

 

Compliance Certificate : a certificate of Loan Party Agent, in form and substance consistent with past practices (and which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, list all outstanding Designated Foreign Guaranties), given at the times specified in Section 10.1.1(d) .

 

Connection Income Taxes : Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

 

Consolidated Net Income : as defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio : defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

Consolidated Total Assets : the consolidated total assets of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries as set forth on the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings as of the most recent period for which financial statements were required to have been delivered pursuant to Sections 10.1.1(a)  and (b) .

 

Consolidated Total Indebtedness : as of any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, determined on a consolidated basis, to the extent required to be recorded on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, Capitalized Lease Obligations and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments (other than letters of credit to the extent undrawn).

 

Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio : defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

Contingent Obligations : with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person Guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether

 

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directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent:

 

(1)                                  to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,

 

(2)                                  to advance or supply funds:

 

(a)                                  for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation; or

 

(b)                                  to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; or

 

(3)                                  to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

 

Contractual Obligation : as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

 

Contribution Indebtedness : Indebtedness of a U.S. Domiciled Loan Party in an aggregate principal amount not greater than the aggregate amount of cash contributions (other than Excluded Contributions) made to the capital of such U.S. Domiciled Loan Party after April 4, 2014; provided that:

 

(1)                                  such Contribution Indebtedness shall be Indebtedness with a Stated Maturity later than the Stated Maturity of the Term Loans and a Weighted Average Life to Maturity longer than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans, and

 

(2)                                  such Contribution Indebtedness (a) is Incurred within 210 days after the making of such cash contributions and (b) is so designated as Contribution Indebtedness pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate on the Incurrence date thereof.

 

Covenant Party : each Loan Party other than Holdings.

 

Creditor Representative :  under any applicable Law, a receiver, interim receiver, receiver and manager, trustee (including any trustee in bankruptcy), custodian, conservator, administrator, examiner, sheriff, monitor, assignee, liquidator, provisional liquidator, sequestrator or similar officer or fiduciary.

 

CRR : the Council Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012.

 

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DACA Deposit Account :  a Deposit Account subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement.

 

Declined Amounts : defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

Default : an event or condition that, with the lapse of time or giving of notice, would constitute an Event of Default.

 

Default Rate : for any Obligation (including, to the extent permitted by law, interest not paid when due), 2.00% per annum plus the interest rate otherwise applicable thereto or if such Obligation does not bear interest, a rate equal to the U.S. Base Rate, plus 2.00% per annum.

 

Defaulting Lender : any Lender that, as determined by Agent, (a) has failed to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, and such failure is not cured within two Business Days unless such Lender notifies Agent and Loan Party Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied; (b) has notified Agent or Loan Party Agent that such Lender does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder or under any other credit facility, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied); (c) has failed, within three Business Days following request by Agent or Loan Party Agent, to confirm in a manner satisfactory to Agent and Loan Party Agent that such Lender will comply with its funding obligations 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 Loan Party Agent); or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of an Insolvency Proceeding (including reorganization, liquidation, or appointment of a receiver, custodian, administrator or similar Person by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other regulatory authority) or (ii) become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided , however , that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of a Governmental Authority’s ownership of an equity interest in such Lender or parent company unless the ownership provides immunity for such Lender from jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets, or permits such Lender or Governmental Authority to repudiate or otherwise to reject such Lender’s agreements.

 

Deposit Account : as defined in the UCC (and/or with respect to any Deposit Account located in Canada, any bank account with a deposit function).

 

Deposit Account Control Agreements : the deposit account control agreements in form and substance satisfactory to Agent executed by each lockbox servicer and financial institution maintaining a lockbox and/or Deposit Account (other than an Excluded Deposit Account) for a Loan Party, in favor of Agent and meeting the requirements set forth in Section 8.2.4 .

 

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Designation Date : the first (1st) date after the Third Restatement Date on which there shall occur (a) any event described in Section 11.1(i)  with respect to any Borrower, or (b) an acceleration of Loans and termination of the Commitments pursuant to Section 11.2 .

 

Designated Foreign Guaranty : a guaranty established by a Borrower in favor of any Lender and/or Affiliate of a Lender with respect to a monetary or financial obligation of a Foreign Subsidiary of Holdings (other than a Canadian Facility Loan Party or the European Borrower); provided that (x) the aggregate outstanding amount of Indebtedness of the Foreign Subsidiaries secured by the ABL Collateral shall not exceed $30,000,000 in the aggregate at any time and (y) for any of the foregoing to be included as an “Obligation” for purposes of a distribution under Section 5.5.1 , the Lender or Affiliate providing such Designated Foreign Guaranty and Loan Party Agent must have previously provided written notice to Agent of (i) the existence of such Designated Foreign Guaranty, (ii) the maximum dollar amount of obligations arising thereunder which may be included as a Canadian Designated Foreign Guaranty Reserve or U.S. Designated Foreign Guaranty Reserve, as applicable (“ Designated Foreign Guaranty Amount ”), in Agent’s Permitted Discretion, and (iii) the methodology to be used by such parties in determining the Designated Foreign Guaranty Amount owing from time to time and if Agent has received no such notice with respect to any such Designated Foreign Guaranty Reserve, then Agent shall be permitted to assume that no such Designated Foreign Guaranty Reserve is outstanding in connection with making distributions under Section 5.5.1 ; provided , however , that no such notice from Loan Party Agent shall be required with respect to any Designated Foreign Guaranty Reserve provided by Bank of America or its Affiliates.  The Designated Foreign Guaranty Amount may be changed from time to time by Agent (with respect to Designated Foreign Guaranties provided by Bank of America or its Affiliates) in its Permitted Discretion or upon written notice to Agent by the Lender or Affiliate that is the beneficiary of the related Designated Foreign Guaranty and Loan Party Agent.  No additional Designated Foreign Guaranty Amount may be voluntarily established or increased by the Loan Parties at any time that a Default or Event of Default exists, or if a reserve in such amount would cause an Overadvance.

 

Designated Jurisdiction : any country or territory that is the subject of any Sanction.

 

Designated Preferred Stock : Preferred Stock of Holdings or Holdings or any other Parent Entity, as applicable (other than Excluded Equity), that is issued after the April 4, 2014 for cash and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, on the issuance date thereof, the cash proceeds of which are contributed to the capital of Holdings (if issued by Holdings or any Parent Entity) and excluded from the calculation set forth in Section 10.2.3(a)(3) .

 

Disqualified Stock : with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is redeemable or exchangeable), in each case, at the option of the holder thereof or upon the happening of any event:

 

(1)                                  matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to

 

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the prior repayment in full of the Term Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of any Commitments),

 

(2)                                  is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, or

 

(3)                                  is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part,

 

in each case prior to 91 days after the Facility Termination Date; provided , however , that only the portion of Capital Stock that so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date shall be deemed to be Disqualified Stock; provided , further , however , that if such Capital Stock is issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees of Holdings or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by Holdings in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, death or disability; provided , further , that any class of Capital Stock of such Person that by its terms authorizes such Person to satisfy its obligations thereunder by delivery of Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Stock.

 

Distribution : any declaration or payment of a distribution, interest or dividend on any Equity Interest (other than payment-in-kind); any distribution, advance or repayment of Indebtedness to a holder of Equity Interests; or any purchase, redemption, or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Equity Interest (other than by issuance of Equity Interests which are not Disqualified Stock).

 

Document : as defined in the UCC (and/or with respect to any Document of a Canadian Domiciled Loan Party, a “document of title” as defined in the PPSA).

 

Dollar Equivalent : on any date, with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, such amount in Dollars, and with respect to any stated amount in a currency other than Dollars, the amount of Dollars that Agent determines using the Exchange Rate (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) would be necessary to be sold on such date at the applicable Exchange Rate to obtain the stated amount of the other currency.

 

Dollars or $ : lawful money of the United States.

 

Dominion Account : with respect to the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties, the Canadian Dominion Account, and with respect to the U.S. Facility Loan Parties, the U.S. Dominion Account.

 

EBITDA : determined on a consolidated basis for Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, net income plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining net income, the sum of (i) interest expense, (ii) Receivables Fees, (iii) provision for income taxes, (iv) depreciation and amortization expense, (v) non-cash charges, fees, losses or expenses (but excluding any non-cash charge, fee, loss or expense that was included in net income in a prior period and any non-cash charge, fee, loss or expense that relates to the write-down or write-off of Inventory, other than any write-down or write-off of Inventory as a result of purchase accounting adjustments in respect of any acquisition), (vi) cash and non-cash expenses in

 

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connection with facility closures, severance, relocation, restructuring, integration and other similar adjustments (“ Facility Closings and Severance Expenses ”) in any period, (vii) any losses on the sale of discontinued operations, (viii) any losses on business dispositions or asset dispositions, (ix) any extraordinary charges or losses during such period (calculated on an “after-tax” basis and in accordance with GAAP), (x) earnings of Joint Ventures to the extent received in cash in any period, (xi) non-recurring fees, expenses and charges made or incurred in respect of professional or financial advisory, investment banking, underwriting and similar services (including legal, accounting and consulting costs) to the extent relating to any offering of debt, Equity Interests, Investments, acquisitions, divestitures or discontinuations, in each case permitted hereunder (including, for the avoidance of doubt, fees, expenses and charges in connection with the Transactions), in each case, whether or not consummated and (xii) intellectual property royalties to the extent received in cash , minus (b) without duplication and to the extent included in determining net income, the sum of (i) any cash payments for Facility Closings and Severance Expenses paid after April 4, 2014 in excess of 20% of EBITDA (calculated without giving effect to this clause (b)(i)  for such period) for the most recent twelve (12) calendar month period then ended on such date of determination, (ii) any extraordinary gains and non-cash items of income during such period (calculated on an “after-tax” basis and in accordance with GAAP), (iii) any gains for the sale of discontinued operations, (iv) any gains on business dispositions or asset dispositions (other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business) and (v) any cash payments made in respect of non-cash charges described in clause (a)(v)  taken in a prior period; in each case of clauses (a)  and (b) , determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.  For purposes of the computation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, EBITDA for any period shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis to give effect to (i) any Person or business acquired during such period pursuant to an acquisition permitted hereby and not subsequently sold or otherwise disposed of by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period and (ii) any Subsidiary or business disposed of during such period by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

EEA Financial Institution : means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

 

EEA Member Country : means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

 

EEA Resolution Authority : means any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

 

Eligible Account : as determined separately for (x) the Canadian Borrower and (y) the U.S. Borrower, an Account owing to the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower (or a member of its respective Applicable Loan Party Group) that arises in the ordinary course of business of such Borrower (or a member of its respective Applicable Loan Party Group) from the sale of goods or rendition of services, is payable in Dollars, Canadian Dollars or Mexican Pesos, and

 

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that is deemed by Agent in its Permitted Discretion to be an Eligible Account.  Without limiting the foregoing, no Account shall be an Eligible Account if:

 

(a)                                  it is unpaid for more than sixty (60) days after the original due date, or more than ninety (90) days after the original invoice date;

 

(b)                                  fifty percent (50%) or more of the Dollar Equivalent amount of all Accounts owing to such Borrower (or a member of its Applicable Loan Party Group) by the Account Debtor are not Eligible Accounts under the foregoing clause (a);

 

(c)                                   except as set forth in clause (d) below, when aggregated with other Accounts owing to such Borrower (or a member of its Applicable Loan Party Group) by the Account Debtor, it exceeds ten percent (10%) of the aggregate Eligible Accounts (or such higher percentage as Agent may establish for the Account Debtor from time to time) of each such Borrower (or a member of its Applicable Loan Party Group);

 

(d)                                  when aggregated with other Accounts owing to the Loan Parties by the relevant Account Debtor or any of its respective Affiliates, it exceeds (i) twenty percent (20%) in the case of Chrysler Group, LLC, (ii) 40% in the case of General Motors Corporation and (iii) forty percent (40%) in the case of Ford Motor Company, in each case, of the aggregate Eligible Accounts (or such higher percentage as the Required Lenders may establish for the Account Debtor from time to time) of the Loan Parties;

 

(e)                                   it does not conform in any material respect with a covenant or representation herein;

 

(f)                                    it is owing by a creditor or supplier who has not entered into an agreement reasonably satisfactory to Agent waiving applicable rights of set-off, or is otherwise reasonably determined to be subject to a potential offset, counterclaim, dispute, deduction, discount, recoupment, reserve, defense, chargeback, credit or allowance (but ineligibility shall be limited to the amount thereof), including, without limitation, liabilities related to the “Ford Electronic Raw Material Acquisition Program” and allowances for long term agreements;

 

(g)                                   an Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Account Debtor; or the Account Debtor has failed, has suspended or ceased doing business, is liquidating, dissolving or winding up its affairs, is not Solvent, or is subject to Sanctions or any specially designated nationals list maintained by OFAC; or such Borrower (or a member of its Applicable Loan Party Group) is not able to bring suit or enforce remedies against the Account Debtor through judicial process (unless such Account is guaranteed or supported by a guarantor or support provider reasonably acceptable to Agent, on such terms as are reasonably acceptable to Agent);

 

(h)                                  the Account Debtor is organized or has its principal offices outside the United States or Canada, unless (i) such Account is contracted with the United States or Canada (as applicable) operations of such entity or (ii) the United States or Canada (as applicable) operations of such entity are responsible for payment thereof;

 

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(i)                                      it is owing by a Government Authority, unless in the case of the Accounts of the U.S. Borrower or any other U.S. Facility Loan Party, the Account Debtor is the United States or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof and the Account has been assigned to Agent in compliance with the Assignment of Claims Act or, in the case of any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party, the Account Debtor is the federal government of Canada or any Crown corporation, department, agency or instrumentality of Canada and the applicable Canadian Domiciled Loan Party has complied, to the satisfaction of Agent, with the Financial Administration Act;

 

(j)                                     it is not subject to a duly perfected, first priority Lien in favor of Agent, or is subject to any other Lien except a Permitted Collateral Lien;

 

(k)                                  the goods giving rise to it have not been delivered to and accepted by the Account Debtor, the services giving rise to it have not been accepted by the Account Debtor, or it otherwise does not represent a final sale;

 

(l)                                      it is evidenced by Chattel Paper or an Instrument of any kind, or has been reduced to judgment;

 

(m)                              its payment has been extended beyond the periods specified in clause (a) above, the Account Debtor has made a partial payment, or it arises from a sale on a cash-on-delivery basis;

 

(n)                                  it arises from a sale to an Affiliate, from a sale on a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale, sale-or-return, sale-on-approval, consignment, or other repurchase or return basis, or from a sale to a Person for personal, family or household purposes;

 

(o)                                  (A) the agreements evidencing such Accounts, in the case of Accounts of the U.S. Borrower or any other U.S. Facility Loan Party, are not governed by the laws of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia or Canada or any province or territory of Canada and (B) the agreements evidencing such Accounts, in the case of Accounts of any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party, are not governed by the laws of Canada or any province or territory of Canada, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia, or the laws of such other jurisdictions acceptable to Agent;

 

(p)                                  it represents a progress billing or retainage, or relates to services for which a performance, surety or completion bond or similar assurance has been issued;

 

(q)                                  it includes a billing for interest, fees or late charges, but ineligibility shall be limited to the extent thereof.  In calculating delinquent portions of Accounts under clauses (a) and (b) , credit balances more than ninety (90) days old will be excluded;

 

(r)                                     it arises from sales of tooling (other than Eligible Tooling Accounts);

 

(s)                                    it is owing by NISCO or Nishikawa Rubber Company and the aggregate amount of all such Eligible Accounts do not exceed $5,000,000; or

 

(t)                                     it is otherwise unacceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

 

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Eligible Assignee : a Person that is (i) a Lender or a U.S. based Affiliate of a U.S. Lender, (ii) if such Person is to hold U.S./European Facility Obligations, an Approved Fund; (iii) if such Person is to hold Canadian Facility Obligations, a Canadian Qualified Lender and a U.S. Lender or an Affiliate of a U.S. Lender; (iv) a financial institution approved by (x) Agent and Issuing Bank in their reasonable discretion and (y) Loan Party Agent (which approval by Loan Party Agent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and shall be deemed given if no objection is made within five (5) Business Days after notice of the proposed assignment), that has total assets in excess of $5,000,000,000 and whose becoming an assignee would not constitute a prohibited transaction under Section 4975 of the Code or any other applicable Law; and (v) during the continuance of an Event of Default, any Person acceptable to Agent in its discretion (excluding any Loan Party or Affiliate thereof).

 

Eligible Inventory : as determined separately for (x) the Canadian Borrower and (y) the U.S. Borrower, Inventory owned by the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower (or a member of its respective Applicable Loan Party Group) that Agent, in its Permitted Discretion deems to be Eligible Inventory.  Without limiting the foregoing, no Inventory shall be Eligible Inventory unless it:

 

(a)                                  is not packaging or shipping materials, labels, samples, display items, bags, replacement parts or manufacturing supplies;

 

(b)                                  is not held on consignment, nor subject to any deposit or downpayment;

 

(c)                                   is in new and saleable condition and is not damaged, defective, shopworn or otherwise unfit for sale;

 

(d)                                  is not slow-moving, obsolete or unmerchantable, and does not constitute returned or repossessed goods;

 

(e)                                   meets all standards imposed by any Governmental Authority in all material respects and has not been acquired from an entity subject to Sanctions or any specifically designated nationals list maintained by OFAC;

 

(f)                                    conforms in all material respects with the covenants and representations herein;

 

(g)                                   is subject to Agent’s duly perfected, first priority Lien, and no other Lien except a Permitted Collateral Lien;

 

(h)                                  is located within the continental United States, in the case of Inventory of the U.S. Borrower or any other U.S. Facility Loan Party, or within Canada, in the case of Inventory of any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party, and is not consigned to any Person;

 

(i)                                      is not in transit (other than, in the case of Inventory of the U.S. Borrower or any other U.S. Facility Loan Party, in transit between facilities of the U.S. Facility Loan Parties or from facilities of the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties or, in the case of Inventory of any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party in transit between facilities of the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties or from facilities of U.S. Facility Loan Parties);

 

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(j)                                     is not subject to any (i) warehouse receipt unless the warehouseman has delivered a Collateral Access Agreement or with respect to which an appropriate U.S. or Canadian Rent and Charges Reserve has been established or (ii) negotiable Document;

 

(k)                                  is not subject to any License or other arrangement that restricts such Borrower’s or Agent’s right to dispose of such Inventory, unless Agent has received an appropriate Collateral Access Agreement;

 

(l)                                      is not located on leased premises or in the possession of a warehouseman, repairman, mechanic, shipper, freight forwarder or other Person, unless the lessor or such Person has delivered a Collateral Access Agreement or with respect to which an appropriate U.S. or Canadian Rent and Charges Reserve has been established;

 

(m)                              is not located on leased premises (unless a Collateral Access Agreement has been obtained with respect to such premises) or in the possession of a processor;

 

(n)                                  is reflected in the details of a current perpetual inventory report;

 

(o)                                  does not constitute the portion of the cost of such Inventory which is attributable to intercompany profit; and

 

(p)                                  does not constitute lower cost, market adjustment or reserves.

 

Eligible Tooling Account : as determined separately for (x) the Canadian Borrower and (y) the U.S. Borrower, an Account (a) that would qualify as an Eligible Account but for the fact that it arose from the sale of tooling; (b) that has been billed for fully completed tooling in accordance with the underlying purchase order for the tooling and consistent with the applicable Borrower’s customary billing practices; (c) for which all tooling related to those Accounts has met all Production Part Approval Process requirements and all other required approvals, in each case in all material respects; (d) for which there are no conditions to payment of the Accounts; (e) that has not been sold pursuant to a Permitted Receivables Financing, and (f) for which there are no Liens on any of the tooling to which the Accounts relate (other than (x) in Agent’s favor and (y) second priority Liens in Fixed Asset Facility Collateral Agent’s favor or other Permitted Collateral Liens).

 

EMU Legislation : the legislative measures of the European Union for the introduction of, changeover to or operation of the Euro in one or more member states of the European Union.

 

Enforcement Action : any action to enforce any Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) or Loan Documents or to realize upon any Collateral (whether by judicial action, self-help, notification of Account Debtors, exercise of setoff or recoupment, or otherwise).

 

Environment : ambient air, indoor air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface and subsurface strata and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna.

 

Environmental Claim : any investigation, notice, notice of violation or of potential responsibility, claim, action, suit, proceeding, demand, abatement order or other order or

 

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directive (conditional or otherwise), by any Governmental Authority or any other Person, arising (i) pursuant to or in connection with any actual or alleged violation of any Environmental Law; (ii) in connection with any Hazardous Material; or (iii) in connection with any actual or alleged damage, injury, threat or harm to health, safety, natural resources or the environment.

 

Environmental Laws : any and all applicable current or future federal, state, provincial, territorial, local and foreign statutes, laws, including common law, regulations or ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits licenses or restrictions imposed by a Governmental Authority relating to pollution, the protection of the Environment and the protection of human health (to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Materials), including those relating to the generation, use, handling, storage, transportation, treatment or Release or threat of Release of Hazardous Materials.

 

Environmental Liability :  any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of investigation or remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of Holdings, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other binding consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

Environmental Permit : any permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization required under any Environmental Law.

 

Equity Interests : Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

 

Equity Offering : any public or private sale after April 4, 2014 of capital stock or Preferred Stock of Holdings or any Parent Entity or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings, as applicable (other than Disqualified Stock), other than:

 

(1)                                  public offerings with respect to Holdings’ or such Parent Entity’s common stock registered on Form S-8; and

 

(2)                                  any such public or private sale that constitutes an Excluded Contribution or Refunding Capital Stock.

 

ERISA : the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the rules and regulations thereunder, each as amended or modified from time to time.

 

ERISA Affiliate : as applied to any Person, (i) any corporation which is a member of a controlled group of corporations within the meaning of Section 414(b) of the Code of which that Person is a member; (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of a group of trades or businesses under common control within the meaning of Section 414(c) of the Code of which that Person is a member; and (iii) any member of an affiliated service group

 

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within the meaning of Section 414(m) or (o) of the Code of which that Person, any corporation described in clause (i) above or any trade or business described in clause (ii) above is a member.

 

ERISA Event : (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by Holdings, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by Holdings, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is insolvent or in reorganization (within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA) or in “endangered” or “critical” status (within the meaning of Section 432 of the Code or Section 305 of ERISA); (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate, a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) with respect to a Pension Plan, the failure to satisfy the minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, whether or not waived; (g) the failure to make by its due date a required contribution under Section 430(j) of the Code with respect to any Pension Plan or the failure to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (h) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent, upon Holdings, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate or (i) the occurrence of a nonexempt prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA) which could result in liability to Holdings or any Subsidiary.

 

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule : means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.

 

Euro or : the single lawful currency of the European Union as constituted by the treaty establishing the European Community being the Treaty of Rome, as amended from time to time and as referred to in the EMU Legislation.

 

European Bank Product Reserve : the aggregate amount of reserves, as established by Agent from time to time in its Permitted Discretion to reflect the reasonably anticipated liabilities in respect of the then outstanding Secured Bank Product Obligations of the European Borrower and its Subsidiaries (or any other Affiliate thereof requested by the European Borrower and approved by Agent).

 

European Borrower : as defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

European Facility Obligations : all applicable Obligations of the U.S./European Facility Loan Parties (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Obligations of the U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties as guarantors of the Canadian Facility Obligations and the European Facility Obligations).

 

European LC Obligations : the sum (without duplication) of (a) all amounts owing by the European Borrower for any drawings under Letters of Credit; (b) the stated amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit issued for the account of the European Borrower; and (c) all fees

 

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and other amounts owing with respect to Letters of Credit issued for the account of the European Borrower.

 

European Letters of Credit : as defined in Section 2.2.1 hereof.

 

European Revolver Exposure : on any date, an amount equal to the sum of the Dollar Equivalent of the European Revolver Loans outstanding on such date plus the European LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) on such date.

 

European Revolver Loan : a Revolver Loan made by a U.S. Lender to the European Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1.1(a) , which Loan shall be denominated in Euros and shall be a LIBOR Loan.

 

European Revolver Notes : collectively, each promissory note, if any, executed by the European Borrower in favor of a U.S. Lender to evidence the European Revolver Loans funded from time to time by such U.S. Lender, which shall be in the form of Exhibit A-3 to this Agreement, together with any replacement or successor notes therefor.

 

Event of Default : as defined in Section 11 .

 

Excess Amount : as defined in Section 5.12 .

 

Exchange Rate : on any date, (i) with respect to Canadian Dollars in relation to Dollars, the spot rate as quoted by Bank of America as its noon spot rate at which Dollars are offered on such date for Canadian Dollars, (ii) with respect to Dollars in relation to Canadian Dollars, the spot rate as quoted by Bank of America as its noon spot rate at which Canadian Dollars are offered on such date for Dollars, (iii) with respect to Euros in relation to Dollars, the spot rate as quoted by Bank of America as its noon spot rate at which Dollars are offered on such date for Euros, (iv) with respect to Dollars in relation to Euros, the spot rate as quoted by Bank of America as its noon spot rate at which Euros are offered on such date for Dollars, (v) with respect to Sterling in relation to Dollars, the spot rate as quoted by Bank of America as its noon spot rate at which Dollars are offered on such date for Sterling and (vi) with respect to Dollars in relation to Sterling, the spot rate as quoted by Bank of America as its noon spot rate at which Sterling are offered on such date for Dollars.

 

Excluded Contributions : means the net cash proceeds and Cash Equivalents received by Holdings after April 4, 2014 from:

 

(1)                                  contributions to its common equity capital, and

 

(2)                                  the sale of Capital Stock (other than Excluded Equity) of Holdings,

 

in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by an Officer of Holdings, the proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in Section 10.2.3(a)(3) .

 

Excluded Deposit Accounts :  as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement and the Canadian Security Agreement.

 

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Excluded Equity : (i) Disqualified Stock, (ii) any Equity Interests issued or sold to a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings or any employee stock ownership plan or trust established by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries (to the extent such employee stock ownership plan or trust has been funded by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary) and (iii) any Equity Interest that has already been used or designated as (or the proceeds of which have been used or designated as) Cash Contribution Amount, Designated Preferred Stock, Excluded Contribution or Refunding Capital Stock, to increase the amount available under Section 10.2.3(b)(vi)(A) or clause (14) of the definition of “Permitted Investments.”

 

Excluded Subsidiary : any Subsidiary that is (a) a Foreign Subsidiary, other than a Canadian Subsidiary (with respect to any Guarantee of Obligations of the Canadian Borrower), that is a CFC or any Subsidiary of a CFC, (b) an Unrestricted Subsidiary, (c) not wholly owned directly by Holdings or one or more of its wholly owned Restricted Subsidiaries, (d) an Immaterial Subsidiary, (e) a charitable Subsidiary, (f) any Subsidiary that is prohibited by applicable law, rule or regulation or by any Contractual Obligation existing on the Third Restatement Date and not entered into in contemplation hereof from guaranteeing the Obligations or which would require governmental and/or regulatory consent, approval, license or authorization to provide such guarantee, unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received, or which would result in adverse tax consequences to Holdings and/or any of its Subsidiaries as reasonably determined by Holdings, (g) any Receivables Subsidiary, (h) any Subsidiary that is created solely for the purpose of consummating a transaction pursuant to an acquisition permitted hereunder, if such new Subsidiary at no time holds any assets or liabilities other than any merger consideration contributed to it contemporaneously with the closing of such transactions, provided that such Subsidiary shall only be an Excluded Subsidiary for the period immediately prior to such acquisition and (i) any Subsidiary that has no material assets other than the Capital Stock of CFCs.

 

Excluded Swap Obligation : with respect to any Loan Party, each Swap Obligation as to which, and only to the extent that, a Loan Party’s guaranty of or grant of a Lien as security for such Swap Obligation is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act because such Loan Party does not constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the act (determined after giving effect to Section 5.10 and any other keepwell, support or other agreement for the benefit of such Loan Party, and all guarantees of Swap Obligations by other Loan Parties) when such guaranty or grant of Lien becomes effective with respect to the Swap Obligation.  If a Hedging Agreement governs more than one Swap Obligation, only the Swap Obligation(s) or portions thereof described in the foregoing sentence shall be Excluded Swap Obligation(s).

 

Excluded Tax : any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income or net profits (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the

 

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Borrowers under Section 12.10 ) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 5.8 , amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 5.9 and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, United States withholding Taxes shall not be “Excluded Taxes” if such withholding Taxes arise on or after the implementation of the transactions contemplated by the Reallocation Agreement .

 

Existing Letters of Credit : means the letters of credit set forth on Schedule 1.1(c) .

 

Existing Loan Agreement : as defined in the Recitals to this Agreement.

 

Extraordinary Expenses : all costs, expenses or advances that Agent may incur during a Default or Event of Default, or during the pendency of an Insolvency Proceeding of a Loan Party, including those relating to (a) any audit, inspection, repossession, storage, repair, appraisal, insurance, manufacture, preparation or advertising for sale, sale, collection, or other preservation of or realization upon any Collateral; (b) any action, arbitration or other proceeding (whether instituted by or against Agent, any Lender, any Loan Party, any representative of creditors of a Loan Party or any other Person) in any way relating to any Collateral (including the validity, perfection, priority or avoidability of Agent’s Liens with respect to any Collateral), Loan Documents, Letters of Credit or Obligations, including any lender liability or other Claims; (c) the exercise, protection or enforcement of any rights or remedies of Agent in, or the monitoring of, any Insolvency Proceeding; (d) settlement or satisfaction of any taxes, charges or Liens with respect to any Collateral; (e) any Enforcement Action; (f) negotiation and documentation of any modification, waiver, workout, restructuring or forbearance with respect to any Loan Documents or Obligations; and (g) Protective Advances.  Such costs, expenses and advances include transfer fees, Other Taxes, storage fees, insurance costs, permit fees, utility reservation and standby fees, legal fees, appraisal fees, brokers’ fees and commissions, auctioneers’ fees and commissions, accountants’ fees, environmental consultants’ fees, wages and salaries paid to employees of any Loan Party or independent contractors in liquidating any Collateral, and travel expenses.

 

Facility Commitment :  with respect to the commitment of a U.S. Lender, its U.S./European Revolver Commitment and, with respect to a Canadian Lender, its Canadian Revolver Commitment; and the term “ Facility Commitments ” means, collectively, the Facility Commitments of U.S. Lenders and the Facility Commitments of Canadian Lenders.  To the extent any Lender has both a U.S. Revolver Commitment and a Canadian Revolver Commitment, such Commitments shall be considered as separate Commitments for purposes of this definition.

 

Facility Commitment Increase Effective Date : as defined in Section 2.1.4(f) .

 

Facility Termination Date : November 2, 2021.

 

Fair Market Value : with respect to any asset or property, the price which could be negotiated in an arm’s-length, free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a

 

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willing and able buyer, neither of whom is under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction (as determined in good faith by the Loan Party Agent).

 

FATCA :  Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (including any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1474(b)(1) of the Code), 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 current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any intergovernmental agreements between a non-U.S. jurisdiction and the United States with respect to the foregoing, and any related laws, rules or regulations adopted pursuant to or to implement any of the foregoing.

 

Federal Funds Rate : for any date, (a) the weighted average of interest rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers on the applicable Business Day (or on the preceding Business Day, if the applicable day is not a Business Day), as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the next Business Day; or (b) if no such rate is published on the next Business Day, the average rate (rounded up, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) charged to Bank of America on the applicable day on such transactions, as determined by Agent.

 

FILO Credit Facility : as defined in Section 2.4(a) .

 

FILO Credit Facility Amendment : as defined in Section 2.4(c) .

 

FILO Lenders : as defined in Section 2.4(a).

 

Financial Administration Act : Financial Administration Act ( Canada ) and all regulations and schedules thereunder.

 

Financial Covenant Trigger Period : the period (a) commencing on the day that an Event of Default occurs, or Average Period Availability (for a one-day period) is less than the greater of (i) $15,000,000 and (ii) 10% of the Borrowing Base; and (b) continuing until, during the preceding thirty (30) consecutive days, no Event of Default has existed and Average Period Availability has been greater than the greater of (i) $15,000,000 and (ii) 10% of the Borrowing Base.

 

Fixed Asset Collateral : as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Fixed Asset Facility : (i) the term loan facility with respect to the senior secured term B credit facility entered into on the Third Restatement Date among Holdings, the financial institutions named therein and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent and collateral agent, as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, replaced (whether or not upon termination, and whether with the original lenders or otherwise), restructured, repaid, refunded, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time, including any agreement or indenture extending the maturity thereof, refinancing, replacing or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such facility or agreements or indenture or indentures or any successor or replacement facility or indenture or indentures or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereunder or altering the maturity thereof, and (ii) whether or not the credit agreement referred to in clause (i) remains outstanding, if designated by Holdings to be included in the

 

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definition of “Fixed Asset Facility,” one or more (A) debt facilities, indentures or commercial paper facilities providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, notes, debentures, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, (B) debt securities, indentures or other forms of debt financing (including convertible or exchangeable debt instruments or bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances), or (C) instruments or agreements evidencing any other Indebtedness, in each case, with the same or different borrowers or issuers and, in each case, as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, refinanced, restated, increased, replaced or refunded in whole or in part from time to time; provided, that any Fixed Asset Facility shall be subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, and any amendment, supplement, modification, extension, restructuring, renewal, refinancing, restatement, increase, replacement or refunding thereto shall be permitted by the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Fixed Asset Facility Collateral Agent : the collateral agent for the holders of the Fixed Asset Facility.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio : for Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries on any date of determination, the ratio, determined on a consolidated basis for the most recent twelve (12) calendar month period then ended on such date of determination, of (a) EBITDA minus Capital Expenditures (except those financed with Borrowed Money other than Revolver Loans), and cash taxes paid (net of cash tax refunds received during such period), in each case during such period to (b) Fixed Charges during such period.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Test Period :  with respect to each calendar month, the immediately preceding twelve (12) calendar month period ending on the last day of the prior calendar month.

 

Fixed Charges : for any period and for Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries included in any applicable calculation of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, the sum of (calculated on a consolidated basis solely with respect to those Persons specified to be included in such calculation), without duplication:

 

(a)                                  cash interest expense (net of any interest income);

 

(b)                                  Receivables Fees;

 

(c)                                   scheduled principal payments in respect of Borrowed Money, as determined on the first day of the applicable period (or if such Indebtedness was incurred on a subsequent date, on such date); but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, (i) payments made on Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans during such period and (ii) voluntary and mandatory prepayments of other Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement;

 

(d)                                  all regularly scheduled Distributions made by Holdings in cash (including without limitation any regularly scheduled Distributions to a Parent Entity to meet the debt service obligations of such Parent Entity); and

 

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(e)                                   mandatory cash contributions made to any Pension Plan less (without duplication) the profit and loss statement charge (or benefit with respect to such pension funding obligations for such period).

 

Floating Rate Loan : a U.S. Base Rate Loan, a Canadian Prime Rate Loan or a Canadian Base Rate Loan, as the context requires.

 

FLSA : the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

 

Foreign Collateral : the ABL Collateral of any Loan Party that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

 

Foreign Government Scheme or Arrangement : as defined in Section 9.1.18(d).

 

Foreign Plan : as defined in Section 9.1.18(d) .

 

Foreign Plan Event : (i) the failure of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to make its required contributions in respect of any Foreign Plan; (ii) the failure of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to administer any Foreign Plan in accordance with its terms and all applicable laws; (iii) the occurrence of an act or omission in respect of any Foreign Plan which could give rise to the imposition on Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of fines, penalties or related charges under applicable laws; (iv) the assertion of a material claim (other than a routine claim for benefits) against Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of a Foreign Plan; (v) the imposition of a Lien in respect of any Foreign Plan; or (vi) any event or condition which might constitute grounds for termination, in whole or in part, of any Foreign Plan or the appointment of a trustee to administer any Foreign Plan.

 

Foreign Subsidiary : a Restricted Subsidiary not organized or existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia thereof and any direct or indirect Subsidiary of such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

FRB : the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.

 

Fronting Exposure : a Defaulting Lender’s interest in LC Obligations, Swingline Loans and Protective Advances, except to the extent allocated to other Lenders under Section 4.2 or, in the case of LC Obligations, Cash Collateralized by the Defaulting Lender.

 

FSCO :  The Financial Services Commission of Ontario or like body in any other province of Canada with whom a Canadian Pension Plan is registered in accordance with applicable Law and any other Governmental Authority succeeding to the functions thereof.

 

Full Payment : with respect to any Obligations (other than indemnity obligations that are not currently due and payable): (a) the full and indefeasible cash payment thereof in the applicable currency required hereunder, including any interest, fees and other charges accruing during an Insolvency Proceeding (whether or not allowed in the proceeding) and (b) if such Obligations are LC Obligations consisting of undrawn Letters of Credit, Cash Collateralization thereof (or delivery of a standby letter of credit acceptable to Agent in its discretion, in the amount of required Cash Collateral).  No Loans shall be deemed to have been paid in full until all Commitments related to such Loans have expired or been terminated.

 

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GAAP : generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States, from time to time, applied consistently.  Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, the amount of any Indebtedness under GAAP with respect to Capitalized Lease Obligations shall be determined in accordance with the definition of Capitalized Lease Obligations.

 

General Intangibles : as defined in the UCC (and/or with respect to any General Intangible of a Canadian Facility Loan Party, an “intangible” as defined in the PPSA).

 

Governmental Approvals : all authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses and exemptions of, registrations and filings with, all Governmental Authorities.

 

Governmental Authority : any nation or government, any state, province, territory or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government, in each case whether it is or is not associated with the United States, a state, district or territory thereof, Canada, a province or territory thereof, or the Netherlands.

 

Government Scheme or Arrangement : as defined in Section 9.1.18(d) .

 

Guarantee : each guarantee agreement (including this Agreement and the Canadian Facility Guarantee) executed by a Guarantor in favor of Agent guaranteeing all or any portion of any Canadian Facility Obligation or U.S./European Facility Obligation.

 

Guarantors : Canadian Facility Guarantors, U.S./European Facility Guarantors, and each other Person (if any) who guarantees payment or performance of any Obligations.

 

Guarantor Payment : as defined in Section 5.10.3 .

 

Hazardous Materials : petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials or any other chemical, material, substance, waste, pollutant or contaminant or compound which is regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

 

Hedging Agreement : an agreement relating to any swap, cap, floor, collar, option, forward (excluding contracts for the acquisition of raw materials in the ordinary course of business), cross right or obligation, or combination thereof or similar transaction, with respect to interest rate, foreign exchange, currency, commodity, credit or equity risk.

 

Hedging Obligations : with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under any Hedging Agreement.

 

Holdings : as defined in the Recitals to this Agreement.

 

Hypothecary Representative : as defined in Section 12.1.1(c) .

 

Immaterial Subsidiary : any Subsidiary of Holdings that, as of the date of the most recent financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to Section 10.1.1(a) and (c) , does not have

 

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assets (together with the assets of all other Immaterial Subsidiaries) in excess of 1.5% of Consolidated Total Assets or annual revenues of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries.

 

Incremental Equivalent Debt : has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.2(b)(xxxi) .

 

Incur : with respect to any Indebtedness or Capital Stock, issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for such Indebtedness or Capital Stock, as applicable; provided , however , that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Person at the time it becomes a Subsidiary.

 

Indebtedness : with respect to any Person:

 

(1)                                  the principal and premium (if any) of any Indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, (a) in respect of borrowed money, (b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), (c) representing the deferred and unpaid purchase price of any property, except (i) any such balance that constitutes a trade payable, accrued expense or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP, (d) in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations, (e) representing any Hedging Obligations or (f) under or in respect of Permitted Receivables Financings, if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP;

 

(2)                                  to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation of such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the Indebtedness of another Person (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business); and

 

(3)                                  to the extent not otherwise included, Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person); provided , however , that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of:  (a) the Fair Market Value of such asset at such date of determination, and (b) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Person;

 

provided that Contingent Obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business shall not be deemed to constitute Indebtedness.

 

Indemnified Taxes : (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 clause (a) , Other Taxes.

 

Indemnitees : Agent Indemnitees, Lender Indemnitees, Issuing Bank Indemnitees and Bank of America Indemnitees.

 

Insolvency Proceeding :  any case or proceeding or proposal commenced by or against a Person under any state, provincial, federal or foreign law for, or any agreement of such Person

 

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to, (a) the entry of an order for relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, or any other insolvency, debtor relief, bankruptcy, receivership, debt adjustment law or other similar law (whether state, provincial, federal or foreign), including the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) and the CCAA; (b) the appointment of a Creditor Representative or other custodian for such Person or any part of (i) the ABL Collateral or (ii) any material potion of its property not constituting ABL Collateral; or (c) an assignment or trust mortgage for the benefit of creditors.

 

Insurance Assignment : each collateral assignment of insurance pursuant to which a Loan Party assigns to Agent such Loan Party’s rights under any insurance policies as Agent deems appropriate, as security for the Obligations.

 

Intellectual Property : all intellectual property rights and similar property of a Person, including inventions, designs, patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, trade secrets, confidential or proprietary information, customer lists, know-how, software and databases, all embodiments or fixations of any of the foregoing; all related documentation; all applications and registrations thereof; and all licenses or other rights to use, or otherwise relating to, any of the foregoing; and all books and records relating to any of the foregoing.

 

Intellectual Property Claim : any claim or assertion (whether in writing, by suit or otherwise) that (i) a Loan Party’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s ownership, use, marketing, sale or distribution of any Intellectual Property or other property infringes, misappropriates, dilutes or otherwise violates another Person’s Intellectual Property or (ii) any Intellectual Property owned by a Loan Party or a Restricted Subsidiary is invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part.

 

Intellectual Property Security Agreement : collectively, the patent security agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit C to the Pledge and Security Agreement, the copyright security agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit D to the Pledge and Security Agreement and the trademark security agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit E to the Pledge and Security Agreement, in each case dated as of the Third Restatement Date, together with each intellectual property security agreement supplement executed and delivered pursuant to Section 4.8(x) of the Pledge and Security Agreement.

 

Intercompany Subordination Agreement : means an intercompany subordination agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit L hereto, or otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

Intercreditor Agreement : means that certain Amended and Restated Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among Holdings, the U.S. Borrower, the other U.S./European Facility Guarantors party thereto, Agent and the Fixed Asset Facility Collateral Agent in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit J, as the same may be amended, supplemented, replaced, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Interest Period : as defined in Section 3.1.4 .

 

Interest Period Loan : a LIBOR Loan or a Canadian BA Rate Loan.

 

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Inventory : as defined in the UCC and the PPSA, as applicable, including all goods intended for sale, lease, display or demonstration; all work in process; and all raw materials, and other materials and supplies of any kind that are or could be used in connection with the manufacture, printing, packing, shipping, advertising, sale, lease or furnishing of such goods, or otherwise used or consumed in a Borrower’s business (but excluding equipment).

 

Inventory Reserve : reserves established by Agent in its Permitted Discretion, to reflect factors that may negatively impact the Value of Inventory, including change in salability, obsolescence, seasonality, theft, shrinkage, imbalance, change in composition or mix, markdowns and vendor chargebacks.

 

Investment Grade Securities :

 

(1)                                  securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the U.S. or Canadian government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents) and in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition,

 

(2)                                  securities that have a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s or BBB (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other nationally recognized rating agency,

 

(3)                                  investments in any fund that invests at least 95% of its assets in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment and/or distribution, and

 

(4)                                  corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States or Canada customarily utilized for high quality investments and in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition.

 

Investments : with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including Guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit and advances to customers and commission, travel and similar advances to officers, employees and consultants made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet of Holdings in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property.  If Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary, or any Restricted Subsidiary issues any Equity Interests, in either case, such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Subsidiary of Holdings shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or other disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Equity Interests of and all other Investments in such Person retained.  In no event shall a Guarantee of an operating lease of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary be deemed an Investment.  For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and Section 10.2.3 :

 

(1)                                  “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to Holdings’ equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of Holdings at the

 

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time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, Holdings shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary equal to an amount (if positive) equal to:

 

(a)                                  Holdings’ “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less

 

(b)                                  the portion (proportionate to Holdings’ equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

 

(2)                                  any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its Fair Market Value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of Holdings.

 

The amount of an Investment will be determined at the time the Investment is made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value (determined, in the case of any Investment made with assets of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, based on the Fair Market Value of the assets invested).

 

Investors : any funds or accounts managed by Silver Point Capital, L.P.

 

IRS : the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

Issuing Bank Indemnitees : Issuing Banks and their officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents and attorneys.

 

Issuing Banks : U.S. Issuing Bank and Canadian Issuing Bank.

 

Joint Venture : (a) any Person which would constitute an “equity method investee” of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, and (b) any Person in whom Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries beneficially owns any Equity Interest that is not a Subsidiary.

 

Junior Indebtedness : Indebtedness that is either (i) unsecured and expressly subordinated to the Obligations or (ii) secured solely by Collateral with a Lien having Junior Lien Priority on the Collateral relative to the Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, Permitted Secured Debt shall not constitute Junior Indebtedness.

 

Junior Lien Priority :  relative to specified Indebtedness, having a junior Lien priority on specified Collateral and either subject to the Intercreditor Agreement on a basis that is no more favorable than the provisions applicable to the holders of Permitted Secured Debt (in the case of ABL Collateral) or subject to intercreditor agreements providing holders of Indebtedness with Junior Lien Priority at least the same rights and obligations as the holders of Permitted Secured Debt (in the case of the ABL Collateral) have pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement as to the specified Collateral.

 

Laws : collectively, all applicable international, foreign, federal, state, provincial, territorial and local statutes, statutory instruments, acts, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, directives, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including

 

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the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.

 

LC Application : an application by Loan Party Agent on behalf of a Borrower to an Issuing Bank for issuance of a Letter of Credit, in form and substance satisfactory to such Issuing Bank.

 

LC Conditions : the following conditions necessary for the issuance of a Letter of Credit: (a) each of the conditions set forth in Section 6.2 (or with respect to Letters of Credit issued on the Third Restatement Date, in Section 6.1) ; (b) after giving effect to the issuance of a Letter of Credit for the account of the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, total U.S. LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of each such definition) do not exceed the U.S./European Letter of Credit Sublimit and no U.S./European Overadvance exists or would result therefrom; (c) after giving effect to the issuance of a Letter of Credit for the account of the Canadian Borrower, total Canadian LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) do not exceed the Canadian Letter of Credit Sublimit and no Canadian Overadvance exists or would result therefrom; (d) the expiration date of such Letter of Credit is (i) no more than three hundred sixty five (365) days from issuance, in the case of standby Letters of Credit; provided that such Letters of Credit may contain automatic extension provisions in accordance with Section 2.2.1(e) or Section 2.3.1(e) , as applicable, (ii) no more than one hundred twenty (120) days from issuance, in the case of documentary Letters of Credit, and (iii) at least fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the Facility Termination Date; (e) with respect the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of the U.S. Borrower, the Letter of Credit and payments thereunder are denominated in Dollars, Euros or Sterling; (f) with respect the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of the European Borrower, the Letter of Credit and payments thereunder are denominated in Euros; (g) with respect to the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of the Canadian Borrower, the Letter of Credit and payments thereunder are denominated in Dollars or Canadian Dollars; (h) with respect to the issuance of a Letter of Credit for the account of the European Borrower, the applicable Specified Transaction Conditions have been satisfied, and (i) the form of the proposed Letter of Credit is reasonably satisfactory to Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank in their discretion.

 

LC Documents : all documents, instruments and agreements (including LC Requests and LC Applications) delivered by Loan Party Agent on behalf of a Borrower or by any other Person to an Issuing Bank or Agent in connection with issuance, amendment or renewal of, or payment under, any Letter of Credit.

 

LC Obligations : U.S. LC Obligations, European LC Obligations and Canadian LC Obligations.

 

LC Request : a request for issuance of a Letter of Credit, to be provided by Loan Party Agent on behalf of a Borrower to an Issuing Bank, in form satisfactory to Agent and such Issuing Bank.

 

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Lead Arrangers : Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (or any other registered broker-dealer wholly-owned by Bank of America Corporation to which all or substantially all of Bank of America Corporation’s or any of its subsidiaries’ investment banking, commercial lending services or related businesses may be transferred following the date of this Agreement), Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

 

Lender Indemnitees :  Lenders and their officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents and attorneys (for the avoidance of doubt, such definition includes any such Person acting in its capacity as “arranger”, “bookrunner” and/or “syndication agent”).

 

Lenders : as defined in the preamble to this Agreement and shall include Agent in its capacity as a provider of Swingline Loans, U.S. Lenders and Canadian Lenders and their respective permitted successors and assigns and, where applicable, Issuing Banks, and any other Person who hereafter becomes a “Lender” pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance or a joinder agreement entered into pursuant to Section 2.1.4 .

 

Lending Office : the office designated as such by the applicable Lender at the time it becomes party to this Agreement or thereafter by notice to Agent and Loan Party Agent.

 

Letter of Credit : any U.S. Letters of Credit, European Letters of Credit or Canadian Letters of Credit; and each Existing Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a “Letter of Credit” for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

LIBOR : for any Interest Period, the per annum rate of interest (rounded up, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100th of 1%), determined by Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to commencement of such Interest Period, for a term comparable to such Interest Period, equal to (a) the ICE Benchmark Administration LIBOR Rate (or the successor thereto if such association is no longer making such rate available) for the relevant currency, as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source designated by Agent); or (b) if the rate described in clause (a) is unavailable for any reason, the interest rate at which deposits in the relevant currency and approximate amount of the Loan would be offered by Agent’s London branch to major banks in the London interbank Eurocurrency market; provided that if LIBOR determined pursuant to the foregoing method is less than zero, then such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement.

 

LIBOR Loan :  each set of LIBOR Revolver Loans having a common length and commencement of Interest Period.

 

LIBOR Revolver Loan :  a Revolver Loan that bears interest based on LIBOR; provided , however, that a U.S. Base Rate Loan bearing interest as set forth in clause (c) of the definition of U.S. Base Rate shall not constitute a LIBOR Revolver Loan.

 

License : any license or agreement under which a Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is authorized to use Intellectual Property in connection with any manufacture, marketing, distribution or disposition of Collateral, any use of property or any other conduct of its business.

 

Licensor : any Person from whom a Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary obtains the right to use any Intellectual Property.

 

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Lien : any Person’s interest in property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, such Person, whether such interest is based on common law, statute or contract, including liens, security interests, pledges, security transfers, security assignments, hypothecations, secured claims, statutory trusts, deemed trusts, reservations of title, exceptions, encroachments, easements, servitudes, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases, and other title exceptions and encumbrances affecting property, but excluding for the avoidance of doubt, any licenses granted with respect to Intellectual Property.

 

List of Closing Documents :  the List of Closing Documents attached hereto as Schedule 6.1 .

 

Loan : a Revolver Loan or a FILO Credit Facility Loan.

 

Loan Account : the loan account established by each Lender on its books pursuant to Section 5.7 .

 

Loan Documents : this Agreement, the Other Agreements and the Security Documents.

 

Loan Parties : the Canadian Facility Loan Parties and the U.S./European Facility Loan Parties, collectively and “ Loan Party ” means any of the Loan Parties, individually.

 

Loan Party Agent : as defined in Section 4.4 .

 

Loan Party Group : a group consisting of (i) Canadian Facility Loan Parties or (ii) U.S./European Facility Loan Parties.

 

Loan Party Group Obligations : (i) with respect to the Canadian Borrower and the other Canadian Facility Loan Parties, the Canadian Facility Obligations, (ii) with respect to the U.S. Borrower and the other U.S. Facility Loan Parties, the U.S./European Facility Obligations and (iii) with respect to the European Borrower, the European Facility Obligations.

 

Loan Year : each twelve (12) month period commencing on the Third Restatement Date and on each anniversary of the Third Restatement Date.

 

Margin Stock : as defined in Regulation U of the FRB.

 

Material Adverse Effect : (a) a material adverse effect on the business, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent), financial condition, or results of operations of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) a material adverse effect on the ability of the Loan Parties (taken as a whole) to perform their respective obligations under the Loan Documents to which Holdings or any of the Loan Parties is a party or (c) a material adverse effect on the rights and remedies of the Lenders under the Loan Documents.

 

Material Contract : any agreement or arrangement to which a Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is party (other than the Loan Documents) (a) that is deemed to be a material contract in respect of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, under any securities law applicable to such Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary, including the Securities Act of 1933; or

 

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(b) for which breach, termination, nonperformance or failure to renew could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Maximum Canadian Facility Amount : on any date of determination, the lesser of (i) the Canadian Revolver Commitments on such date and (ii) $40,000,000 (or such greater or lesser amount after giving effect to any increases or reductions in the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1.4 ); it being acknowledged and agreed that at no time can the sum of the Maximum Canadian Facility Amount plus the Maximum U.S./European Facility Amount exceed the Maximum Facility Amount in effect at such time.

 

Maximum European Subline Amount : on any date of determination, the lesser of (a) the Dollar Equivalent of $60,000,000 and (b) an amount equal to the (i) U.S./European Borrowing Base on such date of determination minus (ii) the U.S. Revolver Exposure on such date of determination; it being acknowledged and agreed that at no time can the sum of the Maximum European Subline Amount plus the U.S. Revolver Exposure on such date of determination exceed the Maximum U.S./European Facility Amount in effect at such time.

 

Maximum Facility Amount : $210,000,000, or such greater or lesser amount as shall then be in effect after giving effect to any increase or reduction in the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1.4 .

 

Maximum Incremental Amount : as defined in Section 10.2.2(b)(i).

 

Maximum U.S./European Facility Amount : on any date of determination, the lesser of (i) the U.S./European Revolver Commitments on such date and (ii) $170,000,000 (or such greater or lesser amount after giving effect to any increases or reductions in the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1.4 ); it being acknowledged and agreed that at no time can the sum of the Maximum U.S./European Facility Amount plus the Maximum Canadian Facility Amount exceed the Maximum Facility Amount in effect at such time.

 

Moody’s : Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

Multiemployer Plan : any employee benefit plan defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA and subject to Title IV of ERISA, to which Holdings or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions, but excluding, for greater certainty, any Canadian Multi-Employer Plan.

 

Net Proceeds : with respect to an Asset Sale, proceeds (including, when received, any deferred or escrowed payments) received by a Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary in cash from such disposition, net of (a) reasonable and customary costs and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith, including legal fees and sales commissions; (b) amounts applied to repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Permitted Lien senior to Agent’s Liens on Collateral sold; (c) transfer or similar taxes; and (d) reserves and escrows for indemnities and any other contingent liabilities, until such reserves are no longer needed (after which, any such amounts previously held as reserves or escrows shall become Net Proceeds when received).

 

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New Revolving Facility : a “New Revolving Facility” defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

New Term Facility : a “New Term Facility” defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

New Term Loan : a “New Term Loan” defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

NOLV Percentage : the net orderly liquidation value of Inventory, expressed as a percentage of the Value of Inventory expected to be realized at an orderly, negotiated sale held within a reasonable period of time, net of all liquidation expenses, as determined from the most recent appraisal of the Loan Parties’ Inventory performed by an appraiser and on terms reasonably satisfactory to Agent; it being acknowledged that there may be different NOLV Percentages for different segments of Inventory (e.g., raw materials, intermediate goods, finished goods).

 

Non-Public Lender : shall mean (i) until the publication of an interpretation of “public” as referred to in the CRR by the competent authority/ies: an entity which (x) assumes rights and/or obligations vis-à-vis the European Borrower, the value of which is at least EUR 100,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency), (y) provides repayable funds for an initial amount of at least EUR 100,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency) or (z) otherwise qualifies as not forming part of the public; and (ii) as soon as the interpretation of the term “public” as referred to in the CRR has been published by the relevant authority/ies: an entity which is not considered to form part of the public on the basis of such interpretation.

 

Notes : each Revolver Note or other promissory note executed by a Borrower to evidence any Obligations.

 

Notice of Borrowing : a Notice of Borrowing to be provided by Loan Party Agent to request a Borrowing of Loans, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B or otherwise in form satisfactory to Agent.

 

Notice of Conversion/Continuation : a Notice of Conversion/Continuation to be provided by Loan Party Agent to request a conversion or continuation of any Loans as LIBOR Loans or Canadian BA Rate Loans, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C or otherwise in form satisfactory to Agent.

 

Obligations : all (a) principal of and premium, if any, on the Loans, (b) U.S. LC Obligations and other obligations of the U.S. Facility Loan Parties with respect to Letters of Credit issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower, (c) European LC Obligations and other obligations of the U.S./European Facility Loan Parties with respect to Letters of Credit issued for the account of the European Borrower, (d) Canadian LC Obligations and other obligations of the Canadian Facility Loan Parties with respect to Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Canadian Borrower, (e) interest, expenses, fees (including post-petition interest, expenses, and

 

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fees) and other sums payable by the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents and whether allowed in any Insolvency Proceeding, (f) obligations of the Loan Parties under any indemnity for Claims, (g) Extraordinary Expenses, (h) Secured Bank Product Obligations, (i) Indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of any kind owing by the Loan Parties with respect to any Designated Foreign Guaranty and (j) other Indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of any kind owing by the Loan Parties pursuant to the Loan Documents, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether evidenced by a note or other writing, whether allowed in any Insolvency Proceeding, whether arising from an extension of credit, issuance of a letter of credit, acceptance, loan, guarantee, indemnification or otherwise, and whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, primary or secondary, or joint or several; provided , that Obligations of a Loan Party shall not include its Excluded Swap Obligations.

 

OFAC : Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department.

 

Officer’s Certificate : a certificate signed on behalf of Holdings by an Officer of Holdings.

 

Organization Documents : (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust, unlimited liability company or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, memorandum of association, 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.

 

OSHA : the Occupational Safety and Hazard Act of 1970.

 

Other Agreements : each: Note; LC Document; Agent Fee Letter; Collateral Access Agreement; the Intercreditor Agreement; the Intercompany Subordination Agreement; Borrowing Base Certificate, Compliance Certificate; or other document or agreement (other than this Agreement or a Security Document) now or hereafter delivered by or on behalf of a Loan Party or other Person to Agent or a Lender in connection with any transactions relating hereto.

 

Other Connection Taxes : with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a Lien under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

 

Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations : any Indebtedness or other obligations (including Hedging Obligations) having Pari Passu Lien Priority relative to the applicable Loans with respect to the applicable Collateral and not secured by any other assets and, in the case of Indebtedness for borrowed money, having a stated maturity that is not prior to the Facility Termination Date; provided that an authorized representative of the holders of such Indebtedness

 

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shall have entered into an intercreditor agreement in a form customary for intercreditor agreements or collateral trust agreements in light of then prevailing market conditions.

 

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 Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 12.10 ).

 

Overadvance : a Canadian Overadvance or U.S./European Overadvance, as the context requires.

 

Overadvance Loan : a Canadian Overadvance Loan and/or a U.S./European Overadvance Loan, as the context requires.

 

Parent : Cooper Standard Holdings, Inc.

 

Parent Entity : means the meaning specified in the definition of Permitted Parent.

 

Pari Passu Lien Priority : means, relative to specified Indebtedness, having equal Lien priority on specified Collateral and either subject to the Intercreditor Agreement on a substantially identical basis as the holders of such specified Indebtedness or subject to intercreditor agreements providing holders of the Indebtedness intended to have Pari Passu Lien Priority with substantially the same rights and obligations that the holders of such specified Indebtedness have pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement as to the specified Collateral.

 

Participant : as defined in Section 13.2.1 .

 

Participating Member State : each state so described in any EMU Legislation.

 

Patriot Act : the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272 (2001), as amended.

 

Payment Item : each check, draft or other item of payment payable to a Loan Party, including those constituting proceeds of any Collateral.

 

PBA : the Pensions Benefits Act (Ontario) or any other Canadian federal or provincial pension benefit standards legislation pursuant to which any Canadian Pension Plan is registered.

 

PBGC : the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

 

Pension Plan : any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code and is sponsored or maintained by Holdings, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate or to which Holdings, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute (or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section

 

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4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five plan years) , and, for greater certainty, excludes any Canadian Pension Plan or any Canadian Multi-Employer Plan.

 

Permitted Collateral Lien : the Liens described in clause (1) , ( 2) , (3) , (6) , (13) , (14) , (20) , (23) , (28) , (30) , (31), (32) and (33) of the definition of Permitted Liens.

 

Permitted Discretion : a determination made in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable (from the perspective of a secured asset-based lender) business judgment, following either (x) consultation with the Loan Party Agent or (y) two (2) Business Days’ advance notice to the Borrowers.

 

Permitted Holders : means each of (i)(a)(x) the Investors and (y) members of management of Holdings (or any Parent Entity) who are holders of Equity Interests of Holdings (or any Parent Entity) on the Third Restatement Date representing not more than 10% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of Holdings and (b) any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of which any of the foregoing are members; provided that in the case of such group, without giving effect to such group, Persons specified in clause (i)(a) must collectively beneficially own a greater amount of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent than the amount of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent beneficially owned by any other member of such group and (ii) any Permitted Parent.

 

Permitted Investments :

 

(1)                                  any Investment in cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

 

(2)                                  any Investment in Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary (including guarantees of obligations of Restricted Subsidiaries), so long as, in the case of any such Investment made in a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, Holdings shall be able to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 10.2.2(a) after giving effect to such Investment;

 

(3)                                  any Investment by Subsidiaries of Holdings that are not Restricted Subsidiaries in other Subsidiaries of Holdings that are not Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(4)                                  (i) any Investment by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings in a Person that is engaged in a Similar Business if as a result of such Investment (a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings, or (b) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings, so long as, in the case of any such acquisition of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor or any merger, consolidation or amalgamation of any such Person into a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, Holdings shall be able to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 10.2.3(a) after giving effect to such Investment, and (ii) in each case, any Investment held by such Person; provided , that such Investment was not acquired by such Person in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, consolidation or transfer;

 

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(5)                                  any Investment in securities or other assets not constituting cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities and received in connection with a disposition of assets;

 

(6)                                  any Investment (x) existing on the Third Restatement Date and listed on Schedule 1.1(d) hereto, (y) made pursuant to binding commitments in effect on the Third Restatement Date and (z) that replaces, modifies, refinances, refunds, renews or extends any Investment described under either of the immediately preceding clauses (x) or (y); provided that the amount of any such Investment may be increased in such replacement, modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, reinvestment or extension only (A) as required by the terms of such Investment or binding commitment as in existence on the Third Restatement Date (including as a result of the accrual or accretion of interest or original issue discount or the issuance of pay-in-kind securities) or (B) as otherwise permitted hereunder;

 

(7)                                  advances to, or guarantees of Indebtedness of, employees not in excess of $5,000,000 outstanding at any one time in the aggregate;

 

(8)                                  loans and advances to officers, directors, managers and employees for business-related travel expenses, moving and relocation expenses, payroll advances and other similar expenses, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practices or to fund such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of Holdings or any Parent Entity;

 

(9)                                  any Investment (including debt obligations and Capital Stock)  (x) acquired by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiaries (a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by Holdings or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable, including trade creditors, customers and suppliers or (b) as a result of a foreclosure by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default and (y) received in compromise or resolution of (a) obligations of trade creditors, customers or suppliers that were incurred in the ordinary course of business of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor, customer or supplier, or (b) litigation, arbitration or other disputes;

 

(10)                           Hedging Obligations permitted under Section 10.2.13 ;

 

(11)                           any Investment by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiaries in a Similar Business having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (11) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $65,000,000 and (y) 2.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value) at any one time outstanding; provided , however , that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (11) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been

 

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made pursuant to clause (1) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (11) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(12)                           Investments in Joint Ventures of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (12) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $155,000,000 and (y) 6.25% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such Investment at any one time outstanding; provided , that the Investments permitted pursuant to this clause (12) may be increased by the amount of distributions from Joint Ventures, without duplication of dividends or distributions increasing amounts available pursuant to Section 10.2.3(a)(3) ;

 

(13)                           additional Investments by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (13) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $155,000,000 and (y) 6.25% of Consolidated Total Assets, at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), at any one time outstanding; provided , however , that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (13) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (2) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (13) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(14)                           Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (14) that are at that time outstanding, without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash, Cash Equivalents or marketable securities, not to exceed the greater of (x) $65,000,000 and (y) 2.5% of Consolidated Total Assets, at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), at any one time outstanding; provided , however , that any Investment pursuant to this clause (14) made in any Person that is an Unrestricted Subsidiary of Holdings at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (2) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (14) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(15)                           Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests (other than Excluded Equity) of Holdings or any Parent Entity, as applicable; provided , however , that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 10.2.3(a)(3) ;

 

(16)                           Investments consisting of the licensing or contribution of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons;

 

(17)                           Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, materials, equipment or other similar assets or purchases of contract rights or licenses or leases of intellectual property, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(18)                           any Investment in a Receivables Subsidiary or any Investment in any other Person in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing or any repurchases in connection therewith, including Investments of funds held in accounts permitted or required by the arrangements governing such Permitted Receivables Financing or any related Indebtedness;

 

(19)                           Investments of a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings acquired after April 4, 2014 or of an entity merged into or consolidated with a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings in a transaction that is not prohibited by Section 10.2.7 after April 4, 2014 to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of such acquisition, merger or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;

 

(20)                           Guarantees of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Section 10.2.2 and performance Guarantees in the ordinary course of business;

 

(21)                           [Intentionally Omitted];

 

(22)                           any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with Section 10.2.15(b) (except transactions described in clauses (i) , (ii) , (iv) , (v) , (vi) , (viii) , (ix) , (xi) , (xiii) , (xiv) , (xv) , (xxi) and (xxiii) thereof);

 

(23)                           advances, loans or extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business by Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(24)                           intercompany current liabilities owed to Unrestricted Subsidiaries or joint ventures incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries;

 

(25)                           Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of assets or services in the ordinary course of business;

 

(26)                           Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;

 

(27)                           [Reserved]; and

 

(28)                           Any Investment; provided that (x) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from such Investment and (y) on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such Investment, the Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio would be equal to or less than 3.00:1.00.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, if assets acquired in any acquisition are intended to be included in the U.S./European Borrowing Base or the Canadian Borrowing Base, prior to any such inclusion, (1) Agent and the Applicable Lenders shall be provided with such information as they shall reasonably request to complete their evaluation of any such Collateral and (2) the Asset Review and Approval Conditions shall have been satisfied.

 

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Permitted Joint Venture : with respect to any specified Person, a joint venture in any other Person engaged in a Similar Business in respect of which Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary beneficially owns at least 10% of the shares of Equity Interests of such Person.

 

Permitted Liens : with respect to any Person:

 

(1)                                  pledges or deposits by such Person under workers’ compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or U.S. government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(2)                                  Liens imposed by law constituting carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums that are not overdue by more than 60 days or are being Properly Contested;

 

(3)                                  Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges (i) which are not yet due or payable or (ii) which are being Properly Contested;

 

(4)                                  Liens in favor of issuers of performance and surety bonds or bid bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements or letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business;

 

(5)                                  minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not Incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

 

(6)                                  Liens Incurred to secure obligations in respect of Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (b)(i), (iv), (xvii) , (xx) or (xxxi) of Section 10.2.2 ; provided that,(w) in the case of clause (b)(i) , such Lien is subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, (x) in the case of clause (b)(iv) , such Lien extends only to the assets and/or Capital Stock, the acquisition, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of which is financed thereby and any income or profits thereof; and (y) in the case of clause (b)(xx) , such Lien does not extend to the property or assets (or income or profits therefrom) of any Restricted Subsidiary other than assets of a Foreign Subsidiary not constituting ABL Collateral and (z) in the case of clause (b)(xxxi) , such Lien is subject to the applicable intercreditor agreement;

 

(7)                                  Liens existing on the Third Restatement Date and listed on Schedule 10.2.1 ;

 

(8)                                  Liens on assets of, or Equity Interest in, a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided , however , that such Liens are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided , further ,

 

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however , that such Liens may not extend to any other assets of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings;

 

(9)                                  Liens on assets at the time Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings acquired the assets, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings; provided , however , that such Liens are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided , further , however , that the Liens may not extend to any other assets owned by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings;

 

(10)                           Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to Holdings or another Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings permitted to be Incurred in accordance with Section 10.2.2 ;

 

(11)                           Liens securing Hedging Obligations so long as the related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be under this Agreement, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligations;

 

(12)                           Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

 

(13)                           leases and subleases of real property which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(14)                           Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into by Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(15)                           Liens in favor of Holdings or any Guarantor;

 

(16)                           Liens on accounts receivable and Receivables Assets Incurred in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing;

 

(17)                           deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;

 

(18)                           Liens on the Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

 

(19)                           grants of software and other technology licenses in the ordinary course of business;

 

(20)                           judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default and notices of lis pendens and associated rights related to litigation being Properly Contested;

 

(21)                           Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(22)                           Liens Incurred to secure Bank Products owed to a Lender or an Affiliate thereof in the ordinary course of business;

 

(23)                           Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancings, refundings, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (6), (7), (8), (9), (10) and (11) ; provided , however, that (x) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements on such property), and (y) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6), (7), (8), (9), (10) and (11) at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under this Agreement, and (B) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement;

 

(24)                           Liens in respect of Junior Indebtedness of Holdings or any Guarantor, subject to the applicable intercreditor agreement; provided that the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio, on a pro forma basis after giving effect thereto, does not exceed 3.50 to 1.00;

 

(25)                           other Liens on assets (other than ABL Collateral) securing obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business that do not exceed the greater of (x) $95,000,000 and (y) 3.75% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of Incurrence of such obligation, at any one time outstanding;

 

(26)                           Liens on the assets of a Joint Venture to secure Indebtedness of such Joint Venture Incurred pursuant to clause (xxi) of Section 10.2.2(b) ;

 

(27)                           Liens on equipment of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings granted in the ordinary course of business to Holdings’ or such Restricted Subsidiary’s client at which such equipment is located;

 

(28)                           Liens created solely for the benefit of (or to secure) all of the Obligations;

 

(29)                           Liens on property or assets used to defease or to satisfy and discharge Indebtedness; provided that such defeasance or satisfaction and discharge is not prohibited hereby;

 

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

 

(31)                           Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection; (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) in favor of banking institutions arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

 

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(32)                           Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness; (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries; or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business; and

 

(33)                           statutory Liens arising under the PBA, other than statutory liens that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Permitted Parent : (a) any Person (other than a Person formed in connection with, or in contemplation of, a Change of Control transaction that results in a modification of the beneficial ownership of Holdings) that beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the issued and outstanding Voting Stock of Holdings; provided that the ultimate beneficial ownership of Holdings has not been modified by the transaction by which such Person became the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, 100% of the Voting Stock of the U.S. Borrower (such Person, a “ Parent Entity ”) and (b) the Parent (or direct Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Parent that owns no material assets other than the Equity Interest of Holdings) to the extent and until such time as any Person or group is deemed to be or become a beneficial owner of Voting Stock of the Parent representing 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent.

 

Permitted Receivables Financing : any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to which it may sell, convey, contribute to capital or otherwise transfer (which sale, conveyance, contribution to capital or transfer may include or be supported by the grant of a security interest) accounts receivable or interests therein and all collateral securing such receivables, all contracts and contract rights, purchase orders, security interests, financing statements or other documentation in respect of such receivables, any guarantees, indemnities, warranties or other obligations in respect of such receivables, any other assets that are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving receivables similar to such receivables and any collections or proceeds of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Receivables Assets ”); and including for the avoidance of doubt, receivables arising from the sale of equipment, tooling and related services) (i) to a trust, partnership, corporation or other Person (other than Holdings or any of its Subsidiary, other than a Subsidiary formed solely for the purpose of, and that engages only in, Permitted Receivables Financing, a “ Receivables Subsidiary ”), which transfer is funded in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by the incurrence or issuance by the transferee or any successor transferee of Indebtedness, fractional undivided interests or other securities that are to receive payments from, or that represent interests in, the cash flow derived from such receivables and Receivables Assets or interests in such receivables and Receivables Assets, or (ii) directly to one or more investors or other purchasers (other than Holdings or any of its Subsidiary), it being understood that a Permitted Receivables Financing may involve (A) one or more sequential transfers or pledges of the same receivables and Receivables Assets, or interests therein (such as a sale, conveyance or other transfer to an Receivables Subsidiary followed by a pledge of the transferred receivables

 

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and Receivables Assets to secure Indebtedness incurred by the Receivables Subsidiary), and all such transfers, pledges and Indebtedness incurrences shall be part of and constitute a single Permitted Receivables Financing, and (B) periodic transfers or pledges of receivables and/or revolving transactions in which new receivables and Receivables Assets, or interests therein, are transferred or pledged upon collection of previously transferred or pledged receivables and Receivables Assets, or interests therein; provided that any such transactions shall provide for recourse to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Receivables Subsidiary) only in respect of the cash flows in respect of such receivables and Receivables Assets and to the extent of other customary securitization undertakings (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the appropriate Receivables Subsidiary) in the jurisdiction relevant to such transactions (such undertakings, “ Standard Securitization Undertakings ”); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, (1) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or Receivables Subsidiary is guaranteed by any Loan Party, is recourse to or obligates any Loan Party, or subjects any property or asset of any Loan Party, directly or indirectly (other than with respect to its equity ownership interest in any Subsidiary), contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction of obligations incurred in such transactions; (2) no Loan Party has any obligation to maintain or preserve the financial condition of a Receivables Subsidiary or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results, and (3) the aggregate “amount” or “principal amount” (as defined below) of all Permitted Receivables Financings (other than those of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries) shall not exceed $50,000,000 at any time outstanding. The “amount” or “principal amount” of any Permitted Receivables Financing shall be deemed at any time to be (1) the aggregate principal or stated amount of the Indebtedness, fractional undivided interests (which stated amount may be described as a “net investment” or similar term reflecting the amount invested in such undivided interest) or other securities incurred or issued pursuant to such Permitted Receivables Financing, in each case outstanding at such time, or (2) in the case of any Permitted Receivables Financing in respect of which no such Indebtedness, fractional undivided interests or securities are incurred or issued, the cash purchase price paid by the buyer in connection with its purchase of receivables less the amount of collections received in respect of such receivables and paid to such buyer, excluding any amounts applied to purchase fees or discount or in the nature of interest.

 

Permitted Secured Debt : the Indebtedness and other obligations under any Fixed Asset Facility.

 

Permitted Secured Debt Collateral Agent : (i) with respect to the Fixed Asset Facility, the Fixed Asset Facility Collateral Agent and (ii) with respect to any other Permitted Secured Debt, any collateral agent, collateral trustee, or similar representative of holders of Permitted Secured Debt under and pursuant to the applicable Permitted Secured Debt Document.

 

Permitted Secured Debt Documents : all agreements and documents entered into and evidencing Permitted Secured Debt.

 

Person : any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

 

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Plan : any material “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), and any material payroll practice and other material employee benefit plan, policy, program, agreement or arrangement, including retirement, pension, profit sharing, employment, individual consulting or other compensation agreement, collective bargaining agreement, bonus or other incentive compensation, retention, stock purchase, equity or equity-based compensation, deferred compensation, change of control, severance, sick leave, vacation, loans, salary continuation, hospitalization, health, life insurance, educational assistance, or other fringe benefit or perquisite plan, policy, agreement which is or was sponsored, maintained or contributed to by, or required to be contributed to by, any Loan Party or Affiliate thereof or with respect to which a Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate has or could have any obligation or liability, contingent or otherwise, in any case, that is subject to U.S. law (and not other foreign jurisdictions) and excluding, for greater certainty, Canadian Pension Plans and Foreign Plans.

 

Platform : as defined in Section 14.3.3 .

 

Pledge and Security Agreement : collectively, Revolving Credit Facility Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of the Third Restatement Date and executed by Holdings, the U.S. Borrower and each U.S./European Facility Guarantor, substantially in the form of Exhibit K , together with any security agreement and security agreement supplement executed and delivered pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement.

 

Pledge and Security Agreement Collateral : collectively, all property pledged or granted (or purported to be pledged or granted) as collateral pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement (a) on the Third Restatement Date or (b) thereafter pursuant to the terms thereof.

 

Pledge Supplement : has the meaning specified in the Pledge and Security Agreement.

 

Pledged Debt : has the meaning specified in the Pledge and Security Agreement.

 

Pledged Equity Interests : has the meaning specified in the Pledge and Security Agreement.

 

PPSA : the Personal Property Security Act (Ontario) and the regulations thereunder; provided, however, if validity, perfection and effect of perfection and non-perfection of Agent’s security interest in and Lien on any Collateral of any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party are governed by the personal property security laws of any jurisdiction other than Ontario, PPSA shall mean those personal property security laws (including the Civil Code of Quebec) in such other jurisdiction for the purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such validity, perfection, and effect of perfection and non-perfection and for the definitions related to such provisions, as from time to time in effect.

 

Preferred Stock : any Equity Interest with preferential right of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

 

Pro Forma Basis : in connection with any calculation of compliance with any financial covenant or financial term under this Agreement, (a) such compliance with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving effect to any acquisition, investment or other pro forma event as if such transaction (and all other such transactions consummated or made since

 

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the first (1st) day of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Test Period most recently ended) happened on the first (1st) day of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Test Period most recently ended, including (i) the incurrence of any Indebtedness by any Loan Party or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any such transaction, (ii) any repayment or redemption of other Indebtedness of any Loan Party or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any such transaction and (iii) the making of any Distribution by any Loan Party or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any such transaction, (b) determinations of EBITDA shall be made giving pro forma effect to any acquisition consummated since the first (1st) day of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Test Period most recently ended, with such EBITDA to be determined as if such acquisition was consummated on the first (1st) day of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Test Period most recently ended, and (c) maintenance of Availability shall be calculated giving effect to such transaction, including (i) any disposition of Collateral in any such transaction and (ii) the acquisition of any additional Collateral in any such transaction which is approved by Agent for inclusion in the calculation of the Canadian Borrowing Base or the U.S./European Borrowing Base, to the extent applicable.  In calculating interest expense on Indebtedness incurred under clause (a) (i) of the immediately preceding sentence, such Indebtedness shall be deemed to have borne interest (a) in the case of fixed rate Indebtedness, at the rate applicable thereto or (b) in the case of floating rate Indebtedness, at the rates which were or would have been applicable thereto during the period when such Indebtedness was or was deemed to be outstanding, in each case as reasonably calculated by Loan Party Agent.

 

Pro Rata : (a) when used with reference to a Lender’s (i) share on any date of (A) the total Facility Commitments to a Borrower or (B) Loans to be made to a Borrower, (ii) participating interests in LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) to such Borrower, (iii) share of payments made by such Borrower with respect to such Borrower’s Obligations, (iv) increases or reductions to the Canadian Revolver Commitments or the U.S./European Revolver Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1.4 , and (v) obligation to pay or reimburse Agent for Extraordinary Expenses owed by or in respect of such Borrower or to indemnify any Indemnitees for Claims relating to such Borrower, a percentage (expressed as a decimal, rounded to the ninth decimal place) derived by dividing the amount of the Facility Commitment of such Lender to such Borrower on such date by the aggregate amount of the Facility Commitments of all Lenders to such Borrower on such date (or if such Facility Commitments have been terminated, by reference to the respective Facility Commitments as in effect immediately prior to the termination thereof) or (b) when used for any other reason, a percentage (expressed as a decimal, rounded to the ninth (9th) decimal place) derived by dividing the aggregate amount of Lender’s Commitments on such date by the aggregate amount of the Commitments of all Lenders on such date (or if any such Commitments have been terminated, such Commitments as in effect immediately prior to the termination thereof).

 

Proceeds of Crime Act :  the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada) (or any successor statute), as amended from time to time, and includes all regulations thereunder.

 

Production Part Approval Process : all customer engineering design record and specification requirements that have been agreed between the applicable Borrower and customer related to the subject tooling design and/or manufacture.

 

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Properly Contested : with respect to any obligation of any Person, (a) the obligation is subject to a bona fide dispute regarding amount or such Person’s liability to pay; (b) the obligation is being properly contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently pursued; (c) appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; and (d) if the obligation results from entry of a judgment or other order, such judgment or order is stayed pending appeal or other judicial review or covered by insurance.

 

Protective Advances : as defined in Section 2.1.6 .

 

Qualified ECP : a Loan Party with total assets exceeding $10,000,000, or that constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act and can cause another Person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of such act.

 

RCRA : the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, (42 U.S.C. §§ 6991-6991i).

 

RDPRM : Quebec Register of Personal and Movable Real Rights or Registre des droits personnels et reels mobiliers du Quebec.

 

Reaffirmed Agreement or Reaffirmed Agreements : each Loan Document executed in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement that has not been amended and restated in connection with this Agreement.

 

Real Estate : all right, title and interest (whether as owner, lessor or lessee) in any real property or any buildings, structures, parking areas or other improvements thereon.

 

Reallocation Agreement : the Second Amended and Restated Reallocation Agreement dated as the date hereof, among Agent, the Lenders and each Issuing Bank transferring ownership of debt among the Lenders after a Designation Date, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

Receivables Assets : has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Permitted Receivables Financing”.

 

Receivables Fees : distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any participation interest issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Receivables Financing.

 

Receivables Subsidiary : has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Permitted Receivables Financing”.

 

Recipient : means (a) Agent, (b) any Lender, (c) any Issuing Bank and (d) any other recipient of any payment made by or on account of any Loan Party under any Loan Document.

 

Refinance : in respect of any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, purchase, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in exchange or replacement for, such

 

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Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, in whole or in part.  “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.

 

Regulation S-X : Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Release : any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, pouring, injection, escaping, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, dumping, leaching or migration of any Hazardous Material (including the abandonment or disposal of any barrels, containers or other closed receptacles containing any Hazardous Material) into, onto, under, from or through the Environment or into, onto, under, from or through any building or structure subject to human occupation.

 

Report : as defined in Section 12.2.3 .

 

Reportable Event : any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30-day notice period has been waived.

 

Required Facility Lenders :  at any date of determination thereof, Lenders having Facility Commitments to a Borrower representing more than 50% of the aggregate Facility Commitments to such Borrower at such time; provided , however , that if and for so long as any such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, the term “ Required Facility Lenders ” shall mean Lenders (excluding each Defaulting Lender) having Facility Commitments to such Borrower representing more than 50% of the aggregate Facility Commitments to such Borrower (excluding the Facility Commitments of each Defaulting Lender) at such time; provided further , however , that if all of the Facility Commitments to such Borrower have been terminated, the term “ Required Facility Lenders ” shall mean Lenders to such Borrower holding Revolver Loans to, and participating interest in LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) owing by, such Borrower representing more than 50% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Revolver Loans and LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) owing by such Borrower at such time.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this definition, any Fronting Exposure related to a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed held as a Loan or LC Commitment by the Lender that funded or issued the applicable Loan or Letter of Credit.

 

Required Lenders :  at any date of determination thereof, Lenders having Facility Commitments representing more than 50% of the aggregate Facility Commitments at such time; provided , however , that for so long as any Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, the term “ Required Lenders ” shall mean Lenders (excluding such Defaulting Lender) having Commitments representing more than 50% of the aggregate Commitments (excluding the Commitments of each Defaulting Lender) at such time; provided further , however , that if any of the Facility Commitments have been terminated, the term “ Required Lenders ” shall be calculated using (x) in lieu of such Lender’s terminated Facility Commitment, the outstanding principal amount of the Revolver Loans by such Lender to, and participation interests in LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) owing by, such Borrower and (y) in lieu of the aggregate Commitments under such terminated Facility Commitment, the aggregate outstanding Revolver Loans to, and LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) owing by such Borrower.  Notwithstanding

 

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the foregoing, for purposes of this definition, any Fronting Exposure related to a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed held as a Loan or LC Commitment by the Lender that funded or issued the applicable Loan or Letter of Credit.

 

Reserve Percentage : the reserve percentage (expressed as a decimal, rounded up to the nearest 1/100th of 1%) applicable to member banks under regulations issued by the FRB for determining the maximum reserve requirement for Eurocurrency liabilities.

 

Responsible Officer : the chief executive officer, president, any vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer, secretary or assistant secretary or other similar officer of a Loan Party (or, in each case, with respect to the European Borrower, any similarly designated officer or director under local practice).  Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

 

Restricted Investment :  an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

 

Restricted Subsidiary : any Subsidiary of a Person other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of such Person.  Unless otherwise indicated, all references to Restricted Subsidiaries shall mean Restricted Subsidiaries of Holdings.

 

Restrictive Agreement : an agreement that conditions or restricts the right of any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary to grant Liens on any assets securing the Obligations or to declare or make dividends or similar distributions.

 

Revolver Loan : a loan made pursuant to Section 2.1 , and any Swingline Loan, Overadvance Loan or Protective Advance.

 

Revolver Notes :  collectively, the U.S. Revolver Notes, the European Revolver Notes and the Canadian Revolver Notes.

 

Royalties : all royalties, fees, expense reimbursement and other amounts payable by a Loan Party or a Restricted Subsidiary under a License.

 

S&P : Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, and any successor thereto.

 

Sanction : any country-wide international economic sanction administered or enforced by the United States Government (including OFAC), the Canadian Federal Government, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury or other relevant sanctions authority.

 

SEC : the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

 

Secured Bank Product Obligations : Indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities with respect to Bank Products owing by a Borrower or Affiliate of a Borrower to a Secured Bank

 

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Product Provider; provided , that Secured Bank Product Obligations of a Loan Party shall not include its Excluded Swap Obligations.

 

Secured Bank Product Provider : (a) Bank of America or any of its Affiliates; and (b) any other Lender or Affiliate of a Lender that is providing a Bank Product.

 

Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt : Incremental Equivalent Debt that is secured.

 

Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt Collateral Agent : any collateral agent, collateral trustee, or similar representative of holders of Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt under and pursuant to the applicable Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt Document.

 

Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt Documents : any agreements and documents entered into and evidencing Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt.

 

Secured Parties : Canadian Facility Secured Parties and/or U.S./European Facility Secured Parties, as the context requires.

 

Security Documents : this Agreement, the Pledge and Security Agreement, the Guarantees, Insurance Assignments, Canadian Security Agreements, Deposit Account Control Agreements, the Intellectual Property Security Agreements, the Pledge Supplements, security agreements, pledge agreements or other similar agreements delivered to Agent pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement and all other documents, instruments and agreements now or hereafter securing (or given with the intent to secure) any Obligations.

 

Senior Notes : the U.S. Borrower’s 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 in the initial principal amount of $400,000,000.

 

Senior Notes Issuance : the issuance by the U.S. Borrower of the Senior Notes.

 

Settlement Report : a report delivered by Agent to the Applicable Lenders summarizing the Loans and, if applicable, participations in U.S. LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) of the U.S. Borrower, European LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) of the European Borrower and Canadian LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) of the Canadian Borrower outstanding as of a given settlement date, allocated to the Applicable Lenders on a Pro Rata basis in accordance with their Commitments.

 

Similar Business : any business engaged in by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiaries on April 4, 2014 and any business or other activities that are reasonably similar, ancillary, complementary or related to, or a reasonable extension, development or expansion of, the businesses in which Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries are engaged on April 4, 2014.

 

Solvent : as to any Person, such Person (a) owns property whose fair salable value is greater than the amount required to pay all of its debts (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities); (b) owns property whose present fair salable value (as defined below) is greater than the probable total liabilities (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities) of such Person as they become absolute and matured; (c)

 

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is able to pay all of its debts as they mature; (d) has capital that is not unreasonably small for the business in which it is engaged or about to engage; (e) is not “insolvent” within the meaning of Section 101(32) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code; (f) has not incurred (by way of assumption or otherwise) any obligations or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) or made any conveyance in connection therewith, with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud either present or future creditors of such Person or any of its Affiliates; and (g) as to any Person incorporated or organized under the laws of Canada or any province or territory of Canada, is not an “insolvent person” as defined in the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act ( Canada ).  “ Fair salable value ” means the amount that could be obtained for assets within a reasonable time, either through collection or through sale under ordinary selling conditions by a capable and diligent seller to an interested buyer who is willing (but under no compulsion) to purchase.

 

Specified Loan Party : a Loan Party that is not then an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act (determined prior to giving effect to Section 5.10 ).

