UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 8-K

 


 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): April 18, 2017

 


 

Tennant Company

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 


 

Minnesota

 

1-16191

 

41-0572550

(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)

 

(Commission
File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

701 N. Lilac Drive, P.O. Box 1452

 

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

55440

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code (763) 540-1200

 

 

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 


 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o             Written communication 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 communication pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

Emerging growth company o

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

 

 

 



 

Item 1.01  Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025

 

On April 18, 2017, Tennant Company (the “Company”) issued and sold $300,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”), pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of April 18, 2017 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, the Guarantors (as defined therein), and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association, as trustee.  The Notes are guaranteed by Tennant Coatings, Inc. and Tennant Sales and Service Company (collectively, the “Guarantors”), which are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.  The Notes were sold pursuant to a Purchase Agreement, dated April 12, 2017, among the Company, the Guarantors and Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representatives of the several purchasers named therein.

 

The Notes will mature on May 1, 2025.  Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate of 5.625% per annum and will be payable semiannually in cash on each May 1 and November 1, commencing on November 1, 2017.

 

The Notes and the guarantees will constitute senior unsecured obligations of the Company and the Guarantors, respectively.  The Notes and the guarantees, respectively, will be: (a) equal in right of payment with all of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ senior debt, without giving effect to collateral arrangements; (b) senior in right of payment to all of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ future subordinated debt, if any; (c) effectively subordinated in right of payment to all of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ debt and obligations that are secured, including borrowings under the Company’s senior secured credit facilities for so long as the senior secured credit facilities are secured, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such liens; and (d) structurally subordinated in right of payment to all liabilities (including trade payables) of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Notes.

 

On or after May 1, 2020, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at specified redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.  In addition, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at any time and from time to time before May 1, 2020, with an amount up to the net proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 105.625% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.  The Company may also redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time before May 1, 2020 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, plus a ‘‘make-whole’’ premium.

 

If the Company experiences certain kinds of changes of control, it may be required to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase.  If the Company makes certain asset sales and does not use the net proceeds for specified purposes, it may be required to offer to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase.

 

The Indenture governing the Notes contains covenants that limit, among other things, the Company’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to: (a) incur additional indebtedness (including guarantees thereof); (b) incur or create liens on their assets securing indebtedness; (c) make certain

 

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restricted payments; (d) make certain investments; (e) dispose of certain assets; (f) allow to exist certain restrictions on the ability of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments to the Company; (g) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and (h) consolidate or merge with or into other companies.

 

The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

The Company used the net proceeds from this offering to refinance a term loan that was borrowed by it as part of the financing for the acquisition of IP Cleaning S.p.A. and to pay related fees and expenses.

 

The foregoing summary of the Notes does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Indenture (which includes the form of notes) filed as Exhibit 4.1 hereto, which is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Registration Rights Agreement

 

In connection with the issuance and sale of the Notes, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 18, 2017, among the Company, the Guarantors and Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (the “Registration Rights Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company agreed (1) to use its commercially reasonable efforts to consummate an exchange offer to exchange the Notes for new registered notes (the “exchange notes”), with terms substantially identical in all material respects with the Notes (except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to additional interest, registration rights or transfer restrictions) and (2) if required, to have a shelf registration statement declared effective with respect to resales of the Notes.  If the Company fails to satisfy its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, it will be required to pay additional interest to the holders of the Notes under certain circumstances.

 

The foregoing summary of the Registration Rights Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Registration Rights Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.2 hereto, which is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Certain Relationships

 

The initial purchasers of the Notes are full-service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities.  The initial purchasers and their respective affiliates have in the past performed commercial banking, investment banking and advisory services for the Company from time to time for which they have received customary fees and reimbursement of expenses and may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for the Company in the ordinary course of their business for which they may receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses.  Affiliates of certain of the initial purchasers are lenders under the Company’s senior secured credit facilities and will receive a portion of the proceeds from the offering.  In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the initial purchasers and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (which may include bank

 

3



 

loans and/or credit default swaps) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may at any time hold long and short positions in such securities and instruments.  Such investment and securities activities may involve the Company’s securities and instruments and those of its affiliates.  Affiliates of certain of the initial purchasers have also provided the Company with certain finance commitments in connection with the execution of the acquisition of IP Cleaning S.p.A., for which they have received or will receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses.  Goldman, Sachs & Co. acted as financial advisor to the Company in connection with the acquisition, for which it has received customary fees.

 

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

 

The information described above under “Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement” is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.  The following exhibits are filed herewith:

 

4.1                                Indenture dated as of April 18, 2017.

 

4.2                                Registration Rights Agreement dated April 18, 2017

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

TENNANT COMPANY

 

 

Date: April 24, 2017

/s/ Thomas Paulson

 

Thomas Paulson

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

4


Exhibit 4.1

 

Execution Version

 

 

 

TENNANT COMPANY

 

AND EACH OF THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO

 

5.625% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2025

 


 

INDENTURE

 

DATED AS OF APRIL 18, 2017

 


 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

TRUSTEE

 


 

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

1

Section 1.01

Definitions

1

Section 1.02

Other Definitions

22

Section 1.03

Rules of Construction

23

Section 1.04

Incorporation by Reference of the TIA

24

 

 

 

ARTICLE 2 THE NOTES

24

Section 2.01

Form and Dating

24

Section 2.02

Execution and Authentication

25

Section 2.03

Registrar and Paying Agent

25

Section 2.04

Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust

26

Section 2.05

Holder Lists

26

Section 2.06

Transfer and Exchange

26

Section 2.07

Replacement Notes

38

Section 2.08

Outstanding Notes

38

Section 2.09

Treasury Notes

38

Section 2.10

Temporary Notes

38

Section 2.11

Cancellation

39

Section 2.12

Defaulted Interest

39

Section 2.13

Issuance of Additional Notes

39

 

 

 

ARTICLE 3 REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

40

Section 3.01

Notices to Trustee

40

Section 3.02

Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased

40

Section 3.03

Notice of Redemption

40

Section 3.04

Effect of Notice of Redemption

41

Section 3.05

Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price

41

Section 3.06

Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part

42

Section 3.07

Optional Redemption.

42

Section 3.08

Mandatory Redemption

43

 

 

 

ARTICLE 4 COVENANTS

43

Section 4.01

Payment of Notes

43

Section 4.02

Maintenance of Office or Agency

43

Section 4.03

Reports to Holders

44

Section 4.04

Compliance Certificate

45

Section 4.05

Taxes

45

Section 4.06

Stay, Extension and Usury Laws

46

Section 4.07

Restricted Payments

46

Section 4.08

Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

49

Section 4.09

Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness

51

Section 4.10

Asset Sales

54

Section 4.11

Transactions with Affiliates

56

Section 4.12

Liens

58

Section 4.13

Conduct of Business

59

Section 4.14

Corporate Existence

59

Section 4.15

Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control

59

Section 4.16

[Reserved]

61

Section 4.17

Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries

61

Section 4.18

Additional Subsidiary Note Guarantees

61

Section 4.19

Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries

61

 

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Section 4.20

Changes in Covenants When Notes Rated Investment Grade

62

 

 

 

ARTICLE 5 SUCCESSORS

63

Section 5.01

Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets

63

Section 5.02

Successor Corporation Substituted

64

 

 

 

ARTICLE 6 DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

65

Section 6.01

Events of Default

65

Section 6.02

Acceleration

66

Section 6.03

Other Remedies

67

Section 6.04

Waiver of Past Defaults

67

Section 6.05

Control by Majority

67

Section 6.06

Limitation on Suits

67

Section 6.07

Rights of Holders to Receive Payment

68

Section 6.08

Collection Suit by Trustee

68

Section 6.09

Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

68

Section 6.10

Priorities

69

Section 6.11

Undertaking for Costs.

69

 

 

 

ARTICLE 7 TRUSTEE

69

Section 7.01

Duties of Trustee

69

Section 7.02

Rights of Trustee

70

Section 7.03

Individual Rights of Trustee

72

Section 7.04

Trustee’s Disclaimer

72

Section 7.05

Notice of Defaults

72

Section 7.06

Reports by Trustee to Holders

72

Section 7.07

Compensation and Indemnity

72

Section 7.08

Replacement of Trustee

73

Section 7.09

Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.

74

Section 7.10

Eligibility; Disqualification

74

 

 

 

ARTICLE 8 LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

74

Section 8.01

Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance

74

Section 8.02

Legal Defeasance and Discharge

74

Section 8.03

Covenant Defeasance

75

Section 8.04

Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance

75

Section 8.05

Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions

76

Section 8.06

Repayment to Company

77

Section 8.07

Reinstatement

77

 

 

 

ARTICLE 9 AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

77

Section 9.01

Without Consent of Holders

77

Section 9.02

With Consent of Holders

78

Section 9.03

Revocation and Effect of Consents

80

Section 9.04

Notation on or Exchange of Notes

80

Section 9.05

Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.

80

Section 9.06

Conformity with the TIA

80

 

 

 

ARTICLE 10 NOTE GUARANTEES

80

Section 10.01

Guarantee

80

Section 10.02

Limitation on Guarantor Liability

81

Section 10.03

Execution and Delivery of Supplemental Indenture

81

Section 10.04

Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms

82

Section 10.05

Releases

83

 

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ARTICLE 11 SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

83

Section 11.01

Satisfaction and Discharge

83

Section 11.02

Application of Trust Money

84

 

 

 

ARTICLE 12 MISCELLANEOUS

85

Section 12.01

[RESERVED]

85

Section 12.02

Notices

85

Section 12.03

Communication by Holders with Other Holders

86

Section 12.04

Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent

86

Section 12.05

Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion

86

Section 12.06

Rules by Trustee and Agents

87

Section 12.07

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

87

Section 12.08

Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Trial by Jury

87

Section 12.09

No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements

87

Section 12.10

Successors

88

Section 12.11

Severability

88

Section 12.12

Counterpart Originals

88

Section 12.13

Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

88

Section 12.14

USA PATRIOT Act

88

Section 12.15

[Reserved]

88

Section 12.16

Communications by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes

88

Section 12.17

TIA Controls

88

Section 12.18

Tax Withholding

88

 

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EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A                                              FORM OF NOTE

 

Exhibit B                                              FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

 

Exhibit C                                              FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

 

Exhibit D                                              FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR

 

Exhibit E                                               FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

 

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CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

 

 

TIA Sections

 

Indenture Sections

 

 

 

Section 310

(a)(1)

 

7.10

 

(a)(2)

 

 

 

(a)(5)

 

7.10

 

(b)

 

7.03; 7.08

Section 311

 

 

7.03

Section 312

(a)

 

2.05

 

(b)

 

12.16

 

(c)

 

12.16

Section 313

(a)

 

7.06

 

(b)

 

7.06

 

(c)

 

7.05; 7.06

 

(d)

 

7.06

Section 314

(a)

 

4.03

 

(a)(4)

 

4.04

 

(b)

 

N/A

 

(c)(1)

 

12.04

 

(c)(2)

 

12.04

 

(d)

 

N/A

 

(e)

 

12.05

Section 315

(a)

 

7.01(b)

 

(b)

 

7.05

 

(c)

 

7.01(a)

 

(d)

 

7.01(c)

 

(e)

 

6.11

Section 316

(a)

 

2.09

 

(a)(1)(A)

 

6.05

 

(a)(1)(B)

 

6.04

 

(b)

 

6.07

 

(c)

 

12.02

Section 317

(a)(1)

 

6.08

 

(a)(2)

 

6.09

 

(b)

 

2.04

Section 318

(a)

 

12.17

 

(c)

 

12.17

 

Note:                               The Cross-Reference Table shall not for any purpose be deemed to be a part of this Indenture.

 

ii



 

INDENTURE dated as of April 18, 2017 among Tennant Company, a Minnesota corporation, the Guarantors (as defined herein), and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association, as trustee.

 

The Company (as defined herein), the Guarantors and the Trustee (as defined herein) agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) of the 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “ Notes ”):

 

ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE

 

Section 1.01                              Definitions.

 

144A Global Note ” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.

 

Acquired Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness of a Person or any of its Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or at the time it merges or consolidates with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or that is assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person and in each case not incurred by such Person in connection with, or in anticipation or contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or such acquisition, merger or consolidation.

 

Acquisition ” means the acquisition of IPC and its subsidiaries pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

 

Additional Interest ” means all additional interest then owing pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Additional Notes ” means Notes (other than the Initial Notes) issued under this Indenture in accordance with Sections 2.13 and 4.09 hereof, as part of the same series as the Initial Notes, and other than Exchange Notes issued pursuant to an Exchange Offer for other Notes outstanding under this Indenture.