 

Specified Transaction : any of the following: (a) any Revolver Loan made to the European Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1 , (b) any Letter of Credit issued for the account of the European Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2 , or (c) any Restricted Payment described in Section 10.2.3(a)(i) , (a)(ii) , (b)(vi) or (b)(x) .

 

Specified Transaction Conditions : with respect to the permissibility hereunder of any Specified Transaction, the satisfaction of the following conditions (except as indicated): (a) no Default or Event of Default exists at the time of or would result from the making of such Specified Transaction, (b) immediately after giving effect to such Specified Transaction, Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall, on a consolidated basis, have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.00:1.00 as calculated on a Pro Forma Basis for the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Test Period then most recently ended and (c) immediately after giving effect to such Specified Transaction, Availability (on the date of such action or proposed action) and, if an Average Availability Test Trigger exists at the time of such Specified Transaction, Average Period Availability (for the 30-day period ending on the date of such action or proposed action) as calculated on a Pro Forma Basis, shall not be less than the greater of (i) $27,000,000 and (ii) 15% of the Commitments at such time ; provided , further , that such Specified Transaction shall be permitted irrespective of clause (b) of this definition so long as Availability (on the date of such action or proposed action) and, if an Average Availability Test Trigger exists at the time of such Specified Transaction, Average Period Availability (for the 30-day period ending on the date of such action or proposed action) as calculated on a Pro Forma Basis, shall not be less than the greater of (i) $36,000,000 and (ii) 20% of the Commitments at such time.

 

Standard Securitization Undertakings : has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Permitted Receivables Financing”.

 

Stated Maturity : with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which such payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the documentation governing such Indebtedness, and shall not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.

 

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Sterling or £ : the lawful currency of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Superintendent:   as defined in the PBA.

 

Subsidiary : any entity more than 50% of whose voting securities or Equity Interests is owned by any Loan Party or any combination of the Loan Parties (including indirect ownership by any Loan Party through other entities in which any Loan Party directly or indirectly owns 50% of the voting securities or Equity Interests).  Unless the context otherwise requires, each reference to Subsidiaries herein shall be a reference to Subsidiaries of Holdings.

 

Supermajority Required Facility Lenders :  at any date of determination thereof, Lenders having Facility Commitments to a Borrower representing more than 66 2/3% of the aggregate Facility Commitments to such Borrower at such time; provided , however , that if and for so long as any such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, the term “ Supermajority Required Facility Lenders ” shall mean Lenders (excluding each Defaulting Lender) having Facility Commitments to such Borrower representing more than 66 2/3% of the aggregate Facility Commitments to such Borrower (excluding the Facility Commitments of each Defaulting Lender) at such time; provided further , however , that if all of the Facility Commitments to such Borrower have been terminated, the term “ Supermajority Required Facility Lenders ” shall mean Lenders to such Borrower holding Revolver Loans to, and participating interest in LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) owing by, such Borrower representing at least 66 2/3%  of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Revolver Loans and LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) owing by such Borrower at such time.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this definition, any Fronting Exposure related to a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed held as a Loan or LC Commitment by the Lender that funded or issued the applicable Loan or Letter of Credit.

 

Swap Obligations : with respect to any Loan party, its obligations under a Hedging Agreement that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

Swingline Loan : a U.S. Swingline Loan or a Canadian Swingline Loan, as applicable.

 

TARGET Day : any day on which the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET) payment system (or, if such payment system ceases to be operative, such other payment system (if any) determined by Agent to be a suitable replacement) is open for the settlement of payments in Euros.

 

Taxes : all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

 

Term B-1 Loans : the “Term B-1 Loans” as defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

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Term Loans : the “Term Loans” as defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

Term Loan EBITDA : the “EBITDA” as defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

Term Loan Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio : the “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” as defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

Term Loan Pro Forma Basis : with respect to the incurrence of any applicable Indebtedness under this Agreement, the incurrence of such Indebtedness on a “pro forma basis” as described in Section 7.03(a) of the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof.

 

Termination Event :  (a) the wind up, or the filing of a notice of intended wind up with the Superintendent, of a Canadian Pension Plan by a Canadian Facility Loan Party; (b) the wind up of a Canadian Pension Plan by the Superintendent, FSCO or other Governmental Authority; or (c) the institution of proceedings by any Governmental Authority to terminate in whole or in part or have a trustee or an administrator appointed to administer a Canadian Pension Plan.

 

Third Restatement Date : November 2, 2016.

 

Tooling A/R : as defined in Section 12.2.1(e) .

 

Tooling A/R Removal Notice : as defined in Section 12.2.1(e) .

 

Total Revolver Exposure :  as of any date of determination the sum of the Canadian Revolver Exposure, the European Revolver Exposure and the U.S. Revolver Exposure on such date of determination.

 

Transactions : collectively, (a) the entering into by the Loan Parties of the Loan Documents to which they are or are intended to be a party, and the borrowings hereunder and thereunder on the Third Restatement Date and application of the proceeds as contemplated hereby and thereby, (b) the closing of the Fixed Asset Facility and the issuance of the Term B-1 Loans thereunder (c) the Senior Notes Issuance and (d) the payment of the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the foregoing that are required to be paid on or around the Third Restatement Date.

 

Transferee : any actual or potential Eligible Assignee, Participant or other Person acquiring an interest in any Obligations.

 

Type : any type of a Loan (i.e., U.S. Base Rate Loan, LIBOR Loan, Canadian BA Rate Loan, Canadian Base Rate Loan, or Canadian Prime Rate Loan).

 

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Unfunded Pension Liability : means the excess of the present value of a Pension Plan’s benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA or a Canadian Pension Plan’s benefit liability under the PBA (or other equivalent pension legislation), over the current value of the assets of that Pension Plan or Canadian Pension Plan, as applicable, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code or the Canadian Pension Plan pursuant to the PBA (or other equivalent pension legislation) for the applicable plan year and an ‘Unfunded Pension Liability’ also includes any unfunded going concern deficit or solvency deficiency as identified in the valuations prepared in respect of a Pension Plan or Canadian Pension Plan, as applicable.

 

Uniform Commercial Code or “ UCC ”: the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.

 

Unrestricted Subsidiary : (a) any Subsidiary of Holdings that at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of such Person in the manner provided below; and (b) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.  The Board of Directors of Holdings may designate any Subsidiary of Holdings (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary of Holdings but excluding Holdings and any Borrower) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on any property of, Holdings or any other Subsidiary of Holdings that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated; provided that the Subsidiary to be so designated and its Subsidiaries do not at the time of designation have and do not thereafter Incur any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided further that either:

 

(i)                                      the Subsidiary to be so designated has total consolidated assets of $1,000 or less; or

 

(ii)                                   if such Subsidiary has consolidated assets greater than $1,000, then such designation would be permitted under Section 10.2.3(a)(iv) .

 

The Board of Directors of Holdings may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that immediately after giving effect to such designation:

 

(x)                                  (1)                                  Holdings could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 10.2.2 , or

 

(2)                                  the Term Loan Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than the Term Loan Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such designation, and

 

(y)                                  no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

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Any such designation by the Board of Directors of Holdings shall be evidenced to Agent by promptly delivering to Agent a copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of Holdings giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

 

U.S. Availability : as of any date of determination, the U.S./European Borrowing Base as of such date of determination plus solely for purposes of calculating “Availability” in connection with the satisfaction of any Specified Transaction Conditions (other than in connection with the making of any Revolver Loan to the European Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1 or the issuance of any Letter of Credit for the account of the European Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2 ), the U.S./European Suppressed Amount on such date of determination plus the U.S. Designated Cash Amount on such date of determination minus the U.S. Revolver Exposure (calculated without duplication of any amounts reserved under the U.S./European LC Reserve) on such date of determination.

 

U.S. Bank Product Reserve : the aggregate amount of reserves, as established by Agent from time to time in its Permitted Discretion to reflect the reasonably anticipated liabilities in respect of the then outstanding Secured Bank Product Obligations of the U.S. Facility Loan Parties and their Restricted Subsidiaries (or any other Affiliate thereof requested by the U.S. Borrower and approved by Agent).

 

U.S. Bankruptcy Code : Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. §§101-1532, as amended.

 

U.S. Base Rate : for any day, a per annum rate equal to the greater of (a) the U.S. Prime Rate for such day; (b) the Federal Funds Rate for such day, plus 0.50%; or (c) LIBOR for a thirty (30) day interest period as of such day, plus 1.0%; provided that if the U.S. Base Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement.

 

U.S. Base Rate Loan : any Loan that bears interest based on the U.S. Base Rate.

 

U.S. Borrower : as defined in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

U.S. Collateral : all of the Collateral other than the Foreign Collateral.

 

U.S. Cash Collateral Account : a demand deposit, money market or other account established by Agent at Bank of America or such other financial institution as Agent may select in its discretion, which account shall be for the benefit of the Secured Parties and shall be subject to Agent’s Liens securing the Obligations.

 

U.S. Designated Cash Amount :  the aggregate amount of cash of the U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties deposited in segregated DACA Deposit Accounts with Agent (excluding any portion thereof which is subject to a Lien in favor of a Person other than Agent or is otherwise restricted).

 

U.S. Designated Foreign Guaranty Reserve : the aggregate amount of reserves established by Agent from time to time in its Permitted Discretion in respect of any Designated Foreign Guaranty established in favor of a U.S. Lender and/or an Affiliate of a U.S. Lender.

 

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U.S. Domiciled Loan Party : Holdings and each U.S. Subsidiary of Holdings (other than the Excluded Subsidiaries), in each case, now or hereafter party hereto as a Loan Party; and “ U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties ” means all such Persons, collectively.

 

U.S. Dominion Account : a special account established by the U.S. Facility Loan Parties at Bank of America or another bank reasonably acceptable to Agent, over which Agent has exclusive control for withdrawal purposes.

 

U.S./European Auto-Extension Letter of Credit : as defined in Section 2.2.1(e) .

 

U.S./European Availability Reserve : the sum (without duplication) of (a) the Inventory Reserve with respect to the U.S. Borrower’s Inventory; (b) the U.S./European Rent and Charges Reserve; (c) the U.S./European LC Reserve; (d) the U.S. Bank Product Reserve; (e) the aggregate amount of liabilities secured by Liens upon the U.S./European Facility Collateral that are senior to Agent’s Liens (but imposition of any such reserve shall not waive an Event of Default arising therefrom); (f) the Canadian Overadvance Loan Balance, if any, outstanding on such date; (g) the U.S. Designated Foreign Guaranty Reserve; (h) the European Bank Product Reserve; (i) the U.S./European Tooling Vendor Reserve and (j) such additional reserves (including, without limitation, dilution reserves), in such amounts and with respect to such matters, as Agent in its Permitted Discretion may establish.

 

U.S./European Borrowing Base : on any date of determination, an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the Maximum U.S./European Facility Amount minus (x) the Canadian Overadvance Loan Balance, if any, outstanding on such date minus (y) the U.S./European LC Reserve minus (z) the European Revolver Exposure (calculated without duplication of any amounts reserved under the U.S./European LC Reserve) on such date of determination; and (b) (1) the sum of (x) 85% of the Value of Eligible Accounts of the U.S. Borrower; plus (y) the lesser of (i) 70% of the Value of Eligible Inventory of the U.S. Borrower; and (ii) 85% of the NOLV Percentage of the Value of Eligible Inventory of the U.S. Borrower ; plus (z) 75% of the Value of Eligible Tooling Accounts of the U.S. Borrower, minus (2) the U.S./European Availability Reserve.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the maximum amount of availability under the U.S. Borrowing Base and the Canadian Borrowing Base resulting from the inclusion of Eligible Tooling Accounts exceed $30,000,000 in the aggregate.

 

U.S./European Facility Collateral : Collateral that now or hereafter secures (or is intended to secure) any of the U.S./European Facility Obligations.

 

U.S./European Facility Guarantee : each guarantee agreement (including this Agreement) at any time executed by a U.S./European Facility Guarantor in favor of Agent guaranteeing all or any portion of the U.S./European Facility Obligations.

 

U.S./European Facility Guarantor : each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party and each other Person (if any) who guarantees payment and performance of any U.S./European Facility Obligations.

 

U.S./European Facility Loan Party : the U.S. Borrower, the European Borrower and each U.S./European Facility Guarantor.

 

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U.S./European Facility Obligations : (without duplication) the U.S. Facility Obligations and the European Facility Obligations.

 

U.S./European Facility Secured Parties :  Agent, U.S. Issuing Bank, U.S. Lenders and Secured Bank Product Providers of Bank Products to U.S./European Facility Loan Parties and the Lead Arrangers.

 

U.S./European LC Obligations : the aggregate amount of all U.S. LC Obligations and European LC Obligations.

 

U.S./European LC Reserve : the aggregate of all U.S./European LC Obligations, other than (a) those that have been Cash Collateralized; and (b) if no Default or Event of Default exists, amounts specified in clause (c) of the definition of U.S. LC Obligations and European LC Obligations.

 

U.S./European Letter of Credit Sublimit : $99,000,000.

 

U.S./European Letters of Credit : the U.S. Letters of Credit and/or the European Letters of Credit, as applicable.

 

U.S./European Non-Extension Notice Date : as defined in Section 2.2.1(e) .

 

U.S./European Overadvance : as defined in Section 2.1.5 hereof.

 

U.S./European Overadvance Loan :  a U.S. Base Rate Loan made to the U.S. Borrower when a U.S./European Overadvance exists or is caused by the funding thereof.

 

U.S./European Reimbursement Date : as defined in Section 2.2.2(a) .

 

U.S./European Rent and Charges Reserve : the aggregate of (a) all past due rent and other past due amounts owing by any U.S. Facility Loan Party to any landlord, warehouseman, processor, repairman, mechanic, shipper, freight forwarder, broker or other Person who possesses any U.S./European Facility Collateral or could assert a Lien on any such U.S./European Facility Collateral; plus (b) a reserve at least equal to three (3) months (or such shorter period as Agent determines in its Permitted Discretion as it will take to liquidate the ABL Collateral at such location) rent and other charges that could reasonably be expected to be payable to any such Person who possesses any U.S./European Facility Collateral or could reasonably be expected to assert a Lien thereon under applicable Law, unless, in any such case, such Person has executed a Collateral Access Agreement.

 

U.S./European Revolver Commitment : for any U.S. Lender, its obligation to make U.S./European Revolver Loans and to issue U.S./European Letters of Credit, in the case of U.S. Issuing Bank, or participate in U.S./European LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition), in the case of the other U.S. Lenders, to the U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower up to the maximum principal amount, in each case, shown on Schedule 1.1(a) , or as hereafter determined pursuant to each Assignment and Acceptance to which it is a party, as such U.S./European Revolver Commitment may be adjusted from time to time in

 

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accordance with the provisions of Section 2.1.4, or 11.2 . “ U.S./European Revolver Commitments ” means the aggregate amount of such commitments of all U.S. Lenders.

 

U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date : the earliest of (a) the Facility Termination Date, (b) the date on which Loan Party Agent terminates or reduces to zero (0) the U.S./European Revolver Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1.4 , and (c) the date on which the U.S./European Revolver Commitments are terminated pursuant to Section 11.2 .

 

U.S./European Revolver Loan : a U.S. Revolver Loan or a European Revolver Loan, as applicable.

 

U.S./European Suppressed Amount :  to the extent that the amount calculated pursuant to clause (b) of the U.S./European Borrowing Base definition exceeds the then-current U.S./European Revolver Commitment as of any date of determination, the amount of any such excess designated in writing by Loan Party Agent to Agent as “U.S./European Suppressed Amount” under this Agreement; provided, that in no event shall the U.S./European Suppressed Amount exceed $5,000,000 less the Canadian Suppressed Amount as of such date of determination.

 

U.S./European Tooling Vendor Reserve : the aggregate amount of reserves, as established by Agent from time to time in its Permitted Discretion to reflect the reasonably anticipated liabilities in respect of the then outstanding amounts owing to all tooling vendors with respect to the tooling giving rise to Eligible Tooling Accounts of the U.S./European Facility Loan Parties.

 

U.S./European Unused Line Fee Rate :  a rate per annum equal to (a) 0.25% when the U.S. Revolver Exposure plus the European Revolver Exposure is greater than 50% of the U.S./European Revolver Commitments and (b) 0.30% at all other times.

 

U.S. Facility Loan Party : the U.S. Borrower and each U.S./European Facility Guarantor.

 

U.S. Facility Obligations : all applicable Obligations of the U.S. Facility Loan Parties (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Obligations of the U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties as guarantors of the Canadian Facility Obligations and the European Facility Obligations).

 

U.S. Issuing Bank : (a) Bank of America or an Affiliate of Bank of America, as an issuer of Letters of Credit under this Agreement and (b) Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch or an Affiliate of Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as an issuer of Letters of Credit under this Agreement.  With respect to any Letter of Credit, “U.S. Issuing Bank” shall mean the issuer thereof.

 

U.S. LC Obligations : the sum (without duplication) of (a) all amounts owing by the U.S. Borrower for any drawings under Letters of Credit; (b) the stated amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower; and (c) all fees and other amounts owing with respect to Letters of Credit issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower.

 

U.S. Lenders :  Bank of America and each other Lender (other than the Canadian Lenders) party hereto, including Agent in its capacity as a provider of U.S. Swingline Loans.

 

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U.S. Letters of Credit : as defined in Section 2.2.1 hereof.

 

U.S. Prime Rate : the rate of interest announced by Bank of America from time to time as its U.S. prime rate.  Such rate is set by Bank of America on the basis of various factors, including its costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above or below such rate.  Any change in such rate publicly announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the announcement.

 

U.S. Revolver Exposure : on any date, an amount equal to the sum of the Dollar Equivalent of the U.S. Revolver Loans outstanding on such date plus the U.S. LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) on such date.

 

U.S. Revolver Loan : a Revolver Loan made by a U.S. Lender to the U.S. Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1.1(a) , and any U.S. Swingline Loan, which Loan shall be denominated in Dollars or Euros and shall be either a U.S. Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Loan, in each case as selected by Agent or Loan Party Agent.

 

U.S. Revolver Notes : collectively, each promissory note, if any, executed by the U.S. Borrower in favor of a U.S. Lender to evidence the U.S. Revolver Loans funded from time to time by such U.S. Lender, which shall be in the form of Exhibit A-2 to this Agreement, together with any replacement or successor notes therefor.

 

U.S. Subsidiary :  a Subsidiary of Holdings that is organized under the laws of a state of the United States or the District of Columbia.

 

U.S. Swingline Loan : any Borrowing of Base Rate U.S. Revolver Loans made to the U.S. Borrower pursuant to Section 4.1.3(a) .

 

Value : without duplication of any item enumerated in the definition of Eligible Inventory or Eligible Account: (a) for Inventory, its Dollar Equivalent value determined on the basis of the lower of cost or market, calculated on a first-in, first-out basis, and excluding any portion of cost attributable to intercompany profit among the Borrowers, the other Loan Parties and their Affiliates; and (b) for an Account, its Dollar Equivalent face amount, net of any returns, rebates, discounts (calculated on the shortest terms), credits, allowances or Taxes (including sales, excise or other taxes) that have been or could be claimed by the Account Debtor or any other Person.

 

Voting Stock : of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.

 

Wage Earner Protection Act Reserve :  on any date of determination, a reserve established from time to time by Agent in its Permitted Discretion in such amount as Agent determines reflects the amounts that may become due under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act with respect to the employees of any Loan Party employed in Canada which would give rise to a Lien with priority under applicable Law over the Lien of Agent.

 

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Weighted Average Life to Maturity : when applied to any Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the sum of the products of the number of years from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment, by (2) the sum of all such payments.

 

Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary :  any Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Wholly Owned Subsidiary : of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person 100% of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares or shares or interests required to be held by foreign nationals or other third parties to the extent required by applicable law) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

Withholding Agent : means Agent and any Loan Party.

 

Write-Down and Conversion Powers : means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

 

1.2                                Accounting Terms .  Under the Loan Documents (except as otherwise specified herein), all accounting terms shall be interpreted, all accounting determinations shall be made, and all financial statements shall be prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the most recent audited financial statements of the Loan Parties delivered to Agent before the Third Restatement Date and using the same inventory valuation method as used in such financial statements, except for any change required or permitted by GAAP if the Loan Parties’ certified public accountants concur in such change and the change is disclosed to Agent.  The Loan Party Agent, Lenders and Agent shall negotiate in good faith to amend Section 10.3 to preserve the original intent in light of such change in GAAP; provided , that until so amended Section 10.3 shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein.

 

1.3                                Uniform Commercial Code/PPSA .  As used herein, the following terms are defined in accordance with the UCC in effect in the State of New York from time to time:  “Chattel Paper,” “Commercial Tort Claim,” “Equipment,” “Goods,” “Instrument,” “Investment Property,” “Letter-of-Credit Right” and “Supporting Obligation” and, as such terms relate to any such property of any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party, such terms shall refer to such property as defined in the PPSA.  In addition, other terms relating to Collateral used and not otherwise defined herein that are defined in the UCC and/or the PPSA shall have the meanings set forth in the UCC and/or the PPSA, as applicable

 

1.4                                Certain Matters of Construction .  The terms “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular

 

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section, paragraph or subdivision.  Any pronoun used shall be deemed to cover all genders.  In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, “from” means “from and including,” and “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding.”  The terms “including” and “include” shall mean “including, without limitation” and, for purposes of each Loan Document, the parties agree that the rule of ejusdem generis shall not be applicable to limit any provision.  Section titles appear as a matter of convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of any Loan Document.  All references to (a) laws or statutes include, unless otherwise specified, all related rules, regulations, interpretations, amendments and successor provisions; (b) any document, instrument or agreement includes any amendments, waivers and other modifications, extensions or renewals (to the extent not prohibited by the Loan Documents); (c) any section means, unless the context otherwise requires, a section of this Agreement; (d) any exhibits or schedules mean, unless the context otherwise requires, exhibits and schedules attached hereto, which are hereby incorporated by reference; (e) any Person includes its successors and assigns; (f) time of day means time of day at Agent’s notice address under Section 14.3.1 ; or (g) except as expressly provided, discretion of Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender means the sole and absolute discretion of such Person.  All calculations of Value, fundings of Loans, issuances of Letters of Credit and payments of Obligations shall be in Dollars (except as otherwise expressly provided herein) and, unless the context otherwise requires, all determinations (including calculations of Borrowing Base and financial covenants) made from time to time under the Loan Documents shall be made in light of the circumstances existing at such time.  Borrowing Base calculations shall be consistent with historical methods of valuation and calculation, and otherwise satisfactory to Agent (and not necessarily calculated in accordance with GAAP).  The Loan Parties shall have the burden of establishing any alleged negligence, misconduct or lack of good faith by Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender under any Loan Documents.  No provision of any Loan Documents shall be construed against any party by reason of such party having, or being deemed to have, drafted the provision.  Whenever the phrase “to the best of a Loan Parties’ knowledge” or words of similar import are used in any Loan Documents, it means actual knowledge of a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party.  Whenever any payment, certificate, notice or other delivery shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, the due date for such payment or delivery shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of interest or fees, as the case may be; provided , however , that if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of any LIBOR Loan to be made in the next calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.

 

1.5                                Interpretation (Quebec) .   For purposes of any Collateral located in the Province of Quebec or charged by any deed of hypothec (or any other Loan Document) and for all other purposes pursuant to which the interpretation or construction of a Loan Document may be subject to the laws of the Province of Quebec or a court or tribunal exercising jurisdiction in the Province of Québec, (q) “personal property” shall be deemed to include “movable property”, (r) “real property” shall be deemed to include “immovable property”, (s) “tangible property” shall be deemed to include “corporeal property”, (t) “intangible property” shall be deemed to include “incorporeal property”, (u) “security interest” and “mortgage” shall be deemed to include a “hypothec”, (v) all references to filing, registering or recording under the UCC or the PPSA shall be deemed to include publication under the Civil Code of Québec, (w) all references to “perfection” of or “perfected” Liens shall be deemed to include a reference to the “opposability” of such Liens to third parties, (x) any “right of offset”, “right of setoff” or similar expression

 

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shall be deemed to include a “right of compensation”, (y) “goods” shall be deemed to include “corporeal movable property” other than chattel paper, documents of title, instruments, money and securities, and (z) an “agent” shall be deemed to include a “mandatary”.

 

SECTION 2.   CREDIT FACILITIES

 

2.1                                Commitment .

 

2.1.1                      Revolver Loans .

 

(a)                                  U.S. Revolver Loans to the U.S. Borrower; European Revolver Loans to the European Borrower .  Each U.S. Lender agrees, severally and not jointly with the other U.S. Lenders, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, to make (i) U.S. Revolver Loans to the U.S. Borrower and (ii) so long as the applicable Specified Transaction Conditions have been satisfied with respect thereto, European Revolver Loans to the European Borrower, in each case, on any Business Day during the period from the Third Restatement Date to the U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date, not to exceed in aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time, such U.S. Lender’s U.S./European Revolver Commitment at such time, which U.S./European Revolver Loans may be repaid and reborrowed in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided , however, that such U.S. Lenders shall have no obligation to the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower whatsoever to honor any request for a U.S. Revolver Loan or a European Revolver Loan, as applicable, (x) on or after the U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date, (y) if the amount of the proposed U.S. Revolver Loan exceeds U.S. Availability on the proposed funding date for such U.S. Revolver Loan or (z) if the amount of the proposed European Revolver Loan exceeds the Maximum European Subline Amount on the proposed funding date for such European Revolver Loan.  Each Borrowing of U.S./European Revolver Loans shall be funded by U.S. Lenders on a Pro Rata basis.  The U.S./European Revolver Loans shall bear interest as set forth in Section 3.1 .  Each U.S. Revolver Loan shall, at the option of the U.S. Borrower, be made or continued as, or converted into, part of one or more Borrowings that, unless specifically provided herein, shall consist entirely of U.S. Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans.  Each European Revolver Loan shall consist entirely of LIBOR Loans.  The U.S./European Revolver Loans shall be repaid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and shall be secured by all of the U.S./European Facility Collateral.  Each U.S. Revolver Loan shall be funded in Dollars or, at the option of the U.S. Borrower, Euros and repaid in the same currency as the underlying U.S. Revolver Loan was made; provided , however, that the aggregate amount of U.S. Revolver Loans that may be denominated in Euros shall not exceed the Dollar Equivalent of $50,000,000 less the Dollar Equivalent of the outstanding U.S. LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) denominated in Euros and Sterling; provided , further , however, U.S. Revolver Loans denominated in Euros shall consist entirely of LIBOR Loans.  Each European Revolver Loan shall be funded in Euros and repaid in Euros.

 

(b)                                  Canadian Revolver Loans to Canadian Borrower .  Each Canadian Lender agrees, severally and not jointly with the other Canadian Lenders, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, to make Canadian Revolver Loans to the Canadian Borrower on any Business Day during the period from the Third Restatement Date to the Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date, not to exceed in aggregate principal amount outstanding at any

 

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time, such Canadian Lender’s Canadian Revolver Commitment at such time, which Canadian Revolver Loans may be repaid and reborrowed in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided , however, that Canadian Lenders shall have no obligation to the Canadian Borrower whatsoever to honor any request for a Canadian Revolver Loan on or after the Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date or if the amount of the proposed Canadian Revolver Loan exceeds Canadian Availability on the proposed funding date for such Canadian Revolver Loan.  Each Borrowing of Canadian Revolver Loans shall be funded by Canadian Lenders on a Pro Rata basis.  The Canadian Revolver Loans shall bear interest as set forth in Section 3.1 .  Each Canadian Revolver Loan shall, at the option of the Canadian Borrower, be made or continued as, or converted into, part of one or more Borrowings that, unless specifically provided herein, shall consist entirely of Canadian Prime Rate Loans or Canadian BA Rate Loans if denominated in Canadian Dollars, or Canadian Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans if denominated in Dollars.  The Canadian Revolver Loans shall be repaid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and shall be secured by all of the Canadian Facility Collateral.  Each Canadian Revolver Loan shall be funded in Canadian Dollars or, at the option of the Canadian Borrower, Dollars and repaid in the same currency as the underlying Canadian Revolver Loan was made.

 

(c)                                   Cap on Total Revolver Exposure .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.1.1 , in no event shall any Borrower be entitled to receive a Revolver Loan if at the time of the proposed funding of such Loan (and after giving effect thereto and the application of the proceeds thereof and all pending requests for Loans), the Total Revolver Exposure exceeds (or would exceed) the lesser of the Maximum Facility Amount and the Commitments.

 

2.1.2                      Revolver Notes .  The Revolver Loans made by each Lender and interest accruing thereon shall be evidenced by the records of Agent and such Lender.  At the request of any Lender, the Borrower to which such Lender has extended Commitments shall deliver a Revolver Note to such Lender in the amount of such Lender’s aggregate U.S./European or Canadian Revolver Commitment, as applicable.

 

2.1.3                      Use of Proceeds .  The proceeds of Revolver Loans shall be used by the Borrowers solely (a) to issue standby or commercial letters of credit, and (b) to finance ongoing working capital needs and other lawful general corporate purposes of the Borrowers and their Restricted Subsidiaries.  No part of the proceeds of any Loan shall, nor shall any Letter of Credit, in any case, be used directly or indirectly in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Laws or Sanctions.

 

2.1.4                      Reduction or Termination of Commitments; Increase of Commitments .

 

(a)                                  The Canadian Revolver Commitments shall terminate on the Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date and the U.S./European Revolver Commitments shall terminate on the U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date, in each case, unless sooner terminated in accordance with this Agreement.  Upon at least three (3) Business Days’ prior written notice to Agent from Loan Party Agent, (i) the U.S. Borrower may, at its option, terminate the U.S./European Revolver Commitments and this credit facility and/or (ii) the Canadian Borrower may, at its option, terminate the Canadian Revolver Commitment, in each case, without premium or penalty (other than funding losses payable pursuant to Section 3.9 ).  If

 

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the U.S. Borrower elects to reduce to zero (0) or terminate the U.S./European Revolver Commitments pursuant to the previous sentence, the Canadian Revolver Commitments shall automatically terminate concurrently with the termination of the U.S./European Revolver Commitments.  Any notice of termination given by the Borrowers pursuant to this Section 2.1.4 shall be irrevocable; provided , however , that notice may be contingent on the occurrence of a refinancing or the consummation of a sale, transfer, lease or other disposition of assets and may be revoked or the termination date deferred if the refinancing or sale, transfer, lease or other disposition of assets does not occur.  On the Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date, the Canadian Borrower (and other Canadian Facility Loan Parties, if applicable) shall make Full Payment of all Canadian Facility Obligations. On the U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date, the U.S. Borrower (and other U.S. Facility Loan Parties, if applicable) shall make Full Payment of all U.S. Facility Obligations.  On the U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date, the European Borrower shall make Full Payment of all European Facility Obligations.

 

(b)                                  So long as (i) no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom, (ii) no U.S./European Overadvance or Canadian Overadvance then exists or would result therefrom, and (iii) after giving effect thereto, U.S. Availability would exceed $10,000,000, Loan Party Agent may permanently and irrevocably reduce the Maximum Facility Amount by giving Agent at least three (3) Business Days’ prior irrevocable written notice thereof from a Responsible Officer of Loan Party Agent, which notice shall (1) specify the date (which shall be a Business Day) and amount of such reduction (which shall be in a minimum amount of $5,000,000 and increments of $1,000,000 in excess thereof), (2) specify the allocation of such reduction to, and the corresponding reductions of, each of the Maximum Canadian Facility Amount and/or the Maximum U.S./European Facility Amount (and the respective Canadian Revolver Commitments and the U.S./European Revolver Commitments in respect thereof, each of which shall be allocated to Lenders among the Borrowers on a Pro Rata basis at the time of such reduction) and (3) certify the satisfaction of the conditions specified in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) and this clause (iii) (including calculations thereof in reasonable detail) as of the effective date of any such proposed reduction; provided , however , that such notice may be contingent on the occurrence of a refinancing or incurrence of Indebtedness permitted under Section 10.2.2 or consummation of a sale, transfer, lease or other disposition of assets and may be revoked or the reduction date deferred if the refinancing, incurrence or sale, transfer, lease or other disposition of assets does not occur.  Without limiting the foregoing, (A) each reduction in the Maximum Canadian Facility Amount and the Canadian Revolver Commitments shall in no event exceed Canadian Availability and be in a minimum amount of $5,000,000, and (B) each reduction in the Maximum U.S./European Facility Amount and the U.S./European Revolver Commitments shall in no event exceed U.S. Availability and be in a minimum amount of $5,000,000.

 

(c)                                   Provided no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom after the Third Restatement Date, upon notice to Agent (which shall promptly notify all Applicable Lenders), the Loan Party Agent may from time to time, request an increase in the U.S./European Revolver Commitments or the Canadian Revolver Commitments, as applicable, by an amount not exceeding $100,000,000 (less the amount of any FILO Credit Facility) in the aggregate (resulting in maximum total Facility Commitments of $310,000,000) during the term of this Agreement; provided that (i) any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum

 

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amount of $5,000,000 and (ii) the Loan Party Agent may make a maximum of two (2) such requests in the aggregate (resulting in a maximum of two (2) total increases) during the term of this Agreement.  At the time of sending such notice, a requesting Borrower (in consultation with Agent) shall specify the time period within which the Applicable Lenders are requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten (10) Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to such Lenders (or such lesser period as is acceptable to such Lenders)).

 

(d)                                  Each Applicable Lender shall notify Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to increase its Facility Commitment to the Loan Party Agent and, if so, whether by an amount equal to, greater than, or less than its Pro Rata Share of such requested increase.  Any Applicable Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to increase its Facility Commitment.

 

(e)                                   Agent shall notify the Loan Party Agent and each Applicable Lender of such Applicable Lenders’ responses to each request made hereunder.  To achieve the full amount of a requested increase, and subject to the approval of Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank (which approvals, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, shall not be unreasonably withheld), the Loan Party Agent may also invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and its counsel.

 

(f)                                    If the U.S./European Revolver Commitments or the Canadian Revolver Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section, Agent and the Loan Party Agent shall determine the effective date (the “ Facility Commitment Increase Effective Date ”) and the final allocation of such increase.  Agent shall promptly notify the Loan Party Agent and the Applicable Lenders (and any additional Lender added pursuant to Section 2.1.4(e) ) of the final allocation of such increase and the Facility Commitment Increase Effective Date.

 

(g)                                   As a condition precedent to such increase, the Loan Party Agent shall deliver to Agent a certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the Facility Commitment Increase Effective Date (in sufficient copies for each Lender) signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party (i) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (ii) in the case of the Borrowers, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (A) the representations and warranties contained in Section 9 and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (or, with respect to representations and warranties qualified by materiality, in all respects) on and as of the Facility Commitment Increase Effective Date (except for representations and warranties that expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, with respect to representations and warranties qualified by materiality, in all respects) as of such earlier date), and except that for purposes of this Section 2.1.4 , the representations and warranties contained in Section 9.1.8(a) shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (c) of Section 10.1.1 , and (B) no Default exists.  The requesting Borrower shall prepay any Revolving Loans of such Borrower outstanding on the Facility Commitment Increase Effective Date (and pay any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.9 ) to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Revolving Loans of such Borrower ratable with any revised Pro Rata Share arising from any nonratable increase in the Facility Commitments under this Section.

 

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(h)                                  No consent shall be required of any Lender not increasing its Facility Commitments in connection with an increase of the Facility Commitments in accordance with this Section 2.1.4 , and the Borrowers, Agent and each Lender shall enter into such amendments to the Loan Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Loan Party Agent and Agent to make conforming changes consistent with this Section 2.1.4 .

 

(i)                                      This Section shall supersede any provisions in Section 14.1 to the contrary.

 

2.1.5                      Overadvances .

 

(a)                                  If at any time (a) the Canadian Revolver Exposure exceeds the Canadian Borrowing Base (a “ Canadian Overadvance ”) or (b) the sum of the U.S. Revolver Exposure plus the European Revolver Exposure exceeds the U.S./European Borrowing Base (the U.S./European Borrowing Base calculated solely for this purpose without subtraction of the European Revolver Exposure) (a “ U.S./European Overadvance ”), the excess amount shall, subject to Section 5.2 and this Section 2.1.5 , be immediately due and payable by the Canadian Borrower or the U.S. Borrower, as applicable on demand by Agent.  Agent may require the Applicable Lenders to honor requests for Overadvance Loans and to forbear from requiring the applicable Borrower to cure an Overadvance, (a) when no Event of Default is known to Agent, as long as (i) the Overadvance does not continue for more than thirty (30) consecutive days (and no Overadvance may exist for at least five (5) consecutive days thereafter before further Overadvance Loans are required), and (ii) the Overadvance is not known by Agent to exceed $2,500,000, with respect to the Canadian Borrower, or $5,000,000 in the aggregate, with respect to the U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower; and (b) regardless of whether an Event of Default exists, if Agent discovers an Overadvance not previously known by it to exist, as long as from the date of such discovery the Overadvance (i) is not increased by more than $2,500,000, with respect to the Canadian Borrower or $5,000,000 in the aggregate, with respect to the U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower, and (ii) does not continue for more than thirty (30) consecutive days.  In no event shall Overadvance Loans be required that would cause (i) the Canadian Revolver Exposure to exceed the aggregate Canadian Revolver Commitments or (ii) the U.S. Revolver Exposure plus the European Revolver Exposure to exceed the aggregate U.S./European Revolver Commitments.  All Canadian Overadvance Loans shall constitute Canadian Facility Obligations secured by the Canadian Facility Collateral and shall be entitled to all benefits of the Loan Documents.  All U.S./European Overadvance Loans shall constitute U.S./European Facility Obligations secured by the U.S./European Facility Collateral and shall be entitled to all benefits of the Loan Documents.  No Overadvance shall result in an Event of Default due to a Borrower’s failure to comply with Section 2.1.1 for so long as such Overadvance remains outstanding in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, but solely with respect to the amount of such Overadvance.  In no event shall any Borrower or other Loan Party be deemed a beneficiary of this Section nor authorized to enforce any of its terms.  Agent agrees to use its commercially reasonable best efforts to promptly notify the Lenders of the issuance of an Overadvance Loan; provided , that Agent shall have no liability for any failure to provide any such notice.

 

2.1.6                      Protective Advances .  Agent shall be authorized, in its discretion, at any time that any conditions in Section 6 are not satisfied, to make U.S. Base Rate Loans and Canadian Prime Rate Loans, as applicable (each a “Protective Advance”) (a) up to an aggregate amount of $2,500,000, with respect to the Canadian Borrower, or $5,000,000, with respect to the

 

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U.S. Borrower, outstanding at any time, if Agent deems such Loans necessary or desirable to preserve or protect Collateral, or to enhance the collectability or repayment of Obligations; or (b) to pay any other amounts chargeable to the Loan Parties under any Loan Documents, including costs, fees and expenses.  Each Applicable Lender shall participate in each Protective Advance on a Pro Rata basis.  In no event shall Protective Advances be required that would cause (x) the outstanding U.S./European Revolver Loans and U.S./European LC Obligations to exceed the aggregate U.S./European Commitments or (y) the outstanding Canadian Revolver Loans and Canadian LC Obligations to exceed the aggregate Canadian Commitments.  Required Facility Lenders may at any time revoke Agent’s authority to make further Protective Advances to the applicable Borrower by written notice to Agent.  Absent such revocation, Agent’s determination that funding of a Protective Advance is appropriate shall be conclusive.  All Protective Advances made by Agent with respect to U.S. Facility Loan Parties shall be U.S. Facility Obligations, secured by the U.S./European Facility Collateral and shall be treated for all purposes as Extraordinary Expenses and all Protective Advances made by Agent with respect to Canadian Facility Loan Parties shall be Canadian Facility Obligations, secured by the Canadian Facility Collateral and shall be treated for all purposes as Extraordinary Expenses.  Agent agrees to use its commercially reasonable best efforts to promptly notify the Lenders of the extension of a Protective Advance; provided, that Agent shall have no liability for any failure to provide any such notice.

 

2.1.7                      Prepayments .  If Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary consummates one or more Asset Sales of Fixed Asset Collateral which result in realization or receipt by Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary of aggregate Net Proceeds in excess of $20,000,000 in any fiscal year, Holdings shall (1) give written notice to Agent thereof promptly after the date of the realization or receipt of such Net Proceeds and (2) except to the extent Holdings is required to repay the Fixed Asset Facility with such Net Proceeds or is permitted under the Fixed Asset Facility to reinvest such Net Proceeds in assets used or useful in the business, prepay an aggregate principal amount of Loans in an amount equal to 100% of all Net Proceeds received from such Asset Sale within five (5) Business Days of receipt thereof by Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary or the end of such reinvestment period, whichever is later.

 

2.2                                U.S. and European Letter of Credit Facility .

 

2.2.1                      Issuance of Letters of Credit .  U.S. Issuing Bank agrees to issue Letters of Credit for the account of (x) the U.S. Borrower (“U.S. Letters of Credit”) and (y) so long as the applicable Specified Transaction Conditions have been satisfied with respect thereto, the European Borrower (“European Letters of Credit”) from time to time until fifteen (15) days prior to the Facility Termination Date (or until the U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date, if earlier), on the terms set forth herein, including the following:

 

(a)                                  Each of the U.S. Borrower and European Borrower acknowledge that U.S. Issuing Bank’s willingness to issue any U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit is conditioned upon U.S. Issuing Bank’s receipt of an LC Application with respect to the requested U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit, as applicable, as well as such other instruments and agreements as U.S. Issuing Bank may customarily require for issuance of a letter of credit of similar type and amount.  U.S. Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue any U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit unless (i) U.S. Issuing Bank receives an LC Request and LC

 

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Application at least three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance; (ii) each LC Condition is satisfied; and (iii) if a Defaulting Lender that is a U.S. Lender exists, such Defaulting Lender or the U.S. Borrower or European Borrower, as applicable, have entered into arrangements satisfactory to Agent and U.S. Issuing Bank to eliminate any Fronting Exposure associated with such Lender (it being understood that Cash Collateralization of a Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata share of the requested U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit, as applicable, is satisfactory to Agent and U.S. Issuing Bank).  If, in sufficient time to act, U.S. Issuing Bank receives written notice from the Required Facility Lenders that a LC Condition has not been satisfied, U.S. Issuing Bank shall not issue the requested U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit, as applicable.  Prior to receipt of any such notice, U.S. Issuing Bank shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any failure of LC Conditions.

 

(b)                                  Letters of Credit may be requested by the U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower to support obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business, or as otherwise approved by Agent.  The renewal or extension of any U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit shall be treated as the issuance of a new U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit, as applicable, except that delivery of a new LC Application may be required at the discretion of U.S. Issuing Bank.

 

(c)                                   Each of the U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower assume all risks of the acts, omissions or misuses by the beneficiary of any U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit, as applicable.  In connection with issuance of any U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit, none of Agent, U.S. Issuing Bank or any U.S. Lender shall be responsible for the existence, character, quality, quantity, condition, packing, value or delivery of any goods purported to be represented by any Documents; any differences or variation in the character, quality, quantity, condition, packing, value or delivery of any goods from that expressed in any Documents; the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any Documents or of any endorsements thereon; the time, place, manner or order in which shipment of goods is made; partial or incomplete shipment of, or failure to ship, any goods referred to in a U.S. Letter of Credit, European Letter of Credit or Documents; any deviation from instructions, delay, default or fraud by any shipper or other Person in connection with any goods, shipment or delivery; any breach of contract between a shipper or vendor and the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as applicable; errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex, telecopy, e-mail, telephone or otherwise; errors in interpretation of technical terms; the misapplication by a beneficiary of any U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit, as applicable, or the proceeds thereof; or any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of U.S. Issuing Bank, Agent or any U.S. Lender, including any act or omission of a Governmental Authority.  The rights and remedies of U.S. Issuing Bank under the Loan Documents shall be cumulative.  U.S. Issuing Bank shall be fully subrogated to the rights and remedies of each beneficiary whose claims against the U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower are discharged with proceeds of any U.S. Letter of Credit issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower or any European Letter of Credit issued for the account of the European Borrower, as applicable.

 

(d)                                  In connection with its administration of and enforcement of rights or remedies under any Letters of Credit or LC Documents, U.S. Issuing Bank shall be entitled to act, and shall be fully protected in acting, upon any certification, documentation or communication in

 

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whatever form believed by U.S. Issuing Bank, in good faith, to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by a proper Person.  U.S. Issuing Bank may consult with and employ legal counsel, accountants and other experts to advise it concerning its obligations, rights and remedies, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in any action taken in good faith reliance upon, any advice given by such experts.  U.S. Issuing Bank may employ agents and attorneys-in-fact in connection with any matter relating to Letters of Credit or LC Documents, and shall not be liable for the negligence or misconduct of agents and attorneys-in-fact selected with reasonable care.

 

(e)                                   If the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit application, U.S. Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, a “ U.S./European Auto-Extension Letter of Credit ”); provided that any such U.S./European Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit U.S. Issuing Bank to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “ U.S./European Non-Extension Notice Date ”) in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued.  Unless otherwise directed by U.S. Issuing Bank, the U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the Issuing Bank for any such extension.  Once a U.S./European Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the U.S. Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) U.S. Issuing Bank to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date at least 15 Business Days prior to the Facility Termination Date; provided , however , that U.S. Issuing Bank shall not permit any such extension if (A) U.S. Issuing Bank has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof, or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the U.S./European Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from Agent, any Lender or the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as applicable, that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 6.2 is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing U.S. Issuing Bank not to permit such extension.

 

(f)                                    By their execution of this Agreement, the parties hereto agree that on the Third Restatement Date (without any further action by any Person), the Existing Letters of Credit as listed on Schedule 1.1(c) shall be deemed to have been issued by U.S. Issuing Bank under this Agreement and the rights and obligations of U.S. Issuing Bank and the account party thereunder shall be subject to the terms hereof.

 

2.2.2                      U.S. Letters of Credit and European Letters of Credit: Reimbursement and Participations .

 

(a)                                  If U.S. Issuing Bank honors any request for payment under a U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit, the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as applicable, shall pay to U.S. Issuing Bank, on the same day (“ U.S./European Reimbursement Date ”), the amount paid by U.S. Issuing Bank under (i) such U.S. Letter of Credit, together with interest at the interest rate for U.S. Base Rate Loans or (ii) such European Letter of Credit, together with interest at the interest rate for LIBOR Revolver Loans, in each case, from the U.S./European

 

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Reimbursement Date until payment by the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as applicable.  The obligation of the U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower to reimburse U.S. Issuing Bank for any payment made under a U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit, as applicable, shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid without regard to any lack of validity or enforceability of any such U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit or the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right that the U.S. Borrower, the European Borrower, or any other U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties may have at any time against the beneficiary, as applicable.  Whether or not Loan Party Agent submits a Notice of Borrowing, (i) the U.S. Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Borrowing of U.S. Base Rate Loans or (ii) the European Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Borrowing of LIBOR Revolver Loans, in each case, in an amount necessary to pay all amounts due U.S. Issuing Bank on any U.S./European Reimbursement Date and each U.S. Lender agrees to fund its Pro Rata share of such Borrowing whether or not the U.S./European Revolver Commitments have terminated, any U.S./European Overadvance exists or is created thereby, or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied.

 

(b)                                  Upon issuance of a U.S. Letter of Credit or a European Letter of Credit, or in the case of the Existing Letters of Credit, on the Third Restatement Date, each U.S. Lender shall be deemed to have irrevocably and unconditionally purchased from U.S. Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided Pro Rata interest and participation in all U.S. LC Obligations or European LC Obligations, as applicable, (in each case, excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) relating to such U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit.  If U.S. Issuing Bank makes any payment under a U.S. Letter of Credit or a European Letter of Credit for the account of the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as applicable, and the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as applicable, does not reimburse such payment on the U.S./European Reimbursement Date, Agent shall promptly notify U.S. Lenders and each U.S. Lender shall promptly (within one (1) Business Day) and unconditionally pay to Agent, for the benefit of U.S. Issuing Bank, such U.S. Lender’s Pro Rata share of such payment.  Upon request by a U.S. Lender, U.S. Issuing Bank shall furnish copies of any Letters of Credit and LC Documents in its possession at such time.

 

(c)                                   The obligation of each U.S. Lender to make payments to Agent for the account of U.S. Issuing Bank in connection with U.S. Issuing Bank’s payment under a U.S. Letter of Credit or a European Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, not subject to any counterclaim, setoff, qualification or exception whatsoever, and shall be made in accordance with this Agreement under all circumstances, irrespective of any lack of validity or unenforceability of any Loan Documents; any draft, certificate or other document presented under a U.S. Letter of Credit or a European Letter of Credit having been determined to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or the existence of any setoff or defense that any Loan Party may have with respect to any Obligations.  U.S. Issuing Bank does not assume any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by the U.S. Borrower, the European Borrower or any other Person of any obligations under any LC Documents.  U.S. Issuing Bank does not make to U.S. Lenders any express or implied warranty, representation or guarantee with respect to the U.S./European Facility Collateral, LC Documents, any U.S. Facility Loan Party or the European Borrower.  U.S. Issuing Bank shall not be responsible to any U.S. Lender for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in, or for the execution, validity,

 

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genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any LC Documents; the validity, genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value or sufficiency of any U.S./European Facility Collateral or the perfection of any Lien therein; or the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any U.S./European Facility Loan Party.

 

(d)                                  No Issuing Bank Indemnitee shall be liable to any Loan Party or other Person for any action taken or omitted to be taken in connection with any U.S. Letter of Credit, European Letter of Credit or LC Document except as a result of U.S. Issuing Bank’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.  U.S. Issuing Bank may refrain from taking any action with respect to a U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit until it receives written instructions from Required Facility Lenders of the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as applicable.

 

2.2.3                      Cash Collateral .  If any U.S. LC Obligations or the European LC Obligations, whether or not then due or payable, shall for any reason be outstanding at any time (a) that an Event of Default exists, (b) that a U.S./European Overadvance exists, (c) after the U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date, or (d) within twenty (20) Business Days prior to the Facility Termination Date, then the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as applicable, shall, at U.S. Issuing Bank’s or Agent’s request, Cash Collateralize the stated amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit issued for the account of the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, as applicable, and pay to U.S. Issuing Bank the amount of all other U.S. LC Obligations or European LC Obligations, as applicable.  The U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower shall, on demand by U.S. Issuing Bank or Agent from time to time, Cash Collateralize the Fronting Exposure of any Defaulting Lender that is a U.S. Lender.  If the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower fails to provide any Cash Collateral as required hereunder, U.S. Lenders may (and shall upon direction of Agent) advance, as U.S. Revolver Loans or European Revolver Loans, as applicable, the amount of the Cash Collateral required (whether or not the U.S./European Revolver Commitments have terminated, any U.S./European Overadvance exists or is created thereby or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied).  For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that the European Borrower will not repay or Cash Collateralize any U.S. LC Obligations.

 

2.2.4                      Resignation of U.S. Issuing Bank .  U.S. Issuing Bank may resign at any time upon notice to Agent and Loan Party Agent.  On and after the effective date of such resignation, U.S. Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue, amend, renew, extend or otherwise modify any U.S. Letter of Credit or European Letter of Credit, but shall continue to have all rights and other obligations of an U.S. Issuing Bank hereunder relating to any U.S. Letter of Credit and European Letter of Credit issued by it prior to such date.  Agent shall promptly appoint a replacement U.S. Issuing Bank, which, as long as no Default or Event of Default exists, shall be reasonably acceptable to Loan Party Agent.

 

2.3                                Canadian Letter of Credit Facility .

 

2.3.1                      Issuance of Letters of Credit .  Canadian Issuing Bank agrees to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Canadian Borrower (“ Canadian Letters of Credit ”) from time to time until fifteen (15) days prior to the Facility Termination Date (or until the Canadian

 

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Revolver Commitment Termination Date, if earlier), on the terms set forth herein, including the following:

 

(a)                                  The Canadian Borrower acknowledges that Canadian Issuing Bank’s willingness to issue any Canadian Letter of Credit is conditioned upon Canadian Issuing Bank’s receipt of an LC Application with respect to the requested Canadian Letter of Credit, as well as such other instruments and agreements as Canadian Issuing Bank may customarily require for issuance of a letter of credit of similar type and amount.  Canadian Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue any Canadian Letter of Credit unless (i) Canadian Issuing Bank receives an LC Request and LC Application at least three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance; (ii) each LC Condition is satisfied; and (iii) if a Defaulting Lender that is a Canadian Lender exists, such Defaulting Lender or the Canadian Borrower have entered into arrangements satisfactory to Agent and Canadian Issuing Bank to eliminate any Fronting Exposure associated with such Lender (it being understood that Cash Collateralization of a Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata share of the requested Canadian Letter of Credit is satisfactory to Agent and Canadian Issuing Bank).  If, in sufficient time to act, Canadian Issuing Bank receives written notice from Required Facility Lenders that a LC Condition has not been satisfied, Canadian Issuing Bank shall not issue the requested Canadian Letter of Credit.  Prior to receipt of any such notice, Canadian Issuing Bank shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any failure of LC Conditions.

 

(b)                                  Letters of Credit may be requested by Loan Party Agent for the account of Canadian Borrower to support obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business, or as otherwise approved by Agent.  The renewal or extension of any Canadian Letter of Credit shall be treated as the issuance of a new Canadian Letter of Credit, except that delivery of a new LC Application may be required at the discretion of Canadian Issuing Bank.

 

(c)                                   The Canadian Borrower assumes all risks of the acts, omissions or misuses by the beneficiary of any Canadian Letter of Credit.  In connection with issuance of any Canadian Letter of Credit, none of Agent, Canadian Issuing Bank or any Canadian Lender shall be responsible for the existence, character, quality, quantity, condition, packing, value or delivery of any goods purported to be represented by any Documents; any differences or variation in the character, quality, quantity, condition, packing, value or delivery of any goods from that expressed in any Documents; the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any Documents or of any endorsements thereon; the time, place, manner or order in which shipment of goods is made; partial or incomplete shipment of, or failure to ship, any goods referred to in a Canadian Letter of Credit or Documents; any deviation from instructions, delay, default or fraud by any shipper or other Person in connection with any goods, shipment or delivery; any breach of contract between a shipper or vendor and the Canadian Borrower; errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex, telecopy, e-mail, telephone or otherwise; errors in interpretation of technical terms; the misapplication by a beneficiary of any Canadian Letter of Credit or the proceeds thereof; or any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of Canadian Issuing Bank, Agent or any Canadian Lender, including any act or omission of a Governmental Authority.  The rights and remedies of Canadian Issuing Bank under the Loan Documents shall be cumulative.  Canadian Issuing Bank shall be fully subrogated to the rights and remedies of each beneficiary whose claims against the Canadian Borrower are discharged with proceeds of any Canadian Letter of Credit issued for the account of the Canadian Borrower.

 

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(d)                                  In connection with its administration of and enforcement of rights or remedies under any Letters of Credit or LC Documents, Canadian Issuing Bank shall be entitled to act, and shall be fully protected in acting, upon any certification, documentation or communication in whatever form believed by Canadian Issuing Bank, in good faith, to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by a proper Person.  Canadian Issuing Bank may consult with and employ legal counsel, accountants and other experts to advise it concerning its obligations, rights and remedies, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in any action taken in good faith reliance upon, any advice given by such experts.  Canadian Issuing Bank may employ agents and attorneys-in-fact in connection with any matter relating to Letters of Credit or LC Documents, and shall not be liable for the negligence or misconduct of agents and attorneys-in-fact selected with reasonable care.

 

(e)                                   If the Canadian Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit application, Canadian Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, a “ Canadian Auto-Extension Letter of Credit ”); provided that any such Canadian Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit Canadian Issuing Bank to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “ Canadian Non-Extension Notice Date ”) in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued.  Unless otherwise directed by Canadian Issuing Bank, the Canadian Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the Issuing Bank for any such extension.  Once a Canadian Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Canadian Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) Canadian Issuing Bank to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date at least 15 Business Days prior to the Facility Termination Date; provided , however , that Canadian Issuing Bank shall not permit any such extension if (A) Canadian Issuing Bank has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof, or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the Canadian Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from Agent, any Lender or the Canadian Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 6.2 is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing Canadian Issuing Bank not to permit such extension.

 

2.3.2                      Canadian Letters of Credit: Reimbursement and Participations .

 

(a)                                  If Canadian Issuing Bank honors any request for payment under a Canadian Letter of Credit, the Canadian Borrower shall pay to Canadian Issuing Bank, on the same day (“ Canadian Reimbursement Date ”), the amount paid by Canadian Issuing Bank under such Canadian Letter of Credit, together with interest at the interest rate for Canadian Base Rate Loans from the Canadian Reimbursement Date until payment by the Canadian Borrower.  The obligation of the Canadian Borrower to reimburse Canadian Issuing Bank for any payment made under a Canadian Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid without regard to any lack of validity or enforceability of any Canadian Letter of Credit or the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right that the Canadian Borrower or the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties may have at any time against the beneficiary.  Whether or not Loan Party Agent submits a Notice of Borrowing, the Canadian Borrower shall be deemed to

 

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have requested a Borrowing of Canadian Base Rate Loans in an amount necessary to pay all amounts due Canadian Issuing Bank on any Canadian Reimbursement Date and each Canadian Lender agrees to fund its Pro Rata share of such Borrowing whether or not the Canadian Revolver Commitments have terminated, any Canadian Overadvance exists or is created thereby, or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied.

 

(b)                                  Upon issuance of a Canadian Letter of Credit, each Canadian Lender shall be deemed to have irrevocably and unconditionally purchased from Canadian Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided Pro Rata interest and participation in all Canadian LC Obligations (excluding amounts specified in clause (c) of such definition) relating to such Canadian Letter of Credit.  If Canadian Issuing Bank makes any payment under a Canadian Letter of Credit for the account of the Canadian Borrower and the Canadian Borrower does not reimburse such payment on the Canadian Reimbursement Date, Agent shall promptly notify Canadian Lenders and each Canadian Lender shall promptly (within one (1) Business Day) and unconditionally pay to Agent, for the benefit of Canadian Issuing Bank, such Canadian Lender’s Pro Rata share of such payment.  Upon request by a Canadian Lender, Canadian Issuing Bank shall furnish copies of any Letters of Credit and LC Documents in its possession at such time.

 

(c)                                   The obligation of each Canadian Lender to make payments to Agent for the account of Canadian Issuing Bank in connection with Canadian Issuing Bank’s payment under a Canadian Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, not subject to any counterclaim, setoff, qualification or exception whatsoever, and shall be made in accordance with this Agreement under all circumstances, irrespective of any lack of validity or unenforceability of any Loan Documents; any draft, certificate or other document presented under a Canadian Letter of Credit having been determined to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or the existence of any setoff or defense that any Loan Party may have with respect to any Obligations.  Canadian Issuing Bank does not assume any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by the Canadian Borrower or any other Person of any obligations under any LC Documents.  Canadian Issuing Bank does not make to Canadian Lenders any express or implied warranty, representation or guarantee with respect to the Canadian Facility Collateral, LC Documents or any Canadian Facility Loan Party.  Canadian Issuing Bank shall not be responsible to any Canadian Lender for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in, or for the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any LC Documents; the validity, genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value or sufficiency of any Canadian Facility Collateral or the perfection of any Lien therein; or the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any Canadian Facility Loan Party.

 

(d)                                  No Issuing Bank Indemnitee shall be liable to any Loan Party or other Person for any action taken or omitted to be taken in connection with any Canadian Letter of Credit or LC Documents except as a result of Canadian Issuing Bank’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.  Canadian Issuing Bank may refrain from taking any action with respect to a Canadian Letter of Credit until it receives written instructions from Required Facility Lenders of the Canadian Borrower.

 

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2.3.3                      Cash Collateral .  If any Canadian LC Obligations, whether or not then due or payable, shall for any reason be outstanding at any time (a) that an Event of Default exists, (b) that a Canadian Overadvance exists, (c) after the Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date, or (d) within 20 Business Days prior to the Facility Termination Date, then the Canadian Borrower shall, at Canadian Issuing Bank’s or Agent’s request, Cash Collateralize the stated amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit issued for the account of Canadian Borrower and pay to Canadian Issuing Bank the amount of all other Canadian LC Obligations.  The Canadian Borrower shall, on demand by Canadian Issuing Bank or Agent from time to time, Cash Collateralize the Fronting Exposure of any Defaulting Lender that is a Canadian Lender.  If the Canadian Borrower fails to provide any Cash Collateral as required hereunder, Canadian Lenders may (and shall upon direction of Agent) advance, as Canadian Revolver Loans, the amount of the Cash Collateral required (whether or not the Canadian Revolver Commitments have terminated, any Canadian Overadvance exists or is created thereby or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied).

 

2.3.4                      Resignation of Canadian Issuing Bank .  Canadian Issuing Bank may resign at any time upon notice to Agent and Loan Party Agent.  On and after the effective date of such resignation, Canadian Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue, amend, renew, extend or otherwise modify any Canadian Letter of Credit, but shall continue to have all rights and other obligations of a Canadian Issuing Bank hereunder relating to any Canadian Letter of Credit issued by it prior to such date.  Agent shall promptly appoint a replacement Canadian Issuing Bank, which, as long as no Default or Event of Default exists, shall be reasonably acceptable to Loan Party Agent.

 

2.4                                FILO Credit Facility

 

(a)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists or would immediately result therefrom, at any time after the Third Restatement Date, the Loan Party Agent may request a separate “first-in, last out” credit facility provided by one or more Lenders or other Eligible Assignees as agree to hold “first-in, last out” commitments (the “ FILO Lenders” ) that are subject to a separate “first-in, last out” incremental borrowing base (collectively, the “ FILO Credit Facility ”), which FILO Credit Facility, subject to Section 5.5 (as amended in accordance with Section 2.4(b)(i)) , shall constitute U.S./European Facility Obligations (and Obligations) for all purposes under the Loan Documents (including for the purposes of being secured by the applicable Collateral and being guaranteed by the U.S./European Facility Loan Parties). The Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders of each such request and the Lenders shall respond thereto in the same manner specified for any Commitment increase requests in Section 2.1.4 .  The Agent shall notify Lenders and Loan Party Agent of the responses to such request and any actions to arrange for other Eligible Assignees to serve as FILO Lenders in the same manner specified for commitment increases in Section 2.1.4 .  Any FILO Lender participating in the FILO Credit Facility which is not then a Lender (or an Affiliate of such Lender engaged in the ordinary course of its business in extending commercial loans) shall be subject to the prior approval of the Agent and the Loan Party Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the FILO Credit Facility shall be established in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

 

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(i)                                      the establishment thereof shall result in an amendment of the payment waterfall in Section 5.5.1(a) (without the requirement of the consent of the Lenders under Section 14.1.1 ) to include payment of accrued and unpaid interest of U.S./European Facility Obligations under the FILO Credit Facility as a new clause “seventh” and unpaid payment of principal of U.S./European Facility Obligations under the FILO Credit Facility as a new clause “eighth”, and renumbering the existing clauses “seventh”, “eighth”, “ninth”, and “tenth” as clauses “ninth”, “tenth”, “eleventh”, and “twelfth”, respectively;

 

(ii)                                   subject to other express limitations set forth in this Section2.4 the FILO Credit Facility shall be on terms and conditions as determined by the Loan Party Agent, the Agent and the FILO Lenders, it being understood and agreed that such terms and conditions may include, without limitation, FILO Credit Facility-specific borrowing base, advance rate (including seasonal or fluctuating advance rates), eligibility criteria, availability reserves (including reserves implemented against the Borrowing Base with respect to obligations owing to the FILO Lenders), representations, warranties, covenants and Events of Default, interest rates, fees, final maturity date, amortization, mandatory and voluntary prepayment and commitment termination provision as to the FILO Credit Facility and Section 8.2 or any other provision of the Loan Documents related to cash dominion, and amendment and waiver provisions (including modifications to Section 14.1.1 to provide for customary or market provisions in favor of the FILO Lenders, which may include voting rights in favor of the FILO Lenders relating to modifications of the Borrowing Base that would affect the FILO Credit Facility or the FILO Lenders) in respect of or relating to the FILO Credit Facility and other customary or market terms and conditions for asset-based “first in, last out” credit facilities of this nature.  Further, if the Loan Party Agent requests that some or all of the FILO Credit Facility constitute Canadian Facility Obligations supported by Canadian Borrowing Base assets, the Agent agrees to consult with the Loan Party Agent as to whether such structure could be documented and arranged without unreasonable cost or delay, and in such case, the parties agree that the Agent, Loan Party Agent and Canadian Borrower may agree to any necessary implementing amendment or other modification to the applicable Loan Documents as may be necessary for such structure including without limitation, amendments to the payment waterfall set forth in Section 5.5.1(b) consistent with those contemplated by clause (i) above

 

(iii)                                the advance rates in respect of the incremental borrowing base under FILO Credit Facility shall not exceed (a)five percent (5.0%) on Eligible Accounts; (b) ten percent (10%) on Eligible Inventory; and (c) zero percent (0%) on Eligible Tooling Accounts;

 

(iv)                               the arrangement of the FILO Credit Facility, and any upfront, underwriting, arrangement or similar fees in respect of the FILO Credit Facility, shall be agreed to by Loan Party Agent, Agent, and the FILO Lenders;

 

(v)                                  the FILO Credit Facility shall be subject to terms and closing conditions as may be determined by the Agent and the Collateral Agent, the FILO Lenders and the Loan Party Agent, which in any event shall include a post-closing covenant requiring

 

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delivery of an Inventory appraisal within twelve (12) months of the closing date of the FILO Credit Facility to the extent that Eligible Inventory is to be included in the borrowing base under such FILO Credit Facility;

 

(vi)                               the FILO Credit Facility shall be subject to the condition precedent that (i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing immediately before or after giving effect thereto and (ii) the FILO Lenders not party to the Reallocation Agreement as of the Third Restatement Date shall have executed a joinder to the Reallocation Agreement in form and substance acceptable to Agent;

 

(vii)                            the aggregate amount of the FILO Credit Facility commitments under the FILO Credit Facility (x) shall not exceed $20,000,000 and (y) (i) the aggregate amount of the FILO Credit Facility commitments under the FILO Credit Facility, plus (ii) the aggregate amount of increased commitments provided from time to time in accordance with Section 2.1.4 , shall not exceed, at any time outstanding, $100,000,000;

 

(viii)                         all documentation in respect of the FILO Credit Facility shall be consistent with the foregoing and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the FILO Credit Facility Lenders, and the FILO Credit Facility Amendment shall have been approved by the Agent; and

 

(ix)                               Borrowers shall not be required to offer any Lender an opportunity to join the FILO Credit Facility as a FILO Lender.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding anything in Section 14.1.1 or any other provision of the Loan Documents to the contrary, the Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize the Agent and Collateral Agent to enter into amendments, restatements or other supplements or modifications to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the U.S./European Facility Loan Parties and the FILO Lenders as may be necessary or desirable in order to establish the FILO Credit Facility, in each case on terms consistent with this Section 2.4 (“ FILO Credit Facility Amendment” ) without the consent or approval of any Lenders (other than the Lenders participating in the FILO Credit Facility).  The Lenders hereby consent to the FILO Credit Facility and other transactions contemplated by this Section 2.4   (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the terms and condition illustrated in clause (b) above) and hereby waive the requirements of any provision of this Agreement (including, without limitation, any pro rata payment section or amendment or waiver section) or any other Loan Document that may otherwise prohibit or restrict the FILO Credit Facility, the FILO Credit Facility Amendment or any other transaction contemplated by this Section 2.4 .  Each of the Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have the right (but not the obligation) to consult with the Required Lenders with respect to the FILO Credit Facility and any matter contemplated by this Section 2.4 ; provided, however, that whether or not there has been any consultation with the Required Lenders by the Agent or the Collateral Agent with respect to a FILO Credit Facility, any such FILO Credit Facility Amendment entered into by the Agent and/or the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be binding and conclusive on the Lenders in all respects.

 

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SECTION 3.   INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES

 

3.1                                Interest .

 

3.1.1                      Rates and Payment of Interest .

 

(a)                                  The Obligations (excluding Obligations of the type specified in clause (g) of such definition) shall bear interest (i) if a U.S. Base Rate Loan, at the U.S. Base Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin; (ii) if a LIBOR Loan, at LIBOR for the applicable Interest Period, plus the Applicable Margin; (iii) if a Canadian Prime Rate Loan, at the Canadian Prime Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin, (iv) if a Canadian Base Rate Loan, at the Canadian Base Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin, (v) if a Canadian BA Rate Loan, at the Canadian BA Rate for the applicable Interest Period, plus the Applicable Margin, (vi) if any other U.S. Facility Obligation that is then due and payable (including, to the extent permitted by law, interest not paid when due), at the U.S. Base Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin for U.S. Base Rate Loans; (vii) if any other European Facility Obligation that is then due and payable (including, to the extent permitted by law, interest not paid when due), at LIBOR in effect at such time, plus the Applicable Margin for LIBOR Revolver Loans; and (viii) if any other Canadian Facility Obligation that is then due and payable (including, to the extent permitted by law, interest not paid when due), at the Canadian Prime Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin for Canadian Prime Rate Loans.  Interest shall accrue from the date the Loan is advanced or the Obligation is incurred or payable, until paid by the applicable Borrower.  If a Loan is repaid on the same day made, one (1) day’s interest shall accrue.

 

(b)                                  Interest on the Revolver Loans shall be payable in the currency (i.e., Dollars, Canadian Dollars or Euros, as the case may be) of the underlying Revolver Loan.

 

(c)                                   Overdue principal, interest and other amounts not paid when due shall bear interest at the Default Rate; provided , however, that during the continuation of any Event of Default, if Required Lenders in their discretion so elect, all Obligations shall bear interest at the Default Rate (whether before or after any judgment); provided further , however, that upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default under Section 11.1(a) or 11.1(i) , the Default Rate shall become immediately applicable to all Obligations without any election of the Required Lenders.  Each Loan Party acknowledges that the cost and expense to Agent and Lenders due to an Event of Default are difficult to ascertain and that the Default Rate is a fair and reasonable estimate to compensate Agent and Lenders therefor.

 

(d)                                  Interest accrued on the Loans shall be due and payable in arrears, (i) for any U.S. Base Rate Loan, Canadian Base Rate Loan or Canadian Prime Rate Loan, on the first (1st) day of each month; (ii) for any LIBOR Loan or Canadian BA Rate Loan, on the last day of its Interest Period and (iii) on any date of prepayment, with respect to the principal amount of Loans being prepaid.  In addition, interest accrued on the Canadian Revolver Loans shall be due and payable in arrears on the Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date and interest accrued on the U.S./European Revolver Loans shall be due and payable in arrears on the U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date.  Interest accrued on any other Obligations shall be due and payable as provided in the Loan Documents and, if no payment date is specified, shall be

 

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due and payable on demand .  Notwithstanding the foregoing, interest accrued at the Default Rate shall be due and payable on demand .

 

3.1.2                      Application of LIBOR to Outstanding Loans .

 

(a)                                  Each Borrower may on any Business Day, subject to delivery of a Notice of Conversion/Continuation and the other terms hereof, elect to convert any portion of the U.S. Base Rate Loans or the Canadian Base Rate Loans, as applicable to, or to continue any LIBOR Loan at the end of its Interest Period as, a LIBOR Loan.  During the continuance of any Event of Default, Agent may (and shall at the direction of Required Facility Lenders of the applicable Borrower) declare that no Loan may be made, converted or continued as a LIBOR Loan.

 

(b)                                  Whenever a Borrower shall desire to convert or continue Loans as LIBOR Loans, Loan Party Agent shall give Agent a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, no later than 11:00 a.m. at least three (3) Business Days prior to the requested conversion or continuation date.  Promptly after receiving any such notice, Agent shall notify each Applicable Lender thereof.  Each Notice of Conversion/Continuation shall be irrevocable, and shall specify the amount of Loans to be converted or continued, the conversion or continuation date (which shall be a Business Day), and the duration of the Interest Period (which shall be deemed to be one (1) month if not specified).  If, upon the expiration of any Interest Period in respect of any LIBOR Loans, Loan Party Agent shall have failed to deliver a Notice of Conversion/Continuation with respect thereto as required above, the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have elected to convert such Loans into U.S. Base Rate Loans (if owing by the U.S. Borrower) or Canadian Base Rate Loans (if owing by the Canadian Borrower).

 

3.1.3                      Application of Canadian BA Rate to Outstanding Loans .

 

(a)                                  The Canadian Borrower may on any Business Day, subject to delivery of a Notice of Conversion/Continuation and the other terms hereof, elect to convert any portion of the Canadian Prime Rate Loans, or to continue any Canadian BA Rate Loan at the end of its Interest Period as a Canadian BA Rate Loan; provided , however that such Canadian BA Rate Loans may only be so converted at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.  During the continuance of any Default or Event of Default, Agent may (and shall at the direction of Required Facility Lenders of the Canadian Borrower) declare that no Loan may be made, converted or continued as a Canadian BA Rate Loan.

 

(b)                                  Whenever the Canadian Borrower desires to convert or continue Loans as Canadian BA Rate Loans, Loan Party Agent shall give Agent a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, no later than 11:00 a.m. at least three (3) Business Days prior to the requested conversion or continuation date.  Promptly after receiving any such notice, Agent shall notify each Canadian Lender thereof.  Each Notice of Conversion/Continuation shall be irrevocable, and shall specify the amount of Loans to be converted or continued, the conversion or continuation date (which shall be a Business Day), and the duration of the Interest Period (which shall be deemed to be one (1) month if not specified).  If, upon the expiration of any Interest Period in respect of any Canadian BA Rate Loans, Loan Party Agent shall have failed to deliver a Notice of Conversion/Continuation with respect thereto as required above, the

 

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Canadian Borrower shall be deemed to have elected to convert such Loans into Canadian Prime Rate Loans.

 

3.1.4                      Interest Periods .  In connection with the making, conversion or continuation of any LIBOR Loans or Canadian BA Rate Loans, Loan Party Agent, on behalf of the applicable Borrower, shall select an interest period to apply (the “Interest Period”), which interest period shall be thirty (30), sixty (60) or ninety (90) days; provided, however, that:

 

(a)                                  the Interest Period shall commence on the date the Loan is made or continued as, or converted into, a LIBOR Loan or Canadian BA Rate Loan, and shall expire on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at its end;

 

(b)                                  if any Interest Period commences on a day for which there is no corresponding day in the calendar month at its end or if such corresponding day falls after the last Business Day of such month, then the Interest Period shall expire on the last Business Day of such month;

 

(c)                                   if any Interest Period would expire on a day that is not a Business Day, the period shall expire on the next Business Day; and

 

(d)                                  no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Facility Termination Date (or, in the case of any Loan owing by the Canadian Borrower, the Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date, if earlier).

 

3.1.5                      Interest Rate Not Ascertainable .  If Agent shall determine that on any date for determining LIBOR, due to any circumstance affecting the London interbank market, adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining such rate on the basis provided herein, then Agent shall immediately notify Borrower of such determination.  Until Agent notifies Borrower that such circumstance no longer exists, the obligation of Lenders to make LIBOR Loans shall be suspended, and no further Loans may be converted into or continued as LIBOR Loans.

 

3.2                                Fees .

 

3.2.1                      Unused Line Fee .

 

(a)                                  The Canadian Borrower shall pay to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Canadian Lenders, a fee equal to the Canadian Unused Line Fee Rate times the average daily amount by which the Canadian Revolver Commitments exceed the Canadian Revolver Exposure during any month. Such fee shall be payable in arrears, on the first (1st) day of each month and on the Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date.

 

(b)                                  The U.S. Borrower shall pay to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of U.S. Lenders, an aggregate fee equal to the U.S./European Unused Line Fee Rate times the average daily amount by which the U.S./European Revolver Commitments exceed the sum of (i) the U.S. Revolver Exposure plus (ii) the European Revolver Exposure during any month.  Such fee shall be payable in arrears, on the first (1st) day of each month and on the U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date.

 

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3.2.2                      U.S. LC Facility Fees .  The U.S. Borrower shall pay (a) to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of U.S. Lenders, a fee equal to the per annum rate of the Applicable Margin in effect for LIBOR Loans times the average daily outstanding amount of U.S. Letters of Credit, which fee shall be payable monthly in arrears, on the first (1st) day of each month; (b) to the applicable U.S. Issuing Bank, for its own account, a fronting fee equal to .125% per annum on the outstanding amount of each U.S. Letter of Credit issued by such U.S. Issuing Bank, which fee shall be payable monthly in arrears, on the first (1st) day of each month; and (c) to the applicable U.S. Issuing Bank, for its own account, all customary charges associated with the issuance, amending, negotiating, payment, processing, transfer and administration of U.S. Letters of Credit, which charges shall be paid as and when incurred; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, all amounts payable pursuant to this clause (c) with respect to the Existing Letters of Credit shall be determined in accordance with the applicable documentation thereto.  During an Event of Default, if the Required Lenders so elect (pursuant to Section 3.1.1(c) ) the fee payable under clause (a) shall be increased by 2% per annum.

 

3.2.3                      European LC Facility Fees .  The European Borrower shall pay (a) to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of U.S. Lenders, a fee equal to the per annum rate of the Applicable Margin in effect for LIBOR Loans times the average daily outstanding amount of European Letters of Credit, which fee shall be payable monthly in arrears, on the first (1st) day of each month; (b) to the applicable U.S. Issuing Bank, for its own account, a fronting fee equal to 0.125% per annum on the outstanding amount of each European Letter of Credit issued by such U.S. Issuing Bank, which fee shall be payable monthly in arrears, on the first (1st) day of each month; and (c) to the applicable U.S. Issuing Bank, for its own account, all customary charges associated with the issuance, amending, negotiating, payment, processing, transfer and administration of U.S. Letters of Credit, which charges shall be paid as and when incurred During an Event of Default, if the Required Lenders so elect (pursuant to Section 3.1.1(c) ) the fee payable under clause (a) shall be increased by 2% per annum.

 

3.2.4                      Canadian LC Facility Fees .  The Canadian Borrower shall pay (a) to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Canadian Lenders, a fee equal to the per annum rate of the Applicable Margin in effect for LIBOR Loans times the average daily outstanding amount of Canadian Letters of Credit, which fee shall be payable monthly in arrears, on the first (1st) day of each month; (b) to the applicable Canadian Issuing Bank, for its own account, a fronting fee equal to 0.125% per annum on the outstanding amount of each Canadian Letter of Credit issued by such Canadian Issuing Bank, which fee shall be payable monthly in arrears, on the first (1st) day of each month; and (c) to the applicable Canadian Issuing Bank, for its own account, all customary charges associated with the issuance, amending, negotiating, payment, processing, transfer and administration of Canadian Letters of Credit, which charges shall be paid as and when incurred.  During an Event of Default if the Required Lenders so elect (pursuant to Section 3.1.1(c) ), the fee payable under clause (a) shall be increased by 2% per annum.

 

3.2.5                      Other Fees .  The Borrowers shall pay such other fees as described in the Agent Fee Letter and the Joint Fee Letter.

 

3.3                                Computation of Interest, Fees, Yield Protection .   All interest, as well as fees and other charges calculated on a per annum basis, shall be computed for the actual days elapsed, based on a year of three hundred sixty (360) days, or, in the case of interest based on the

 

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Canadian Prime Rate or Canadian BA Rate, on the basis of a three hundred sixty five (365) day year.  Each determination by Agent of any interest, fees or interest rate hereunder shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.  All fees shall be fully earned when due and shall not be subject to rebate, refund or proration.  All fees payable under Section 3.2 are compensation for services and are not, and shall not be deemed to be, interest or any other charge for the use, forbearance or detention of money.  A certificate setting forth in reasonable detail amounts payable by any Borrower under Section 3.4, 3.7, 3.9, 5.8.2, 5.8.3 or 10.1.9(b), submitted to Loan Party Agent by Agent or the affected Lender or affected Issuing Bank, as applicable, shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the applicable Borrower shall pay such amounts to the appropriate party within ten (10) days following receipt of the certificate.  For the purposes of the Interest Act (Canada), the yearly rate of interest to which any rate calculated on the basis of a period of time different from the actual number of days in the year (three hundred sixty (360) days, for example) is equivalent is the stated rate multiplied by the actual number of days in the year (three hundred sixty five (365) or three hundred sixty six (366), as applicable) and divided by the number of days in the shorter period (three hundred sixty (360) days, in the example), and the parties hereto acknowledge that there is a material distinction between the nominal and effective rates of interest and that they are capable of making the calculations necessary to compare such rates and that the calculations herein are to be made using the nominal rate method and not on any basis that gives effect to the principle of deemed reinvestment of interest.

 

3.4                                Reimbursement Obligations .   Each Borrower shall reimburse Agent for all Extraordinary Expenses incurred by Agent in reference to such Borrower or its related Loan Party Group Obligations or Collateral of its related Loan Party Group.  In addition to such Extraordinary Expenses, each Borrower shall also reimburse Agent for all invoiced out-of-pocket legal, accounting, appraisal, consulting, and other fees, costs and expenses incurred by it in connection with (a) negotiation and preparation of any Loan Documents, including any amendment or other modification thereof; (b) administration of and actions relating to any Collateral for its Obligations, Loan Documents and transactions contemplated thereby, including any actions taken to perfect or maintain priority of Agent’s Liens on any such Collateral, to maintain any insurance required hereunder or to verify such Collateral; and (c) each inspection, audit or appraisal with respect to any Loan Party within such Borrower’s related Loan Party Group or Collateral securing such Loan Party Group’s Obligations, whether prepared by Agent’s personnel or a third party (subject to Section 10.1.9(b) ).  If, for any reason (including inaccurate reporting on financial statements or a Compliance Certificate), it is determined that a higher Applicable Margin should have applied to a period than was actually applied, then the proper margin shall be applied retroactively and the Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Lenders, an amount equal to the difference between the amount of interest and fees that would have accrued using the proper margin and the amount actually paid.  All amounts payable by the Borrowers under this Section 3.4 shall be due and payable in accordance with Section 3.3.

 

3.5                                Illegality .   If any Lender determines that any applicable Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Interest Period Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon LIBOR or the Canadian BA Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell,

 

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or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, or Canadian Dollars through bankers’ acceptances then, on notice thereof by such Lender to Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Interest Period Loans or to convert Floating Rate Loans to Interest Period Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies Agent that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist.  Upon delivery of such notice, the affected Borrower shall prepay or, if applicable, convert all Interest Period Loans of such Lender to Floating Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Interest Period Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Interest Period Loans.  Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the affected Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

 

3.6                                Inability to Determine Rates .  If Required Lenders notify Agent for any reason in connection with a request for a Borrowing of, or conversion to or continuation of, an Interest Period Loan that (a) Dollar deposits or bankers’ acceptances are not being offered to, as regards LIBOR, banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market or, as regards Canadian BA Rate, Persons in Canada, for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Loan, (b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining LIBOR or the Canadian BA Rate for the requested Interest Period, or (c) LIBOR or the Canadian BA Rate for the requested Interest Period does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, then Agent will promptly so notify Loan Party Agent and each Applicable Lender.  Thereafter, the obligation of the Applicable Lenders to make or maintain affected Interest Period Loans, shall be suspended until Agent (upon instruction by Required Lenders) revokes such notice.  Upon receipt of such notice, Loan Party Agent may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of an Interest Period Loan or, failing that, will be deemed to have submitted a request for a Floating Rate Loan.

 

3.7                                Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy .

 

3.7.1                      Change in Law .  If any Change in Law shall:

 

(a)                                  impose modify or deem applicable any reserve, liquidity, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in LIBOR or the Canadian BA Rate) or any Issuing Bank;

 

(b)                                  subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) with respect to or on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

 

(c)                                   impose on any Lender, any Issuing Bank or interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting any Loan, Loan Document, Letter of Credit, participation in LC Obligations, or Commitment;

 

and the result thereof shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Loan or Commitment, or to increase the cost to such Lender or such Issuing Bank of

 

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participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or such Issuing Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or such Issuing Bank, the Borrower to which such Lenders or such Issuing Bank has a Commitment shall pay to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as applicable, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as applicable, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered, in each case, in accordance with Section 3.3 .

 

3.7.2                      Capital Adequacy .  If any Lender or any Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or such Issuing Bank or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s, such Issuing Bank’s or holding company’s capital as a consequence of this Agreement, or such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or participations in LC Obligations, to a level below that which such Lender, such Issuing Bank or holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s, such Issuing Bank’s and holding company’s policies with respect to capital adequacy or liquidity), then from time to time the Borrower to which such Lenders or such Issuing Bank has a Commitment will pay to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate it or its holding company for any such reduction suffered, in each case, in accordance with Section 3.3 .

 

3.7.3                      Compensation .  Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or any Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall not constitute a waiver of its right to demand such compensation, but a Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender to such Borrower or Issuing Bank to such Borrower for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine (9) months prior to the date that such Lender or Issuing Bank notifies Loan Party Agent of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’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 (9) month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

 

3.8                                Mitigation .  If any Lender gives a notice under Section 3.5 or requests compensation under Section 3.7 , or if a Borrower is required to pay additional amounts or make indemnity payments with respect to a Lender under Section 5.8 , then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (a) would eliminate the need for such notice or reduce amounts payable or to be withheld in the future, as applicable; and (b) in each case, would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Lender or unlawful.  The affected Borrower shall pay all reasonable costs and expenses (including all Indemnified Taxes and Other Taxes) incurred by any Lender that has issued a Commitment to such Borrower in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

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3.9                                Funding Losses .   If for any reason (other than default by a Lender) (a) any Borrowing of, or conversion to or continuation of, an Interest Period Loan does not occur on the date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation (whether or not withdrawn), (b) any repayment or conversion of an Interest Period Loan occurs on a day other than the end of its Interest Period, (c) any Borrower fails to repay an Interest Period Loan when required hereunder, or (d) a Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender) is required to assign an Interest Period Loan prior to the end of its Interest Period pursuant to Section 13.4, then such Borrower shall pay to Agent its customary administrative charge and to each Lender all resulting losses and expenses, including loss of anticipated profits and any loss or expense arising from liquidation or redeployment of funds or from fees payable to terminate deposits of matching funds.  All amounts payable by the Borrowers under this Section 3.9 shall be due and payable in accordance with Section 3.3.  Lenders shall not be required to purchase Dollar deposits in any interbank offshore Dollar market to fund any LIBOR Loan, but this Section shall apply as if each Lender had purchased such deposits.

 

3.10                         Maximum Interest .   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (“ maximum rate ”).  If Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the maximum rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Obligations of the Borrower to which such excess interest relates or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to such Borrower.  In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged or received by Agent or a Lender exceeds the maximum rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee or premium rather than interest; (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof; and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.10 , if any provision of any of the Loan Documents would obligate any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party to make any payment of interest with respect to the Canadian Facility Obligations in an amount or calculated at a rate which would be prohibited by applicable Law or would result in the receipt of interest with respect to the Canadian Facility Obligations at a criminal rate (as such terms are construed under the Criminal Code (Canada)), then notwithstanding such provision, such amount or rates shall be deemed to have been adjusted with retroactive effect to the maximum amount or rate of interest, as the case may be, as would not be so prohibited by law or so result in a receipt by the applicable recipient of interest with respect to the Canadian Facility Obligations at a criminal rate, such adjustment to be effected, to the extent necessary, as follows:  (i) first, by reducing the amount or rates of interest required to be paid by the Canadian Facility Loan Parties to the applicable recipient under the Loan Documents; and (ii) thereafter, by reducing any fees, commissions, premiums and other amounts required to be paid by the Canadian Facility Loan Parties to the applicable recipient which would constitute interest with respect to the Canadian Facility Obligations for purposes of Section 347 of the Criminal Code (Canada).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, and after giving effect to all adjustments contemplated thereby, if the applicable recipient shall have received an amount in excess of the maximum permitted by that section of the Criminal Code (Canada), then Canadian Facility Loan Parties shall be entitled, by notice in writing to Agent, to obtain reimbursement from the applicable recipient in an amount equal to such excess, and pending such reimbursement, such amount shall be deemed to be an amount payable by the applicable

 

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recipient to the applicable Canadian Facility Loan Party.  Any amount or rate of interest with respect to the Canadian Facility Obligations referred to in this Section 3.10 shall be determined in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices and principles as an effective annual rate of interest over the term that any Canadian Revolver Loans to the Canadian Borrower remains outstanding on the assumption that any charges, fees or expenses that fall within the meaning of “interest” (as defined in the Criminal Code (Canada)) shall, if they relate to a specific period of time, be pro rated over that period of time and otherwise be pro rated over the period from the Third Restatement Date to the date of Full Payment of the Canadian Facility Obligations, and, in the event of a dispute, a certificate of a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries appointed by Agent shall be conclusive for the purposes of such determination.