 

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person.  The term “control,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative of the foregoing.

 

Agent ” means any Registrar, co-registrar, Custodian, Paying Agent or additional paying agent.

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger ” means the Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2017, among Tennant Company, Ambienta SGR S.p.A., Federico De Angelis, Pietro Corsano Annibaldi, Antonio Perosa and Giulio Vernazza.

 

Applicable Calculation Date ” means the applicable date of the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Consolidated Debt Ratio and Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio.

 

Applicable Measurement Period ” means the most recently completed four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company immediately preceding the Applicable Calculation Date for which internal financial statements are available.

 



 

Applicable Premium ” means, with respect to a Note at any redemption date, the greater of (1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note and (2) the excess of (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of such Note on May 1, 2020 (such redemption price being that described in Section 3.07(b) hereof) plus (ii) all required remaining scheduled interest payments due on such Note through May 1, 2020, computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate (as defined below) plus 50 basis points; over (b) the then principal amount of such Note on such redemption date.  Calculation of the Applicable Premium will be made by the Company or on behalf of the Company by such Person as the Company shall designate; provided , however , that such calculation, or determination of the Treasury Rate referenced below, shall not be a duty or obligation of the Trustee.

 

Applicable Procedures ” means, with respect to any payment, redemption, tender,  transfer or exchange of or for beneficial interests in any Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and/or Clearstream that apply to such payment, redemption, tender, transfer or exchange.

 

Asset Acquisition ” means (1) an Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any other Person pursuant to which such Person shall become a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, or shall be merged with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, or (2) the acquisition by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of the assets of any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) that constitute all or substantially all of the assets of such Person or comprises any division or line of business of such Person or any other properties or assets of such Person other than in the ordinary course of business.

 

Asset Sale ” means any direct or indirect sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease, assignment or other transfer for value by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including any Sale and Leaseback Transaction) to any Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of:  (1) any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals as required under applicable law); or (2) any other property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company other than in the ordinary course of business; provided , however , that Asset Sales or other dispositions shall not include:

 

(a)                                  [reserved];

 

(b)                                  the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company as permitted under Section 5.01 hereof;

 

(c)                                   the sale or other disposition of inventory in the ordinary course of business;

 

(d)                                  the sale or discount, in each case without recourse, of accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business, but only in connection with the compromise or collection thereof;

 

(e)                                   disposals or replacements of obsolete, worn-out or no longer useful equipment or machinery in the ordinary course of business;

 

(f)                                    the sale or other disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents;

 

(g)                                   any Restricted Payment that is not prohibited by Section 4.07 or any Restricted Payment that constitutes a Permitted Investment or foreclosures, condemnation, expropriation, forced dispositions or any similar action with respect to assets or the granting of any Permitted Lien;

 

(h)                                  the abandonment of Intellectual Property Rights no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

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(i)                                      licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases granted to others (including licenses of Intellectual Property Rights), and terminations thereof not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

 

(j)                                     Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are reasonably promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;

 

(k)                                  the surrender or waiver of contractual rights and settlement or waiver of contractual or litigation claims by the Company or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

 

(l)                                      the unwinding of any Interest Swap Obligation or Currency Agreements pursuant to its terms;

 

(m)                              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;

 

(n)                                  Dispositions of property or assets subject to a Recovery Event;

 

(o)                                  Dispositions made in connection with the consummation of the Acquisition that are necessary or advisable to comply with applicable law or to avoid any impediment to the consummation of the Acquisition under any applicable law; and

 

(p)                                  the disposition of property or assets for an aggregate fair market value not to exceed 10.0% of Consolidated Total Assets in any calendar year.

 

Bankruptcy Law ” means Title 11, U.S. Code and any other applicable insolvency, corporate arrangement or restructuring or other similar law of any jurisdiction including any law of any jurisdiction permitting a debtor to obtain a stay or a compromise of the claims of its creditors against it.

 

Beneficial Holders ” means any person who holds a beneficial interest in Notes as shown on the books of the Depositary or a participant of such Depositary.

 

Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only after the passage of time.  The terms “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” have a corresponding meaning.

 

Board of Directors ” means, as to any Person, the board of directors of such Person or any duly authorized committee thereof or, with respect to any Person that is not a corporation, the Person or Persons performing corresponding functions.

 

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

 

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which the Trustee or commercial banks are authorized to close under the laws of, or are in fact closed in, the State of New York or the place of payment.

 

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Capital Markets Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness consisting of bonds, debentures, notes or other similar debt securities issued in (a) a public offering registered under the Securities Act, (b) a private placement to institutional investors that is resold in accordance with Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act, whether or not it includes registration rights entitling the holders of such debt securities to registration thereof with the SEC or (c) a private placement to institutional accredited investors.

 

Capital Stock ” means:

 

(1)                                  with respect to any Person that is a corporation, any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated and whether or not voting) of corporate stock, including each class of Common Stock and Preferred Stock of such Person; and

 

(2)                                  with respect to any Person that is not a corporation, any and all partnership, membership or other equity interests of such Person.

 

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

 

Cash Equivalents ” means:

 

(1)                                  United States dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, British Pounds or any national currency of any participating member state of the European Union or such local currencies held by the Company and its Subsidiaries from time to time in the ordinary course of business;

 

(2)                                  marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States;

 

(3)                                  marketable direct obligations issued by any agency of the United States and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(4)                                  marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either S&P or Moody’s (or, in each case, if such Rating Agency ceases to rate such securities, from any Rating Agency selected by the Company as a replacement Rating Agency);

 

(5)                                  commercial paper or corporate bonds maturing no more than one year from the date of creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a rating of at least A-2 from S&P or at least P-2 from Moody’s (or, in each case, if such Rating Agency ceases to rate such securities, the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any Rating Agency selected by the Company as a replacement Rating Agency);

 

(6)                                  certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued by any bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or any U.S. branch of a foreign bank having at the date of acquisition thereof combined capital and surplus of not less than $250.0 million;

 

(7)                                  repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (2) above entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (6) above;

 

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(8)                                  securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by any state of the United States of America or any agency, subdivision or instrumentality thereof (and that at the time of acquisition have an investment grade rating from S&P or Moody’s (or, in each case, if such Rating Agency ceases to rate such securities, the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any Rating Agency selected by the Company as a replacement Rating Agency)) having maturities of not more than two years after the date of acquisition;

 

(9)                                  marketable short term money market and similar securities having the highest rating obtainable from S&P or Moody’s (or, in each case, if such Rating Agency ceases to rate such securities, any Rating Agency selected by the Company as a replacement Rating Agency) at the time of acquisition and in each case maturing within two years after the date of acquisition;

 

(10)                           Investments in money market funds that invest substantially all their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (9) above; and

 

(11)                           Foreign Cash Equivalents.

 

Change of Control ” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events:

 

(1)                                  any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person or group of related Persons for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (a “ Group ”), together with any Affiliates thereof (whether or not otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this Indenture);

 

(2)                                  the approval by the holders of Capital Stock of the Company of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company (whether or not otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this Indenture); or

 

(3)                                  any Person or Group shall become the owner, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, of shares representing more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Capital Stock of the Company.

 

Clearstream ” means Clearstream Banking, S.A.  or any successor securities clearing agency.

 

Code ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder.

 

Common Stock ” of any Person means any and all shares, interests or other participations in, and other equivalents (however designated and whether voting or non-voting) of such Person’s common stock, and includes, without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.

 

Company ” means Tennant Company, a Minnesota corporation, and any and all successors thereto.

 

Consolidated Debt Ratio ” as of any date of determination means, the ratio of (1) Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the Applicable Measurement Period to (2) the Company’s Consolidated EBITDA for the Applicable Measurement Period, in each case with such pro forma adjustments to Consolidated Total Indebtedness and Consolidated EBITDA as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of “Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.”

 

Consolidated EBITDA ” means, for any period, for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, an amount equal to Consolidated Net Income plus, without duplication and to the extent deducted from revenues in determining Consolidated Net Income, (i) Consolidated Interest Expense, (ii) expense for taxes paid or accrued, (iii) depreciation, (iv) amortization, (v) demonstrable cost savings and cost synergies (in each case,

 

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net of continued associated expenses) relating to the Acquisition that, as of the date of calculation with respect to such period, are anticipated by the Company in good faith to be realized within 18 months following the Acquisition, net of the amount of any such cost savings and cost synergies otherwise included, or added back, pursuant to this definition, provided that (a) such cost savings and cost synergies shall be set forth on a certificate delivered to the Trustee from the Company’s chief financial officer that outlines the specific actions taken or to be taken and the net cost savings and cost synergies achieved or to be achieved from each such action and (b) if any cost savings or cost synergies included in any pro forma calculations based on the anticipation that such cost synergies or cost savings will be achieved by such date shall at any time cease to be reasonably anticipated by the Company to be so achieved, then on and after such time pro forma calculations required to be made under this Indenture shall not reflect such cost synergies or cost savings, all determined in accordance with GAAP for such period; provided, further that the aggregate amount of such cost savings and cost synergies under this clause (v) in any four fiscal quarter period shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of Consolidated EBITDA for such four fiscal quarter period (calculated before giving effect to any addbacks and adjustments in this clause (v)), (vi) one-time non-recurring fees, expenses, costs and charges incurred or paid by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary prior to the closing of, or during the 18 month period immediately following the closing of the Acquisition arising in respect of the Acquisition, net of the amount of any such fees, expenses, costs and charges otherwise included, or added back, pursuant to this definition, provided that the aggregate amount of such fees, expenses, costs and charges under this clause (vi) shall not exceed $25.0 million, (vii) all unusual, nonrecurring or extraordinary non-cash losses, charges or expenses for such period (including to the extent related to impairment of goodwill and including the amortization of the inventory step-up acquired in the Acquisition pursuant to purchase accounting), (viii) cash restructuring charges of not more than $7.5 million for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters and (ix) non-cash expenses related to stock based compensation, minus , to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income, (x) interest income and (y) all unusual, nonrecurring or extraordinary non-cash gains and income, all calculated for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis.

 

Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio ” means, with respect to any Person, the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA of such Person during the Applicable Measurement Period to Consolidated Fixed Charges for the Applicable Measurement Period.

 

In addition to and without limitation of the foregoing, 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:

 

(1)                                  the incurrence or repayment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and the application of the proceeds thereof) giving rise to the need to make such calculation and any incurrence or repayment of other Indebtedness (and the application of the proceeds thereof), other than the incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes pursuant to working capital facilities, occurring during the Applicable Measurement Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of the Applicable Measurement Period and on or prior to the Applicable Calculation Date, as if such incurrence or repayment, as the case may be (and the application of the proceeds thereof), occurred on the first day of the Applicable Measurement Period; and

 

(2)                                  any asset sales or Asset Acquisitions, including, without limitation, any Asset Acquisition giving rise to the need to make such calculation as a result of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including any Person who becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the Asset Acquisition) incurring, assuming or otherwise being liable for Acquired Indebtedness and also including any Consolidated EBITDA (including any pro forma expense and cost reductions calculated on a basis consistent with Regulation S-X promulgated under the Exchange Act attributable to the assets that are the subject of the Asset Acquisition or asset sale during the Applicable Measurement Period) occurring during the Applicable Measurement Period or at any time subsequent to the last day of the Applicable Measurement Period and on or prior to the Applicable Calculation Date, as if such asset sale or Asset Acquisition (including the incurrence or assumption of any such Acquired Indebtedness) occurred on the first day of the Applicable Measurement Period.  If such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries directly or indirectly guarantees Indebtedness of a third Person, the preceding sentence shall give effect to the incurrence of such guaranteed

 

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Indebtedness as if such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person had directly incurred or otherwise assumed such other Indebtedness that was so guaranteed.

 

Furthermore, in calculating “Consolidated Fixed Charges” for purposes of determining the denominator (but not the numerator) of the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:

 

(1)                                  interest on outstanding Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis as of the Applicable Calculation Date and which will continue to be so determined thereafter shall be deemed to have accrued at a fixed rate per annum equal to the rate of interest on such Indebtedness in effect on the Applicable Calculation Date; and

 

(2)                                  notwithstanding clause (1) of this paragraph, interest on Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis, to the extent such interest is covered by agreements relating to Interest Swap Obligations, shall be deemed to accrue at the rate per annum resulting after giving effect to the operation of such agreements.

 

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

 

(1)                                  Consolidated Interest Expense; plus

 

(2)                                  all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary; plus

 

(3)                                  all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Capital Stock.