 

SECTION 4.   LOAN ADMINISTRATION

 

4.1                                Manner of Borrowing and Funding Loans .

 

4.1.1                      Notice of Borrowing .

 

(a)                                  Whenever a Borrower desires funding of a Borrowing of Revolver Loans, Loan Party Agent shall give Agent a Notice of Borrowing.  Such notice must be received by Agent (i) on the Business Day of the requested funding date, in the case of Floating Rate Loans to the U.S. Borrower, (ii) at least one (1) Business Day prior to the requested funding date, in the case of Floating Rate Loans to the Canadian Borrower, (iii) at least three (3) Business Days prior to the requested funding date, in the case of LIBOR Loans, and (iv) at least three (3) Business Days prior to the requested funding date, in the case of Canadian BA Rate Loans.  Notices received after 11:00 a.m. shall be deemed received on the next Business Day.  Each Notice of Borrowing shall be irrevocable and shall specify (A) the Borrower, and the amount of the Borrowing, (B) the requested funding date (which must be a Business Day), (C) whether the Borrowing is to be made as (x) a U.S. Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Revolver Loan, in the case of the U.S. Borrower, (y) a Canadian Base Rate Loan, LIBOR Revolver Loan, Canadian Prime Rate Loan or Canadian BA Rate Loan, in the case of the Canadian Borrower or (z) a LIBOR Revolver Loan, in the case of the European Borrower, (D) in the case of Interest Period Loans, the duration of the applicable Interest Period (which shall be deemed to be one month if not specified), (E) if such Borrowing is requested for the U.S. Borrower, whether such Loan is to be denominated in Dollars or Euros and (F) if such Borrowing is requested for the Canadian Borrower, whether such Loan is to be denominated in Dollars or Canadian Dollars.

 

(b)                                  Unless payment is otherwise timely made by a Borrower, the becoming due of any amount required to be paid with respect to any of the Obligations of the Loan Party Group to which such Borrower belongs (whether principal, interest, fees or other charges, including Extraordinary Expenses, LC Obligations, Cash Collateral and Secured Bank Product Obligations) shall be deemed to be a request for Revolver Loans by such Borrower on the due date, in the amount of such Obligations and shall bear interest at the per annum rate applicable hereunder (i) to U.S. Base Rate Loans, in the case of such Obligations owing by any U.S. Facility Loan Party, (ii) to LIBOR Revolver Loans, in the case of such Obligations owing by the European Borrower or (iii) to Canadian Prime Rate Loans, in the case of such Obligations owing by a Canadian Domiciled Loan Party.  The proceeds of such Revolver Loans shall be disbursed as direct payment of the relevant Obligation.  In addition, Agent may, at its option, charge such

 

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Obligations of a Loan Party Group against any operating, investment or other account of a Loan Party within such Loan Party Group maintained with Agent or any of its Affiliates.

 

(c)                                   If a Borrower establishes a controlled disbursement account with Bank of America or any branch or Affiliate of Bank of America, then the presentation for payment of any check or other item of payment drawn on such account at a time when there are insufficient funds to cover it shall be deemed to be a request for Revolver Loans by such Borrower on the date of such presentation, in the amount of the check and items presented for payment, and shall bear interest at the per annum rate applicable hereunder (i) to U.S. Base Rate Loans, in the case of insufficient funds owing by any U.S. Facility Loan Party, (ii) to LIBOR Revolver Loans, in the case of insufficient funds owing by the European Borrower or (iii) to Canadian Prime Rate Loans, in the case of insufficient funds owing by a Canadian Facility Loan Party.  The proceeds of such Revolver Loans may be disbursed directly to the controlled disbursement account or other appropriate account.

 

4.1.2                      Fundings by Lenders .  Each Applicable Lender shall timely honor its Facility Commitment by funding its Pro Rata share of each Borrowing of Revolver Loans under such Facility Commitment that is properly requested hereunder; provided, however that, except as set forth in Section 2.1.5 , no Lender shall be required to honor its Facility Commitment by funding its Pro Rata share of any Borrowing that would cause the U.S. Revolver Exposure to exceed the U.S./European Borrowing Base, the European Revolver Exposure to exceed the Maximum European Subline Amount or the Canadian Revolver Exposure to exceed the Canadian Borrowing Base, as applicable, or, with respect to the European Borrower, if the applicable Specified Transaction Conditions have not been satisfied with respect thereto.  Except for Borrowings to be made as Swingline Loans, Agent shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to notify the Applicable Lenders of each Notice of Borrowing (or deemed request for a Borrowing) by 12:00 noon on the proposed funding date for Floating Rate Loans or by 11:00 a.m. at least two (2) Business Days before any proposed funding of Interest Period Loans.  Each Applicable Lender shall fund to Agent such Lender’s Pro Rata share of the Borrowing to the account specified by Agent in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the requested funding date, unless Agent’s notice is received after the times provided above, in which event each Applicable Lender shall fund its Pro Rata share by 11:00 a.m. on the next Business Day.  Subject to its receipt of such amounts from the Applicable Lenders, Agent shall disburse the proceeds of the Revolver Loans as directed by Loan Party Agent.  Unless Agent shall have received (in sufficient time to act) written notice from an Applicable Lender that it does not intend to fund its Pro Rata share of a Borrowing or of any settlement pursuant to Section 4.1.3(b) , Agent may assume that such Applicable Lender has deposited or promptly will deposit its share with Agent, and Agent may disburse a corresponding amount to such Borrower.  If an Applicable Lender’s share of any Borrowing is not received by Agent, then such Borrower agrees to repay to Agent on demand the amount of such share, together with interest thereon from the date disbursed until repaid, at the rate applicable to such Borrowing.

 

4.1.3                      Swingline Loans; Settlement .

 

(a)                                  Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, advance U.S. Swingline Loans to the U.S. Borrower up to an aggregate outstanding amount of $21,875,000, unless the funding is specifically required to be made by all U.S. Lenders hereunder.  Each U.S. Swingline Loan shall

 

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constitute a U.S. Revolver Loan for all purposes, except that payments thereon shall be made to Agent for its own account.  The obligation of the U.S. Borrower to repay U.S. Swingline Loans shall be evidenced by the records of Agent and need not be evidenced by any promissory note.  All U.S. Swingline Loans shall be denominated in Dollars and shall be U.S. Base Rate Loans.

 

(b)                                  Settlement of U.S. Swingline Loans and other U.S./European Revolver Loans among the U.S. Lenders and Agent shall take place on a date determined from time to time by Agent (but at least weekly).  On each settlement date, settlement shall be made with each U.S. Lender in accordance with the Settlement Report delivered by Agent to U.S. Lenders.  Between settlement dates, Agent may in its discretion apply payments on U.S. Revolver Loans to U.S. Swingline Loans regardless of any designation by the U.S. Borrower or any provision herein to the contrary.  Each U.S. Lender’s obligation to make settlements with Agent is absolute and unconditional, without offset, counterclaim or other defense, and whether or not the U.S./European Revolver Commitments have terminated, a U.S./European Overadvance exists or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied.  If, due to an Insolvency Proceeding with respect to the U.S. Borrower or otherwise, any U.S. Swingline Loan may not be settled among U.S. Lenders hereunder, then each U.S. Lender shall be deemed to have purchased from Agent a Pro Rata participation in each unpaid U.S. Swingline Loan and shall transfer the amount of such participation to Agent, in immediately available funds, within one (1) Business Day after Agent’s request therefor.

 

(c)                                   Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, request that Bank of America (Canada) advance Canadian Swingline Loans to the Canadian Borrower, up to an aggregate outstanding amount of the Dollar Equivalent of $3,125,000, unless the funding is specifically required to be made by all Canadian Lenders hereunder.  Each Canadian Swingline Loan shall constitute a Canadian Revolver Loan for all purposes, except that payments thereon shall be made to Agent for Bank of America (Canada)’s account.  The obligation of the Canadian Borrower to repay Canadian Swingline Loans shall be evidenced by the records of Agent and need not be evidenced by any promissory note.  All Canadian Swingline Loans shall be denominated in Canadian Dollars and shall be a Canadian Prime Rate Loan.

 

(d)                                  Settlement of Canadian Swingline Loans and other Canadian Revolver Loans among the Canadian Lenders and Agent, on behalf of Bank of America (Canada) shall take place on a date determined from time to time by Agent (but at least weekly).  On each settlement date, settlement shall be made with each Canadian Lender in accordance with the Settlement Report delivered by Agent to Canadian Lenders.  Between settlement dates, Agent may in its discretion apply payments on Canadian Revolver Loans to Canadian Swingline Loans, regardless of any designation by the Canadian Borrower or any provision herein to the contrary.  Each Canadian Lender’s obligation to make settlements with Agent, on behalf of Bank of America (Canada), is absolute and unconditional, without offset, counterclaim or other defense, and whether or not the Canadian Revolver Commitments have terminated, a Canadian Overadvance exists or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied.  If, due to an Insolvency Proceeding with respect to the Canadian Borrower or otherwise, any Canadian Swingline Loan may not be settled among Canadian Lenders hereunder, then each Canadian Lender shall be deemed to have purchased from Agent a Pro Rata participation in each unpaid Canadian Swingline Loan and shall transfer the amount of such participation to Agent, in immediately available funds, within one (1) Business Day after Agent’s request therefor.

 

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4.1.4                      Notices .  Each Borrower authorizes Agent and Lenders to extend, convert or continue Loans, effect selections of interest rates, and transfer funds to or on behalf of applicable Borrowers based on telephonic or e-mailed instructions by Loan Party Agent to Agent.  Loan Party Agent shall confirm each such request by prompt delivery to Agent of a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation, if applicable, but if it differs in any material respect from the action taken by Agent or Lenders, the records of Agent and Lenders shall govern.  Neither Agent nor any Lender shall have any liability for any loss suffered by a Borrower as a result of Agent or any Lender acting upon its understanding of telephonic or e-mailed instructions from a person believed in good faith by Agent or any Lender to be a person authorized to give such instructions on Loan Party Agent’s behalf.

 

4.2                                Defaulting Lender .

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary:

 

4.2.1                      Reallocation of Pro Rata Share; Amendments .  For purposes of determining Lenders’ obligations or rights to fund, participate in or receive collections with respect to Loans and Letters of Credit (including existing Swingline Loans, Protective Advances and LC Obligations), Agent may in its discretion reallocate Pro Rata shares by excluding the Commitments and Loans of a Defaulting Lender from the calculation of Pro Rata shares.  A Defaulting Lender shall have no right to vote on any amendment, waiver or other modification of a Loan Document, except as provided in Section 14.1.1(c) .

 

4.2.2                      Payments; Fees .  Agent may, in its discretion, receive and retain any amounts payable to a Defaulting Lender under the Loan Documents, and a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have assigned to Agent such amounts until all Obligations owing to Agent, non-Defaulting Lenders and other Secured Parties have been paid in full.  Agent may use such amounts to cover the Defaulting Lender’s defaulted obligations, to Cash Collateralize such Lender’s Fronting Exposure, to readvance the amounts to Borrowers or to repay other Obligations.  A Lender shall not be entitled to receive any fees accruing hereunder during the period in which it is a Defaulting Lender, and the unfunded portion of its Commitment shall be disregarded for purposes of calculating the unused line fee under Section 3.2.1 and Section 3.2.2 .  If any LC Obligations owing to a Defaulted Lender are reallocated to other Lenders, fees attributable to such LC Obligations under Section 3.2.3 and Section 3.2.4 shall be paid to such Lenders.  Agent shall be paid all fees attributable to LC Obligations that are not reallocated.

 

4.2.3                      Cure .  Agent may determine in its discretion that a Lender constitutes a Defaulting Lender and the effective date of such status shall be conclusive and binding on all parties, absent manifest error.  Borrowers, Agent and Issuing Bank may agree in writing that a Lender has ceased to be a Defaulting Lender, whereupon Pro Rata shares shall be reallocated without exclusion of the reinstated Lender’s Commitments and Loans, and all outstanding Revolver Loans, LC Obligations and other exposures under the Revolver Commitments shall be reallocated among Lenders and settled by Agent (with appropriate payments by the reinstated Lender) in accordance with the readjusted Pro Rata shares.  Unless expressly agreed by Borrowers, Agent and Issuing Bank, no reinstatement of a Defaulting Lender shall constitute a waiver or release of claims against such Lender.  The failure of any Lender to fund a Loan, to make a payment in respect of LC Obligations or otherwise to perform obligations hereunder shall

 

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not relieve any other Lender of its obligations under any Loan Document, and no Lender shall be responsible for default by another Lender.

 

4.3                                Number and Amount of Interest Period Loans; Determination of Rate .  For ease of administration, all Interest Period Loans of the same Type to a Borrower having the same length and beginning date of their Interest Periods and the same currency shall be aggregated together, and such Loans shall be allocated among the Applicable Lenders on a Pro Rata basis.  With respect to the U.S. Borrower, no more than six (6) Borrowings of LIBOR Loans may be outstanding at any time, and with respect to the European Borrower, no more than six (6) Borrowings of LIBOR Loans may be outstanding at any time, and each Borrowing of LIBOR Loans when made, continued or converted shall be in a minimum amount of the Dollar Equivalent of $1,000,000 or an increment of the Dollar Equivalent of $500,000, in excess thereof.  With respect to the Canadian Borrower, no more than four (4) Borrowings of Interest Period Loans may be outstanding at any time, and each Borrowing of Interest Period Loans when made, continued or converted shall be in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 (or, in the case of Canadian BA Rate Loans, Cdn$1,000,000) or an increment of $500,000 (or, in the case of Canadian BA Rate Loans, Cdn$500,000), in excess thereof.  Upon determining LIBOR or the Canadian BA Rate for any Interest Period requested by a Borrower, Agent shall promptly notify Loan Party Agent thereof by telephone or electronically and, if requested by Loan Party Agent, shall confirm any telephonic notice in writing.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the initial Borrowing from any Lender and (to the extent provided before such initial Borrowing) any initial issuance of a Letter of Credit by any Issuing Bank to the European Borrower shall be provided by a Lender that is a Non-Public Lender.

 

4.4                                Loan Party Agent .   Each Loan Party hereby designates Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. (“ Loan Party Agent ”) as its representative and agent for all purposes under the Loan Documents, including requests for Loans and Letters of Credit, designation of interest rates, delivery or receipt of communications, preparation and delivery of Borrower Materials, receipt and payment of Obligations, requests for waivers, amendments or other accommodations, actions under the Loan Documents (including in respect of compliance with covenants), and all other dealings with Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender.  Loan Party Agent hereby accepts such appointment.  Agent and Lenders shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, any notice or communication (including any Notice of Borrowing) delivered by Loan Party Agent on behalf of any Loan Party.  Agent and Lenders may give any notice or communication with a Loan Party hereunder to Loan Party Agent on behalf of such Loan Party.  Each of Agent, Issuing Banks and Lenders shall have the right, in its discretion, to deal exclusively with Loan Party Agent for any or all purposes under the Loan Documents.  Each Loan Party agrees that any notice, election, communication, representation, agreement or undertaking made on its behalf by Loan Party Agent shall be binding upon and enforceable against it.

 

4.5                                One Obligation .   Without in any way limiting the Obligations of any U.S. Facility Loan Party with respect to its Guarantee of the Obligations of the Canadian Facility Loan Parties and the European Borrower, the Loan Party Group Obligations owing by each Loan Party Group shall constitute one (1) general obligation of the Loan Parties within such Loan Party Group and (unless otherwise expressly provided in any Loan Document) shall be secured by Agent’s Lien upon all Collateral of each member of such Loan Party Group; provided ,

 

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however, that each Secured Party shall be deemed to be a creditor of, and the holder of a separate claim against, each Loan Party to the extent of any Obligations owed by such Loan Party to such Secured Party.

 

4.6                                Effect of Termination .   On the effective date of the termination of all Commitments, the Obligations shall be immediately due and payable.  Until Full Payment of the Obligations, all undertakings of Borrowers contained in the Loan Documents shall continue, and Agent shall retain its Liens in the Collateral and all of its rights and remedies under the Loan Documents.  Sections 2.2, 2.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9, 5.4, 5.8, 5.9 , 12, 14.2 and this Section 4.6 , and the obligation of each Loan Party and Lender with respect to each indemnity given by it in any Loan Document, shall survive Full Payment of the Obligations and any release relating to this credit facility.

 

SECTION 5.   PAYMENTS

 

5.1                                General Payment Provisions .   All payments of Obligations shall be made without offset, counterclaim or defense of any kind, and in immediately available funds, not later than 12:00 noon on the due date.  Any payment after such time shall be deemed made on the next Business Day.  If any payment under the Loan Documents shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, the due date shall be extended to the next Business Day and such extension of time shall be included in any computation of interest and fees.  Any payment of an Interest Period Loan prior to the end of its Interest Period shall be accompanied by all amounts due under Section 3.9 .  Any prepayment of Loans by a Borrower shall be applied first to Floating Rate Loans of such Borrower and then to Interest Period Loans of such Borrower.  All payments with respect to any U.S. Facility Obligations shall be made in Dollars or, if any portion of such U.S. Facility Obligations is denominated in Euros, then in Euros or, if any portion of such U.S. Facility Obligations is denominated in Sterling, then in Sterling.  All payments with respect to any Canadian Facility Obligations shall be made in Canadian Dollars or, if any portion of such Canadian Facility Obligations is denominated in Dollars, then in Dollars.  All payments with respect to any European Facility Obligations shall be made in Euros.

 

5.2                                Repayment of Obligations .   All Canadian Facility Obligations shall be immediately due and payable in full on the Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date and all U.S./European Facility Obligations shall be immediately due and payable in full on the U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date, in each case, unless payment of such Obligations is sooner required hereunder.  Revolver Loans may be prepaid from time to time, without penalty or premium, subject to, in the case of Interest Period Loans, the payment of costs set forth in Section 3.9 .  If any Asset Sale (other than sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of business) by any Loan Party constitutes the disposition of ABL Collateral resulting in Net Proceeds received in any single transaction of greater than $10,000,000, then Net Proceeds equal to the greater of (a) the net book value of the applicable Accounts and Inventory, or (b) the reduction in the Borrowing Base of the applicable Borrower upon giving effect to such Asset Sale, shall be applied to the Revolver Loans of such Borrower; provided , that, at the election of the applicable Loan Party (as notified by the Loan Party Agent to Agent on or prior to the date of the receipt of such Net Proceeds), and so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the applicable Loan Party may reinvest all or any portion of such Net Proceeds in operating assets so long as within 360 days after the receipt of such Net Proceeds, such purchase

 

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shall have been consummated (as certified by the Loan Party Agent in writing to Agent); and provided further , however , that any Net Proceeds not so reinvested shall be immediately applied as otherwise set forth in this Section 5.2 .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if an Overadvance exists (including as the result of any Asset Sale as specified in the preceding sentence), the Borrower owing such Overadvance shall, on the sooner of Agent’s demand or the first (1 st ) Business Day after such Borrower has knowledge thereof, repay the outstanding Loans in an amount sufficient to reduce the principal balance of the related Overadvance Loan to zero .

 

5.3                                Payment of Other Obligations .   Obligations shall be paid by the Borrowers as provided in the Loan Documents or, if no payment date or time for payment is specified, on demand .

 

5.4                                Marshaling; Payments Set Aside .   None of Agent or Lenders shall be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Loan Party or against any Obligations.  If any payment by or on behalf of the Borrowers is made to Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender, or Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender exercises a right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by Agent, such Issuing Bank or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a Creditor Representative or any other Person, then to the extent of such recovery, the Obligation originally intended to be satisfied, and all Liens, rights and remedies relating thereto, shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred.

 

5.5                                Post-Default Allocation of Payments .

 

5.5.1                      Allocation .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, during the continuance of an Event of Default, Agent shall apply and allocate monies to the Obligations, whether arising from payments by or on behalf of any Loan Party, realization on Collateral, setoff or otherwise, as follows:

 

(a)                                  with respect to monies, payments, property or Collateral of or from any U.S./European Facility Loan Parties, and subject to Section 2.4 :

 

(i)                                      first, to all U.S./European Facility Obligations consisting of costs and expenses, including Extraordinary Expenses, owing to Agent;

 

(ii)                                   second, to all amounts owing to Agent on U.S. Swingline Loans;

 

(iii)                                third, to all amounts owing to U.S. Issuing Bank on U.S. LC Obligations and European LC Obligations;

 

(iv)                               fourth, to all U.S./European Facility Obligations constituting fees (excluding amounts relating to Secured Bank Product Obligations) owing by the U.S./European Facility Loan Parties (exclusive of any amounts guaranteed by the U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties in respect of Canadian Facility Obligations);

 

(v)                                  fifth, to all U.S./European Facility Obligations constituting interest (excluding amounts relating to Secured Bank Product Obligations) owing by the

 

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U.S./European Facility Loan Parties (exclusive of any amounts guaranteed by the U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties in respect of Canadian Facility Obligations);

 

(vi)                               sixth, to provide Cash Collateral for outstanding U.S. Letters of Credit and European Letters of Credit;

 

(vii)                            seventh, to all other U.S./European Facility Obligations (exclusive of any amounts guaranteed by the U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties in respect of Canadian Facility Obligations), including Secured Bank Product Obligations; provided, that amounts constituting Secured Bank Product Obligations shall only be repayed to the extent (x) if applicable, proper notice of such amounts has been provided pursuant to the definition of Bank Product and (y) an appropriate Reserve shall have been established with respect thereto;

 

(viii)                         eighth, to be applied in accordance with clause (b) below, to the extent there are insufficient funds for the Full Payment of all Obligations owing by the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties;

 

(ix)                               ninth, to amounts outstanding under Designated Foreign Guaranties on a pro rata basis; provided, that such amounts shall only be repayed to the extent (x) proper notice of such amounts has been provided pursuant to clause (y) of the definition of Designated Foreign Guaranty and (y) an appropriate Reserve shall have been established with respect thereto; and

 

(x)                                  tenth, after Full Payment of all Obligations, the remainder to Loan Party Agent for the benefit of the U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties or such other Person(s) as shall be legally entitled thereto.

 

(b)                                  with respect to monies, payments, property or Collateral of or from any Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties, together with any allocations pursuant to subclause (viii) of clause (a) above and subject to Section 2.4 :

 

(i)                                      first, to all Canadian Facility Obligations consisting of costs and expenses, including Extraordinary Expenses, owing to Agent, to the extent owing by any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party;

 

(ii)                                   second, to all amounts owing to Agent on Canadian Swingline Loans;

 

(iii)                                third, to all amounts owing to Canadian Issuing Bank on Canadian LC Obligations;

 

(iv)                               fourth, to all Canadian Facility Obligations constituting fees (excluding amounts relating to Secured Bank Product Obligations);

 

(v)                                  fifth, to all Canadian Facility Obligations constituting interest (excluding amounts relating to Secured Bank Product Obligations);

 

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(vi)                               sixth, to provide Cash Collateral for outstanding Canadian Letters of Credit;

 

(vii)                            seventh, to all other Canadian Facility Obligations, including Secured Bank Product Obligations; provided, that amounts constituting Secured Bank Product Obligations shall only be repaid to the extent (x) proper notice of such amounts has been provided pursuant to the definition of Bank Product and (y) an appropriate Reserve shall have been established with respect thereto;

 

(viii)                         eighth, to amounts outstanding under Designated Foreign Guaranties on a pro rata basis; provided, that such amounts shall only be repaid to the extent (x) proper notice of such amounts has been provided pursuant to clause (y) of the definition of Designated Foreign Guaranty and (y) an appropriate Reserve shall have been established with respect thereto; and

 

(ix)                               ninth, after Full Payment of all Canadian Facility Obligations, the remainder to Loan Party Agent for the benefit of the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties or such other Person(s) as shall be legally entitled thereto.

 

Amounts shall be applied to each category of Obligations set forth above until Full Payment thereof and then to the next category.  If amounts are insufficient to satisfy a category, they shall be applied on a pro rata basis among the Obligations in the category.  Monies and proceeds obtained from a Loan Party shall not be applied to its Excluded Swap Obligations, but appropriate adjustments shall be made with respect to amounts obtained from other Loan Parties to preserve the allocation specified above.  Amounts distributed with respect to any Secured Bank Product Obligations shall be the actual Secured Bank Product Obligations as calculated using the methodology reported to Agent for such Obligation (but no greater than the maximum amount reported to Agent).  Agent shall have no obligation to calculate the amount of any Secured Bank Product Obligation and may request a reasonably detailed calculation thereof from the applicable Secured Bank Product Provider.  If the provider fails to deliver the calculation within five days following request, Agent may assume the amount is zero.  The allocations set forth in this Section 5.5.1 are solely to determine the rights and priorities of Agent and Lenders as among themselves, and may be changed by agreement among them without the consent of any Loan Party.  This Section is not for the benefit of or enforceable by any Borrower.

 

5.5.2                      Erroneous Application .  Agent shall not be liable for any application of amounts made by it in good faith and, if any such application is subsequently determined to have been made in error, the sole recourse of any Lender or other Person to which such amount should have been made shall be to recover the amount from the Person that actually received it (and, if such amount was received by any Lender, such Lender hereby agrees to return it).

 

5.6                                Application of Payments .  The ledger balance in the main Dominion Account of each applicable Borrower as of the end of a Business Day shall be applied to the Loan Party Group Obligations of such Borrower at the beginning of the next Business Day during any Cash Dominion Trigger Period.  If, as a result of such application, a credit balance exists, the balance shall not accrue interest in favor of the applicable Borrower and shall be made available to such Borrower as long as no Event of Default exists.  Each Borrower irrevocably waives the right to

 

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direct the application of any payments or Collateral proceeds made pursuant to Section 5.5 , and agrees that Agent shall have the continuing, exclusive right to apply and reapply same against the Obligations, in such manner as Agent deems advisable.  The amounts in the U.S. Dominion Account will go to the U.S. Facility Obligations or the European Facility Obligations as determined by Agent.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any of the Loan Documents, no monies, payments, property or Collateral of or from any Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties shall be used to satisfy, or support, directly or indirectly, any Obligations owing by any U.S. Domiciled Loan Party or by the European Borrower (other than monies, payments, property or Collateral that is not Cash Collateral which is used to satisfy amounts outstanding under Designated Foreign Guaranties pursuant to Section 5.5.1(b)(viii)).

 

5.7                                Loan Account; Account Stated .

 

5.7.1                      Loan Account .  Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual and customary practices an account or accounts (“Loan Account”) evidencing the obligations of each Borrower resulting from each Loan made to such Borrower or issuance of a Letter of Credit for the account of such Borrower from time to time.  Any failure of Agent to record anything in the Loan Account, or any error in doing so, shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrowers to pay any amount owing hereunder.  Agent may maintain a single Loan Account in the name of Loan Party Agent, and each Borrower confirms that such arrangement shall have no effect on the joint and several character of its liability for the Obligations of its Loan Party Group or, in the case of the U.S. Borrower, its guarantee of the Obligations of the Canadian Borrower.

 

5.7.2                      Entries Binding .  Entries made in the Loan Account shall constitute presumptive evidence of the information contained therein.  If any information contained in the Loan Account is provided to or inspected by any Person, then such information shall be conclusive and binding on such Person for all purposes absent manifest error, except to the extent such Person notifies Agent in writing within thirty (30) days after receipt or inspection that specific information is subject to dispute.

 

5.8                                Taxes .

 

5.8.1                      Payments Free of Taxes .  Any and all payments by or on account of any Obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made 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 an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then the applicable Withholding Agent 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 has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

 

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5.8.2                      Other Taxes .  The Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

 

5.8.3                      Indemnification by Loan Parties .  The Loan Parties shall indemnify each Recipient, 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) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient 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 the Loan Party Agent by a Lender (with a copy to Agent), or by Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

5.8.4                      Indemnification by Lenders .  Each Lender shall severally indemnify Agent, within 10 days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 13.2.1 relating to the maintenance of a participant register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Each Lender hereby authorizes Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to Agent under this Section 5.8.4 .

 

5.8.5                      Evidence of Payment .  As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 5.8 , such Loan Party shall deliver to Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

5.8.6                      Treatment of Certain Refunds .  If a Loan Party makes a payment of Indemnified Taxes to a Recipient and either (i) the applicable Loan Party determines that there is a reasonable basis for asserting that such Indemnified Taxes were not correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority, unless the relevant Recipient reasonably disagrees with such determination or (ii) the applicable Recipient has actual knowledge that such Indemnified Taxes are refundable to such Recipient by the relevant Governmental Authority (in which case such Recipient shall within a reasonable period of time provide written notice to the applicable Loan Party of such refundable Indemnified Taxes) then, in each case, at the applicable Loan Party’s written request and at the applicable Loan Party’s cost and expense, such Recipient shall make a claim for refund of such Indemnified Taxes (and any interest and penalties arising therefrom or with respect thereto) to such Governmental Authority in the manner prescribed by applicable Law and shall take such other reasonable

 

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necessary actions as required by the applicable Loan Party in pursuit of such refund claim. To the extent a Recipient actually realizes a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 5.8 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 5.8 ), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section with respect to the 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).  Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this Section 5.8.6 (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 Section 5.8.6 , in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 5.8.6 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 giving rise to such refund 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.

 

5.8.7                      Survival .  Each party’s obligations under this Section 5.8 shall survive the resignation or replacement of Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.

 

5.8.8                      Defined Terms .  For purposes of this Section 5.8 and Section 5.9 , the term “Lender” includes any Issuing Bank and the term “applicable Law” includes FATCA.

 

5.9                                Lender Tax Information .

 

5.9.1                      Generally .  Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding from Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Loan Party Agent and Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Loan Party Agent or Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Loan Party Agent or Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Loan Party Agent or Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Loan Party Agent or Agent as will enable the Loan Party Agent or Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 5.9.2(i) , (ii)(a) , (ii)(b) , (ii)(c) , (ii)(d) and (iii) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

 

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5.9.2                      U.S. Borrower .  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if a Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the United States, (i) any Recipient that is a “United States person” within the meaning of section 7701(a)(30) of the Code shall deliver to Agent and Loan Party Agent IRS Form W-9 or such other documentation or information prescribed by applicable Law or reasonably requested by Agent or Loan Party Agent certifying that such Recipient is exempt from United States backup withholding and information reporting requirements, (ii) any Recipient that is not a “United States person” within the meaning of section 7701(a)(30) of the Code, shall deliver to Agent and Loan Party Agent, on or prior to the date on which it becomes a party hereunder (and from time to time thereafter upon reasonable request by Agent or Loan Party Agent, but only if such Lender is entitled to do so under applicable Law), (a) IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party; (b) IRS Form W-8ECI; (c) IRS Form W-8IMY and all required supporting documentation; or (d) in the case of a Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, and a certificate showing such Lender is not (x) a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (y) a “10 percent shareholder” of any Loan Party within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (z) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code; and (iii) if a payment made to a Recipient under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Recipient were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Recipient shall deliver to the U.S. Borrower and Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the U.S. 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 the U.S. Borrower or Agent as may be necessary for the U.S. Borrower and Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Recipient has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment.  Solely for purposes of the foregoing clause (iii), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

 

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

 

5.10                         Guarantee by U.S. Facility Loan Parties .

 

5.10.1               Joint and Several Liability .  Each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to Agent and Lenders the prompt payment and performance of, all Obligations and all agreements of each other Loan Party under the Loan Documents.  Each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party which is a U.S./European Facility Guarantor agrees that its guarantee obligations as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and as a Canadian Facility Guarantor hereunder constitute a continuing guarantee of payment and not of collection, that such guarantee obligations shall not be discharged until Full Payment of the Obligations, and that such guarantee obligations are absolute and unconditional, irrespective of (a) the genuineness, validity, regularity, enforceability,

 

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subordination or any future modification of, or change in, any Obligations or Loan Document, or any other document, instrument or agreement to which any Loan Party is or may become a party or be bound; (b) the absence of any action to enforce this Agreement (including this Section 5.10 ) or any other Loan Document, or any waiver, consent or indulgence of any kind by Agent or any Lender with respect thereto; (c) the existence, value or condition of, or failure to perfect a Lien or to preserve rights against, any security or guarantee for the Obligations or any action, or the absence of any action, by Agent or any Lender in respect thereof (including the release of any security or guarantee); (d) the insolvency of any Loan Party; (e) any election by Agent or any Lender in an Insolvency Proceeding for the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code; (f) any borrowing or grant of a Lien by any other Loan Party, as debtor-in-possession under Section 364 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; (g) the disallowance of any claims of Agent or any Lender against any Loan Party for the repayment of any Obligations under Section 502 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; or (h) any other action or circumstances that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor, except Full Payment of all Obligations.

 

5.10.2               Waivers .

 

(a)                                  Each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party hereby expressly waives all rights that it may have now or in the future under any statute, at common law, in equity or otherwise, to compel Agent or Lenders to marshal assets or to proceed against any Loan Party, other Person or security for the payment or performance of any Obligations before, or as a condition to, proceeding against such Loan Party.  Each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party waives all defenses available to a surety, guarantor or accommodation co-obligor other than Full Payment of all Obligations.  It is agreed among each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party, Agent and Lenders that the provisions of this Section 5.10 are of the essence of the transaction contemplated by the Loan Documents and that, but for such provisions, Agent and Lenders would decline to make Loans and issue Letters of Credit.  Each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party acknowledges that its guarantee pursuant to this Section is necessary to the conduct and promotion of its business, and can be expected to benefit such business.

 

(b)                                  Agent and Lenders may, in their discretion, pursue such rights and remedies as they deem appropriate, including realization upon the Collateral by judicial foreclosure or non-judicial sale or enforcement without affecting any rights and remedies under this Section 5.10 .  If, in taking any action in connection with the exercise of any rights or remedies, Agent or any Lender shall forfeit any other rights or remedies, including the right to enter a deficiency judgment against any U.S. Domiciled Party or other Person, whether because of any applicable Laws pertaining to “election of remedies” or otherwise, each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party consents to such action and waives any claim based upon it, even if the action may result in loss of any rights of subrogation that any U.S. Domiciled Loan Party might otherwise have had.  Any election of remedies that results in denial or impairment of the right of Agent or any Lender to seek a deficiency judgment against any U.S. Domiciled Loan Party shall not impair any other U.S. Domiciled Loan Party’s obligation to pay the full amount of the Obligations.  Each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party waives all rights and defenses arising out of an election of remedies, such as nonjudicial foreclosure with respect to any security for the Obligations, even though that election of remedies destroys such U.S. Domiciled Loan Party’s rights of subrogation against any other Person.  Agent may bid all or a portion of the Obligations at any foreclosure or

 

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trustee’s sale or at any private sale, and the amount of such bid need not be paid by Agent but shall be credited against the Obligations.  The amount of the successful bid at any such sale, whether Agent or any other Person is the successful bidder, shall be conclusively deemed to be the fair market value of the Collateral, and the difference between such bid amount and the remaining balance of the Obligations shall be conclusively deemed to be the amount of the Obligations guaranteed under this Section 5.10 , notwithstanding that any present or future law or court decision may have the effect of reducing the amount of any deficiency claim to which Agent or any Lender might otherwise be entitled but for such bidding at any such sale.

 

5.10.3               Extent of Liability; Contribution .

 

(a)                                  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary (other than as specified in Section 5.10.6 ), each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party’s liability under this Section 5.10 shall be limited to the greater of (i) all amounts for which such U.S. Domiciled Loan Party is primarily liable, as described below, and (ii) such U.S. Domiciled Loan Party’s Allocable Amount.

 

(b)                                  If any U.S. Domiciled Loan Party makes a payment under this Section 5.10 of any Obligations (other than amounts for which such U.S. Domiciled Loan Party is primarily liable) (a “ Guarantor Payment ”) that, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments previously or concurrently made by any other U.S. Domiciled Loan Party, exceeds the amount that such U.S. Domiciled Loan Party would otherwise have paid if each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party had paid the aggregate Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payments in the same proportion that such U.S. Domiciled Loan Party’s Allocable Amount bore to the total Allocable Amounts of all U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties, then such U.S. Domiciled Loan Party shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and to be reimbursed by, each other U.S. Domiciled Loan Party for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment.  The “ Allocable Amount ” for any U.S. Domiciled Loan Party shall be the maximum amount that could then be recovered from such U.S. Domiciled Loan Party under this Section 5.10 without rendering such payment voidable under Section 548 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state fraudulent transfer or conveyance act, or similar statute or common law.

 

(c)                                   Nothing contained in this Section 5.10 (other than as specified in Section 5.10.6 ) shall limit the liability of any Loan Party to pay Loans made directly or indirectly to that Loan Party (including Loans advanced to any other Loan Party and then re-loaned or otherwise transferred to, or for the benefit of, such Loan Party), LC Obligations relating to Letters of Credit issued to support such Loan Party’s business, and all accrued interest, fees, expenses and other related Obligations with respect thereto, for which such Loan Party shall be primarily liable for all purposes hereunder.

 

(d)                                  Each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party that is a Qualified ECP when its guaranty of or grant of a Lien as security for a Swap Obligation becomes effective hereby jointly and severally, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support to each Specified Loan Party with respect to such Swap Obligation as may be needed by such Specified Loan Party from time to time to honor all of its obligations under the Loan Documents in respect of such Swap Obligation (but, in each case, only up to the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering such Qualified ECP’s obligations and

 

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undertakings under this Section 5.10 voidable under any applicable fraudulent transfer or conveyance act).  The obligations and undertakings of each Qualified ECP under this Section shall remain in full force and effect until Full Payment of the Obligations.  Each Loan Party intends this Section to constitute, and this Section shall be deemed to constitute, a guarantee of the obligations of, and a “keepwell, support or other agreement” for the benefit of, each Loan Party for all purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

5.10.4               Joint Enterprise .  Each Borrower has requested that Agent and Lenders make this credit facility available to the Borrowers in order to finance the Borrowers’ business most efficiently and economically.  The Borrowers and Guarantors make up a related organization of various entities constituting a single economic and business enterprise so that the Borrowers and Guarantors share an identity of interests such that any benefit received by any one of them benefits the others.  The Borrowers and Guarantors render services to or for the benefit of the other Borrowers and/or Guarantors, as the case may be, purchase or sell and supply goods to or from or for the benefit of the others, make loans, advances and provide other financial accommodations to or for the benefit of the other Borrowers and Guarantors (including inter alia, the payment by the Borrowers and Guarantors of creditors of the other Borrowers or Guarantors and guarantees by the Borrowers and Guarantors of indebtedness of the other Borrowers and Guarantors and provide administrative, marketing, payroll and management services to or for the benefit of the other Borrowers and Guarantors).  The Borrowers and Guarantors have centralized accounting and legal services and certain common officers and directors.  The Borrowers acknowledge and agree that Agent’s and Lenders’ willingness to extend credit to the Borrowers and to administer the Collateral, as set forth herein, is done solely as an accommodation to the Borrowers and at the Borrowers’ request.

 

5.10.5               Subordination .  Each Loan Party hereby subordinates any claims, including any rights at law or in equity to payment, subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification or set off, that it may have at any time against any other Loan Party, howsoever arising, to the Full Payment of all Obligations.

 

5.11                         Currency Matters .  Dollars are the currency of account and payment for each and every sum at any time due from the Borrowers hereunder unless otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, any other Loan Document or otherwise agreed to by Agent.

 

5.11.1               Each repayment of a Revolver Loan or LC Obligation or a part thereof shall be made in the currency in which such Revolver Loan or LC Obligation is denominated at the time of that repayment;

 

5.11.2               Each payment of interest shall be made in the currency in which the principal or other sum in respect of which such interest is denominated;

 

5.11.4               Each payment of fees by the U.S. Borrower pursuant to Section 3.2 shall be in Dollars;

 

5.11.4               Each payment of fees by the Canadian Borrower pursuant to Section 3.2 shall be in Dollars;

 

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5.11.5               Each payment of fees by the European Borrower pursuant to Section 3.2 shall be in Dollars;

 

5.11.6               Each payment in respect of Extraordinary Expenses and any other costs, expenses and indemnities shall be made in the currency in which the same were incurred by the party to whom payment is to be made;

 

5.11.7               Any amount expressed to be payable in Canadian Dollars shall be paid in Canadian Dollars;

 

5.11.8               Any amount expressed to be payable in Euros shall be paid in Euros; and

 

5.11.9               Any amount expressed to be payable in Sterling shall be paid in Sterling.

 

No payment to any Secured Party (whether under any judgment or court order or otherwise) shall discharge the obligation or liability of the Loan Party in respect of which it was made unless and until such Secured Party shall have received Full Payment in the currency in which such obligation or liability is payable pursuant to the above provisions of this Section 5.11 .  To the extent that the amount of any such payment shall, on actual conversion into such currency, fall short of such obligation or liability actual or contingent expressed in that currency, such Loan Party (together with the other Loan Parties within its Loan Party Group or other obligors pursuant to any Guarantee of the Obligations of such Loan Party Group) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless such Secured Party, with respect to the amount of the shortfall with respect to amounts payable by such Loan Party hereunder, with such indemnity surviving the termination of this Agreement and any legal proceeding, judgment or court order pursuant to which the original payment was made which resulted in the shortfall.  To the extent that the amount of any such payment to a Secured Party shall, upon an actual conversion into such currency, exceed such obligation or liability, actual or contingent, expressed in that currency, such Secured Party shall return such excess to the affected Loan Party.

 

5.12                         Currency Fluctuations .  On each Business Day or such other date determined by Agent, which date with respect to Letters of Credit issued by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas in currencies other than Dollars shall be the first Business Day of each calendar month (the “ Calculation Date ”), Agent shall determine the Exchange Rate as of such date.  The Exchange Rate so determined shall become effective on the first (1st) Business Day immediately following such determination (a “ Reset Date ”) and shall remain effective until the next succeeding Reset Date.  On each Reset Date, Agent shall determine the Dollar Equivalent of the Canadian Revolver Exposure, the U.S. Revolver Exposure and the European Revolver Exposure.  If, on any Reset Date, (w) the Total Revolver Exposure exceeds the total amount of the Commitments on such date or (x) the Canadian Revolver Exposure on such date exceeds the Canadian Borrowing Base on such date or (y) the U.S. Revolver Exposure on such date exceeds the U.S./European Borrowing Base on such date or (z) the European Revolver Exposure on such date exceeds the Maximum European Subline Amount on such date (the amount of any such excess referred to herein as the “ Excess Amount ”) then (i) Agent shall give notice thereof to the applicable Borrower and Applicable Lenders and (ii) within two (2) Business Days thereafter, the applicable Borrower shall cause such excess to be eliminated, either by repayment of Revolver Loans or depositing of Cash Collateral with Agent with respect to LC Obligations and

 

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until such Excess Amount is repaid, the Applicable Lenders shall not have any obligation to make any Loans.

 

SECTION 6.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

6.1                                Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans.  In addition to the conditions set forth in Section 6.2 , Lenders shall not be required to fund any requested Loan, issue any Letter of Credit, or otherwise extend credit to the Borrowers hereunder, until the date (“ Third Restatement Date ”) that each of the following conditions has been satisfied (and with respect to deliveries of Loan Documents, each such delivery shall be fully-executed (where applicable) and in form and substance satisfactory to Agent and its counsel) (subject to Section 10.1.13 ):

 

(a)                                  Notes shall have been executed by each Borrower and delivered to each Applicable Lender that requests issuance of a Note.  Each other Loan Document set forth on the List of Closing Documents shall have been duly executed (where applicable) by each of the signatories thereto and delivered to Agent, and each Loan Party shall be in compliance with all terms thereof.  Each other instrument, document or agreement set forth on the List of Closing Documents shall have been executed (where applicable) and delivered to Agent.

 

(b)                                  Agent shall have received satisfactory evidence that Agent shall have a valid and perfected security interest in the Collateral (including delivery to Agent of all instruments needed for filings or recordations necessary to perfect its Liens in the Collateral).

 

(c)                                   Agent shall have received UCC, PPSA, and Lien searches and other evidence satisfactory to Agent that its Liens are the only Liens upon the ABL Collateral, except Permitted Liens.

 

(d)                                  All filing and recording fees and taxes shall have been duly paid or arrangements satisfactory to Agent shall have been made for the payment thereof.

 

(e)                                   Agent shall have received certificates, in form and substance satisfactory to it, from a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party certifying that, after giving effect to the Transactions and the initial Loans and transactions hereunder, (i) the Canadian Borrower and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and the U.S. Borrower and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are Solvent; (ii) no Default or Event of Default exists; (iii) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 9 with respect to such Loan Party are true and correct in all material respects (or, with respect to representations and warranties qualified by materiality, in all respects) (except for representations and warranties that expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, with respect to representations and warranties qualified by materiality, in all respects) as of such earlier date); and (iv) such Loan Party has complied with all agreements and conditions to be satisfied by it under the Loan Documents.

 

(f)                                    Agent shall have received a certificate of a duly authorized officer of or other person authorized to represent each Loan Party, certifying (i) that attached copies of such Loan Party’s Organization Documents are true and complete, and in full force and effect, without amendment except as shown; (ii) that an attached copy of resolutions authorizing execution and delivery of the Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party is true and complete, and

 

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that such resolutions are in full force and effect, were duly adopted, have not been amended, modified or revoked, and constitute all resolutions adopted with respect to this credit facility; (iii) all governmental and other third party approvals and consents, if any, with respect to this Agreement, the other Transactions and each other Loan Document have been obtained and are in effect; and (iv) to the title, name and signature of each Person authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party.  Agent may conclusively rely on this certificate until it is otherwise notified by the applicable Loan Party in writing.

 

(g)                                   Agent shall have received satisfactory opinions of counsel to the Loan Parties, in each case, customary for transactions of this type (which shall cover, among other things, authority, legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of the Loan Documents) and of appropriate local counsel (including Ontario and Netherlands counsel).

 

(h)                                  Agent shall have received copies of the charter documents of each Loan Party, certified by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Loan Party’s jurisdiction of organization.

 

(i)                                      Agent shall have received good standing certificates for each Loan Party, issued by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Loan Party’s jurisdiction of organization and with respect to the European Borrower, an original extract from the register of the chamber of commerce.

 

(j)                                     Since December 31, 2015 no change, occurrence or development shall have occurred or become known to the Lead Arrangers that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(k)                                  Agent shall be satisfied with the amount, types and terms and conditions of all insurance maintained by the Loan Parties and their Restricted Subsidiaries; and Agent shall have received short form (if available) (i) certificates of insurance with respect to each Loan Parties’ property and liability insurance, and (ii) endorsements naming Agent as lender’s loss payee or mortgagee, as the case may be and as its interests may appear, under all casualty and business interruption insurance policies to be maintained with respect to the properties of the Loan Parties forming part of the Collateral, in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

 

(l)                                      No action, suit, investigation, litigation or proceeding pending or threatened in any court or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority that in the Lenders’ judgment (a) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (b) could reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the credit facilities or transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(m)                              All accrued fees and expenses of the Secured Parties and Lead Arrangers (including the fees and expenses of counsel (including any local counsel) for such Secured Parties and Lead Arrangers) due from the Loan Parties on or prior to the Third Restatement Date, including all fees payable to Agent under the Agent Fee Letter, shall have been paid in full in cash.

 

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(n)                                  All conditions precedent to the closing of the Fixed Asset Facility shall have been satisfied in accordance with the Permitted Secured Debt Documents to be executed on the Third Restatement Date.  Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer of Loan Party Agent certifying copies of the material Permitted Secured Debt Documents to be executed on the Third Restatement Date attached thereto to be true, correct and complete copies thereof.

 

(o)                                  The Senior Notes Issuance shall have been consummated substantially concurrently with the Third Restatement Date.

 

(p)                                  Each Lender shall have received all Patriot Act, anti-money laundering and “know your client” documentation required in connection with this Agreement from the Loan Parties.

 

(q)                                  Agent shall have received executed releases with respect to all outstanding mortgages in favor of the Agent under the Existing Credit Agreement.

 

(r)                                     Each of the Lenders shall have entered the Reallocation Agreement.

 

6.2                                Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions .  Agent, Issuing Banks and Lenders shall not be required to fund any Loans or arrange for issuance of any Letters of Credit to or for the benefit of the Borrowers (including the initial Loans and Letters of Credit on the Third Restatement Date), unless the following conditions are satisfied:

 

(a)                                  No Default or Event of Default shall exist at the time of, or result from, such funding or issuance;

 

(b)                                  The representations and warranties of each Loan Party in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, with respect to representations and warranties qualified by materiality, in all respects) on the date of, and upon giving effect to, such funding, issuance or grant (except for representations and warranties that expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, with respect to representations and warranties qualified by materiality, in all respects) as of such earlier date);

 

(c)                                   Both immediately before and immediately after giving effect thereto, no Canadian Overadvance or U.S./European Overadvance shall exist or would result therefrom and the Total Revolver Exposure would not exceed the Maximum Facility Amount; and

 

(d)                                  With respect to issuance of a Letter of Credit, the LC Conditions shall be satisfied.

 

Each request (or deemed request, except a deemed request in connection with an Overadvance or a Protective Advance or pursuant to Section 2.2.2(a)  or Section 2.3.2(a) ) by Loan Party Agent or any Borrower for funding of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall constitute a representation by all Borrowers that the foregoing conditions are satisfied on the date of such request and on the date of such funding or issuance.

 

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SECTION 7.   CASH COLLATERAL

 

7.1                                Cash Collateral .   Any Cash Collateral may be invested, at Agent’s discretion, in Cash Equivalents, but Agent shall have no duty to do so, regardless of any agreement or course of dealing with any Loan Party, and shall have no responsibility for any investment or loss.  To further secure the prompt payment and performance of all of its Obligations (including, without limitation, all Obligations of the Guarantors), each U.S. Domiciled Loan Party hereby grants to Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and to further secure the prompt payment and performance of all Canadian Facility Obligations, each Canadian Domiciled Loan Party hereby grants to Agent, for the benefit of the Canadian Facility Secured Parties, in each case, a continuing security interest in and Lien on all Cash Collateral held by such Loan Party from time to time and all proceeds thereof, whether such Cash Collateral is held in a Cash Collateral Account or elsewhere.  Subject to Section 5.6 , Agent may apply Cash Collateral of a U.S. Domiciled Loan Party to the payment of any Obligations, and may apply Cash Collateral of a Canadian Domiciled Loan Party to the payment of any Canadian Facility Obligations, in each case, in such order as Agent may elect, as they become due and payable.  Each Cash Collateral Account and all Cash Collateral shall be under the sole dominion and control of Agent.  No U.S. Domiciled Loan Party or other Person claiming through or on behalf of any U.S. Domiciled Loan Party shall have any right to any Cash Collateral, until Full Payment of all Obligations, unless if the condition for establishing Cash Collateral hereunder or under any other Loan Document is in any manner satisfied or the amount of required Cash Collateral reduced, the applicable Cash Collateral (or portion thereof) relating to such condition shall at such time be paid by Agent to the Loan Party Agent.  No Canadian Domiciled Loan Party or other Person claiming through or on behalf of any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party shall have any right to any Cash Collateral, until Full Payment of all Canadian Facility Obligations, unless if the condition for establishing Cash Collateral hereunder or under any other Loan Document is in any manner satisfied or the amount of required Cash Collateral reduced, the applicable Cash Collateral (or portion thereof) relating to such condition shall at such time be paid by Agent to the Loan Party Agent.

 

SECTION 8.   COLLATERAL ADMINISTRATION

 

8.1                                Borrowing Base Certificates .   By the twentieth (20th) day of each month (or, during the Cash Dominion Trigger Period, by Wednesday of each week), or in any such case if such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day, Loan Party Agent shall deliver to Agent (and Agent shall promptly deliver same to Lenders) a Borrowing Base Certificate with respect to the U.S. Borrower and Canadian Borrower, in each case, prepared as of the close of business of the previous month (or, if applicable, previous week), and, if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, at more frequent times as Agent may request.  All calculations of the applicable Borrowing Base in any Borrowing Base Certificate shall originally be made by Loan Party Agent and certified by a Responsible Officer of Loan Party Agent, provided that Agent may from time to time in its Permitted Discretion, review and adjust any such calculation (a) to reflect its reasonable estimate of declines in value of any Collateral, due to collections received in the Dominion Account or otherwise; (b) to adjust advance rates to reflect changes in dilution, quality, mix and other factors affecting Collateral; and (c) to the extent the calculation is not made in accordance with this Agreement or does not accurately reflect the U.S./European Availability Reserve and/or the Canadian Availability

 

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Reserve. Each Borrowing Base Certificate shall set forth the calculation of the U.S./European Borrowing Base in Dollars and of the Canadian Borrowing Base in the Dollar Equivalent.

 

8.2                                Administration of Accounts .

 

8.2.1                      Records and Schedules of Accounts .  Each Loan Party shall keep accurate and complete records, in all material respects, of its Accounts, including all payments and collections thereon, and shall submit to Agent sales, collection, reconciliation and other reports in form satisfactory to Agent, on such periodic basis as Agent may reasonably request.  Loan Party Agent shall also provide to Agent, on or before the twentieth (20th) day of each month and, if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, at more frequent times as Agent may request, a detailed aged trial balance of all Accounts of each Borrower as of the end of the preceding month (or shorter applicable period), specifying, to the extent requested by Agent, each Account’s Account Debtor name and address, amount, invoice date and due date, showing any discount, allowance, credit, authorized return or dispute, and including such proof of delivery, copies of invoices and invoice registers, copies of related documents, repayment histories, status reports and other information as Agent may reasonably request.  If, during an Audit Trigger Period, Accounts of the U.S. Borrower or the Canadian Borrower in an aggregate face amount of $6,000,000 or more cease to be Eligible Accounts (other than as a result of the payment thereof), Loan Party Agent shall notify Agent of such occurrence promptly after any Loan Party has knowledge thereof.

 

8.2.2                      Taxes .  If an Account of any Loan Party includes a charge for any Taxes, Agent is authorized, in its discretion, after a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to pay the amount thereof to the proper Governmental Authority for the account of such Loan Party and to charge the Loan Party Agent therefor; provided, however, that neither Agent nor Lenders shall be liable for any Taxes that may be due from the Loan Parties or with respect to any Collateral.

 

8.2.3                      Account Verification .  Agent shall have the right during normal business hours and with reasonable frequency, in coordination and together with the Loan Party Agent to verify the validity, amount or any other matter relating to any material Accounts of the Loan Parties by mail, telephone or otherwise, and the Loan Party Agent shall cooperate fully with Agent in an effort to facilitate and promptly conclude any such verification process.  If a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Agent shall have the right at any time to conduct such verifications, in the name of Agent, Loan Party Agent or any Loan Party.

 

8.2.4                      Maintenance of DACA Deposit Accounts and Dominion Accounts .  The Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties shall establish a Canadian Dominion Account (including by designating an existing Deposit Account as a “ Canadian Dominion Account ”).  The U.S. Facility Loan Parties shall establish the U.S. Dominion Account (including by designating an existing Deposit Account as a “ U.S. Dominion Account ”).  The Loan Parties shall (i) require each lockbox servicer of each of any Loan Party’s lockboxes (if any) in the United States or Canada to deposit all Payment Items received therein directly to a Deposit Account (other than an Excluded Deposit Account) at the related financial institution, and (ii) maintain each such Deposit Account, together with all other Deposit Accounts of the Loan Parties (other than Excluded Deposit Accounts) as DACA Deposit Accounts by obtaining an executed Deposit Account Control

 

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Agreement from each such lockbox servicer and each financial institution which maintains Deposit Accounts (other than any Excluded Deposit Accounts) for any Loan Party, which Deposit Account Control Agreement (a) establishes Agent’s dominion and control over the subject lockbox(es), if any, and/or DACA Deposit Account(s) of the Loan Parties maintained with such servicer or institution, which may be exercised by Agent during any Cash Dominion Trigger Period, (b) requires daily application of amounts on deposit in the subject DACA Deposit Account to a Dominion Account at Bank of America as directed by Agent during any Cash Dominion Trigger Period, and (c) waives offset rights of such servicer or bank, except for customary administrative charges; it being understood that, with respect to any Deposit Account which does not at any time comply with the foregoing requirements specified in this sentence (other than those required to be delivered on the Third Restatement Date), no funds contained therein shall be treated as either Canadian Designated Cash Amount or U.S. Designated Cash Amount for purposes of this Agreement and the Loan Party Agent shall, at Agent’s request, within thirty (30) days, in coordination with Agent, cause replacement arrangements to be implemented with respect to the applicable accounts which are reasonably satisfactory to Agent.  Neither Agent nor Lenders assume any responsibility to the Loan Parties for any lockbox arrangement, DACA Deposit Account or Dominion Account, including any claim of accord and satisfaction or release with respect to any Payment Items accepted by any bank.

 

8.2.5                      Proceeds of Collateral; Payment Items Received .  Loan Party Agent shall take all commercially reasonable steps to ensure that all payments on Accounts included in the ABL Collateral or otherwise relating to ABL Collateral are made directly to a DACA Deposit Account (or a lockbox relating to a DACA Deposit Account) or, during a Cash Dominion Trigger Period, a Dominion Account.  If any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary receives cash or Payment Items with respect to any ABL Collateral or any Payment Item not properly deposited by a lockbox servicer in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 8.2.4 , it shall hold same in trust for Agent and promptly deposit same into a DACA Deposit Account or, during a Cash Dominion Trigger Period, a Dominion Account for application to the Obligations in accordance with Section 5.5 or 5.6 , as applicable.

 

8.3                                Administration of Inventory .

 

8.3.1                      Records and Reports of Inventory .  Each Loan Party shall keep accurate and complete records of its Inventory in the United States and Canada consistent in all material respects with historical practices, and shall submit to Agent inventory and reconciliation reports (which reports shall set forth the Inventory information by location) in form reasonably satisfactory to Agent, on such periodic basis as Agent may reasonably request.  Subject to Section 10.1.9 , Loan Party Agent shall conduct (or shall cause to be conducted) a physical inventory in the United States and Canada at least once per calendar year (and on a more frequent basis if requested by Agent when an Event of Default exists) and periodic cycle counts consistent with historical practices, and shall provide to Agent a report based on each such inventory and count promptly upon completion thereof, together with such supporting information as Agent may reasonably request.  Agent may participate in and observe each physical count.

 

8.3.2                      Returns of Inventory .  No Loan Party shall return any Inventory to a supplier, vendor or other Person, whether for cash, credit or otherwise, unless (a) such return is

 

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in the ordinary course of business; (b) no Default, Event of Default or Overadvance exists or would result therefrom; (c) Agent is promptly notified if the aggregate Value of all Inventory returned in any month exceeds $10,000,000, in aggregate; and (d) any payment received by a Loan Party for a return is promptly deposited to a DACA Deposit Account or a Dominion Account.

 

8.3.3                      Acquisition, Sale and Maintenance .  With respect to Inventory that has been included in the calculation of the U.S./European Borrowing Base or Canadian Borrowing Base, no Loan Party shall acquire or accept any such Inventory on consignment or approval and the Loan Parties shall take all commercially reasonable steps to assure that all Inventory is produced in accordance with applicable Law, including the FLSA; except in any such case where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  The Loan Parties shall use, store and maintain all Inventory with reasonable care and caution, in accordance with historical practices and in conformity in all material respects with all applicable Law, and shall make current rent payments (within applicable grace periods provided for in leases) at all locations where any ABL Collateral is located; except in any such case where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

8.4                                [Intentionally Omitted] .

 

8.5                                Administration of Deposit Accounts Schedule 8.5 sets forth all lockbox arrangements and Deposit Accounts (including Dominion Accounts) maintained by the Loan Parties in the United States and Canada as of the Third Restatement Date.  Each Loan Party shall take all commercially reasonable actions necessary to establish Agent’s control of each such Deposit Account (other than Excluded Deposit Accounts) by causing the related deposit account bank to enter into a Deposit Account Control Agreement; it being understood that, with respect to any Deposit Account which does not at any time comply with the foregoing requirements specified in this sentence (other than those required to be delivered on the Third Restatement Date), the applicable Borrower shall provide notice of the same to Agent, and no funds contained therein shall be treated as either Canadian Designated Cash Amount or U.S. Designated Cash Amount for purposes of this Agreement and the Loan Party Agent shall within thirty (30) days, at Agent’s request and in coordination with Agent, cause replacement arrangements to be implemented with respect to the applicable accounts which are reasonably satisfactory to Agent. The sole account holder of each Deposit Account shall be a single Loan Party and the Loan Parties shall not allow any other Person (other than Agent and, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the agent specified therein) to have control (as contemplated by the UCC and the PPSA) over a DACA Deposit Account or any property deposited therein.  Each Loan Party shall promptly notify Agent of any opening or closing of a Deposit Account in the United States or Canada, as applicable, and, concurrently with the opening thereof, shall ensure such account (other than accounts excluded from the operation of this paragraph above) is subject to a fully executed Deposit Account Control Agreement, an original copy of which has been delivered to Agent.

 

8.6                                General Provisions .

 

8.6.1                      Location of Collateral .  All material amounts of tangible items of ABL Collateral, other than Inventory in transit, shall at all times be kept by the Loan Parties at the

 

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Borrowers’ business locations set forth in Schedule 8.6.1 , except that the Loan Parties may (a) make sales or other dispositions of Collateral in the ordinary course of business; (b) in the case of any U.S. Facility Loan Party, move Collateral to another location in the continental United States (so long as notice of such move is provided to Agent concurrently with delivery of the applicable financial information required pursuant to Sections 10.1.2(a) , (b)  or (c) , as applicable) or Canada (upon thirty (30) days’ (or such lesser time as Agent shall agree in writing) prior written notice to Agent), so long as all actions shall have been taken prior to such move to ensure that Agent has a perfected first priority Lien upon all the ABL Collateral and (c) in the case of a Canadian Domiciled Loan Party, move Collateral to another location in Canada (upon thirty (30) days’ (or such lesser time as Agent shall agree in writing) prior written notice to Agent) or the United States (so long as notice of such move is provided to Agent concurrently with delivery of the applicable financial information required pursuant to Sections 10.1.2(a), (b) or (c), as applicable), so long as all actions shall have been taken prior to such move to ensure that Agent has a perfected first priority security interest in and Lien upon all the ABL Collateral, provided, however, that with respect to the foregoing clauses (b) and (c), if such Collateral is to be in the possession of a third party at a location not set forth on Schedule 8.6.1 , the applicable Loan Party having rights in such Collateral shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Collateral Access Agreement with respect thereto.

 

8.6.2                      Insurance of Collateral; Condemnation Proceeds .

 

(a)                                  (1) Each Loan Party shall maintain insurance with respect to the Collateral, covering casualty, hazard, theft, malicious mischief, flood and other risks, in amounts, with endorsements and with insurers (with a Best’s Financial Strength Rating of at least A+, unless otherwise approved by Agent) consistent with past practices.  Proceeds under each policy in excess of $10,000,000 per claim, to the extent arising out of the ABL Collateral, shall be payable to Agent (for application by Agent (i) in accordance with Section 5.5 or 5.6 , if applicable, (ii) if a Default has occurred and is continuing, to payment of the Revolver Loans of the applicable Borrower or (iii) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, for payment to Loan Party Agent).  (2)  From time to time upon request, Loan Party Agent shall deliver to Agent the originals or certified copies of its insurance policies.  Unless Agent shall agree otherwise, each policy shall include satisfactory endorsements (i) showing Agent and its successors as lender’s loss payee, as its interests may appear; (ii) requiring at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to Agent in the event of cancellation of the policy for any reason whatsoever; and (iii) specifying that the interest of Agent shall not be impaired or invalidated by any act or neglect of any Loan Party or the owner of the property, nor by the occupation of the premises for purposes more hazardous than are permitted by the policy.  If any Loan Party fails to provide and pay for any insurance, Agent may in consultation with the Loan Party Agent, but shall not be required to, procure the insurance and charge the Loan Parties therefor.  Loan Party Agent agrees to deliver to Agent, promptly as rendered, copies of all material reports made to insurance companies.  While no Event of Default exists, the Loan Parties may settle, adjust or compromise any insurance claim relating to the ABL Collateral, as long as the proceeds in excess of $10,000,000 per claim are delivered to Agent (for application by Agent as specified in the first sentence of this clause (a)(1 )).  If an Event of Default exists, only Agent shall be authorized to settle, adjust and compromise claims in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate related to the ABL Collateral.

 

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(b)                                  Any proceeds of insurance (other than proceeds from workers’ compensation or D&O insurance) and any awards arising from condemnation of, in each case, any ABL Collateral, or any proceeds or awards that relate to Inventory included in the ABL Collateral, in any such case in excess of $10,000,000 per claim, to the extent received by any Loan Party, shall be paid to Agent (for application by Agent as specified in the first sentence of the foregoing clause (a)(1) ).

 

8.6.3                      Protection of Collateral .  All expenses of protecting, storing, warehousing, insuring, handling, maintaining and shipping any Collateral of a Loan Party Group, all Taxes payable with respect to any Collateral of a Loan Party Group (including any sale thereof), and all other payments required to be made by Agent to any Person to realize upon any Collateral of a Loan Party Group, shall be borne and paid by the Loan Parties of such Loan Party Group.  Agent shall not be liable or responsible in any way for the safekeeping of any Collateral, for any loss or damage thereto (except for reasonable care in its custody while Collateral is in Agent’s actual possession), for any diminution in the value thereof, or for any act or default of any warehouseman, carrier, forwarding agency or other Person whatsoever, but the same shall be at the Loan Parties’ sole risk.

 

8.6.4                      Defense of Title to Collateral .  Each Loan Party shall at all times defend in a manner consistent with past practices its title to any material Collateral and Agent’s Liens therein against all Persons, claims and demands whatsoever, except Permitted Liens.

 

8.7                                Power of Attorney .  Each Loan Party hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Agent (and all Persons designated by Agent) as such Loan Party’s true and lawful attorney (and agent-in-fact), coupled with an interest, for the purposes and during the times provided in this Section.  Agent, or Agent’s designee, may, without notice and in either its or a Loan Party’s name, but at the cost and expense of the Loan Parties within such Loan Party’s Loan Party Group:

 

(a)                                  Endorse a Loan Party’s name on any Payment Item or other proceeds of Collateral (including proceeds of insurance) that come into Agent’s possession or control; and

 

(b)                                  After an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (i) notify any Account Debtors of the assignment of their Accounts, demand and enforce payment of Accounts by legal proceedings or otherwise, and generally exercise any rights and remedies with respect to Accounts; (ii) settle, adjust, modify, compromise, discharge or release any Accounts or other Collateral, or any legal proceedings brought to collect Accounts or Collateral; (iii) sell or assign any Accounts and other Collateral upon such terms, for such amounts and at such times as Agent deems advisable; (iv) collect, liquidate and receive balances in DACA Deposit Accounts or investment accounts, and take control, in any manner, of proceeds of Collateral; (v) prepare, file and sign a Loan Party’s name to a proof of claim or other document in a bankruptcy of an Account Debtor, or to any notice, assignment or satisfaction of Lien or similar document; (vi) receive, open and dispose of mail addressed to a Loan Party, and notify postal authorities to deliver any such mail to an address designated by Agent; (vii) endorse any Chattel Paper, Document, Instrument, bill of lading, or other document or agreement relating to any Accounts, Inventory or other Collateral; (viii) use a Loan Party’s stationery and sign its name to verifications of Accounts and notices to Account Debtors; (ix) use information contained in any

 

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data processing, electronic or information systems relating to Collateral; (x) make and adjust claims under insurance policies; (xi) take any action as may be necessary or appropriate to obtain payment under any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or other instrument constituting Collateral for which a Loan Party is a beneficiary; and (xii) take all other actions as Agent deems appropriate to fulfill any Loan Party’s obligations under the Loan Documents.

 

SECTION 9.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

9.1                                General Representations and Warranties .   To induce Agent and Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to make available the Commitments, Loans and Letters of Credit, each Loan Party hereby jointly and severally with the other Loan Parties represents and warrants that:

 

9.1.1                      Organization and Qualification .  Each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (or equivalent) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, except, other than Holdings or any Borrower, where failure to be so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  Each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries is duly qualified, authorized to do business and in good standing as a foreign or extra provincial, as the case may be, corporation, limited liability company, exempted company or other entity in each jurisdiction, except where failure to be so qualified, authorized or in good standing could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

9.1.2                      Power and Authority .  Each Loan Party is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform the Loan Documents to which it is a party.  The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate (or equivalent) action of such Loan Party, and do not (a) require any consent or approval of any holders of Equity Interests of such Loan Party or any Governmental Authority, in each case, other than those already obtained; (b) contravene the Organization Documents of such Loan Party; (c) violate or cause a default under any material applicable Law binding on such Loan Party or Material Contract of such Loan Party, except, with respect to Material Contracts, which could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; (d) require any registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except (i) such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (ii) filings necessary to perfect Liens created by the Loan Documents and (iii) consents, approvals, registrations, filings, permits or actions the failure to obtain or perform which could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or (e) result in or require the imposition of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any asset or property of any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary.

 

9.1.3                      Enforceability .  Each Loan Document is a legal, valid and binding obligation of each Loan Party party thereto, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in law or in equity.

 

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9.1.4                      Corporate Names; Capital Structure Schedule 9.1.4 shows, for Holdings and each Restricted Subsidiary, its name, its jurisdiction of organization, its issued Equity Interests, the holders of its Equity Interests, in each case, as of April 4, 2014.

 

9.1.5                      Locations .  As of April 4, 2014, the chief executive offices and other places of business of the Loan Parties are shown on Schedule 8.6.1 .

 

9.1.6                      Title to Properties; Priority of Liens .

 

(a)                                  Each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to (or valid leasehold interests in) all of its Real Estate, and good title to, or rights in, all of its personal tangible property, in each case with respect to such Real Estate and personal property which is material to its business, including all property reflected in any financial statements delivered to Agent or the Lenders, in each case free of Liens except Permitted Liens.

 

(b)                                  [ Reserved ].

 

9.1.7                      Accounts and Inventory .  (a) Agent may rely, in determining which Accounts are Eligible Accounts, on all statements and representations made by or on behalf of the Borrowers with respect thereto.  All Accounts included in the calculation of Eligible Accounts in any Borrowing Base Certificate are Eligible Accounts as of the date of such Borrowing Base Certificate.  Borrowers warrant, with respect to each Account at the time it is shown as an Eligible Account in a Borrowing Base Certificate, that:

 

(i)                                      it is genuine and in all respects what it purports to be, and is not evidenced by a judgment;

 

(ii)                                   it arises out of a completed, bona fide sale and delivery of goods or rendition of services in the ordinary course of business, and substantially in accordance with any purchase order, contract or other document relating thereto;

 

(iii)                                it is for a sum certain, maturing as stated in the invoice covering such sale or rendition of services, a copy of which has been furnished or is available to Agent on request;

 

(iv)                               it is not subject to any offset, Lien (other than Permitted Liens), deduction, ongoing defense, dispute or counterclaim, except as arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise disclosed to Agent; and it is absolutely owing by the Account Debtor, without contingency in any respect;

 

(v)                                  no purchase order, agreement, document or applicable Law restricts assignment of the Account to Agent (regardless of whether, under the UCC or the PPSA, the restriction is ineffective), and the applicable Borrower is the sole payee or remittance party shown on the invoice;

 

(vi)                               no extension, compromise, settlement, modification, credit, deduction or return has been authorized with respect to the Account, except (i) discounts or allowances granted in the ordinary course of business for prompt payment that are reflected on the

 

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face of the invoice related thereto and in the reports submitted to Agent hereunder or (ii) other discounts or allowances reflected in the Value of such Account; and

 

(vii)                            to the best of the applicable Borrower’s knowledge, (A) there are no facts or circumstances that are reasonably likely to impair the enforceability or collectability of such Account, (B) the Account Debtor had the capacity to contract when the Account arose, continues to meet the applicable Borrower’s customary credit standards, is Solvent, is not contemplating or subject to an Insolvency Proceeding, and has not failed, or suspended or ceased doing business; and (C) there are no proceedings or actions threatened or pending against any Account Debtor that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Account Debtor’s financial condition.

 

(b)                                  Agent may rely, in determining which Inventory is Eligible Inventory, on all statements and representations made by or on behalf of the Borrowers with respect thereto.  All Inventory included in the calculation of Eligible Inventory in any Borrowing Base Certificate is Eligible Inventory as of the date of such Borrowing Base Certificate.

 

9.1.8                      Financial Statements; Solvency; Material Adverse Effect .

 

(a)                                  The consolidated balance sheets, and related statements of income, cash flow and shareholder’s equity, of Parent and its Subsidiaries that have been and are hereafter delivered to Agent and Lenders, in each case, are and will be prepared in accordance with GAAP, and fairly present the financial positions and results of operations of such Persons at the dates and for the periods indicated, subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of statements prepared other than at year-end.  All projections delivered from time to time to Agent and Lenders by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and Restricted Subsidiaries have been prepared in good faith, based on assumptions believed by Holdings to be reasonable at the time delivered to Agent, in light of the circumstances at such time.

 

(b)                                  Since December 31, 2015, there has been no change in the condition, financial or otherwise, of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)                                   No financial statement delivered to Agent or Lenders by or on behalf of any of the Loan Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries at any time contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading as of the time when made or delivered.

 

(d)                                  After giving effect to the Transactions, on the Third Restatement Date, the Canadian  Borrower and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries and the U.S. Borrower and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case taken as a whole, are Solvent.

 

9.1.9                      Taxes .  Except to the extent it could reasonably be expected to not have a Material Adverse Effect, Holdings and each Restricted Subsidiary has timely filed all federal and state income tax returns, and all local and provincial income tax returns and other reports that it is required by law to file, and has timely paid, or made provision for the payment of, all federal

 

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and state Taxes upon it and all local and provincial and other Taxes upon it, and its income and its Properties that are due and payable, except to the extent being Properly Contested.

 

9.1.10               [Intentionally Omitted]

 

9.1.11               Intellectual Property .  Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries owns or has the lawful right to use all Intellectual Property used, held for use or otherwise necessary in the conduct of its business, without conflict with any rights of others.  No Intellectual Property owned or used by a Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary that is material to the operations or business of any Loan Party has been adjudged invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction or applicable intellectual property registry or been cancelled, in whole or in part, except where such judgment, decree, ruling or cancellation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  There is no pending or, to any Loan Party’s knowledge, threatened Intellectual Property Claim with respect to any Loan Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any of their property (including any Intellectual Property), and the operation of the businesses of each Loan Party and Restricted Subsidiary does not infringe upon, misappropriate, dilute or otherwise violate the proprietary rights of any third party, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  All material U.S. Intellectual Property owned, used, held for use or licensed by, or otherwise subject to any interests of, any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary on the Third Restatement Date is shown on Schedule 9.1.11 .

 

9.1.12               Governmental Approvals .  Each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries has, is in compliance with, and is in good standing with respect to, all Governmental Approvals necessary to conduct its business and to own, lease and operate its Properties, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  All necessary import, export or other licenses, permits or certificates for the import or handling of any goods or other Collateral have been procured and are in effect, and the Loan Parties and Restricted Subsidiaries have complied with all foreign and domestic laws with respect to the shipment and importation of any goods or Collateral, except where such noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

9.1.13               Compliance with Laws .  Each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries has duly complied, and its properties and business operations are in compliance, in each case in all respects, with all applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws and with respect to Environmental Permits), except where noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  There have been no citations, notices or orders relating to noncompliance issued to any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary under any applicable Law, except where such noncompliance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Inventory has been produced in violation of the FLSA, except where such violation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

9.1.14               Compliance with Environmental Laws .  Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.14 or would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) no Loan Party’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s present or, to its knowledge, former operations, Real Estate or other properties are subject to any federal, state, provincial, territorial or local investigation to determine whether any remedial action is required under Environmental Law to address any

 

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environmental pollution, Hazardous Material or environmental clean-up, (ii) no Hazardous Materials are present and there has been no Release or threat of Release of Hazardous Materials at any current facility, or to the knowledge of any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary, at any former facility, in a manner or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in Environmental Liability, (iii) no Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary has received any Environmental Claim and (iv) no Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary knows of any facts, conditions or circumstances which would reasonably be expected to give rise to any Environmental Liability.

 

9.1.15               Burdensome Contracts .  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is a party or subject to any contract, agreement or charter restriction that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is party or subject to any Restrictive Agreement other than, (v) the Loan Documents, (w) the Permitted Secured Debt Documents, (x) customary non-assignment provisions with respect to leases or licensing agreements entered into by the Loan Parties or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (y) any restriction or encumbrance with respect to any asset of the Loan Parties or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries imposed pursuant to an agreement which has been entered into for the sale or disposition of such assets otherwise permitted under this Agreement, (z) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, (aa) customary restrictions in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing, if any, (bb) Restrictive Agreements relating to Incremental Equivalent Debt otherwise permitted hereunder, (cc) agreements to which a Foreign Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party is party to the extent that the restrictions or conditions therein are imposed only on such Foreign Subsidiary and other Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties and (dd) Restrictive Agreements relating to Refinancing Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder.  No Restrictive Agreement prohibits the execution, delivery or performance of any Loan Document by a Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary.

 

9.1.16               Litigation .  Except as shown on Schedule 9.1.16 , there are no proceedings or investigations pending or, to any Loan Party’s knowledge, threatened against any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary, or any of their businesses, operations, properties or conditions, that (a) relate to any Loan Document or the Transactions; or (b) have resulted in or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Except as shown on Schedule 9.1.16 , no Loan Party has a commercial tort claim (other than commercial tort claims for less than $10,000,000).  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is in default with respect to any order, injunction or judgment of any Governmental Authority that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

9.1.17               No Defaults .  No event or circumstance has occurred or exists that constitutes a Default or Event of Default.  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is in default, and no event or circumstance has occurred or exists that with the passage of time or giving of notice would constitute a default by any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary, under any Material Contract that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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9.1.18               ERISA .

 

(a)                                  Except as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Pension Plan is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other federal or state Laws.

 

(b)                                  There are no pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Pension Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)                                   (i) No ERISA Event has occurred and no Loan Party is aware of any fact, event or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to constitute or result in an ERISA Event with respect to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (ii) no Pension Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability as of the Pension Plan’s most recent valuation date; (iii) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Section 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; (iv) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA, except with respect to each of the foregoing clauses of this Section 9.1.18(c) , as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(d)                                  With respect to each scheme or arrangement related to retirement or pension obligations mandated by a government other than the United States or Canada (a “ Foreign Government Scheme or Arrangement ”) and with respect to each retirement or pension plan maintained or contributed to by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is not subject to United States or Canadian law (a “ Foreign Plan ”):

 

(i)                                      any employer and employee contributions required by law or by the terms of any Foreign Government Scheme or Arrangement or any Foreign Plan have been made, or, if applicable, accrued, in accordance with normal accounting practices, except for any failure that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(ii)                                   the fair market value of the assets of each funded Foreign Plan, the liability of each insurer for any Foreign Plan funded through insurance or the book reserve established for any Foreign Plan, together with any accrued contributions, is sufficient to procure or provide for the accrued benefit obligations, as of the Third Restatement Date, with respect to all current and former participants in such Foreign Plan according to the actuarial assumptions and valuations most recently used to account for such obligations in accordance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles except for any underfunding that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

(iii)                                each Foreign Plan required to be registered has been registered and has been maintained in compliance with its terms and with the requirements of any and all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations and orders and has been maintained, where required, in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(e)                                   Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect in the case of clauses (i), (ii) or (v), (i) the Canadian Domiciled Loan Parties are in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of the PBA with respect to each Canadian Pension Plan and in compliance with any FSCO order directed specifically at a Canadian Pension Plan; (ii) except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.18(e) , no Canadian Pension Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability as of January 1, 2014 with respect to the Retirement Benefit Agreement between Cooper-Standard Automotive Canada Limited and the National Automobile, Aerospace, Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada (C.A.W.) Local 876 and as of January 1, 2014 with respect to the Pension Plan for Salaried Employees of Cooper-Standard Automotive Canada Limited; (iii) no fact or situation that may reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect exists in connection with any Canadian Pension Plan; (iv) no Termination Event has occurred, except where prior written notice of such Termination Event has been given to Agent in accordance with Section 10.2.16 ; (v) all contributions required to be made by any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party or Subsidiary to any Canadian Pension Plan have been made in a timely fashion in accordance with the terms of such Canadian Pension Plan and the PBA; (vi) no Lien has arisen, choate or inchoate, in respect of any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party or their property in connection with any Canadian Pension Plan (save for contribution amounts not yet due), other than Permitted Liens and (vii) as of the Third Restatement Date the FSCO or the Superintendent has not issued any notices of wind up in respect of any Canadian Pension Plan.

 

9.1.19               Trade Relations .  There exists no actual or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened termination, limitation or modification of any business relationship between any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary, on the one hand, and any customer or supplier, or any group of customers or suppliers, on the other hand, which individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  There exists no condition or circumstance that has materially impaired or could reasonably be expected to materially impair the ability of any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary to conduct its business at any time hereafter in substantially the same manner as conducted on the Third Restatement Date.

 

9.1.20               Labor Relations .  Except as described on Schedule 9.1.20 , on April 4, 2014 no Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, management agreement, consulting agreement or Multiemployer Plan.  Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, there are no material grievances, unfair labor practices complaints or other disputes with any union or other organization of any Loan Party’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s employees or consultants, or, to any Loan Party’s knowledge, any asserted or to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened strikes, walkouts or work stoppages.

 

9.1.21               Payable Practices .  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary has made any material change in its historical accounts payable practices from those in effect on the Third Restatement Date.

 

9.1.22               Not a Regulated Entity .  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is (a) an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940; or (b) subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act, any public utilities code or any other applicable Law regarding its authority to incur Indebtedness.

 

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9.1.23               Margin Stock .  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is engaged, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB).  No Loan proceeds or Letters of Credit will be used to purchase or carry, or to reduce or refinance any Indebtedness incurred to purchase or carry, any margin stock or for any related purpose governed by Regulations T, U or X of the FRB.

 

9.1.24               Perfection, Etc .

 

(a)                                  The Pledge and Security Agreement and the Canadian Security Agreements are effective to create in favor of Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable Liens on, and security interest in, the Pledge and Security Agreement Collateral and Collateral, as applicable, and, (i) when financing statements and other filings in appropriate form are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 9.1.24 , and (ii) upon the taking of possession or control by Agent of the Pledge and Security Agreement Collateral and Collateral, as applicable, with respect to which a security interest may be perfected only by possession or control (which possession or control shall be given to Agent to the extent possession or control by Agent is required by the Pledge and Security Agreement or the Canadian Security Agreements), the Liens created by the Pledge and Security Agreement and the Canadian Security Agreements shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the grantors in the Pledge and Security Agreement Collateral and the Collateral to the extent perfection is required in accordance with the terms of the Pledge and Security Agreement or the Canadian Security Agreement (other than such Pledge and Security Agreement Collateral or Collateral in which a security interest cannot be perfected under the UCC or the PPSA as in effect at the relevant time in the relevant jurisdiction by the filing of a financing statement or possession or control by the secured party), in each case subject to (i) no Liens other than Liens permitted under the Loan Documents and (ii) the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(b)                                  The Liens created by each Intellectual Property Security Agreement constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in such of the Intellectual Property as consists of Patents and Trademarks (each as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or Copyrights (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Copyright Office, as the case may be, in each case to the extent perfection is required in accordance with the terms of the Pledge and Security Agreement and in each case subject to no Liens other than Liens permitted under the Loan Documents.

 

(c)                                   [Reserved].

 

(d)                                  Each Security Document delivered pursuant to S ection 10.1.11 creates, when delivered in favor of Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable Liens on, and security interests in, all of the Loan Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Collateral described thereunder, and such Security Document constitutes fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in such Collateral (to the extent intended to be created thereby and required to be perfected under the Loan

 

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Documents), in each case subject to no Liens other than the Liens permitted under the Loan Documents.

 

9.1.25               OFAC; Sanctions .  No Borrower or Subsidiary, nor to the knowledge of any Borrower or Subsidiary, any director, officer, employee, agent, affiliate or representative thereof, is an individual or entity currently the subject of any Sanctions.  No Borrower or Subsidiary is located, organized or resident in a Designated Jurisdiction.  No part of the proceeds of any Loan shall, nor shall any Letter of Credit, in any case, be used directly or indirectly in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Laws or Sanctions.

 

9.1.26               EEA Financial Institution .  No Loan Party is an EEA Financial Institution.

 

9.1.27               Anti-Corruption Laws .  No Borrower or Subsidiary, nor to the knowledge of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, any director, officer, employee, agent, controlled affiliate or representative thereof has (i) used any corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) made any direct or indirect unlawful payment to any foreign or domestic government official or employee from corporate funds; (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977; (iv) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom; or (v) made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment. Each Borrower and its Subsidiaries have instituted, maintain and enforce, and will continue to maintain and enforce, policies and procedures designed to promote and ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.

 

9.2                                Complete Disclosure .   None of the representations or warranties made by any Loan Party in the Loan Documents as of the date such representations and warranties are made or deemed made, and none of the statements contained in each exhibit, report, statement or certificate furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with the Loan Documents, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, taken as a whole, not materially misleading in any material respect as of the time when made or delivered.  There is no fact or circumstance that any Loan Party has failed to disclose to Agent in writing that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 10.   COVENANTS AND CONTINUING AGREEMENTS

 

10.1                         Affirmative Covenants .   As long as any Commitments or Obligations (other than indemnity obligations that are not currently due and payable) are outstanding, each Loan Party, jointly and severally with the other Loan Parties, agrees that it shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to:

 

10.1.1               Financial and Other Information .  Keep adequate records and books of account with respect to its business activities, in which proper entries are made in accordance with GAAP reflecting all financial transactions; and to furnish to Agent (on behalf of the Lenders):

 

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(a)                                  as soon as available, but in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of Holdings, a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, in each case with all consolidating information regarding Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries required to reflect the adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of any Unrestricted Subsidiaries from such consolidated financial statements, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of Ernst & Young LLP or any other independent certified public accountant of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification, exception or explanatory paragraph or any qualification, exception or explanatory paragraph as to the scope of such audit;

 

(b)                                  for each month ending during any Financial Covenant Trigger Period or on the date of occurrence of the trigger for any Financial Covenant Trigger Period, as soon as available, and in any event within thirty (30) days after the end of any such month and within five (5) days after the occurrence of the trigger for any Financial Covenant Trigger Period, unaudited balance sheets as of the end of such month and the related statements of income for such month and for the portion of the fiscal year then elapsed, on a consolidated basis (for Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries), in an internal management reporting format, consistent with past practices, setting forth in comparative form corresponding figures for the preceding fiscal year and certified by a Responsible Officer of Loan Party Agent as being prepared in accordance with GAAP and fairly presenting the financial position and results of operations for such month and period, subject to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

(c)                                   as soon as available, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of Holdings, a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the fiscal year then ended, in each case with all consolidating information regarding Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries required to reflect the adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of any Unrestricted Subsidiaries from such consolidated financial statements, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer of Holdings as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

(d)                                  concurrently with delivery of financial statements under clauses (a)  and (c)  above (or concurrently with delivery of financial statements under clause (b)  above during a Financial Covenant Trigger Period), and more frequently if requested by Agent while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a Compliance Certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of Holdings;

 

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(e)                                   not later than the earlier of seventy-five (75) days after the end of each fiscal year of Holdings or thirty (30) days after the approval of the Board of Directors thereof, concurrently with delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above, reasonably detailed forecasts prepared by management of Holdings (including projected consolidated balance sheets, income statements, and EBITDA, cash flow statements and Availability of the Borrowers and their Restricted Subsidiaries) on a quarterly basis for the fiscal year following such fiscal year then ended;

 

(f)                                    at Agent’s request (but in no event more frequently than once each calendar quarter, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), a listing of each Loan Party’s trade payables, specifying the trade creditor and balance due, and a detailed trade payable aging, all in form reasonably satisfactory to Agent;

 

(g)                                   promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of any final proxy statements, financial statements or reports that Holdings has generally made publicly available to its shareholders; copies of any regular, periodic and special reports (including reports on Form 8-K and 10-Q) or registration statements (other than registration statements on Form S-8) or prospectuses that any Loan Party files with the SEC; and copies of any press releases or other statements made available by a Loan Party to the public concerning material changes to or developments in the business of such Loan Party;

 

(h)                                  at Agent’s request, after the filing thereof, copies of any annual information report or return (including all actuarial reports and other schedules and attachments thereto), required to be filed with a Governmental Authority, or the filing of any request for funding relief with the Superintendent in connection with each Pension Plan or any Canadian Pension Plan; promptly upon receipt, copies of any notice, demand, inquiry or subpoena received in connection with any Plan or Canadian Pension Plan from a Governmental Authority (including FSCO and the Superintendent) (other than routine inquiries in the course of application for a favorable IRS determination letter); at Agent’s request, copies of any annual return required to be filed with a Governmental Authority in connection with any other Plan or Canadian Pension Plan;

 

(i)                                      promptly, after receipt thereof by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any material investigation or other material inquiry by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof;

 

(j)                                     (i) promptly upon becoming aware of the occurrence of any ERISA Event (or Foreign Plan Event) that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events (or Foreign Plan Events) that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries in an amount that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, a written notice specifying the nature thereof, what action Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has taken, are taking or propose to take with respect thereto and, when known, any action taken or threatened by the IRS, the Department of Labor, the PBGC or any other Governmental Authority or Multiemployer Plan sponsor with respect thereto; and (ii) with reasonable promptness, upon request by Agent, copies of (1) each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series) filed by Borrower or any of its Restricted

 

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Subsidiaries with the IRS with respect to each Pension Plan; (2) the most recent actuarial valuation report for each Pension Plan that is sponsored or contributed to by Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries; (3) all notices received by Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor or any Governmental Authority concerning an ERISA Event or Foreign Plan Event; and (4) such other documents or governmental reports or filings relating to any Person Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Foreign Plan as Agent shall reasonably request ;

 

(k)                                  together with the delivery of each Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 10.1.1(d) , a report supplementing Schedules 9.1.4 , 9.1.6(b)  and 9.1.11 ;

 

(l)                                      as soon as practicable and in any event by the last day of each fiscal year, a report in form reasonably satisfactory to Agent outlining all material insurance coverage maintained as of the date of such report by Holdings and its Subsidiaries and all material insurance coverage planned to be maintained by Holdings and its Subsidiaries in the immediately succeeding fiscal year;

 

(m)                              such other reports and information (financial or otherwise) as Agent may reasonably request from time to time in connection with any Collateral or any Loan Party’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s financial condition or business; and

 

(n)                                  upon receipt or delivery thereof by or to Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, any notice of “Default” or “Event of Default” (under and as defined in the Permitted Secured Debt Documents or the Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt Documents) and, without duplication of any report required to be provided hereunder, each material report required to be provided pursuant to the Permitted Secured Debt Documents or the Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt Documents and, upon execution thereof, any waiver, amendment or other modification to the Permitted Secured Debt Documents or the Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt Documents.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) in the event that Holdings delivers to Agent an Annual Report for Holdings on Form 10-K for such fiscal year, as filed with the SEC, within 90 days after the end of such fiscal year, such Form 10-K shall satisfy all requirements of paragraph (a) of this Section 10.1.1 to the extent that it contains the information required by such paragraph (a) and does not contain any “going concern” or like qualification, exception or explanatory paragraph or qualification or any exception or explanatory paragraph as to the scope of such audit and (ii) in the event that Holdings delivers to Agent a Quarterly Report for Holdings on Form 10-Q for such fiscal quarter, as filed with the SEC, within 45 days after the end of such fiscal quarter, such Form 10-Q shall satisfy all requirements of paragraph (b) of this Section 10.1.1 to the extent that it contains the information required by such paragraph (b); in each case to the extent that information contained in such 10-K or 10-Q satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 10.1.1, as the case may be.

 

So long as (i) Holdings is a registrant for purposes of U.S. federal securities laws or (ii) Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has Indebtedness outstanding (other than the Facilities) with respect to which it must prepare financial statements in accordance with Regulation S-X, in each case with respect to any fiscal period covered by or included in any financial statements delivered by Holdings pursuant to Section 10.1.1(a)  or (b) , such financial statements delivered

 

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by Holdings pursuant to Section 10.1.1(a)  or (b) shall be in such form as shall meet the requirements of Regulation S-X, and all other accounting rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, required of a registrant.

 

Holdings will be permitted to satisfy its obligations with respect to financial information relating to Holdings described in clauses (a)  and (b)  above by furnishing financial information relating to any Parent Entity; provided that the same is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to any Parent Entity and any of its Subsidiaries other than Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the information relating to Holdings, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the other Restricted Subsidiaries of Holdings on a standalone basis, on the other hand.

 

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to this Section 10.1.1 may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which Holdings posts such documents, or provides a link thereto to any Parent Entity’s website on the internet at the website address “cooperstandard.com”; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on Holdings’ behalf on an internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by Agent); provided that: (i) upon written request by Agent, Holdings shall deliver paper copies of such documents to Agent for further distribution to each Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by Agent or such Lender and (ii) Holdings shall notify (which may be facsimile or electronic mail) Agent of the posting of any such documents and provide to Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents.  Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain or deliver to Lenders paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by Holdings with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery and maintaining its copies of such documents.

 

Holdings hereby acknowledges that (a) Agent will make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of Holdings hereunder (collectively, “ Borrower Materials ”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “ Platform ”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a “ Public Lender ”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Parent or its Subsidiaries, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities.  Holdings hereby agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to identify that portion of the Borrower Materials that may be distributed to the Public Lenders and that (w) all such Borrower Materials shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” Holdings shall be deemed to have authorized Agent, the Arranger, and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to Holdings or its securities for purposes of United States federal and state securities laws ( provided , however , that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 14.12 ); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Side Information;” and (z) Agent and the

 

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Lead Arrangers shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Side Information.”

 

10.1.2               Notices .  Notify Agent in writing, promptly after a Responsible Officer of the Loan Party’s obtaining knowledge thereof, of any of the following that affects any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary:

 

(a)                                  any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(b)                                  the existence of any Default or Event of Default;

 

(c)                                   the discharge of or any withdrawal or resignation by any of the Loan Parties’ independent accountants and any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices;

 

(d)                                  any (i) material breach by a plan sponsor of the terms of a Canadian Pension Plan, or (ii) action or inaction of a plan sponsor or administrator, in each case, provided that it could reasonably be expected to result in a Termination Event.

 

(e)                                   any Casualty Event that affects, in aggregate, Collateral with a book value in excess of the Dollar Equivalent of $6,000,000;

 

(f)                                    without duplication of any notice required to be provided hereunder, each material notice required to be provided pursuant to the Permitted Secured Debt Documents or the Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt Documents;

 

(g)                                   promptly upon any Loan Party obtaining knowledge of (i) the institution of any Adverse Proceeding not previously disclosed in writing by Holdings to Agent, or (ii) any material development in any Adverse Proceeding that, in the case of clause (i) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or seeks to enjoin or otherwise prevent the consummation of the Transactions, written notice thereof together with such other information as may be reasonably available to Holdings to enable Agent and its counsel to evaluate such matters;

 

(h)                                  any rent disputes involving a Loan Party with respect to a location where any material Collateral is located.

 

Each notice pursuant to this Section 10.1.2 shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of Holdings setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action Holdings has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.  Each notice pursuant to Section 10.1.2(b)  shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.

 

10.1.3               Landlord and Storage Agreements .  Upon Agent’s commercially reasonable request, provide Agent with copies of all existing agreements, and promptly after execution thereof provide Agent with copies of all future agreements, in each case, between a

 

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Loan Party and/or a Restricted Subsidiary and any landlord, warehouseman, processor, shipper, bailee or other Person that owns any premises at which any material Collateral may be kept or that otherwise may possess or handle any material Collateral.

 

10.1.4               Compliance with Laws .  Comply with all applicable Laws, including ERISA (and analogous foreign legislation), Environmental Laws, FLSA, OSHA, Anti-Terrorism Laws and laws regarding collection and payment of Taxes, and maintain all Governmental Approvals necessary to the ownership of its Properties or conduct of its business, unless such failure to so comply (other than failure to comply with Anti-Terrorism Laws) or to so maintain would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if any environmental Release of Hazardous Materials occurs at, on, under or from any Real Estate of any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, it shall, to the extent required of it by Environmental Law, reasonably conduct investigation and remediation of such Release.

 

10.1.5               Taxes .  Pay and discharge all Taxes prior to the date on which they become delinquent or penalties attach, unless such Taxes are being Properly Contested or where the failure to pay could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

10.1.6               Preservation of Existence, Etc .  (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 10.2.7 , (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all material rights, privileges (including its good standing), permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, and (c) maintain all of its material Intellectual Property, except, in each case (other than the Loan Parties with respect to clause (a) ), as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

10.1.7               Maintenance of Properties .  Maintain, preserve and protect all of its assets or property necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and casualty or condemnation excepted, and make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacement thereof, in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

10.1.8               Insurance .

 

(a)                                  Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance with respect to its property and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in similar businesses (including business interruption insurance in amount customarily maintained by similarly situated companies engaged in the same or similar business in the same or similar locations), in each case in such amounts (giving effect to self-insurance), with such deductibles, covering such risks and otherwise on such terms and conditions as shall be customary for such Persons.  Each such policy of insurance (other than worker’s compensation, directors and officers liability or other insurance where endorsements, such Insurance Assignments or additions are not customarily available) shall (i) name Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties as a lender’s loss payee thereunder as its interests may appear and (ii) in the case of each casualty insurance policy, contain a loss payable clause or endorsement, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Agent, that names Agent, on behalf of the

 

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Secured Parties, as the first loss payee/mortgagee thereunder and provides for at least thirty days’ prior written notice to Agent of any modification or cancellation of such policy, in each case, to the extent acceptable to the insurer.

 

(b)                                  [Reserved].

 

10.1.9               Inspections; Appraisals .

 

(a)                                  Permit Agent from time to time, subject to reasonable notice and during normal business hours (except when an Event of Default exists), to visit and inspect the Properties of any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary in the United States and Canada, including, without limitation, inspect, audit and make extracts from any Loan Party’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s books and records, and discuss with its officers, employees, agents, advisors and independent accountants such Loan Party’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s business, financial condition, assets, prospects and results of operations.  Neither Agent nor any Lender shall have any duty to any Loan Party to make any inspection, nor to share any results of any inspection, appraisal or report with any Loan Party (provided that, except when an Event of Default exists, a representative of Loan Party Agent is given the opportunity to be present during any discussion with any such agent, adviser or independent accountant).  The Loan Parties acknowledge that all inspections, appraisals and reports are prepared by Agent and Lenders for their purposes, and the Loan Parties shall not be entitled to rely upon them.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, appraisals of the Loan Parties’ Inventory shall not be required unless and until the Total Revolver Exposure (excluding the stated amount of Letters of Credit that have been issued but are undrawn) exceeds $75,000,000, in which case the Loan Party Agent shall provide to Agent at Agent’s request updated appraisals of the Loan Parties’ Inventory (a) within 45 days of such request and (b) thereafter, one time per Loan Year so long as, but only to the extent that, the Total Revolver Exposure (excluding the stated amount of Letters of Credit that have been issued but are undrawn) exceeds $75,000,000 at the time that Agent requests such appraisal, to increase to two (2) times per Loan Year (x) commencing on the day that an Event of Default occurs, or Average Period Availability (for a one-day period) is less than the greater of (i) $35,000,000 and (ii) 17.5% of the Borrowing Base at such time; and (y) continuing until, during the preceding thirty (30) consecutive days, no Event of Default has existed and Average Period Availability has been greater than the greater of (i) $35,000,000 and (ii) 17.5% of the Borrowing Base at such time.

 

(b)                                  Reimburse Agent in accordance with Section 3.4 for all charges, costs and expenses of Agent in connection with (i) examinations of any Loan Party’s books and records or any other financial or Collateral matters as Agent deems appropriate, up to one (1) time (or, during any Audit Trigger Period, two (2) times) per Loan Year; and (ii) subject to clause (a)  above, appraisals of Inventory up to two (2) times per Loan Year; provided , however , that if an examination or appraisal is initiated during an Event of Default, all charges, costs and expenses therefor shall be reimbursed by the Loan Parties without regard to such limits.  Subject to and without limiting the foregoing, the Loan Parties specifically agree to pay Agent’s then standard charges for each day that an employee of Agent or its Affiliates is engaged in any examination activities, and shall pay the standard charges of Agent’s internal appraisal group.  Subject to the restrictions set forth in clause (a)  above and this clause (b) , Agent agrees, for the benefit of the Lenders, to commence examinations as referenced in this Section 10.1.9 on at least an annual

 

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basis.  In addition to the foregoing, during an Event of Default, at its discretion, Agent shall be permitted to request appraisals of Fixed Asset Collateral up to one (1) time per Loan Year.

 

10.1.10                                Use of Proceeds .  Use the proceeds of any Loans for working capital and general corporate purposes of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, including acquisitions and investments and payment of fees and expenses in connection therewith.

 

10.1.11                                Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security .

 

(a)                                  Upon the formation or acquisition of any new U.S. Subsidiary or Canadian Subsidiary of Holdings ( provided, that each of (i) any redesignation resulting in an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) any Excluded Subsidiary ceasing to be an Excluded Subsidiary but remaining a Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to constitute the acquisition of a Restricted Subsidiary for all purposes of this Section 10.1.11 ), or upon the acquisition of any personal property, including Intellectual Property (other than “Excluded Property” as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement) by any U.S. Subsidiary or Canadian Subsidiary, then Holdings shall, in each case at Holdings’ expense:

 

(i)                                      in connection with (x) the formation or acquisition of a U.S. Subsidiary, within ninety (90) days after such formation or acquisition or such longer period as Agent may agree, (A) cause each such Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary to duly execute and deliver to Agent a guaranty or guaranty supplement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, guaranteeing U.S./European Facility Obligations, and (B) (if not already so delivered) deliver certificates representing the Pledged Equity Interests of each such Subsidiary (other than any Unrestricted Subsidiary) accompanied by undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank and instruments evidencing the Pledged Debt of such Subsidiary indorsed in blank to Agent, together with, if requested by Agent, Pledge Supplements or other pledge or security agreements with respect to the pledge of any Equity Interests or Indebtedness; provided , that only 65% of voting Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC (or any U.S. Subsidiary described in clause (i) of the definition of Excluded Subsidiary) held by a Loan Party shall be required to be pledged as Collateral for the U.S./European Facility Obligations and no such restriction shall apply to non-voting Equity Interests of such Subsidiaries; provided , further , that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no assets owned by any Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC (including stock owned by such Foreign Subsidiary in a U.S. Subsidiary) or any Subsidiary described in clause (i) of the definition of Excluded Subsidiary shall be required to be pledged as Collateral for the U.S./European Facility Obligations, and (y) the formation or acquisition of a Canadian Subsidiary, within ninety (90) days after such formation or acquisition or such longer period as Agent may agree, cause such Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary to duly execute and deliver to Agent a guaranty supplement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, guaranteeing the Canadian Facility Obligations,

 

(ii)                                   (x) within ninety (90) days after such formation or acquisition of a U.S. Subsidiary (or such longer period, as Agent may agree), furnish to Agent a description of the real and personal properties of the U.S. Subsidiaries (other than Excluded

 

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Subsidiaries) in detail reasonably satisfactory to Agent; provided that any such information provided pursuant to this clause (ii)(x) shall consist solely of information of the type that would be set forth on Schedules 8.6.1 , 9.1.4 , 9.1.6(b)  and 9.1.11 , and (y) within ninety (90) days after such formation or acquisition of a Canadian Subsidiary (or such longer period, as Agent may agree), furnish to Agent a description of the personal properties of the Canadian Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) in detail reasonably satisfactory to Agent;

 

(iii)                                (x) within ninety (90) days after such formation or acquisition of a U.S. Subsidiary, or such longer period, as Agent may agree, duly execute and deliver, and cause each such U.S. Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary to duly execute and deliver, to Agent Pledge Supplements, security agreement supplements and other security agreements, as specified by and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent (consistent with the Pledge and Security Agreement and Intellectual Property Security Agreement (and Section 10.1.11 )), securing payment of all the U.S./European Facility Obligations and constituting Liens on all such properties, and (y) within ninety (90) days after such formation or acquisition of a Canadian Subsidiary, or such longer period, as Agent may agree in its sole discretion, duly execute and deliver, and cause each such Canadian Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary to (aa) duly execute and deliver, to Agent security agreements (including Canadian Security Agreements), as specified by and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, securing payment of all the Canadian Facility Obligations, (bb) take whatever action may be necessary or advisable (including the filing of PPSA financing statements) in the reasonable opinion of the Agent to vest in Agent (or in any representative of Agent designated by it) valid, subsisting and perfected Liens on the properties purported to be subject to the Canadian Security Agreements and other security agreements delivered pursuant to this Section 10.1.11 , in each case, to the extent required under the Loan Documents and enforceable against all third parties in accordance with their terms,

 

(iv)                               within ninety (90) days after such formation or acquisition of a U.S. Subsidiary, or such longer period, as Agent may agree in its sole discretion, take, and cause such Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary to take, whatever action (including, without limitation, the filing of UCC financing statements, the giving of notices and delivery of stock and membership interest certificates) may be necessary or advisable in the reasonable opinion of Agent to vest in Agent (or in any representative of Agent designated by it) valid and subsisting Liens on the properties purported to be subject to the Pledge Supplements and security agreements delivered pursuant to this Section 10.1.11 , in each case, to the extent required under the Loan Documents and subject to the perfection exceptions (as provided in the Pledge and Security Agreement), enforceable against all third parties in accordance with their terms,

 

(v)                                  within thirty (30) days after the request of Agent, or such longer period as such Agent may agree, deliver to such Agent, a signed copy of one or more opinions, addressed to such Agent and the other Secured Parties, of counsel for the Loan Parties reasonably acceptable to such Agent as to such matters as Agent may reasonably request,

 

(vi)                               [Reserved], and

 

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(vii)                            at any time and from time to time, promptly execute and deliver any and all further instruments and documents and take all such other action as Agent in its reasonable judgment may deem necessary in obtaining the full benefits of, or in perfecting and preserving the Liens of, such guaranties, Pledge Supplements and security agreements.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) Agent shall not take a security interest in those assets as to which Agent shall determine, in its reasonable discretion, that the cost of obtaining such Lien (including any mortgage, stamp, intangibles or other tax) are excessive in relation to the benefit to the applicable Lenders of the security afforded thereby, (ii) neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to take any actions in order to perfect the security interests granted to Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties under the law of any jurisdiction outside the United States or Canada or with respect to any real property, and (iii) any security interest or Lien on the assets of any U.S. Domiciled Loan Party, and any obligation of any U.S. Domiciled Loan Party, shall be subject to the relevant requirements of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

10.1.12        Licenses .  Keep each material License necessary to make, use or sell any Collateral (including the manufacture, distribution or disposition of Inventory) in full force and effect (other than any forfeiture, abandonment or dedication to the public taken in the ordinary course of business).

 

10.1.13        Post-Closing Matters .  Holdings shall, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, satisfy the requirements set forth on Schedule 10.1.13 on or before the date thereon specified for such requirement, in each case as such date may be extended by Agent in its sole discretion, so long as Holdings is working diligently in good faith to complete, or cause its Restricted Subsidiaries to complete, the applicable requirement as determined by Agent in its sole discretion.

 

10.2                         Negative Covenants . As long as any Commitments or Obligations (other than indemnity obligations that are not currently due and payable) are outstanding, each Covenant Party jointly and severally with the other Covenant Parties hereby agrees not to, or to permit any Restricted  Subsidiary to, and solely with respect to Section 10.2.1, Holdings agrees not to:

 

10.2.1               Permitted Liens .  (a) Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether owned on the Third Restatement Date or thereafter acquired (except Permitted Liens) (each, a “Subject Lien”) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness on any asset or property of Holdings or any Loan Party, unless:

 

(i)                                      in the case of Subject Liens on any Collateral, any Subject Lien if such Subject Lien is a Permitted Lien; and

 

(ii)                                   in the case of any other asset or property any Subject Lien if (i) the applicable Obligations are equally and ratably secured with (or on a senior basis to, in the case such Subject Lien secures any Junior Indebtedness) the obligations secured by such Subject Lien or (ii) such Subject Lien is a Permitted Lien.

 

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(b)                                  Any Lien created for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to the preceding clause (ii)  shall provide by its terms that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally be released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Subject Lien that gave rise to the obligation to so secure the applicable Obligations.

 

10.2.2               Permitted Indebtedness .  (a) Directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) other than Indebtedness in respect of the Obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, or issue any shares of Disqualified Stock and Holdings will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided, however, that Holdings and any Restricted Subsidiary may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock and any Restricted Subsidiary may issue shares of Preferred Stock, in each case if the Term Loan Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred or such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is issued would have at least 2.00 to 1.00 determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been Incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period; provided , further , that the aggregate amount of Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) that may be Incurred and Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock that may be issued pursuant to the foregoing by Restricted Subsidiaries that are U.S. Domiciled Loan Parties shall not exceed the greater of (x) $125,000,000 and (y) 5.0% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of Incurrence, at any one time outstanding.

 

(b)                                  In addition, the following shall be permitted:

 

(i)                                      the Incurrence by Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries (including for the avoidance of doubt, any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary that is a Foreign Subsidiary designated under Section 2.18 of the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof (or any comparable section of any Fixed Asset Facility)) of the Fixed Asset Facility and Guarantees thereof up to an amount not to exceed  the sum of (i) the maximum positive amount of Indebtedness at such time that could be Incurred without causing the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio to exceed 2.25 to 1.00 (in each case, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to (x) any New Term Loans or New Revolving Facility issued pursuant to Section 2.17 of the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility Incurred on or prior to the date of determination as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof, (y) any increased Loans (as defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof) Incurred on or prior to the date of determination, or (z) any Incremental Equivalent Debt Incurred on or prior to the date of determination, and, in each case, the use of the proceeds therefrom, but excluding any amounts Incurred simultaneously pursuant to the immediately following clause (ii)  and, in the case of an increase to a New Revolving Facility, assuming that the amount of such increase is fully drawn), (ii) $400,000,000 and (iii) the aggregate principal amount of all voluntary prepayments after the Third Restatement Date of (a) Term Loans and New Term Loans prior to such date

 

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and (including pursuant to a Dutch Auction pursuant to Section 2.05(c)  of the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof) (b) loans under any New Revolving Facility and loans under this Agreement in each case solely to the extent accompanied by a dollar-for-dollar permanent reduction of New Revolving Commitments or commitments under this Agreement, as applicable, prior to such date, in each case for this clause (iii) other than to the extent any such prepayment is funded from the proceeds of long-term Indebtedness (“ Maximum Incremental Amount ”);

 

(ii)                                   [Reserved].

 

(iii)                                Indebtedness existing on the Third Restatement Date and listed on Schedule 10.2.2 ;

 

(iv)                               Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Capitalized Lease Obligations and mortgage financings as purchase money obligations) Incurred by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, Disqualified Stock issued by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and Preferred Stock issued by any Restricted Subsidiaries of Holdings to finance all or any part of the purchase, lease, construction, installation, replacement, repair or improvement of property (real or personal), plant or equipment or other fixed or capital assets used or useful in the business of Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries or in a Similar Business (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets) in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, including all Indebtedness Incurred and Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness Incurred and Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued pursuant to this clause (iv) , not to exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of (x) $95,000,000 and (y) 3.75% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of Incurrence;

 

(v)                                  Indebtedness Incurred by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guarantees, warehouse receipts or similar facilities entered into, or relating to obligations or liabilities incurred, in the ordinary course of business, including without limitation letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims, performance, completion or surety bonds, health, disability or other employee benefits (whether current or former) or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance, or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims, performance, completion or surety bonds, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance; provided , however , that upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence;

 

(vi)                               Indebtedness arising from agreements of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries related to indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, earn out or similar obligations, in each case, Incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary of Holdings not exceeding the

 

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proceeds of such disposition, other than Guarantees of Indebtedness Incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition;

 

(vii)                            Indebtedness of Holdings to a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (x) such Indebtedness owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a U.S. Domiciled Loan Party, excluding any Indebtedness in respect of accounts payable incurred in connection with goods and services rendered in the ordinary course of business (and not in connection with the borrowing of money), is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations and (y) any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to Holdings or another Restricted Subsidiary or any pledge of such Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien (but not foreclosure thereon)) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an Incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (vii) ;

 

(viii)                         shares of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to Holdings or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any Restricted Subsidiary that holds such shares of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock of another Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to Holdings or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an issuance of shares of Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause (viii) ;

 

(ix)                               Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to Holdings or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (x) if a Guarantor Incurs such Indebtedness to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, excluding any Indebtedness in respect of accounts payable incurred in connection with goods and services rendered in the ordinary course of business (and not in connection with the borrowing of money), such Indebtedness is unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such Guarantor and (y) any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any Restricted Subsidiary lending such Indebtedness ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to Holdings or another Restricted Subsidiary or any pledge of such Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien (but not foreclosure thereon)) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an Incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (ix) ;

 

(x)                                  Hedging Obligations that are Incurred in the ordinary course of business (and not for speculative purposes);

 

(xi)                               obligations (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bank guarantees) in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds, bankers’ acceptance facilities and completion guarantees, customs, VAT or other tax guarantees and similar obligations provided by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(xii)                            (a) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings and Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference up to 100.0% of the net cash proceeds received by Holdings since immediately after April 4, 2014 from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of Holdings or cash contributed to the capital of Holdings or any Parent Entity (to the extent the net cash proceeds are contributed to Holdings) (in each case, other than Excluded Contributions, Contribution Indebtedness or proceeds of Disqualified Stock or proceeds of Designated Preferred Stock or sales of Equity Interests to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries) as determined in accordance with Section 10.2.3(a)(3)(B)  and (C)  to the extent such net cash proceeds or cash have not been applied pursuant to such clauses to make Restricted Payments or to make Investments, payments or exchanges pursuant to Section 10.2.3(b)  or to make Permitted Investments (other than Permitted Investments specified in clauses (1) , (2)  and (3)  of the definition thereof) and (b) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings and Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference that, when aggregated with the principal amount or liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to this clause (xii)(b) , does not exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of (x) $155,000,000 and (y) 6.0% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of any incurrence pursuant to this clause (xii)(b)  (it being understood that any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred pursuant to this clause (xii)(b)  shall cease to be deemed incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (xii)(b)  but shall be deemed incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant from and after the first date on which Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock under Section 10.2.2(a) );

 

(xiii)                         any Guarantee by Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other obligations of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries so long as the Incurrence of such Indebtedness or other obligations by Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted hereunder; provided that if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, any such Guarantee of any of the Guarantor with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Guarantor’s Guarantee of any of the Obligations hereunder substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to such Obligations;

 

(xiv)                        the Incurrence or issuance by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings that serves to Refinance any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred as permitted under Section 10.2.2(a)  and 10.2.2(b)(iii) , (xii)(a) , this clause (xiv) , (xv) , (xviii) , (xx) , and (xxx)  or any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred to so Refinance such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, including any additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred to pay accrued and unpaid interest and dividends and premiums (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees and expenses in connection with such Refinancing (subject to the following proviso, “ Refinancing Indebtedness ”) on or prior to its respective maturity; provided , however , that such Refinancing Indebtedness:

 

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(A)                                has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred that is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being Refinanced;

 

(B)                                has a Stated Maturity which is no earlier than the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

(C)                                to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness Refinances Junior Indebtedness, such Refinancing Indebtedness is Junior Indebtedness and to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness Refinances unsecured Indebtedness, such Refinancing Indebtedness is unsecured Indebtedness; and

 

(D)                                shall not include (x) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Holdings or a Guarantor that Refinances Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings that is not a Guarantor or (y) Indebtedness of Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

 

(xv)                           Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of (i)  Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurred or issued to finance an acquisition or (ii)  Persons that are acquired by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or merged into, amalgamated with or consolidated with Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms hereof (including designating an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary); provided , however , that after giving effect to such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and the Incurrence of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, either:

 

(A)                                Holdings would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Term Loan Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 10.2.2(a) ; or

 

(B)                                the Term Loan Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries is equal to or greater than immediately prior to such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation;

 

(xvi)                        Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business;

 

(xvii)                     Indebtedness of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary supported by a letter of credit or bank guarantee issued pursuant to this Agreement, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit or bank guarantee;

 

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(xviii)                  Contribution Indebtedness;

 

(xix)                        Indebtedness of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of (x) the financing of insurance premiums or (y) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business, not to exceed $5,000,000 at any one time outstanding;

 

(xx)                           Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries of Holdings in an amount not to exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of (x) $95,000,000 and (y) 3.75% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such incurrence;

 

(xxi)                        Indebtedness of a Joint Venture to Holdings or any Guarantor and to the other holders of Equity Interests of such Joint Venture, so long as the percentage of the aggregate amount of such Indebtedness of such Joint Venture owed to such other holders of its Equity Interests does not exceed the percentage of the aggregate outstanding amount of the Equity Interests of such joint venture held by such other holders;

 

(xxii)                     Indebtedness Incurred in a Permitted Receivables Financing;

 

(xxiii)                  Indebtedness owed on a short-term basis to banks and other financial institutions Incurred in the ordinary course of business of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries with such banks or financial institutions that arises in connection with ordinary banking arrangements to manage cash balances of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(xxiv)                 Indebtedness consisting of Indebtedness issued by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary to future, current or former officers, directors, employees, managers, service providers or consultants thereof or any direct or indirect parent thereof, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of Holdings or any Parent Entity to the extent permitted under Section 10.2.3(b)(iv) ;

 

(xxv)                    customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods purchased in the ordinary course of business;

 

(xxvi)                 Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with bankers’ acceptances, discounted bills of exchange or the discounting or factoring of receivables for credit management purposes, in each case incurred or undertaken in the ordinary course of business on arm’s-length commercial terms;

 

(xxvii)              Indebtedness incurred by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that the net proceeds thereof are promptly deposited with a trustee to satisfy and discharge Indebtedness in connection with the indenture therefor;

 

(xxviii)           (i) Guarantees incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of obligations to suppliers, customers, franchisees, lessors and licensees that, in each case, are non-Affiliates and (ii) any Designated Foreign Guaranty:

 

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(xxix)                 the incurrence by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness consisting of Guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by Permitted Joint Ventures; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness Guaranteed pursuant to this clause (xxix)  does not at any one time outstanding exceed the greater of (x) $120,000,000 and (y) 5.0% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of incurrence;

 

(xxx)                    Indebtedness evidenced by the Senior Notes and the guarantees with respect thereto; and

 

(xxxi)                 (a) Indebtedness of any U.S. Domiciled Loan Party or any Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary that is a Foreign Subsidiary designated under Section 2.18 of the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility as such agreement is in effect of the date hereof (or any comparable section of any Fixed Asset Facility) in respect of one or more series of senior unsecured notes, senior secured first lien or junior lien notes, junior lien or unsecured loans that, in each case, if secured, will be secured by the U.S./European Facility Collateral on a pari passu or junior basis with the U.S./European Facility Obligations, that are issued or made in lieu of (A) increases in the Fixed Asset Facility pursuant to Section 2.16 of the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof or (B) a New Term Facility, pursuant to an indenture, note purchase agreement, loan or credit agreement or otherwise (the “ Incremental Equivalent Debt ”); provided that (i) Incremental Equivalent Debt that is secured on a pari passu basis with the U.S./European Facility Obligations may not be in the form of term or revolving loans (but may be in the form of notes), (ii) for the purposes of calculating the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio, any Incremental Equivalent Debt that is unsecured shall be deemed to be Indebtedness secured by a Lien on Collateral on a pari passu basis with the U.S./European Facility Obligations, and (iii) the aggregate principal amount of all Incremental Equivalent Debt issued or incurred pursuant to this Section 10.2.2(b)(xxxi)  shall not, (together with all requests for (A) increases to a Term Loan Facility (as defined in the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof), a New Term Facility and New Revolving Facility pursuant to Section 2.16 of the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof and (B) New Term Facilities or New Revolving Facilities pursuant to Section 2.17 of the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof), exceed the Maximum Incremental Amount; provided , further , (i) subject to Section 2.18 of the  term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall not be subject to any guarantee by any person other than a U.S. Domiciled Loan Party, (ii) subject to Section 2.18 of the  term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility as such agreement is in effect on the date hereof, in the case of Incremental Equivalent Debt that is secured, the obligations in respect thereof shall not be secured by any Lien on any asset of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary other than any asset constituting U.S./European Facility Collateral, (iii) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist immediately after giving effect to such incurrence, (iv) if such Incremental Equivalent Debt is secured, the security agreements relating to such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall be substantially the same as the Security Documents (with such

 

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differences as are reasonably satisfactory to Agent), (v) if such Incremental Equivalent Debt is secured, such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall be subject to a customary intercreditor agreement reasonably acceptable to Agent, and (vi) the documentation with respect to any Incremental Equivalent Debt shall contain no mandatory prepayment, repurchase or redemption provisions prior to the Facility Termination Date at the time of incurrence, issuance or obtainment of such Incremental Equivalent Debt, other than customary prepayments, repurchases or redemptions of or offers to prepay, redeem or repurchase upon a change of control, asset sale event or casualty or condemnation event, customary prepayments, redemptions or repurchases or offers to prepay, redeem or repurchase based on excess cash flow (in the case of loans) and customary acceleration rights upon an event of default , and (b) any Refinancing Indebtedness thereof.

 

(c)                                   For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock permitted under one of the clauses of Section 10.2.2(b)  or is entitled to be Incurred pursuant to Section 10.2.2(a) , Holdings shall, in its sole discretion, at the time of Incurrence, divide, classify or reclassify, or at any later time divide, classify or reclassify, such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this Section 10.2.2 and shall only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or portion thereof) in Section 10.2.2(a)  or one of the clauses or subsections of 10.2.2(b) ; provided that all Indebtedness under this Agreement and the Fixed Asset Facility outstanding on the Third Restatement Date shall be deemed to have been Incurred pursuant to Section 10.2.2(b)(i)  and Holdings shall not be permitted to reclassify all or any portion of such Indebtedness.  Accrual of interest or dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion of the amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the same class, the accretion of liquidation preference and increases in the amount of Indebtedness outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies will not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of this covenant.  Guarantees of, or obligations in respect of letters of credit relating to, Indebtedness that are otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Indebtedness shall not be included in the determination of such amount of Indebtedness, provided that the Incurrence of the Indebtedness represented by such Guarantee or letter of credit, as the case may be, was in compliance with this covenant.  Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clauses (i) , (iv)  and (xii)  of Section 10.2.2(b)  shall be permitted to include additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred to pay accrued but unpaid interest and dividends and premiums (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees and expenses incurred in connection with such Refinancing Indebtedness if such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock, or Preferred Stock in the aggregate does not exceed (i) the principal amount of such Indebtedness being Refinanced plus (ii) the aggregate amount of fees, defeasance costs, underwriting discounts, accrued and unpaid interest, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Refinancing.

 

(d)                                  For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the Dollar Equivalent principal amount of

 

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Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed or first Incurred (whichever yields the lower Dollar Equivalent), in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to Refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such Refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such Refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed (i) the principal amount of such Indebtedness being Refinanced plus (ii) the aggregate amount of fees, defeasance costs, underwriting discounts, accrued and unpaid interest, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Refinancing.

 

10.2.3               Restricted Payments .  (a)(i) Declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution on account of Holdings’ or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests, including any dividend, payment or distribution payable in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Holdings (other than (A) dividends, payments or distributions by Holdings payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of any Intermediate Holding or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase such Equity Interests; or (B) dividends, payments or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary so long as, in the case of any dividend, payment or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary other than a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend, payment or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities);

 

(ii)                                   purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of Holdings or any other Parent Entity, including in connection with any merger or consolidation, in each case held by a Person other than Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(iii)                                make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value in each case, or give any irrevocable notice of redemption, in each case prior to any scheduled repayment or scheduled maturity, any Junior Indebtedness (other than (i) the payment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition or retirement of (A) Junior Indebtedness in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of such payment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition or retirement and (B) Indebtedness permitted under Section 10.2.2(b)(vii)  and (ix)  and (ii) the giving of an irrevocable notice of redemption with respect to the transaction permitted under clause (b)(ii) or (iii ) of this Section 10.2.3 );

 

(iv)                               make any Restricted Investment;

 

(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (a)(i)  through (a)(iv)  above (other than any exception thereto) being collectively referred to as “ Restricted Payments ”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:

 

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(1)                                  no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

 

(2)                                  immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, Holdings could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under Section 10.2.2 ; and

 

(3)                                  such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Third Restatement Date (including Restricted Payments permitted by Section 10.2.3(b)(i)  and (vii) , but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by Section 10.2.3(b) ), is less than the sum of, without duplication,

 

(A)                                the sum of (x) $300,000,000 and (y) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of Holdings for the period (taken as one accounting period) from October 1, 2016 to the end of Holdings’ most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit), plus

 

(B)                                100% of the aggregate net proceeds and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property received by Holdings since immediately after the Third Restatement Date from the issue or sale of:

 

(I)                                    Equity Interests of Holdings, including Treasury Capital Stock (as defined below), but excluding cash proceeds and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property received from the sale of Equity Interests to any future, present or former employees, directors, managers, service providers or consultants of Holdings, its Subsidiaries or any Parent Entity after the Third Restatement Date to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with Section 10.2.3(b)(iv)  and Designated Preferred Stock; and

 

(II)                               any Indebtedness of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of Holdings or a Parent Entity;

 

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provided , however , that this clause (B)  shall not include Excluded Equity, plus

 

(C)                                100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property contributed to the capital of Holdings, or that became part of the capital of Holdings through consolidation or merger, following the Third Restatement Date (other than Excluded Equity), plus

 

(D)                                100% of the aggregate amount received by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property received by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary from:

 

(x)                                  the sale or other disposition (other than to Holdings or a Subsidiary of Holdings) of Restricted Investments made by Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries and from repurchases and redemptions of, or cash distributions or cash interest received in respect thereof, such Restricted Investments from Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries by any Person (other than Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries) and from repayments of loans or advances, and releases of guarantees, which constituted Restricted Investments made by Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries in each case after the Third Restatement Date,

 

(y)                                  the sale (other than to Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than to the extent such employee stock ownership plan or trust has been funded by Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary or to the extent that such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment)) of the Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or

 

(z)                                   any distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary (to the extent such distribution or dividend is not already included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income), plus

 

(E)                                 in the event any Unrestricted Subsidiary of Holdings has been redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary or has been merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys

 

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its assets to, or is liquidated into, Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings, in each case after the Third Restatement Date, the Fair Market Value of the Investment of Holdings in such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, combination or transfer (or of the assets transferred or conveyed, as applicable), (other than in each case to the extent that the designation of such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary constituted a Permitted Investment), plus

 

(F)                                  the aggregate amount of Declined Amounts.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 10.2.3(a)(i)-(iv)  will not prohibit:

 

(i)                                      the payment of any dividend or distribution or consummation of any irrevocable redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof or the giving of a redemption notice related thereto, if at the date of declaration or notice such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Agreement;

 

(ii)                                   (x) the redemption, repurchase, defeasance, discharge, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests (“ Retired Capital Stock ”) of Holdings or Parent or any other Parent Entity (“ Treasury Capital Stock ”), or Junior Indebtedness of Holdings or any Guarantor, in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Equity Interests of Holdings or any other Parent Entity or contributions to the equity capital of Holdings (other than Excluded Equity) (collectively, including any such contributions, “ Refunding Capital Stock ”);

 

(y)                                  the declaration and payment of accrued dividends on the Retired Capital Stock out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of Holdings or to an employee stock ownership plan or any trust established by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries) of Refunding Capital Stock; and

 

(z)                                   if immediately prior to the retirement of the Retired Capital Stock, the declaration and payment of dividends thereon was permitted under Section 10.2.3(b)(vi)  and has not been made as of such time (the “ Unpaid Amount ”), the declaration and payment of dividends on the Refunding Capital Stock (other than Refunding Capital Stock the proceeds of which were used to redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire any Equity Interests of Holdings or any Parent Entity) in an aggregate amount no greater than the Unpaid Amount;

 

(iii)                                the prepayment, redemption, defeasance, repurchase, exchange or other acquisition or retirement of Junior Indebtedness of Holdings or any Guarantor made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Refinancing Indebtedness thereof;

 

(iv)                               the purchase, retirement, redemption or other acquisition (or dividends to Holdings or any other Parent Entity to finance any such purchase, retirement, redemption

 

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or other acquisition) for value of Equity Interests of Holdings or any other Parent Entity held by any future, present or former employee, director, manager, service provider or consultant of Holdings or any other Parent Entity or any Subsidiary of Holdings (or their permitted transferees) pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or other agreement or any equity subscription or equityholder agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any principal and interest payable on any Indebtedness issued by Holdings or any Parent Entity in connection with such repurchase, retirement or other acquisition); provided , however , that the aggregate amounts paid under this clause (iv)  shall not exceed in any calendar year $7,500,000 (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years up to a maximum of $15,000,000 in the aggregate in any calendar year); provided , further , however , that such amount in any fiscal year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:

 

(A)                                the cash proceeds received by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Excluded Equity) of Holdings or any other Parent Entity (to the extent contributed to the Borrower) to members of management, directors or consultants of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries or Holdings or any other Parent Entity that occurs after April 4, 2014 to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests have not otherwise been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments by virtue of Section 10.2.3(a)(3) ); plus

 

(B)                                the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by Holdings or Holdings or any other Parent Entity (to the extent contributed to Holdings) and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the April 4, 2014; minus

 

(C)                                the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clauses (A)  and (B)  of this clause (iv) ,

 

( provided that the cancellation of Indebtedness owing to Holdings from any current or former officer, director, employee, manager, service provider or consultant (or any permitted transferees thereof) of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or any Parent Entity), in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of Holdings or any Parent Entity from such Persons will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 10.2.3 or any other provision of this Agreement);

 

(v)                                  the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiaries issued or Incurred in accordance with Section 10.2.2 ;

 

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(vi)                               the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock and the declaration and payment of dividends to Holdings or any other Parent Entity, the proceeds of which will be used to fund the payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock of Holdings or any other Parent Entity issued after April 4, 2014; provided , however , that (A) for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock, after giving effect to such issuance (and the payment of dividends or distributions) on a pro forma basis, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries would have been at least 2.00 to 1.00 and (B) the aggregate amount of dividends declared and paid pursuant to this clause (vi)  does not exceed the net cash proceeds actually received by Holdings from the sale (or the contribution of the net cash proceeds from the sale) of Designated Preferred Stock;

 

(vii)                            [Intentionally Omitted];

 

(viii)                         the declaration and payment of dividends on Holdings’ common stock (or the payment of dividends to Holdings or any other Parent Entity to fund the payment by Holdings or any other Parent Entity of dividends on such entity’s common stock) of up to 6.0% per annum of the net cash proceeds received by Holdings from any public offering of common stock or contributed to Holdings by any other Parent Entity from any public offering of common stock (other than public offerings with respect to common stock registered on Form S-8 and any public sale constituting an Excluded Contribution);

 

(ix)                               Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount that does not exceed the aggregate amount of Excluded Contributions received since April 4, 2014;

 

(x)                                  any Restricted Payment; provided that (x) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from such Restricted Payment and (y) on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such Restricted Payment and any related incurrence of Indebtedness, the proceeds of which are used to make such Restricted Payment, the Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio would be equal to or less than 2.00:1.00;

 

(xi)                               [Intentionally Omitted];

 

(xii)                            for so long as Holdings is a member of a group filing a consolidated, combined or similar income tax return with any other Parent Entity (or a disregarded entity for tax purposes with respect to such other direct or indirect parent), the payment of dividends or other distributions to such other Parent Entity in amounts required for such other parent company to pay income taxes imposed on such entity to the extent such income taxes are attributable to the income of Holdings and its Subsidiaries; provided , however , that the amount of such payments in respect of any tax year does not, in the aggregate, exceed the amount that Holdings and its Subsidiaries would have been required to pay in respect of such income taxes in respect of such year if Holdings and its Subsidiaries paid such income taxes directly as a stand-alone income tax group (reduced by any such taxes paid directly by Holdings or any Subsidiary); provided, further , the permitted payment pursuant to this clause (xii)  with respect to any taxes attributable to

 

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income of any Unrestricted Subsidiary for any taxable period shall be limited to the amount actually paid with respect to such period by such Unrestricted Subsidiary to Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary for the purposes of paying such income taxes;

 

(xiii)                         the payment of dividends, other distributions or other amounts to, or the making of loans to Holdings or any Parent Entity, in the amount required for such entity to, if applicable:

 

(A)                                pay amounts equal to the amounts required for any other Parent Entity to pay fees and expenses (including franchise or similar taxes) required to maintain its corporate existence, customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, officers, employees, directors, managers, service providers and consultants or any other Parent Entity, if applicable, and general corporate operating and overhead expenses of any other Parent Entity, if applicable, in each case to the extent such fees, expenses, salaries, bonuses, benefits and indemnities are attributable to the ownership or operation of Holdings and its Subsidiaries;

 

(B)                                pay, if applicable, amounts required for any Parent Entity to pay interest and/or principal on Indebtedness the proceeds of which have been contributed to Holdings (other than as Excluded Equity) and that has been guaranteed by, and is otherwise considered Indebtedness of, Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurred in accordance with Section 10.2.2 ; and

 

(C)                                pay fees and expenses incurred by any Parent Entity, other than to Affiliates of Holdings, related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering of such Parent Entity;

 

(xiv)                        the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on Holdings’ Capital Stock used to, or the making of loans to any other Parent Entity to, fund the payment of fees and expenses owed by Holdings or any other Parent Entity, as the case may be, or Restricted Subsidiaries of Holdings to Affiliates, in each case to the extent permitted by Section 10.2.15 ;

 

(xv)                           (i) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants and (ii) in connection with the withholding of a portion of the Equity Interests granted or awarded to a current or former director or employee to pay for the taxes payable by such director or employee upon such grant or award;

 

(xvi)                        purchases of receivables in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing and the payment or distribution of Receivables Fees;

 

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(xvii)                     payments or distributions to satisfy dissenters’ rights, pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, merger, amalgamation or transfer of assets that complies with the provisions of this Agreement applicable to mergers, consolidations and transfers of all or substantially all the property and assets of Holdings;

 

(xviii)                  the distribution, as a dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings by, Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries the primary assets of which are cash and/or cash equivalents); and

 

(xix)                        the repurchase, redemption, or other acquisition for value of Equity Interests of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries deemed to occur in connection with the payment of cash in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares of Equity Interests in connection with a share dividend, distribution, share split, reverse share split, merger, consolidation, amalgamation or other business combination of Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case, as permitted under this Agreement;

 

provided , however , that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under  clause (x) , no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof.

 

(c)                                   Holdings will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.”  For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments or Permitted Investments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investments.”  Such designation will only be permitted if a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment in such amount would be permitted at such time and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

(d)                                  For purposes of compliance with Section 10.2.3 , if any Investment or Restricted Payment would be permitted pursuant to one or more provisions of Section 10.2.3 and/or one or more of the exceptions contained in the definition of “Permitted Investments,” Holdings may divide and classify such Investment or Restricted Payment in any manner that complies with this covenant and may later divide and reclassify any such Investment or Restricted Payment so long as the Investment or Restricted Payment (as so divided and/or reclassified) would be permitted to be made in reliance on the applicable exception as of the date of such reclassification.

 

(e)                                   The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the Fair Market Value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the assets or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.2.3 , (i) the Restricted Payments described in preceding clauses (a)(i) , (a)(ii) , (b)(vi)  and (b)(x)  shall only be permitted to the

 

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extent that, in addition to the other conditions set forth in this Section 10.2.3 applicable thereto, the Specified Transaction Conditions shall have been satisfied in connection therewith.

 

10.2.4               [Intentionally Omitted]

 

10.2.5               [Intentionally Omitted]

 

10.2.6               [Intentionally Omitted]

 

10.2.7               Fundamental Changes .

 

(a)                                  Allow any Borrower to Consolidate, merge or amalgamate with or into or wind up into (whether or not such Borrower is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

 

(i)                                      such Borrower is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, merger or amalgamation with a Person from the same country of domicile (if other than such Borrower) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof or Canada, or any province thereof, as applicable (such Borrower or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Company ”);

 

(ii)                                   the Successor Company (if other than such Borrower) expressly assumes all the obligations of such Borrower under each Loan Document to which such Borrower is a party pursuant to joinder documentation reasonably satisfactory to Agent;

 

(iii)                                immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default exists;

 

(iv)                               immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction, as if such transaction had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, either;

 

(A)                                the Successor Company would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Term Loan Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 10.2.2(a) ; or

 

(B)                                the Term Loan Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Successor Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than such ratio for Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction;

 

(v)                                  if the Successor Company is other than such Borrower, each Guarantor with respect to such Borrower’s obligations, unless it is the other party to the transactions

 

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described above, shall have confirmed that its Guarantee and grant of security shall apply to such Person’s obligations under the Loan Documents;

 

(vi)                               to the extent any assets of the Person which is merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Successor Company are assets of the type which would constitute Collateral under the Security Documents, the Successor Company will take such action as may be reasonably requested by Agent to the extent necessary to cause such property and assets to be made subject to the Lien of the Security Documents in the manner and to the extent required by Section 10.1.11 hereof or any of the Security Documents and shall take all reasonably necessary action so that such Lien is perfected to the extent required by the Security Documents; and

 

(vii)                            the Collateral owned by or transferred to the Successor Company shall: (A) continue to constitute Collateral under this Agreement and the Security Documents, (B) be subject to the Lien in favor of Agent for the benefit of the applicable Secured Parties, and (C) not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens or Liens otherwise permitted hereunder.

 

The Successor Company (if other than such Borrower) will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Borrower under the Loan Documents, and such Borrower will automatically be released and discharged from its Obligations.  Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (iii)  and (iv) , (a) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor may consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or part of its properties and assets to any Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (b) any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor may consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or part of its properties and assets to any Borrower, any Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary that becomes a Guarantor in connection with such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or disposal and (c) any Borrower may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with an Affiliate incorporated or organized in the same country of domicile and solely for the purpose of reincorporating or reorganizing the Borrower in another state of the United States, the District of Columbia, any territory of the United States or Canada or any province thereof, as applicable, so long as the amount of Indebtedness of such Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby and all Lien perfection steps have been satisfied, as required by the Agent.

 

(b)                                  Each Guarantor will not, and Holdings will not permit any Guarantor to, consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions to, any Person unless:

 

(i)                                      either (a) such Guarantor is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, amalgamation or merger (if other than such Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor, as the case may be, or (provided it is the same country of domicile) the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of

 

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Columbia or any territory thereof, or Canada or any province thereof, as applicable (such Guarantor or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Guarantor ”) and the Successor Guarantor (if other than such Guarantor) expressly assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor under the Loan Documents to which such Guarantor is a party pursuant to joinder documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Agent or (b) such sale or disposition or consolidation or merger is not in violation of Section 10.2.3 ;

 

(A)                                immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default exists;

 

(B)                                to the extent any assets of the Guarantor which is merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Successor Company are assets of the type which would constitute Collateral under the Security Documents, the Successor Company will take such action as may be reasonably requested by the Agent to the extent necessary to cause such property and assets to be made subject to the Lien of the Security Documents in the manner and to the extent required by Section 10.1.11 hereof or any of the Security Documents and shall take all reasonably necessary action so that such Lien is perfected to the extent required by the Security Documents; and

 

(C)                                the Collateral owned by or transferred to the Successor Company shall: (i) continue to constitute Collateral under the Loan Documents, (ii) be subject to the Lien in favor of Agent for the benefit of the applicable Secured Parties, and (iii) not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens.

 

(ii)                                   The Successor Guarantor will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Guarantor under the Loan Documents and such Guarantor’s Guarantee, and such Guarantor will automatically be released and discharged from its obligations under the Loan Documents.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) a Guarantor may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with an Affiliate incorporated or organized in the same country of domicile and solely for the purpose of reincorporating or reorganizing such Guarantor in another state of the United States, the District of Columbia, any territory of the United States or Canada or any province thereof, as applicable, so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Guarantor is not increased thereby and all Lien perfection steps have been satisfied, as required by the Agent, (b) a Guarantor may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with another Guarantor or Holdings and (c) a Guarantor may convert into a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor or a jurisdiction in the United States or Canada or any province thereof, as applicable, and all Lien perfection steps have been satisfied, as required by the Agent.

 

(iii)                                [Intentionally Omitted ] .

 

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10.2.8               [Intentionally Omitted]

 

10.2.9               Organization Documents .  Amend, modify or otherwise change any of its Organization Documents as in effect on the Third Restatement Date in any manner materially adverse to the Lenders; except that Holdings may amend such Organization Documents as necessary to permit one or more issuances of preferred Equity Interests, so long as such issuance is not otherwise prohibited hereunder.

 

10.2.10                                Tax Consolidation .  File or consent to the filing of any consolidated income tax return with any Person other than the Covenant Parties and Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

10.2.11                                Accounting Changes .  Make any material change in accounting treatment or reporting practices, except as required by GAAP and in accordance with Section 1.2; or change its fiscal year.

 

10.2.12                                Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries .  Directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to:

 

(a)                                  (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions to Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (1) on its Capital Stock or (2) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits; or (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(b)                                  make loans or advances to Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

 

(c)                                   sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

except in each case for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

 

(i)                                      contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect or entered into on the Third Restatement Date, including pursuant to this Agreement, the Loan Documents and the other documents relating to this Agreement and related Hedging Obligations and the related documentation, the term loan credit agreement governing the Fixed Asset Facility incurred on the date hereof and related Hedging Obligations and the related documentation and any documents relating to the Senior Notes;

 

(ii)                                   [Intentionally Omitted];

 

(iii)                                applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;

 

(iv)                               any agreement or other instrument of a Person, or relating to Indebtedness or capital stock of a Person, which Person is acquired by or merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any other transaction entered into in connection with such acquisition, merger, consolidation or amalgamation,

 

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which was in existence at the time of such acquisition or at the time it mergers, consolidates or amalgamates with or into Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (but, in each case, not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired;

 

(v)                                  contracts for the sale or disposition of assets, including customary encumbrances or restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary of (i) Holdings or (ii) any of its Restricted Subsidiaries imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary;

 

(vi)                               restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(vii)                            customary provisions in (x) joint venture agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business with respect to the Equity Interests subject to the joint venture and (y) operating or other similar agreements, asset sale agreements, stock sale agreements entered into in connection with the entering into of such transaction, which limitation is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of those agreements;

 

(viii)                         purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business and Capitalized Lease Obligations to the extent imposing restrictions of the nature discussed in clause (c) above on the property so acquired;

 

(ix)                               customary provisions contained in leases, subleases, licenses, sublicenses, contracts and other similar agreements, including with respect to intellectual property and other agreements;

 

(x)                                  any encumbrance or restriction contained in any documentation relating to a Permitted Receivables Financing;

 

(xi)                               other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is Incurred subsequent to April 4, 2014 pursuant to Section 10.2.2 ; provided that such encumbrances and restrictions contained in any agreement or instrument will not materially affect Holdings’ ability to make anticipated principal or interest payment on the Loans (as determined by Holdings in good faith);

 

(xii)                            any encumbrance or restriction contained in Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Sections 10.2.1 and 10.2.2 to the extent limiting the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

 

(xiii)                         encumbrances or restrictions arising or agreed to in the ordinary course of business, not relating to any Indebtedness, and that do not, individually or in the aggregate, (x) detract from the value of the property or assets of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary in any manner material to Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary or

 

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(y) materially affect Holdings’ ability to make anticipated principal or interest payment on the Loans (as determined by Holdings in good faith);

 

(xiv)                        encumbrances or restrictions existing under, by reason of or with respect to Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the encumbrances and restrictions contained in the agreements governing that Refinancing Indebtedness are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced;

 

(xv)                           any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Subsidiary which was previously an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to or by reason of an agreement that such Subsidiary is a party to or entered into before the date on which such Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such agreement was not entered into in anticipation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and any such encumbrance or restriction does not extend to any assets or property of Holdings or any other Restricted Subsidiary other than the assets and property of such Subsidiary;

 

(xvi)                        restrictions or conditions contained in any trading, netting, operating, construction, service, supply, purchase, sale or other agreement to which Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party entered into in the ordinary course of business; provided that such agreement prohibits the encumbrance of solely the property or assets of Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary that are the subject to such agreement, the payment rights arising thereunder or the proceeds thereof and does not extend to any other asset or property of Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary or the assets or property of another Restricted Subsidiary; and

 

(xvii)                     any encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or Refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (i)  through (xvi)  above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or Refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of Holdings, not materially more restrictive with respect to such encumbrances and other restrictions taken as a whole than prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 10.2.12 , (i) the priority of any Preferred Stock in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions prior to dividends or liquidating distributions being paid on common stock shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make distributions on Capital Stock and (ii) the subordination of loans or advances made to Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings to other Indebtedness Incurred by Holdings or any such Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make loans or advances.

 

10.2.13                                Hedging Agreements .  Enter into any Hedging Agreement, except to hedge risks arising under the Loan Documents, the Permitted Secured Debt Documents, the

 

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Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt Documents or in the ordinary course of business and, in any case, not for speculative purposes.

 

10.2.14                                Conduct of Business .  Engage in any business, other than its business as conducted on the Third Restatement Date or reasonable extensions thereof and other businesses reasonably incidental or related thereto (including relating to  manufacturing processes), and any activities incidental thereto.

 

10.2.15                                Affiliate Transactions .  (a) Directly or indirectly, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction or series of transactions, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or Guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of Holdings (each of the foregoing, an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate consideration in excess of $10,000,000, unless:

 

(i)                                      such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to Holdings or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that could have been obtained in a comparable transaction by Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person;

 

(ii)                                   with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $25,000,000, Holdings delivers to Agent a resolution adopted in good faith by the majority of the Board of Directors of Holdings, approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (i)  above.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 10.2.15 will not apply to the following:

 

(i)                                      (A)  transactions between or among Holdings and/or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or an entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction) and (B) any merger, amalgamation or consolidation of Holdings or any other Parent Entity, provided that such parent company shall have no material liabilities and no material assets other than cash, Cash Equivalents and the Capital Stock of Holdings and such merger, amalgamation or consolidation is otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

(ii)                                   (A) Restricted Payments permitted by Section 10.2.3 and (B) Permitted Investments;

 

(iii)                                any employment and severance agreements entered into by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and the payment of reasonable and customary fees and compensation paid to, and indemnity and similar arrangements provided on behalf of, officers, directors, employees, managers, service providers or consultants of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary or Holdings or (to the extent relating to the business of Holdings and its Subsidiaries) any other Parent Entity;

 

(iv)                               transactions in which Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to Agent a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that

 

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such transaction is fair to Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or meets the requirements of Section 10.2.15(a)(i) ;

 

(v)                                  payments or loans (or cancellation of loans, advances or Guarantees) or advances to employees or consultants or Guarantees in respect thereof for bona fide business purposes in the ordinary course of business;

 

(vi)                               any agreement or arrangement as in effect or contemplated as of the Third Restatement Date or as thereafter amended, supplemented or replaced (so long as such amended, supplemented or replaced agreement is not more disadvantageous to the Lenders in any material respect than the original agreement or arrangement as in effect on the Third Restatement Date) or any transaction or payments contemplated thereby;

 

(vii)                            [Intentionally Omitted];

 

(viii)                         the existence of, or the performance by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of, any stockholders or similar agreement (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is a party as of the Third Restatement Date and any amendment thereto or similar transactions, arrangements or agreements which it may enter into thereafter; provided , however , that the existence of, or the performance by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under, any future amendment to any such existing transaction, arrangement or agreement or under any similar transaction, arrangement or agreement entered into after the Third Restatement Date shall only be permitted by this clause (viii)  to the extent that the terms of any such existing transaction, arrangement or agreement together with all amendments thereto, taken as a whole, or new agreement are not otherwise more disadvantageous to the Lenders in any material respect than the original transaction, arrangement or agreement as in effect on the Third Restatement Date;

 

(ix)                               (A) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Agreement, which are fair to Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the reasonable determination of the Board of Directors or the senior management of Holdings, and are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party or (B) transactions with Unrestricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(x)                                  any transaction effected as part of a Permitted Receivables Financing;

 

(xi)                               the sale or issuance or transfer of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of Holdings and the granting and performing of reasonable and customary registration rights;

 

(xii)                            payments by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to any of the Investors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in

 

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connection with acquisitions or divestitures which payments are approved by a majority of the Board of Directors of Holdings in good faith;

 

(xiii)        any contribution to the capital of Holdings (other than Disqualified Stock);

 

(xiv)        any transaction with a Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a joint venture) which would constitute an Affiliate Transaction solely because Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary owns an Equity Interest in or otherwise controls such Person;

 

(xv)         transactions between Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Person that would constitute an Affiliate Transaction solely because a director of which is also a director of Holdings or any other Parent Entity; provided , however , that such director abstains from voting as a director of Holdings or such other Parent Entity, as the case may be, on any matter involving such other Person;

 

(xvi)        the entering into of any tax sharing agreement or arrangement and any payments permitted by Section 10.2.3(b)(xii) ;

 

(xvii)       transactions to effect the Transactions and the payment of all transaction, underwriting, commitment and other fees and expenses related to the Transactions;

 

(xviii)      pledges of Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

 

(xix)        the issuances of securities or other payments, loans, advances or guarantees (or cancellation of loans, advances or guarantees) to employees, directors, managers, service providers or consultants of Holdings, any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any Parent Entity and employment agreements, stock option and stock ownership plans or similar employee benefit plans which, in each case, are approved by Holdings in good faith;

 

(xx)         any employment, consulting, service or termination agreement, or customary indemnification arrangements, entered into by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with current, former or future officers and employees of Holdings or any of its respective Restricted Subsidiaries and the payment of compensation to officers and employees of Holdings or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries (including amounts paid pursuant to employee benefit plans, employee stock option or similar plans), in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(xxi)        transactions with Affiliates solely in their capacity as holders of Indebtedness or Equity Interests of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, so long as such transaction is with all holders of such class (and there are such non-Affiliate holders) and such Affiliates are treated no more favorably than all other holders of such class generally; and

 

(xxii)       the existence of, or the performance by Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of their obligations under the terms of, any customary registration rights agreement to which they are a party or become a party in the future.

 

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(xxiii)      investments by any of the Investors in securities of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and any payment of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such Investors in connection therewith) so long as the investment is being offered generally to other investors on the same or more favorable terms;

 

(xxiv)     transactions with joint ventures entered into in the ordinary course of business (including any cash management activities related thereto);

 

(xxv)      any lease entered into between Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as lessee and any Affiliate of Holdings, as lessor, in the ordinary course of business; and

 

(xxvi)     intellectual property licenses in the ordinary course of business.

 

10.2.16          Plans .  Establish or become party to any Pension Plan, Canadian Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan, Canadian Multi-Employer Plan or any Plan providing for medical or life insurance benefits with respect to terminated or retired employees, other than any in existence on the Third Restatement Date to which any Covenant Party or its Affiliate or ERISA Affiliate is a party, or amend any Pension Plan, Canadian Pension Plan, Multi-Employer Plan, Canadian Multi-Employer Plan, or any rights or entitlements, or the actuarial assumptions used thereunder, in a manner that would or would reasonably be expected to cause a material increase in any Covenant Party’s or its Affiliate’s or ERISA Affiliate’s liabilities thereunder (contingent or otherwise), except and to the extent (i) required by applicable Laws or a collective bargaining agreement, (ii) as the direct result of the consummation of any acquisition or (iii) if consented to in writing by Required Lenders or any such event could not reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the Lenders.  No Covenant Party, as a Canadian Pension Plan sponsor or otherwise, shall, nor shall it permit, the wind up and/or termination of any Canadian Pension Plan unless it gives Agent 30 days prior written notice of such wind up or termination.

 

10.2.17          Certain Amendments .  Amend, supplement or otherwise modify any document, instrument or agreement relating to the (a) Fixed Asset Facility if such modification is prohibited by the Intercreditor Agreement or (b) Secured Equivalent Investment Equivalent Debt Document if such modification is prohibited by the applicable intercreditor agreement, if such modification is materially adverse to the interests of any of (i) the Loan Parties, (ii) the Agent or (iii) the Lenders, including, any amendments that would affect the non-recourse nature thereof.

 

10.2.18          [Intentionally Omitted] .

 

10.3         Financial Covenant .  As long as any Commitments or Obligations (other than indemnity obligations that are not currently due and payable) are outstanding:

 

10.3.1     Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio .  Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as calculated on a consolidated basis) of at least 1.0 to 1.0 for each Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Test Period ending during any Financial Covenant Trigger Period and on the date of the occurrence of the trigger for the applicable Financial Covenant Trigger Period.

 

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SECTION 11.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES ON DEFAULT

 

11.1         Events of Default .   Each of the following shall be an “ Event of Default ” hereunder, if the same shall occur for any reason whatsoever, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise:

 

(a)           A Loan Party fails to (i)  pay when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation under any drawn Letter of Credit or deposit any funds as Cash Collateral in respect of LC Obligations, or (ii) pay within three Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or on any reimbursement obligation under any drawn Letter of Credit, or (iii) pay within five Business Days after the same becomes due, any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document;

 

(b)           Any representation, warranty or other written statement of a Loan Party made in connection with any Loan Documents or transactions contemplated thereby is incorrect or misleading in any material respect when given;

 

(c)           (x) A Loan Party breaches or fails to perform any covenant contained in Sections 8.1, 10.1.3(d), 10.2 or 10.3 , or (y) a Loan Party breaches or fails to perform any covenant contained in Sections 8.2.4, 8.6.2(a)(1)  or (b)  or 10.1.1(a) , and such breach or failure as referenced in this clause (y) is not cured within five (5) days after a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party has knowledge thereof or receives notice thereof from Agent, whichever is sooner;

 

(d)           A Loan Party breaches or fails to perform any other covenant contained in any Loan Documents, and such breach or failure is not cured within thirty (30) days after a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party has knowledge thereof or receives notice thereof from Agent, whichever is sooner;

 

(e)           A Guarantor repudiates, revokes or attempts to revoke, in writing, its Guarantee; a Loan Party contests the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or any Obligations; or the perfection or priority of any Lien on any material portion of the Collateral granted or purported to be granted to Agent or any Loan Document ceases to be in full force or effect for any reason (other than a waiver or release by Agent and Lenders (or Required Lenders, if applicable), or on any Collateral for which perfection is not required hereunder or under any Loan Document, or any action solely in the control of Agent);

 

(f)            Any breach or default of a Loan Party occurs under any document, instrument or agreement to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Properties is bound, relating to any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) in excess of the Dollar Equivalent of $35,000,000, if the effect of such breach or default is to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness to cause the maturity of such Indebtedness to be accelerated or demanded, or required to be repurchased or redeemed due to such breach;

 

(g)           Any judgment or order for the payment of money is entered against a Loan Party in an amount that exceeds, individually or cumulatively with all unsatisfied judgments or orders against all Loan Parties, the Dollar Equivalent of $35,000,000 (in each case, net of any insurance coverage therefor which has not been denied in writing), unless a stay of enforcement of such

 

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judgment or order is in effect, by reason of a pending appeal (and, where applicable, the posting of any necessary bond) or otherwise;

 

(h)           A loss, theft, damage or destruction occurs with respect to any Collateral if the amount not covered by insurance exceeds the Dollar Equivalent of $35,000,000;

 

(i)            Any Loan Party generally fails to pay or admits in writing its inability or refusal to pay, in each case, its debts as they become due; an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced by a Loan Party; a Loan Party agrees to, commences or is subject to any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of its affairs (except as permitted pursuant to Section 10.2.8 ); the Canadian Facility Loan Parties (excluding the U.S. Facility Loan Parties), taken as a whole, or the U.S./European Facility Loan Parties, in each case taken as a whole, are not Solvent; a Loan Party makes an offer of settlement, extension or composition to its unsecured creditors generally; a trustee is appointed to take possession of any substantial property of or to operate any material portion of the business of a Loan Party; or an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced against a Loan Party and either (1) such Loan Party consents to institution of the proceeding, (2) the petition commencing the proceeding is not timely contested by such Loan Party, (3) the petition is not dismissed within sixty (60) days after filing, or (4) an order for relief is entered in the proceeding;

 

(j)            (i) (A) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of a Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate to a Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan, the PBGC or IRS, or which would constitute or could reasonably be expected to constitute grounds for appointment of a trustee for or termination by the PBGC of any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (B) a Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan; (C) the “funding target attainment percentage” (within the meaning of Code Section 430) (“ FTAP ”) for any plan year of a Pension Plan falls below the FTAP of such Pension Plan as of the Third Restatement Date; or (D) the amount of unfunded post-retirement benefit liabilities, determined in accordance with ASC 715-60, that have resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of a Loan Party or its Affiliate or ERISA Affiliate increases relative to the amount of such liabilities as of the Third Restatement Date; (ii) a Termination Event; (iii) any Canadian Domiciled Loan Party is in default with respect to any required contributions to a Canadian Pension Plan; or (iv) any Lien arises (save for contribution amounts not yet due) in connection with any Canadian Pension Plan, provided the events set forth in clauses (i) , (ii) , (iii)  and (iv)  (whether or not in existence as of the Third Restatement Date), individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(k)           A Change of Control occurs;

 

(l)            Any subordination provision in any Junior Indebtedness in a principal amount of $35,000,000, or any subordination provision in any Guarantee by any Loan Party of any Junior Indebtedness, shall cease to be in full force and effect, or any Loan Party shall contest in any manner the validity, binding nature or enforceability of any such provision or a proceeding shall be commenced by any subordinating party or any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over any of them, seeking to establish the invalidity or unenforceability thereof; or

 

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(m)          At any time that any Permitted Secured Debt or Secured Incremental Equivalent Debt is outstanding, the Intercreditor Agreement or applicable intercreditor agreement shall cease to be in full force or effect (except in accordance with its terms) or any of the Loan Parties or the Permitted Secured Debt Collateral Agent shall challenge, deny or disaffirm their respective obligations thereunder.

 

11.2         Remedies upon Default .   If an Event of Default described in Section 11.1(i)  occurs and is continuing with respect to any Loan Party, then to the extent permitted by applicable Law, all Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) shall become automatically due and payable and all Commitments shall terminate, without any action by Agent or notice of any kind.  In addition, or if any other Event of Default exists, Agent may in its discretion (and shall upon written direction of Required Lenders) do any one or more of the following from time to time: declare any Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations) immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall be due and payable without diligence, presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Loan Parties to the fullest extent permitted by law; terminate, reduce or condition any Commitment, or make any adjustment to the Borrowing Base; require the Loan Parties to Cash Collateralize LC Obligations and Secured Bank Product Obligations, and, if the Loan Parties fail promptly to deposit such Cash Collateral, Agent may (and shall upon the direction of Required Lenders) advance the required Cash Collateral as Loans (whether or not an Overadvance exists or is created thereby, or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied); and exercise any other rights or remedies afforded under any agreement, by law, at equity or otherwise, including the rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC and the PPSA.  Such rights and remedies include the rights to (i) take possession of any Collateral; (ii) require the Loan Parties to assemble Collateral, at the Loan Parties’ expense, and make it available to Agent at a place designated by Agent; (iii) enter any premises where Collateral is located and store Collateral on such premises until sold (and if the premises are owned or leased by a Loan Party, the Loan Parties agree not to charge for such storage); and (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral in its then condition, or after any further manufacturing or processing thereof, at public or private sale, with such notice as may be required by applicable Law, in lots or in bulk, at such locations, all as Agent, in its discretion, deems advisable.  Each Loan Party agrees that ten (10) days’ notice of any proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral by Agent shall be reasonable.  Agent shall have the right to conduct such sales on any Loan Party’s premises, without charge, and such sales may be adjourned from time to time in accordance with applicable Law.  Agent shall have the right to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any Collateral for cash, credit or any combination thereof, and Agent may purchase any Collateral at public or, if permitted by law, private sale and, in lieu of actual payment of the purchase price, may set off the amount of such price against the Obligations.

 

11.3         License .   Effective upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Agent is hereby granted an irrevocable, worldwide, non-exclusive right and license, including the right to sub-license (without payment of Royalty or other compensation to any Person) under any and all Intellectual Property owned or sublicensable by the Loan Parties, including computer hardware and software, trade secrets, brochures, customer lists, promotional and advertising materials, labels, packaging materials and other property, to use and exercise all other rights under such Intellectual Property in connection with advertising for sale, marketing, selling, collecting, making, having made, completing manufacture of, or otherwise exercising

 

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any rights or remedies with respect to, any Collateral.  Each Loan Party’s rights and interests under such Intellectual Property, and Agent’s use thereof under this Section, shall inure solely to such Loan Party’s benefit.  With respect to any trademarks or similar property included in the license granted hereunder, Agent shall ensure that the quality of the goods and services with which it uses such trademark or similar property shall be consistent with the quality of the goods and services as manufactured, marketed and sold by the Loan Parties.

 

11.4         Setoff .   At any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Agent, Issuing Banks, Lenders, and any of their Affiliates are authorized, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by Agent, such Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of a Loan Party against any Obligations then due, irrespective of whether or not Agent, such Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of Agent, such Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness.  The rights of Agent, each Issuing Bank, each Lender and each such Affiliate under this Section 11.4 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Person may have.

 

11.5         Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver .

 

11.5.1     Cumulative Rights .  All agreements, warranties, guarantees, indemnities and other undertakings of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents are cumulative and not in derogation of each other.  The rights and remedies of Agent and Lenders are cumulative, may be exercised at any time and from time to time, concurrently or in any order, and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies available by agreement, by law, at equity or otherwise.  All such rights and remedies shall continue in full force and effect until Full Payment of all Obligations.

 

11.5.2     Waivers .  No waiver or course of dealing shall be established by (a) the failure or delay of Agent or any Lender to require strict performance by the Loan Parties with any terms of the Loan Documents, or to exercise any rights or remedies with respect to Collateral or otherwise; (b) the making of any Loan or issuance of any Letter of Credit during a Default, Event of Default or other failure to satisfy any conditions precedent; or (c) acceptance by Agent or any Lender of any payment or performance by a Loan Party under any Loan Documents in a manner other than that specified therein.  It is expressly acknowledged by the Loan Parties that any failure to satisfy a financial covenant on a measurement date shall not be cured or remedied by satisfaction of such covenant on a subsequent date.

 

11.6         Judgment Currency .   If, for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court or obtaining an order enforcing a judgment, it becomes necessary to convert any amount due under this Agreement in Dollars or in any other currency (hereinafter in this Section 11.6 called the “first currency”) into any other currency (hereinafter in this Section   11.6 called the “second currency”), then the conversion shall be made at Agent’s spot rate of exchange for buying the first currency with the second currency prevailing at Agent’s close of business on the Business Day next preceding the day on which the judgment is given or (as the case may be) the order is

 

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made.  Any payment made by a Loan Party to any Secured Party pursuant to this Agreement in the second currency shall constitute a discharge of the obligations of any applicable Loan Parties to pay to such Secured Party any amount originally due to the Secured Party in the first currency under this Agreement only to the extent of the amount of the first currency which such Secured Party is able, on the date of the receipt by it of such payment in any second currency, to purchase, in accordance with such Secured Party’s normal banking procedures, with the amount of such second currency so received.  If the amount of the first currency falls short of the amount originally due to such Secured Party in the first currency under this Agreement, the Loan Parties agree that they will indemnify each Secured Party against and save such Secured Party harmless from any shortfall so arising.  This indemnity shall constitute an obligation of each such Loan Party separate and independent from the other obligations contained in this Agreement, shall give rise to a separate and independent cause of action and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a liquidated sum or sums in respect of amounts due to any Secured Party under any Loan Documents or under any such judgment or order.  Any such shortfall shall be deemed to constitute a loss suffered by such Secured Party and the Loan Parties shall not be entitled to require any proof or evidence of any actual loss.  If the amount of the first currency exceeds the amount originally due to a Secured Party in the first currency under this Agreement, such Secured Party shall promptly remit such excess to the Loan Parties.  The covenants contained in this Section 11.6 shall survive the Full Payment of the Obligations under this Agreement.

 

SECTION 12.   AGENT

 

12.1         Appointment, Authority and Duties of Agent .

 

12.1.1     Appointment and Authority .

 

(a)           Each Secured Party appoints and designates Bank of America as Agent under all Loan Documents.  Agent may, and each Secured Party authorizes Agent to, enter into all Loan Documents to which Agent is intended to be a party and accept all Security Documents, for the benefit of Secured Parties.  Any action taken by Agent in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents, and the exercise by Agent of any rights or remedies set forth therein, together with all other powers reasonably incidental thereto, shall be authorized by and binding upon all Secured Parties.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Agent shall have the sole and exclusive authority to (a) act as the disbursing and collecting agent for Secured Parties with respect to all payments and collections arising in connection with the Loan Documents; (b) execute and deliver as Agent each Loan Document, including any intercreditor or subordination agreement, and accept delivery of each Loan Document; (c) act as collateral agent for Secured Parties for purposes of perfecting and administering Liens under the Loan Documents, and for all other purposes stated therein; (d) manage, supervise or otherwise deal with Collateral; and (e) take any Enforcement Action or otherwise exercise any rights or remedies with respect to any Collateral or under any Loan Documents, applicable Law or otherwise.  The duties of Agent are ministerial and administrative in nature only, and Agent shall not have a fiduciary relationship with any Secured Party, Participant or other Person, by reason of any Loan Document or any transaction relating thereto.  Agent alone shall be authorized to determine (in accordance with the terms hereof and the other Loan Documents) whether any Account or Inventory constitutes an Eligible Account or Eligible Inventory, whether to impose or release any reserve, or whether

 

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any conditions to funding or to issuance of a Letter of Credit have been satisfied, which determinations and judgments, if exercised in good faith, shall exonerate Agent from liability to any Secured Party or other Person for any error in judgment.

 

(b)           [Reserved].

 

(c)           Without limiting the powers of the Agent, for the purposes of holding any hypothec granted pursuant to the laws of the Province of Québec to secure the payment and performance of any and all Obligations by any Loan Party, each of the Secured Parties that is a party hereto hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Agent and ratifies the appointment and authorization of the Agent, to act as the hypothecary representative, as contemplated under Article 2692 of the Civil Code of Québec, for all present and future Secured Parties (in such capacity, the “Hypothecary Representative”), and to enter into, to take and to hold on their behalf, and for their benefit, any hypothec, and to exercise such powers and duties that are conferred upon the Hypothecary Representative under any related deed of hypothec. The Hypothecary Representative shall: (a) have the sole and exclusive right and authority to exercise, except as may be otherwise specifically restricted by the terms hereof, all rights and remedies given to the Hypothecary Representative pursuant to any such deed of hypothec and applicable law, and (b) benefit from and be subject to all provisions hereof with respect to the Agent mutatis mutandis, including, without limitation, all such provisions with respect to the liability or responsibility to and indemnification by the Secured Parties and Loan Parties. Any person who becomes a Secured Party shall, by its execution of an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, be deemed to have consented to and confirmed the Hypothecary Representative as the person acting as hypothecary representative holding the aforesaid hypothecs as aforesaid and to have ratified, as of the date it becomes a Secured Party, all actions taken by the Hypothecary Representative in such capacity. The substitution of the Agent pursuant to the provisions of this Section 12 also constitute the substitution of the Hypothecary Representative.

 

12.1.2     Duties .  Agent shall not have any duties except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents.  The conferral upon Agent of any right shall not imply a duty on Agent’s part to exercise such right, unless instructed to do so by Required Lenders or Required Facility Lenders in accordance with this Agreement.

 

12.1.3     Agent Professionals .  Agent may perform its duties through agents and employees.  Agent may consult with and employ Agent Professionals, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in any action taken in good faith reliance upon, any advice given by an Agent Professional.  Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents, employees or Agent Professionals selected by it with reasonable care.

 

12.1.4     Instructions of Required Lenders .  The rights and remedies conferred upon Agent under the Loan Documents may be exercised without the necessity of joinder of any other party, unless required by applicable Law.  Agent may request instructions from Required Lenders, Required Facility Lenders or other Secured Parties with respect to any act (including the failure to act) in connection with any Loan Documents or Collateral, and may seek assurances to its satisfaction from Secured Parties of their indemnification obligations against Claims that could be incurred by Agent.  Agent may refrain from any act until it has received such instructions or assurances, and shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so

 

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refraining.  Instructions of Required Lenders or Required Facility Lenders shall be binding upon all Secured Parties, and no Secured Party shall have any right of action whatsoever against Agent as a result of Agent acting or refraining from acting pursuant to instructions of all Lenders, Required Lenders or Required Facility Lenders, as applicable.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, instructions by and consent of specific parties shall be required to the extent provided in Section 14.1.1 .  In no event shall Agent be required to take any action that, in its opinion, is contrary to applicable Law or any Loan Documents or could subject any Agent Indemnitee to personal liability.

 

12.2         Agreements Regarding Collateral, Borrower Materials and Intercreditor Matters .

 

12.2.1     Lien Releases; Care of Collateral; Intercreditor Matters .

 

(a)           Canadian Lenders and the applicable Secured Parties (i) authorize Agent to, and Agent shall, release any Lien or guarantee with respect to any Canadian Facility Collateral (a) upon Full Payment of the Canadian Facility Obligations; (b) that is the subject of a disposition, merger, amalgamation or other combination or transaction, or a Lien which Loan Party Agent certifies in writing to Agent is not prohibited hereunder (and Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate without further inquiry); or (c) with the written consent of all Canadian Lenders (or such lesser number as may be required by Section 14.1 ) and (ii) authorize Agent to, and upon Agent’s reasonable determination of the appropriateness to do so, Agent shall, subordinate their Liens to any purchase money lien permitted hereunder.

 

(b)           U.S. Lenders and the applicable Secured Parties (i) authorize Agent to, and Agent shall, release any Lien or guarantee with respect to any U.S./European Facility Collateral (a) upon Full Payment of the U.S./European Facility Obligations; (b) that is the subject of a disposition or other transaction which Loan Party Agent certifies in writing to Agent is not prohibited hereunder (and Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate without further inquiry); or (c) with the written consent of all U.S. Lenders or such lesser number as may be required by Section 14.1 ) and (ii) authorize Agent to, and upon Agent’s reasonable determination of the appropriateness to do so, Agent shall, subordinate their Liens to any purchase money lien permitted hereunder.

 

(c)           Agent shall have no obligation to assure that any Collateral exists or is owned by a Loan Party, or is cared for, protected, insured or encumbered, nor to assure that Agent’s Liens have been properly created, perfected or enforced, or are entitled to any particular priority, nor to exercise any duty of care with respect to any Collateral.

 

(d)           (i)            U.S. Lenders and the applicable Secured Parties authorize Agent to enter into the Intercreditor Agreement, (ii) U.S. Lenders and the applicable Secured Parties authorize Agent to enter into other intercreditor agreements (in a form not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the U.S. Lenders than the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, in the case of Indebtedness with Junior Lien Priority, or in a form customary for intercreditor agreements or collateral trust agreements in light of then prevailing market conditions, in the case of Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations), subordination agreements and amendments to the Security Documents to reflect arrangements with respect to any obligations (other than the U.S./European Facility

 

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Obligations) permitted to be incurred hereunder and secured by Liens permitted to be incurred hereunder on all or a portion of the Collateral securing the U.S./European Facility Obligations, on terms acceptable to Agent, and (iii) Canadian Lenders and the applicable Secured Parties authorize Agent to enter into other intercreditor agreements (in a form not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Canadian Lenders than the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, in the case of Indebtedness with Junior Lien Priority, or in a form customary for intercreditor agreements or collateral trust agreements in light of then prevailing market conditions, in the case of Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations), subordination agreements and amendments to the Security Documents to reflect arrangements with respect to any obligations (other than the Canadian Facility Obligations) permitted to be incurred hereunder and secured by Liens permitted to be incurred hereunder on all or a portion of the Collateral securing the Canadian Facility Obligations, on terms acceptable to Agent.

 

(e)           Upon no less than ten (10) Business Days prior written notice (the “ Tooling A/R Removal Notice ”) to Agent from a Responsible Officer of the Loan Party Agent, the U.S. Borrower and the Canadian Borrower may, at their option, request that upon and after the effective date indicated in such notice that: (i) Eligible Tooling Accounts no longer be included in either of the U.S./European Borrowing Base or the Canadian Borrowing Base and (ii) the related U.S./European Tooling Vendor Reserve and the Canadian Tooling Vendor Reserve also no longer be included in the U.S./European Borrowing Base or Canadian Borrowing Base, as applicable.  Any Tooling A/R Removal Notice shall be irrevocable when given, and each of the U.S. Borrower and the Canadian Borrower agree to deliver to Agent, upon request, an updated Borrowing Base Certificate giving effect to the changes specified in the Tooling A/R Removal Notice.  Upon the requested effective date indicated in the Tooling A/R Removal Notice, it is agreed that: (A) Eligible Tooling Accounts shall automatically, and without any further action required by any Person, no longer be included in either of the U.S./European Borrowing Base or the Canadian Borrowing Base (nor shall the related U.S./European Tooling Vendor Reserve nor the Canadian Tooling Vendor Reserve, as applicable, be thereafter included) and (B) the Agent shall, at the sole expense of the Loan Party Agent, terminate its Lien on all Accounts of the U.S. Borrower, the Canadian Borrower and each of their respective Subsidiaries, which in each case arise from the sale of tooling (“ Tooling A/R ”), and shall execute and deliver, without recourse, representation or warranty, all releases and other documents as reasonably requested (including partial-release UCC-3 financing statements, and comparable instruments under the PPSA) to evidence such release of Liens on Tooling A/R.

 

12.2.2     Possession of Collateral .

 

(a)           Agent, Canadian Lenders and the applicable Secured Parties appoint each Canadian Lender as agent (for the benefit of Canadian Facility Secured Parties) for the purpose of perfecting Liens in any Canadian Facility Collateral held or controlled by such Canadian Lender, to the extent such Liens are perfected by possession or control.

 

(b)           Agent, the U.S. Lenders and the applicable Secured Parties appoint each U.S. Lender as agent (for the benefit of U.S./European Facility Secured Parties) for the purpose of perfecting Liens in any U.S./European Facility Collateral held or controlled by such U.S. Lender, to the extent such Liens are perfected by possession or control.

 

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(c)            If any Lender obtains possession or control of any Collateral, it shall notify Agent thereof and, promptly upon Agent’s request, deliver such Collateral to Agent or otherwise deal with it in accordance with Agent’s instructions.

 

12.2.3      Reports .  Agent shall promptly provide to Lenders, when complete, any field audit, examination or appraisal report prepared for Agent with respect to any Loan Party or Collateral (“Report”).  Reports and other Borrower Materials may be made available to Lenders by providing access to them on the Platform, but Agent shall not be responsible for system failures or access issues that may occur from time to time.  Each Lender agrees (a) that Reports are not intended to be comprehensive audits or examinations, and that Agent or any other Person performing an audit or examination will inspect only specific information regarding the Obligations or Collateral and will rely significantly upon Borrowers’ books, records and representations; (b) that Agent makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any Borrower Materials and shall not be liable for any information contained in or omitted from any Borrower Materials, including any Report; and (c) to keep all Borrower Materials confidential and strictly for such Lender’s internal use, not to distribute any Report or other Borrower Materials (or the contents thereof) to any Person (except to such Lender’s Participants, attorneys and accountants), and to use all Borrower Materials solely for administration of the Obligations.  Each Lender shall indemnify and hold harmless Agent and any other Person preparing a Report from any action such Lender may take as a result of or any conclusion it may draw from any Borrower Materials, as well as from any Claims arising as a direct or indirect result of Agent furnishing same to such Lender, via the Platform or otherwise.