 

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

 

(1)                                  the aggregate of the interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, including, without limitation:  (a) any amortization of debt discount and amortization or write off of deferred financing costs; (b) the net costs under Interest Swap Obligations; (c) all capitalized interest; and (d) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation; and

 

(2)                                  the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations paid and/or scheduled to be paid by such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

Consolidated Net Income ” means, for any period, for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, net income (or loss) for such period; provided that Consolidated Net Income shall exclude:

 

(a)                                  extraordinary gains and extraordinary losses for such period,

 

(b)                                  cash and non-cash losses, charges and expenses related to termination of the Tennant Company Pension Plan in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10.0 million during the term of this Indenture and incurred or paid by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary during the 18 month period immediately following the Issue Date,

 

(c)                                   solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 4.07(a)(iii)(w), any net income (loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Guarantors) if such Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment of dividends or the making of

 

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distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to the Company or a Guarantor by operation of the terms of such Restricted Subsidiary’s charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute or governmental rule or regulation applicable to such Restricted Subsidiary or its shareholders (other than restrictions that have been waived or otherwise released), except that the Company’s equity in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period will be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash or Cash Equivalents actually distributed or that could have been distributed by such Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject in the case of a dividend to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this clause); and

 

(d)                                  any income (or loss) for such period of any Person if such Person is not a Subsidiary, except that the Company’s equity in the net income of any such Person for such period shall be included in Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such Person during such period to the Company or a Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution.

 

Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio ” as of any date of determination means, the ratio of (1) Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that is secured by Liens as of the end of the Applicable Measurement Period to (2) the Company’s Consolidated EBITDA for the Applicable Measurement Period, in each case with such pro forma adjustments to Consolidated Total Indebtedness and Consolidated EBITDA as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of “Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.”

 

Consolidated Total Assets ” means the total consolidated assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

Consolidated Total Indebtedness ” means, as at any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of (1) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, obligations in respect of purchase money Indebtedness and Capitalized Lease Obligations and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes and similar instruments; (2) all direct or contingent obligations arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties and similar instruments; (3) all obligations in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business) solely to the extent such obligation is evidenced by a note or similar instrument and such obligation is included as a liability on the balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP; (4) all Guarantees with respect to Indebtedness of the types specified in clauses (1) through (3) above of another Person; and (5) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Disqualified Capital Stock of the Company and all Preferred Stock of its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, with the amount of such Disqualified Capital Stock and Preferred Stock equal to the greater of their respective voluntary or involuntary liquidation preferences and maximum fixed repurchase prices, in each case determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.  For purposes hereof, the “maximum fixed repurchase price” of any Disqualified Capital Stock or Preferred Stock that does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Capital Stock or Preferred Stock as if such Disqualified Capital Stock or Preferred Stock were purchased on any date on which Consolidated Total Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Capital Stock or Preferred Stock, such fair market value shall be determined reasonably and in good faith by the Company.

 

continuing ” means, with respect to any Default or Event of Default, that such Default or Event of Default has not been cured or waived.

 

Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee ” means the address of the Trustee specified in Section 12.02 hereof and for Agent services such office shall also mean the office or agency of the Trustee located at the date hereof at Corporate Trust Operations, MAC N9300-070, 600 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55479, or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Company.

 

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Credit Facilities ” means one or more debt facilities, including the Existing Credit Facilities, or other financing arrangements (including, without limitation, commercial paper facilities or indentures) providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing, bankers acceptances, letters of credit, debt securities 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 or refinancings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed thereunder or alters the maturity thereof, whether or not by the same or any other agent, investor, lender or group of lenders (whether or not such added or substituted parties are banks or other institutional lenders), in each case, whether or not any such amendment, supplement, modification, extension, renewal, restatement, refunding, replacement or refinancing occurs simultaneously with the termination or repayment of a prior Credit Facility.

 

Currency Agreement ” means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company against fluctuations in currency values.

 

Custodian ” means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the Notes in global form, or any successor thereto.

 

Default ” means an event or condition the occurrence of which is, or with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

 

Definitive Note ” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.06 hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto except that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend, shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto and may bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

Depositary ” means The Depository Trust Company and such other Person as is designated in writing by the Company eligible to act as a clearing agency pursuant to the Exchange Act to act as depository in respect of the Notes.

 

Designated Non-Cash Consideration ” means the Fair Market Value of non-cash consideration received by the Company or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as “Designated Non-Cash Consideration” pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash or Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of such Designated Non-Cash Consideration.

 

Disposition ” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition of any property by the Company, any Guarantor or any Subsidiary, including any Sale and Leaseback Transaction and any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith, but excluding any Recovery Event.

 

Disqualified Capital Stock ” means that portion of any Capital Stock which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the happening of any event (other than an event which would constitute a Change of Control), matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the sole option of the holder thereof (except, in each case, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control) on or prior to the final maturity date of the Notes; provided , however , only the portion of Capital Stock which is so redeemable or repurchasable prior to such date will be deemed to be Disqualified Capital Stock.

 

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Equity Offering ” means any public or private offering of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company (other than offerings registered on Form S-8 or any successor form).

 

Euroclear ” means Euroclear Bank, S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear system, or any successor securities clearing agency

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute or statutes thereto.

 

Exchange Notes ” means the 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 to be issued pursuant to this Indenture with respect to Initial Notes issued under this Indenture from time to time after the Issue Date pursuant to Section 2.06(i)  and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Exchange Offer ” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Exchange Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Existing Credit Facilities ” means the credit agreement dated as of April 4, 2017 by and among the Company, the subsidiary borrowers party thereto, the guarantors party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto, together with the related documents thereto (including, without limitation, any guarantee agreements and security documents), in each case as amended to the date of the Offering Circular and as such agreements may be amended (including any amendment and restatement thereof), supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including any agreement extending the maturity of, refinancing, replacing or otherwise restructuring (including increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder or adding Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder) all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or any successor or replacement agreement and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders (whether or not such added or substituted parties are banks or other institutional lenders).

 

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.  Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company acting reasonably and in good faith and shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

Foreign Cash Equivalents ” means certificates of deposit or bankers acceptances of any bank organized under the laws of the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, Australia, China or any country that is a member of the European Union, whose short-term commercial paper rating from S&P is at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof or from Moody’s is at least P-1 or the equivalent thereof, in each case with maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition.

 

Foreign Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a U.S. Restricted Subsidiary.

 

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 have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, which were in effect as of the Issue Date.

 

Global Note Legend ” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(f)(2) hereof, which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.