 

12.3         Reliance By Agent .   Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any certification, notice or other communication (including those by telephone, telex, telegram, telecopy or e-mail) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person.  Agent shall have a reasonable and practicable amount of time to act upon any instruction, notice or other communication under any Loan Document, and shall not be liable for any delay in acting.

 

12.4         Action Upon Default .   Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default, or of any failure to satisfy any conditions in Section 6, unless it has received written notice from a Borrower or Required Lenders specifying the occurrence and nature thereof.  If any Lender acquires knowledge of a Default, Event of Default or failure of such conditions, it shall promptly notify Agent thereof in writing.  Each Secured Party agrees that, except as otherwise provided in any Loan Documents or with the written consent of Agent and Required Lenders, it will not take any Enforcement Action, accelerate Obligations (other than Secured Bank Product Obligations), or exercise any right that it might otherwise have under applicable Law to credit bid at foreclosure sales, UCC or PPSA sales or other dispositions of Collateral, or to assert any rights relating to any Collateral.

 

12.5         Ratable Sharing .   If any Lender obtains any payment or reduction of any Obligation, whether through set-off, lien enforcement or otherwise, in excess of its share of such Obligation, determined on a Pro Rata basis or in accordance with Section 5.5.1 , as applicable, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from Agent, the applicable Issuing Bank and the other Applicable Lenders such participations in the affected Obligation as are necessary to share the excess payment or reduction on a Pro Rata basis or in accordance with Section 5.5.1 , as

 

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applicable.  If any of such payment or reduction is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender, the purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest.  No Lender shall set off against any DACA Deposit Account or Dominion Account without the prior consent of Agent.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Defaulting Lender obtains a payment or reduction of any Obligation, it shall immediately turn over the amount thereof to Agent for application under Section 4.2.2 and it shall provide a written statement to Agent describing the Obligation affected by such payment or reduction.  No Lender shall set off against any Dominion Account without Agent’s prior consent.

 

12.6         Indemnification .  EXCEPT FOR LOSSES DETERMINED IN A FINAL, NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO RESULT FROM AN AGENT INDEMNITEE’S OR ISSUING BANK INDEMNITEE’S ACTUAL GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, AS DETERMINED BY A FINAL, NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT OF A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, EACH LENDER SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGENT INDEMNITEES AND ISSUING BANK INDEMNITEES, TO THE EXTENT NOT REIMBURSED BY THE LOAN PARTIES, ON A PRO RATA BASIS, AGAINST ALL CLAIMS THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY SUCH INDEMNITEE, PROVIDED THAT ANY CLAIM AGAINST AN AGENT INDEMNITEE RELATES TO OR ARISES FROM ITS ACTING AS OR FOR AGENT (IN THE CAPACITY OF AGENT).  In Agent’s discretion, it may reserve for any Claims made against an Agent Indemnitee or Issuing Bank Indemnitee, and may satisfy any judgment, order or settlement relating thereto, from proceeds of Collateral prior to making any distribution of Collateral proceeds to Secured Parties.  If Agent is sued by any Creditor Representative, debtor-in-possession or other Person for any alleged preference or fraudulent transfer, then any monies paid by Agent in settlement or satisfaction of such proceeding, together with all interest, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in the defense of same, shall be promptly reimbursed to Agent by each Lender to the extent of its Pro Rata share.

 

12.7         Limitation on Responsibilities of Agent .   Agent shall not be liable to any Secured Party for any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Loan Documents, except for losses determined in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to result from Agent’s actual gross negligence or willful misconduct.  Agent does not assume any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by any Loan Party, Lender or other Secured Party of any obligations under the Loan Documents.  Agent does not make any express or implied warranty, representation or guarantee to Secured Parties with respect to any Obligations, Collateral, Loan Documents or Loan Party.  No Agent Indemnitee shall be responsible to Secured Parties for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in any Loan Documents or Borrower Materials; the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any Loan Documents; the genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value, sufficiency, location or existence of any Collateral, or the validity, extent, perfection or priority of any Lien therein; the validity, enforceability or collectability of any Obligations; or the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any Loan Party or Account Debtor.  No Agent Indemnitee shall have any obligation to any Secured Party to ascertain or inquire into the existence of any Default or Event of Default, the observance by any Loan Party of any terms of

 

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the Loan Documents, or the satisfaction of any conditions precedent contained in any Loan Documents.

 

12.8         Successor Agent and Co-Agents .

 

12.8.1      Resignation; Successor Agent .  Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Agent as provided below, Agent may resign at any time by giving at least thirty (30) days written notice thereof to Lenders and Loan Party Agent Upon receipt of such notice, Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent which shall be (a) a U.S. Lender or an Affiliate of a U.S. Lender; or (b) a financial institution reasonably acceptable to Required Lenders and (provided no Default or Event of Default exists) Borrowers.  If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of Agent’s resignation, then Agent may appoint a successor agent that is a financial institution acceptable to it, which shall be a Lender unless no Lender accepts the role.  Upon acceptance by a successor Agent of its appointment hereunder, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the powers and duties of the retiring Agent without further act, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder but shall continue to have the benefits of the indemnification set forth in Sections 12.6 and 14.2 .  Notwithstanding any Agent’s resignation, the provisions of this Section 12 shall continue in effect for its benefit with respect to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while Agent.  Any successor to Bank of America by merger or acquisition of stock or this loan shall continue to be Agent hereunder without further act on the part of any Secured Party or Loan Party.

 

12.8.2      Co-Collateral Agent .  If necessary or appropriate under applicable Law, Agent may appoint a Person to serve as a co-collateral agent or separate collateral agent under any Loan Document.  Each right and remedy intended to be available to Agent under the Loan Document shall also be vested in such agent.  Secured Parties shall execute and deliver any instrument, document or agreement that Agent may request to effect such appointment.  If the agent shall die, dissolve, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, then all the rights and remedies of such agent, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, shall vest in and be exercised by Agent until appointment of a new agent.

 

12.9         Due Diligence and Non-Reliance .   Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that it has, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lenders, and based upon such documents, information and analyses as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis of each Loan Party and its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to fund Loans and participate in LC Obligations hereunder.  Each Secured Party has made such inquiries as it feels necessary concerning the Loan Documents, Collateral and Loan Parties.  Each Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that the other Secured Parties have made no representations or warranties concerning any Loan Party, any Collateral or the legality, validity, sufficiency or enforceability of any Loan Documents or Obligations.  Each Secured Party will, independently and without reliance upon any other Secured Party, and based upon such financial statements, documents and information as it deems appropriate at the time, continue to make and rely upon its own credit decisions in making Loans and participating in LC Obligations, and in taking or refraining from any action under any Loan Documents.  Except for notices, reports and other information expressly requested by a Lender, Agent shall have no duty or responsibility to provide any Secured Party with any notices, reports or certificates furnished to Agent by any

 

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Loan Party or any credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition, business or Properties of any Loan Party (or any of its Affiliates) which may come into possession of Agent or its Affiliates.

 

12.10       Replacement of Certain Lenders .   If a Lender (a) is a Defaulting Lender, (b) fails to give its consent to any amendment, waiver or action for which consent of all Lenders or the Supermajority Required Facility Lenders was required, and Required Lenders, or Required Facility Lenders, as applicable, have consented, or (c) gives notice under Section 3.5 or requests compensation under Section 3.7 , or if either Borrower is required to pay additional amounts or indemnity payments with respect to a Lender under Section 5.8 , then, in addition to any other rights and remedies that any Person may have, Agent or Loan Party Agent may, by notice to such Lender within one hundred twenty (120) days after such event (or within one hundred twenty (120) days after receipt of a notice from such Lender claiming indemnity payments under Section 5.8 ), require such Lender to assign all of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents to Eligible Assignee(s) specified by Agent or Loan Party Agent, pursuant to appropriate Assignment and Acceptance(s) and within twenty (20) days after Agent’s or Loan Party Agent’s notice, as applicable; provided that, in the case of an assignment resulting from a claim for compensation or indemnity payments under Section 3.7 or Section 5.8 , such assignment will result in a reduction of claims for compensation or indemnity payments thereafter.  Agent is irrevocably appointed as attorney-in-fact to execute any such Assignment and Acceptance if Lender fails to execute same.  Such Lender shall be entitled to receive, in cash, concurrently with such assignment, all amounts owed to it under the Loan Documents, including all principal, interest and fees through the date of assignment but excluding any prepayment charge.

 

12.11       Remittance of Payments and Collections .

 

12.11.1           Remittances Generally .  All payments by any Lender to Agent shall be made by the time and on the day set forth in this Agreement, in immediately available funds.  If no time for payment is specified or if payment is due on demand by Agent and request for payment is made by Agent by 11:00 a.m. on a Business Day, payment shall be made by Lender not later than 2:00 p.m. on such day, and if request is made after 11:00 a.m., then payment shall be made by 11:00 a.m. on the next Business Day.  Payment by Agent to any Secured Party shall be made by wire transfer, in the type of funds received by Agent.  Any such payment shall be subject to Agent’s right of offset for any amounts due from such payee under the Loan Documents.

 

12.11.2           Failure to Pay .  If any Secured Party fails to pay any amount when due by it to Agent pursuant to the terms hereof, such amount shall bear interest, from the due date until paid in full, at the rate determined by Agent as customary for interbank compensation for two Business Days and thereafter at the Default Rate for Floating Rate Loans.  In no event shall Borrowers be entitled to receive credit for any interest paid by a Secured Party to Agent, nor shall any Defaulting Lender be entitled to interest on any amounts held by Agent pursuant to Section 4.2 .

 

12.11.3           Recovery of Payments .  If Agent pays an amount to a Secured Party in the expectation that a related payment will be received by Agent from a Loan Party and

 

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such related payment is not received, then Agent may recover such amount from the Secured Party.  If Agent determines that an amount received by it must be returned or paid to a Loan Party or other Person pursuant to applicable Law or otherwise, then, notwithstanding any other term of any Loan Document, Agent shall not be required to distribute such amount to any Secured Party.  If any amounts received and applied by Agent to any Obligations are later required to be returned by Agent pursuant to applicable Law, each Lender shall pay to Agent, on demand , such Lender’s Pro Rata share of the amounts required to be returned.

 

12.12       Individual Capacity .   As a Lender, Bank of America shall have the same rights and remedies under the Loan Documents as any other Lender, and the terms “Lenders,” “Required Lenders”, “Required Facility Lenders” or any similar term shall include Bank of America in its capacity as a Lender.  Agent, Lenders and their Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, provide Bank Products to, act as financial or other advisor to, and generally engage in any kind of business with, Loan Parties and their Affiliates, as if they were not Agent or Lenders hereunder, without any duty to account therefor to any Secured Party.  In their individual capacities, Agent, Lenders and their Affiliates may receive information regarding Loan Parties, their Affiliates and their Account Debtors (including information subject to confidentiality obligations), and shall have no obligation to provide such information to any Secured Party.

 

12.13       Titles .  Each Lender, other than Bank of America, that is designated (on the cover page of this Agreement or otherwise) by Bank of America as an “Agent,” “Arranger” or “Bookrunner” of any type shall have no right, power or duty under any Loan Documents other than those applicable to all Lenders, and shall in no event have any fiduciary duty to any Secured Party.

 

12.14       Bank Product Providers .  Each Secured Bank Product Provider, by delivery of a notice to Agent of a Bank Product, agrees to be bound by Section 5.5 and this Section 12 .  Each Secured Bank Product Provider shall indemnify and hold harmless Agent Indemnitees, to the extent not reimbursed by Loan Parties, against all Claims that may be incurred by or asserted against any Agent Indemnitee in connection with such provider’s Secured Bank Product Obligations.

 

12.15       No Third Party Beneficiaries .   This Section 12 (other than Section 12.2.1 , 12.8 and 12.10 ) is an agreement solely among Lenders (and to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, Lenders and their Affiliates in their capacities as Secured Bank Product Providers) and Agent, and shall survive Full Payment of the Obligations.  This Section 12 (other than Section 12.2.1 , 12.8 and 12.10 ) does not confer any rights or benefits upon the Loan Parties or any other Person.  As between the Loan Parties and Agent, any action that Agent may take under any Loan Documents or with respect to any Obligations shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized and directed by Secured Parties.

 

SECTION 13.   BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS

 

13.1         Successors and Assigns .   This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Loan Parties, Agent, Lenders, and their respective successors and assigns, except that (a) no Loan Party (other than pursuant to a transaction permitted under Section 10.2.7(a) )

 

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shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its obligations under any Loan Documents; and (b) any assignment by a Lender must be made in compliance with Section 13.3 .  Agent may treat the Person which made any Loan as the owner thereof for all purposes until such Person makes an assignment in accordance with Section 13.3 .  Any authorization or consent of a Lender shall be conclusive and binding on any subsequent transferee or assignee of such Lender.

 

13.2         Participations .

 

13.2.1      Permitted Participants; Effect .  Any Lender may, in the ordinary course of its business and in accordance with applicable Law, at any time sell to a financial institution (“Participant”) a participating interest in the rights and obligations of such Lender under any Loan Documents.  Despite any sale by a Lender of participating interests to a Participant, such Lender’s obligations under the Loan Documents shall remain unchanged, such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for performance of such obligations, such Lender shall remain the holder of its Loans and Facility Commitments for all purposes, all amounts payable by the Loan Parties within the applicable Loan Party Group shall be determined as if such Lender had not sold such participating interests, and the Loan Parties within the applicable Loan Party Group and Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with the Loan Documents.  Each Lender shall be solely responsible for notifying its Participants of any matters under the Loan Documents, and Agent and the other Lenders shall not have any obligation or liability to any such Participant.  A Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 5.8 in the same manner as if the Participant acquired its interest by assignment, provided the Participant complies with the requirements of Section 5.9 as if it were a Lender.  Each Lender that sells participations to a Participant, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain a register of all such Participants, provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant register to any Person (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans or its other obligations under any Loan Document) except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Commitment, Loan or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the Treasury regulations.  The entries in the participant register shall be conclusive (absent manifest error), and the Borrowers and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the participant register pursuant to the terms hereof as a participant for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, Agent (in its capacity as Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a participant register.

 

13.2.2      Voting Rights .  Each Lender shall retain the sole right to approve, without the consent of any Participant, any amendment, waiver or other modification of any Loan Documents other than that which forgives principal, interest or fees, reduces the stated interest rate or fees payable with respect to the applicable Loan or Facility Commitment in which such Participant has an interest, postpones the Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date or U.S./European Facility Revolver Commitment Termination Date, as applicable, or any date fixed for any regularly scheduled payment of principal, interest or fees on such Loan or Commitment in which such Participant has an interest, or releases the applicable Borrower, or all or substantially all of the benefits of the applicable Guarantee, or all or substantially all of the applicable Collateral.

 

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13.2.3      Benefit of Set-Off .  The Loan Parties agree that each Participant shall have a right of set-off in respect of its participating interest to the same extent as if such interest were owing directly to a Lender, and each Lender shall also retain the right of set-off with respect to any participating interests sold by it.  By exercising any right of set-off, a Participant agrees to share with Lenders all amounts received through its set-off, in accordance with Section 12.5 as if such Participant were a Lender.

 

13.3         Assignments .

 

13.3.1      Permitted Assignments .  A Lender may assign to an Eligible Assignee any of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents, as long as (a) each assignment is of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of the transferor Lender’s rights and obligations under the Loan Documents and, in the case of a partial assignment, is in a minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent and Loan Party Agent, each in its discretion) and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess of that amount; (b) except in the case of an assignment in whole of a Lender’s rights and obligations, the aggregate amount of the Commitments retained by the transferor Lender is at least $5,000,000 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent and Loan Party Agent, each in its discretion); (c) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to Agent, for its acceptance and recording, an Assignment and Acceptance; and (d) the transferee Lender shall have executed a joinder to the Reallocation Agreement in form and substance acceptable to Agent.  Nothing herein shall limit the right of a Lender to pledge or assign any rights under the Loan Documents to (i) any Federal Reserve Bank or the United States Treasury as collateral security pursuant to Regulation A of the FRB and any Operating Circular issued by such Federal Reserve Bank, or (ii) counterparties to swap agreements relating to any Loans; provided , however , (i) such Lender shall remain the holder of its Loans and owner of its interest in any Letter of Credit for all purposes hereunder, (ii) the Borrowers, Agent, the other Lenders and Issuing Banks shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, (iii) any payment by the Loan Parties to the assigning Lender in respect of any Obligations assigned as described in this sentence shall satisfy the Loan Parties’ obligations hereunder to the extent of such payment, and no such assignment shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall limit the right of a Lender to pledge or assign any rights under the Loan Documents to another Lender following an acceleration of Loans and termination of Commitments pursuant to Section 11.2 in connection with implementation of the Reallocation Agreement following a Designation Date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, assignment of Loans or LC Obligations with respect to the European Borrower pursuant to this Section 13.3.1 shall only be permitted if the Person to whom Loans or LC Obligations are assigned is a Non-Public Lender.

 

13.3.2      Register .  Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrowers, Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Register shall be available for

 

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inspection by the Borrowers and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

13.3.3      Effect; Effective Date .  Upon delivery to Agent of an assignment notice in the form of Exhibit E and a processing fee of $3,500 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent in its discretion), the assignment shall become effective as specified in the notice, if it complies with this Section 13.3 .  From such effective date, the Eligible Assignee shall for all purposes be a Lender under the Loan Documents, and shall have all rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder.  Upon consummation of an assignment, the transferor Lender, Agent and the Loan Parties shall upon request by the transferring or transferee Lender make appropriate arrangements for issuance of replacement and/or new Notes, as applicable.  The transferee Lender shall comply with Section 5.9 and deliver, upon request, an administrative questionnaire satisfactory to Agent.

 

13.3.4      Certain Assignees .  No assignment or participation may be made to a Borrower, Affiliate of a Borrower, Defaulting Lender or natural person.  Any assignment by a Defaulting Lender shall be effective only upon payment by the Eligible Assignee or Defaulting Lender to Agent of an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution (through direct payment, purchases of participations or other compensating actions as Agent deems appropriate), to satisfy all funding and payment liabilities then owing by the Defaulting Lender hereunder.  If an assignment by a Defaulting Lender shall become effective under applicable Law for any reason without compliance with the foregoing sentence, then the assignee shall be deemed a Defaulting Lender for all purposes until such compliance occurs.

 

SECTION 14.   MISCELLANEOUS

 

14.1         Consents, Amendments and Waivers .

 

14.1.1      Amendment .  No modification of any Loan Document, including any extension or amendment of a Loan Document or any waiver of a Default or Event of Default, shall be effective without the prior written agreement of Agent (with the consent of Required Lenders) and each Loan Party party to such Loan Document; provided, however, that:

 

(a)            without the prior written consent of Agent, no modification shall be effective with respect to any provision in a Loan Document that relates to any rights, duties or discretion of Agent;

 

(b)            without the prior written consent of each affected Issuing Bank, no modification shall be effective with respect to any LC Obligations, Section 2.2 or Section 2.3 or any other provision in a Loan Document that relates to any rights, duties or discretion of such affected Issuing Bank;

 

(c)            without the prior written consent of each affected Lender, including a Defaulting Lender, no modification shall be effective that would (i) increase the Facility Commitment of such Lender; (ii) reduce the amount of, or waive or delay payment of, any principal, interest or fees payable to such Lender (except as provided in Section 4.2 ); (iii) increase the aggregate amount of all Commitments (except as set forth in Section 2.1.4 ) or (iv) extend the

 

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U.S./European Revolver Commitment Termination Date, the Canadian Revolver Commitment Termination Date or Facility Termination Date;

 

(d)            without the prior written consent of all Lenders (except any Defaulting Lender), no modification shall be effective that would (i) alter Section 5.5, 7.1 (except to add Collateral) or 14.1.1 ; (iii) amend the definitions of Pro Rata, Required Lenders, Required Facility Lenders or Supermajority Required Facility Lenders; (iv) amend this Section 14.1.1 ; or (v) increase the Maximum Facility Amount (except as set forth in Section 2.1.4 );

 

(e)            without the prior written consent of the Supermajority Required Facility Lenders having Commitments to a Borrower (except a Defaulting Lender as and to the extent provided in Section 4.2 ), no amendment or waiver shall be effective that would (x) with respect to Lenders having Facility Commitments to the Canadian Borrower, amend the definition of Canadian Borrowing Base (or, for purposes of such definition, any defined term used in such definition) or (y) with respect to Lenders having Facility Commitments to the U.S. Borrower and European Borrower, amend the definition of U.S./European Borrowing Base or the Maximum European Subline Amount (or, for purposes of each such definition, any defined term used in such definition);

 

(f)             without the prior written consent of all Lenders having Commitments to a Borrower (except a Defaulting Lender as and to the extent provided in Section 4.2 ), no amendment or waiver shall be effective that would (x) with respect to Lenders having Facility Commitments to the Canadian Borrower, (i) increase the advance rates applicable to the Canadian Borrower, (ii) release all or substantially all of the Canadian Facility Collateral, except as currently contemplated by Section 12.2.1 , or (iii) release any Canadian Facility Loan Party from liability for any Canadian Facility Obligations, except as currently contemplated by Section 12.2.1 ; or (y) with respect to Lenders having Facility Commitments to the U.S. Borrower and the European Borrower, (i) increase the advance rates applicable to the U.S. Borrower or the European Borrower, (ii) release all or substantially all of the U.S./European Facility Collateral, except as currently contemplated by Section 12.2.1 , or (iii) release any U.S./European Facility Loan Party from liability for any U.S./European Facility Obligations, except as currently contemplated by Section 12.2.1 ; and

 

(g)            without the prior written consent of a Secured Bank Product Provider, no modification shall be effective that affects its relative payment priority under Section 5.5.1 .

 

Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, it is understood and agreed that (x) Agent and the Loan Party Agent may amend or modify this Agreement and any other Loan Document to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency therein and (y) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended and converted into an accounts receivables facility with the prior written agreement of Agent (with the consent of Required Lenders) and each Loan Party party hereto.

 

14.1.2      Limitations .  The agreement of the Loan Parties shall not be necessary to the effectiveness of any modification of a Loan Document that deals solely with the rights and duties of Lenders, Agent and/or Issuing Banks as among themselves.  Only the consent of the parties to any Collateral Access Agreement, Deposit Account Control Agreement or any

 

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agreement relating to fees or a Bank Product shall be required for modification of such agreement, and no Bank Product provider (in such capacity) shall have any right to consent to modification of any Loan Document other than its Bank Product agreement.  The making of any Loans during the existence of a Default or Event of Default shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of such Default or Event of Default, nor to establish a course of dealing.  Any waiver or consent granted by Agent or Lenders hereunder shall be effective only if in writing, and then only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it is given.

 

14.1.3      Payment for Consents .  No Loan Party will, directly or indirectly, pay any remuneration or other thing of value, whether by way of additional interest, fee or otherwise, to any Lender (in its capacity as a Lender hereunder) as consideration for agreement by such Lender with any modification of any Loan Documents, unless such remuneration or value is concurrently paid, on the same terms, on a Pro Rata basis to all Lenders providing their consent.

 

14.2         Indemnity .  EACH LOAN PARTY SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE INDEMNITEES AGAINST ANY CLAIMS THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE, INCLUDING CLAIMS ASSERTED BY ANY LOAN PARTY OR OTHER PERSON OR ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF AN INDEMNITEE; provided that, in no event shall any Loan Party have any obligation hereunder to indemnify or hold harmless an Indemnitee with respect to a Claim that is determined in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to result from its actual gross negligence or willful misconduct.  In the case of an investigation, litigation or proceeding to which the indemnity in this paragraph applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by the Loan Parties, their equity holders or creditors, partners, a third party or an Indemnitee and whether or not an Indemnitee is otherwise a party thereto and, except for losses determined in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to result from an Indemnitee’s actual gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

14.3         Notices and Communications .

 

14.3.1      Notice Address .  Subject to Section 4.1.4 , all notices and other communications by or to a party hereto shall be in writing and shall be given to any Loan Party, at Loan Party Agent’s address shown on the signature pages hereof, and to any other Person at its address shown on the signature pages hereof (or, in the case of a Person who becomes a Lender after the Third Restatement Date, at the address shown on its Assignment and Acceptance), or at such other address as a party may hereafter specify by notice in accordance with this Section 14.3 .  Each such notice or other communication shall be effective only (a) if given by facsimile transmission, when transmitted to the applicable facsimile number, if confirmation of receipt is received; (b) if given by mail, three (3) Business Days after deposit in the U.S. mail (or, in the case of a Canadian Domiciled Loan Party, the Canadian mail system, or, in the case of the European Borrower, the Netherlands mail system), with first-class postage pre-paid, addressed to the applicable address; (c) if given by personal delivery, when duly delivered to the notice address with receipt acknowledged; (d) if given by electronic mail or any other telecommunications device, when transmitted to an electronic mail address (or by another means of electronic delivery).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no notice to Agent pursuant to Section 2.1.4 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 3.1.2 , 3.1.3 or 4.1.1 shall be effective until actually received by the individual or

 

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department to whose attention at Agent such notice is required to be sent.  Any written notice or other communication that is not sent in conformity with the foregoing provisions shall nevertheless be effective on the date actually received by the noticed party.  Any notice received by Loan Party Agent shall be deemed received by all Loan Parties.

 

14.3.2     Electronic Communications; Voice Mail .  Electronic mail and internet websites may be used only for routine communications, such as delivery of Borrower Materials, administrative matters, distribution of Loan Documents, and matters permitted under Section 4.1.4 .  Agent and Lenders make no assurances as to the privacy and security of electronic communications.  Electronic communication and voice mail may not be used as effective notice under the Loan Documents.

 

14.3.3     Platform .  Borrower Materials shall be delivered pursuant to procedures approved by Agent, including electronic delivery (if possible) upon request by Agent to an electronic system maintained by Agent (“ Platform ”).  Borrowers shall notify Agent of each posting of Borrower Materials on the Platform and the materials shall be deemed received by Agent only upon its receipt of such notice.  Borrower Materials and other information relating to this credit facility may be made available to Lenders on the Platform.  The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.”  Agent does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information on the Platform nor the adequacy or functioning of the Platform, and expressly disclaims liability for any errors or omissions in the Borrower Materials or any issues involving the Platform.  NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS, OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY AGENT WITH RESPECT TO BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM.  Lenders acknowledge that Borrower Materials may include material non-public information of Loan Parties and should not be made available to any personnel who do not wish to receive such information or who may be engaged in investment or other market-related activities with respect to any Loan Party’s securities.  No Agent Indemnitee shall have any liability to Borrowers, Lenders or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) relating to use by any Person of the Platform or delivery of Borrower Materials and other information through the Platform.

 

14.3.4     Non-Conforming Communications .  Agent and Lenders may rely upon any communications purportedly given by or on behalf of any Loan Party even if they were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not confirmed, or if the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from a later confirmation.  Each Loan Party shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from any liabilities, losses, costs and expenses arising from any non-conforming communication (including telephonic and electronic communications) purportedly given by or on behalf of a Loan Party.

 

14.4         Performance of the Loan Parties’ Obligations .   Agent may, in its discretion at any time and from time to time, at the expense of the Loan Parties of the applicable Loan Party Group, pay any amount or do any act required of a Loan Party under any Loan Documents to (a) enforce any Loan Documents or collect any Obligations; (b) protect, insure, maintain or realize upon any Collateral; or (c) defend or maintain the validity or priority of Agent’s Liens in any

 

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Collateral, including any payment of a judgment, insurance premium, warehouse charge, finishing or processing charge, or landlord claim, or any discharge of a Lien.  All payments, costs and expenses (including Extraordinary Expenses) of Agent under this Section 14.4 shall be reimbursed to Agent by the Loan Parties, on demand , with interest from the date incurred to the date of payment thereof at the rate applicable to Base Rate Loans.  Any payment made or action taken by Agent under this Section 14.4 shall be without prejudice to any right to assert an Event of Default or to exercise any other rights or remedies under the Loan Documents.

 

14.5         Credit Inquiries .   Agent and Lenders may (but shall have no obligation) to respond to usual and customary credit inquiries from third parties concerning any Loan Party or Subsidiary.

 

14.6         Severability .   Wherever possible, each provision of the Loan Documents shall be interpreted in such manner as to be valid under applicable Law.  If any provision is found to be invalid under applicable Law, it shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity and the remaining provisions of the Loan Documents shall remain in full force and effect.

 

14.7         Cumulative Effect; Conflict of Terms .   The provisions of the Loan Documents are cumulative.  The parties acknowledge that the Loan Documents may use several limitations, tests or measurements to regulate similar matters, and they agree that these are cumulative and that each must be performed as provided.  Except as otherwise provided in another Loan Document (by specific reference to the applicable provision of this Agreement), if any provision contained herein is in direct conflict with any provision in another Loan Document, the provision herein shall govern and control.

 

14.8         Counterparts .   Any Loan Document may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  This Agreement shall become effective when Agent has received counterparts bearing the signatures of all parties hereto.  Delivery of a signature page of any Loan Document by telecopy or other electronic means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of such agreement.  Any electronic signature, contract formation on an electronic platform and electronic record-keeping shall have the same legal validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or use of a paper-based recordkeeping system to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any similar state law based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

 

14.9         Entire Agreement .   Time is of the essence with respect to all Loan Documents and Obligations.  The Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, among the parties relating to the subject matter thereof.

 

14.10       Relationship with Lenders .   The obligations of each Lender hereunder are several, and no Lender shall be responsible for the obligations or Commitments of any other Lender.  Amounts payable hereunder to each Lender shall be a separate and independent debt.  It shall not be necessary for Agent or any other Lender to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purposes.  Nothing in this Agreement and no action of Agent, Lenders or any other Secured Party pursuant to the Loan Documents or otherwise shall be deemed to

 

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constitute Agent and any Secured Party to be a partnership, joint venture or similar arrangement, nor to constitute control of any Loan Party.

 

14.11       No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility .   In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated by any Loan Document, the Loan Parties acknowledge and agree that (a)(i) this credit facility and any related arranging or other services by Agent, any Lender, any of their Affiliates or any arranger are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Loan Parties and such Person; (ii) the Loan Parties have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent they have deemed appropriate; and (iii) the Loan Parties are capable of evaluating, and understand and accept, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents; (b) each of Agent, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arranger is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Loan Parties, any of their Affiliates or any other Person (except as expressly set forth in Section 13.3.2 ), and has no obligation with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents except as expressly set forth therein; and (c) Agent, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arranger may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Loan Parties and their Affiliates, and have no obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Loan Parties or their Affiliates.  Each Loan Party hereby agrees that it will not claim that any of the Agent, Lenders and their respective Affiliates has rendered advisory services of any nature or respect or owes a fiduciary duty or similar duty to it in connection with any transaction contemplated by a Loan Document..

 

14.12       Confidentiality .  Each of Agent, Lenders and Issuing Banks shall maintain the confidentiality of all Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates, and to its and their partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and representatives (provided such Persons are informed of the confidential nature of the Information and instructed to keep it confidential); (b) to the extent requested by any governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it or its Affiliates; (c) to the extent required by applicable Law or by any subpoena or other legal process; (d) to any other party hereto; (e) in connection with any action or proceeding relating to any Loan Documents or Obligations; (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as this Section 14.12 , to any Transferee or any actual or prospective party (or its advisors) to any Bank Product; (g) to any direct or indirect contractual counterparty in Hedging Agreements or such contractual counterparty’s professional advisor, (h) with the consent of Loan Party Agent; or (i) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 14.12 or (ii) is available to Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any of their Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Loan Parties.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Agent and Lenders may publish or disseminate general information concerning this credit facility for league table, tombstone and advertising purposes, and may use the Loan Parties’ logos, trademarks or product photographs in advertising materials.  As used herein, “ Information ” means all information received from a Loan Party or Subsidiary relating to it or its business that is identified as confidential when delivered.  Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information pursuant to this Section 14.12 shall be deemed to have complied if it exercises a degree of care similar to that which it accords its own confidential information.  Each of Agent, Lenders and Issuing Banks acknowledges that (i) Information may include material non-public information; (ii) it has developed compliance

 

188



 

procedures regarding the use of material non-public information; and (iii) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with applicable Law.

 

14.13       [Intentionally Omitted] .

 

14.14       GOVERNING LAW .  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES (BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS).

 

14.15       Consent to Forum .

 

14.15.1  Forum .  EACH LOAN PARTY HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT SITTING IN OR WITH JURISDICTION OVER THE STATE OF NEW YORK, IN ANY PROCEEDING OR DISPUTE RELATING IN ANY WAY TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS, AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH PROCEEDING SHALL BE BROUGHT BY IT SOLELY IN ANY SUCH COURT.  EACH LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL CLAIMS, OBJECTIONS AND DEFENSES THAT IT MAY HAVE REGARDING SUCH COURT’S PERSONAL OR SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, VENUE OR INCONVENIENT FORUM.  EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 14.3.1 .  Nothing herein shall limit the right of Agent or any Lender to bring proceedings against any Loan Party in any other court, nor limit the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable Law.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to preclude enforcement by Agent of any judgment or order obtained in any forum or jurisdiction.

 

14.16       Waivers by the Loan Parties .  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, each Loan Party waives (a) the right to trial by jury (which Agent and each Lender hereby also waives) in any proceeding or dispute of any kind relating in any way to any Loan Documents, Obligations or Collateral; (b) presentment, demand, protest, notice of presentment, default, non-payment, maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension or renewal of any accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper and guarantees at any time held by Agent on which a Loan Party may in any way be liable, and hereby ratifies anything Agent may do in this regard; (c) notice prior to taking possession or control of any Collateral; (d) any bond or security that might be required by a court prior to allowing Agent to exercise any rights or remedies; (e) the benefit of all valuation, appraisement and exemption laws; (f) any claim against Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential, exemplary or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) in any way relating to any Enforcement Action, Obligations, Loan Documents or transactions relating thereto; and (g) notice of acceptance hereof.  Each Loan Party acknowledges that the foregoing waivers are a material inducement to Agent, Issuing Banks and Lenders entering into this Agreement and that they are relying upon the foregoing in their dealings with the Loan Parties.  Each Loan Party has reviewed the foregoing waivers with its legal counsel and has knowingly and voluntarily waived its jury trial and other rights following consultation with legal counsel.  In the event of litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent to a trial by the court.

 

189



 

14.17       Patriot Act Notice .  Agent and Lenders hereby notify the Loan Parties that pursuant to the Patriot Act, the Proceeds of Crime Act and other applicable anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist financing, government sanction and “know your client” policies, regulations, laws or rules (the Proceeds of Crime Act and such other applicable policies, regulations, laws or rules, collectively, including any guidelines or orders thereunder, “ AML Legislation ”), Agent and Lenders are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, including its legal name, address, tax ID number and other information that will allow Agent and Lenders to identify it in accordance with the Patriot Act and the AML Legislation.  Agent and Lenders will also require information regarding each personal guarantor, if any, and may require information regarding the Loan Parties’ management and owners, such as legal name, address, social security number and date of birth.  Each Loan Party shall promptly provide all such information, including supporting documentation and other evidence, as may be reasonably requested by any Lender or any prospective assignee or participant of a Lender, in order to comply with the Patriot Act and/or the applicable AML Legislation, whether now or hereafter in existence.  Loan Parties shall, promptly upon request, provide all documentation and other information as Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender may request from time to time in order to comply with any obligations under any “know your customer,” anti-money laundering or other requirements of applicable Law.

 

14.18       Canadian Anti-Money Laundering Legislation .

 

(a)           If Agent has ascertained the identity of any Canadian Facility Loan Party or any authorized signatories of any Canadian Facility Loan Party for the purposes of applicable AML Legislation, then Agent:

 

(i)            shall be deemed to have done so as an agent for each Canadian Lender, and this Agreement shall constitute a “written agreement” in such regard between each Canadian Lender and Agent within the meaning of the applicable AML Legislation; and

 

(ii)           shall provide to each Canadian Lender copies of all information obtained in such regard without any representation or warranty as to its accuracy or completeness.

 

Notwithstanding the preceding sentence and except as may otherwise be agreed in writing, each Canadian Lender agrees that Agent has no obligation to ascertain the identity of the Canadian Loan Parties or any authorized signatories of the Canadian Loan Parties on behalf of any Canadian Lender, or to confirm the completeness or accuracy of any information it obtains from any Canadian Facility Loan Party or any such authorized signatory in doing so.

 

14.19       Reinstatement .  This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against any Loan Party for liquidation or reorganization, should any Loan Party become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of such Loan Party’s assets, and shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Obligations, or any part thereof, is, pursuant to applicable Law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee of the Obligations, whether as a “voidable preference”, “fraudulent conveyance”, or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made.  In the event that any

 

190



 

payment, or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Obligations shall be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

 

14.20       Nonliability of Lenders .  Neither Agent, any Issuing Bank nor any Lender undertakes any responsibility to any Loan Party to review or inform any Loan Party of any matter in connection with any phase of any Loan Party’s business or operations.  Each Loan Party agrees, on behalf of itself and each other Loan Party, that neither Agent, any Issuing Bank nor any Lender shall have liability to any Loan Party (whether sounding in tort, contract or otherwise) for losses suffered by any Loan Party in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related to the transactions contemplated and the relationship established by the Loan Documents, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection therewith, unless it is determined in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction that such losses resulted from the actual gross negligence or willful misconduct of the party from which recovery is sought.  NO LENDER SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE BY OTHERS OF ANY INFORMATION OR OTHER MATERIALS OBTAINED THROUGH INTRALINKS OR OTHER SIMILAR INFORMATION TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT.

 

14.21       INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, THE LIEN AND PRIORITY GRANTED TO AGENT PURSUANT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT AND THE EXERCISE OF ANY RIGHT OR REMEDY IN RESPECT OF THE COLLATERAL BY AGENT HEREUNDER OR UNDER ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT ARE SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT.  IN THE EVENT OF ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TERMS OF THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT, THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, THE TERMS OF THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT SHALL GOVERN AND CONTROL WITH RESPECT TO ANY RIGHT OR REMEDY.  WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE CONTRARY, ALL RIGHTS AND REMEDIES WITH RESPECT TO THE COLLATERAL OF AGENT (AND THE SECURED PARTIES) SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT, AND NO CREDIT PARTY SHALL BE REQUIRED HEREUNDER OR UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT TO TAKE ANY ACTION WITH RESPECT TO THE COLLATERAL THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH SUCH LOAN PARTIES’ OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE FIXED ASSET FACILITY ENTERED INTO ON THE DATE HEREOF.  AGENT MAY NOT REQUIRE ANY CREDIT PARTY TO TAKE ANY ACTION WITH RESPECT TO THE CREATION, PERFECTION OR PRIORITY OF ITS LIEN, WHETHER PURSUANT TO THE EXPRESS TERMS HEREOF OR OF ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR PURSUANT TO THE FURTHER ASSURANCE PROVISIONS HEREOF OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH ACTION WOULD BE VIOLATIVE OF THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT OR SUCH LOAN PARTY’S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE FIXED ASSET FACILITY ENTERED INTO ON THE DATE HEREOF.  THE DELIVERY OF ANY COLLATERAL TO AGENT UNDER THE FIXED ASSET FACILITY ENTERED INTO ON THE DATE HEREOF PURSUANT TO THE FIXED ASSET FACILITY ENTERED INTO ON THE DATE HEREOF SHALL SATISFY ANY DELIVERY REQUIREMENT HEREUNDER OR UNDER ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT

 

191



 

TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH DELIVERY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS OF THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT.

 

14.22       Amendment and Restatement .

 

(a)           On the Third Restatement Date, the Existing Loan Agreement shall be amended, restated and superseded in its entirety.  The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (a) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents executed and delivered in connection herewith do not constitute a novation, payment and reborrowing, or termination of the Obligations under the Existing Loan Agreement as in effect prior to the Third Restatement Date and (b) such Obligations are in all respects continuing with only the terms thereof being modified as provided in this Agreement.

 

(b)           Notwithstanding the modifications effected by this Agreement of the representations, warranties and covenants of the Loan Parties contained in the Existing Loan Agreement, the Loan Parties acknowledge and agree that (1) any causes of action or other rights created prior to the Third Restatement Date in favor of any Lender and its successors arising out of the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained in or delivered (including representations and warranties delivered in connection with the making of the loans or other extensions of credit thereunder) in connection with the Existing Loan Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement; provided , however, that it is understood and agreed that the Borrowers’ monetary obligations under the Existing Loan Agreement in respect of the loans and letters of credit thereunder are evidenced by this Agreement as provided herein and (2) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents on the Third Restatement Date shall not impair the validity, effectiveness or priority of the Liens granted in favor of the Agent prior to the date hereof, or the Notes issued by the Borrowers prior to the date hereof, as applicable, and such Liens and obligations in respect of the Notes are ratified and reaffirmed and shall continue unimpaired with the same priority to secure the applicable Obligations.

 

(c)           All indemnification obligations of the Loan Parties pursuant to the Existing Loan Agreement (including any arising from a breach of the representations thereunder) shall survive the amendment and restatement of the Existing Loan Agreement pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(d)           [ Reserved ].

 

(e)           Each Loan Party hereby (a) ratifies and reaffirms all of its payment and performance obligations, contingent or otherwise, and each grant of security interests and liens in favor of the Agent, under each Reaffirmed Agreement to which it is a party, (b) agrees and acknowledges that such ratification and reaffirmation is not a condition to the continued effectiveness of such Reaffirmed Agreements and (c) agrees that neither such ratification and reaffirmation, nor the Agent’s, or any Lender’s solicitation of such ratification and reaffirmation, constitutes a course of dealing giving rise to any obligation or condition requiring a similar or any other ratification or reaffirmation from any Loan Party with respect to any subsequent modifications to the Reaffirmed Agreements.  The Reaffirmed Agreements shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed.

 

192



 

14.23       Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Lender that is an EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the write-down and conversion powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

 

1.  the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any Lender that is an EEA Financial Institution; and

 

2.  the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

 

(i)            a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

 

(ii)           a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

 

(iii)          the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the write-down and conversion powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.

 

14.24       Senior Notes Issuance .   The parties acknowledge and agree that the Senior Notes Issuance will occur on or substantially concurrently with the Third Restatement Date, the net proceeds of which shall be applied to repay a portion of the obligations of U.S. Borrower under the Fixed Asset Facility.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signatures begin on following page]

 

193



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered as of the date set forth above.

 

 

CS INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO 1 LLC, as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and a Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Matthew Hardt

 

 

Name:

Matthew Hardt

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC., as the U.S. Borrower, a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and a Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Keith D. Stephenson

 

 

Name:

Keith D. Stephenson

 

 

Title:

Executive Vice President & Chief

 

 

Operating Officer

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE CANADA LIMITED, as the Canadian Borrower and a Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Keith D. Stephenson

 

 

Name:

Keith D. Stephenson

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS B.V., as the European Borrower

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Robert C. Johnson

 

 

Name:

Robert C. Johnson

 

 

Title:

Director A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Maarten Diederik Gaston van den Berg

 

 

Name:

Maarten Diederik Gaston van den Berg

 

 

Title:

Director B

 

[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement]

 



 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE NC L.L.C., as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Keith D. Stephenson

 

 

Name:

Keith D. Stephenson

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE OH, LLC, as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Keith D. Stephenson

 

 

Name:

Keith D. Stephenson

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE FLUID SYSTEMS MEXICO HOLDING LLC, as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Keith D. Stephenson

 

 

Name:

Keith D. Stephenson

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

 

CSA SERVICES INC., as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Matthew Hardt

 

 

Name:

Matthew Hardt

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

 

NISCO HOLDING COMPANY, as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeffrey S. Edwards

 

 

Name:

Jeffrey S. Edwards

 

 

Title:

President

 

[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement]

 



 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE FHS LLC (f/k/a COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE FHS INC.), as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Matthew Hardt

 

 

Name:

Matthew Hardt

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD CANADA HOLDINGS LLC, as a U.S./European Facility Guarantor and Canadian Facility Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Matthew Hardt

 

 

Name:

Matthew Hardt

 

 

Title:

President

 

[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement]

 



 

 

AGENT AND LENDERS :

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. ,

 

as Agent and a U.S. Lender

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas H. Herron

 

Name:

Thomas H. Herron

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

135 South LaSalle St.

 

 

Suite 925

 

 

Chicago, IL 60603

 

 

Attn:

Portfolio Manager

 

 

Telecopy:

(312) 904-7190

 

 

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (acting through its Canada branch), as a Canadian Lender

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Sylwia Durkiewicz

 

Name:

Sylwia Durkiewicz

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Address:

 

 

 

181 Bay Street, Suite 400

 

 

Toronto, ON, M5J 2V8

 

 

Attn:

Sylwia Durkiewicz

 

 

Telecopy:

(312) 453-4041

 

[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement]

 



 

 

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH , as a U.S. Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Benjamin Souh

 

Name:

Benjamin Souh

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Marcus M. Tarkington

 

Name:

Marcus M. Tarkington

 

Title:

Director

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

60 Wall Street

 

 

New York, New York 10005

 

 

 

 

 

Attn:

Hareesh Kuberappa

 

 

Telecopy:

(866)-240-3622

 

 

 

 

 

DEUTSCHE BANK AG CANADA BRANCH , as a Canadian Lender

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Dan Sooley

 

Name:

Dan Sooley

 

Title:

Chief Country Officer

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David Gynn

 

Name:

David Gynn

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

199 Bay Street, Suite 4700

 

 

Commerce Court West, Box 263

 

 

Toronto, Ontario M5L 1E9

 

 

Attn:

Vanessa Laird

 

 

Telecopy:

(904)-638-8671

 

[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement]

 



 

 

Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch , as a U.S. LC Issuer

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Benjamin Souh

 

Name:

Benjamin Souh

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Marcus M. Tarkingston

 

Name:

Marcus M. Tarkington

 

Title:

Director

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

60 Wall Street

 

 

New York, New York 10005

 

 

 

 

 

Attn:

Christine Lamonaca

 

 

Telecopy:

(212)-797-0403

 

 

 

Deutsche Bank AG Canada Branch , as a Canadian LC Issuer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Dan Sooley

 

Name:

Dan Sooley

 

Title:

Chief Country Officer

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David Gynn

 

Name:

David Gynn

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

60 Wall Street

 

 

New York, New York 10005

 

 

 

 

 

Attn:

Christine Lamonaca

 

 

Telecopy:

(212)-797-0403

 

[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement]

 



 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a U.S. Lender

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Gene Riego de Dios

 

Name:

Gene Riego de Dios

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Address:

383 Madison Avenue

 

 

 

 

 

New York, NY, 10179

 

 

United States

 

 

 

 

 

Attn:

Gene Riego de Dios

 

 

Telecopy:

917-464-6810

 

[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement]

 



 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., TORONTO BRANCH as a Canadian Lender

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Gene Riego de Dios

 

Name:

Gene Riego de Dios

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Address:

383 Madison Avenue

 

 

 

 

 

New York, NY, 10179

 

 

United States

 

 

 

 

 

Attn:

Gene Riego de Dios

 

 

Telecopy:

917-464-6810

 

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement]

 



 

 

BARCLAYS BANK PLC, as a U.S. Lender and a Canadian Lender

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Marguerite Sutton

 

Name:

Marguerite Sutton

 

Title:

Vice President

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attn:

 

 

 

Telecopy:

 

 

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement]

 



 

 

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, as a U.S. Lender and a Canadian Lender

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Ryan Durkin

 

Name:

Ryan Durkin

 

Title:

Authorized Signatory

 

Address:

30 Hudson Street

 

 

Jersey City, NJ 07302

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attn:

Thierry Le-Jouan

 

 

Telecopy:

917-977-3966

 

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement]

 



 

Schedule 1.1(a)

 

Commitments of Lenders

 

Lender

 

U.S./European
Revolver
Commitment

 

Canadian Revolver
Commitment

 

Total Commitment

 

Bank of America, N.A.

 

$

56,666,667

 

$

0

 

$

56,666,667

 

Bank of America, N.A. (acting through its Canada Branch)

 

$

0

 

$

13,333,333

 

$

13,333,333

 

Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch

 

$

46,547,619

 

$

0

 

$

46,547,619

 

Deutsche Bank AG Canada Branch

 

$

0

 

$

10,952,381

 

$

10,952,381

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

 

$

28,333,333

 

$

0

 

$

28,333,333

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., Toronto Branch

 

$

0

 

$

6,666,667

 

$

6,666,667

 

Barclays Bank PLC

 

$

22,261,905

 

$

0

 

$

22,261,905

 

Barclays Bank PLC (acting through its Canada Branch)

 

$

0

 

$

5,238,095

 

$

5,238,095

 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

 

$

16,190,476

 

$

0

 

$

16,190,476

 

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

 

$

0

 

$

3,809,524

 

$

3,809,524

 

TOTAL

 

$

170,000,000

 

$

40,000,000

 

$

210,000,000

 

 



 

Schedule 10.1.13

 

Post-Closing Covenants

 

All capitalized terms used in this Schedule 10.1.13 and not defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.

 

Action

 

Date Completion Required

 

 

 

Delivery of Collateral Access Agreement in respect of:

 

(a)           3870 Boul. Industriel, Sherbrooke, Quebec

 

(b)           3995 Boul. Industriel, Sherbrooke, Quebec

 

Within 120 days following the Third Restatement Date (or such longer time to be agreed upon by the Agent in its reasonable discretion)

 

 

 

The Canadian Borrower shall enter into the Amendment No. 2 to the blocked account agreement dated as of May 27, 2010 (as amended, restated or otherwise supplemented from time to time including pursuant to the Amendment No. 1 to Blocked Account Agreement dated as of April 15, 2014) between the Canadian Borrower, the Agent, and The Bank of Nova Scotia, to among other things update the schedule of accounts attached thereto as Schedule A.

 

Within 60 days following the Third Restatement Date (or such longer time to be agreed upon by the Agent in its reasonable discretion)

 


Exhibit 10.2

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

AMENDMENT No. 1 , dated as of November 2, 2016 (this “ Amendment ”), to the Credit Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2014 (as further amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC., an Ohio corporation (the “ Borrower ”), CS INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”), DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH (“ DBNY ”), as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (in such capacity, the “ Agent ”), the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and the other parties thereto; capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as defined below).

 

WHEREAS, the Borrower desires to amend the Credit Agreement on the terms set forth herein;

 

WHEREAS, Section 10.01 of the Credit Agreement provides that the relevant Loan Parties and the Required Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement) may amend the Credit Agreement as set forth herein;

 

WHEREAS, (i) each Lender that has submitted a signature page hereto (each a “ Consenting Lender ”) has agreed, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, to have its Original Loans, if any, either (A) by electing a “Cashless Settlement Option” on its signature page hereto, converted into a like principal amount (or such lesser amount allocated to such Consenting Lender by the Arrangers as notified to such Consenting Lender by the Administrative Agent) of Term B-1 Loans effective as of the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date (as defined below) ( such Original Loans, the “ Converted Loans ” and such Consenting Lenders making such election, the “ Converting Lenders ”) or (B) by electing a “Post-Closing Settlement Option” on its signature page hereto, prepaid pursuant to the Post-Closing Settlement Option (as defined below) and (ii) Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as the Additional Term B-1 Lender (the “ Additional Term B-1 Lender ”) has agreed to make the Additional Term B-1 Loan in an aggregate principal amount equal to $340,000,000 less the aggregate principal amount of the Converted Loans, the proceeds of which shall be applied to repay such then outstanding Original Loans which did not become Converted Loans in a like aggregate principal amount;

 

WHEREAS, certain Consenting Lenders have elected to have 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the Original Loans held by such Consenting Lenders prepaid on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date and to purchase by assignment a like principal amount (or such lesser amount allocated to such Consenting Lender by the Arrangers as notified to such Consenting Lender by the Administrative Agent) of Term B-1 Loans (the “ Post-Closing Settlement Option ”);

 

WHEREAS, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Barclays Bank PLC are the joint arrangers and bookrunners (the “ Arrangers ”) for the Term B-1 Loans;

 

WHEREAS, the Lenders party hereto, constituting the Required Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement), have consented to the other amendments described herein;

 



 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

 

Section 1.                                            Amendments to the Credit Agreement .

 

(a)                                  The body of the Credit Agreement is, effective as of the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, hereby amended to delete the stricken text (indicated textually in the same manner as the following example:  stricken text ) and to add the double-underlined text (indicated textually in the same manner as the following example:  double-underlined text ) as set forth in the pages of the Credit Agreement attached as Exhibit A hereto.  All parties agree that the foregoing amendment of the Credit Agreement does not constitute a novation of the Credit Agreement, as originally written.

 

(b)                                  Schedules I , 5.10 , 5.22 , 7.01 , 7.03 , 7.06 to the Credit Agreement are, effective as of the Amendment No.1 Effective Date, hereby amended and restated in their entirety as set forth in the attached Exhibit B hereto.

 

(c)                                   Exhibit J (Perfection Certificate) of the Credit Agreement is, effective as of the Amendment No.1 Effective Date, hereby amended by deleting the word “not” from Paragraph 16 therein and Exhibit H (Intercreditor Agreement) of the Credit Agreement is, effective as of the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, hereby amended and restated in its entirety as set forth in the attached Exhibit C hereto and the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to enter into the as-amended and restated Intercreditor Agreement on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date (the Credit Agreement as amended pursuant to this Section 1(a) to (c), the “ Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ”).

 

(d)                                  The Additional Term B-1 Lender hereby agrees, on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date and on the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, to make its Term B-1 Loans in accordance with Section 2.01 of the Amended and Restatement Credit Agreement.  Each Converting Lender hereby agrees, on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date and on the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement that all (or such lesser amount allocated to such Converting Lender by the Arrangers and notified to such Converting Lender by the Administrative Agent) of its Converted Loans shall be converted into Term B-1 Loans under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement on a dollar for dollar basis.

 

(e)                                   On the Amendment No.1 Effective Date, the Borrower shall apply the aggregate proceeds of the Additional Term B-1 Loan made on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date by the Additional Term B-1 Lender to prepay in full all outstanding Original Loans outstanding immediately prior to the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date other than the Converted Loans.

 

Section 2.                                            Representations and Warranties, No Default .  The Borrower hereby represents and warrants that as of the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, after giving effect to this Amendment, (i) no Default shall exist and (ii) the representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article V of the Credit Agreement or any

 

2



 

other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (and in all respects if any such representation or warranty is already qualified by materiality) on and as of the Amendment No.1 Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects (and in all respects if any such representation or warranty is already qualified by materiality) as of such earlier date.

 

Section 3.                                            Effectiveness .  This Amendment shall become effective on the date (such date, the “ Amendment No. 1 Effective Date ”) that the following conditions have been satisfied:

 

(i)                                      Consents .  The Agent shall have received executed signature pages hereto from the Borrower, each of the Guarantors, the Additional Term B-1 Lender and Consenting Lenders constituting the Required Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement);

 

(ii)                                   Fees .  The Agent and Arrangers shall have received the fees in the amounts previously agreed in writing with the Borrower by the Arrangers to be received on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date pursuant to that certain Engagement Letter, dated as of October 21, 2016 (the “ Engagement Letter ”), and all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses required to be paid or reimbursed under Section 10.04 of the Credit Agreement for which invoices have been presented three Business Days prior to the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date;

 

(iii)                                Senior Notes . The Borrower shall have received, substantially concurrently with the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, aggregate gross proceeds of $400,000,000 from the consummation of the offering of the Senior Notes;

 

(iv)                               Officer’s Certificate . The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower dated the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date certifying as to the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2 of this Amendment;

 

(v)                                  Secretary Certificate . The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and each Guarantor, dated the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date and certifying:

 

(A)                                that attached  thereto is a true and complete copy of the certificate or articles of incorporation or formation, including all amendments thereto, of such Loan Party, certified as of a recent date by the Secretary of State of the state of its organization that is in full force and effect,, and a certificate as to the good standing of such Loan Party as of a recent date, from such Secretary of State;

 

(B)                                that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the by-laws or operating agreement of such Loan Party as in effect on the Loan Party and at all times since a date prior to the date of the resolutions described in clause (C) below,

 

3



 

(C)                                that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors or other governing body of such Loan Party authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party and, that such resolutions have not been modified, rescinded or amended and are in full force and effect; and

 

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

 

(vi)                               Legal Opinions .

 

(A)                                The Agent shall have received an opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, dated the Restatement Effective Date, addressed to the Agent and the Lenders party hereto, and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(B)                                The Agent shall have received an opinion of local counsel in Ohio for the Loan Parties, addressed to the Agent and the Lenders, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(vii)                            USA PATRIOT Act .  No later than three Business Days in advance of the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received all documentation and other information reasonably requested with respect to any Loan Party in writing by any Lender at least ten Business Days in advance of the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, which documentation or other information is required by regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act;

 

(viii)                         Flood Compliance.   With respect to each Mortgaged Property, the Collateral Agent shall have received a “Life-of-Loan” Federal Emergency Management Agency Standard Flood Hazard Determination (together with a notice about special flood hazard area status and flood disaster assistance duly executed by each Loan Party relating thereto) and, if the area in which any improvements located on any Mortgaged Property is designated a “flood hazard area” in any Flood Insurance Rate Map published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency), flood insurance, in favor of the Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, in an amount that would be considered sufficient under the Flood Insurance Laws, and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

 

Section 4.                                            Post-Closing Real Estate .

 

(a)                                  Mortgage Amendments .  Within ninety (90) days after the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, unless waived or extended by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion, with respect to each Mortgaged Property, the Collateral Agent shall have received either the items listed in paragraph (i) or the items listed in paragraph (ii) as follows:

 

4



 

(i)                                      (A)                                an opinion or email confirmation from local counsel in each jurisdiction where a Mortgaged Property is located, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, to the effect that:

 

(x)                                  the recording of the existing Mortgage is the only filing or recording necessary to give constructive notice to third parties of the lien created by such Mortgage as security for the Secured Obligations, including the Secured Obligations evidenced by the Credit Agreement as amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the other documents executed in connection therewith, for the benefit of the Secured Parties; and

 

(y)                                  no other documents, instruments, filings, recordings, re-recordings, re-filings or other actions, including, without limitation, the payment of any mortgage recording taxes or similar taxes, are necessary or appropriate under applicable law in order to maintain the continued enforceability, validity or priority of the lien created by such Mortgage as security for the Secured Obligations, including the Secured Obligations evidenced by the Credit Agreement as amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the other documents executed in connection therewith, for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

 

(ii)                                with respect to the existing Mortgages, the following, in each case in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent:

 

(A)                                an amendment to each existing Mortgage (each a “ Mortgage Amendment ”) to reflect the matters set forth in this Amendment, duly executed and acknowledged and in proper form for recording in the Land Records, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, together with such certificates, affidavits, questionnaires or returns as shall be required in connection with the recording or filing thereof under applicable law;

 

(B)                                an opinion, addressed to the Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties of local counsel in each jurisdiction where a Mortgaged Property is located with respect to the enforceability and perfection of the Mortgage as amended by the Mortgage Amendment and other matters customarily included in such opinions in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent;

 

(C)                                with respect to each Mortgage Amendment, to the extent available in the relevant jurisdiction, a date down endorsement or mortgage modification to the existing Title Policy, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and reasonably assure the Collateral Agent as of the date of such endorsement that the real property subject to the lien of such Mortgage is free and clear of all defects and encumbrances except Permitted Liens;

 

5



 

(D)                                evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent of payment by the Borrower of all title insurance premiums, search and examination charges, escrow charges and related charges, mortgage recording taxes, fees, charges, costs and expenses required for the recording of the Mortgage Amendments and issuance of the date down endorsements contemplated by clause (C) above; and

 

(E)                                 evidence satisfactory to the Collateral Agent that the Borrower and the Guarantors have delivered to the Title Company such affidavits, certificates, information (including financial data), instrument of indemnification (including a so-called “gap” indemnification) and other documents as may be reasonably necessary to cause the Title Company to issue the date down endorsements contemplated by clause (C) above.

 

Section 5.                                            Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single instrument.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Amendment by facsimile or any other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

 

Section 6.                                            Governing Law .  THIS AMENDMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

Section 7.                                            Headings .  The headings of this Amendment are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

Section 8.                                            Reaffirmation of Guaranty and Collateral Documents .  Each Guarantor hereby agrees that all of its obligations and liabilities under the Guaranty and each other Loan Document to which it is a party remain in full force and effect on a continuous basis after giving effect to this Amendment.

 

Section 9.                                            Effect of Amendment .  Except as expressly set forth herein, (i) this Amendment shall not by implication or otherwise limit, impair, constitute a waiver of or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of the Lenders, the Agent, in each case under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, and (ii) shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.  Each and every term, condition, obligation, covenant and agreement contained in the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document is hereby ratified and re-affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document for purposes of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and from and after the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, all references to the Credit Agreement in any Loan Document and all references in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Credit Agreement, shall, unless expressly provided otherwise, refer to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

 

6



 

Section 10.                                     Loss of FATCA Grandfathering .  For purposes of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA),from and after the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, the Borrower and the Agent agree to treat (and the Lenders hereby authorize the Agent to treat) the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and the Loans as not qualifying as “grandfathered obligations” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.1471-2(b)(2)(i).

 

7



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

COOPER STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC. , as
the Borrower

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Name:

Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President,

 

 

 

General Counsel and Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

CS INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO 1 LLC, as
Holdings

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Matthew W. Hardt

 

 

Name:

Matthew W. Hardt

 

 

Title:

President

 

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE NC
L.L.C., as a Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Name:

Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE OH,
LLC, as a Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Name:

Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Title:

Secretary

 

[Signature Page to Amendment]

 



 

 

COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE

 

FLUID SYSTEMS MEXICO HOLDING

 

LLC, as a Guarantor

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Name:

Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

 

 

CSA SERVICES INC., as a Guarantor

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Name:

Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

 

 

NISCO HOLDING COMPANY, as a Guarantor

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Name:

Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD FHS LLC (f/k/a
COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE
FHS INC.), as a Guarantor

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Name:

Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD CANADA HOLDINGS
LLC, as a Guarantor

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Name:

Aleksandra A. Miziolek

 

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

[Signature Page to Amendment]

 



 

 

DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH

 

as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Dusan Lazarov

 

 

Name: Dusan Lazarov

 

 

Title: Director

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Marcus M. Tarkington

 

 

Name: Marcus M. Tarkington

 

 

Title: Director

 

[Signature Page to Amendment]

 



 

 

DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH

 

as Additional Term B-1 Lender

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Marcus M. Tarkington

 

 

Name: Marcus M. Tarkington

 

 

Title: Director

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Anca Trifan

 

 

Name: Anca Trifan

 

 

Title: Managing Director

 

[Signature Page to Amendment]

 



 

[Lender Signature Pages on File with the Administrative Agent]

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

 

[See Attached]

 



 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

dated as of April 4, 2014, 2014

as amended pursuant to Amendment No.1 as of November 2, 2016,

 

among

 

CS INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO 2 LLC COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC. ,

 

as the Borrower,

 

CS INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO 1 LLC,

 

as Holdings,

 

DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH,

 

as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent,

 

The Other Lenders Party Hereto,

 

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.,

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC, BARCLAYS BANK PLC

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK. N.A.,

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,

and

UBS SECURITIES LLC

 

BARCLAYS BANK PLC,

 

as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners,

 

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,

 

as Syndication Agent,

 

and

 

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC, BARCLAYS BANK PLC

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK. N.A.,

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,

 

and

 

UBS SECURITIES LLC, BARCLAYS BANK PLC,

 

as Co-Documentation Agents

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Section

 

Page

 

 

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

 

 

 

1.01

Defined Terms

1

1.02

Other Interpretive Provisions

52 54

1.03

Accounting Terms

52 54

1.04

Rounding

53 55

1.05

References to Agreements and Laws

53 55

1.06

Times of Day

53 55

1.07

Timing of Payment or Performance

53 55

1.08

Currency Equivalents Generally

53 55

1.09

Calculation of Baskets

53 55

1.10

Effect of Amendment No. 1

55

 

 

 

ARTICLE II THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

 

 

 

2.01

The Loans

53 56

2.02

Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans

54 56

2.03

[Reserved]

55 57

2.04

[Reserved]

55 57

2.05

Prepayments

55 57

2.06

Termination of Commitments

58 61

2.07

Repayment of Term Loans

58 61

2.08

Interest

58 61

2.09

[Reserved]

59 61

2.10

Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate

59 61

2.11

Evidence of Indebtedness

59 62

2.12

Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback

60 62

2.13

Sharing of Payments

61 63

2.14

[Reserved]

61 64

2.15

Extension Offers

61 64

2.16

Increase Facilities

63 65

2.17

New Term Facility

64 67

2.18

[Reserved]

66 Subsidiary Borrowers 69

2.19

Specified Refinancing Debt

66 70

 

 

 

ARTICLE III TAXES, INCREASED COSTS PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

 

 

 

3.01

Taxes

67 71

3.02

Illegality

70 74

3.03

Inability to Determine Rates

71 75

3.04

Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy

71 75

3.05

Funding Losses

72 76

3.06

Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation

73 77

3.07

Replacement of Lenders Under Certain Circumstances

74 78

3.08

Survival

74 79

 

i



 

Section

 

Page

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

 

 

4.01

Conditions of Initial Credit Extension

75 79

 

 

 

ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

 

 

5.01

Organization and Qualification

77 81

5.02

Power and Authority

77 82

5.03

Enforceability

78 82

5.04

Corporate Names; Capital Structure

78 82

5.05

Locations

78 82

5.06

Title to Properties; Priority of Liens

78 82

5.07

Financial Statements; Solvency; Material Adverse Effect

78 82

5.08

Taxes

79 83

5.09

[Reserved]

79 83

5.10

Intellectual Property

79 83

5.11

Governmental Approvals

79 83

5.12

Compliance with Laws

79 84

5.13

Compliance with Environmental Laws

80 84

5.14

Burdensome Contracts

80 84

5.15

Litigation

80 84

5.16

No Defaults

80 84

5.17

ERISA

80 85

5.18

[Reserved]

81 85

5.19

Labor Relations

81 85

5.20

Not a Regulated Entity

82 86

5.21

Margin Stock

82 86

5.22

Perfection, Etc.

82 86

5.23

OFAC

83 87

5.24

Anti-Corruption Laws

87

5.25

Complete Disclosure

83 87

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

 

 

6.01

Financial and Other Information

83 87

6.02

Notices

86 91

6.03

Compliance with Laws

87 91

6.04

Taxes

87 91

6.05

Preservation of Existence, Etc.

87 91

6.06

Maintenance of Properties

87 92

6.07

Insurance

87 92

6.08

Inspection Rights

88 92

6.09

Use of Proceeds

88 92

6.10

Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security

88 93

6.11

Post-Closing Matters

90 94

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

 

 

7.01

Liens

90 95

7.02

[Reserved]

91 95

7.03

Indebtedness

91 95

7.04

Fundamental Changes

97 102

7.05

Asset Sales

99 104

 

ii



 

Section

 

Page

 

 

 

7.06

Restricted Payments

102 107

7.07

[Reserved]

108 113

7.08

Transactions with Affiliates

108 113

7.09

Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries

111 116

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

 

 

 

8.01

Events of Default

114 118

8.02

Remedies Upon Event of Default

116 120

8.03

Application of Funds

116 121

 

 

 

ARTICLE IX ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND OTHER AGENTS

 

 

 

9.01

Appointment and Authorization of Agents

117 121

9.02

Delegation of Duties

117 122

9.03

Liability of Agents

118 122

9.04

Reliance by Agents

118 122

9.05

Notice of Default

118 123

9.06

Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents

119 123

9.07

Indemnification of Agent

119 123

9.08

Agents in their Individual Capacities

119 124

9.09

Successor Agents

120 124

9.10

Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

120 125

9.11

Collateral and Guaranty Matters

121 125

9.12

[Reserved]

122 126

9.13

Other Agents; Arranger and Managers

122 126

9.14

Appointment of Supplemental Administrative Agents and Supplemental Collateral Agents

122 127

9.15

Withholding Taxes

123 128

 

 

 

ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

 

10.01

Amendments, Etc.

124 128

10.02

Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communications

125 130

10.03

No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement

127 132

10.04

Expenses and Taxes

128 132

10.05

Indemnification by the Borrower

128 133

10.06

Payments Set Aside

129 134

10.07

Successors and Assigns

130 134

10.08

Confidentiality

135 140

10.09

Setoff

136 140

10.10

Interest Rate Limitation

136 141

10.11

Counterparts

137 141

10.12

Integration; Effectiveness

137 141

10.13

Survival of Representations and Warranties

137 142

10.14

Severability

137 142

10.15

[Reserved]

137 142

10.16

Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.

137 142

10.17

WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY

138 143

10.18

Binding Effect

139 143

10.19

No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility

139 143

 

iii



 

Section

 

Page

 

 

 

10.20

Affiliate Activities

139 144

10.21

Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents

140 144

10.22

USA PATRIOT ACT

140 144

10.23

Intercreditor Agreement

140 144

10.24

Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions

145

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

S-1

 

iv



 

SCHEDULES

 

I

 

Guarantors

2.01

 

Commitments and Pro Rata Shares

5.04

 

Corporate Information

5.05

 

Locations

5.06(b)

 

Owned Real Property

5.10

 

Intellectual Property Matters

5.13

 

Environmental Matters

5.15

 

Litigation

5.19

 

Labor Matters

5.22

 

Filing Offices

6.11

 

Post-Closing Matters

7.01

 

Existing Liens

7.03

 

Existing Indebtedness

7.06

 

Existing Investments

10.02

 

Administrative Agent’s Office, Certain Addresses for Notices

 

EXHIBITS

 

Form of

 

 

 

A

 

Committed Loan Notice

B

 

Term Note

C-1

 

Assignment and Assumption

C-2

 

Affiliate Lender Assignment and Assumption

C-3

 

Administrative Questionnaire

D-1

 

Holdings Guaranty

D-2

 

Subsidiary Guaranty

E

 

Security Agreement

F

 

Solvency Certificate

G

 

Intercompany Subordination Agreement

H

 

Intercreditor Agreement

I

 

Compliance Certificate

J

 

Perfection Certificate

K

 

United States Tax Compliance Certificate

 

v



 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

This CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of April 4, 2014 2014, as amended pursuant to Amendment No.1 as of November 2, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, replaced (whether or not upon termination, and whether with the original lenders or otherwise ) ) (this “ Agreement ”) among CS INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO 2 LLC COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC. , a Delaware limited liability company corporation (the “ Borrower ”), CS INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO 1 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Holdings ”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and each, individually, a “ Lender ”) , Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (“ DBSI ”), Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Barclays Bank PLC and UBS Securities LLC as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch (“ DBNY ”), as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (in such capacity, the “ Agent ”),  Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as syndication agent (in such capacity, the “ Syndication Agent ”) and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Barclays Bank PLC and UBS Securities LLC, as co-documentation agents (in such capacity, the “ Co-Documentation Agents ”) .

 

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

 

WHEREAS, Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc. (“ Parent ”) intends to refinance the entire outstanding amount of Cooper Standard Automotive Inc. (“ OpCo ”)’s existing 8.500% Senior Notes due 2018 and the Parent’s 7.375% PIK Toggle Notes due 2018 (such notes, collectively, the “ Existing Notes ”), including applicable call premiums and accrued and unpaid interest (collectively, the “ Notes Refinancing ”) using proceeds of the Term Loans. the Borrower, Holdings, the Lenders (under and as defined in the Original Credit Agreement) and DBNY are parties to a Credit Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2014 (the “ Original Credit Agreement ”).

 

WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that, immediately upon satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Amendment No. 1, the Lenders amend and restate the Original Credit Agreement as provided herein and lend (including by conversion of any Converted Term Loans) to the Borrower a term loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of $340,000,000, to be used, together with the proceeds of the Senior Notes (as defined below) to repay or replace all Term Loans outstanding under the Original Credit Agreement (the “ Refinancing ”) and to pay fees, commissions and expenses in connection with the Transactions.

 

WHEREAS, substantially on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, the Borrower has incurred senior unsecured debt in an aggregate principal amount of $400,000,000 (such notes, collectively, the “ Senior Notes ”).

 

WHEREAS the Borrower has requested that, immediately , subject to and upon satisfaction of the terms and conditions precedent herein set forth in Article IV below, the Lenders lend to the Borrower a term loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of $750,000,000, to be used to consummate the Refinancing and to pay related fees and expenses , the Lenders are willing to make available to the Borrower, or, in the case of Converted Term Loans, continue to make available to the Borrower, the senior secured term loan facility provided for herein .

 

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

 



 

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

 

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

 

ABL Collateral ” has the meaning given to such term specified in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

ABL Collateral Agent ” means Bank of America, N.A. and any successor, as agent under the ABL Credit Agreement, or if there is no ABL Credit Agreement, the “ABL Collateral Agent” designated pursuant to the terms of the ABL Debt.

 

ABL Credit Agreement ” means (i) the third amended and restated loan and security agreement, dated as of April 8, 2013 (as amended by that certain amendment no. 1 to amended and restated loan and security agreement, dated as of May 13, 2013 and as further amended on the Closing Date) among Cooper-Standard November 2, 2016  among Holdings Inc., Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. , the Borrower , Cooper-Standard Automotive Canada Limited, Cooper-Standard Automotive International Holdings B.V., certain other Subsidiaries of Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. the Borrower , Bank of America, N.A., as agent, and the other financial institutions party thereto, as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, replaced (whether or not upon termination, and whether with the original lenders or otherwise), restructured, repaid, refunded, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time, including any agreement or indenture extending the maturity thereof, refinancing, replacing or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or agreements or indenture or indentures or any successor or replacement agreement or agreements or indenture or indentures or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereunder or altering the maturity thereof, and (ii) whether or not the credit agreement referred to in clause (i) remains outstanding, if designated by the Borrower to be included in the definition of “ABL Credit Agreement,” one or more (A) debt facilities, indentures or commercial paper facilities providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, notes, debentures, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, (B) debt securities, indentures or other forms of debt financing (including convertible or exchangeable debt instruments or bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances), or (C) instruments or agreements evidencing any other Indebtedness, in each case, with the same or different borrowers or issuers and, in each case, as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, refinanced, restated, increased, replaced or refunded in whole or in part from time to time.

 

ABL Debt ” means any (1) Indebtedness outstanding from time to time under any ABL Credit Agreement, (2) all obligations with respect to such Indebtedness and any Hedging Obligations incurred with any ABL Lender (or its Affiliates) and secured by the ABL Collateral and (3) all Bank Products incurred with any ABL Lender (or its Affiliates) and secured by the ABL Collateral.

 

ABL Lender ” means any lender or holder or agent or arranger of Indebtedness under the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

Acquired Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any specified Person:

 

(1)                                  Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into, or becoming a Subsidiary of such specified Person, and

 

2



 

(2)                                  Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

 

Additional Term B-1 Commitment ” means as to the Additional Term B-1 Lender, its obligation to make the Additional Term B-1 Loan to the Borrower on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date pursuant to Section 2.01 in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $340,000,000 minus the aggregate principal amount of the Converted Term Loans of all Consenting Lenders.

 

“Additional Term B-1 Lender ” means the Person identified as such in Amendment No. 1.

 

Additional Term B-1 Loan ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.

 

Administrative Agent ” means DBNY in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent permitted by the terms hereof.

 

Administrative Agent’s Office ” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02 , or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Lenders.

 

Administrative Questionnaire ” means an Administrative Questionnaire in substantially the form of Exhibit C-3 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

Adverse Proceeding ” means any action, suit, proceeding (whether administrative, judicial or otherwise), governmental investigation or arbitration (whether or not purportedly on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) at law or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Authority, domestic or foreign (including any Environmental Claims) pending against or affecting the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any property of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly Controlling or Controlled by or under direct or indirect common Control with such specified Person.  For purposes of this definition, “ Control ” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “ Controlling ,” “ Controlled by ” and “ under common Control with ”), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.

 

Affiliate Lender Assignment and Assumption ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(i)(ii) .

 

Affiliate Lenders ” means, collectively, any Affiliate of Parent other than (i) any Subsidiary of Parent and (ii) any natural person.

 

Agent-Related Persons ” means each Agent, together with its Related Parties.

 

Agents ” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.

 

Aggregate Commitments ” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.

 

Agreement ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.

 

Amendment No. 1 ” means Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2016, among Holdings, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders party thereto.

 

Amendment No. 1 Effective Date ” means November 2, 2016.

 

3



 

Anti-Terrorism Laws ” means any laws relating to terrorism or money laundering, including the PATRIOT Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act.

 

Applicable Calculation Date ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”.

 

Applicable Measurement Period ” means the most recently ended four fiscal quarters immediately preceding the Applicable Calculation Date for which internal financial statements are available.

 

Applicable Rate ” means a percentage per annum equal to 3.00 2.75 % per annum for Eurodollar Rate Loans , 2.00 and 1.75% per annum for Base Rate Loans; provided that if at any time the public corporate credit rating or corporate family rating of the Borrower or a Parent Entity, as applicable, from S&P and Moody’s is equal to or better than BB- (stable) and Ba3 (stable), respectively, then for so long as such ratings remain at least such level and are not withdrawn, the Applicable Rate shall be reduced to a percentage per annum equal to 2.50% per annum for Eurodollar Rate Loans and 1.50 % per annum for Base Rate Loans.

 

Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the public corporate credit rating or corporate family rating of the Borrower or a Parent Entity, as applicable, shall become effective as of the first Business Day immediately following the date the Borrower provides written notice to the Administrative Agent of such change.

 

Approved Fund ” means any Fund that is administered, advised or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers, advises or manages a Lender.

 

Arrangers ” means DBSI, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Barclays Bank PLC and UBS Securities LLC , in their respective capacities as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners.

 

Asset Sale ” means:

 

(1)                                  the sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of property or assets (including by way of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction) of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower (each referred to in this definition as a “ disposition ”); or

 

(2)                                  the issuance or sale of Equity Interests (other than (i) directors’ qualifying shares or shares or interests required to be held by foreign nationals or other third parties to the extent required by applicable law and (ii) Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries issued in compliance with Section 7.03 ) of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower) (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions),

 

in each case other than:

 

(a)                                  a sale, exchange or other disposition of Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities or obsolete, damaged, unnecessary, unsuitable or worn out equipment or other assets in the ordinary course of business or any disposition of inventory in the ordinary course of business;

 

(b)                                  the sale, conveyance, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower in a manner pursuant to Section 7.04 ;

 

4



 

(c)                                   any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under Section 7.06 ;

 

(d)                                  any disposition of assets or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, with an aggregate Fair Market Value of less than $ 5,000,000 10,000,000 ;

 

(e)                                   any transfer or disposition of property or assets by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower to the Borrower or by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower;

 

(f)                                    the creation of any Lien permitted under the terms hereof to the extent constituting a disposition of property or assets;

 

(g)                                   any issuance, sale or pledge of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

 

(h)                                  the sale, lease, assignment, license, sublease or discount of inventory, equipment, accounts receivable, notes receivable or other current assets held for sale in the ordinary course of business or the conversion of accounts receivable to notes receivable or other dispositions of accounts receivable in connection with the collection or compromise thereof;

 

(i)                                      the lease, assignment or sublease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

 

(j)                                     a sale of accounts receivable, or participations therein, and Receivables Assets in a Permitted Receivables Financing or in factoring or similar transactions;

 

(k)                                  a transfer of accounts receivable, or participations therein, and Receivables Assets (or a fractional undivided interest therein) in a Permitted Receivables Financing;

 

(l)                                      any exchange of assets for assets (including a combination of assets and Cash Equivalents) related to a Similar Business of comparable or greater market value or usefulness to the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the Borrower;

 

(m)                              the grant in the ordinary course of business of any license or sub-license of patents, trademarks, know-how, general intangibles and any other intellectual property;

 

(n)                                  any financing transaction with respect to property constructed or acquired by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date, including Sale/Leaseback Transactions permitted under the terms hereof;

 

(o)                                  the surrender or waiver of contract rights or settlement, release or surrender of a contract, tort or other litigation claim in the ordinary course of business;

 

(p)                                  the unwinding of any non-speculative Hedging Obligations;

 

(q)                                  sales, transfers and other dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, customary buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;

 

5



 

(r)                                     the lapse or abandonment of intellectual property rights in the ordinary course of business, which in the reasonable good faith determination of the Borrower are not material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole; and

 

(s)                                    foreclosures, Casualty Events or any similar action on assets not prohibited by this Agreement ; and(t) the sale of the Thermal and Emissions Business and the Tecalemit Business .

 

Assignee Group ” means two or more Eligible Assignees that are Affiliates of one another or two or more Approved Funds managed or advised by the same investment manager or advisor or affiliated investment managers or advisors.

 

Assignment and Assumption ” means an Assignment and Assumption substantially in the form of Exhibit C-1 .

 

Bail-In Action ” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution.

 

Bail-In Legislation ” means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

 

Bank Products ” means any facilities or services related to cash management, including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit or debit card, automated clearing house fund transfer services, purchase card, electronic funds transfer (including non-card e-payables services) and other cash management arrangements and commercial credit card and merchant card services.

 

Base Rate ” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1.0%, (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as established from time to time by the Administrative Agent as its “prime rate” at its principal U.S. office, and (c) the Eurodollar Rate applicable to one month Interest Periods on the date of determination of the Base Rate (taking into account any Eurodollar Rate floor under Section 2.08(a) ) plus 1.0%.  The “prime rate” is a rate set by the Administrative Agent based upon various factors including the Administrative Agent’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate.  Any change in such prime rate established by the Administrative Agent shall take effect at the opening of business on the day such change is effective.

 

Base Rate Loan ” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

 

Board of Directors ” means as to any Person, the board of directors or managers, sole member or managing member, as applicable, of such Person (or, if such Person is a partnership, the board of directors or other governing body of the general partner of such Person) or any duly authorized committee thereof.

 

Borrower ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

 

Borrower Materials ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01 .

 

Borrower Parties ” means the collective reference to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, and “ Borrower Party ” means any one of them.

 

6



 

Borrowing ” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by the Lenders in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

Borrowing Base ” means, as of any date, an amount equal to:  (1) 85% of the value of all accounts receivable owned by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter preceding such date; plus (2) the lesser of (i) 70% of the value of all inventory owned by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter preceding such date and (ii) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of all inventory owned by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter preceding such date, all calculated on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.

 

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, New York and, if such day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, means any such day that is also a London Banking Day.

 

Capital Expenditures ” means, as of any date for the applicable period then ended, all cash capital expenditures of the Borrower Parties on a consolidated basis for such period, as determined in accordance with GAAP (including acquisitions of Intellectual Property to the extent the cost thereof is treated as a capitalized expense in accordance with GAAP made in cash during such period).

 

Capital Stock ” means:

 

(1)                                  in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;

 

(2)                                  in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;

 

(3)                                  in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and

 

(4)                                  any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

 

Capitalized Lease Obligation ” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) in accordance with GAAP; provided that any obligation in respect of operating leases of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether entered into before or after the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, that are subsequently recharacterized as capital lease obligations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis due to a change in accounting treatment or otherwise after the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date will be deemed not to be treated as a Capital Capitalized Lease Obligation or Indebtedness.

 

Cash Collateral Account ” means a blocked, non-interest bearing deposit account at the Administrative Agent (or another commercial bank reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) in the name of the Administrative Agent and under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, and otherwise established in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

Cash Contribution Amount ” means the aggregate amount of cash contributions made to the capital of the Borrower or any Guarantor described in the definition of “Contribution Indebtedness.”

 

7



 

Cash Equivalents ” means:

 

(1)                                  U.S. Dollars, Canadian dollars, pounds sterling, euros or the national currency of any participating member state of the European Union;

 

(2)                                  securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the government of the United States, Canada or any country that is a member of the European Union or any agency or instrumentality thereof in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

 

(3)                                  certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances, in each case with maturities not exceeding one year, and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000, or the foreign currency equivalent thereof, and whose long-term debt is rated “A” or higher or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency);

 

(4)                                  repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above;

 

(5)                                  commercial paper issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Borrower) rated at least “A-1” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) and in each case maturing within one year after the date of acquisition;

 

(6)                                  readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any municipal or political subdivision thereof with a rating of “AA-” from S&P or “Aa3” from Moody’s or guaranteed by a financial institution with a rating of “AA-” from S&P or “Aa3” from Moody’s (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

 

(7)                                  Indebtedness issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A-2” or higher from Moody’s in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

 

(8)                                  investment funds investing at least 90% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through ( 6 7 ) above; and

 

(9)                                  in the case of Investments by any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Foreign Subsidiary, (x) such local currencies in those countries in which such Foreign Subsidiary transacts business from time to time in the ordinary course of business and (y) Investments of comparable tenor and credit quality to those described in the foregoing clauses (1) through (8) customarily utilized in countries in which such Foreign Subsidiary operates for short-term cash management purposes.

 

Cash Management Agreement ” means any agreement or arrangement to provide Bank Products to the Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

8



 

Cash Management Bank ” means a Lender or an Agent or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Agent, in each case in its capacity as a party to any Cash Management Agreement.

 

Casualty Event ” means any involuntary loss of title, any involuntary loss of, damage to or any destruction of, or any condemnation or other taking (including by any Governmental Authority) of, any property of any Loan Party or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.  “Casualty Event” shall include but not be limited to any taking of all or any part of any real property of any Person or any part thereof, in or by condemnation or other eminent domain proceedings, or by reason of the temporary requisition of the use or occupancy of all or any part of any real property of any Person or any part thereof by any Governmental Authority, civil or military, or any settlement in lieu thereof.

 

CFC ” means a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957(a) of the Code.

 

Change of Control ” means at any time, the Borrower becomes aware of (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, or written notice) the acquisition by any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), other than a Permitted Holder, in a single transaction or in a related series of transactions, by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) of 35% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Borrower or any Parent Entity unless (i) the Permitted Holders have, at such time, the right or the ability, directly or indirectly, by voting power, contract or otherwise, to elect or designate for election at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Borrower or (ii) during any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the Board of Directors of the Borrower shall be occupied by persons who were (x) members of the Board of Directors of the Borrower nominated by one or more Permitted Holders or (y) appointed by directors so nominated; provided that so long as the Borrower is a Subsidiary of a Parent Entity, no Person shall be deemed to be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Borrower unless such Person shall be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of such Parent Entity.

 

Closing Date ” means April 4, 2014.

 

Code ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

 

Collateral ” means all the assets and properties, owned as of the Closing Date or thereafter, subject or purported to be subject to the Liens created by the Collateral Documents.

 

Collateral Agent ” means DBNY in its capacity as collateral agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor collateral agent permitted by the terms hereof.

 

Collateral Documents ” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Intellectual Property Security Agreements, the Mortgages, each of the mortgages, collateral assignments, Pledge Supplements, security agreements, pledge agreements or other similar agreements delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to the Security Agreement, and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that creates or purports to create a Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

 

Commitment ” means, as to any Lender at any time, such Lender’s Additional Term Loan B-1 Commitment, obligations to make Term Loans or revolving loans under Section 2.16 , obligations to make

 

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New Term Loans under Section  2.17 and/or 2.17, obligations to make Term Loans or revolving loans under Section  2.19 , 2.19 and/or a New Revolving Commitment, as applicable.

 

Committed Loan Notice ” means a notice of a Borrowing or a continuation of, or conversion into, Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a) , which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A .

 

Compliance Certificate ” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit I .

 

Consenting Lender ” shall mean each Lender that provided the Administrative Agent under the Original Credit Agreement with a counterpart to Amendment No. 1 executed by such Lender.

 

Consolidated Cash Taxes ” means, as of any date for the applicable period ending on such date with respect to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the aggregate of all income, franchise and similar taxes (including penalties and interest), as determined in accordance with GAAP, to the extent the same are payable in cash with respect to such period.

 

Consolidated Current Assets ” means the Current Assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 

Consolidated Current Liabilities ” means, with respect to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, all liabilities in accordance with GAAP that would be classified as current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet of such Person, but excluding (a) the current portion of Indebtedness (including the Swap Termination Value of any Hedging Agreements) to the extent reflected as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet of such Person, (b) the current portion of interest, (c) accruals for current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits, (d) accruals of any costs or expenses related to restructuring reserves, (e) deferred revenue and (f) any obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

Consolidated First Lien Debt Ratio ” as of any date of determination means the ratio of (1)  (x) Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries that is secured by a Lien (other than Junior Indebtedness) as of the end of the most recent fiscal period for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur minus (y) the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents in an amount not to exceed $200,000,000, in each case, that is held by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of such most recent fiscal period, to (2) the EBITDA of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur, in each case, with such pro forma adjustments to Consolidated Total Indebtedness and EBITDA as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.”

 

Consolidated Funded Indebtedness ” means all Indebtedness of the type described in clauses (1)(a), (b) and (d) of the definition of Indebtedness, of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, in an amount that would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but (x) excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with any permitted acquisition and (y) any Indebtedness that is issued at a discount to its initial principal amount shall be calculated based on the entire principal amount thereof), excluding obligations in respect of letters of credit, except to the extent of unreimbursed amounts thereunder.

 

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Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(1)                                  interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income ( including (i) amortization of original issue discount or premium resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than or greater than par, as applicable, (ii) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, (iii) net payments and receipts (if any) pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations and (iv) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, and excluding (q) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and original issue discount with respect to Indebtedness issued in connection with the Transactions or any intercompany Indebtedness, (r) any expensing of bridge, commitment or other financing fees, (s) any expense resulting from the discounting of Indebtedness in connection with the application of recapitalization or purchase accounting, (t) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (u) non-cash interest expense attributable to movement in mark-to-market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivatives (in each case, permitted hereunder and under GAAP), (v) accretion or accrual of discounted liabilities not constituting Indebtedness, (w) interest expense attributable to a Parent Entity resulting from push-down accounting, and (x) commissions, discounts, yield, make whole premium and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Permitted Receivables Financing);

 

(2)                                  interest on Indebtedness described in clause Section  7.06 (b) (13)(ii)  (to the extent not already included in clause (1) above); and

 

(3)                                  consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued;

 

less interest income for such period; provided that, for purposes of calculating Consolidated Interest Expense, no effect shall be given to the discount and/or premium resulting from the bifurcation of derivatives under FASB ASC 815 and related interpretations as a result of the terms of the Indebtedness to which such Consolidated Interest Expense relates.

 

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.

 

Consolidated Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis; provided , however , that:

 

(1)                                  any after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains, losses or charges (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses (including relating to the Transactions), severance, relocation costs, curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans, start-up, facilities opening, transition, integration and other restructuring costs, charges, reserves or expenses (including related to acquisitions after the Closing Date and to the start-up, closure and/or consolidation of facilities), new product introductions, one-time compensation charges and signing, retention or completion bonuses, shall be excluded;

 

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(2)                                  the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period, shall be excluded;

 

(3)                                  any net after-tax effect of gains or losses from disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations, shall be excluded;

 

(4)                                  any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to business dispositions (including Capital Stock of any Person) or asset dispositions or abandonments other than in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by the Borrower) shall be excluded;

 

(5)                                  any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to the early extinguishment of Indebtedness, Hedging Obligations and other derivative instruments (including deferred financing costs written off and premiums paid), shall be excluded;

 

(6)                                  the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of such Person, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting (other than a Guarantor), shall be excluded to the extent such Person or Unrestricted Subsidiary is prohibited by contract (including its organizational documents) from making dividends or distributions to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period;

 

(7)                                  solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 7.06 (a)(iii)(A) , the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, is otherwise restricted by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that the Consolidated Net Income of such Person shall be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash (or converted into cash) or Cash Equivalents by any such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person, to the extent not already included therein;

 

(8)                                  any non-cash compensation expense realized from employee benefit plans or post-employment benefit plans, grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, phantom equity, stock options, restricted stock, units or other rights to officers, directors and employees of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be excluded;

 

(9)                                  (a) (i) the non-cash portion of “straight-line” rent expense shall be excluded and (ii) the cash portion of “straight-line” rent expense that exceeds the amount expensed in respect of such rent expense shall be included and (b) non-cash gains, losses, income and expenses resulting from fair value accounting required by FASB ASC 815 shall be excluded;

 

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(10)                           unrealized gains and losses relating to hedging transactions and mark-to-market of Indebtedness denominated in foreign currencies resulting from the application of FASB ASC 830 shall be excluded;

 

(11)                           any (a) severance or relocation costs or expenses, (b) one-time non-cash compensation charges, (c) the costs and expenses after the Closing Date related to employment of terminated employees, or (d) costs or expenses realized in connection with or resulting from stock appreciation or similar rights, phantom equity, stock options, restricted stock units or other rights existing on the Closing Date of officers, directors and employees, in each case of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, shall be excluded;

 

(12)                           accruals and reserves, contingent liabilities and any gains and losses on the settlement of any pre-existing contractual or non-contractual relationships as a result of the Transactions that are established or adjusted within 12 months after the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date and that are so required to be established or adjusted in accordance with GAAP or as a result of adoption or modification of accounting policies shall be excluded;

 

(13)                           the effect of any non-cash impairment charges or write-ups, write-downs or write-offs of assets (including intangible assets, goodwill and deferred financing costs but excluding accounts receivable) or liabilities resulting from the application of GAAP (including in connection with the Transactions) and the amortization of intangibles arising from the application of GAAP (excluding any non-cash item to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any future period except to the extent such item is subsequently reversed) shall be excluded; and

 

(14)                           any fees, expenses or charges (such as capitalized manufacturing profit in inventory) incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, Investment, recapitalization, disposition, issuance or repayment of Indebtedness, issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to the Closing Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded.

 

In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include (i) the amount of proceeds actually received from business interruption insurance, (ii) other than for purposes of Section 7.06, the amount of proceeds as to which the Borrower has determined there is reasonable evidence it will be reimbursed by the insurer in respect of such period from business interruption insurance (with a deduction for any amounts so added back to the extent denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days or not so reimbursed within 365 days) and (iii) reimbursements of any expenses and charges pursuant to indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any Permitted Investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets, in each case, permitted under the terms hereof.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of Section 7.06 only, there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets from Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower to the extent such dividends, repayments or transfers increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under Sections 7.06(a)(iii)(E)  and (F) .

 

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Consolidated Non-cash Charges ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate depreciation, amortization (including amortization of intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period), impairment, compensation and other non-cash expenses of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that if any non-cash charges referred to in this definition represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from EBITDA in such future period to such extent paid.

 

Consolidated Scheduled Funded Debt Payments ” means, as of any date for the applicable period ending on such date with respect to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiary on a consolidated basis, the sum of all scheduled payments of principal during such period on Consolidated Funded Indebtedness that constitutes Funded Debt (including the implied principal component of payments due on Capitalized Lease Obligations during such period), less the reduction in such scheduled payments resulting from voluntary prepayments or mandatory prepayments required pursuant to Section 2.05 , in each case as applied pursuant to Section 2.05 , as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio ” as of any date of determination means the ratio of (1)  (x) Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries that is secured by a Lien as of the end of the most recent fiscal period for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur minus (y) the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents in an amount not to exceed $ 200,000,000, 300,000,000, in each case, that is held by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of such most recent fiscal period, to (2) the EBITDA of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur, in each case, with such pro forma adjustments to Consolidated Total Indebtedness and EBITDA as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.”

 

Consolidated Taxes ” means, with respect to any Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any period, provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital, including, without limitation, state franchise and similar taxes, and including an amount equal to the amount of tax distributions actually made to the holders of Capital Stock of such Person or any direct or indirect parent of such Person in respect of such period in accordance with Section 7.06(b)(12) which shall be included as though such amounts had been paid as income taxes directly by such Person.

 

Consolidated Total Assets ” means, the consolidated total assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as set forth on the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower as of the most recent period for which financial statements were required to have been delivered pursuant to Sections 6.01(a)  and (b) .

 

Consolidated Total Indebtedness ” means, as of any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, determined on a consolidated basis, to the extent required to be recorded on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, Capitalized Lease Obligations and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments (other than letters of credit to the extent undrawn).

 

Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio ” as of any date of determination means the ratio of (1) (x) Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal period for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on

 

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which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur minus (y) the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents in an amount not to exceed $300,000,000, in each case, that is held by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of such most recent fiscal period, to (2) the EBITDA of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur, in each case, with such pro forma adjustments to Consolidated Total Indebtedness and EBITDA as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.”

 

Contingent Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person Guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“ primary obligations ”) of any other Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent:

 

(1)                                  to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,

 

(2)                                  to advance or supply funds:

 

(a)                                  for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation; or

 

(b)                                  to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; or

 

(3)                                  to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

 

Contractual Obligation ” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

 

Contribution Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Guarantor in an aggregate principal amount not greater than the aggregate amount of cash contributions (other than Excluded Contributions) made to the capital of the Borrower or such Guarantor after the Closing Date; provided that:

 

(1)                                  such Contribution Indebtedness shall be Indebtedness with a Stated Maturity later than the Stated Maturity of the Term Loans and a Weighted Average Life to Maturity longer than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans, and

 

(2)                                  such Contribution Indebtedness (a) is Incurred within 210 days after the making of such cash contributions and (b) is so designated as Contribution Indebtedness pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate on the Incurrence date thereof.

 

Control ” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Affiliate.”

 

Converted Term Loans ” shall mean all Original Loans held by a Consenting Lender, or such lesser amount of such Original Loans as notified to such Consenting Lender by the Administrative Agent prior to the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date; provided that the term “Converted Term Loans” shall

 

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exclude the Loans held by any Consenting Lender that has elected the Post-Closing Settlement Option (as defined in Amendment No. 1).

 

Credit Extension ” means a Borrowing.

 

Current Assets ” means all assets of the Borrower that, in accordance with GAAP, would be classified as current assets on the balance sheet of a company conducting a business the same as or similar to the Borrower, after deducting appropriate and adequate reserves therefrom in each case in which a reserve is proper in accordance with GAAP, but excluding (i) cash, (ii) Cash Equivalents, (iii) Hedging Agreements to the extent that the mark-to-market Swap Termination Value would be reflected as an asset on the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower, (iv) deferred financing fees, (v) payment for deferred taxes (so long as the items described in clauses (iv) and (v) are non-cash items) and (vi) in the event that a Permitted Receivables Financing is accounted for off balance sheet, (x) gross accounts receivable comprising part of the receivables and other Receivables Assets subject to such Permitted Receivables Financing minus (y) collection by the Borrower against the amounts sold pursuant to clause (x).

 

DBNY ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Debt Fund Affiliate ” means (x) any Affiliate of Parent that is a bona fide diversified debt fund; provided that none of the Affiliate Lenders, directly or indirectly, possesses the power to direct or cause the direction of the investment policies of any such fund and (y) the Specified Investor.

 

Debtor Relief Laws ” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

 

Declined Amounts ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.05(d) .

 

Default ” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.

 

Default Rate ” means an interest rate equal to (a) the Base Rate plus (b) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans under the applicable Facility plus (c) 2.0% per annum ; provided , however , that with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2.0% per annum , in each case, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

 

Designated Jurisdiction ” means any country or territory that is the subject of any Sanction.

 

Designated Non-cash Consideration ” means the Fair Market Value of non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of or collection on such Designated Non-cash Consideration.

 

Designated Preferred Stock ” means Preferred Stock of the Borrower or Holdings or any other Parent Entity, as applicable (other than Excluded Equity), that is issued after the Closing Date for cash and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, on the issuance date thereof, the cash proceeds of which are contributed to the capital of the Borrower (if issued by Holdings or any Parent Entity) and excluded from the calculation set forth in Section 7.06(a)(iii) .

 

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Discounted Voluntary Prepayment ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.05(c) .

 

Disqualified Lender ” means (x) certain financial institutions designated by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent in writing on March 20, 2014 October 21, 2016 (y) competitors of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries identified as such in writing by the Borrower and updated from time to time, or (z) any Affiliates of such competitors reasonably identifiable by name, other than any bona fide debt fund affiliates.  The list of Disqualified Lender shall be made available to any Lender upon request to the Administrative Agent.

 

Disqualified Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is redeemable or exchangeable), in each case, at the option of the holder thereof or upon the happening of any event:

 

(1)                                  matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Term Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of any Commitments),

 

(2)                                  is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, or

 

(3)                                  is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part,

 

in each case prior to 91 days after the maturity date of the Term Loans; provided , however , that only the portion of Capital Stock that so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date shall be deemed to be Disqualified Stock; provided , further , however , that if such Capital Stock is issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Borrower in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, death or disability; provided , further , that any class of Capital Stock of such Person that by its terms authorizes such Person to satisfy its obligations thereunder by delivery of Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Stock.

 

Dollar ” and “ $ ” mean lawful money of the United States.

 

Domestic Subsidiary ” means a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

 

Dutch Auction ” means an auction (an “ Auction ”) conducted by a Purchasing Borrower Party in order to purchase Term Loans, New Term Loans and Specified Refinancing Term Loans in accordance with the following procedures or such other procedures as may be agreed to between the Administrative Agent and the Borrower:

 

(A)                                Notice Procedures .  In connection with an Auction, the Borrower will provide notification to the Administrative Agent (for distribution to the applicable Lenders) of the Term Loans, New Term Loans or Specified Refinancing Term Loans that will be the subject of the Auction (an “ Auction Notice ”).  Each Auction Notice shall be in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and shall contain (i) the total cash value of the bid, in a minimum amount of $10,000,000 with minimum increments of $1,000,000 (the “ Auction Amount ”), (ii) the discount to par, which shall be a range (the “ Discount Range ”) of percentages of the par principal amount of the Term Loans, New Term Loans or Specified Refinancing Term Loans at issue that represents the

 

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range of purchase prices that could be paid in the Auction and (iii) the date by which Lenders are required to indicate their election to participate in such proposed Discounted Voluntary Prepayment.

 

(B)                                Reply Procedures .  In connection with any Auction, each applicable Lender may, in its sole discretion, participate in such Auction and may provide the Administrative Agent with a notice of participation (the “ Return Bid ”) which shall be in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and shall specify (i) a discount to par that must be expressed as a price (the “ Reply Discount ”), which must be within the Discount Range, and (ii) a principal amount of the applicable Loans which must be in increments of $1,000,000 (the “ Reply Amount ”).  A Lender may avoid the minimum increment amount condition solely when submitting a Reply Amount equal to the Lender’s entire remaining amount of the applicable Loans.  Lenders may only submit one Return Bid per Auction.  In addition to the Return Bid, the participating Lender must execute and deliver, to be held in escrow by the Administrative Agent, assignment and assumption in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

 

(C)                                Acceptance Procedures .  Based on the Reply Discounts and Reply Amounts received by the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, will determine the applicable discount (the “ Applicable Discount ”) for the Auction, which will be the lowest Reply Discount for which Parent or its Subsidiary, as applicable, can complete the Auction at the Auction Amount; provided that, in the event that the Reply Amounts are insufficient to allow Parent or its Subsidiary, as applicable, to complete a purchase of the entire Auction Amount (any such Auction, a “ Failed Auction ”), Parent or its Subsidiary shall either, at its election, (i) withdraw the Auction or (ii) complete the Auction at an Applicable Discount equal to the highest Reply Discount.  Parent or its Subsidiary, as applicable, shall purchase the applicable Loans (or the respective portions thereof) from each applicable Lender with a Reply Discount that is equal to or greater than the Applicable Discount (“ Qualifying Bids ”) at the Applicable Discount; provided that if the aggregate proceeds required to purchase all applicable Loans subject to Qualifying Bids would exceed the Auction Amount for such Auction, Parent or its Subsidiary, as applicable, shall purchase such Loans at the Applicable Discount ratably based on the principal amounts of such Qualifying Bids (subject to rounding requirements specified by the Administrative Agent).  Each participating Lender will receive notice of a Qualifying Bid as soon as reasonably practicable but in no case later than five (5) Business Days from the date the Return Bid was due.

 

(D)                                Payment Procedures Subject to clause (C) above (including the right of the Borrower to withdraw any Auction), each Discounted Voluntary Prepayment shall be made without premium or penalty (but subject to Section 3.05 ), upon irrevocable notice as described above.  Upon receipt of any Auction Notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each relevant Lender thereof.  If any Auction Notice is given, the amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable to the applicable Lenders, subject to the Applicable Discount on the applicable Loans, on the date specified therein together with accrued interest (on the par principal amount) to but not including such date on the amount prepaid.

 

(E)                                 Additional Procedures .  Once initiated by an Auction Notice, Parent or its Subsidiary, as applicable, may not withdraw an Auction other than a Failed Auction.  Furthermore, in connection with any Auction, upon submission by a Lender of a Qualifying Bid, such Lender will be obligated to sell the entirety or its allocable portion of the Reply Amount, as the case may be, at the Applicable Discount.

 

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EBITDA ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus, without duplication, to the extent the same was deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income:

 

(1)                                  Consolidated Taxes; plus

 

(2)                                  Consolidated Interest Expense; plus

 

(3)                                  Consolidated Non-cash Charges; plus

 

(4)                                  [Reserved]; plus

 

(5)                                  any fees, expenses, charges or losses (other than Consolidated Non-cash Charges) related to any issuance of Equity Interests, Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the Incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred under Section 7.03 (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful), and any amendment or modification to the terms of any such transaction, including (i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the Transactions, (ii) any amendment or other modification of other Indebtedness and (iii) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Permitted Receivables Financing; plus

 

(6)                                  the amount of loss or discount on sale of receivables and Receivables Assets in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing; plus

 

(7)                                  the amount of any restructuring charges or reserves (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include retention, severance, systems development and establishment costs, conversion costs, excess pension charges, curtailments and modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plan costs or charges and contract termination costs, including future lease commitments, costs related to the start-up, closure, relocation or consolidation of facilities and costs to relocate employees and any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions after the Closing Date), plus

 

(8)                                  (x) the amount of “run rate” net cost savings, synergies and operating expense reductions projected by the Borrower in good faith to result from actions taken, committed to be taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or are expected in good faith to be taken no later than twelve (12) months after the date of determination to take such action (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies had been realized on the first day of the period for which EBITDA is being determined and if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions and (y) the amount of “run rate” net cost savings, synergies and operating expense reductions projected by the Borrower in good faith to result from actions taken, committed to be taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or are expected in good faith to be taken no later than twelve (12) months after the end of such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies had been realized on the first day of the period for which EBITDA is being determined and if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies 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, operating expense reductions and synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable (it is understood and agreed that “run-rate” means the full recurring benefit for a period that is associated with any action taken, committed to be taken or with respect to which substantial

 

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steps have been taken or are expected to be taken); provided , further , that the aggregate amount of cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies added pursuant to this clause (8) and the aggregate amount of Pro Forma Cost Savings, when taken together, shall not exceed 20% of EBITDA for such period (giving pro forma effect to the relevant transaction, other than any cost savings, synergies, operating expense reductions or Pro Forma Cost Savings) determined prior to giving effect to any adjustments pursuant to this clause (8) or the definition of Pro Forma Cost Savings;

 

(9)                                  the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees (including termination fees) and related indemnities and expenses paid or accrued in such period to the Investors or any of their respective Affiliates in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000 for such period; plus

 

(10)                           costs of surety bonds incurred in such period in connection with financing activities; plus

 

(11)                           any costs or expense incurred pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such costs or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or the net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Borrower (other than Excluded Equity) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are excluded from the calculation of the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 7.06(a)(iii)(A) ; plus/minus

 

(12)                           gains or losses due solely to fluctuations in currency values and the related tax effects ,

 

less , without duplication, non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period (excluding any items that represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period).

 

EEA Financial Institution ” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

 

EEA Member Country ” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

 

EEA Resolution Authority ” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

 

Eligible Assignee ” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.07(b)  (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.07(b)(iii) ).

 

Environment ” means ambient air, indoor air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface and subsurface strata and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna.

 

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Environmental Claim ” means any investigation, notice, notice of violation or of potential responsibility, claim, action, suit, proceeding, demand, abatement order or other order or directive (conditional or otherwise), by any Governmental Authority or any other Person, arising (i) pursuant to or in connection with any actual or alleged violation of any Environmental Law; (ii) in connection with any Hazardous Material; or (iii) in connection with any actual or alleged damage, injury, threat or harm to health, safety, natural resources or the environment.

 

Environmental Laws ” means any and all applicable current or future federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws, including common law, regulations or ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, licenses or restrictions imposed by a Governmental Authority relating to pollution, the protection of the Environment and the protection of human health (to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Materials), including those relating to the generation, use, handling, storage, transportation, treatment or Release or threat of Release of Hazardous Materials.

 

Environmental Liability ” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of investigation or remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other binding consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

Environmental Permit ” means any permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization required under any Environmental Law.

 

Equity Interests ” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

 

Equity Offering ” means any public or private sale after the Closing Date of capital stock or Preferred Stock of the Borrower or any Parent Entity, as applicable (other than Disqualified Stock), other than:

 

(1)                                  public offerings with respect to the Borrower’s or such direct or indirect parent’s common stock registered on Form S-8; and

 

(2)                                  any such public or private sale that constitutes an Excluded Contribution or Refunding Capital Stock.

 

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the rules and regulations thereunder, each as amended or modified from time to time.

 

ERISA Affiliate ” means, as applied to any Person, (i) any corporation which is a member of a controlled group of corporations within the meaning of Section 414(b) of the Code of which that Person is a member; (ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of a group of trades or businesses under common control within the meaning of Section 414(c) of the Code of which that Person is a member; and (iii) any member of an affiliated service group within the meaning of Section 414(m) or (o) of the Code of which that Person, any corporation described in clause (i) above or any trade or business described in clause (ii) above is a member.

 

ERISA Event ” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of

 

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ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is insolvent or in reorganization (within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA) or in “endangered” or “critical” status (within the meaning of Section 432 of the Code or Section 305 of ERISA); (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate, a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) with respect to a Pension Plan, the failure to satisfy the minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, whether or not waived; (g) the failure to make by its due date a required contribution under Section 430(j) of the Code with respect to any Pension Plan or the failure to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (h) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent, upon the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate or (i) the occurrence of a nonexempt prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA) which could result in liability to the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule ” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor Person), as in effect from time to time.

 

Eurodollar Rate ” means:

 

(a)                                  for any Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the following formula:

 

Eurodollar Rate =

Eurodollar Base Rate

 

1.00 – Eurodollar Reserve Percentage

 

 

where, “ Eurodollar Base Rate ” means the rate per annum equal to (i) the ICE Benchmark Administration (or the successor thereto if the ICE Benchmark Administration is no longer making a London Interbank Offered Rate available) LIBOR Rate (“ ICE LIBOR ”), as published by Reuters (or such other commercially available source providing quotations of ICE LIBOR as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two London Banking Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period or, (ii) if such rate is not available at such time for any reason, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Eurodollar Rate Loan being made, continued or converted and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by the Administrative Agent’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank eurodollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two London Banking Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan; and

 

(b)                                  for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the following formula:

 

Eurodollar Rate  =

Eurodollar Base Rate

 

1.00 – Eurodollar Reserve Percentage

 

 

where, “ Eurodollar Base Rate ” means the rate per annum as of such date equal to (i) ICE LIBOR, as published by Reuters (or such other commercially available source providing quotations of ICE LIBOR as

 

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may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two London Banking Days prior to such date, for Dollar deposits with a term of one month commencing on that day or, (ii) if such rate is not available at such time for any reason, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the date of determination in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Base Rate Loan being made or maintained and with a term equal to one month would be offered by the Administrative Agent’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank eurodollar market at their request at the date and time of determination.

 

Eurodollar Rate Loan ” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of “Eurodollar Rate.”

 

Eurodollar Reserve Percentage ” means, for any day during any Interest Period, the reserve percentage (expressed as a decimal, carried out to five decimal places) in effect on such day, whether or not applicable to any Lender, under regulations issued from time to time by the FRB for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including any emergency, supplemental, marginal or other reserve requirement) with respect to Eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities”).  The Eurodollar Rate for each outstanding Loan the interest on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate shall be adjusted automatically as of the effective date of any change in the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage.

 

Event of Default ” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01 .

 

Excess Cash Flow ” means, with respect to any Excess Cash Flow Period, an amount, not less than zero, equal to (a) the sum, without duplication, of (i) Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower Parties for such fiscal year plus (ii) the amount of all non-cash charges (including depreciation, amortization and deferred tax expense), to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income plus (iii) the aggregate net amount of non-cash loss on dispositions by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such fiscal year (other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business), to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, minus (b) without duplication (in each case, for the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis):

 

(1)                                  Capital Expenditures that are actually made during such Excess Cash Flow Period;

 

(2)                                  Consolidated Scheduled Funded Debt Payments and, to the extent not otherwise deducted from Consolidated Net Income, Consolidated Cash Taxes;

 

(3)                                  Restricted Payments made by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent that such Restricted Payments are permitted to be made under Section 7.06(b)  (other than pursuant to Section 7.06(b)(10) ), solely to the extent made, directly or indirectly, with the proceeds from events or circumstances that were included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income;

 

(4)                                  the aggregate amount of scheduled or mandatory permanent principal payments or mandatory repurchases of Indebtedness for borrowed money of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding the Obligations); provided , that (A) such prepayments or repurchases are otherwise permitted hereunder, (B) if such Indebtedness consists of a revolving line of credit, the commitments under such line of credit are permanently reduced by the amount of such prepayment or repurchase, and (C) such prepayments or repurchases are not made, directly or indirectly, using proceeds, payments or any other amounts available from events or circumstances that were not included in determining Consolidated Net Income during such period (including any proceeds from Indebtedness);

 

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(5)                                  the aggregate amount of any premium, make-whole or penalty payments actually paid in cash during such period that are required to be made in connection with any prepayment or satisfaction and discharge of Indebtedness to the extent that the amount so prepaid, satisfied or discharged is not deducted from Consolidated Net Income for purposes of calculating Excess Cash Flow;

 

(6)                                  cash payments made in satisfaction of non-current liabilities (excluding payments of Indebtedness for borrowed money), solely to the extent made, directly or indirectly, with the proceeds from events or circumstances that were included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income;

 

(7)                                  to the extent not deducted in arriving at Consolidated Net Income, cash fees, expenses and purchase price adjustments incurred in connection with the Transactions or any Permitted Investment, Equity Offering or debt issuance (whether or not consummated);

 

(8)                                  the aggregate amount of expenditures actually made in cash during such period (including expenditures for payment of financing fees) to the extent such expenditures are not expensed during such period;

 

(9)                                  cash from operations used or to be used to consummate a Permitted Investment pursuant to clauses (4), (6), (7), (8), (11), (12), (13) , (14) and ( 14 21 ) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” (if such Permitted Investments have been consummated prior to the date on which a prepayment of Loans would be required pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(i)  with respect to such fiscal year period); provided , however, that if any amount is deducted from Excess Cash Flow pursuant to this clause (9) with respect to a fiscal year as a result of such a Permitted Investment that has been committed to be consummated but not yet actually consummated at the time of such deduction (the amount of such cash being the “ Relevant Deduction Amount ”) then for the avoidance of doubt, such amount shall not be deducted from Excess Cash Flow pursuant to this clause (9) as a result of such Permitted Investment, as the case may be, being actually consummated for the Relevant Deduction Amount;

 

(10)                           the amount of cash payments made in respect of pensions and other post-employment benefits in such period to the extent not deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income;

 

(11)                           cash expenditures in respect of Hedging Agreements during such fiscal year to the extent they exceed the amount of expenditures expensed in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period;

 

(12)                           the aggregate principal amount of all mandatory prepayments of the Facilities made during such Excess Cash Flow Period pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(ii) , or reinvestments of Net Cash Proceeds in lieu thereof, to the extent that the applicable Net Cash Proceeds were taken into account in calculating Consolidated Net Income for such Excess Cash Flow Period;

 

(13)                           the amount representing accrued expenses for cash payment (including with respect to retirement plan obligations) that are not paid in cash in such Excess Cash Flow Period, provided that such amounts will be added to Excess Cash Flow for the following fiscal year to the extent not paid in cash within six (6) months after the end of such Excess Cash Flow Period (and no future deduction shall be made for purposes of this definition when such amounts are paid in cash in any future period); and

 

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(14)                           net non-cash gains and credits to the extent included in arriving at Consolidated Net Income; plus / minus

 

(15)                           decreases/increases, as applicable, in Net Working Capital.

 

Excess Cash Flow Period ” means any fiscal year of the Borrower, commencing with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. 2017.

 

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

 

Excluded Contributions ” means the net cash proceeds and Cash Equivalents received by the Borrower after the Closing Date from:

 

(1)                                  contributions to its common equity capital, and

 

(2)                                  the sale of Capital Stock (other than Excluded Equity) of the Borrower,

 

in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by an Officer of the Borrower, the proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in Section 7.06(a)(iii) .

 

Excluded Equity ” means (i) Disqualified Stock, (ii) any Equity Interests issued or sold to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower or any employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (to the extent such employee stock ownership plan or trust has been funded by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary) and (iii) any Equity Interest that has already been used or designated as (or the proceeds of which have been used or designated as) Cash Contribution Amount, Designated Preferred Stock, Excluded Contribution or Refunding Capital Stock, to increase the amount available under Section 7.06(b)(4)(i)  or clause (14) of the definition of “Permitted Investments.”

 

Excluded Hedging Obligation ” means, with respect to any Guarantor, (a) any Hedging Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Hedging 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) (i) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure to constitute an “eligible contract participant,” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder, at the time the guarantee of (or grant of such security interest by, as applicable) such Guarantor becomes or would become effective with respect to such Hedging Obligation or (ii) in the case of a Hedging Obligation that is subject to a clearing requirement pursuant to section 2(h) of the Commodity Exchange Act, because such Guarantor is a “financial entity,” as defined in section 2(h)(7)(C) the Commodity Exchange Act, at the time the guarantee of (or grant of such security interest by, as applicable) such Guarantor becomes or would become effective with respect to such Hedging Obligation or (b) any other Hedging Obligation designated as an “Excluded Hedging Obligation” of such Guarantor as specified in any agreement between the relevant Loan Parties and the applicable counterparty to such Hedging Obligation.

 

Excluded Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary that is (a) a Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC or any Subsidiary of a CFC, (b) an Unrestricted Subsidiary, (c) not wholly owned directly by the Borrower or one or more of its wholly owned Restricted Subsidiaries, (d) an Immaterial Subsidiary, (e) a charitable Subsidiary, (f) any Subsidiary that is prohibited by applicable law, rule or regulation or by any Contractual Obligation existing on the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date and not entered into in contemplation

 

25



 

hereof from guaranteeing the Obligations or which would require governmental and/or regulatory consent, approval, license or authorization to provide such guarantee, unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received, or which would result in adverse tax consequences to the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries as reasonably determined by the Borrower, (g) any Receivables Subsidiary, (h) any Subsidiary that is created solely for the purpose of consummating a transaction pursuant to an acquisition permitted hereunder, if such new Subsidiary at no time holds any assets or liabilities other than any merger consideration contributed to it contemporaneously with the closing of such transactions, provided that such Subsidiary shall only be an Excluded Subsidiary for the period immediately prior to such acquisition and (i) any Subsidiary that has no material assets other than the Capital Stock of CFCs.

 

Excluded Taxes ” means, with respect to any Agent, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (a) any Tax on such recipient’s net income or profits (or franchise Tax in lieu of such Tax on net income or profits) imposed by a jurisdiction as a result of such recipient being organized or having its principal office or applicable Lending Office located in such jurisdiction or as a result of any other present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction (including as a result of such recipient carrying on a trade or business, having a permanent establishment or being a resident for Tax purposes in such jurisdiction, other than a connection arising solely from such recipient having executed, delivered, enforced, 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 Documents), (b) any branch profits Tax under Section 884(a) of the Code or any similar Tax imposed by any other jurisdiction described in clause (a), (c) with respect to any Loan made by a Lender ( other than any Lender becoming a party hereto acquiring an interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to the Borrower’s request under Section 3.07 ) to the Borrower , any U.S. federal withholding Tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Lender pursuant to a Law in effect at on the time date on which such Lender acquires an applicable interest in the Loan or Commitment (or designates a new Lending Office) or to the extent such Lender did not fund an applicable Loan pursuant to a prior commitment, on the date on which such Lender acquires its interest in such Loan (or where the Lender is a partnership for U.S. federal income Tax purposes, pursuant to a law Law in effect on the later of the date on which such Lender acquires an interest in the applicable Loan or Commitment or the date on which the affected partner becomes a partner of such Lender) or designates a new Lending Office , except to the extent that such Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, immediately prior to the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment such Lender’s acquisition of such interest in the Loan or Commitment ), to receive additional amounts from a Loan Party with respect to such U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to Section 3.01 , (d) any withholding Tax attributable to a Lender’s failure to comply with Section 3.01(c)  and (e) any tax imposed under FATCA. Existing Notes ” has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto.   For purposes of clause (c) of this definition, a participation acquired pursuant to Section 2.13 shall be treated as having been acquired on the earlier dates(s) on which the applicable Lender acquired the applicable interests in the Commitments or Loans to which such participation relates.

 

Facility ” means each Term Loan Facility, any New Term Facility , any New Revolving Facility, any new term loan facility Incurred pursuant to Section 2.19 or any new term loan revolving credit facility Incurred pursuant to Section 2.19 , as the context may require.

 

Fair Market Value ” means, with respect to any asset or property, the price which could be negotiated in an arm’s-length, free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction (as determined in good faith by the Borrower).

 

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FASB ASC ” means the Accounting Standard Codifications as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including any renumbering of such standards or any successor or replacement section or sections promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

 

FATCA ” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (including any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1474(b)(1) of the Code) as of the date hereof (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, and any intergovernmental agreements and between a non-U.S. jurisdiction and the United States with respect to the foregoing, and any related laws, rules or regulations adopted pursuant to or to implement any of the foregoing.

 

Federal Funds Rate ” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to the Administrative Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person as of any date of calculation (“ Applicable Calculation Date ”), the ratio of (1) EBITDA of such Person for the Applicable Measurement Period to (2) the Fixed Charges of such Person for Applicable Measurement Period.  In the event that the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems, retires or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness Incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) or issues, redeems or repurchases Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock subsequent to the commencement of the Applicable Measurement Period but on or prior to the Applicable Calculation Date, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, or such issuance, assumption, guarantee, redemption, retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the Applicable Measurement Period.

 

For purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations, discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP) and other operational changes that have been made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during the Applicable Measurement Period or subsequent to such Applicable Measurement Period and on or prior to the Applicable Calculation Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations, discontinued operations and other operational changes (and the change in any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the Applicable Measurement Period; provided that any such adjustments may be incremental to (but not duplicative of) pro forma adjustments made pursuant to clause (8) of the definition of “EBITDA”.  If since the beginning of such period any Person (that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period) shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation, discontinued operation or operational change that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such Applicable Measurement Period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation, discontinued operation or operational change had occurred at the beginning of the Applicable Measurement Period; provided that, notwithstanding any classification under GAAP of any

 

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Person or business in respect of which a definitive agreement for the disposition thereof has been entered into as discontinued operations, such transaction shall not be treated as a disposition or a discontinued operation for purposes of the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio until such transaction shall have been consummated.

 

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Borrower (and may include, for the avoidance of doubt and without duplication, cost savings and operating improvements or synergies or expense reductions resulting from any Asset Sale or other disposition or such Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation or discontinued operation which is being given pro forma effect that have been or are expected to be realized ) .  In addition to such adjustments pro forma calculations may also include Pro Forma Cost Savings. If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Applicable Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account for such entire period, any Hedging Obligation applicable to such Indebtedness with a remaining term of 12 months or longer, and in the case of any Hedging Obligation applicable to such Indebtedness with a remaining term of less than 12 months, taking into account such Hedging Obligation to the extent of its remaining term). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Borrower to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.  For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under revolving credit facilities computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period.  Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Borrower may designate.  Any such pro forma calculation may include, without limitation, (1) adjustments permitted by and calculated consistent with the requirements of Article 11 of Regulation S-X (regardless of whether pro forma financial information would be required to be presented thereunder) and (2) adjustments calculated to give effect to any Pro Forma Cost Savings.

 

Fixed Charges ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of:

 

(1)                                  Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period, and

 

(2)                                  all cash dividend payments (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

Flood Insurance Laws ” means, collectively, (i) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 in effect on the Closing Date or thereafter or any successor statute thereto, (ii) the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 as on the Closing Date or thereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (iii) the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 as of the Closing Date or thereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (iv) the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 as of the Closing Date or thereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto and (iv) Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 as of the Closing Date or thereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto.

 

FLSA ” means the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

 

Foreign Government Scheme or Arrangement ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.17(d).

 

Foreign Plan ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.17(d).

 

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Foreign Plan Event ” means (i) the failure of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to make its required contributions in respect of any Foreign Plan; (ii) the failure of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to administer any Foreign Plan in accordance with its terms and all applicable laws; (iii) the occurrence of an act or omission in respect of any Foreign Plan which could give rise to the imposition on the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of fines, penalties or related charges under applicable laws; (iv) the assertion of a material claim (other than a routine claim for benefits) against the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of a Foreign Plan; (v) the imposition of a Lien in respect of any Foreign Plan; or (vi) any event or condition which might constitute grounds for termination, in whole or in part, of any Foreign Plan or the appointment of a trustee to administer any Foreign Plan.

 

Foreign Government Scheme or Arrangement ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.17(b) .

 

Foreign Plan ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.17(b) .

 

Foreign Subsidiary ” means a Restricted Subsidiary not organized or existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia thereof and any direct or indirect Subsidiary of such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Foreign Subsidiary Borrower ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.18.

 

FRB ” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.

 

Fund ” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business.

 

Funded Debt ” of any Person means Indebtedness for borrowed money of such Person that by its terms matures more than one (1) year after the date of its creation or matures within one (1) year from any date of determination but is renewable or extendible, at the option of such Person, to a date more than one (1) year after such date or arises under a revolving credit or similar agreement that obligates the lender or lenders to extend credit during a period of more than one (1) year after such date.

 

GAAP ” means, subject to the limitations on the application thereof set forth in Section 1.03, United States generally accepted accounting principles in effect as of the date of determination thereof .  Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, the amount of any Indebtedness under GAAP with respect to Capitalized Lease Obligations shall be determined in accordance with the definition of Capitalized Lease Obligations .

 

Governmental Approvals ” means all authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses and exemptions of, registrations and filings with, all Governmental Authorities.

 

Governmental Authority ” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

 

Granting Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(g) .

 

Guarantee ” means, as to any Person, without duplication, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “ primary obligor ”) in any

 

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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 monetary obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other monetary 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 monetary obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary 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 monetary obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien); provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business, or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Closing Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or Asset Sale permitted under this Agreement (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness).  The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith.  The term “ Guarantee ” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

 

Guarantors ” means, collectively, Holdings and the Subsidiaries of the Borrower listed on Schedule I (such Subsidiaries of the Borrower not to include any Excluded Subsidiary , but in any event to include OpCo ) and each other Subsidiary of the Borrower that shall be required to (or shall otherwise opt to) execute and deliver a guaranty or guaranty supplement pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Security Agreement.

 

Guaranty ” means, collectively, the Holdings Guaranty and the Subsidiary Guaranty.

 

Hazardous Materials ” means petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials or any other chemical, material, substance, waste, pollutant or contaminant or compound which is regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

 

Hedge Bank ” means a Lender or an Agent or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Agent, in each case in its capacity as a party to any Hedge Agreement.

 

Hedging Agreement ” means, with respect to any Person, any:

 

(1)                                  currency exchange, interest rate or commodity swap agreements, currency exchange, interest rate or commodity cap agreements and currency exchange, interest rate or commodity collar agreements; and

 

(2)                                  other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in currency exchange, interest rates or commodity prices.

 

Hedging Obligations ” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under any Hedging Agreement.

 

Holdings ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Holdings Guaranty ” means the Holdings Guaranty made by Holdings in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit D-1 .

 

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IFRS ” means international financial reporting standards as promulgated by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

Immaterial Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that, as of the date of the most recent financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a)  and (b) , does not have assets (together with the assets of all other Immaterial Subsidiaries) in excess of 1.5% of Consolidated Total Assets or annual revenues of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries.

 

Increase Effective Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.16(d).

 

Incremental Equivalent Debt ” has the meaning set forth specified in Section 7.03(b)(31) .

 

Incur ” means, with respect to any Indebtedness or Capital Stock, issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for such Indebtedness or Capital Stock, as applicable; provided , however , that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Person at the time it becomes a Subsidiary.

 

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person:

 

(1)                                  the principal and premium (if any) of any Indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, (a) in respect of borrowed money, (b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), (c) representing the deferred and unpaid purchase price of any property, except (i) any such balance that constitutes a trade payable, accrued expense or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP, (d) in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations, (e) representing any Hedging Obligations or (f) under or in respect of Permitted Receivables Financings, if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP;

 

(2)                                  to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation of such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the Indebtedness of another Person (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business); and

 

(3)                                  to the extent not otherwise included, Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person); provided , however , that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of:  (a) the Fair Market Value of such asset at such date of determination, and (b) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Person;

 

provided that Contingent Obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business shall not be deemed to constitute Indebtedness.

 

Indemnified Liabilities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05 .

 

Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth specified in Section 10.05 .

 

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Independent Financial Advisor ” means an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm or consultant, in each case of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith determination of the Borrower, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.

 

Information ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.08 .

 

Intellectual Property ” means all intellectual property rights and similar property of a Person, including inventions, designs, patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, trade secrets, confidential or proprietary information, customer lists, know-how, software and databases, all embodiments or fixations of any of the foregoing; all related documentation; all applications and registrations thereof; and all licenses or other rights to use, or otherwise relating to, any of the foregoing; and all books and records relating to any of the foregoing.

 

Intellectual Property Claim ” means any claim or assertion (whether in writing, by suit or otherwise) that (i) a Loan Party’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s ownership, use, marketing, sale or distribution of any Intellectual Property or other property infringes, misappropriates, dilutes or otherwise violates another Person’s Intellectual Property or (ii) any Intellectual Property owned by a Loan Party or a Restricted Subsidiary is invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part.

 

Intellectual Property Security Agreement ” means, collectively, the patent security agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit C to the Security Agreement, the copyright security agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit D to the Security Agreement and the trademark security agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit E to the Security Agreement, in each case dated as of the Closing Date, together with each intellectual property security agreement supplement executed and delivered pursuant to Section 4.8(x) of the Security Agreement.

 

Intercompany Subordination Agreement ” means an intercompany subordination agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit G hereto, or otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

Intercreditor Agreement ” means the amended and restated intercreditor agreement dated as of the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit H hereto, among the ABL Collateral Agent, the Collateral Agent, and acknowledged by the Borrower and each Guarantor, as it may be amended, supplemented, modified, replaced or restated from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

 

Interest Payment Date ” means, (a) as to any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the applicable Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made; provided , however , that if any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the applicable Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.

 

Interest Period ” means, as to each Eurodollar Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurodollar Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter, or to the extent consented to by all Lenders, twelve months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice; provided , that:

 

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(a)                                  any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;

 

(b)                                  any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and

 

(c)                                   no Interest Period shall extend beyond the applicable Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.

 

Investment Grade Securities ” means:

 

(1)                                  securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents) and in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition,

 

(2)                                  securities that have a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s or BBB (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other nationally recognized rating agency,

 

(3)                                  investments in any fund that invests at least 95% of its assets in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment and/or distribution, and

 

(4)                                  corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high quality investments and in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition.

 

Investments ” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including Guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit and advances to customers and commission, travel and similar advances to officers, employees and consultants made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet of the Borrower in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property.  If the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary, or any Restricted Subsidiary issues any Equity Interests, in either case, such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Subsidiary of the Borrower, the Borrower shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or other disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Equity Interests of and all other Investments in such Person retained.  In no event shall a Guarantee of an operating lease of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary be deemed an Investment.  For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and Section 7.06 :

 

(1)                                  “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Borrower’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Borrower at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Borrower

 

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shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary equal to an amount (if positive) equal to:

 

(a)                                  the Borrower’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less

 

(b)                                  the portion (proportionate to the Borrower’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

 

(2)                                  any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its Fair Market Value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Borrower.

 

The amount of an Investment will be determined at the time the Investment is made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value (determined, in the case of any Investment made with assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, based on the Fair Market Value of the assets invested).

 

Investors ” means, any funds or accounts managed by Capital Research and Management Company, Lord, Abbett & Co., Oak Hill Advisors, L.P., Silver Point Capital, L.P. , TCW Asset Management Company and TD Asset Management Inc .

 

IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

Joint Venture ” means (a) any Person which would constitute an “equity method investee” of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and (b) any Person in whom the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries beneficially owns any Equity Interest that is not a Subsidiary.

 

Junior Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness that is either (i) unsecured and expressly subordinated to the Obligations or (ii) secured solely by Collateral with a Lien having Junior Lien Priority on the Collateral relative to the Obligations.  For the avoidance of doubt, ABL Debt shall not constitute Junior Indebtedness.

 

Junior Lien Priority ” means relative to specified Indebtedness, having a junior Lien priority on specified Collateral and either subject to the Intercreditor Agreement on a basis that is no more favorable than the provisions applicable to the holders of ABL Debt (in the case of Term Loan Collateral) or subject to intercreditor agreements providing holders of Indebtedness with Junior Lien Priority at least the same rights and obligations as the holders of ABL Debt (in the case of the Term Loan Collateral) have pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement as to the specified Collateral.

 

Laws ” means, collectively, all applicable international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, statutory instruments, acts, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, directives, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.

 

Lender ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

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Lending Office ” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

 

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction); provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

 

Loan ” means an extension of credit by a Lender to the Borrower under Article II in the form of a Term Loan, a New Term Loan or , a Specified Refinancing Term Loan or a loan made under any New Revolving Facility or a Specified Refinancing Revolving Debt .

 

Loan Documents ” means, collectively, (i) this Agreement, (ii)  Amendment No. 1, (iii)  the Notes, ( iii iv ) the Guaranty, ( iv v ) the Intercreditor Agreement and ( v vi ) the Collateral Documents.

 

Loan Parties ” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor.

 

London Banking Day ” means any day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.

 

Material Adverse Effect ” means (a) a material adverse effect on the business, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent), financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) a material adverse effect on the ability of the Loan Parties (taken as a whole) to perform their respective obligations under the Loan Documents to which the Borrower or any of the Loan Parties is a party or (c) a material adverse effect on the rights and remedies of the Lenders under the Loan Documents.

 

Material Contract ” means any agreement or arrangement to which a Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is party (other than the Loan Documents) (a) that is deemed to be a material contract in respect of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, under any securities law applicable to such Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary, including the Securities Act of 1933; or (b) for which breach, termination, nonperformance or failure to renew could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Material Real Property ” means any parcel of real property (other than a parcel with a fair market value of less than (a) in the case of any such real property located in the State of Tennessee, $15,000,000 and (b) in any other case, (x) as of the Closing Date, $2,000,000 or (y) after the Closing Date, $7,500,000) owned in fee by a Loan Party.

 

Material Subsidiary Guarantor ” means any Subsidiary Guarantor which individually constitutes at least 5.0% of the Borrower’s Consolidated Total Assets as of the date of the last financial statements delivered pursuant to this Agreement and, for the avoidance of doubt, OpCo shall be a Material Subsidiary Guarantor .

 

Maturity Date ” means, with respect to the Term Loans, the earlier of (i)  April 4, 2021 November 2, 2023 and (ii) the date that the Term Loans are declared due and payable pursuant to Section 8.02 .

 

Maximum Incremental Amount ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.16(a).

 

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Maximum Rate ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.10 .

 

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

Mortgage ” means, collectively, the deeds of trust, trust deeds and mortgages, in each case as may be amended from time to time, made by the Loan Parties in favor or for the benefit of the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties (with such changes as may be customary to account for local law matters) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

 

Mortgaged Properties ” means the Material Real Properties identified on Schedule 5.06(b)  and any other Material Real Property with respect to which a Mortgage is required pursuant to Section 6.10 or 6.11 .

 

Multiemployer Plan ” means any employee benefit plan defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA and subject to Title IV of ERISA, to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.

 

Net Cash Proceeds ” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any (1) Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received in respect of any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, but excluding the assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness relating to the disposed assets or other consideration received in any other non-cash form), net of the direct cash costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of such Designated Non-cash Consideration (including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and brokerage and sales commissions), and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements related thereto), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium (if any) and interest on Indebtedness required (other than pursuant to Sections 7.05 and 2.05(b)(ii) ) to be paid as a result of such transaction, any costs associated with unwinding any related Hedging Obligations in connection with such transaction and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Borrower as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Borrower after such sale or other disposition thereof, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction; and (2) with respect to the incurrence or issuance of any Indebtedness by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of the cash received in connection with such incurrence or issuance or in connection with unwinding any related Hedging Agreement in connection therewith over (ii) the investment banking fees, underwriting discounts and commissions, taxes reasonably estimated to be actually payable within two (2) years of the date of such incurrence or issuance and other out-of-pocket expenses and other customary expenses, incurred by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such incurrence or issuance and any costs associated with unwinding any related Hedging Agreement in connection therewith.

 

Net Income ” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) attributable to such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.

 

Net Working Capital ” means Consolidated Current Assets minus Consolidated Current Liabilities.

 

New Term Facility Facilities ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a) .

 

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New Term Facility Effective Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(c) .

 

New Term Facility ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a).

 

New Term Loan ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a).

 

New Revolving Commitments ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a).

 

New Revolving Facility ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.17(a) .

 

Non-Consenting Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.07(d) .

 

Non-Debt Fund Affiliate ” means an Affiliate of Holdings that is not a Debt Fund Affiliate or a Purchasing Borrower Party.

 

Non-Excluded Taxes ” means all Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

 

Non-US Lender ” means, with respect to any Loan made to the Borrower, any Lender that is not a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

 

Note ” means a Term Note or a note evidencing other Loans.

 

Notes Refinancing ” has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto.

 

Obligations ” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, letter of credit (if applicable), Secured Cash Management Agreement or Secured Hedge Agreement , in each case whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing on the Closing Date or thereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding; provided that the Obligations with respect to any Guarantor shall not include Excluded Hedging Obligations.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Obligations of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents include (a) the obligation to pay principal, interest, commissions, charges, expenses, fees, indemnities and other amounts payable by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) the obligation of any Loan Party to reimburse any amount in respect of any of the foregoing that any Lender, in its sole discretion, may elect to pay or advance on behalf of such Loan Party.

 

OFAC ” means Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department.

 

Officer’s Certificate ” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Borrower by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.

 

OpCo ” has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto.

 

Organization Documents ” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; 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

 

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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.

 

Original Credit Agreement ” has the meaning specified in the recitals hereto.

 

Original Loans ” means the Term Loans (as defined under the Original Credit Agreement) outstanding under the Original Credit Agreement immediately before the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date.

 

OSHA ” means the Occupational Safety and Hazard Act of 1970.

 

Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations ” means any Indebtedness or other obligations (including Hedging Obligations) having Pari Passu Lien Priority relative to the Loans with respect to the Collateral and not secured by any other assets and, in the case of Indebtedness for borrowed money, having a stated maturity that is equal to or longer than the Loans; provided that an authorized representative of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have entered into an intercreditor agreement in a form customary for intercreditor agreements or collateral trust agreements in light of then prevailing market conditions.

 

Other Taxes ” means any and all present or future stamp or documentary Taxes or any other excise or property Taxes arising from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document.

 

Outstanding Amount ” means with respect to the Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of the Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date.

 

Parent has the meaning given to such term in the recitals hereto. means Cooper Standard Holdings, Inc.

 

Parent Entity ” means the meaning specified in the definition of “Permitted Parent”.

 

Pari Passu Lien Priority ” means, relative to specified Indebtedness, having equal Lien priority on specified Collateral and either subject to the Intercreditor Agreement on a substantially identical basis as the holders of such specified Indebtedness or subject to intercreditor agreements providing holders of the Indebtedness intended to have Pari Passu Lien Priority with substantially the same rights and obligations that the holders of such specified Indebtedness have pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement as to the specified Collateral.

 

Participant ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(d) .

 

Participant Register ” has the meaning set forth specified in Section 10.07(m) .

 

PATRIOT Act ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.22 .

 

PBGC ” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

 

Pension Plan ” means any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code and is sponsored or maintained by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute (or in

 

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the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five plan years).

 

Perfection Certificate ” means a certificate in the form of Exhibit J or any other form approved by the Collateral Agent, dated the Closing Date, as the same shall be supplemented from time to time.

 

Permitted Asset Swap ” means the concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of Related Business Assets or a combination of Related Business Assets and cash or Cash Equivalents between the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents received must be applied in accordance with Sections 7.05 and 2.05(b)(ii) .

 

Permitted Holders ” means each of (i)(a)(x) the Investors and (y) members of management of the Borrower (or any Parent Entity) who are holders of Equity Interests of the Borrower (or any Parent Entity) on the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date representing not more than 10% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Borrower and (b) any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of which any of the foregoing are members; provided that in the case of such group, without giving effect to such group, Persons specified in clause (i)(a) must collectively beneficially own a greater amount of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent than the amount of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent beneficially owned by any other member of such group and (ii) any Permitted Parent.

 

Permitted Investments ” means:

 

(1)                                  any Investment in cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

 

(2)                                  any Investment in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (including guarantees of obligations of Restricted Subsidiaries), so long as, in the case of any such Investment made in a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, the Borrower shall be able to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 7.03(a)  after giving effect to such Investment;

 

(3)                                  any Investment by Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are not Restricted Subsidiaries in other Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are not Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(4)                                  (i) any Investment by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower in a Person that is engaged in a Similar Business if as a result of such Investment (a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, or (b) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, so long as, in the case of any such acquisition of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor or any merger, consolidation or amalgamation of any such Person into a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, the Borrower shall be able to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 7.03(a)  after giving effect to such Investment, and (ii) in each case, any Investment held by such Person; provided , that such Investment was not acquired by such Person in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, consolidation or transfer;

 

(5)                                  any Investment in securities or other assets not constituting cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to Section 7.05 or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;

 

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(6)                                  any Investment (x) existing on the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date and listed on Schedule 7.06 hereto, (y) made pursuant to binding commitments in effect on the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date and (z) that replaces, modifies, refinances, refunds, renews or extends any Investment described under either of the immediately preceding clauses (x) or (y); provided that the amount of any such Investment may be increased in such replacement, modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, reinvestment or extension only (A) as required by the terms of such Investment or binding commitment as in existence on the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date (including as a result of the accrual or accretion of interest or original issue discount or the issuance of pay-in-kind securities) or (B) as otherwise permitted hereunder;

 

(7)                                  advances to, or guarantees of Indebtedness of, employees not in excess of $5,000,000 outstanding at any one time in the aggregate;

 

(8)                                  loans and advances to officers, directors, managers and employees for business-related travel expenses, moving and relocation expenses, payroll advances and other similar expenses, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practices or to fund such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any Parent Entity;

 

(9)                                  any Investment (including debt obligations and Capital Stock) (x) acquired by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable, including trade creditors, customers and suppliers, or (b) as a result of a foreclosure by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default and (y) received in compromise or resolution of (a) obligations of trade creditors, customers or suppliers that were incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor, customer or supplier, or (b) litigation, arbitration or other disputes;

 

(10)                           Hedging Obligations permitted under Section 7.03(b)(10) ;

 

(11)                           any Investment by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a Similar Business having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (11) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $ 50,000,000 65,000,000 and (y) 2.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value) at any one time outstanding; provided , however , that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (11) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (2) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (11) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(12)                           Investments in joint ventures of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (12) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $ 125,000,000 155,000,000 and (y) 6.25% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such Investment at any one time outstanding; provided , that the Investments permitted pursuant to this clause (12) may be increased by the

 

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amount of distributions from Joint Ventures, without duplication of dividends or distributions increasing amounts available pursuant to Section 7.06(a)(iii) ;

 

(13)                           additional Investments by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (13) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $ 125,000,000 155,000,000 and (y) 6.25% of Consolidated Total Assets, at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), at any one time outstanding; provided , however , that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (13) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (2) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (13) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(14)                           Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to the this clause (14) that are at that time outstanding, without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash, Cash Equivalents or marketable securities, not to exceed the greater of (x) $ 50,000,000 65,000,000 and (y) 2.5% of Consolidated Total Assets, at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), at any one time outstanding; provided , however , that any Investment pursuant to this clause (14) made in any Person that is an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Borrower at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (2) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (14) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(15)                           Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests (other than Excluded Equity) of the Borrower or any Parent Entity, as applicable; provided , however , that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 7.06(a)(iii) ;

 

(16)                           Investments consisting of the licensing or contribution of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons;

 

(17)                           Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, materials, equipment or other similar assets or purchases of contract rights or licenses or leases of intellectual property, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(18)                           any Investment in a Receivables Subsidiary or any Investment in any other Person in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing or any repurchases in connection therewith, including Investments of funds held in accounts permitted or required by the arrangements governing such Permitted Receivables Financing or any related Indebtedness;

 

(19)                           Investments of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower acquired after the Closing Date or of an entity merged into or consolidated with a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower in a transaction that is not prohibited by Section 7.04 after the Closing Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of such acquisition, merger or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;

 

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(20)                           Guarantees of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred Section 7.03 and performance Guarantees in the ordinary course of business;

 

(21)                           [Reserved]; any Investment; provided that (x) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from such Investment and (y) on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such Investment, the Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio would be equal to or less than 3.00:1.00;

 

(22)                           any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with Section 7.08(b)  (except transactions described in clauses (1), (2), (4), (5), (6), (8), (9), (11), (13), (14), (15), (21) and (23) thereof);

 

(23)                           advances, loans or extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(24)                           intercompany current liabilities owed to Unrestricted Subsidiaries or joint ventures incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

 

(25)                           Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of assets or services in the ordinary course of business; and

 

(26)                           Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices ; and(27)   Investments made with the proceeds from the sale of the Thermal and Emissions Business and the Tecalemit Business .

 

Permitted Joint Venture ” means, with respect to any specified Person, a joint venture in any other Person engaged in a Similar Business in respect of which the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary beneficially owns at least 10% of the shares of Equity Interests of such Person.

 

Permitted Liens ” means, with respect to any Person:

 

(1)                                  pledges or deposits by such Person under workers’ compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or U.S. government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(2)                                  Liens imposed by law constituting carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums that are not overdue by more than 60 days or are being Properly Contested;

 

(3)                                  Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges (i) which are not yet due or payable or (ii) which are being Properly Contested;

 

(4)                                  Liens in favor of issuers of performance and surety bonds or bid bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements or letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business;

 

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(5)                                  minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not Incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

 

(6)                                  Liens Incurred to secure obligations in respect of Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (b)(1), (4), (17), (20) or (31) of Section 7.03 ; provided that, (x) in the case of clause (4), such Lien extends only to the assets and/or Capital Stock, the acquisition, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of which is financed thereby and any income or profits thereof; and (y) in the case of clause (20), such Lien does not extend to the property or assets (or income or profits therefrom) of any Restricted Subsidiary other than a Foreign Subsidiary;

 

(7)                                  Liens existing on the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date and listed on Schedule 7.01 ;

 

(8)                                  Liens on assets of, or Equity Interest in, a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided , however , that such Liens are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided , further , however , that such Liens may not extend to any other assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower;

 

(9)                                  Liens on assets at the time the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower acquired the assets, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower; provided , however , that such Liens are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided , further , however , that the Liens may not extend to any other assets owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower;

 

(10)                           Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower permitted to be Incurred in accordance with Section 7.03 ;

 

(11)                           Liens securing Hedging Obligations so long as the related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be under this Agreement, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligations;

 

(12)                           Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

 

(13)                           leases and subleases of real property which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(14)                           Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(15)                           Liens in favor of the Borrower or any Guarantor;

 

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(16)                           Liens on accounts receivable and Receivables Assets Incurred in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing;

 

(17)                           deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;

 

(18)                           Liens on the Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

 

(19)                           grants of software and other technology licenses in the ordinary course of business;

 

(20)                           judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default and notices of lis pendens and associated rights related to litigation being Properly Contested;

 

(21)                           Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(22)                           Liens Incurred to secure cash management services (and other “bank products”) owed to a lender under the ABL Credit Agreement (or any Affiliate of such lender) in the ordinary course of business;

 

(23)                           Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancings, refundings, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (6), (7), (8), (9), (10) and (11); provided , however, that (x) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements on such property), and (y) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6), (7), (8), (9), (10) and (11) at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under this Agreement, and (B) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement;

 

(24)                           Liens in respect of Junior Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Guarantor; provided that the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio, on a pro forma basis after giving effect thereto, does not exceed 3.50 to 1.00;

 

(25)                           other Liens securing obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business that do not exceed the greater of (x) $ 75,000,000 95,000,000 and (y) 3.75% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of Incurrence of such obligation, at any one time outstanding;

 

(26)                           Liens on the assets of a joint venture to secure Indebtedness of such joint venture Incurred pursuant to clause (21) of Section 7.03(b) ;

 

(27)                           Liens on equipment of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower granted in the ordinary course of business to the Borrower’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s client at which such equipment is located;

 

(28)                           Liens created solely for the benefit of (or to secure) all of the Obligations;

 

(29)                           Liens on property or assets used to defease or to satisfy and discharge Indebtedness; provided that such defeasance or satisfaction and discharge is not prohibited hereby;

 

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

 

(31)                           Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection; (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) in favor of banking institutions arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry; and

 

(32)                           Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness; (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries; or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

 

Permitted Parent ” means (a) any Person (other than a Person formed in connection with, or in contemplation of, a Change of Control transaction that results in a modification of the beneficial ownership of the Borrower) that beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the issued and outstanding Voting Stock of the Borrower; provided that the ultimate beneficial ownership of the Borrower has not been modified by the transaction by which such Person became the beneficial owner of, directly or indirectly, 100% of the Voting Stock of the Borrower (such Person, a “ Parent Entity ”) and (b) the Parent (or direct Wholly - Owned Subsidiary of the Parent that owns no material assets other than the Equity Interest of the Borrower) to the extent and until such time as any Person or group is deemed to be or become a beneficial owner of Voting Stock of the Parent representing 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent.

 

Permitted Receivables Financing ” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by any Foreign Subsidiary Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to which it may sell, convey, contribute to capital or otherwise transfer (which sale, conveyance, contribution to capital or transfer may include or be supported by the grant of a security interest) accounts receivable or interests therein and all collateral securing such receivables, all contracts and contract rights, purchase orders, security interests, financing statements or other documentation in respect of such receivables, any guarantees, indemnities, warranties or other obligations in respect of such receivables, any other assets that are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving receivables similar to such receivables and any collections or proceeds of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Receivables Assets ; and including for the avoidance of doubt, receivables arising from the sale of equipment, tooling and related services ) (i) to a trust, partnership, corporation or other Person (other than Holdings or any of its Subsidiary, other than a Subsidiary formed solely for the purpose of, and that engages only in, Permitted Receivables Financing, a “ Receivables Subsidiary ”), which transfer is funded in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by the incurrence or issuance by the transferee or any successor transferee of Indebtedness, fractional undivided interests or other securities that are to receive payments from, or that represent interests in, the cash flow derived from such receivables and Receivables Assets or interests in such receivables and Receivables Assets, or (ii) directly to one or more investors or other purchasers (other than Holdings or any of its Subsidiary), it being understood that a Permitted Receivables Financing may involve (A) one or more sequential transfers or pledges of the same receivables and Receivables Assets, or interests therein (such as a sale, conveyance or other transfer to an Receivables Subsidiary followed by a pledge of the transferred receivables and Receivables Assets to secure Indebtedness incurred by the Receivables Subsidiary), and all

 

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such transfers, pledges and Indebtedness incurrences shall be part of and constitute a single Permitted Receivables Financing, and (B) periodic transfers or pledges of receivables and/or revolving transactions in which new receivables and Receivables Assets, or interests therein, are transferred or pledged upon collection of previously transferred or pledged receivables and Receivables Assets, or interests therein; provided that any such transactions shall provide for recourse to such Foreign Subsidiary Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Receivables Subsidiary) only in respect of the cash flows in respect of such receivables and Receivables Assets and to the extent of other customary securitization undertakings (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the appropriate Receivables Subsidiary) in the jurisdiction relevant to such transactions (such undertakings, “ Standard Securitization Undertakings ”); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, (1) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of any Foreign Subsidiary Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or Receivables Subsidiary is guaranteed by any Loan Party, is recourse to or obligates any Loan Party, or subjects any property or asset of any Loan Party, directly or indirectly (other than with respect to its equity ownership interest in any Foreign Subsidiary), contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction of obligations incurred in such transactions; and (2) no Loan Party has any obligation to maintain or preserve the financial condition of a Receivables Subsidiary or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results and (3) the aggregate “amount” or “principal amount” (as defined below) of all Permitted Receivables Financings (other than those of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries) shall not exceed $50,000,000 at any time outstanding . The “amount” or “principal amount” of any Permitted Receivables Financing shall be deemed at any time to be (1) the aggregate principal or stated amount of the Indebtedness, fractional undivided interests (which stated amount may be described as a “net investment” or similar term reflecting the amount invested in such undivided interest) or other securities incurred or issued pursuant to such Permitted Receivables Financing, in each case outstanding at such time, or (2) in the case of any Permitted Receivables Financing in respect of which no such Indebtedness, fractional undivided interests or securities are incurred or issued, the cash purchase price paid by the buyer in connection with its purchase of receivables less the amount of collections received in respect of such receivables and paid to such buyer, excluding any amounts applied to purchase fees or discount or in the nature of interest.

 

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

 

Platform ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01 .

 

Pledge Supplement ” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

 

Pledged Debt ” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

 

Pledged Equity Interests ” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

 

Preferred Stock ” means any Equity Interest with preferential right of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

 

Pro Forma Cost Savings ” means, without duplication of amounts added-back to calculate EBITDA or otherwise being given pro forma effect, with respect to any period, the reductions in costs and other operating improvements or synergies that have been realized or are reasonably anticipated to be realized in good faith with respect to a pro forma event within twelve months of the date of such pro forma event and that are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, as if all such reductions in costs and other operating improvements or synergies had been effected as of the beginning of such period, decreased by any recurring incremental expenses incurred or to be incurred during such four-quarter period in order to achieve such reduction in costs; provided , that the aggregate amount of Pro Forma Cost Savings and the

 

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aggregate amount of cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies added pursuant to clause (8) of the definition of “EBITDA”, when taken together, shall not exceed 20% of EBITDA for such period (giving pro forma effect to the relevant transaction, other than any cost savings, synergies, operating expense reductions or Pro Forma Cost Savings) determined prior to giving effect to any adjustments pursuant to this definition or clause (8) of the definition of “EBITDA”.  Pro Forma Cost Savings described in the preceding sentence shall be accompanied by a certificate delivered to the Administrative Agent from the Borrower’s chief financial officer that outlines the specific actions taken or to be taken and the net cost reductions and other operating improvements or synergies achieved or to be achieved from each such action and certifies that such cost reductions and other operating improvements or synergies meet the criteria set forth in the preceding sentence.

 

Pro Rata Share ” means, with respect to each Lender at any time, a fraction (expressed as a percentage, carried out to the ninth decimal place ) , the numerator of which is the amount of the Commitments of such Lender under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time and the denominator of which is the amount of the Aggregate Commitments under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time; provided , that if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 , then the Pro Rata Share of each Lender shall be determined based on the Pro Rata Share of such Lender immediately prior to such termination and after giving effect to any subsequent assignments made pursuant to the terms hereof.  The initial Pro Rata Share of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.

 

Properly Contested ” means, with respect to any obligation of any Person, (a) the obligation is subject to a bona fide dispute regarding amount or such Person’s liability to pay; (b) the obligation is being properly contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently pursued; (c) appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; and (d) if the obligation results from entry of a judgment or other order, such judgment or order is stayed pending appeal or other judicial review or covered by insurance.

 

Public Lender ” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01 .

 

Purchasing Borrower Party ” means Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent that makes a Discounted Voluntary Prepayment pursuant to Section 2.05(c) .

 

Real Estate ” means all right, title and interest (whether as owner, lessor or lessee) in any real property or any buildings, structures, parking areas or other improvements thereon.

 

Receivables Assets ” has the meaning set forth specified in the definition of “Permitted Receivables Financing”.

 

Receivables Fees ” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any participation interest issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Permitted Receivables Financing.

 

Receivables Subsidiary ” has the meaning set forth specified in the definition of “Permitted Receivables Financing”.

 

Refinance ” means, in respect of any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, purchase, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness,

 

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Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, in whole or in part.  “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.

 

Refinancing ” has the meaning specified in the recitals hereto.

 

Refinancing Amendment ” means an amendment to this Agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders providing Specified Refinancing Debt, effecting the incurrence of such Specified Refinancing Debt in accordance with Section 2.19 .

 

Register ” has the meaning set forth specified in Section 10.07(c) .

 

Registered Equivalent Notes ” means, with respect to any notes originally issued in an offering pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 or other private placement transaction under the Securities Act of 1933, substantially identical notes (having the same guarantees) issued in a dollar-for-dollar exchange therefor pursuant to an exchange offer registered with the SEC.

 

Regulation S-X ” means Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Related Business Assets ” means assets (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) used or useful in a Similar Business; provided that any assets received by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in exchange for assets transferred by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary will not be deemed to be Related Business Assets if they consist of securities of a Person, unless upon receipt of the securities of such Person, such Person would become a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Related Parties ” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact, trustees and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

 

Release ” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, pouring, injection, escaping, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, dumping, leaching or migration of any Hazardous Material (including the abandonment or disposal of any barrels, containers or other closed receptacles containing any Hazardous Material) into, onto, under, from or through the Environment or into, onto, under, from or through any building or structure subject to human occupation.

 

Replacement Assets ” means (1) tangible assets that will be used or useful in a Similar Business or (2) substantially all the assets of a Similar Business or a majority of the Voting Stock of any Person engaged in a Similar Business that will become on the date of acquisition thereof a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Reportable Event ” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30-day notice period has been waived.

 

Repricing Transaction ” means (a) the incurrence by any Loan Party of any Indebtedness in the form of a term loan facility (including, without limitation, any new or additional term loans under this Agreement), (i) having an effective interest rate margin or weighted average yield (to be determined by the Administrative Agent, acting reasonably, consistent with generally accepted financial practice, after giving effect to, among other factors, interest rate margins, upfront or similar fees, original issue discount or Eurodollar Rate or Base Rate floors shared with all lenders or holders thereof, but excluding the effect of any arrangement, structuring, syndication or other fees payable in connection therewith that are not shared with all lenders or holders thereof or any fluctuations in the Eurodollar Rate or the Base Rate) that is less than the Applicable Rate for, or weighted average yield (to be determined by the Administrative Agent,

 

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acting reasonably, on the same basis) of, the Term Loans, and (ii) the proceeds of which are used to repay, in whole, principal of outstanding Term Loans and (b) any amendment, waiver or other modification to this Agreement which would have the effect of reducing the Applicable Rate for Term Loans (other than, in each case, any such transaction or amendment or modification accomplished together with the substantially concurrent refinancing of all Facilities hereunder or in connection with a Change of Control).

 

Required Lenders ” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of the Aggregate Commitments and Total Outstandings; provided that the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by any Affiliate Lender (other than any Debt Fund Affiliate) shall in each case be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.

 

Responsible Officer ” means the chief executive officer, president, any vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer, secretary or assistant secretary or other similar officer of a Loan Party.  Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

 

Restricted Investment ” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

 

Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of a Person other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of such Person.  Unless otherwise indicated, all references to Restricted Subsidiaries shall mean Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

 

Restrictive Agreement ” means an agreement that conditions or restricts the right of any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary to grant Liens on any assets securing the Obligations or to declare or make dividends or similar distributions.

 

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor thereto.

 

Sale/Leaseback Transaction ” means an arrangement relating to property owned as of the Closing Date or thereafter acquired by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary whereby the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person, other than leases between the Borrower and a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower or between Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

 

Sanction ” means any country-wide international economic sanction administered or enforced by the United States Government (including OFAC), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury or other relevant sanctions authority.

 

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

 

Secured Cash Management Agreement ” means any Cash Management Agreement that is entered into by and between Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Cash Management Bank, except for any such Cash Management Agreement designated by the Borrower in writing to the Administrative Agent as an “unsecured cash management agreement” as of the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date or, if later, on or about the time of entering into such Cash Management Agreement.

 

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Secured Hedge Agreement ” means any Hedge Agreement that is entered into by and between Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Hedge Bank, except for any such Hedge Agreement designated by the Borrower in writing to the Administrative Agent as an “unsecured hedge agreement” as of the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date or, if later, as of the time of entering into such Hedge Agreement.”

 

Secured Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness secured by a Lien.

 

Secured Obligations ” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.

 

Secured Parties ” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the Hedge Banks to the extent they are party to one or more Secured Hedge Agreements, the Cash Management Banks to the extent they are party to one or more Secured Cash Management Agreements, any Supplemental Administrative Agent, any Supplemental Collateral Agent and each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by either or both of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 9.14 .

 

Security Agreement ” means, collectively, the Security Agreement dated as of the Closing Date and executed by the Loan Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit E , together with each other security agreement and security agreement supplement executed and delivered pursuant to the Security Agreement.

 

Security Agreement Collateral ” means, collectively, all property pledged or granted (or purported to be pledged or granted) as collateral pursuant to the Security Agreement (a) on the Closing Date or (b) thereafter pursuant to the terms thereof.

 

Senior Notes ” has the meaning specified in the recitals hereto.

 

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “Significant Subsidiary” of the Borrower within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

 

Similar Business ” means any business engaged in by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Closing Date and any business or other activities that are reasonably similar, ancillary, complementary or related to, or a reasonable extension, development or expansion of, the businesses in which the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are engaged on the Closing Date.

 

Solvent ” and “ Solvency ” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including, without limitation, contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature and (d) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital.  The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

SPC ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07(g) .

 

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Specified Investor ” means any Investor which, together with its Affiliates, owns beneficially or of record 20% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Parent on the Closing Date and to the extent such Investor, together with its Affiliates, would otherwise be an Affiliate Lender on the date of determination.

 

Specified Refinancing Debt ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.19 .

 

Specified Refinancing Revolving Debt ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.19.

 

Specified Refinancing Term Loans means Specified Refinancing Debt constituting term loans. has the meaning specified in Section 2.19.

 

Standard Securitization Undertakings ” has the meaning set forth specified in the definition of “Permitted Receivables Financing”.

 

Stated Maturity ” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency beyond the control of the issuer unless such contingency has occurred).

 

Subject Property ” means any contract, license, lease, agreement, instrument or other document to the extent that such grant of a security interest therein is (1) prohibited by, or constitutes a breach or default under, or results in the termination of, or requires any consent not obtained under, such contract, license, lease, agreement, instrument or other document, or, in the case of any Equity Interests or other securities, any applicable shareholder or similar agreement or (2) otherwise constitutes or results in the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of any Loan Party under such contract, license, lease, agreement, instrument or other document, except, in each case, to the extent that applicable law or the term in such contract, license, lease, agreement, instrument or other document or shareholder or similar agreement providing for such prohibition, breach, default or termination or requiring such consent is ineffective under applicable law or purports to prohibit the granting of a security interest over all or a material portion of assets of any Loan Party; provided , however , that the foregoing exclusions shall not apply to the extent that any such prohibition, default or other term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Section 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Uniform Commercial Code of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law or principles of equity; provided , further , that the security interest shall attach immediately to any portion of such Subject Property that does not result in any of the consequences specified above including, without limitation, any proceeds of such Subject Property.

 

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person (1) any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture or limited liability company) of which more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, (2) any partnership, joint venture or limited liability company of which (x) more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general and limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership interests or otherwise, and (y) such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity and (3) any Person that is consolidated in the consolidated financial statements of the specified Person in accordance with GAAP.

 

Subsidiary Borrower ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.18.

 

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Subsidiary Guarantor ” means, collectively, the Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are Guarantors.

 

Subsidiary Guaranty ” means, collectively, the Subsidiary Guaranty made by the Subsidiary Guarantors in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit D-2 , together with each other guaranty and guaranty supplement delivered pursuant to Section 8 of the Subsidiary Guaranty.

 

Supplemental Administrative Agent ” has the meaning specified in Section 9.14 and “ Supplemental Administrative Agents ” shall have the corresponding meaning.

 

Supplemental Collateral Agent ” has the meaning specified in Section 9.14 and “ Supplemental Collateral Agents ” shall have the corresponding meaning.

 

Swap Termination Value ” means, in respect of any one or more Hedging Agreements, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Hedging Agreements, (a) for any date on or after the date such Hedging Agreements have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Hedging Agreements, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Hedging Agreements (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).

 

Syndication Agent ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

 

Tax ” means any present or future tax, levy, impost, duty, assessment, charge, fee, deduction or withholding of any nature and whatever called, imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax and penalties applicable thereto.

 

Tax Indemnitee ” has the meaning given to such term specified in Section 3.01(e) .

 

Tecalemit Business ” means the business division of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in Australia which designs and manufactures industrial lubrication mining systems and equipment, automotive service workshop equipment and vehicle service hoists.

 

Term B-1 Loans ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.

 

Term Loan Collateral ” has the meaning given to the term “Fixed Asset Collateral” in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Term Loan Commitment ” means as to each Lender, its obligation to make Term Loans to the Borrower on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 2.01 in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 under the caption “Commitment”.  The initial aggregate amount of the Term Loan Commitments on the Closing Date is $750,000,000.

 

Term Loan Facility ” means, at any time, (a) prior to the Closing Date, the aggregate amount of Additional Term B-1 Commitments of all Lenders at such time, and (b) thereafter, and the aggregate Term Loans , in each case of all Lenders at such time.

 

Term Loan Increase Effective Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.16(d) .

 

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Term Loans has the meaning given to such term in Section 2.01 . means, (x) before the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, the Original Loans and (y) on and after the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, the Term B-1 Loans.

 

Term Note ” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to the order of any Lender, in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto, evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the Term Loans made or held by such Lender.

 

Thermal and Emissions Business ” means the business division of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries which manage and control vapors / coolant to increase powertrain performance, improve passenger comfort while enabling reduced emissions to aid in meeting increasing regulations.

 

Threshold Amount ” means $35,000,000.

 

Total Outstandings ” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans.

 

Transactions ” means, collectively, (i) the Notes Refinancing, (ii) the entrance into of this Agreement and , the initial funding of the Term Loans and (iii incurrence of the Additional Term B-1 Loan hereunder and the conversion of Converted Term Loans to Term B-1 Loans, in each case, on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, (ii) the incurrence of the Senior Notes, (iii) the Refinancing, (iv) the amendment of the ABL Credit Agreement and (v ) the payment of the fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions (such fees, costs and expenses, the “ Transaction Costs ”).

 

Transaction Costs ” has the meaning given to such term specified in the definition of the “Transaction.”

 

Type ” means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

 

Unfunded Pension Liability ” means the excess of the present value of a Pension Plan’s benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value of that Pension Plan’s assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code for the applicable plan year.

 

Uniform Commercial Code ” or “ UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.

 

United States ” and “ U.S. ” mean the United States of America.

 

United States Tax Compliance Certificate ” has the meaning given to such term specified in Section 3.01(c) .

 

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means:

 

(1)                                  any Subsidiary of the Borrower that at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of such Person in the manner provided below; and

 

(2)                                  any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

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The Board of Directors of the Borrower may designate any Subsidiary of the Borrower (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary of the Borrower but excluding the Borrower and OpCo ) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on any property of, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated; provided , however , that the Subsidiary to be so designated and its Subsidiaries do not at the time of designation have and do not thereafter Incur any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided , further , however , that either:

 

(a)                                  the Subsidiary to be so designated has total consolidated assets of $1,000 or less; or

 

(b)                                  if such Subsidiary has consolidated assets greater than $1,000, then such designation would be permitted under Section 7.06 .

 

The Board of Directors of the Borrower may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that immediately after giving pro forma effect to such designation:

 

(x)                                  (1)  the Borrower could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 7.03 , or

 

(2)                                  the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such designation, and

 

(y)                                  no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Borrower shall be evidenced to the Administrative Agent by promptly delivering to the Administrative Agent a copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Borrower giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

 

US Lender ” means a Lender that is a United States person within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

 

Voting Stock ” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.

 

Weighted Average Life to Maturity ” means, when applied to any Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the sum of the products of the number of years from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment, by (2) the sum of all such payments.

 

Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary ” is any Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Wholly Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person 100% of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares or shares or interests required to be held by foreign nationals or other third parties to the extent required by

 

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applicable law) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

Write-Down and Conversion Powers ” means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

 

1.02                         Other Interpretive Provisions .  With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:

 

(a)                                  The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

 

(b)                                  (i)  The words “ herein ,” “ hereto ,” “ hereof ” and “ hereunder ” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document shall refer to such Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.

 

(ii)                                   Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule references are to the Loan Document in which such reference appears.

 

(iii)                                The term “including” is by way of example and not limitation.

 

(iv)                               The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.

 

(c)                                   In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.”

 

(d)                                  Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

1.03                         Accounting Terms .  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in conformity with GAAP.  Financial statements required to be delivered by the Borrower to Lenders pursuant to Sections 6.01(a)  and 6.01(b)  shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP as in effect at the time of such preparation. Calculations in connection with the definitions, covenants and other provisions hereof shall be made in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time.  If, after the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date, any change in the accounting principles used in the preparation of the most recent financial statements referred to in Section 6.01 is required or permitted by the rules, regulations, pronouncements and opinions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (or any successors thereto) and such change is adopted by the Borrower with the approval of the Borrower’s accountants and results in a change in any of the calculations required by Article VII that would not have resulted had such accounting change not occurred, if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, the parties hereto agree to enter into negotiations in order to amend such provisions so as to equitably reflect such change such that the criteria for evaluating compliance with such covenants by Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall be the same after such change as if such change had not been made (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed

 

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and not subject to any amendment fee or increase in pricing hereunder); provided , however, that no change in GAAP that would affect a calculation that measures compliance with any covenant contained in Article VII shall be given effect until such provisions are amended to reflect such changes in GAAP.  In addition, for purposes of this Agreement, all references to codified accounting standards specifically named herein shall be deemed to include any successor, replacement, amended or updated accounting standard under GAAP or IFRS to the extent the Borrower is required to apply IFRS.

 

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

 

1.05                         References to Agreements and Laws .  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to Organization Documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted by the Loan Documents; and (b) references to any Law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law.

 

1.06                         Times of Day .  Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

 

1.07                         Timing of Payment or Performance .  When the payment of any obligation or the performance of any covenant, duty or obligation is stated to be due or performance required on a day which is not a Business Day, the date of such payment (other than as specifically provided in Section 2.12 or as described in the definition of Interest Period) or performance shall extend to the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

1.08                         Currency Equivalents Generally .  Any amount specified in this Agreement (other than in Articles II IX and X ) or any of the other Loan Documents to be in Dollars shall also include the equivalent of such amount in any currency other than Dollars, such equivalent amount to be determined at the rate of exchange quoted by the Administrative Agent at the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding any date of determination thereof, to prime banks in New York, New York for the spot purchase in the New York foreign exchange market of such amount in Dollars with such other currency; provided that compliance with Section 7.03 as it relates to foreign currency shall be governed by Section 7.03(d) .

 

1.09                         Calculation of Baskets .  If any of the baskets set forth in Article VII of this Agreement are exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations to Consolidated Total Assets for the most recently completed fiscal quarter after the last time such baskets were calculated for any purpose under Article VII , such baskets will not be deemed to have been exceeded solely as a result of such fluctuations.

 

1.10                         Effect of Amendment No. 1.  All Original Loans owed by the Borrower to any Person under the Original Credit Agreement that have not been repaid to such Persons on or prior to the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date shall continue as Loans under this Agreement and from and after the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date shall be payable as set forth herein and all interest, fees and other amounts owing in respect of such Loans shall accrue as provided under this Agreement; provided that on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, the Borrower shall repay the principal amount of all Original Loans not converted to Term B-1 Loans on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date; provided , further , that all accrued and unpaid interest and fees upon all Original Loans through but excluding the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date shall be paid in full on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date.  Following the Amendment No. 1

 

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Effective Date, the Original Loans shall no longer be in effect and thereafter only Loans under this Agreement shall be outstanding until otherwise terminated in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

ARTICLE II
THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

 

2.01                         The Loans .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, (a) the Additional Term B-1 Lender severally agrees to make a single loan ( individually a “ Term Loan ”; and collectively the “ Additional Term B-1 Loan ”) to the Borrower in a principal amount not to exceed its Additional Term B-1 Commitment and (b) each Converted Term Loan of each Consenting Lender shall be automatically converted into a loan with the same Type and class as the Additional Term B-1 Loan (collectively, with the Additional Term B-1 Loan , the “ Term B-1 Loans ”) to the Borrower on the Closing Date in an in a principal amount equal to such Lender’s Term Loan Commitment.  The initial Borrowing under this Section 2.01 shall consist of Term Loans made simultaneously by the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments Converted Term Loan .  Amounts borrowed under this Section 2.01 or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement and subsequently repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed.  Term Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans as further provided herein . ; provided, however, the Term B-1 Loans shall initially be Eurodollar Rate loans with an Interest Period ending on December 31, 2016.

 

2.02                         Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans .

 

(a)                                  Each Borrowing, each conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent.  Each such notice must be in writing and must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) (i) three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, conversion of Base Rate Loans to, or continuation of, Eurodollar Rate Loans, or of any conversion of Eurodollar Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans, and (ii) on the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans; provided , however , that other than as set forth in Section 2.01, if the Borrower wishes to request Eurodollar Rate Loans having an Interest Period other than one, two, three or six months in duration as provided in the definition of “Interest Period,” the applicable notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) four Business Days prior to the requested date of such Borrowing, conversion or continuation, whereupon the Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice to the Lenders of such request and determine whether the requested Interest Period is acceptable to all of them.  Not later than 10:00 a.m. (New York time) three Business Days before the requested date of such Borrowing, conversion or continuation, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower whether or not the requested Interest Period has been consented to by all the Lenders.  Each notice by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(a)  shall be delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent in the form of a written Committed Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.  Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $3,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.  Each Borrowing of, or conversion to, Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.  Each Committed Loan Notice shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Borrowing, a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans and class of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued and (iv) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto.  If the Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans.  Any such automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurodollar Rate Loans.  If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation

 

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of Eurodollar Rate Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one (1) month.

 

(b)                                  Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each applicable Lender of the amount of its ratable share of the Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each applicable Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans described in Section 2.02(a) .  In the case of a Borrowing, each applicable Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. (or 2:00 p.m. in the case of Base Rate Loans) on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice.

 

(c)                                   Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurodollar Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Loan unless the Borrower pays the amount due under Section 3.05 in connection therewith.  During the existence of an Event of Default, at the election of the Administrative Agent or Required Lenders, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as Eurodollar Rate Loans.

 

(d)                                  The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate.  The determination of the Eurodollar Rate by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.  At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in the Administrative Agent’s prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.

 

(e)                                   After giving effect to all Borrowings, all conversions of Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten (10) Interest Periods in effect.

 

(f)                                    The failure of any Lender to make the Loan to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Loan on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Loan to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.

 

2.03                         [Reserved] .

 

2.04                         [Reserved] .

 

2.05                         Prepayments .

 

(a)                                  Optional .

 

(i)                                 The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Loans in whole or in part without, except as set forth in Section 2.05(a)(iv)  below, premium or penalty; provided , that (1) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 p.m. (New York time) (A) three (3) Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (2) any prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $3,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (3) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding.  Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the class and

 

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Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid and, if Eurodollar Rate Loans are to be prepaid, the Interest Period(s) of such Loans.  The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each applicable Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s ratable portion of such prepayment (based on such Lender’s ratable share of the relevant Facility).  If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein.  Any prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest thereon, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Sections 2.05(a)(iv)  and 3.05 .  In the event of any prepayments of Loans under this Section 2.05(a)  made at a time when Loans of more than one tranche class remain outstanding, the Borrower shall select the tranche class of Loans to be prepaid.  Each prepayment of outstanding Loans under a Facility pursuant to this Section 2.05(a)  shall be applied to the then-remaining amortization payments in the manner directed by the Borrower; and each such prepayment shall be paid to the applicable Lenders on a pro rata basis.