 

Global Notes ” means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee,

 

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substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto and that bears the Global Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto, issued in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture.

 

Government Securities ” means direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America, and the payment for which the United States pledges its full faith and credit.

 

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, by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness.

 

Guarantor ” means:  (1) each of the Initial Guarantors and (2) each of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries that in the future executes a supplemental indenture in which such Restricted Subsidiary agrees to be bound by the terms of this Indenture as a Guarantor; provided that any Person constituting a Guarantor as described in clauses (1) or (2) above shall cease to constitute a Guarantor when its respective Note Guarantee is released in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

Holder ” means a Person in whose name a Note is registered.

 

IAI Global Note ” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold to Institutional Accredited Investors .

 

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

 

(1)                                  all Obligations of such Person for borrowed money;

 

(2)                                  all Obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments;

 

(3)                                  all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person;

 

(4)                                  all Obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations and all Obligations under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business);

 

(5)                                  all Obligations for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or similar credit transaction which is issued in respect of Indebtedness referred to in clauses (1) through (4) above and clause (8) below;

 

(6)                                  guarantees and other contingent obligations in respect of Indebtedness referred to in clauses (1) through (5) above and clause (8) below;

 

(7)                                  all Obligations of any other Person of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (6) above that are secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person, the amount of such Obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the fair market value of such property or asset or the amount of the Obligation so secured;

 

(8)                                  all net Obligations under Currency Agreements and interest swap agreements of such Person; and

 

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(9)                                  all Disqualified Capital Stock issued by such Person with the amount of Indebtedness represented by such Disqualified Capital Stock being equal to the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price, but excluding accrued dividends, if any.

 

For purposes hereof, the “maximum fixed repurchase price” of any Disqualified Capital Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Capital Stock as if such Disqualified Capital Stock were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Capital Stock, such fair market value shall be determined reasonably and in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

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

 

Independent Financial Advisor ” means a firm:  (1) that does not, and whose directors, officers and employees or Affiliates do not, have a direct or indirect financial interest in the Company and (2) that, in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, is otherwise independent and qualified to perform the task for which it is to be engaged.

 

Indirect Participant ” means a Person who holds a beneficial interest in a Global Note through a Participant.

 

Initial Guarantors ” means Tennant Coatings, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, and Tennant Sales and Service Company, a Minnesota corporation.

 

Initial Notes ” means the $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of Notes issued by the Company on the date hereof under this Indenture.

 

Initial Purchasers ” means Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc.

 

Institutional Accredited Investor ” means an institution that is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act, who are not also QIBs.

 

interest ” means, with respect to the Notes, interest on, and Additional Interest, if any, with respect to, the Notes.

 

Interest Swap Obligations ” means the obligations of any Person pursuant to any arrangement with any other Person, whereby, directly or indirectly, such Person is entitled to receive from time to time periodic payments calculated by applying either a floating or a fixed rate of interest on a stated notional amount in exchange for periodic payments made by such other Person calculated by applying a fixed or a floating rate of interest on the same notional amount and shall include, without limitation, interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars and similar agreements.

 

Investment ” means, with respect to any Person, any direct or indirect loan or other extension of credit (including, without limitation, a guarantee) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), or any purchase or acquisition by such Person of any Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities or evidences of Indebtedness issued by, any other Person.  “Investment” shall exclude extensions of trade credit by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on commercially reasonable terms.  If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Common Stock of any direct or indirect Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, the Company no longer owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the outstanding Common Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be

 

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deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary not sold or disposed of.

 

For purposes of Section 4.07 and Section 4.19:

 

(1)                                  “Investment” will include the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in a Restricted Subsidiary to be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Restricted Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Restricted Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company will be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to (a) the Company’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less (b) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets (as conclusively determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith) of such Subsidiary at the time that such Subsidiary is so re-designated a Restricted Subsidiary; and

 

(2)                                  any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary will 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 Company.

 

Intellectual Property Rights ” mean, collectively the trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, franchises, licenses and other intellectual property rights.

 

Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating of Baa3 or better by Moody’s and BBB- or better by S&P (or its equivalent under any successor rating categories of S&P) (or, in each case, if such Rating Agency ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside of the control of the Company, the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any Rating Agency selected by the Company as a replacement Rating Agency).

 

IPC ” means IP Cleaning S.p.A.

 

Issue Date ” means April 18, 2017.

 

Laws ” means, collectively, all international, foreign, federal, state, provincial, territorial and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, 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, in each case whether or not having the force of Law.

 

Letter of Transmittal ” means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Company and sent to all Holders of the Notes for use by such Holders in connection with the Exchange Offer.

 

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

 

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

 

Net Cash Proceeds ” means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the proceeds in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents including payments in respect of deferred payment obligations when received in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (other than the portion of any such deferred payment constituting interest) received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from such Asset Sale net of:

 

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(1)                                  out-of-pocket expenses and fees relating to such Asset Sale (including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, brokerage and sales commissions, and survey, title and recording expenses, transfer taxes and expenses incurred for preparing such asset for sale, and any relocation expenses incurred as a result of the Asset Sale);

 

(2)                                  taxes paid or payable, or estimated in good faith to be payable as a result of the Asset Sale, after taking into account any reduction in consolidated tax liability due to available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements;

 

(3)                                  repayment of Indebtedness that is secured by the property or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale; and

 

(4)                                  appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, after such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with such Asset Sale.

 

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

 

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

 

Notes ” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Indenture.  The Initial Notes 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 Initial Notes and any Additional Notes.

 

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

 

Offering Circular ” means the offering circular, dated April 12, 2017, pursuant to which the Initial Notes were offered to potential purchasers.

 

Officer ” means, with respect to any Person, any of the following:  the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer (including interim officers).

 

Officers’ Certificate ” means, with respect to any Person, a certificate signed on behalf of such Person by two Officers of such Person, one of whom must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of such Person, which meets the requirements set forth in this Indenture.  Unless the context otherwise requires, “Officers’ Certificate” refers to an Officers’ Certificate delivered on behalf of the Company.

 

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

 

Participant ” means, with respect to the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, a Person who has an account with the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, respectively (and, with respect to DTC, shall include Euroclear and Clearstream).

 

Pari Passu Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is equal in right of payment with the Notes or the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor, as applicable.