 

(ii)                                 [Reserved].

 

(iii)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Borrower may rescind any notice of prepayment under Section 2.05(a)(i)  if such prepayment would have resulted from a refinancing of any Facility, which refinancing shall not be consummated or shall otherwise be delayed.

 

(iv)                                If the Borrower makes a prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(a)  or a prepayment of Term Loans with the proceeds of any Specified Refinancing Debt pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(iii) , in each case within 365 180 days after the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date in connection with any Repricing Transaction, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable account of the applicable Lenders (including each Lender that withholds its consent to such Repricing Transaction and is replaced as a Non-Consenting Lender under Section 3.07 ), a prepayment premium in an amount equal to 1.0% of the principal amount prepaid.

 

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(b)                                  Mandatory .

 

(i)                                 Within five (5) Business Days after financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a)  and the related Compliance Certificate has been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(c) , the Borrower shall prepay an aggregate principal amount of Loans in an amount equal to (A) 50% (as may be adjusted pursuant to the proviso below) of Excess Cash Flow for the fiscal year covered by such financial statements commencing with the fiscal year ended on or about December 31, 2014 2017 minus (B) the aggregate amount of voluntary principal prepayments of the Loans (solely, in the case of any loans under any New Revolving Facility or any specified Revolving Refinancing Debt only, to the extent accompanied by a dollar-for-dollar permanent reduction in the commitments thereunder), Incremental Equivalent Debt (solely to the extent secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations securing the Loans) and loans under the ABL Credit Agreement (solely to the extent accompanied by a dollar-for-dollar permanent reduction in the commitments thereunder) and the aggregate amount of Term Loans purchased pursuant to a Dutch Auction pursuant to Section 2.05(c) , in each case other than to the extent that any such prepayment is funded from the proceeds of long-term Indebtedness; provided , that such percentage shall be reduced to 25% or 0% if the Consolidated First Lien Total Net Debt Ratio as of the last day of the fiscal year covered by such financial statements was less than 2.50 to 1.00 or 2.00 to 1.00, respectively; provided , further , that for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 only, the amount of Excess Cash Flow subject to this Section 2.05(b)(i) shall be 50% of the Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year (multiplied then by the appropriate percentage as set forth above); :1.00, respectively; provided that, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing, the Borrower shall only be required to make mandatory prepayments under this paragraph (b)(i) if such mandatory prepayment calculated in accordance with this paragraph (b)(i) exceeds $5,000,000.

 

(ii)                                 (A)  If the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary consummates one or more Asset Sales which result in realization or receipt by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary of aggregate Net Cash Proceeds in excess of $20,000,000 in any fiscal year, the Borrower shall (1) give written notice to the Administrative Agent thereof promptly after the date of the realization or receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds and (2) except to the extent the Borrower elects in such notice to permanently reduce Indebtedness with Net Cash Proceeds from ABL Collateral pursuant to Section 7.05(b)  or reinvest, in each case, all or a portion of such Net Cash Proceeds in accordance with Section 7.05 , prepay an aggregate principal amount of Loans in an amount equal to 100% of all Net Cash Proceeds received from such Asset Sale within five (5) Business Days of receipt thereof by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

(B)                                With respect to any Net Cash Proceeds realized or received with respect to any Asset Sale, at the option of the Borrower, the Borrower may reinvest all or any portion of such Net Cash Proceeds in accordance with Section 7.05 ; provided , however , that if any Net Cash Proceeds are no longer intended to be so reinvested at any time after the occurrence of the relevant transaction, an amount equal to any such Net Cash Proceeds shall be immediately applied to the prepayment of the Loans as set forth, and to the extent required, in this Section 2.05 .

 

(iii)                                  (A)   Upon the incurrence or issuance by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any Specified Refinancing Debt constituting new term loan facilities Term Loans or any Indebtedness not expressly permitted to be incurred or issued pursuant to Section 7.03 , the Borrower shall prepay an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans and New Term Loans, as applicable in an amount equal to 100% of all Net Cash Proceeds received therefrom immediately upon receipt thereof by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

(B)                                Upon the incurrence or issuance by the Borrower of any Specified Refinancing Revolving Debt, the Borrower shall prepay an aggregate principal amount of Loans under the applicable

 

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New Revolving Facility in an amount equal to 100% of all Net Cash Proceeds received therefrom immediately upon receipt thereof by the Borrower.

 

(iv)                                With respect to any prepayment made pursuant to Sections 2.05(b)(i)  through (iii)  (other than prepayments made with Net Cash Proceeds of Specified Refinancing Debt, which shall be applied to such Loans being refinanced), such prepayments of Loans shall be applied ratably to each tranche class of Loans then existing and constituting term loan facilities .  Subject to Section 2.17(d)(v) , each prepayment of Loans constituting term loan facilities pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)  shall be applied ratably to each of the such Loans and to the principal repayment installments thereof, first , in direct order of maturity, to the next succeeding four (4) quarterly principal repayment installments of the such Loans that are due pursuant to Section 2.07 (excluding the installment due on the applicable Maturity Date) and, second , to the remaining principal repayment installments of the such Loans; and, with respect to each such Facility, each such prepayment shall be paid to the Lenders on a pro rata basis.

 

(v)                                Funding Losses, Etc .  All prepayments under this Section 2.05 shall be made together with, in the case of any such prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan on a date other than the last day of an Interest Period therefor, any amounts owing in respect of such Eurodollar Rate Loan pursuant to Section 3.05 and, to the extent applicable, any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(iv) .  Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this Section 2.05(b) , so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, if any prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans is required to be made under this Section 2.05(b) , other than on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, deposit the amount of any such prepayment otherwise required to be made thereunder into a Cash Collateral Account until the last day of such Interest Period, at which time the Administrative Agent shall be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of such Loans in accordance with this Section 2.05(b) .  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall also be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of the outstanding Loans in accordance with this Section 2.05(b) .

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Purchasing Borrower Party shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay Loans of one or more classes constituting term loan facilities to the applicable Lenders at a discount to the par value of such Loans and on a non pro rata basis (each, a “ Discounted Voluntary Prepayment ”) pursuant to a Dutch Auction and the procedures described in the definition thereof; provided that (A) any Discounted Voluntary Prepayment shall be offered to all Lenders of the applicable class(es) on a pro rata basis and (B) such Purchasing Borrower Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate stating that (1) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the Discounted Voluntary Prepayment (after giving effect to any related waivers or amendments obtained in connection with such Discounted Voluntary Prepayment) and (2) each of the conditions to such Discounted Voluntary Prepayment contained in this Section 2.05(c)  has been satisfied.

 

(d)                                  Lender Opt-out .  With respect to any prepayment of the Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b) , any Lender, at its option, may elect not to accept such prepayment.  The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any event giving rise to such prepayment of the Loans and the amount of the prepayment that is available to prepay the Loans (the “ Prepayment Amount ”).  The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of the amount available to prepay the Loans of each class and the date on which such prepayment shall be made (the “ Prepayment Date ”), which date shall be ten (10) Business Days after the date of such receipt.  Any Lender declining such prepayment (a “ Declining Lender ”) shall give written notice to the Administrative Agent by 11:00 a.m. date that is three (3) Business Days prior to the Prepayment Date.  If any Lender does not give a notice by such date that it is a Declining Lender, then it will be deemed to be an Accepting Lender.  On the Prepayment Date, an amount equal to that portion of the

 

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Prepayment Amount accepted by the Lenders other than the Declining Lenders (such Lenders being the “ Accepting Lenders ”) to prepay Loans owing to such Accepting Lenders shall be paid to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower and applied by the Administrative Agent ratably to prepay Loans owing to such Accepting Lenders in the manner described in Section 2.05(b)  for such prepayment.  Any amounts that would otherwise have been applied to prepay Loans owing to Declining Lenders shall instead be retained by the Borrower (such amounts, “ Declined Amounts ”).

 

(e)                                   Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.05 , for any or all of the Net Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sale by a Foreign Subsidiary or Excess Cash Flow attributable to Foreign Subsidiaries for which the Borrower determines in good faith that the repatriation of such Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow (i) is prohibited or subject to limitations under applicable law, orders, decrees or determinations of any arbitrator, court or governmental authority or (ii) would have an adverse tax consequence (taking into account any foreign tax credit or benefit actually realized in connection with such repatriation), the portion of such Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow so affected will not be required to be applied to repay Loans at the times provided in this Section 2.05 ; provided that when the Borrower determines in good faith that repatriation of any of such Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow (i) is no longer prohibited or subject to limitations under such applicable law, orders, decrees or determinations of any arbitrator, court or governmental authority or (ii) would no longer have an adverse tax consequence (taking into account any foreign tax credit or benefit actually realized in connection with such repatriation), the repatriation of such amount that would otherwise be required to be used to make an offer of prepayment pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(i)  or (b)(ii) , will be immediately effected and such repatriated Net Cash Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow will be promptly (an in any event not later than five (5) Business Days after such repatriation) applied (net of additional taxes payable or reserved against as a result thereof) to the repayment of Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05 .

 

2.06                         Termination of Commitments .  The aggregate Additional Term Loan B-1 Commitments shall be automatically and permanently reduced to zero on the date of, and after giving effect to, the initial Borrowing on the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date.

 

2.07                         Repayment of Term Loans .  The Borrower shall, on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the last Business Day of September 2014 March 2017 and ending with the last Business Day of the fiscal quarter preceding the Maturity Date for the Term Loan Facility, repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Term Lenders under the Term Loan Facility , 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans outstanding on the Closing Date Amendment No. 1 Effective Date after giving effect to Amendment No. 1 (which installments above shall be reduced as a result of the application of prepayments in accordance with the order of priority set forth in Section 2.05 ); provided , however , that the final principal repayment installment of the Term Loans shall be repaid on the Maturity Date and in any event shall be in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans outstanding on such date.

 

2.08                         Interest .

 

(a)                                  Subject to the provisions of Section 1.10 (with respect to accrued interest and unpaid interest on Original Loans prior to the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date) and Section 2.08(b) , (i) each Eurodollar Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (A) the greater of (x) the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period and (y)  1.00 0.75 %, plus (B) the Applicable Rate for Eurodollar Rate Loans and (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (A ) the greater of (x) the percentage for clause (A) above and (y ) the Base Rate, plus (B) the Applicable Rate for Base Rate Loans.

 

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(b)                                  Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any Default under Section 8.01(a) , (f)  or (g) , the Borrower shall pay interest on the principal amount of all overdue Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.  Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.

 

(c)                                   Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein.  Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.

 

2.09                         [Reserved] .

 

2.10                         Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate .  All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans (except for Base Rate computations in respect of clauses (a) and (c) of the definition thereof) shall be made on the basis of a year of three hundred and sixty-five (365) or three hundred and sixty six (366) days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed.  All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a three hundred and sixty (360) day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a three hundred and sixty-five (365) day year).  Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid.  Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

 

2.11                         Evidence of Indebtedness .

 

(a)                                  The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and evidenced by one or more entries in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent, acting solely for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 5f.103 - 1(c), as a non-fiduciary agent for the Borrower, in each case in the ordinary course of business.  The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be prima facie evidence absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon.  Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations.  In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.  Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note payable to the order of such Lender, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records.  Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

 

(b)                                  [Reserved].

 

(c)                                   Entries made in good faith by the Administrative Agent in the Register pursuant to Section 2.11(a) , and by each Lender in its account or accounts pursuant to Section 2.11(a) , shall be prima facie evidence of the amount of principal and interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to, in the case of the Register, each Lender and, in the case of such account or accounts, such Lender, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, absent manifest error; provided , that the failure of the Administrative Agent or such Lender to make an entry, or any finding that an entry is

 

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incorrect, in the Register or such account or accounts shall not limit the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

2.12                         Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback .

 

(a)                                  General .  All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 12:00 p.m. on the date specified herein.  The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its ratable share in respect of the relevant Facility (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office.  All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 12:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue.  If any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be; provided , however , that, if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurodollar Rate Loans to be made in the next succeeding calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.

 

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

 

A notice of the Administrative Agent to the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this Section 2.12(b)  shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

 

(c)                                   Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent .  If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II , and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV or Amendment No.1, as applicable, are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender on demand, without interest.

 

(d)                                  Obligations of the Lenders Several .  The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 9.07 are several and not joint.  The failure of any Lender to make any Loan or to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 9.07 on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan or, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 9.07 .

 

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(e)                                   Funding Source .  Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.

 

(f)                                    Insufficient Funds .  If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i)  first , toward payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii)  second , toward payment of principal then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal then due to such parties

 

(g)                                   Unallocated Funds .  If the Administrative Agent receives funds for application to the Obligations of the Loan Parties under or in respect of the Loan Documents under circumstances for which the Loan Documents do not specify the manner in which such funds are to be applied, the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, elect to distribute such funds to each of the Lenders in accordance with such Lender’s ratable share of the sum of the Outstanding Amount of all Loans outstanding at such time and, in repayment or prepayment of such of the outstanding Loans or other Obligations then owing to such Lender.

 

2.13                         Sharing of Payments .  If, other than as expressly provided elsewhere herein, any Lender shall obtain on account of the Loans made by it any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of setoff, or otherwise) in excess of its ratable share (or other share contemplated hereunder) thereof, such Lender shall immediately (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase from the other Lenders of the same class such participations in the Loans of the same class made by them as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment in respect of such Loans or such participations, as the case may be, pro rata with each of them; provided , however , that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the purchasing Lender in its discretion), such purchase shall to that extent be rescinded and each other Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price paid therefor, together with an amount equal to such paying Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such paying Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered, without further interest thereon.  The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of setoff, but subject to Section 10.09 ) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.  The Administrative Agent will keep records (which shall be conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error) of participations purchased under this Section 2.13 and will in each case notify the Lenders following any such purchases or repayments.  Each Lender that purchases a participation pursuant to this Section 2.13 shall from and after such purchase have the right to give all notices, requests, demands, directions and other communications under this Agreement with respect to the portion of the Obligations purchased to the same extent as though the purchasing Lender were the original owner of the Obligations purchased.  For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this Section 2.13 shall not be construed to apply to (A) the assignments and participations (including by means of a Dutch Auction) described in Sections 2.05(c)  and 10.07 or (B) the incurrence of any Specified Refinancing Debt in accordance with Section 2.19 .

 

2.14                         [ Reserved ].

 

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2.15                         Extension Offers .

 

(a)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, pursuant to one or more offers (each, an “ Extension Offer ”) made from time to time by the Borrower to all Lenders of Term Loans Facilities having a like maturity date on a pro rata basis (based on the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the respective Term Loans Facilities ) and on the same terms to each such Lender, the Borrower may from time to time extend the maturity date of any Term Loans Facility and otherwise modify the terms of such Term Loans Facility pursuant to the terms of the relevant Extension Offer (including, without limitation, by increasing the interest rate or fees payable in respect of such Term Loans Facility (and related outstandings) and/or modifying the amortization schedule in respect of such Lender’s Term Loans Facility ) (each, an “ Extension ”, and each group of Term Loans Facilities as so extended, as well as the original Term Loans Facilities (in each case not so extended), being a “ tranche ”; any Extended Term Loans Facility shall constitute a separate tranche of Term Loans Facility from the tranche of Term Loans Facility from which they were converted, so long as the following terms are satisfied:  (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time the offering document in respect of an Extension Offer is delivered to the applicable Lenders, (ii) except as to interest rates, fees, amortization, final maturity date, premium, required prepayment dates and participation in prepayments (which shall, subject to immediately succeeding clauses (iii), (iv) and (v), be determined by the Borrower and set forth in the relevant Extension Offer), the Term Loans Facility of any Lender extended pursuant to any Extension ( each an Extended Term Loans Facility ”) shall have the same terms as the tranche of Term Loans Facility subject to such Extension Offer, (iii) the final maturity date of any Extended Term Loans Facility shall be no earlier than the then latest Maturity Date hereunder and the amortization schedule applicable to Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.07 for periods prior to the original applicable Maturity Date may not be increased, (iv) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Extended Term Loans Facility shall be no shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans Facility extended thereby, (v) any Extended Term Loans Facility may participate on a pro rata basis or a less than pro rata basis (but not greater than a pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory repayments or prepayments hereunder, in each case as specified in the respective Extension Offer, (vi) if the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans and Commitments (calculated on the face amount thereof), in respect of which Lenders or shall have accepted the relevant Extension Offer shall exceed the maximum aggregate principal amount of Term Loans and Commitments offered to be extended by the Borrower pursuant to such Extension Offer, then the Term Loans and Commitments of such Lenders shall be extended ratably up to such maximum amount based on the respective principal amounts (but not to exceed actual holdings of record) with respect to which such Lenders have accepted such Extension Offer, (vii) all documentation in respect of such Extension shall be consistent with the foregoing, and (viii) any applicable Minimum Extension Condition shall be satisfied unless waived by the Borrower.  For the avoidance of doubt, no Lender shall be required to participate in any Extension.

 

(b)                                  [Reserved].

 

(c)                                   With respect to all Extensions consummated by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.15 , (i) such Extensions shall not constitute voluntary or mandatory payments or prepayments for purposes of Section 2.05 and (ii) no Extension Offer is required to be in any minimum amount or any minimum increment; provided that the Borrower may at its election specify as a condition (a “ Minimum Extension Condition ”) to consummating any such Extension that a minimum amount (to be determined and specified in the relevant Extension Offer in the Borrower’s sole discretion and may be waived by the Borrower) of Term Loans Facilities (as applicable) of any or all applicable tranches be tendered.  The Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereby consent to the Extensions and the other transactions contemplated by this Section 2.15 (including, for the avoidance of doubt, payment of any interest, fees or premium in respect of any Extended Term Loans Facility on the such terms as may be set forth in the relevant Extension Offer) and hereby waive the requirements of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document that may otherwise prohibit any such Extension or any other transaction contemplated by this Section 2.15 .

 

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(d)                                  The Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent to enter into amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Borrower as may be necessary in order to establish new tranches or sub-tranches in respect of Term Loans Facilities so extended and such technical amendments as may be necessary or appropriate in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in connection with the establishment of such new tranches or sub-tranches, in each case on terms consistent with this Section 2.15 .  Without limiting the foregoing, in connection with any Extensions the respective Loan Parties shall (at their expense) amend (and the Collateral Agent is hereby directed to amend) any Mortgage that has a maturity date prior to the then latest Maturity Date so that such maturity date is extended to the then latest Maturity Date (or such later date as may be advised by local counsel to the Collateral Agent).

 

(e)                                   In connection with any Extension, the Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent at least five (5) Business Days’ (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent) prior written notice thereof, and shall agree to such procedures, if any, as may be established by, or acceptable to, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, in each case acting reasonably to accomplish the purposes of this Section 2.15 .

 

2.16                         Increase Facilities .

 

(a)                                  Provided there exists no Default, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders) specifying in reasonable detail the proposed terms thereof, the Borrower may from time to time, request (x)  an increase in the Term Loans or any New Term Loans or (y) an increase in any New Revolving Facility, in each case by an amount (for all such requests, and all requests for a New Term Facility Facilities or New Revolving Facilities pursuant to Section 2.17 and Incremental Equivalent Debt) not exceeding the sum of (i) the maximum positive amount at such time that could be Incurred without causing the Consolidated First Lien Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio to exceed 2.25 to 1.00 (in each case, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to such New Term Loans or New Revolving Facility , increased Loans or Incremental Equivalent Debt Incurred on or prior to the date of determination (but excluding any amounts Incurred simultaneously pursuant to clause (ii) below) and the use of the proceeds therefrom ) and (ii) $300,000,000 (together with all requests for New Term Facilities pursuant to Section 2.17 and Incremental Equivalent Debt and, in the case of an increase to a New Revolving Facility, assuming that the amount of such increase is fully drawn), (ii) $400,000,000 and (iii) the aggregate principal amount of all voluntary prepayments after the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date of (x) Term Loans and New Term Loans prior to such date and (including pursuant to a Dutch Auction pursuant to Section 2.05(c)) (y) loans under any New Revolving Facility and loans under the ABL Credit Agreement in each case solely to the extent accompanied by a dollar-for-dollar permanent reduction of New Revolving Commitments or commitments under the ABL Credit Agreement, as applicable), prior to such date, in each case for this clause (iii) other than to the extent any such prepayment is funded from the proceeds of long-term Indebtedness (“ Maximum Incremental Amount ); provided that any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount of the lesser of (x) $25,000,000 and (y) the entire remaining amount of increases available under this Section 2.16 .  At the time of sending such notice, the Borrower (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each Lender is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten (10) Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to the Lenders).

 

(b)                                  Each applicable Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to increase its Loans and, if so, the amount of such requested increase.  Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to increase its Loans.

 

(c)                                   The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and each Lender of the Lenders’ responses to each request made hereunder.  To achieve the full amount of a requested increase, the

 

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Borrower may also invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(d)                                  If any Loans or Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section 2.16 , the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall determine the effective date (the “ Term Loan Increase Effective Date ”) and the final allocation of such increase.  The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the applicable Lenders of the final allocation of such increase and the applicable Term Loan Increase Effective Date.  As of the Term Loan Increase Effective Date, the amortization schedule , if any, for the applicable Loans shall be amended to increase the then-remaining unpaid installments of principal by an aggregate amount equal to the additional Loans of such class being made on such date, such aggregate amount to be applied to increase such installments ratably in accordance with the amounts in effect immediately prior to the Term Loan Increase Effective Date.  Such amendment may be signed by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders.  In addition, in connection with any increase in the Loans or Commitments , this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended in a writing (which may be executed and delivered by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent) to reflect any technical changes necessary to give effect to such increase in accordance with its terms as set forth herein (including the addition of such increase in Loans or Commitments as a part of, and treated in a manner consistent with, the applicable Facility, including, without limitation, for purposes of prepayments and voting).

 

(e)                                   As a condition precedent to such increase, (i) the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of the Borrower dated as of the Term Loan Increase Effective Date signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by the Borrower approving or consenting to such increase, and certifying that the conditions precedent set out in the following subclauses (ii) through ( vi iv ) have been satisfied, (ii) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from such increase, (iii) such increase in the applicable Facility shall have a final maturity no earlier than the maturity date of the Facility subject to such increase, (iv) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such increase in the Facility shall be no shorter than that of the existing Facility subject to such increase, (v) prior to the date that is 18 months after the Closing Date, the all-in yield (whether in the form of interest rate margins, original issue discount, upfront fees, or Eurodollar Rate or Base Rate floors (but not arranger or underwriting fees paid to arrangers for their own account), assuming, in the case of original issue discount and upfront fees, four-year life to maturity) applicable to such increase will be determined by the Borrower and the Lenders providing such increase and will not be more than 50 basis points higher than the corresponding all-in yield (giving effect to interest rate margins, original issue discount, upfront fees and Eurodollar Rate and Base Rate floors) for the existing Facility subject to such increase, unless the all-in yield with respect to the existing Facility is increased by an amount equal to the difference between the all-in yield with respect to such increase and the corresponding all-in yield on the increased Facility, minus 50 basis points, and (vi identical terms to those of such Facility and (iv ) to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall have received legal opinions, resolutions, officers’ certificates and/or reaffirmation agreements consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date under Section 4.01 with respect to the Borrower and all Material Subsidiary Guarantors (other than changes to such legal opinions resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and evidencing the approval of such increase by the Borrower and each Material Subsidiary Guarantor).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with any such increase, if the proceeds of such Term Loans or Commitments are, substantially concurrently with the receipt thereof, to be used, in whole or in part, by the Borrower or any other Loan Party to finance, in whole or in part, a permitted acquisition, then, to the extent agreed to by the lenders providing such Term Loans or Commitments , (A) the only representations and warranties that will be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of the applicable Term Loan Increase Effective Date shall be those representations consistent with customary “SunGard” or “Certain Funds” conditionality and (B) the only Event of Defaults which may not exist after giving effect to such increase as a condition to the Term Loan Increase Effective Date are Events of Default under Sections 8.01(a) , (f)  or (g) .  The

 

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additional Loans or Commitments shall be made by the Lenders participating therein pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.02 .

 

2.17                         New Term Facility .

 

(a)                                  Provided there exists no Default, upon Upon notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower may from time to time, request to add (x)  one or more new term loan facilities to the Facilities (each a “ New Term Facility ”; and any advance made by a Lender thereunder, a “ New Term Loan ”) or (y) one or more cash-flow revolving credit facilities (each a “ New Revolving Facility ”, the commitments thereunder, the “ New Revolving Commitments ” and any New Revolving Facility together with any New Term Facilities, the “ New Facilities ”) in an amount (for all such requests ) not exceeding the sum of (i) the maximum amount at such time that could be Incurred without causing the Consolidated First Lien Debt Ratio to exceed 2.25 to 1.00 (in each case, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to such New Term Loans, increased Loans or Incremental Equivalent Debt Incurred on or prior to the date of determination (but excluding any amounts Incurred simultaneously pursuant to clause (ii) below) and the use of the proceeds therefrom) and (ii) $300,000,000 (together with all requests for New Term Facilities pursuant to Section 2.17 , and all requests for increases to a Term Facility, a New Term Facility and New Revolving Facility pursuant to Section 2.16 and Incremental Equivalent Debt) not exceeding the Maximum Incremental Amount ; provided that any such request for New Term Facilities shall be in a minimum amount of the lesser of (x) $25,000,000 and (y) the entire amount available under this Section 2.17 for New Term Facilities.

 

(b)                                  The Borrower shall make any request for any New Term Facility pursuant to a written notice to the Administrative Agent specifying in reasonable detail the proposed terms thereof.  At the time of sending such notice, the Borrower (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each applicable Lender is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten (10)  Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to such Lenders).  Each applicable Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to participate in such New Term Facility and, if so, of such requested increase.  Any Lender approached to provide all or a portion of the New Term Facility may elect or decline, in its sole discretion, to provide loans thereunder.  Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to participate in providing such New Term Facility.  The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and each applicable Lender of the Lenders’ responses to each request made hereunder.  To achieve the full amount of a requested issuance of New Term Facility, the Borrower may also invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders in respect of such New Term Facility pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(c)                                   The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the amount and effective date (the “ New Term Facility Effective Date ”) of any New Term Facility.  In connection with any New Term Facility, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be amended in a writing (which may be executed and delivered by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent) to reflect any technical changes necessary to give effect to such New Term Facility in accordance with its terms as set forth herein (including the addition of such New Term Facility as a “Facility” hereunder and treated in a manner consistent with the other Term Loan Facilities or customary revolving facilities , including, without limitation, for purposes of borrowing mechanics for foreign currency borrowings, letter of credit and swingline facilities, prepayments and voting).

 

(d)                                  As a condition precedent to any New Term Facility, (i) the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of the Borrower dated as of the New Term Facility Effective Date signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by the Borrower approving or consenting to such New Term Loan Facility , and certifying that the conditions precedent set

 

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out in the following subclauses (ii) through ( ix xi ) have been satisfied, (ii) such New Term Facility shall rank pari passu in right of payment and security with the other Facilities , and shall have no collateral or guarantors other than the Collateral and the Guarantors, other than any New Term Facility Incurred by a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower which may be secured by the assets of such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower and its Subsidiaries and may be guaranteed by the Subsidiaries of such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower, subject to Section 2.18, (iii) such New Term Facility shall have a final maturity no earlier than the latest maturity date of any Facility hereunder, (iv) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such New Term Facility shall be no shorter than that of the Term Loan Facility, (v) the New Term Facility shall share ratably in any prepayments of the Term Loan Facility pursuant to Section 2.05 , may participate on a pro rata basis or a less than pro rata basis (but not greater than a pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory repayments or prepayments hereunder (vi) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from such increase, (vii) prior to the date that is 18 12 months after the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, the all-in yield (whether in the form of interest rate margins, original issue discount, upfront fees, or Eurodollar Rate or Base Rate floors (but not arranger or underwriting fees paid to arrangers for their own accounts), assuming, in the case of original issue discount and upfront fees, four-year life to maturity) applicable to such New Term Facility will be determined by the Borrower and the Lenders providing such New Term Facility and will not be more than 50 basis points higher than the corresponding all-in yield (giving effect to interest rate margins, original issue discount, upfront fees and Eurodollar Rate and Base Rate floors) for the existing Term Loan Facility, unless the all-in yield with respect to the existing Term Loan Facility is increased by an amount equal to the difference between the all-in yield with respect to such New Term Facility and the corresponding all-in yield on the existing Term Loan Facility, minus 50 basis points, (viii)  the borrower with respect to such New Term Facility will be the Borrower and/or a Subsidiary Borrower appointed pursuant to Section 2.18, (ix) such New Term Facility shall be denominated in U.S. Dollars Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling or any other currency reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, (x)  except with respect to all-in yield and as set forth in subclauses (iii)  and , (iv) , (v), (viii) and (ix)  above with respect to final maturity and Weighted Average Life to Maturity, or otherwise as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, such New Term Facility shall have the same terms and conditions as the Term Loan Facility; provided that , the terms and conditions applicable to such New Term Facility may provide for any additional or different covenants or other provisions that are agreed between the Borrower and the Lenders thereof and ; provided that any such terms and conditions that are different from those applicable to the Term Loans shall be either (a) when taken as a whole, not materially more restrictive or burdensome to the Loan Parties than the terms and conditions applicable to the Term Loans, as reasonably determined by the Borrower, (b) added by way of amendment (which shall not require the consent of any Lender) to this Agreement to incorporate such terms or conditions to be applicable to the Term Loans or (c)  applicable only during periods after the latest maturity date in respect of the then- existing applicable Facility Term Loans that is in effect on the date of effectiveness of such New Term Facility Effective Date Loans , and ( ix xi ) to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall have received legal opinions, board resolutions, officers’ certificates and/or reaffirmation agreements consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date under Section 4.01 with respect to the Borrower and all Material Subsidiary Guarantors (other than changes to such legal opinions resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and evidencing the approval of such increase by the Borrower and each Material Subsidiary Guarantor).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with any New Term Facility, if the proceeds of such New Term Loans are, substantially concurrently with the receipt thereof, to be used, in whole or in part, by the Borrower or any other Loan Party to finance, in whole or in part, a permitted acquisition, then, to the extent agreed to by the lenders providing such New Term Loans, (A) the only representations and warranties that will be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of the applicable New Term Facility Effective Date shall be those representations consistent with customary “SunGard” or “Certain Funds” conditionality and (B) the only Event of Defaults which may not exist after giving effect to such New Term Facility as a condition to the New Term Facility Effective Date are Events of Default under Sections 8.01(a) , (f)  or (g) .

 

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(e)                                   As a condition precedent to any New Revolving Facility, (i) the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of the Borrower dated as of the New Facility Effective Date signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by the Borrower approving or consenting to such New Revolving Facility, and certifying that the conditions precedent set out in the following subclauses (ii) through (ix) have been satisfied, (ii) such New Revolving Facility shall rank pari passu in right of payment and security with the other Facilities and shall have no collateral or guarantors other than the Collateral and the Guarantors, other than any New Term Facility Incurred by a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower which may be secured by the assets of such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower and its Subsidiaries and may be guaranteed by the Subsidiaries of such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower subject to Section 2.18, (iii) such New Revolving Facility shall have a final maturity no earlier than the latest maturity date of any then existing New Revolving Facility hereunder, (iv) such New Revolving Facility shall not provide for scheduled amortization or mandatory prepayments or commitment reductions prior to the latest maturity date of any existing New Revolving Facility hereunder, (v) the New Revolving Facility may participate on a pro rata basis or a less than pro rata basis (but not greater than a pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory repayments or prepayments hereunder, (vi) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from such increase, (vii) the borrower with respect to such New Revolving Facility will be the Borrower and/or a Subsidiary Borrower appointed pursuant to Section 2.18, (viii) such New Revolving Facility shall be denominated in U.S. Dollars Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling or any other currency reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and (ix) except as provided above, such New Revolving Facility shall have such terms and conditions as agreed between the Borrower and the lenders providing such New Revolving Facility.

 

2.18                         [ Reserved ] Subsidiary Borrowers.  On or after the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, in connection with the incurrence of any New Facility pursuant to Section 2.17, the Borrower may designate any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary organized under the laws of the United States, the Netherlands or any other jurisdiction reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent as a Subsidiary Borrower (a “ Subsidiary Borrower ”) in respect of such New Facility.  Such designation of a Subsidiary Borrower shall be subject to the following conditions: (i) the Borrower and such Subsidiary Borrower shall have delivered written notice to the Administrative Agent of its desire to designate such Subsidiary Borrower at least 10 business days prior to the date of the effectiveness of such designation, (ii) in the case of a Subsidiary Borrower that is a Foreign Subsidiary (a “ Foreign Subsidiary Borrower ”), if the Obligations of such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower in respect of such New Facility are to be guaranteed by Subsidiaries of such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower and/or secured by assets of such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower or Subsidiaries of such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower, the Foreign Subsidiary Borrower and, if applicable, such Subsidiaries shall have delivered documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent with respect to such guarantees and/or security, (iii) the Lenders providing such New Facility and the Collateral Agent shall have entered into customary documentation with respect to a collateral allocation mechanism (or similar loss sharing arrangement) reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (iv) such Subsidiary Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent at least three business days prior to the date of effectiveness of such designation all information requested by the Lenders under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the PATRIOT Act, which has been requested by the Administrative Agent at least 10 business days prior to the date of effectiveness of such designation and (v) the Administrative Agent shall have received such legal opinions, board resolutions, officers’ certificates and other documentation reasonably requested with respect to and security for such Subsidiary Borrower and, if applicable, any Subsidiaries providing guarantees of such New Facility.

 

In connection with any Subsidiary Borrower, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be amended in a writing (which may be executed and delivered by the Borrower, such Subsidiary Borrower and the Administrative Agent) to reflect any technical changes necessary to give effect to such Subsidiary Borrower in accordance with its terms as set forth herein (including the addition of

 

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such Subsidiary Borrower as a “Borrower” hereunder and treated in a manner consistent with the Borrower, customary tax provisions with respect to any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower, a parallel debt provisions and customary collateral allocation mechanism) that are mutually acceptable to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent .

 

2.19                         Specified Refinancing Debt .

 

(a)                                  The Borrower may, from time to time, add one or more new term loan facilities to the Facilities ( (“ Specified Refinancing Term Loans ”) or revolving credit facilities (“ Specified Revolving Refinancing Revolving Debt ” and, together with the Specified Refinancing Term Loans, Specified Refinancing Debt ”) to the Facilities pursuant to procedures reasonably specified by the Administrative Agent and reasonably acceptable to the Borrower, to refinance all or any portion of , in the case of Specified Refinancing Term Loans , the Term Loans, or New Term Loans then outstanding under this Agreement or, in the case of Specified Refinancing Revolving Debt, the New Revolving Facilities , in each case pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment; provided that such Specified Refinancing Debt:  (i) will rank pari passu in right of payment and of security with the other Loans and Commitments hereunder and will have no collateral or guarantors other than the Collateral and the Guarantors (subject to Section 2.18) ; (ii) subject to the last sentence of this clause (a), will have such pricing and optional prepayment terms as may be agreed by the Borrower and the applicable Lenders thereof; (iii) will have a maturity date that is not prior to the maturity date of, and will have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity that is not shorter than, the Term Loans , New Term Loans or New Revolving Facility being refinanced; (iv) subject to clauses (ii) and (iii) above, will have terms and conditions (taken as a whole) that are substantially identical to, or less favorable to the investors providing such Specified Refinancing Debt than, the Facilities and Loans being refinanced; and (v) the proceeds of such Specified Refinancing Debt shall be applied, substantially concurrently with the incurrence thereof, to the prepayment of outstanding Term Loans or New Term Loans, as applicable, in the case of Specified Refinancing Term Loans, or loans under the applicable new Revolving Facility, in the case of Specified Revolving Refinancing Debt , in each case pursuant to Section 2.05 , as applicable; provided further that the terms and conditions applicable to such Specified Refinancing Debt may provide for any additional or different covenants or other provisions that are agreed between the Borrower and the Lenders thereof and applicable only during periods after the latest maturity date in respect of the Facilities that is in effect on the date such Specified Refinancing Debt is issued, incurred or obtained or the date on which all non-refinanced Obligations are paid in full.

 

(b)                                  The Borrower shall make any request for Specified Refinancing Debt pursuant to a written notice to the Administrative Agent specifying in reasonable detail the proposed terms thereof.  At the time of sending such notice, the Borrower (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each applicable Lender is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to such Lenders).  Each applicable Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to participate in providing such Specified Refinancing Debt and, if so, the amount of such requested increase.  Any Lender approached to provide all or a portion of any Specified Refinancing Debt may elect or decline, in its sole discretion, to provide such Specified Refinancing Debt.  Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to participate in providing such Specified Refinancing Debt.  The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and each applicable Lender of the Lenders’ responses to each request made hereunder.  To achieve the full amount of a requested issuance of Specified Refinancing Debt, and subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), the Borrower may also invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders in respect of such Specified Refinancing Debt pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

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(c)                                   The effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment shall be subject, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, to receipt by the Administrative Agent of legal opinions, board resolutions, officers’ certificates and/or reaffirmation agreements consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date under Section 4.01 (other than changes to such legal opinions resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent).

 

(d)                                  Each class of Specified Refinancing Debt incurred under this Section 2.19 shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is (x) not less than $25,000,000 and (y) an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.

 

(e)                                   The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Refinancing Amendment.  Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, upon the effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to reflect the existence and terms of the Specified Refinancing Debt incurred pursuant thereto (including the addition of such Specified Refinancing Debt as separate “Facilities” hereunder and treated in a manner consistent with the Facilities being refinanced, including, without limitation, for purposes of prepayments and voting).  Any Refinancing Amendment may, without the consent of any Person other than the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders providing such Specified Refinancing Debt, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.19 .

 

ARTICLE III
TAXES, INCREASED COSTS PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

 

3.01                         Taxes .

 

(a)                                  All sums payable by any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Lender or Agent shall (except to the extent required by law) be paid free and clear of, and without any deduction or withholding on account of, any Taxes.

 

(b)                                  If any Loan Party or any other applicable withholding agent is required by law to make any deduction or withholding on account of any Non-Excluded Tax or Other Taxes from any sum paid or payable by any Loan Party to any Lender or Agent under any of the Loan Documents: (i) the applicable Loan Party shall notify the applicable Agent of any such requirement or any change in any such requirement as soon as such Loan Party becomes aware of it; (ii) the applicable Loan Party or withholding agent shall make such deduction or withholding and pay to the relevant Governmental Authority any such Non-Excluded Tax or Other Tax before the date on which penalties attach thereto, such payment to be made (if the liability to pay is imposed on any Loan Party) for its own account or (if that liability is imposed on the Lender or Agent) on behalf of and in the name of the Lender or Agent (as applicable); (iii)  if such Tax is a Non-Excluded Tax or Other Tax, the sum payable to such Lender or Agent (as applicable) shall be increased by such Loan Party to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of any such required deduction or withholding of Non-Excluded Taxes or Other Taxes (including any deductions or withholdings of Non-Excluded Taxes or Other Taxes attributable to any payments required to be made under this Section 3.01 ), the Lender ( or where the Agent (as applicable), receives the payments for its own account) receives on the due date a net sum equal to what it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required or made; and (iv) within thirty days after paying any sum from which it is required by Law to make any deduction or withholding, and within thirty days after the due date of payment of any Tax which it is required by clause (ii) above to pay, the Loan Party making such payments shall deliver to the applicable Agent evidence reasonably satisfactory to the other affected parties of such deduction or withholding and of the remittance thereof to the relevant Governmental Authority.

 

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(c)                                   Each Lender shall, at such times as are reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, provide the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with any documentation prescribed by Laws or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent certifying as to any entitlement of such Lender to an exemption from, or reduction in, withholding Tax with respect to any payments to be made to such Lender under any Loan Document.  In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Each such Lender shall, whenever a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders such documentation (including any specific documentation required below in this Section 3.01(c) ) obsolete, expired or inaccurate in any material respect, deliver promptly to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent updated or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of its inability to do so.

 

Without limiting the foregoing:

 

(1)                                  Each US Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding.

 

(2)                                  Each Non-US Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) whichever of the following is applicable:

 

(A)                                two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or any successor forms) claiming eligibility for the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party, and such other documentation as required under the Code,

 

(B)                                two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI (or any successor forms),

 

(C)                                in the case of a Non-US Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 871(h) or Section 881(c) of the Code, (A) two properly completed and duly signed certificates substantially in the form of Exhibit K (any such certificate, a “ United States Tax Compliance Certificate ”) and (B) two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or any successor forms),

 

(D)                                to the extent a Non-US Lender is not the beneficial owner (for example, where the Non-US Lender is a partnership or a participating Lender), IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor forms) of the Non-US Lender, accompanied by a Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, United States Tax Compliance Certificate, Form W-9, Form W-8IMY or any other required information (or any successor forms) from each beneficial owner that would be required under this Section 3.01(c)  if such beneficial owner were a Lender, as applicable ( provided that, if one or more beneficial owners are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, the United States Tax Compliance Certificate may be provided by such Non-US Lender on behalf of such beneficial owner), or

 

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(E)                                 two properly completed and duly signed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable U.S. federal income tax laws (including the Treasury Regulations) as a basis for claiming a complete exemption from, or a reduction in, United States federal withholding tax on any payments to such Lender under the Loan Documents.

 

(3)                                  If a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of those FATCA (including those contained in Sections 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine whether such Lender has or has not complied with such Lender’s obligations under such Sections and, if necessary, to determine the amount, if any, to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this Section 3.01(c)(3) , “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date hereof.

 

(4)                                  On or prior to the Closing Date, the Administrative Agent shall deliver to Borrower an executed Form W-8IMY, certifying in Part I that the Administrative Agent is a U.S. branch of a foreign bank and certifying in Part IV, Line 12, that the Administrative Agent agrees to be treated as a U.S. person with respect to any payments made to it under any Loan Document. The Administrative Agent agrees that if such Form W-8IMY previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or promptly notify Borrower in writing of its legal inability to do so. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent should not be required to comply with this Section  3.01(c)(4)  if such noncompliance results from a change in law after the date hereof.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause (c), a Lender shall not be required to deliver any form that such Lender is not legally eligible to deliver.

 

(d)                                  In addition to the payments by a Loan Party required by Section 3.01(b) , the Borrower shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

(e)                                   The Loan Parties shall, jointly and severally, indemnify a Lender or Agent (each a “ Tax Indemnitee ”), within 10 days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Non-Excluded Taxes paid or payable by such Tax Indemnitee on or attributable to any payment under or with respect to any Loan Document, and any Other Taxes payable by such Tax Indemnitee (including Non-Excluded Taxes or Other Taxes imposed on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.01 ) and reasonable expense attributable thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability prepared in good faith and delivered by the Tax Indemnitee or by the Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of another Tax Indemnitee, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(f)                                    If and to the extent that a Tax Indemnitee, in its sole discretion (exercised in good faith), determines that it has received a refund of any Non-Excluded Taxes or Other Taxes in respect of which it has received additional payments under this Section 3.01 , then such Tax Indemnitee shall pay to the relevant Loan Party the amount of such refund, net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Tax Indemnitee (including any Taxes imposed with respect to such refund), and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the Loan Party,

 

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upon the request of the Tax Indemnitee, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Tax Indemnitee (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Tax Indemnitee if the Tax Indemnitee is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  This subsection shall not be construed to require a Tax Indemnitee to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to any Loan Party or any other Person.

 

(g)                                   In the event that a Loan Party makes an indemnification payment to a Tax Indemnitee with respect to Non-Excluded Taxes or Other Taxes pursuant to Section 3.01 or a Loan Party is required to repay to a Tax Indemnitee an amount in respect of a refund of any Non-Excluded Taxes or Other Taxes previously paid over to such Loan Party pursuant to Section 3.01(f) , such Tax Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate with all reasonable requests of such Loan Party, at the sole expense of such Loan Party, if (i) in the reasonable judgment of the Tax Indemnitee such cooperation shall not subject such Tax Indemnitee, as the case may be, to any unreimbursed third party cost or expense or otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Tax Indemnitee and (ii) based on advice of such Loan Party’s independent accountants or external legal counsel, there is a reasonable basis for such Loan Party to contest with the applicable Governmental Authority the imposition of such Non-Excluded Taxes or Other Taxes or the repayment of such refund.  Any resulting refund shall be governed by Section 3.01(f) .  This Section 3.01(g)  shall not be construed to require a Tax Indemnitee to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to any Loan Party or any other Person.

 

(h)                                  Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to deliver to the Loan Parties and to any successor Administrative Agent any documentation provided by such Lender to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 3.01(c).

 

(i)                                      From and after the Amendment No.1 Effective Date, solely for purposes of FATCA, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall treat, and the Lenders hereby authorize the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to treat, the Agreement and all Loans made thereunder (including any Loans already outstanding) as no longer qualifying as “grandfathered obligations” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 1.1471-2(b)(2)(i).

 

3.02                         Illegality .  If any Lender reasonably determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, (i) any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurodollar Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended, and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining Base Rate Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist.  Upon receipt of such notice, (x) the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all Eurodollar Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans (the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate), either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans and (y) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, the Administrative

 

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Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate.  Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.  Each Lender agrees to designate a different Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for such notice and will not, in the good faith judgment of such Lender, otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Lender.

 

3.03                         Inability to Determine Rates .  If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason in connection with any request for a Eurodollar Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof that (a) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Eurodollar Rate Loan, (b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan, or (c) the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender.  Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended, and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the Eurodollar Rate component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice.  Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.

 

3.04                         Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy .

 

(a)                                  If any Lender reasonably determines that as a result of the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any Law, in each case after the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date, or such Lender’s compliance therewith, there shall be any increase in the cost to such Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining any Loan the interest on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate, or a reduction in the amount received or receivable by such Lender in connection with any of the foregoing (excluding for purposes of this Section 3.04(a)  any such increased costs or reduction in amount resulting from (i) any Excluded Taxes or , (ii) any Non-Excluded Tax or Other Taxes indemnified under Section 3.01 with respect to this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or any of its obligations hereunder or thereunder or any payments to such Lender (or its applicable Lending Office) of principal, interest, fees or any other amount payable hereunder, and (ii or (iii ) reserve requirements reflected in the Eurodollar Rate), then from time to time promptly after demand of such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail such increased costs reasonably determined by such Lender in good faith and in a manner generally consistent with similarly situated customers of such Lender under agreements having provisions similar to this Section 3.04 (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06 ), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such increased cost or reduction.

 

(b)                                  If any Lender determines that the introduction of any Law regarding capital adequacy or any change therein or in the interpretation thereof, in each case after the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date, or compliance by such Lender (or its Lending Office) therewith, has the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender as a consequence of such Lender’s obligations hereunder (taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy and such Lender’s desired return on capital), then from time to time promptly after demand of such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the charge and the calculation of such reduced rate of return (with a copy of

 

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such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06 ), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such reduction promptly after receipt of demand therefor.

 

(c)                                   The Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to Section 3.04(a)  or (b)  for any such increased cost or reduction incurred more than one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender demands, or notifies the Borrower of its intention to demand, compensation therefor; provided , that, if the circumstance giving rise to such increased cost or reduction is retroactive, then such 180 day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

 

(d)                                  If any Lender requests compensation under this Section 3.04 , then such Lender will, if requested by the Borrower and at the Borrower’s expense, use commercially reasonable efforts to designate another Lending Office for any Loan affected by such event; provided that such efforts would not, in the judgment of such Lender, be inconsistent with the internal policies of, or otherwise be disadvantageous in any material legal, economic or regulatory respect to such Lender or its Lending Office. The provisions of this Section 3.04(d)  shall not affect or postpone any Obligations of the Borrower or rights of such Lender pursuant to Section 3.04(a) , (b)  or (c) .

 

(e)                                   For purposes of this Section 3.04 , the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, regulations, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith shall be deemed to have gone into effect after the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

 

3.05                         Funding Losses .  Upon written demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for calculating such compensation, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:

 

(a)                                  any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);

 

(b)                                  any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; or

 

(c)                                   any mandatory assignment of such Lender’s Loans (other than Base Rate Loans) pursuant to Section 3.07 on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loans;

 

including any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained, but excluding any such loss for which no reasonable means of calculation exist, as set forth in Section 3.03 .

 

For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 3.05 , each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurodollar Rate Loan made by it at the Eurodollar Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London interbank eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurodollar Rate Loan was in fact so funded.

 

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3.06                         Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation .

 

(a)                                  A certificate of any Agent or any Lender claiming compensation under this Article III and setting forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.  In determining such amount, such Agent or such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.

 

(b)                                  With respect to any Lender’s claim for compensation under Section 3.02 , 3.03 or 3.04 , the Borrower shall not be required to compensate such Lender for any amount incurred more than one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the event that gives rise to such claim; provided , that, if the circumstance giving rise to such claim is retroactive, then such 180 day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.  If any Lender requests compensation by the Borrower under Section 3.04 , the Borrower may, by notice to such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), suspend the obligation of such Lender to make or continue from one Interest Period to another Eurodollar Rate Loans, or to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurodollar Rate Loans, until the event or condition giving rise to such request ceases to be in effect (in which case the provisions of Section 3.06(c)  shall be applicable); provided , that such suspension shall not affect the right of such Lender to receive the compensation so requested.

 

(c)                                   If the obligation of any Lender to make or continue from one Interest Period to another any Eurodollar Rate Loan, or to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended pursuant to Section 3.06(b)  hereof, such Lender’s Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be automatically converted into Base Rate Loans on the last day(s) of the then current Interest Period(s) for such Eurodollar Rate Loans (or, in the case of an immediate conversion required by Section 3.02 , on such earlier date as required by Law) and, unless and until such Lender gives notice as provided below that the circumstances specified in Section 3.02 , 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to such conversion no longer exist:

 

(i)                   to the extent that such Lender’s Eurodollar Rate Loans have been so converted, all payments and prepayments of principal that would otherwise be applied to such Lender’s Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be applied instead to its Base Rate Loans; and

 

(ii)                all Loans that would otherwise be made or continued from one Interest Period to another by such Lender as Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be made or continued instead as Base Rate Loans, and all Base Rate Loans of such Lender that would otherwise be converted into Eurodollar Rate Loans shall remain as Base Rate Loans.

 

(d)                                  If any Lender gives notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Agent) that the circumstances specified in Section 3.02 , 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to the conversion of such Lender’s Eurodollar Rate Loans pursuant to this Section 3.06 no longer exist (which such Lender agrees to do promptly upon such circumstances ceasing to exist) at a time when Eurodollar Rate Loans made by other Lenders are outstanding, such Lender’s Base Rate Loans shall be automatically converted, on the first day(s) of the next succeeding Interest Period(s) for such outstanding Eurodollar Rate Loans, to the extent necessary so that, after giving effect thereto, all Loans held by the Lenders holding Eurodollar Rate Loans and by such Lender are held pro rata (as to principal amounts, interest rate basis, and Interest Periods) in accordance with their respective Commitments.

 

3.07                         Replacement of Lenders Under Certain Circumstances .

 

(a)                                  If at any time (i) the Borrower becomes obligated to pay additional amounts or indemnity payments described in Section 3.01 or 3.04 as a result of any condition described in such Sections or any Lender ceases to make Eurodollar Rate Loans as a result of any condition described in Section 3.02 or 3.03 or (ii) any Lender becomes a “Non-Consenting Lender” (as defined below in this Section 3.07 ), then the Borrower may, with prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and such Lender, replace such Lender

 

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by causing such Lender to (and such Lender shall be obligated to) assign pursuant to Section 10.07(b)  (with the assignment fee to be paid by the Borrower in such instance) all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to one or more Eligible Assignees; provided , that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrower to find a replacement Lender or other such Person.

 

(b)                                  Any Lender being replaced pursuant to Section 3.07(a)  above shall (i) execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such Lender’s Commitment and outstanding Loans, and (ii) deliver any Notes evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or Administrative Agent.  Pursuant to such Assignment and Assumption, (A) the assignee Lender shall acquire all or a portion, as the case may be, of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and outstanding Loans, (B) all obligations of the Borrower owing to the assigning Lender relating to the Loans and participations so assigned shall be paid in full by the assignee Lender to such assigning Lender concurrently with such assignment and assumption and (C) upon such payment and, if so requested by the assignee Lender, delivery to the assignee Lender of the appropriate Note or Notes executed by the Borrower, the assignee Lender shall become a Lender hereunder and the assigning Lender shall cease to constitute a Lender hereunder with respect to such assigned Loans, Commitments and participations, except with respect to indemnification provisions under this Agreement, which shall survive as to such assigning Lender. In connection with any such replacement, if any such Non-Consenting Lender does not execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly executed Assignment and Assumption reflecting such replacement within five (5) Business Days of the date on which the assignee Lender executes and delivers such Assignment and Assumption to such Non-Consenting Lender, then such Non-Consenting Lender shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Assumption without any action on the part of the Non-Consenting Lender.  In connection with the replacement of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.07(a)  above, the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such amounts as may be required pursuant to Section 3.05 .

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above, the Lender that acts as the Administrative Agent may not be replaced hereunder except in accordance with the terms of Section 9.09 .

 

(d)                                  In the event that (i) the Borrower or the Administrative Agent has requested the Lenders to consent to a departure or waiver of any provisions of the Loan Documents or to agree to any amendment thereto, (ii) the consent, waiver or amendment in question requires the agreement of all affected Lenders in accordance with the terms of Section 10.01 or all the Lenders with respect to a certain class of the Loans and (iii) the Required Lenders have agreed to such consent, waiver or amendment, then any Lender who does not agree to such consent, waiver or amendment shall be deemed a “ Non-Consenting Lender .

 

3.08                         Survival .  All of the Borrower’s obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations hereunder and resignation of the Administrative Agent.

 

ARTICLE IV
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

4.01                         Conditions of Initial Credit Extension .  The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Credit Extension of the Term Loans on the Closing Date is subject to satisfaction or waiver (in accordance with Section 10.01 ) of the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)                                  The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or facsimiles or.pdf files (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party party thereto, each dated as of the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials or resolutions, a

 

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recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

 

(i)                                      executed counterparts of (A) this Agreement, (B) the Intercompany Subordination Agreement, (C) a Guaranty from each Guarantor and (D) the Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(ii)                                   [Reserved];

 

(iii)                                the Security Agreement, duly executed by each Loan Party, together with:

 

(A)                                subject to Section 6.11 , certificates representing the Pledged Equity Interests referred to therein accompanied by undated stock powers executed in blank and instruments evidencing the Pledged Debt indorsed in blank,

 

(B)                                copies of proper financing statements, duly prepared for filing under the Uniform Commercial Code in all jurisdictions that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary in order to perfect and protect the Liens created under the Security Agreement, covering the Collateral described in the Security Agreement,

 

(C)                                evidence that all other actions, recordings and filings of or with respect to the Security Agreement that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary in order to perfect and protect the Liens created thereby shall have been taken, completed or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (including, without limitation, receipt of duly executed payoff letters, customary lien searches and UCC-3 termination statements), and

 

(D)                                a Perfection Certificate duly executed by each Loan Party;

 

(iv)                                each Intellectual Property Security Agreement, duly executed by each Loan Party, together with evidence that all action that the Administrative Agent in its reasonable judgment may deem reasonably necessary in order to perfect and protect the Liens created under the Intellectual Property Security Agreement shall have been taken, completed or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(v)                                such customary certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or is to be a party;

 

(vi)                                such documents and certifications (including, without limitation, Organizational Organization Documents and good standing certificates) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and that each Loan Party is validly existing and in good standing in its jurisdiction of formation;

 

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(vii)                            an opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to each Secured Party, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(viii)                         an opinion of local counsel in Ohio for the Loan Parties, addressed to each Secured Party, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and

 

(ix)                               a Committed Loan Notice relating to the initial Credit Extension.

 

(b)                                  The Notes Refinancing shall be consummated substantially concurrently with the initial funding of the Term Loan.

 

(c)                                   The Administrative Agent shall have received a solvency certificate from a Responsible Officer of Borrower (after giving effect to the Transaction) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F .

 

(d)                                  Holdings, the Borrower and each of the Guarantors shall have provided, at least three (3) business days prior to the Closing Date, the documentation and other information reasonably requested in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date by the Lenders in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act.

 

(e)                                   All costs, fees, expenses (including without limitation legal fees and expenses, title premiums, survey charges and recording taxes and fees) and other compensation payable to the Arrangers, the Agents or the Lenders shall have been paid to the extent due (and, in the case of expenses, invoiced three Business Days prior to the Closing Date).

 

(f)                                    Subject to Section 6.11 , all actions necessary to establish that the Collateral Agent will have (i) a perfected first priority security interest in the Term Loan Collateral and (ii) a perfected second priority security interest in the ABL Collateral (in each case, subject to Liens permitted under Section 7.01 ) shall have been taken.

 

(g)                                   The Arranger shall have received (a) audited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and related statements of income, changes in equity and cash flows of the Borrower for the three most recently completed fiscal years ended at least 90 days before the Closing Date and (b) unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income, changes in equity and cash flows of the Borrower for each subsequent fiscal quarter after the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2013 ended at least 45 days before the Closing Date (other than any fiscal quarter ended on December 31).

 

(h)                                  The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (and in all respects if any such representation or warranty is already qualified by materiality) on and as of the Closing Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects (and in all respects if any such representation or warranty is already qualified by materiality) as of such earlier date.

 

(i)                                      No Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds therefrom.

 

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(j)                                     Subject to Section 6.11 , the Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of, or a certificate as to coverage under, the insurance policies required by Section 6.07 and the applicable provisions of the Security Agreement, each of which shall be endorsed or otherwise amended to include a “standard” or “New York” lender’s loss payable or mortgagee endorsement (as applicable) and shall name the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, as additional insured, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(k)                                  The ABL Credit Agreement shall be amended to permit the Transactions substantially concurrently with the initial funding of the Term Loans.

 

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 9.03 , for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01 , each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

 

ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Each of Holdings and the Borrower represents and warrants to the Agents and the Lenders that , as of the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Transactions) :

 

5.01                         Organization and Qualification .  (a) Each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (or equivalent) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, except, other than Holdings , OpCo or the Borrower, where failure to be so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect ; and (b)  Each each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries is duly qualified, authorized to do business and in good standing as a foreign or extra provincial, as the case may be, corporation, limited liability company, exempted company or other entity in each jurisdiction, except where failure to be so qualified, authorized or in good standing could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.02                         Power and Authority .  Each Loan Party is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform the Loan Documents to which it is a party.  The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate (or equivalent) action of such Loan Party, and do not (a) require any consent or approval of any holders of Equity Interests of such Loan Party or any Governmental Authority, in each case, other than those already obtained; (b) contravene the Organization Documents of such Loan Party; (c) violate or cause a default under any material applicable Law binding on such Loan Party or Material Contract of such Loan Party, except, with respect to Material Contracts, which could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; (d) require any registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except (i) such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (ii) filings necessary to perfect Liens created by the Loan Documents and (iii) consents, approvals, registrations, filings, permits or actions the failure to obtain or perform which could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or (e) result in or require the imposition of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any asset or property of any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary.

 

5.03                         Enforceability .  Each Loan Document is a legal, valid and binding obligation of each Loan Party party thereto, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in law or in equity.

 

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5.04                         Corporate Names; Capital Structure Schedule 5.04 shows, for the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary, its name, its jurisdiction of organization, its issued Equity Interests, the holders of its Equity Interests, in each case, as of the Closing Date.

 

5.05                         Locations .  As of the Closing Date, the chief executive offices and other places of business of the Loan Parties are shown on Schedule 5.05 .

 

5.06                         Title to Properties; Priority of Liens .

 

(a)                                  Each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries, as a whole, has good and marketable title to (or valid leasehold interests in) all of its Real Estate, and good title to, or rights in, all of its personal tangible property, in each case with respect to such Real Estate and personal property which is material to its business, including all property reflected in any financial statements delivered to the Agent or the Lenders, in each case free of Liens except Permitted Liens.

 

(b)                                  Schedule 5.06(b)  contains a complete and accurate list of all Material Real Property located in the United States and owned by any Loan Party, as of the Closing Date, showing as of the Closing Date the street address (to the extent available), county or other relevant jurisdiction, state and record owner thereof.

 

5.07                         Financial Statements; Solvency; Material Adverse Effect .

 

(a)                                  The consolidated balance sheets, and related statements of income, cash flow and shareholder’s equity, of the Parent and its Subsidiaries that have been and are hereafter delivered to the Agent and the Lenders, in each case, are and will be prepared in accordance with GAAP, and fairly present the financial positions and results of operations of such Persons at the dates and for the periods indicated, subject to year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of statements prepared other than at year-end.  All projections delivered from time to time to the Agent and the Lenders by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries have been prepared in good faith, based on assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable at the time delivered to the Agent, in light of the circumstances at such time.

 

(b)                                  Since December 31, 2013, 2015, there has been no change in the condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)                                   No financial statement delivered to the Agent or the Lenders by or on behalf of any of the Loan Parties and the Restricted Subsidiaries at any time contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not materially misleading as of the time when made or delivered.

 

(d)                                  After giving effect to the Transactions, on the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are Solvent.

 

5.08                         Taxes .  Except to the extent it could reasonably be expected to not have a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary has timely filed all federal and state income tax returns, and all local and provincial income tax returns and other reports that it is required by law to file, and has timely paid, or made provision for the payment of, all federal and state Taxes upon it and all local and provincial and other Taxes upon it, and its income and its Properties that are due and payable, except to the extent being Properly Contested.

 

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5.09                         [Reserved] .

 

5.10                         Intellectual Property .  Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries owns or has the lawful right to use all Intellectual Property used, held for use or otherwise necessary in the conduct of its business, without conflict with any rights of others.  No Intellectual Property owned or used by a Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary that is material to the operations or business of any Loan Party has been adjudged invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction or applicable intellectual property registry or been cancelled, in whole or in part, except where such judgment, decree, ruling or cancellation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  There is no pending or, to any Loan Party’s knowledge, threatened Intellectual Property Claim with respect to any Loan Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any of their property (including any Intellectual Property), and the operation of the businesses of each Loan Party and Restricted Subsidiary does not infringe upon, misappropriate, dilute or otherwise violate the proprietary rights of any third party, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  All material U.S. Intellectual Property owned, used, held for use or licensed by, or otherwise subject to any interests of, any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary on the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date is shown on Schedule 5.10 .

 

5.11                         Governmental Approvals .  Each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries has, is in compliance with, and is in good standing with respect to, all Governmental Approvals necessary to conduct its business and to own, lease and operate its Properties, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  All necessary import, export or other licenses, permits or certificates for the import or handling of any goods or other Collateral have been procured and are in effect, and the Loan Parties and Restricted Subsidiaries have complied with all foreign and domestic laws with respect to the shipment and importation of any goods or Collateral, except where such noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.12                         Compliance with Laws .  Each Loan Party and each of the Restricted Subsidiaries has duly complied, and its properties and business operations are in compliance, in each case in all respects, with all applicable Laws (including Environmental Laws and with respect to Environmental Permits), except where noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  There have been no citations, notices or orders relating to noncompliance issued to any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary under any applicable Law, except where such noncompliance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.13                         Compliance with Environmental Laws .  Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.13 or would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) no Loan Party’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s present or, to its knowledge, former operations, Real Estate or other properties are subject to any federal, state or local investigation to determine whether any remedial action is required under Environmental Law to address any environmental pollution, Hazardous Material or environmental clean-up, (ii) no Hazardous Materials are present and there has been no Release or threat of Release of Hazardous Materials at any current facility, or to the knowledge of any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary, at any former facility, in a manner or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in Environmental Liability (iii) no Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary has received any written Environmental Claim and (iv) no Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary knows of any facts, conditions or circumstances which would reasonably be expected to give rise to any Environmental Liability.

 

5.14                         Burdensome Contracts .  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is a party or subject to any contract, agreement or charter restriction that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is party or subject to any Restrictive Agreement other than (i) the Loan Documents, (ii) the ABL Credit Agreement, (iii) customary

 

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non-assignment provisions with respect to leases or licensing agreements entered into by the Loan Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (iv) any restriction or encumbrance with respect to any asset of the Loan Parties or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries imposed pursuant to an agreement which has been entered into for the sale or disposition of such assets otherwise permitted under this Agreement, (v) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, (vi) customary restrictions in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing, if any, (vii) Restrictive Agreements relating to Incremental Equivalent Debt or Refinancing Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder and (viii) agreements to which a Foreign Subsidiary is party to the extent that the restrictions or conditions therein are imposed only on such Foreign Subsidiary and other Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties.  No Restrictive Agreement prohibits the execution, delivery or performance of any Loan Document by a Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary.

 

5.15                         Litigation .  Except as shown on Schedule 5.15 , there are no proceedings or investigations pending or, to any Loan Party’s knowledge, threatened against any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary, or any of their businesses, operations, properties or conditions, that (a) relate to any Loan Document or the Transactions; or (b) have resulted in or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Except as shown on Schedule 5.15 , no Loan Party has a commercial tort claim (other than commercial tort claims for less than $10,000,000).  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is in default with respect to any order, injunction or judgment of any Governmental Authority that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.16                         No Defaults .  No event or circumstance has occurred or exists that constitutes a Default or Event of Default.  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is in default, and no event or circumstance has occurred or exists that with the passage of time or giving of notice would constitute a default by any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary, under any Material Contract that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.17                         ERISA .

 

(a)                                  Except as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Pension Plan is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other federal or state Laws.

 

(b)                                  There are no pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Pension Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)                                   (i) No ERISA Event has occurred and no Loan Party is aware of any fact, event or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to constitute or result in an ERISA Event with respect to any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (ii) no Pension Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability as of the Pension Plan’s most recent valuation date; (iii) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Section 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; and (iv) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA, except with respect to each of the foregoing clauses of this Section 5.17(c) , as could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(d)                                  With respect to each scheme or arrangement related to retirement or pension obligations mandated by a government other than the United States (a “ Foreign Government Scheme or

 

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Arrangement ”) and with respect to each retirement or pension plan maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is not subject to United States law (a “ Foreign Plan ”):

 

(i)                   any employer and employee contributions required by law or by the terms of any Foreign Government Scheme or Arrangement or any Foreign Plan have been made, or, if applicable, accrued, in accordance with normal accounting practices, except for any failure that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(ii)                the fair market value of the assets of each funded Foreign Plan, the liability of each insurer for any Foreign Plan funded through insurance or the book reserve established for any Foreign Plan, together with any accrued contributions, is sufficient to procure or provide for the accrued benefit obligations, as of the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date, with respect to all current and former participants in such Foreign Plan according to the actuarial assumptions and valuations most recently used to account for such obligations in accordance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles except for any underfunding that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

(iii)             each Foreign Plan required to be registered has been registered and has been maintained in compliance with its terms and with the requirements of any and all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations and orders and has been maintained, where required, in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.18                         [Reserved] .

 

5.19                         Labor Relations .  Except as described on Schedule 5.19 , on the Closing Date no Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, management agreement, consulting agreement or Multiemployer Plan.  Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, there are no material grievances, unfair labor practices complaints or other disputes with any union or other organization of any Loan Party’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s employees or consultants, or, to any Loan Party’s knowledge, any asserted or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened strikes, walkouts or work stoppages.

 

5.20                         Not a Regulated Entity .  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is (a) an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940; or (b) subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act, any public utilities code or any other applicable Law regarding its authority to incur Indebtedness.

 

5.21                         Margin Stock .  No Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary is engaged, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB).  No Loan proceeds will be used to purchase or carry, or to reduce or refinance any Indebtedness incurred to purchase or carry, any margin stock or for any related purpose governed by Regulations T, U or X of the FRB.

 

5.22                         Perfection, Etc .

 

(a)                                  The Security Agreement is effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable Liens on, and security interest in, the Security Agreement Collateral and, (i) when financing statements and other filings in appropriate form are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 5.22 , and (ii) upon the taking of possession or control by the Collateral Agent of the Security Agreement Collateral with respect to which a security interest may be perfected only

 

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by possession or control (which possession or control shall be given to the Collateral Agent to the extent possession or control by the Collateral Agent is required by the Security Agreement), the Liens created by the Security Agreement shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the grantors in the Security Agreement Collateral to the extent perfection is required in accordance with the terms of the Security Agreement (other than such Security Agreement Collateral in which a security interest cannot be perfected under the UCC Uniform Commercial Code as in effect at the relevant time in the relevant jurisdiction by the filing of a financing statement or possession or control by the secured party), in each case subject to (i) no Liens other than Liens permitted under the Loan Documents and (ii) the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(b)                                  The Liens created by each Intellectual Property Security Agreement constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in such of the Intellectual Property as consists of Patents and Trademarks (each as defined in the Security Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or Copyrights (as defined in the Security Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Copyright Office, as the case may be, in each case to the extent perfection is required in accordance with the terms of the Security Agreement and in each case subject to no Liens other than Liens permitted under the Loan Documents.

 

(c)                                   Each Mortgage delivered pursuant to Sections 6.10 creates, when delivered, in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable first priority Liens on, and security interests in, all of the Loan Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Mortgaged Property thereunder and the proceeds thereof, subject only to Liens permitted under the Loan Documents, and such Mortgage constitutes fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in the Mortgaged Property contemplated thereby and the proceeds thereof, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person, other than Permitted Liens.

 

(d)                                  Each Collateral Document (other than Mortgages) delivered pursuant to Sections 6.10 creates, when delivered, in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable Liens on, and security interests in, all of the Loan Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Collateral described thereunder, and such Collateral Document constitutes fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in such Collateral (to the extent intended to be created thereby and required to be perfected under the Loan Documents), in each case subject to no Liens other than the Liens permitted under the Loan Documents.

 

5.23                         OFAC .  No Borrower or Subsidiary, nor to the knowledge of any the Borrower or any Subsidiary, any director, officer, employee, agent, affiliate or representative thereof, is an individual or entity currently the subject of any Sanctions.  No Borrower or Subsidiary is located, organized or resident in a Designated Jurisdiction.

 

5.24                         Anti-Corruption Laws.  No Borrower or Subsidiary, nor to the knowledge of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, any director, officer, employee, agent, controlled affiliate or representative thereof has (i) used any corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) made any direct or indirect unlawful payment to any foreign or domestic government official or employee from corporate funds; (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977; (iv) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom; or (v) made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have instituted, maintain and enforce, and will continue to maintain and enforce, policies and procedures designed to promote and ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.

 

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5.25                         5.24 Complete Disclosure .  None of the representations or warranties made by any Loan Party in the Loan Documents as of the date such representations and warranties are made or deemed made, and none of the statements contained in each exhibit, report, statement or certificate furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with the Loan Documents, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, taken as a whole, not materially misleading in any material respect as of the time when made or delivered.  There is no fact or circumstance that any Loan Party has failed to disclose to the Agent in writing that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

ARTICLE VI
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation (other than contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted) hereunder which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, the Borrower shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01 and 6.02 ) cause each Restricted Subsidiary to:

 

6.01                         Financial and Other Information .  Keep adequate records and books of account with respect to its business activities, in which proper entries are made in accordance with GAAP reflecting all financial transactions; and to furnish to the Agent (on behalf of the Lenders):

 

(a)                                  as soon as available, but in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, in each case with all consolidating information regarding Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries required to reflect the adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of any Unrestricted Subsidiaries from such consolidated financial statements, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of Ernst & Young LLP or any other independent certified public accountant of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification, exception or explanatory paragraph or any qualification, exception or explanatory paragraph as to the scope of such audit;

 

(b)                                  as soon as available, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the fiscal year then ended, in each case with all consolidating information regarding Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries required to reflect the adjustments necessary to eliminate the accounts of any Unrestricted Subsidiaries from such consolidated financial statements, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

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(c)                                   concurrently with delivery of financial statements under clauses (a) and (b) above, and more frequently if requested by the Agent while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a Compliance Certificate executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower;

 

(d)                                  not later than the earlier of seventy-five (75) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower or thirty (30) days after the approval of the Board of Directors thereof, concurrently with delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above, reasonably detailed forecasts prepared by management of the Borrower (including projected consolidated balance sheets, income statements, and EBITDA, cash flow statements of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries) on a quarterly basis for the fiscal year following such fiscal year then ended;

 

(e)                                   promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of any final proxy statements, financial statements or reports that the Borrower has generally made publicly available to its shareholders; copies of any regular, periodic and special reports (including reports on Form 8-K and 10-Q) or registration statements (other than registration statements on Form S-8) or prospectuses that any Loan Party files with the SEC; and copies of any press releases or other statements made available by a Loan Party to the public concerning material changes to or developments in the business of such Loan Party;

 

(f)                                    promptly, after receipt thereof by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any material investigation or other material inquiry by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof;

 

(g)                                   (i) promptly upon becoming aware of the occurrence of any ERISA Event (or Foreign Plan Event) that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events (or Foreign Plan Events) that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in an amount that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, a written notice specifying the nature thereof, what action Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has taken, are taking or propose to take with respect thereto and, when known, any action taken or threatened by the IRS, the Department of Labor, the PBGC or any other Governmental Authority or Multiemployer Plan sponsor with respect thereto; and (ii) with reasonable promptness, upon request by the Administrative Agent, copies of (1) each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series) filed by Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with the IRS with respect to each Pension Plan; (2) the most recent actuarial valuation report for each Pension Plan that is sponsored or contributed to by the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries; (3) all notices received by Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor or any Governmental Authority concerning an ERISA Event or Foreign Plan Event; and (4) such other documents or governmental reports or filings relating to any Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Foreign Plan as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request;

 

(h)                                  together with the delivery of each Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.01(c) , a report supplementing Schedule Schedules 5.04 , 5.06(b)  and 5.10 ;

 

(i)                                      such other reports and information (financial or otherwise) as the Agent may reasonably request from time to time in connection with any Collateral or any Loan Party’s or Restricted Subsidiary’s financial condition or business; and

 

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(j)                                     upon receipt or delivery thereof by or to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, any notice of “Default” or “Event of Default” (under and as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) and, without duplication of any report required to be provided hereunder, each material report required to be provided pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement and, upon execution thereof, any waiver, amendment or other modification to the ABL Credit Agreement ; and

 

(k)                                  upon receipt of notice thereof by or to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, written notice of any change in the public corporate credit rating or corporate family rating of the Borrower or a Parent Entity by S&P or Moody’s, including with respect to outlook .

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) in the event that the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent an Annual Report for Borrower on Form 10-K for such fiscal year, as filed with the SEC, within 90 days after the end of such fiscal year, such Form 10-K shall satisfy all requirements of paragraph (a) of this Section  6.01 to the extent that it contains the information required by such paragraph (a) and does not contain any “going concern” or like qualification, exception or explanatory paragraph or qualification or any exception or explanatory paragraph as to the scope of such audit and (ii) in the event that the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent a Quarterly Report for Borrower on Form 10-Q for such fiscal quarter, as filed with the SEC, within 45 days after the end of such fiscal quarter, such Form 10-Q shall satisfy all requirements of paragraph (b) of this Section  6.01 to the extent that it contains the information required by such paragraph (b); in each case to the extent that information contained in such 10-K or 10-Q satisfies the requirements of paragraphs paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section , 6.01, as the case may be.

 

So long as (i) the Borrower is a registrant for purposes of U.S. federal securities laws or (ii) the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has Indebtedness outstanding (other than the Facilities) with respect to which it must prepare financial statements in accordance with Regulation S-X, in each case with respect to any fiscal period covered by or included in any financial statements delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 6.01(a)  or (b) , such financial statements delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 6.01(a)  or (b)  shall be in such form as shall meet the requirements of Regulation S-X, and all other accounting rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, required of a registrant.

 

The Borrower will be permitted to satisfy its obligations with respect to financial information relating to the Borrower described in clauses (a) and (b) above by furnishing financial information relating to any Parent Entity; provided that the same is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to any Parent Entity and any of its Subsidiaries other than the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Borrower, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the other Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower on a standalone basis, on the other hand.

 

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to this Section 6.01 may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on any Parent Entity’s website on the internet at the website address “cooperstandard.com”; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) upon written request by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent for further distribution to each Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (ii) the Borrower shall notify (which may be facsimile or electronic mail) the Administrative Agent of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents.  The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain or deliver to Lenders paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have

 

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no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery and maintaining its copies of such documents.

 

The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arranger will make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, “ Borrower Materials ”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “ Platform ”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a “ Public Lender ”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Parent or its Subsidiaries, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities.  The Borrower hereby agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to identify that portion of the Borrower Materials that may be distributed to the Public Lenders and that (w) all such Borrower Materials shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arranger, and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States federal and state securities laws ( provided , however , that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section  10.07 10.08 ); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Side Information;” and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Side Information.”

 

6.02                         Notices .  Notify the Agent in writing, promptly after a Responsible Officer of the Loan Party’s obtaining knowledge thereof, of any of the following that affects any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary:

 

(a)                                  any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(b)                                  the existence of any Default or Event of Default;

 

(c)                                   the discharge of or any withdrawal or resignation by any of the Loan Parties’ independent accountants and any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by the Parent;

 

(d)                                  the incurrence or issuance of any Indebtedness for which the Borrower is required to make a mandatory prepayment pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(iii) ; and

 

(e)                                   without duplication of any notice required to be provided hereunder, each material notice required to be provided pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

(f)                                    promptly upon any Loan Party obtaining knowledge of (i) the institution of any Adverse Proceeding not previously disclosed in writing by the Borrower to the Agent, or (ii) any material development in any Adverse Proceeding that, in the case of either clause (i) or (ii) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or seeks to enjoin or otherwise prevent the consummation of the Transactions, written notice thereof together with such other information as may be reasonably available to Borrower to enable the Agent and its counsel to evaluate such matters.

 

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Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.02 shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.  Each notice pursuant to Section 6.02(b)  shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.

 

6.03                         Compliance with Laws .  Comply with all applicable Laws, including ERISA (and analogous foreign legislation), Environmental Laws, FLSA, OSHA, Anti-Terrorism Laws and laws regarding collection and payment of Taxes, and maintain all Governmental Approvals necessary to the ownership of its Properties or conduct of its business, unless such failure to so comply (other than failure to comply with Anti-Terrorism Laws) or to so maintain would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if any environmental Release of Hazardous Materials occurs at, on, under or from any Real Estate of any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, it shall, to the extent required of it by Environmental Law, reasonably conduct investigation and remediation of such Release.

 

6.04                         Taxes .  Pay and discharge all Taxes prior to the date on which they become delinquent or penalties attach, unless such Taxes are being Properly Contested or where the failure to pay could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.05                         Preservation of Existence, Etc .  (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05 , (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all material rights, privileges (including its good standing), permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, and (c) maintain all of its material Intellectual Property, except, in each case (other than the Loan Parties with respect to clause (a)), as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.06                         Maintenance of Properties .  Maintain, preserve and protect all of its assets or property necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and casualty or condemnation excepted, and make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacement thereof, in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.07                         Insurance .

 

(a)                                  Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance with respect to its property and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in similar businesses, in each case in such amounts (giving effect to self-insurance), with such deductibles, covering such risks and otherwise on such terms and conditions as shall be customary for such Persons.  Each such policy of insurance (other than worker’s compensation, directors and officers liability or other insurance where such endorsements or additions are not customarily available) shall (i) name the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties as an additional insured thereunder as its interests may appear and (ii) in the case of each casualty insurance policy, contain a loss payable clause or endorsement, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Collateral Agent, that names the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, as the loss payee/mortgagee thereunder and provides for at least thirty days’ prior written notice to the Collateral Agent of any modification or cancellation of such policy, in each case, to the extent acceptable to the insurer.

 

(b)                                  If any portion of any Mortgaged Property is at any time located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency) as a Special Flood Hazard Area with respect to which flood insurance has been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968

 

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(as in effect on the Closing Date or thereafter or any successor act thereto), then the Borrower shall, or shall cause each Loan Party to, (i) maintain, or cause to be maintained, with a financially sound and reputable insurer, flood insurance in an amount and otherwise sufficient to comply with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Flood Insurance Laws and (ii) deliver to the Collateral Agent evidence of such compliance in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent.

 

6.08                         Inspection Rights .  Permit representatives of the Administrative Agent and, during the continuance of an Event of Default, of each Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants ( provided that the Borrower shall be given reasonable opportunity to participate in any discussions with independent public accountants), all at the expense of the Borrower and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower; provided , however, that (i) visits by Lenders pursuant to this Section 6.08 shall be coordinated through the Administrative Agent and (ii) if no Default exists, the Administrative Agent may visit no more than one time during any calendar year.

 

6.09                         Use of Proceeds .  Use the Term B-1 Loans made on the Closing Date to finance the Transactions, including any fees, commissions and expenses associated therewith Amendment No.1 Effective Date, together with the proceeds of the Senior Notes, to prepay in full the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans, other than Converted Term Loans, outstanding on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date .  Use the proceeds of any Loans after the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date for working capital and general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including acquisitions and investments and payment of fees and expenses in connection therewith.

 

6.10                         Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security .

 

(a)                                  Upon the formation or acquisition of any new Subsidiaries by any Loan Party ( provided, that each of (i) any redesignation resulting in an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) any Excluded Subsidiary ceasing to be an Excluded Subsidiary but remaining a Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to constitute the acquisition of a Restricted Subsidiary for all purposes of this Section 6.10 ), or upon the acquisition of any personal property, including Intellectual Property (other than “Excluded Property” as defined in the Security Agreement) or any Material Real Property by any Loan Party, which real or personal property, in the reasonable judgment of the Collateral Agent, is not already subject to a perfected Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and then the Borrower shall, in each case at the Borrower’s expense:

 

(i)                   in connection with the formation or acquisition of a Subsidiary, within ninety (90) days after such formation or acquisition or such longer period as the applicable Agent may agree, (A) cause each such Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary to duly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a guaranty or guaranty supplement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, guaranteeing the other Loan Parties’ obligations under the Loan Documents, and (B) (if not already so delivered) deliver certificates representing the Pledged Equity Interests of each such Subsidiary (other than any Unrestricted Subsidiary) accompanied by undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank and instruments evidencing the Pledged Debt of such Subsidiary indorsed in blank to the Collateral Agent, together with, if requested by the Collateral Agent, supplements to the Security Agreement or other pledge or security agreements with respect to the pledge of any Equity Interests or Indebtedness; provided , that only 65% of voting Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC (or any Subsidiary described in clause (i) of the definition of Excluded Subsidiary) held by a Loan Party shall be required to be pledged as Collateral and no such restriction shall apply to

 

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non-voting Equity Interests of such Subsidiaries; provided , further , that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no assets owned by any Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC (including stock owned by such Foreign Subsidiary in a Domestic Subsidiary) or any Subsidiary described in clause (i) of the definition of Excluded Subsidiary shall be required to be pledged as Collateral,

 

(ii)                within ninety (90) days after such formation or acquisition (or such longer period, as the Collateral Agent may agree), furnish to the Collateral Agent a description of the real and personal properties of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) in detail reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent; provided that any such information provided pursuant to this clause (ii) shall consist solely of information of the type that would be set forth on Schedules 5.04 , 5.05 , 5.06(b) , and 5.10 ,

 

(iii)             within ninety (90) days after such formation or acquisition (or such longer period, as the Collateral Agent may agree), duly execute and deliver, and cause each such Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary to duly execute and deliver, to the Collateral Agent Mortgages (and other documentation and instruments referred to in Section 6.10 (a) (vii) ) (with respect to Material Real Properties only), Pledge Supplements, security agreement supplements and other security agreements, as specified by and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent (consistent with the Security Agreement, Intellectual Property Security Agreement and Mortgages), securing payment of all the Obligations of the applicable Loan Party or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, under the Loan Documents and constituting Liens on all such properties,

 

(iv)            within ninety (90) days after such formation or acquisition, or such longer period, as the Collateral Agent may agree in its sole discretion, take, and cause such Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary to take, whatever action (including, without limitation, the recording of Mortgages (with respect to Material Real Properties only), life of loan flood hazard determinations (together with a notice about special flood hazard area status and flood disaster assistance duly executed by the applicable Loan Party and evidence of flood insurance, if applicable) the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, the giving of notices and delivery of stock and membership interest certificates) may be necessary or advisable in the reasonable opinion of the Collateral Agent to vest in the Collateral Agent (or in any representative of the Administrative Agent designated by it) valid and subsisting Liens on the properties purported to be subject to the Mortgages, Pledge Supplements and security agreements delivered pursuant to this Section 6.10 , in each case, to the extent required under the Loan Documents and subject to the perfection exceptions (as provided in the Security Agreement), enforceable against all third parties in accordance with their terms,

 

(v)               within thirty (30) days after the request of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, or such longer period as such Agent may agree, deliver to such Agent, a signed copy of one or more opinions, addressed to such Agent and the other Secured Parties, of counsel for the Loan Parties reasonably acceptable to such Agent as to such matters as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request,

 

(vi)            as promptly as practicable after the request of the Administrative Agent, deliver to the Collateral Agent with respect to each Material Real Property owned in fee by a Subsidiary that is the subject of such request, title reports in scope, form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, fully paid American Land Title Association Lender’s Extended Coverage title insurance policies or the equivalent or other form available in the applicable jurisdiction in form and substance, with endorsements and in amounts, reasonably acceptable to the

 

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Collateral Agent (not to exceed the value of the Material Real Properties covered thereby) and surveys that are in the possession of the applicable Loan Party, and

 

(vii)         at any time and from time to time, promptly execute and deliver any and all further instruments and documents and take all such other action as the Collateral Agent in its reasonable judgment may deem necessary in obtaining the full benefits of, or in perfecting and preserving the Liens of, such guaranties, Mortgages, Pledge Supplements and security agreements.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Collateral Agent shall not take a security interest in those assets as to which the Collateral Agent shall determine, in its reasonable discretion, that the cost of obtaining such Lien (including any mortgage, stamp, intangibles or other tax) are excessive in relation to the benefit to the Lenders of the security afforded thereby, (ii) neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to take any actions in order to perfect the security interests granted to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties under the law of any jurisdiction outside the United States and (iii) any security interest or Lien, and any obligation of any Loan Party, shall be subject to the relevant requirements of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

6.11                         Post-Closing Matters .  The Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, satisfy the requirements set forth on Schedule 6.11 on or before the date thereon specified for such requirement, in each case as such date may be extended by the Agent in its sole discretion, so long as the Borrower is working diligently in good faith to complete, or cause its Restricted Subsidiaries to complete, the applicable requirement as determined by the Agent in its sole discretion.

 

ARTICLE VII
NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation (other than contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted) hereunder which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied:

 

7.01                         Liens .

 

(a)                                  The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether owned on the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date or thereafter acquired (except Permitted Liens) (each, a “ Subject Lien ”) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness on any asset or property of the Borrower or any Guarantor, unless:

 

(1)                                  in the case of Subject Liens on any Collateral, any Subject Lien if such Subject Lien is a Permitted Lien; and

 

(2)                                  in the case of any other asset or property, any Subject Lien if (i) the Obligations are equally and ratably secured with (or on a senior basis to, in the case such Subject Lien secures any Junior Indebtedness) the obligations secured by such Subject Lien until such time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien or (ii) such Subject Lien is a Permitted Lien.

 

(b)                                  Any Lien created for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall provide by its terms that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally be released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Subject Lien that gave rise to the obligation to so secure the Obligations.

 

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7.02                         [ Reserved ].

 

7.03                         Indebtedness .

 

(a)                                  the Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue any shares of Disqualified Stock and the Borrower will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided , however , that the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock and any Restricted Subsidiary may issue shares of Preferred Stock, in each case if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred or such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is issued would have been at least 2.00 to 1.00 determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been Incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period; provided , further , that the aggregate amount of Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) that may be Incurred and Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock that may be issued pursuant to the foregoing by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors of the Loans shall not exceed the greater of (x) $ 100,000,000 125,000,000 and (y) 5.0% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of Incurrence, at any one time outstanding.