 

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Permitted Investments ” means:

 

(1)                                  Investments by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any Person that is or will become after such Investment a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or that will merge or consolidate into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(2)                                  Investments in the Company by any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(3)                                  Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;

 

(4)                                  loans and advances to employees and officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business for reasonable and customary business-related purposes not in excess of $10.0 million at any one time outstanding;

 

(5)                                  Currency Agreements and Interest Swap Obligations entered into in the ordinary course of the Company’s or its Restricted Subsidiaries’ businesses and otherwise in compliance with this Indenture;

 

(6)                                  additional Investments in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (A) $100.0 million and (B) 10.0% of Consolidated Total Assets;

 

(7)                                  Investments received (x) pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditors, suppliers or customers or in good faith settlement of delinquent obligations of such trade creditors, suppliers or customers; (y) as a result of the foreclosure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title, or (z) as a result of litigation, or other disputes with Persons who are not Affiliates of the Company;

 

(8)                                  Investments made by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of consideration received in connection with an Asset Sale made in compliance with Section 4.10;

 

(9)                                  Investments represented by guarantees that are otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

 

(10)                           Investments the payment for which is Qualified Capital Stock of the Company;

 

(11)                           Investments by the Company consisting of obligations of one or more officers, directors or other employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with such officers’, directors’ or employees’ acquisition of shares of capital stock of the Company so long as no cash is paid by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to such officers, directors or employees in connection with the acquisition of any such obligations;

 

(12)                           any Investment (x) existing on the Issue Date or made pursuant to binding commitments in effect on the Issue Date or (y) consisting of any replacement, refinancing, extension, modification or renewal of any Investment existing on the Issue Date; provided that the amount of any such Investment may only be increased (i) as required by the terms of such Investment as in existence on the Issue Date or (ii) as otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

 

(13)                           stock, obligations or securities received in satisfaction of judgments;

 

(14)                           advances, loans, rebates and extensions of credit (including the creation of receivables) to suppliers, customers and vendors, and performance guarantees, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(15)                           Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit loss;

 

(16)                           Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of endorsements for collection or deposit and customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;

 

(17)                           (i) intercompany advances among the Company and its Subsidiaries arising from their cash management and accounting operations and (ii) intercompany loans, advances, or Indebtedness among the Company and its Subsidiaries having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any rollover or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business;

 

(18)                           advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business; and

 

(19)                           Investments in prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease and utility and worker’s compensation deposits provided to third parties in the ordinary course of business.

 

Permitted Liens ” means the following types of Liens:

 

(1)                                  Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims either (a) not delinquent or (b) contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries shall have set aside on its books such reserves as may be required pursuant to GAAP;

 

(2)                                  statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, suppliers, materialmen and repairmen, construction Liens and other Liens imposed by law or pursuant to customary reservations or retentions of title incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith, if such reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required by GAAP has been made in respect thereof;

 

(3)                                  Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, including any Lien securing letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business in connection therewith, and pledges and deposits in the ordinary course of business securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of insurance carriers or to secure the performance of tenders, trade contracts, statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar obligations (including those to secure health safety and environmental obligations and exclusive of obligations for the payment of borrowed money);

 

(4)                                  judgment Liens securing the payment of money (or appeal or other surety bonds relating to such judgments) not giving rise to an Event of Default;

 

(5)                                  easements, rights-of-way, zoning restrictions and other similar charges or encumbrances in respect of real property not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the applicable Person;

 

(6)                                  Liens upon 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;

 

(7)                                  Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to commercial letters of credit which encumber documents and other property relating to such letters of credit and products and proceeds thereof;

 

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(8)                                  Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from statutory, regulatory, contractual, or warranty requirements of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including rights of offset and set-off;

 

(9)                                  Liens securing Capitalized Lease Obligations and Purchase Money Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 4.09(b)(13) hereof; provided , however , that in the case of Purchase Money Indebtedness (a) the Indebtedness shall not be secured by any property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company other than the property and assets so acquired or constructed and the proceeds thereof and (b) the Lien securing such Indebtedness shall be created within 270 days of such acquisition or construction or, in the case of a refinancing of any Purchase Money Indebtedness, within 270 days of such refinancing;

 

(10)                           Liens securing Interest Swap Obligations which Interest Swap Obligations relate to Indebtedness that is otherwise permitted under this Indenture

 

(11)                           Liens securing Indebtedness under Currency Agreements;

 

(12)                           Liens securing Acquired Indebtedness incurred in accordance with Section 4.09 hereof; provided that:

 

(a)                                  such Liens secured such Acquired Indebtedness at the time of and prior to the incurrence of such Acquired Indebtedness by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and were not granted in connection with, or in anticipation of, the incurrence of such Acquired Indebtedness by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; and

 

(b)                                  such Liens do not extend to or cover any property or assets of the Company or of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries other than the property or assets that secured the Acquired Indebtedness prior to the time such Indebtedness became Acquired Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and are no more favorable to the lienholders than those securing the Acquired Indebtedness prior to the incurrence of such Acquired Indebtedness by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(13)                           Liens on assets of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor to secure Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary that is otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

 

(14)                           leases, subleases, licenses and sublicenses granted to others that do not materially interfere with the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(15)                           banker’s Liens, rights of setoff and similar Liens with respect to cash and Cash Equivalents on deposit in one or more bank accounts in the ordinary course of business;

 

(16)                           Liens arising from filing Uniform Commercial Code financing statements regarding leases;

 

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

 

(18)                           rights of customers with respect to inventory which arise from deposits and progress payments made in the ordinary course of business;

 

(19)                           Liens on assets of Foreign Restricted Subsidiaries securing Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 4.09(b)(14) hereof;

 

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(20)                           additional Liens in an aggregate amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (A) $50.0 million and (B) 7.5% of Consolidated Total Assets;

 

(21)                           [reserved];

 

(22)                           Liens existing as of the Issue Date, to the extent and in the manner such Liens are in effect on the Issue Date;

 

(23)                           Liens securing the Notes and the Note Guarantees;

 

(24)                           Liens of the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company on assets of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and Liens on assets of the Company in favor of a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor;

 

(25)                           Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements;

 

(26)                           Liens of a collection bank arising under the Uniform Commercial Code, or other applicable law, on items in the course of collection;

 

(27)                           reservations, limitations, provisos and conditions expressed in any original grants from any governmental authority or other grants of real or immovable property, or interests therein, which do not materially affect the use of the affected land or detract from the value thereof;

 