 

(b)                                  In addition, the following shall be permitted:

 

(1)                                  the Incurrence by the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries of (i) the Obligations under this Agreement and the Collateral Documents and (ii) the ABL Credit Agreement and Guarantees thereof and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (with letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof) up to an aggregate amount not to exceed at any one time outstanding, the greater of (x) $ 300,000,000 310,000,000 and (y) the Borrowing Base as of the date of such Incurrence;

 

(2)                                  [Reserved]; Indebtedness Incurred by the Borrower and the Guarantors on the Amendment No. 1 Effective Date in respect of the Senior Notes and the guarantees with respect thereto;

 

(3)                                  Indebtedness existing on the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date and listed on Schedule 7.03 ;

 

(4)                                  Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Capitalized Lease Obligations and mortgage financings as purchase money obligations), Incurred by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, Disqualified Stock issued by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and Preferred Stock issued by any Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower to finance all or any part of the purchase, lease, construction, installation, replacement, repair or improvement of property (real or personal), plant or equipment or other fixed or capital assets used or useful in the business of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries or in a Similar Business (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets) in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, including all Indebtedness Incurred and Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness Incurred and Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued pursuant to

 

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this clause (4), not to exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of (x) $ 75,000,000 95,000,000 and (y) 3.75% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of Incurrence;

 

(5)                                  Indebtedness Incurred by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guarantees, warehouse receipts or similar facilities entered into, or relating to obligations or liabilities incurred, in the ordinary course of business, including without limitation letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims, performance, completion or surety bonds, health, disability or other employee benefits (whether current or former) or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance, or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims, performance, completion or surety bonds, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance; provided , however , that upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence;

 

(6)                                  Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries related to indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, earn out or similar obligations, in each case, Incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary of the Borrower not exceeding the proceeds of such disposition, other than Guarantees of Indebtedness Incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition;

 

(7)                                  Indebtedness of the Borrower to a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (x) such Indebtedness owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, excluding any Indebtedness in respect of accounts payable incurred in connection with goods and services rendered in the ordinary course of business (and not in connection with the borrowing of money), is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations and (y) any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary or any pledge of such Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien (but not foreclosure thereon)) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an Incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (7);

 

(8)                                  shares of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any Restricted Subsidiary that holds such shares of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock of another Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an issuance of shares of Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause (8);

 

(9)                                  Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (x) if a Guarantor Incurs such Indebtedness to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, excluding any Indebtedness in respect of accounts payable incurred in connection with goods and services rendered in the ordinary course of business (and not in connection with the borrowing of money), such Indebtedness is unsecured and subordinated in right of payment to the Guaranty of such Guarantor and (y) any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any Restricted Subsidiary lending such Indebtedness ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary or any pledge of such

 

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Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien (but not foreclosure thereon)) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an Incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (9);

 

(10)                           Hedging Obligations that are Incurred in the ordinary course of business (and not for speculative purposes);

 

(11)                           obligations (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bank guarantees) in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds, bankers acceptance facilities and completion guarantees, customs, VAT or other tax guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(12)                           (a) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower and Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference up to 100.0% of the net cash proceeds received by the Borrower since immediately after the Closing Date from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Borrower or cash contributed to the capital of the Borrower or any Parent Entity (to the extent the net cash proceeds are contributed to the Borrower) (in each case, other than Excluded Contributions, Contribution Indebtedness or proceeds of Disqualified Stock or proceeds of Designated Preferred Stock or sales of Equity Interests to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) as determined in accordance with Section 7.06(a)(4)(iii)(B) and (C)  to the extent such net cash proceeds or cash have not been applied pursuant to such clauses to make Restricted Payments or to make Investments, payments or exchanges pursuant to Section 7.06(b)  or to make Permitted Investments (other than Permitted Investments specified in clauses (1), (2) and (3) of the definition thereof) and (b) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower and Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference that, when aggregated with the principal amount or liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to this clause (12)(b), does not exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of (x) $ 125.0 million 155,000,000 and (y) 6.0% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of any incurrence pursuant to this clause 12(b) (it being understood that any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred pursuant to this clause (12)(b) shall cease to be deemed incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (12)(b) but shall be deemed incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant from and after the first date on which the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock under Section 7.03(a)) ;

 

(13)                           any Guarantee by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries so long as the Incurrence of such Indebtedness or other obligations by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted hereunder; provided that if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, any such Guarantee of such Guarantor with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Guarantor’s Guaranty hereunder substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Obligations;

 

(14)                           the Incurrence or issuance by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that serves to Refinance any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred as permitted under Section 7.03(a)  and 7.03(b)(2), 7.03(b)(3) , (12)(a) , this clause (14) , (15) , (18) and (20) , or any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred to so Refinance such

 

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Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, including any additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred to pay accrued and unpaid interest and dividends and premiums (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees and expenses in connection with such Refinancing (subject to the following proviso, “ Refinancing Indebtedness ”) on or prior to its respective maturity; provided , however , that such Refinancing Indebtedness:

 

(i)                   has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred that is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being Refinanced;

 

(ii)                has a Stated Maturity which is no earlier than the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced;

 

(iii)             to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness Refinances Junior Indebtedness, such Refinancing Indebtedness is Junior Indebtedness and to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness Refinances unsecured Indebtedness, such Refinancing Indebtedness is unsecured Indebtedness; and

 

(iv)            shall not include (x) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Borrower or a Guarantor that Refinances Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Guarantor or (y) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary that Refinances Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

 

(15)                           Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of (i)  the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurred or issued to finance an acquisition or (ii)  Persons that are acquired by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or merged into, amalgamated with or consolidated with the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms hereof (including designating an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary); provided , however , that after giving effect to such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and the Incurrence of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, either:

 

(x)                                  the Borrower would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 7.03(a) ; or

 

(y)                                  the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries is equal to or greater than immediately prior to such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation;

 

(16)                           Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business;

 

(17)                           Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary supported by a letter of credit or bank guarantee issued pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement or hereunder, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit or bank guarantee;

 

(18)                           Contribution Indebtedness;

 

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(19)                           Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of (x) the financing of insurance premiums or (y) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business, not to exceed $5,000,000 at any one time outstanding;

 

(20)                           Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries of the Borrower in an amount not to exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of (x) $ 75,000,000 95,000,000 and (y) 3.75% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such incurrence;

 

(21)                           Indebtedness of a joint venture to the Borrower or any Guarantor and to the other holders of Equity Interests of such joint venture, so long as the percentage of the aggregate amount of such Indebtedness of such joint venture owed to such other holders of its Equity Interests does not exceed the percentage of the aggregate outstanding amount of the Equity Interests of such joint venture held by such other holders;

 

(22)                           Indebtedness Incurred in a Permitted Receivables Financing;

 

(23)                           Indebtedness owed on a short-term basis to banks and other financial institutions Incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries with such banks or financial institutions that arises in connection with ordinary banking arrangements to manage cash balances of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(24)                           Indebtedness consisting of Indebtedness issued by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to future, current or former officers, directors, employees, managers, service providers or consultants thereof or any direct or indirect parent thereof, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent company of the Borrower to the extent permitted under Section 7.06(b)(4) ;

 

(25)                           customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods purchased in the ordinary course of business;

 

(26)                           Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with bankers’ acceptances, discounted bills of exchange or the discounting or factoring of receivables for credit management purposes, in each case incurred or undertaken in the ordinary course of business on arm’s-length commercial terms;

 

(27)                           Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that the net proceeds thereof are promptly deposited with a trustee to satisfy and discharge Indebtedness in connection with the indenture therefor;

 

(28)                           Guarantees incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of obligations to suppliers, customers, franchisees, lessors and licensees that, in each case, are non-Affiliates;

 

(29)                           the incurrence by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness consisting of Guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by Permitted Joint Ventures; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness Guaranteed pursuant to this clause (29) does not at any one time outstanding exceed the greater of (x) $ 50,000,000 120,000,000 and (y)  2.5 5.0 % of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of incurrence;

 

(30)                           [Reserved]; and

 

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(31)                           (a) Indebtedness of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary Borrower in respect of one or more series of senior unsecured notes, senior secured first lien or junior lien notes, in each case issued in a public offering or Rule 144A or other private placement (and any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor), junior lien or unsecured loans that, in each case, if secured, will be secured by the Collateral on a pari passu or junior basis with the Obligations, that are issued or made in lieu of (A) increases in the Term Loan Facility pursuant to Section 2.16 or (B) a New Term Facility, pursuant to an indenture, note purchase agreement, loan or credit agreement or otherwise (the “ Incremental Equivalent Debt ”); provided that (i) Incremental Equivalent Debt that is secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations may not be in the form of term or revolving loans (but may be in the form of notes), (ii) for the purposes of calculating the Consolidated First Lien Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio, any Incremental Equivalent Debt that is unsecured or secured on a junior basis to the Obligations shall be deemed to be Indebtedness secured by a Lien on Collateral on a pari passu basis with the Obligations, and (iii) the aggregate principal amount of all Incremental Equivalent Debt issued or incurred pursuant to this Section 7.03(b)(31) shall not, ( together with the aggregate principal amount of any (A) increases in the Term Loan all requests for increases to a Term Facility, a New Term Facility and New Revolving Facility pursuant to Section 2.16 and (B) New Term Facilities, exceed the sum of (i) the maximum amount at such time that could be Incurred without causing the Consolidated First Lien Debt Ratio to exceed 2.25 to 1.00 (in each case, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to such New Term Loans, increased Loans or Incremental Equivalent Debt Incurred on or prior to the date of determination (but excluding any amounts Incurred simultaneously pursuant to clause (ii) below) and the use of the proceeds therefrom) and (ii) $300,000,000 (together with all requests for New Term requests for New Term Facilities or New Revolving Facilities pursuant to Section 2.17 and ) exceed the Maximum Incremental Equivalent Debt) Amount. ; provided , further , (i)  subject to Section 2.18, such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall not be subject to any guarantee by any person other than a Loan Party, (ii)  subject to Section 2.18, in the case of Incremental Equivalent Debt that is secured, the obligations in respect thereof shall not be secured by any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than any asset constituting Collateral, (iii) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist immediately after giving effect to such incurrence, (iv) if such Incremental Equivalent Debt is secured, the security agreements relating to such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall be substantially the same as the Collateral Documents (with such differences as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), (v) if such Incremental Equivalent Debt is secured, such Incremental Equivalent Debt shall be subject to (x) in the case of Incremental Equivalent Debt that will be secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations, a customary first lien intercreditor agreement reasonably acceptable to the Agents and (y) in the case of Incremental Equivalent Debt that will be secured by the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Obligations, a customary junior lien intercreditor agreement reasonably acceptable to the Agents, and (vi) the documentation with respect to any Incremental Equivalent Debt shall contain no mandatory prepayment, repurchase or redemption provisions prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the Maturity Date at the time of incurrence, issuance or obtainment of such Incremental Equivalent Debt, other than customary prepayments, repurchases or redemptions of or offers to prepay, redeem or repurchase upon a change of control, asset sale event or casualty or condemnation event, customary prepayments, redemptions or repurchases or offers to prepay, redeem or repurchase based on excess cash flow (in the case of loans) and customary acceleration rights upon an event of default and (b) any Refinancing Indebtedness thereof.

 

(c)                                   For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock permitted under one of the clauses of Section 7.03(b)  or is entitled to be Incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(a) , the Borrower shall, in its sole discretion, at the time of Incurrence, divide, classify or reclassify, or at any later time divide, classify or

 

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reclassify, such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this Section 7.03 and shall only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or portion thereof) in Section 7.03(a)  or one of the clauses or subsections of 7.03(b) ; provided that all Indebtedness under this Agreement and the ABL Credit Agreement outstanding on the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date shall be deemed to have been Incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(b)(1)  and the Borrower shall not be permitted to reclassify all or any portion of such Indebtedness.  Accrual of interest or dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the same class, the accretion of liquidation preference and increases in the amount of Indebtedness outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies will not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of Section 7.03 .  Guarantees of, or obligations in respect of letters of credit relating to, Indebtedness that are otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Indebtedness shall not be included in the determination of such amount of Indebtedness, provided that the Incurrence of the Indebtedness represented by such Guarantee or letter of credit, as the case may be, was in compliance with this covenant. Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clauses (1), (4) and (12) of Section 7.03(b)  shall be permitted to include additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred to pay accrued but unpaid interest and dividends and premiums (including reasonable tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing.

 

(d)                                  For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed or first Incurred (whichever yields the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent), in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to Refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such Refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such Refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed (i) the principal amount of such Indebtedness being Refinanced plus (ii) the aggregate amount of fees, defeasance costs, underwriting discounts, accrued and unpaid interest, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Refinancing.

 

7.04                         Fundamental Changes .

 

(a)                                  The Borrower may not consolidate, merge or amalgamate with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Borrower is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

 

(1)                                  the Borrower is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, merger or amalgamation (if other than the Borrower) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (the Borrower or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Company ”);

 

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(2)                                  the Successor Company (if other than the Borrower) expressly assumes all the obligations of the Borrower under each Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party pursuant to joinder documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(3)                                  immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default exists;

 

(4)                                  immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction, as if such transaction had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, either

 

(a)                                  the Successor Company would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 7.03(a) ; or

 

(b)                                  the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Successor Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than such ratio for the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction;

 

(5)                                  if the Successor Company is other than the Borrower, each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, shall have confirmed that its Guaranty and grant of security shall apply to such Person’s obligations under the Loan Documents;

 

(6)                                  to the extent any assets of the Person which is merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Successor Company are assets of the type which would constitute Collateral under the Collateral Documents, the Successor Company will take such action as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to the extent necessary to cause such property and assets to be made subject to the Lien of the Collateral Documents in the manner and to the extent required by Section 6.11 hereof or any of the Collateral Documents and shall take all reasonably necessary action so that such Lien is perfected to the extent required by the Collateral Documents; and

 

(7)                                  the Collateral owned by or transferred to the Successor Company shall: (a) continue to constitute Collateral under this Agreement and the Collateral Documents, (b) be subject to the Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and (c) not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens or Liens otherwise permitted hereunder.

 

The Successor Company (if other than the Borrower) will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Borrower under the Loan Documents, and the Borrower will automatically be released and discharged from its Obligations.  Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (3) and (4), (a) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor may consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or part of its properties and assets to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (b) any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor may consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or part of its properties and assets to the Borrower, any Guarantor or any Restricted Subsidiary that becomes a Guarantor in connection with such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or disposal and (c) the Borrower may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with an Affiliate incorporated or organized solely for the purpose of reincorporating or reorganizing the Borrower in another state of the United States, the District of Columbia or any territory of the United States so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby.

 

(b)                                  Each Guarantor will not, and the Borrower will not permit any Guarantor to, consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person),

 

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or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions to, any Person unless:

 

(1)                                  either (a) such Guarantor is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, amalgamation or merger (if other than such Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor, as the case may be, or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof (such Guarantor or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “ Successor Guarantor ”) and the Successor Guarantor (if other than such Guarantor) expressly assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor under the Loan Documents to which such Guarantor is a party pursuant to joinder documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent or (b) such sale or disposition or consolidation or merger is not in violation of Section 7.05 or 7.06 ;

 

(2)                                  immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default exists;

 

(3)                                  to the extent any assets of the Guarantor which is merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Successor Company are assets of the type which would constitute Collateral under the Collateral Documents, the Successor Company will take such action as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to the extent necessary to cause such property and assets to be made subject to the Lien of the Collateral Documents in the manner and to the extent required by Section 6.11 hereof or any of the Collateral Documents and shall take all reasonably necessary action so that such Lien is perfected to the extent required by the Collateral Documents; and

 

(4)                                  the Collateral owned by or transferred to the Successor Company shall: (i) continue to constitute Collateral under the Loan Documents, (ii) be subject to the Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and (iii) not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens.

 

(c)                                   The Successor Guarantor will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Guarantor under the Loan Documents and such Guarantor’s Guaranty, and such Guarantor will automatically be released and discharged from its obligations under the Loan Documents.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) a Guarantor may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with an Affiliate incorporated or organized solely for the purpose of reincorporating or reorganizing such Guarantor in another state of the United States, the District of Columbia or any territory of the United States, so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Guarantor is not increased thereby, (2) a Guarantor may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with another Guarantor or the Borrower and (3) a Guarantor may convert into a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor or a jurisdiction in the United States.

 

(d)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 7.04 will not prohibit the consolidation, merger or amalgamation of the Borrower with or into OpCo (with OpCo being the surviving Person) and OpCo expressly assumes all the obligations of the Borrower under each Loan Document to which the Borrower. OpCo will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Borrower under the Loan Documents, and the Borrower will automatically be released and discharged from its Obligations.

 

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7.05                         Asset Sales .

 

(a)                                  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to consummate, directly or indirectly, an Asset Sale of any assets that do not constitute ABL Collateral (“ Non-ABL Collateral ”), unless:

 

(1)                                  the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Borrower at the time of contractually agreeing to such Asset Sale) of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of; and

 

(2)                                  except in the case of a Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents or Replacement Assets.

 

Within 540 days after the Borrower’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s receipt of the Net Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sale of Non-ABL Collateral, the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary shall apply the Net Cash Proceeds from such Asset Sale, at its option:

 

(1)                                  to prepay Loans in accordance with Sections 2.05(b)(ii)(A)  and (B) ;

 

(2)                                  to make an Investment in any one or more businesses ( provided that if such Investment is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock of a Person, such acquisition results in the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes or continues to constitute a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower), assets, or property or capital expenditures, in each case used or useful in a Similar Business;

 

(3)                                  to make an Investment in any one or more businesses ( provided that if such Investment is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock of a Person, such acquisition results in the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes or continues to constitute a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower), properties or assets that replace the properties and assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale;

 

(4)                                  any combination of the foregoing;

 

provided that the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries will be deemed to have complied with the provisions described in clauses (2) and (3) above if and to the extent that, within 540 days after (x) on or after the date of the execution of the definitive agreement with respect to the Asset Sale of Non-ABL Collateral that generated the Net Cash Proceeds , the Borrower (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be prior to the date of consummation of such Asset Sale), the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries makes an Investment in Replacement Assets or makes a capital expenditure in compliance with the provision described in clauses (2) and (3) of this paragraph or (y) on or prior to 540 days after such Asset Sale, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has entered into and not abandoned or rejected a binding agreement to acquire the assets or Capital Stock of a Similar Business, make an Investment in Replacement Assets or make a capital expenditure in compliance with the provision described in clauses (2) and (3) of this paragraph, and that acquisition, purchase or capital expenditure is thereafter completed within 180 days after the end of such 540-day period.  Pending the final application of any such Net Cash Proceeds from the sale of Non-ABL Collateral, the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower may invest such Net Cash Proceeds in Cash Equivalents.

 

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(b)                                  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, cause or make an Asset Sale of any assets that constitute ABL Collateral, unless:

 

(1)                                  the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith at the time of contractually agreeing to such Asset Sale by the Borrower) of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of; and

 

(2)                                  except in the case of a Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents or Replacement Assets.

 

Within 540 days after the Borrower’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s receipt of the Net Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sale of ABL Collateral, the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary shall apply the Net Cash Proceeds from such Asset Sale, at its option:

 

(1)                                  to prepay Loans in accordance with Section 2.05(b)(ii)(A)  and (B) ;

 

(2)                                  to make an Investment in any one or more businesses ( provided that if such Investment is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock of a Person, such acquisition results in the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes or continues to constitute a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower), assets, or property or capital expenditures, in each case used or useful in a Similar Business;

 

(3)                                  to make an Investment in any one or more businesses ( provided that if such Investment is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock of a Person, such acquisition results in the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes or continues to constitute a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower), properties or assets that replace the properties and assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale;

 

(4)                                  to permanently reduce any Indebtedness under the ABL Debt or any other Indebtedness of the Borrower or a Guarantor that in each case is secured by a Lien on the ABL Collateral that is prior to the Lien on the ABL Collateral securing the Obligations (and, in the case of revolving obligations, to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto), in each case other than Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary; or

 

(5)                                  any combination of the foregoing;

 

provided that the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries will be deemed to have complied with the provisions described in clauses (2) and (3) above if and to the extent that, within 540 days (x) on or after the date of the execution of the definitive agreement with respect to the Asset Sale of Non- ABL Collateral that generated the Net Cash Proceeds , the Borrower (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may be prior to the date of consummation of such Asset Sale), the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries makes an Investment in Replacement Assets or makes a capital expenditure in compliance with the provision described in clauses (2) and (3) of this paragraph or (y) on or prior to 540 days after such Asset Sale, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has entered into and not abandoned or rejected a binding agreement to acquire the assets or Capital Stock of a Similar Business, make an Investment in Replacement Assets or make a capital expenditure in compliance with the provision described in clauses (2) and (3) of this paragraph, and that acquisition, purchase or capital expenditure is thereafter completed within 180 days

 

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after the end of such 540-day period.  Pending the final application of any such Net Cash Proceeds, the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility, if any, or otherwise invest such Net Cash Proceeds in Cash Equivalents.

 

(c)                                   For purposes of this Section 7.05 , the amount of:

 

(i)                   any liabilities (as shown on the Borrower’s most recent consolidated balance sheet or in the notes thereto, or if incurred or accrued subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been reflected on the Borrower’s consolidated balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto if such incurrence or accrual had taken place on or prior to the date of such balance sheet, as determined in good faith by the Borrower) of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary (other than liabilities that are by their terms expressly subordinated to the Obligations) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets or Equity Interests (or are otherwise extinguished in connection with the transactions relating to such Asset Sale) pursuant to an agreement that releases or indemnifies the Borrower and all of its Restricted Subsidiaries from further liability;

 

(ii)                any securities, notes or other obligations or other assets received by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 180 days of the receipt thereof; and

 

(iii)             any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Asset Sale having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (c) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed 5.0% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration (with the Fair Market Value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

 

shall each be deemed to be Cash Equivalents.

 

(d)                                  For purposes of this Section 7.05 , any sale by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary that owns assets constituting Non-ABL Collateral or ABL Collateral shall be deemed to be a sale of such Non-ABL Collateral or ABL Collateral (or, in the event of a Restricted Subsidiary that owns assets that include any combination of Non-ABL Collateral and ABL Collateral, shall be deemed to be a separate sale of each of such Non-ABL Collateral and ABL Collateral).  In the event of any such sale (or a sale of assets that includes any combination of Non-ABL Collateral and ABL Collateral), the proceeds received by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of such sale shall be allocated to the Non-ABL Collateral and ABL Collateral in accordance with their respective fair market values Fair Market Values , which shall be determined by the Borrower or, at the Borrower’s election, an independent third party.  In addition, for purposes of this Section 7.05 , any sale by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Capital Stock of any Person that owns only ABL Collateral will not be subject to subsection (a) hereof, but rather will be subject to subsection (b) hereof.

 

7.06                         Restricted Payments .

 

(a)                                  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

 

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(1)                                  declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution on account of the Borrower’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests, including any dividend, payment or distribution payable in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Borrower other than: (A) dividends, payments or distributions by the Borrower payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase such Equity Interests or (B) dividends, payments or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary so long as, in the case of any dividend, payment or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary other than a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend, payment or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities;

 

(2)                                  purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Borrower or Holdings or any other Parent Entity, including in connection with any merger or consolidation, in each case held by a Person other than the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(3)                                  make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value in each case, or give any irrevocable notice of redemption, in each case prior to any scheduled repayment or scheduled maturity, any Junior Indebtedness (other than (i) the payment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition or retirement of (A) Junior Indebtedness in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of such payment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition or retirement and (B) Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(b)(7)  and ( 8 9 ) and (ii) the giving of an irrevocable notice of redemption with respect to the transaction permitted under clause (b)(2) or (3) of this Section 7.06 ); or

 

(4)                                  make any Restricted Investment;

 

(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (1) through (4) above (other than any exception thereto) being collectively referred to as “ Restricted Payments ”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:

 

(i)                   no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

 

(ii)                immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the Borrower could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under Section 7.03(a) ; and

 

(iii)             such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date (including Restricted Payments permitted by Section 7.06(b)(1)  and (8) , but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by Section 7.06(b) ), is less than the sum of, without duplication,

 

(A)                                the sum of (x) $ 125,000,000 300,000,000 and (y) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower for the period (taken as one accounting period) from January October  1, 2014 2016 to the end of the Borrower’s most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit), plus

 

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(B)                                100% of the aggregate net proceeds and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property received by the Borrower since immediately after the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date from the issue or sale of:

 

(1)                                  Equity Interests of the Borrower, including Treasury Capital Stock (as defined below), but excluding cash proceeds and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property received from the sale of Equity Interests to any future, present or former employees, directors, managers, service providers or consultants of the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or any Parent Entity after the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with Section 7.06(b)(4)  and Designated Preferred Stock; and

 

(2)                               any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower or a Parent Entity;

 

provided , however , that this clause (B) shall not include Excluded Equity, plus

 

(C)                                100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property contributed to the capital of the Borrower, or that became part of the capital of the Borrower through consolidation or merger, following the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date (other than Excluded Equity), plus

 

(D)                                100% of the aggregate amount received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary from:

 

(x)                                  the sale or other disposition (other than to the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower) of Restricted Investments made by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and from repurchases and redemptions of, or cash distributions or cash interest received in respect thereof, such Restricted Investments from the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries by any Person (other than the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) and from repayments of loans or advances, and releases of guarantees, which constituted Restricted Investments made by the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in each case after the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date,

 

(y)                                  the sale (other than to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than to the extent such employee stock ownership plan or trust has been funded by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or to the extent that such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment)) of the Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or

 

(z)                                   any distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary (to the extent such distribution or dividend is not already included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income), plus

 

(E)                                 in the event any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Borrower has been redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary or has been merged or consolidated with or into, or

 

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transfers or conveys its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, in each case after the Closing Amendment No. 1 Effective Date, the Fair Market Value of the Investment of the Borrower in such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, combination or transfer (or of the assets transferred or conveyed, as applicable) (other than in each case to the extent that the designation of such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary constituted a Permitted Investment ) , plus

 

(F)                                  the aggregate amount of Declined Amounts.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 7.06(a)  will not prohibit:

 

(1)                                  the payment of any dividend or distribution or consummation of any irrevocable redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof or the giving of a redemption notice related thereto, if at the date of declaration or notice such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Agreement;

 

(2)                                  (x) the redemption, repurchase, defeasance, discharge, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests (“ Retired Capital Stock ”) of the Borrower or Holdings or any other Parent Entity (“ Treasury Capital Stock ”), or Junior Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Guarantor, in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Equity Interests of the Borrower or Holdings or any other Parent Entity or contributions to the equity capital of the Borrower (other than Excluded Equity) (collectively, including any such contributions, “ Refunding Capital Stock ”);

 

(y)                                  the declaration and payment of accrued dividends on the Retired Capital Stock out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Borrower or to an employee stock ownership plan or any trust established by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) of Refunding Capital Stock; and

 

(z)                                   if immediately prior to the retirement of the Retired Capital Stock, the declaration and payment of dividends thereon was permitted under Section 7.06(b)(6)  and has not been made as of such time (the “ Unpaid Amount ”), the declaration and payment of dividends on the Refunding Capital Stock (other than Refunding Capital Stock the proceeds of which were used to redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire any Equity Interests of Holdings or any other direct or indirect parent) in an aggregate amount no greater than the Unpaid Amount;

 

(3)                                  the prepayment, redemption, defeasance, repurchase, exchange or other acquisition or retirement of Junior Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Guarantor made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Refinancing Indebtedness thereof;

 

(4)                                  the purchase, retirement, redemption or other acquisition (or dividends to Holdings or any other Parent Entity to finance any such purchase, retirement, redemption or other acquisition) for value of Equity Interests of the Borrower or Holdings or any other Parent Entity held by any future, present or former employee, director, manager, service provider or consultant of the Borrower or Holdings or any other Parent Entity or any Subsidiary of the Borrower (or their permitted transferees) pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or other agreement or any equity subscription or equityholder agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any principal and interest payable

 

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on any Indebtedness issued by the Borrower or any Parent Entity in connection with such repurchase, retirement or other acquisition); provided , however , that the aggregate amounts paid under this clause (4) shall not exceed in any calendar year $7,500,000 (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years up to a maximum of $15,000,000 in the aggregate in any calendar year); provided , further , however , that such amount in any fiscal year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:

 

(i)                   the cash proceeds received by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Excluded Equity) of the Borrower or Holdings or any other Parent Entity (to the extent contributed to the Borrower) to members of management, directors or consultants of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries or Holdings or any other Parent Entity that occurs after the Closing Date to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests have not otherwise been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments by virtue of Section 7.06(a)(iii) ); plus

 

(ii)                the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Borrower or Holdings or any other Parent Entity (to the extent contributed to the Borrower) and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Closing Date; minus

 

(iii)             the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this clause (4),

 

( provided that the cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Borrower from any current or former officer, director, employee, manager, service provider or consultant (or any permitted transferees thereof) of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or any direct or indirect parent company thereof), in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any Parent Entity from such Persons will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 7.06 or any other provision of this Agreement ) ;

 

(5)                                  the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiaries issued or Incurred in accordance with Section 7.03 ;

 

(6)                                  the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock and the declaration and payment of dividends to Holdings or any other Parent Entity, the proceeds of which will be used to fund the payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock of Holdings or any other Parent Entity issued after the Closing Date; provided , however , that (A) for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock, after giving effect to such issuance (and the payment of dividends or distributions) on a pro forma basis, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries would have been at least 2.00 to 1.00 and (B) the aggregate amount of dividends declared and paid pursuant to this clause (6) does not exceed the net cash proceeds actually received by the Borrower from the sale (or the contribution of the net cash proceeds from the sale) of Designated Preferred Stock;

 

(7)                                  [Reserved];

 

(8)                                  the declaration and payment of dividends on the Borrower’s common stock (or the payment of dividends to Holdings or any other Parent Entity to fund the payment by Holdings or any other Parent Entity of dividends on such entity’s common stock) of up to 6.0% per annum of

 

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the net cash proceeds received by the Borrower from any public offering of common stock or contributed to the Borrower by Holdings or any other Parent Entity from any public offering of common stock (other than public offerings with respect to common stock registered on Form S-8 and any public sale constituting an Excluded Contribution);

 

(9)                                  Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount that does not exceed the aggregate amount of Excluded Contributions received since the Closing Date;

 

(10)                           any Restricted Payment; provided that (x) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from such Restricted Payment and (y)  on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such Restricted Payment and any related incurrence of Indebtedness, the proceeds of which are used to make such Restricted Payment, the Consolidated First Lien Total Net Debt Ratio would be equal to or less than 1.5:1.0 2.00:1.00 ;

 

(11)                           [Reserved];

 

(12)                           for so long as the Borrower is a member of a group filing a consolidated, combined or similar income tax return with Holdings or any other Parent Entity (or a disregarded entity for tax purposes with respect to Holdings or such other direct or indirect parent), the payment of dividends or other distributions to Holdings or such other Parent Entity in amounts required for Holdings or such other parent company to pay income taxes imposed on such entity to the extent such income taxes are attributable to the income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided , however , that the amount of such payments in respect of any tax year does not, in the aggregate, exceed the amount that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries would have been required to pay in respect of such income taxes in respect of such year if the Borrower and its Subsidiaries paid such income taxes directly as a stand-alone income tax group (reduced by any such taxes paid directly by the Borrower or any Subsidiary) and (ii) the permitted payment pursuant to this clause (12) with respect to any taxes attributable to income of any Unrestricted Subsidiary for any taxable period shall be limited to the amount actually paid with respect to such period by such Unrestricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary for the purposes of paying such income taxes;

 

(13)                           the payment of dividends, other distributions or other amounts to, or the making of loans to Holdings or any other direct or indirect parent, in the amount required for such entity to, if applicable:

 

(i)                   pay amounts equal to the amounts required for Holdings or any other Parent Entity to pay fees and expenses (including franchise or similar taxes) required to maintain its corporate existence, customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, officers, employees, directors, managers, service providers and consultants of Holdings or any other Parent Entity, if applicable, and general corporate operating and overhead expenses of Holdings or any other Parent Entity, if applicable, in each case to the extent such fees, expenses, salaries, bonuses, benefits and indemnities are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;

 

(ii)                pay, if applicable, amounts required for Holdings or any other Parent Entity to pay interest and/or principal on Indebtedness the proceeds of which have been contributed to the Borrower (other than as Excluded Equity) and that has been guaranteed by, and is otherwise considered Indebtedness of, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurred in accordance with Section 7.03 ; and

 

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(iii)             pay fees and expenses incurred by Holdings or any other Parent Entity, other than to Affiliates of the Borrower, related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering of such Parent Entity;

 

(14)                           the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on the Borrower’s Capital Stock used to, or the making of loans to Holdings or any other Parent Entity to, fund the payment of fees and expenses owed by the Borrower or Holdings or any other Parent Entity, as the case may be, or Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower to Affiliates, in each case to the extent permitted by Section 7.08 ;

 

(15)                           (i) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants and (ii) in connection with the withholding of a portion of the Equity Interests granted or awarded to a current or former director or employee to pay for the taxes payable by such director or employee upon such grant or award;

 

(16)                           purchases of receivables in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing and the payment or distribution of Receivables Fees;

 

(17)                           payments or distributions to satisfy dissenters’ rights, pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, merger or transfer of assets that complies with the provisions of this Agreement applicable to mergers, consolidations and transfers of all or substantially all the property and assets of the Borrower;

 

(18)                           the distribution, as a dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings by, Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries the primary assets of which are cash and/or cash equivalents); and

 

(19)                           the repurchase, redemption, or other acquisition for value of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries deemed to occur in connection with the payment of cash in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares of Equity Interests in connection with a share dividend, distribution, share split, reverse share split, merger, consolidation, amalgamation or other business combination of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case, as permitted under this Agreement;

 

provided , however , that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clause (10), no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof.

 

(c)                                   The Borrower will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.”  For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments or Permitted Investments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investments.”  Such designation will only be permitted if a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment in such amount would be permitted at such time and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

(d)                                  For purposes of compliance with Section 7.06 , if any Investment or Restricted Payment would be permitted pursuant to one or more provisions of Section 7.06 and/or one or more of the exceptions

 

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contained in the definition of “Permitted Investments,” the Borrower may divide and classify such Investment or Restricted Payment in any manner that complies with this covenant and may later divide and reclassify any such Investment or Restricted Payment so long as the Investment or Restricted Payment (as so divided and/or reclassified) would be permitted to be made in reliance on the applicable exception as of the date of such reclassification.

 

(e)                                   The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the Fair Market Value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the assets or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment.

 

7.07                         [ Reserved ].

 

7.08                         Transactions with Affiliates .

 

(a)                                  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction or series of transactions, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or Guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Borrower (each of the foregoing, an “ Affiliate Transaction ”) involving aggregate consideration in excess of $10,000,000, unless:

 

(1)                                  such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Borrower or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that could have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person;

 

(2)                                  with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $25,000,000, the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent a resolution adopted in good faith by the majority of the Board of Directors of the Borrower, approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (1) above.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 7.08(a)  will not apply to the following:

 

(1)                                  (i)  transactions between or among the Borrower and/or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or an entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction) and (ii) any merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Borrower and Holdings or any other direct parent of the Borrower, provided that such parent company shall have no material liabilities and no material assets other than cash, Cash Equivalents and the Capital Stock of the Borrower and such merger, amalgamation or consolidation is otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

(2)                                  (i) Restricted Payments permitted by Section 7.06 and (ii) Permitted Investments;

 

(3)                                  any employment and severance agreements entered into by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and the payment of reasonable and customary fees and compensation paid to, and indemnity and similar arrangements provided on behalf of, officers, directors, employees, managers, service providers or consultants of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or Holdings or (to the extent relating to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries) any other Parent Entity;

 

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(4)                                  transactions in which the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to the Administrative Agent a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or meets the requirements of Section 7.08(a)(1) ;

 

(5)                                  payments or loans (or cancellation of loans, advances or Guarantees) or advances to employees or consultants or Guarantees in respect thereof for bona fide business purposes in the ordinary course of business;

 

(6)                                  any agreement or arrangement as in effect or contemplated as of the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date or as thereafter amended, supplemented or replaced (so long as such amended, supplemented or replaced agreement is not more disadvantageous to the Lenders in any material respect than the original agreement or arrangement as in effect on the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date) or any transaction or payments contemplated thereby;

 

(7)                                  [Reserved];

 

(8)                                  the existence of, or the performance by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of, any stockholders or similar agreement (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is a party as of the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date and any amendment thereto or similar transactions, arrangements or agreements which it may enter into thereafter; provided , however , that the existence of, or the performance by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under, any future amendment to any such existing transaction, arrangement or agreement or under any similar transaction, arrangement or agreement entered into after the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date shall only be permitted by this clause (8) to the extent that the terms of any such existing transaction, arrangement or agreement together with all amendments thereto, taken as a whole, or new agreement are not otherwise more disadvantageous to the Lenders in any material respect than the original transaction, arrangement or agreement as in effect on the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date;

 

(9)                                  (i) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Agreement, which are fair to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the reasonable determination of the Board of Directors or the senior management of the Borrower, and are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party or (ii) transactions with Unrestricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(10)                           any transaction effected as part of a Permitted Receivables Financing;

 

(11)                           the sale or issuance or transfer of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Borrower and the granting and performing of reasonable and customary registration rights;

 

(12)                           payments by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to any of the Investors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures which payments are approved by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Borrower in good faith;

 

(13)                           any contribution to the capital of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Stock);

 

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(14)                           any transaction with a Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a joint venture) which would constitute an Affiliate Transaction solely because the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary owns an Equity Interest in or otherwise controls such Person;

 

(15)                           transactions between the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Person that would constitute an Affiliate Transaction solely because a director of which is also a director of the Borrower or Holdings or any other Parent Entity; provided , however , that such director abstains from voting as a director of the Borrower or such Parent Entity, as the case may be, on any matter involving such other Person;

 

(16)                           the entering into of any tax sharing agreement or arrangement and any payments permitted by Section 7.06(b)(12) ;

 

(17)                           transactions to effect the Transactions and the payment of all transaction, underwriting, commitment and other fees and expenses related to the Transactions;

 

(18)                           pledges of Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

 

(19)                           the issuances of securities or other payments, loans, advances or guarantees (or cancellation of loans, advances or guarantees) to employees, directors, managers, service providers or consultants of the Borrower, any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any Parent Entity and employment agreements, stock option and stock ownership plans or similar employee benefit plans which, in each case, are approved by the Borrower in good faith;

 

(20)                           any employment, consulting, service or termination agreement, or customary indemnification arrangements, entered into by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with current, former or future officers and employees of the Borrower, Holdings or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries and the payment of compensation to officers and employees of the Borrower, Holdings or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries (including amounts paid pursuant to employee benefit plans, employee stock option or similar plans), in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(21)                           transactions with Affiliates solely in their capacity as holders of Indebtedness or Equity Interests of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, so long as such transaction is with all holders of such class (and there are such non-Affiliate holders) and such Affiliates are treated no more favorably than all other holders of such class generally; and

 

(22)                           the existence of, or the performance by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of their obligations under the terms of, any customary registration rights agreement to which they are a party or become a party in the future.

 

(23)                           investments by any of the Investors in securities of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and any payment of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such Investors in connection therewith) so long as the investment is being offered generally to other investors on the same or more favorable terms;

 

(24)                           transactions with joint ventures entered into in the ordinary course of business (including any cash management activities related thereto);

 

(25)                           any lease entered into between the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as lessee and any Affiliate of the Borrower, as lessor, in the ordinary course of business; and

 

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(26)                           intellectual property licenses in the ordinary course of business.

 

7.09                         Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries .  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to:

 

(a)                                  (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (1) on its Capital Stock or (2) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits; or (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(b)                                  make loans or advances to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

 

(c)                                   sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

except in each case for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

 

(1)                                  contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect or entered into on the Closing Amendment No.1 Effective Date, including pursuant to this Agreement, the Loan Documents and the other documents relating to this Agreement and related Hedging Obligations and the related documentation, any ABL Credit Agreement and the other documents relating to any ABL Credit Agreement and related Hedging Obligations and the related documentation and any documents relating to the Senior Notes ;

 

(2)                                  [Reserved];

 

(3)                                  applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;

 

(4)                                  any agreement or other instrument of a Person, or relating to Indebtedness or capital stock of a Person, which Person is acquired by or merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any other transaction entered into in connection with such acquisition, merger, consolidation or amalgamation, which was in existence at the time of such acquisition or at the time it mergers, consolidates or amalgamates with or into the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (but, in each case, not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired;

 

(5)                                  contracts for the sale or disposition of assets, including customary encumbrances or restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary of (i) the Borrower or (ii) any of its Restricted Subsidiaries imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary;

 

(6)                                  restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(7)                                  customary provisions in (x) joint venture agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business with respect to the Equity Interests subject to the joint venture and (y) operating or other similar agreements, asset sale agreements, stock sale agreements entered into in connection

 

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with the entering into of such transaction, which limitation is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of those agreements;

 

(8)                                  purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business and Capitalized Lease Obligations to the extent imposing restrictions of the nature discussed in clause (c) above on the property so acquired;

 

(9)                                  customary provisions contained in leases, subleases, licenses, sublicenses, contracts and other similar agreements, including with respect to intellectual property and other agreements;

 

(10)                           any encumbrance or restriction contained in any documentation relating to a Permitted Receivables Financing;

 

(11)                           other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is Incurred subsequent to the Closing Date pursuant to Section 7.03 ; provided that such encumbrances and restrictions contained in any agreement or instrument will not materially affect the Borrower’s ability to make anticipated principal or interest payment on the Loans (as determined by the Borrower in good faith);

 

(12)                           any encumbrance or restriction contained in Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Sections 7.01 and 7.03 to the extent limiting the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

 

(13)                           encumbrances or restrictions arising or agreed to in the ordinary course of business, not relating to any Indebtedness, and that do not, individually or in the aggregate, (x) detract from the value of the property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in any manner material to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or (y) materially affect the Borrower’s ability to make anticipated principal or interest payment on the Loans (as determined by the Borrower in good faith);

 

(14)                           encumbrances or restrictions existing under, by reason of or with respect to Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the encumbrances and restrictions contained in the agreements governing that Refinancing Indebtedness are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced;

 

(15)                           any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Subsidiary which was previously an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to or by reason of an agreement that such Subsidiary is a party to or entered into before the date on which such Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such agreement was not entered into in anticipation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and any such encumbrance or restriction does not extend to any assets or property of the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary other than the assets and property of such Subsidiary;

 

(16)                           restrictions or conditions contained in any trading, netting, operating, construction, service, supply, purchase, sale or other agreement to which the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party entered into in the ordinary course of business; provided that such agreement prohibits the encumbrance of solely the property or assets of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary that are the subject to such agreement, the payment rights arising thereunder or the proceeds thereof and does not extend to any other asset or property of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary or the assets or property of another Restricted Subsidiary; and

 

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(17)                           any encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or Refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (1) through (16) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or Refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, not materially more restrictive with respect to such encumbrances and other restrictions taken as a whole than prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.09 , (i) the priority of any Preferred Stock in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions prior to dividends or liquidating distributions being paid on common stock shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make distributions on Capital Stock and (ii) the subordination of loans or advances made to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower to other Indebtedness Incurred by the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make loans or advances.

 

ARTICLE VIII
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

 

8.01                         Events of Default .  Any of the following shall constitute an event of default (an “ Event of Default ”):

 

(a)                                  Non-Payment .  The Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan, or (ii) within five (5) Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or any fee due hereunder, or any other amount payable hereunder or with respect to any other Loan Document; or

 

(b)                                  Specific Covenants .  The Borrower fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Sections 6.05 (solely with respect to the Borrower and OpCo ), 6.09 or Article VII ; or

 

(c)                                   Other Defaults .  Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in Section 8.01(a)  or (b)  above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after notice thereof by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower; or

 

(d)                                  Representations and Warranties .  Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document required to be delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect (and in all respects if any such representation or warranty is already qualified by materiality) when made or deemed made; or

 

(e)                                   Cross-Default .  (i) Any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment beyond the applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness hereunder) having an aggregate outstanding principal amount of more than the Threshold Amount, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if

 

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required, such Indebtedness to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity; provided that this clause (e)(B) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, if such sale or transfer is permitted hereunder and under the documents providing for such Indebtedness and such Indebtedness is repaid when required under the documents providing for such Indebtedness; provided , further , that such failure is unremedied and is not validly waived by the holders of such Indebtedness in accordance with the terms of the documents governing such Indebtedness prior to any acceleration of the Loans pursuant to Section 8.02 ; or

 

(f)                                    Insolvency Proceedings, Etc .  Any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or

 

(g)                                   Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment .  (i) Any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any such Person and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy; or

 

(h)                                  Judgments .  There is entered against any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary a final judgment or order for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments and orders) exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment or order and does not deny or fail to acknowledge coverage) and there is a period of sixty (60) consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or

 

(i)                                      ERISA .  (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate in an aggregate amount which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or (iii) a Foreign Plan Event occurs which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

(j)                                     Invalidity of Loan Documents .  Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder (including as a result of a transaction permitted under Section 7.04 or 7.05 ) or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted) ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Loan Party

 

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denies in writing that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document (other than as a result of repayment in full of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted) and termination of the Aggregate Commitments), or purports in writing to revoke or rescind any Loan Document; or

 

(k)                                  Change of Control .  There occurs any Change of Control; or

 

(l)                                      Collateral Documents .  Any Collateral Document covering a material portion of the Collateral after delivery thereof shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms thereof including as a result of a transaction permitted under Section 7.04 or 7.05 ) cease to create a valid and perfected first priority Lien on and security interest in any material Collateral covered thereby, subject to Liens permitted under Section 7.01 , except to the extent (i) that any such perfection or priority is not required pursuant to Section 4.01 , 6.10 , or 6.11 or results from the failure of the Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents or to file Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements, or (ii) except as to Collateral consisting of real property, to the extent that such losses are covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and such insurers have not denied or failed to acknowledge coverage.

 

8.02                         Remedies Upon Event of Default .  If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may, and, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall take any or all of the following actions:

 

(a)                                  [Reserved];

 

(b)                                  declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower;

 

(c)                                   [Reserved]; and

 

(d)                                  exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents, under any document evidencing Indebtedness in respect of which the Facilities have been designated as “Designated Senior Debt,” (or any comparable term) and/or under applicable Law;

 

provided , however , that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under any Debtor Relief Law, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

 

8.03                         Application of Funds .  After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall, be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:

 

First , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III ) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;

 

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Second , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel payable under Section 10.04 ) arising under the Loan Documents and amounts payable under Article III , ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

 

Third , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

 

Fourth , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them;

 

Fifth , to the payment of all other Obligations of the Loan Parties owing under or in respect of the Loan Documents that are due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date, ratably based upon the respective aggregate amounts of all such Obligations owing to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date; and

 

Last , the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.

 

ARTICLE IX
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND OTHER AGENTS

 

9.01                         Appointment and Authorization of Agents .

 

(a)                                  Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints, designates and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, and the Administrative Agent hereby accepts such appointment.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere herein or in any other Loan Document, no Agent, including the Syndication Agent, shall have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, nor shall any Agent, including the Syndication Agent, have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender or participant, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against any Agent, including the Syndication Agent.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” herein and in the other Loan Documents with reference to any Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law.  Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.

 

(b)                                  Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Collateral Agent to act as the agent of such Lender for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by any of the Loan Parties to secure any of the Secured Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto, and the Collateral Agent hereby accepts such appointment In this connection, the Collateral Agent (and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 9.02 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Collateral Agent), shall be entitled to the benefits of all

 

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provisions of this Article IX (including, without limitation, Section 9.07 , as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.

 

9.02                         Delegation of Duties .  Each of the Agents may execute any of its duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, with respect to the Collateral Agent, for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents or of exercising any rights and remedies thereunder) by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel and other consultants or experts concerning all matters pertaining to such duties.  Neither Agent shall be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects in the absence of bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

9.03                         Liability of Agents .  No Agent-Related Person shall (a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein, to the extent determined in a final, nonappealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction) or (b) be responsible in any manner to any Lender or participant for any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof, contained herein or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the perfection or priority of any Lien or security interest created or purported to be created under the Collateral Documents, or for any failure of any Loan Party or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.  No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation to any Lender or participant to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof.

 

9.04                         Reliance by Agents .

 

(a)                                  Each Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, communication, signature, resolution, representation, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex or telephone message, electronic mail message, statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to any Loan Party), independent accountants and other experts selected by such Agent.  Each Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under any Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders (or such greater number of Lenders as may be expressly required hereby in any instance) as it deems appropriate and, if it so requests, it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action.  Each Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in accordance with a request or consent of the Required Lenders (or such greater number of Lenders as may be expressly required hereby in any instance) and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders.

 

(b)                                  For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in Section 4.01 , each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or

 

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acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

 

9.05                         Notice of Default .  The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default, except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.”  The Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice.  The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to any Event of Default as may be directed by the Required Lenders in accordance with Article VIII ; provided , however , that unless and until the Administrative Agent has received any such direction, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Event of Default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Lenders.

 

9.06                         Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents .  Each Lender acknowledges that no Agent-Related Person has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by any Agent taken after the Closing Date, including any consent to and acceptance of any assignment or review of the affairs of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Lender as to any matter, including whether Agent-Related Persons have disclosed material information in their possession.  Each Lender represents to each Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of, and investigation into, the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, and all applicable bank or other regulatory Laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower and the other Loan Parties hereunder.  Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties.  Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by any Agent herein, such Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Affiliates which may come into the possession of any Agent-Related Person.

 

9.07                         Indemnification of Agent .  Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Lenders shall indemnify upon demand each Agent-Related Person (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of any Loan Party and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), pro rata , and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by it; provided , however , that no Lender shall be liable for the payment to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities to the extent determined in a final, nonappealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Agent-Related Person’s own bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct; provided , however , that no action taken in accordance with the directions of the Required Lenders shall be deemed to constitute bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section 9.07 .  Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse the Administrative Agent upon demand for its ratable share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification,

 

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amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent that the Administrative Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of the Borrower.  The undertaking in this Section 9.07 shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, the payment of all other Obligations and the resignation of the Administrative Agent.

 

9.08                         Agents in their Individual Capacities .  Any Agent and its Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, acquire Equity Interests in and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with each of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates as though it were not an Agent hereunder and without notice to or consent of the Lenders.  The Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, an Agent or its Affiliates may receive information regarding any Loan Party or its Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of such Loan Party or such Affiliate) and acknowledge that such Agent shall be under no obligation to provide such information to them.  With respect to its Loans, such Agent shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise such rights and powers as though it were not an Agent, and the terms “Lender” and “Lenders” include such Agent in its individual capacity.

 

9.09                         Successor Agents .  Each Agent may resign as the Agent upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Lenders.  If any Agent resigns under this Agreement, the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent for the Lenders, which successor agent shall be consented to by the Borrower at all times other than during the existence of an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) , (f) , or (g)  (which consent of the Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).  If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation of such Agent, such Agent may appoint, after consulting with the Lenders and the Borrower, a successor agent from among the Lenders.  Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, the Person acting as such successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Agent and the term “Administrative Agent” or “Collateral Agent,” as applicable, shall mean such successor administrative agent and/or supplemental administrative agent or successor collateral agent and/or supplemental collateral agent , as the case may be, and the retiring Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as such Agent shall be terminated.  After the retiring Agent’s resignation hereunder as the applicable Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, under this Agreement.  If no successor agent has accepted appointment as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, by the date which is thirty (30) days following the retiring Agent’s notice of resignation, the retiring Agent’s resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and the Lenders shall perform all of the duties of such Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above.  Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Collateral Agent hereunder by a successor and upon the execution and filing or recording of such financing statements, or amendments thereto, and such amendments or supplements to the Mortgages, and such other instruments or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as the Required Lenders may request, in order to continue the perfection of the Liens granted or purported to be granted by the Collateral Documents, the Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, discretion, privileges, and duties of the retiring Collateral Agent.  Upon the acceptance of any appointment as an Agent hereunder by a successor or upon the expiration of the thirty-day period following the retiring Agent’s notice of resignation without a successor agent having been appointed, such retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents.  After the retiring Agent’s resignation hereunder as the applicable Agent, the provisions of this Article IX shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the applicable Agent.

 

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9.10                         Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim .  In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

(a)                                  to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under Section 10.04 ) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

(b)                                  to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Agents and their respective agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Section 10.04 .

 

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.

 

9.11                         Collateral and Guaranty Matters .  Each of the Lenders irrevocably authorizes the Collateral Agent, at its option and in its discretion,

 

(a)                                  to release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has been asserted), (ii) that is sold or to be sold as part of or in connection with any sale permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (iii) subject to Section 10.01 , if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders or (iv) to the extent such property is secured by a Permitted Lien under clause (6) of the definition thereof (solely as it relates to Section 7.03(b)(4) );

 

(b)                                  to subordinate any Lien on any property constituting ABL Collateral granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is secured by a Permitted Lien under clause (6) of the definition thereof as it relates to the ABL Credit Agreement;

 

(c)                                   to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder; and

 

(d)                                  to enter into intercreditor agreements (in a form not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Lenders than the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, in the case of

 

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Indebtedness with Junior Lien Priority, or in a form customary for intercreditor agreements or collateral trust agreements in light of then prevailing market conditions, in the case of Other Pari Passu Lien Obligations), subordination agreements and amendments to the Collateral Documents to reflect arrangements with respect to any obligations (other than the Obligations) permitted to be incurred hereunder and secured by Liens permitted to be incurred hereunder on all or a portion of the Collateral, on terms acceptable to the Collateral Agent ; and

 

(e)                                   upon no less than ten (10) Business Days prior written notice to the Collateral Agent from a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, at the sole expense of the Borrower, to release any Lien on any property (including without limitation, receivables arising from the sale of equipment, tooling and related services) disposed as permitted under the Loan Documents, in each case in connection with a Permitted Receivables Financing, and to execute and deliver or otherwise authorize the filing of such documents as the Borrower reasonably requests, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, including financing statement amendments to evidence the release of such Lien .

 

Upon request by the Collateral Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Collateral Agent’s authority to release its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.11 .  In each case as specified in this Section 9.11 , the Collateral Agent will, at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such documents as such Loan Party may reasonably request to evidence the release of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Collateral Documents, or to release such Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 9.11 ; provided that the Borrower shall have delivered to the Collateral Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying that any such transaction has been consummated in compliance with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents ) .

 

9.12                         [ Reserved ].

 

9.13                         Other Agents; Arranger and Managers .  None of the Lenders or other Persons identified on the facing page or signature pages of this Agreement as a “syndication agent,” “co-documentation agent,” “joint lead arranger,” or “bookrunner” shall have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to all Lenders as such.  Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Lenders or other Persons so identified shall have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender.  Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on any of the Lenders or other Persons so identified in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder.

 

9.14                         Appointment of Supplemental Administrative Agents and Supplemental Collateral Agents .

 

(a)                                  It is the purpose of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents that there shall be no violation of any Law of any jurisdiction denying or restricting the right of banking corporations or associations to transact business as agent or trustee in such jurisdiction.  It is recognized that in case of litigation under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and in particular in case of the enforcement of any of the Loan Documents, or in case the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, in each case, as applicable, deems that by reason of any present or future Law of any jurisdiction it may not exercise any of the rights, powers or remedies granted herein or in any of the other Loan Documents or take any other action which may be desirable or necessary in connection therewith, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, in each case, as applicable, is hereby authorized to appoint an additional individual or institution selected by such Agent in its sole discretion as a separate trustee, co-trustee, administrative

 

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agent, collateral agent, administrative sub-agent, collateral sub-agent, administrative co-agent or collateral co-agent (any such additional individual or institution being referred to herein individually, as a “ Supplemental Administrative Agent ” or a “ Supplemental Collateral Agent ,” in each case, as applicable, and collectively as “ Supplemental Administrative Agents ” or “ Supplemental Collateral Agents ,” in each case, as applicable).

 

(b)                                  In the event that the Collateral Agent appoints a Supplemental Collateral Agent with respect to any Collateral, (i) each and every right, power, privilege or duty expressed or intended by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to be exercised by or vested in or conveyed to the Collateral Agent with respect to such Collateral shall be exercisable by and vest in such Supplemental Collateral Agent to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to enable such Supplemental Collateral Agent to exercise such rights, powers and privileges with respect to such Collateral and to perform such duties with respect to such Collateral, and every covenant and obligation contained in the Loan Documents and necessary to the exercise or performance thereof by such Supplemental Collateral Agent shall run to and be enforceable by either the Collateral Agent or such Supplemental Collateral Agent, and (ii) the provisions of this Article IX and of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 (obligating the Borrower to pay the Agents’ expenses and to indemnify the Agents) that refer to the Collateral Agent shall inure to the benefit of such Supplemental Collateral Agent and all references therein to the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to be references to the Collateral Agent and/or such Supplemental Collateral Agent, as the context may require.

 

(c)                                   In the event that the Administrative Agent appoints a Supplemental Administrative Agent, (i) each and every right, power, privilege or duty expressed or intended by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to be exercised by or vested in or conveyed to the Administrative Agent shall be exercisable by and vest in such Supplemental Administrative Agent to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to enable such Supplemental Administrative Agent to exercise such rights, powers and privileges and to perform such duties, and every covenant and obligation contained in the Loan Documents and necessary to the exercise or performance thereof by such Supplemental Administrative Agent shall run to and be enforceable by either the Administrative Agent or such Supplemental Administrative Agent, and (ii) the provisions of this Article IX and of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 (obligating the Borrower to pay the Agents’ expenses and to indemnify the Agents) that refer to the Administrative Agent shall inure to the benefit of such Supplemental Administrative Agent and all references therein to the Administrative Agent shall be deemed to be references to the Administrative Agent and/or such Supplemental Administrative Agent, as the context may require.

 

(d)                                  Should any instrument in writing from the Borrower, Holdings or any other Loan Party be required by any Supplemental Collateral Agent so appointed by the Collateral Agent for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to him or it such rights, powers, privileges and duties, the Borrower or Holdings, as applicable, shall, or shall cause such Loan Party to, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all such instruments promptly upon request by the Collateral Agent.  In case any Supplemental Collateral Agent, or a successor thereto, shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of such Supplemental Collateral Agent, to the extent permitted by Law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Collateral Agent until the appointment of a new Supplemental Collateral Agent.

 

(e)                                   Should any instrument in writing from the Borrower, Holdings or any other Loan Party be required by any Supplemental Administrative Agent so appointed by the Administrative Agent for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to him or it such rights, powers, privileges and duties, the Borrower or Holdings, as applicable, shall, or shall cause such Loan Party to, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all such instruments promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent.  In case any Supplemental Administrative Agent, or a successor thereto, shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of such Supplemental Administrative Agent, to the

 

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extent permitted by Law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Administrative Agent until the appointment of a new Supplemental Administrative Agent.

 

9.15                         Withholding Taxes .  To the extent required by any applicable laws, the Administrative Agent may withhold from any payment to any Lender an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding Tax.  Without limiting or expanding the provisions of Section 3.01 , each Lender shall indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent against, and shall make payable in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, any and all Taxes and any and all related losses, claims, liabilities and expenses (including fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent) incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent by the IRS or any other Governmental Authority as a result of the failure of the Administrative Agent to properly withhold Tax from amounts paid to or for the account of such Lender for any reason (including, without limitation, because the appropriate form was not delivered or not properly executed, or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstance that rendered the exemption from, or reduction of withholding Tax ineffective).  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due the Administrative Agent under this Section 9.15 .  The agreements in this Section 9.15 shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.

 

ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS

 

10.01                  Amendments, Etc .  Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided , however , that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:

 

(a)                                  extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender, or reinstate the Commitment of any Lender after the termination of such Commitment pursuant to Section 8.02 , in each case without the written consent of such Lender (it being understood that a waiver of any condition precedent set forth in Section 4.01 or the waiver of any Default or Event of Default, mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction of the Commitments shall not constitute an extension or increase of any Commitment of any Lender);

 

(b)                                  postpone any date scheduled for any payment of principal of, or interest on, any Loan, or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby (it being understood that the waiver of any mandatory prepayment of Loans under any Facility shall not constitute a postponement of any date scheduled for the payment of principal or interest);

 

(c)                                   reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or (subject to clause (iii)  of the second proviso to this Section 10.01 ) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby; provided , however , that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate;

 

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(d)                                  [Reserved;]

 

(e)                                   change any provision of this Section 10.01 or the definition of “Required Lenders”, or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender;

 

(f)                                    other than in a transaction permitted under Section 7.05 , release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions, without the written consent of each Lender;

 

(g)                                   other than in a transaction permitted under Section 7.04 or 7.05 , release all or substantially all of the value of the aggregate Guaranty, without the written consent of each Lender; or

 

(h)                                  without the written consent of Lenders holding a majority in aggregate principal amount of the adversely affected class of Loans, (i) change the order of application of any prepayment of Loans among the Facilities or (ii) impose any greater restriction on the ability of any Lender under a Facility to assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder;

 

and provided , further that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent, in its capacity as such, in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of, or any fees or other amounts payable to, the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; and (ii)  Section 10.07(g)  may not be amended, waived or otherwise modified without the consent of each Granting Lender all or any part of whose Loans are being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment, waiver or other modification.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Affiliate Lender (other than any Debt Fund Affiliate) shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that (x) any waiver, amendment or modification which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Affiliate Lender in its capacity as a Lender more adversely than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Affiliate Lender.

 

This Section 10.01 shall be subject to any contrary provision of Sections 2.16 , 2.17 2.18 or 2.19 .  In addition, notwithstanding anything else to the contrary contained in this Section 10.01 , (a) if the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall have jointly identified an obvious error or any error or omission of a technical nature, in each case, in any provision of the Loan Documents, then the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall be permitted to amend such provision and (b) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall be permitted to amend any provision of any Collateral Document to better implement the intentions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and in each case, such amendments shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document if the same is not objected to in writing by the Required Lenders within five (5) Business Days following receipt of notice thereof.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in connection with any “Required Lender” votes, Lenders that are Debt Fund Affiliates shall not be permitted, in the aggregate, to account for more than 49.9% of the amounts includable in determining whether the “Required Lenders” have consented to any amendment, modification, waiver, consent or other action that is subject to such vote.  The voting power of each Lender that is a Debt Fund Affiliate shall be reduced, pro rata, to the extent necessary in order to comply with the immediately preceding sentence.

 

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10.02                  Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communications .

 

(a)                                  General .  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopier as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

 

(i)                   if to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02 or to such other address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number as shall be designated by such party in a notice to other parties, as provided in Section 10.02(d) ; and

 

(ii)                if to any other Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire.

 

Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient).  Notices and other communications delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b).

 

(b)                                  Electronic Communications .  Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article II if such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving, or is unwilling to receive, notices under such Article II by electronic communication.  The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

 

Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement); provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i)  of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.

 

(c)                                   The Platform .  THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.”  THE AGENT-RELATED PERSONS DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS.  NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT-RELATED PERSON IN CONNECTION WITH THE

 

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BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM.  In no event shall any Agent-Related Person have any liability to Holdings, the Borrower, any Lender or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrower’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Borrower Materials through the Internet, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent-Related Person; provided , however , that in no event shall any Agent-Related Person have any liability to Holdings, the Borrower, any Lender or any other Person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages).

 

(d)                                  Change of Address, Etc .  Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.  Each other Lender may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.  In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, telecopier number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender.  Furthermore, each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws, to make reference to Borrower Materials that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities laws.

 

(e)                                   Reliance by Administrative Agent and Lenders .  The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Committed Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof.  The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower except to the extent that such losses, costs, expenses and liabilities are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent, such Lender or such Related Parties, as the case may be.  All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.

 

10.03                  No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement .  No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.  The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by Law.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Loan Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection

 

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with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 8.02 for the benefit of all the Lenders; provided , however , that the foregoing shall not prohibit (a) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (b) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 10.09 (subject to the terms of Section 2.13 ), or (c) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided, further, that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.02 and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 2.13 , any Lender may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Required Lenders.

 

10.04                  Expenses and Taxes .  The Borrower agrees (a) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent and the other Agents for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, syndication and execution of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including reasonable expenses incurred in connection with due diligence and travel, courier, reproduction, printing and delivery expenses), and any amendment, waiver, consent or other modification of the provisions hereof and thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated thereby are consummated), and the consummation and administration of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel (limited to the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of one counsel to the Administrative Agent and, if necessary, of one local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction plus, in the event of any actual or potential conflict of interest where such Agent affected by such conflict informs the Borrower of such conflict, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction for each Agent subject to such conflict), and (b) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the other Agents and each Lender for all reasonable documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement of any rights or remedies under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, including the fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel (limited to the fees, disbursements and other charges of one counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders taken as a whole, and, if necessary, of one local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction and of special counsel for each relevant specialty and, in the event of any actual or potential conflict of interest where such Agent or Lender affected by such conflict informs the Borrower of such conflict, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction for each Lender or group of Lenders or Agent subject to such conflict), in each case without duplication for any amounts paid (or indemnified) under Section 3.01 .  All amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid within thirty (30) days after invoiced or demand therefor (with a reasonably detailed invoice with respect thereto).  The agreements in this Section 10.04 shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations.  If any Loan Party fails to pay when due any costs, expenses or other amounts payable by it hereunder or under any Loan Document, such amount may be paid on behalf of such Loan Party by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, in its sole discretion.

 

10.05                  Indemnification by the Borrower .  The Borrower and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall indemnify and hold harmless the Arrangers, each Agent-Related Person, each Lender and their respective Affiliates, partners, directors, officers, employees, counsel, agents and, in the case of any funds, trustees and advisors and attorneys-in-fact (collectively the “ Indemnitees ”) from and against (and will reimburse each Indemnitee as the same are incurred for) any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs (including settlement costs), expenses and disbursements (including the fees, disbursements and other charges of (i) one counsel to the Indemnitees taken as a whole, (ii) in the case of any actual or perceived conflict of interest where such Person affected by such conflict informs the Borrower of such conflict, additional counsel to the affected Lender or group of

 

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Lenders, limited to one such additional counsel for each affected Lender or group of Lenders, and (iii) if necessary, one local counsel in each relevant jurisdiction and special counsel for each relevant specialty) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted or awarded against any such Indemnitee in any way relating to or arising out of or in connection with or by reason of (x) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding in any way relating to, arising out of, in connection with or by reason of any of the following, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (including any investigation of, preparation for, or defense of any pending or threatened claim, investigation, litigation or proceeding):  (a) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of any Loan Document or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated thereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby or (b) any Commitment or Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, or (y) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, under or from any property currently or formerly owned or operated by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party (other than as regarding events or conditions first occurring or existing only after the relevant property is no longer owned or operated by any of the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Loan Party) or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party, ((x) and (y), collectively, the “ Indemnified Liabilities ”) in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the negligence of the Indemnitee and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided , that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements (A) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or material breach of its express obligations under the Loan Documents by such Indemnitee or its Related Parties or (B) has resulted from any proceeding solely between or among Indemnitees and not arising from any act or omission by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Indemnitee’s capacity as an Agent or an Arranger).  No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by others of any information or other materials obtained through IntraLinks or other information transmission systems (including electronic telecommunications) in connection with this Agreement unless determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, nor shall any Indemnitee or any Loan Party (without limitation to the Loan Parties’ indemnification obligations hereunder) have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Closing Date).  In the case of an investigation, litigation or other proceeding to which the indemnity in this Section 10.05 applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Loan Party, its directors, shareholders or creditors or an Indemnitee or any other Person, whether or not any Indemnitee is otherwise a party thereto.  Should any investigation, litigation or proceeding be settled, or if there is a judgment against an Indemnitee in any such investigation, litigation or proceeding, the Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee in the manner set forth above.  All amounts due under this Section 10.05 shall be payable within thirty (30) days after demand therefor.  The agreements in this Section 10.05 shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations. This Section 10.05 shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.

 

10.06                  Payments Set Aside .  To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to any Agent, to any Lender, or any Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the

 

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obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by any Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect.  The obligations of the Lenders under clause (b)  of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

10.07                  Successors and Assigns .

 

(a)                                  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Eligible Assignee in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(b) , (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(d) , (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 10.07(f)  or (iv) to an SPC in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(g)  (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void).  Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in Section 10.07(d)  and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Indemnitees) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment(s) and the Loans at the time owing to it); provided , that:

 

(i)                   (A) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment under any Facility and the Loans at the time owing to it under such Facility or in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to a Lender, no minimum amount shall need be assigned, and (B) in any case not described in clause (b)(i)(A)  of this Section 10.07 , the aggregate amount of the Commitment or, if the applicable Commitment is not then in effect, the outstanding principal balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $1,000,000, unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) , (f)  or (g)  has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided , however , that concurrent assignments to members of an Assignee Group and concurrent assignments from members of an Assignee Group to a single Eligible Assignee (or to an Eligible Assignee and members of its Assignee Group) will be treated as a single assignment for purposes of determining whether such minimum amount has been met;

 

(ii)                each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned, except that this clause (ii)  shall not prohibit any Lender from assigning all or a portion of its rights and obligations among separate Facilities on a non- pro rata basis;

 

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(iii)             no consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsection (b)(i)(B) of this Section 10.07 and, in addition (A) the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (1) an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) , (f)  or (g)  has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within seven (7) Business Days after having received notice thereof and (B) the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund ( provided that the Administrative Agent shall acknowledge any such assignment);

 

(iv)            the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 (except, (x) in the case of contemporaneous assignments by any Lender to two or more Approved Funds, only a single processing and recording fee shall be payable for such assignments and (y) the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, may elect to waive such processing and recording fee in the case of any assignment);

 

(v)               no such assignment shall be made to a natural person;

 

(vi)            any assignment of any Loans to a Purchasing Borrower Party or Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall also be subject to the requirements of Section 10.07(k) ; and

 

(vii)         the assigning Lender shall deliver any Notes or, in lieu thereof, a lost note affidavit reasonably acceptable to Borrower evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent.

 

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 10.07(c) , from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01 , 3.04 , 3.05 , 10.04 and 10.05 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment, and subject to the obligations set forth in Section 10.08 ).  Upon request, and the surrender by the assigning Lender of its Note (if any), the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender.  Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this clause (b) shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 10.07(d) .

 

(c)                                   The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower (and such agency being solely for tax purposes), shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of the Loans, owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agents and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.  The Register

 

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shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, any Agent and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(d)                                  Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person, an Affiliate Lender) (each, a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided , that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Agents and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.  Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided , that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 10.01 that directly affects such Participant.  Subject to Section 10.07(e) , the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01 , 3.04 and 3.05 (subject to the requirements and the limitations of such Sections, including Section 3.01(c) ; it being understood that the documentation required under Section 3.01(c) shall be delivered solely to the Lender who sells the participation ) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 10.07(b) .  To the extent permitted by law, each participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.09 as though it were a Lender; provided , such participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender.  Each Lender that sells participations to a participant, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain a register of all such participants, provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the participant register to any Person (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans or its other obligations under any Loan Document) except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Commitment, Loan or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the Treasury regulations.  The entries in the participant register shall be conclusive (absent manifest error), and the Borrower and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the participant register pursuant to the terms hereof as a participant for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.

 

(e)                                   A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01 , 3.04 or 3.05 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless such entitlement to a greater payment results from a change in any Law after the sale of the participation takes place.

 

(f)                                    Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank or any central bank having jurisdiction over such Lender; provided , that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

(g)                                   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “ Granting Lender ”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (an “ SPC ”) the option to provide all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make pursuant to this Agreement; provided , that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to fund any Loan, and (ii) if an SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to make all or any part of such Loan,

 

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the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof or, if it fails to do so, to make such payment to the Administrative Agent as is required under Section 2.12(b) .  Each party hereto hereby agrees that an SPC shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01 , 3.04 and 3.05 (subject to the requirements and the limitations of such Sections, including the obligations to provide the forms and certifications pursuant to Section 3.01(c)  as if it were a Lender); provided , that neither the grant to any SPC nor the exercise by any SPC of such option shall increase the costs or expenses or otherwise increase or change the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement (including its obligations under Section 3.01 , 3.04 or 3.05 ) unless such increase or change results from a change in any Law after the grant was made.  Each party hereto further agrees that (i) no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would be liable, and (ii) the Granting Lender shall for all purposes, including the approval of any amendment, waiver or other modification of any provision of any Loan Document, remain the lender of record hereunder.  The making of a Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such Granting Lender.  In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior debt of any SPC, it will not, other than in respect of matters unrelated to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, such SPC any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, or liquidation proceeding under the laws of the United States or any State thereof.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without prior consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and with the payment of a processing fee of $3,500, assign all or any portion of its rights hereunder with respect to any Loan to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its funding of Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety or Guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC.

 

(h)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender that is a Fund may create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it to the trustee for holders of obligations owed, or securities issued, by such Fund as security for such obligations or securities; provided , that unless and until such trustee actually becomes a Lender in compliance with the other provisions of this Section 10.07 , (i) no such pledge shall release the pledging Lender from any of its obligations under the Loan Documents, and (ii) such trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a Lender under the Loan Documents even though such trustee may have acquired ownership rights with respect to the pledged interest through foreclosure or otherwise.

 

(i)                                      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender may assign all or any portion of its Term Loans, Specified Refinancing Term Loans and New Term Loans hereunder to any Affiliate Lender (including any Debt Fund Affiliate), but only if:

 

(i)                   such assignment is made pursuant to an open market purchase;

 

(ii)                the assigning Lender and Affiliate Lender purchasing such Lender’s Term Loans, Specified Refinancing Term Loans or New Term Loans, as applicable, shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an assignment agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C-2 hereto (an “ Affiliate Lender Assignment and Assumption ”) in lieu of an Assignment and Assumption or with respect to the Specified Investor, an Assignment and Assumption; and

 

(iii)             after giving effect to such assignment, Affiliate Lenders (other than Debt Fund Affiliates) shall not, in the aggregate, own or hold Term Loans, Specified Refinancing Term Loans and New Term Loans with an aggregate principal amount in excess of 25% of the principal amount of all Loans then outstanding.

 

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(j)                                     Notwithstanding anything in Section 10.01 or the definition of “Required Lenders” to the contrary, for purposes of determining whether the Required Lenders have (i) consented (or not consented) to any amendment, modification, waiver, consent or other action with respect to any of the terms of any Loan Document or any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, (ii) otherwise acted on any matter related to any Loan Document, or (iii) directed or required the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) with respect to or under any Loan Document:

 

(x)                                  all Loans held by any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall be deemed to be not outstanding for all purposes of calculating whether the Required Lenders have taken any actions; and

 

(y)                                  all Loans held by Debt Fund Affiliates may not account for more than 49.9% of the Loans of consenting Lenders included in determining whether the Required Lenders have consented to any action pursuant to Section 10.01 .

 

Additionally, the Loan Parties and each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate hereby agree that if a case under Title 11 of the United States Code is commenced against any Loan Party, such Loan Party shall seek (and each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall consent) to provide that the vote of any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate (in its capacity as a Lender) with respect to any plan of reorganization of such Loan Party shall not be counted except that such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate’s vote (in its capacity as a Lender) may be counted to the extent any such plan of reorganization proposes to treat the Obligations held by such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate in a manner that is less favorable to such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate than the proposed treatment of similar Obligations held by Lenders that are not Affiliates of the Borrower.  Each Non-Debt Fund Affiliate hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent (such appointment being coupled with an interest) as such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate’s attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate and in the name of such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate (solely in respect of Loans and participations therein and not in respect of any other claim or status such Non-Debt Fund Affiliate may otherwise have), from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s discretion to take any action and to execute any instrument that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this paragraph.

 

(k)                                  Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Lender may assign all or a portion of its Loans to any Non-Debt Fund Affiliate or Purchasing Borrower Party in accordance with Section 10.07(b) ; provided that:

 

(A)                                the assigning Lender and Non-Debt Fund Affiliate or Purchasing Borrower Party purchasing such Lender’s Loans, as applicable, shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Affiliate Lender Assignment and Assumption in lieu of an Assignment and Assumption;

 

(B)                                such assignment, if made to a Purchasing Borrower Party, is made pursuant to a Dutch Auction in accordance with Section 2.05(c)  open to all Lenders, Specified Refinancing Term Loan Lenders or New Term Lenders on a pro rata basis;

 

(C)                                any Loans assigned to any Purchasing Borrower Party shall be automatically and permanently cancelled for upon the effectiveness of such assignment and will thereafter no longer be outstanding for any purpose hereunder; and

 

(D)                                no Loan may be assigned to a Non-Debt Fund Affiliates pursuant to this Section 10.07(k) , if after giving effect to such assignment, Non-Debt Fund Affiliates in the aggregate would own in excess of 25% of all Loans then outstanding.

 

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(l)                                      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no Affiliate Lender (other than any Debt - Fund Affiliate) shall have any right to (i) attend (including by telephone) any meeting or discussions (or portion thereof) among the Administrative Agent or any Lender to which representatives of the Borrower are not then present, (ii) receive any information or material prepared by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any communication by or among Administrative Agent and one or more Lenders, except to the extent such information or materials have been made available to the Borrower or its representatives (and in any case, other than the right to receive notices of prepayments and other administrative notices in respect of its Loans required to be delivered to Lenders pursuant to Article II ), or (iii) make or bring (or participate in, other than as a passive participant in or recipient of its pro rata benefits of) any claim, in its capacity as a Lender, against Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any other Lender with respect to any duties or obligations or alleged duties or obligations of such Agent or any other such Lender under the Loan Documents.

 

(m)                              The applicable Lender, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower (solely for tax purposes), shall maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of (i) each SPC (other than any SPC that is treated as a disregarded entity of the Granting Lender for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that has exercised its option pursuant to Section 10.07(g)  and (ii) each Participant, and the amount of each such SPC’s and Participant’s interest in such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (the “ Participant Register ”).  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 the applicable rights and/or obligations of such Lender under this Agreement.

 

(n)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event shall any Lender assign or sell any participation to any Disqualified Lender.

 

10.08                  Confidentiality .  Each of the Agents and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information, except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors, and other Affiliates (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 customary practices); (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over such Agent, Lender or its respective Affiliates or in connection with any pledge or assignment permitted under Section 10.07(f) ; (c) in any legal, judicial, administrative proceeding or other compulsory process or otherwise as required by applicable Laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process (in which case, such Agent or Lender agrees to inform the Borrower promptly thereof prior to such disclosure to the extent not prohibited by law, rule or regulation); (d) to any other party to this Agreement; (e) 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; (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section 10.08 (or as may otherwise be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower), to any Eligible Assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective Eligible Assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement; (g) with the written consent of the Borrower; (h) to the extent such Information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08 ; (i) to any state, Federal or foreign authority or examiner (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any other similar organization) regulating any Lender; or (j) to any rating agency when required by it (it being understood that, prior to any such disclosure, such rating agency shall undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any Information relating to the Loan Parties received by it from such Lender).  In addition, the Agents and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry, and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration and management of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the Commitments, and the Credit Extensions.  For the purposes of this Section 10.08 ,

 

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Information ” means all information received from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof relating to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof relating to any Loan Party or its business, other than any such information that is publicly available to any Agent or any Lender prior to disclosure by any Loan Party other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08 ; provided , that, in the case of information received from a Loan Party after the Closing Date, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential or is delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 , 6.02 , or 6.03 hereof and is not publicly available.  Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section 10.08 shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

 

Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders acknowledges that (i) the Information may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower, Holdings or a Subsidiary of either, as the case may be, (ii) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and (iii) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws.

 

10.09                  Setoff .  In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Secured Party is authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to the Borrower or any other Loan Party, any such notice being waived by the Borrower (on its own behalf and on behalf of each Loan Party) to the fullest extent permitted by Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final), other than deposits in fiduciary accounts as to which a Loan Party is acting as fiduciary for another Person who is not a Loan Party, at any time held by, and other Indebtedness at any time owing by, such Lender to or for the credit or the account of the respective Loan Parties against any and all Obligations owing to such Secured Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document, as of the Closing Date or thereafter existing, irrespective of whether or not such Agent or such Lender shall have made demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or denominated in a currency different from that of the applicable deposit or Indebtedness.  Each Secured Party agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and each of the Agents after any such set-off and application made by such Secured Party; provided , however , that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application; provided , further , that to the extent prohibited by applicable law as described in the definition of “Excluded Swap Obligation,” no amounts received from, or set off with respect to any Guarantor shall be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor.  The rights of any Agent and each Secured Party under this Section 10.09 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of setoff) that any Agent and such Secured Party may have.  Notwithstanding anything herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, in no event shall the assets of any Foreign Subsidiary constitute security, or shall the proceeds of such assets be available for, payment of the Obligations of the Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary, it being understood that (a) the Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is directly owned by a Domestic Subsidiary does not constitute such an asset (and may be pledged to the extent set forth in Section 6.10 ) and (b) the provisions hereof shall not limit, reduce or otherwise diminish in any respect the Borrower’s obligations to make any mandatory prepayment pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(ii) .

 

10.10                  Interest Rate Limitation .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “ Maximum Rate ”).  If any Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower.  In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by an Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment

 

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that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

 

10.11                  Counterparts .  This Agreement and each other Loan Document may be executed in one or more counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Delivery by telecopier or other electronic transmission of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement and each other Loan Document shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement and such other Loan Document.  The Agents may also require that any such documents and signatures delivered by telecopier or other electronic transmission be confirmed by a manually-signed original thereof; provided , that the failure to request or deliver the same shall not limit the effectiveness of any document or signature delivered by telecopier or other electronic transmission.

 

10.12                  Integration; Effectiveness .  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.  In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of any other Loan Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall control; provided, that the inclusion of supplemental rights or remedies in favor of the Agents or the Lenders in any other Loan Document shall not be deemed a conflict with this Agreement.  Each Loan Document was drafted with the joint participation of the respective parties thereto and shall be construed neither against nor in favor of any party, but rather in accordance with the fair meaning thereof.

 

10.13                  Survival of Representations and Warranties .  All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof.  Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by each Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by any Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that any Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied.

 

10.14                  Severability .  If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby.  The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

10.15                  [ Reserved ].

 

10.16                  Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc .

 

(a)                                  GOVERNING LAW .  THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

(b)                                  SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION .  EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY AND OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT

 

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OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE ANY AWARD OR JUDGMENT OR EXERCISE ANY RIGHT UNDER THE COLLATERAL DOCUMENTS AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR ANY OTHER PROPERTY OF ANY LOAN PARTY IN ANY OTHER FORUM IN WHICH JURISDICTION CAN BE ESTABLISHED.

 

(c)                                   WAIVER OF VENUE .  EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY HAVE ON THE CLOSING DATE OR THEREAFTER TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.16 .  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

 

(d)                                  SERVICE OF PROCESS .  EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 10.02 .  NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

10.17                  WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY .  EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER EXISTING AS OF THE CLOSING DATE OR THEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 10.17 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

 

10.18                  Binding Effect .  When this Agreement shall have become effective in accordance with Section 10.12 , it shall thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, each Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders except as permitted by Section 7.04 .

 

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10.19                  No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility .  In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), each of the Borrower and Holdings acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges and agrees that it has informed its other Affiliates, that: (i) (A) no fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship between any of the Borrower, Holdings and their respective Subsidiaries and any Agent or Arranger is intended to be or has been created in respect of any of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents, irrespective of whether any Agent or Arranger has advised or is advising any of the Borrower, Holdings and their respective Subsidiaries on other matters, (B) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Agents and the Arrangers are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrower, Holdings and their respective Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Agents and the Arrangers, on the other hand, (C) each of the Borrower and Holdings has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (D) each of the Borrower and Holdings is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii) (A) the Agents and the Arrangers each is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as may otherwise be expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Borrower, Holdings or any of their respective Affiliates, or any other Person and (B) neither any Agent nor any Arranger has any obligation to the Borrower, Holdings or any of their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) the Agents and the Arrangers and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower, Holdings and their respective Affiliates, and neither any Agent nor any Arranger has any obligation to disclose any of such interests and transactions to the Borrower, Holdings or any of their respective Affiliates.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, each of the Borrower and Holdings hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Agents and the Arrangers with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.

 

10.20                  Affiliate Activities .  Each of the Borrower and Holdings acknowledge that each Agent and each Arranger (and their respective Affiliates) is a full service securities firm engaged, either directly or through affiliates, in various activities, including securities trading, investment banking and financial advisory, investment management, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities and financial planning and benefits counseling for both companies and individuals.  In the ordinary course of these activities, it may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and/or financial instruments (including bank loans) for its own account and for the accounts of its customers and may at any time hold long and short positions in such securities and/or instruments.  Such investment and other activities may involve securities and instruments of the Borrower, Holdings and their respective affiliates, as well as of other entities and persons and their Affiliates which may (i) be involved in transactions arising from or relating to the engagement contemplated hereby and by the other Loan documents (ii) be customers or competitors of the Borrower, Holdings and their respective Affiliates, or (iii) have other relationships with the Borrower, Holdings and their respective Affiliates.  In addition, it may provide investment banking, underwriting and financial advisory services to such other entities and persons.  It may also co-invest with, make direct investments in, and invest or co-invest client monies in or with funds or other investment vehicles managed by other parties, and such funds or other investment vehicles may trade or make investments in securities of the Borrower, Holdings and their respective Affiliates or such other entities.  The transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents may have a direct or indirect impact on the investments, securities or instruments referred to in this paragraph.

 

10.21                  Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents .  The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption or in any

 

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amendment or other modification hereof (including waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

 

10.22                  USA PATRIOT ACT .  Each Lender that is subject to the PATRIOT Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (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 or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify each Loan Party in accordance with the PATRIOT Act.  The Borrower shall, promptly following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent or such Lender requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” an anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the PATRIOT Act.

 

10.23                  Intercreditor Agreement .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Lien and security interest granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to any Loan Document and the exercise of any right or remedy in respect of the Collateral by the Administrative Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, this Agreement and any other Loan Document, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control with respect to any right or remedy.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all rights and remedies with respect to the Collateral of the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (and the Secured Parties) shall be subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, and no Loan Party shall be required hereunder or under any Loan Document to take any action with respect to the Collateral that is inconsistent with the Intercreditor Agreement.  The Administrative Agent may not require any Loan Party to take any action with respect to the creation, perfection or priority of its security interest, whether pursuant to the express terms hereof or of any other Loan Document or pursuant to the further assurance provisions hereof or any other Loan Document, to the extent that such action would be violative of the Intercreditor Agreement.  So long as the ABL Credit Agreement is outstanding, the delivery of any ABL Collateral to the collateral agent under the ABL Credit Agreement pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement shall satisfy any delivery requirement hereunder or under any other Loan Document with respect to ABL Collateral to the extent that such delivery is consistent with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]

 

10.24                  Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions.   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent that such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

 

(a)                                  the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and

 

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(b)                                  the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

 

(i)                                      a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

 

(ii)                                   a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent entity, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

 

(iii)                                the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Credit Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

 

COOPER-STANDARD HOLDINGS INC.

 

 

 

CS INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO 2 LLC

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

[GUARANTORS]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

S- 1



 

 

DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, as
Administrative Agent and Lender

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

S- 2



 

EXHIBIT  B

 

Amended and Restated Schedules

 

[See Attached]

 



 

Schedule I

 

Guarantors

 

Guarantor

 

Jurisdiction of Organization

Cooper-Standard Automotive Fluid Systems
Mexico Holding LLC

 

Delaware

Cooper-Standard Automotive NC L.L.C.

 

North Carolina

Cooper-Standard Automotive OH, LLC

 

Ohio

CSA Services Inc.

 

Ohio

NISCO Holding Company

 

Delaware

Cooper-Standard FHS LLC

 

Delaware

Cooper-Standard Canada Holdings LLC

 

Delaware