(28)                           the rights reserved to or vested in governmental authorities by statutory provisions or by the terms of leases, licenses, franchises, grants or permits, which affect any land, to terminate the leases, licenses, franchises, grants or permits or to require annual or other periodic payments as a condition of the continuance thereof;

 

(29)                           Liens in favor of public utilities or to any municipalities or governmental authorities or other public authorities when required by such utilities, municipalities or governmental authorities or such other public authorities in connection with the supply of services or utilities to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(30)                           Liens (A) on cash advances or escrow deposits in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted under this Indenture to be applied against the purchase price for such Investment or otherwise in connection with any escrow arrangements with respect to any such Investment or any disposition permitted under this Indenture (including any letter of intent or purchase agreement with respect to such Investment or disposition) or (B) consisting of an agreement to dispose of any property in a disposition permitted under this Indenture, in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien;

 

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

 

(32)                           in the case of Indebtedness permitted under this Indenture issued into escrow, Liens on the proceeds of such Indebtedness and any cash or Cash Equivalents consisting of prefunded interest in respect of such Indebtedness, in each case for so long as such funds remain in escrow;

 

(33)                           Liens securing Refinancing Indebtedness which is incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness that has been secured by a Lien permitted under this Indenture and that has been incurred without violation of this Indenture; provided , however , that such Liens:  (i) are no less favorable to the Holders and are not more favorable to the lienholders, in each case in any material respect, with respect to such Liens than the Liens in respect of the Indebtedness being Refinanced; and (ii) do not extend to or cover any categories

 

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of property or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries not securing the Indebtedness so Refinanced.

 

(34)                           Liens securing existing or future borrowings under Credit Facilities incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(b)(2) hereof;

 

(35)                           Liens securing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(b)(17) hereof; and

 

(36)                           Liens in favor of a consignor encumbering assets delivered to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary on consignment in the ordinary course of business.

 

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

 

Preferred Stock ” of any Person means any Capital Stock of such Person that has preferential rights to any other Capital Stock of such Person with respect to dividends or redemptions or upon liquidation.

 

Private Placement Legend ” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(f)(1) hereof to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Indenture.

 

Purchase Money Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price, or the cost of installation, construction or improvement, of property or equipment.

 

QIB ” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

 

Qualified Capital Stock ” means any Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Capital Stock.

 

Rating Agency ” means (1) each of Moody’s and S&P and (2) if Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside of the control of the Company, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by the Company as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P, or both of them, as the case may be.

 

Recovery Event ” means any loss of, damage to or destruction of, or any condemnation or other taking for public use of, any property of the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

Refinance ” means, in respect of any security or Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue a security or Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such security or Indebtedness, in whole or in part.  “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings; provided that the principal amount of such Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed (a) the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced plus (b) the aggregate amount of fees, underwriting discounts, accrued and unpaid interest, premiums (including, without limitation, tender premiums) and other costs and expenses (including, without limitation, original issue discount, upfront fees or similar fees) incurred in connection with such refinancing.

 

Registration ” means, collectively, each offer of Notes registered pursuant to the Registration Statement.

 

Registration Rights Agreement ” means (i) the registration rights agreement with respect to the Notes, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Company, the Guarantors and the representatives of the Initial Purchasers and (ii) any other registration rights agreement entered into or in connection with an issuance of Additional Notes in a private offering after the Issue Date.

 

Registration Statement ” means the Exchange Registration Statement or a Shelf Registration as defined and described in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

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

 

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

 

Regulation S Global Note ” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S.

 

Responsible Officer, ” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the Corporate Trust Administration of the Trustee having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture and the Notes (or any successor group of the Trustee) and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer of the Trustee to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

 

Restricted Definitive Note ” means a Definitive Note bearing, or that is required to bear, the Private Placement Legend.

 

Restricted Global Note ” means a Global Note bearing, or that is required to bear, the Private Placement Legend.

 

Restricted Period ” means the 40-day distribution compliance period as defined in Regulation S.

 

Restricted Subsidiary ” of any Person means any Subsidiary of such Person which at the time of determination is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

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

 

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

 

Rule 903 ” means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Rule 904 ” means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Sale and Leaseback Transaction ” means any direct or indirect arrangement with any Person or to which any such Person is a party, providing for the leasing to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of any property, whether owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary at the Issue Date or later acquired, which has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person or to any other Person from whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such Person on the security of such property.

 

S&P ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc., or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

 

SEC ” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Securities Act ” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Shelf Registration Statement ” means the Shelf Registration Statement as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Significant Subsidiary ,” with respect to any Person, means any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person that satisfies the criteria for a “significant subsidiary” set forth in Rule 1.02(w) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.

 

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Stated Maturity ” means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the documentation governing such Indebtedness as of the first date it was incurred in compliance with the terms of this Indenture, and will 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.

 

Subordinated Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor, as the case may be.

 

Subsidiary ” with respect to any Person, means:

 

(1)                                  any corporation of which the outstanding Capital Stock having at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors under ordinary circumstances shall at the time be owned, directly or through another Subsidiary, by such Person; or

 

(2)                                  any other Person of which at least a majority of the voting interest under ordinary circumstances is at the time, directly or through another Subsidiary, owned by such Person.

 

Taxes ” means any present or future tax, duty, levy, impost, assessment or other government charge (including penalties, interest and any other liabilities related thereto) imposed or levied by or on behalf of a Taxing Authority.

 

Taxing Authority ” means any government or any political subdivision or territory or possession of any government or any authority or agency therein or thereof having power to tax.

 

Tennant Company Pension Plan ” means that certain Tennant Company Pension Plan (as Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2016) dated as of January 14, 2016.

 

Transactions ” means, collectively, (i) the Acquisition, (ii) the initial borrowings under, and effectiveness of, the Existing Credit Facilities, (iii) the refinancing of certain other indebtedness of each of the Company and IPC as set forth in the Offering Circular, (iv) the refinancing of the $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the senior secured term loan A-2 under the Existing Credit Facilities and (v) the offering of the Initial Notes.

 

Treasury Rate ” means, with respect to a redemption date, the weekly average rounded to the nearest 1/100th of a percentage point (for the most recently completed week for which such information is available as of the date that is two Business Days prior to the redemption date) of the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519) with respect to each applicable day during such week (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such redemption date to May 1, 2020; provided , however , that if the period from such redemption date to May 1, 2020 is not equal to the constant maturity of the United States Treasury security for which such a yield is given, the 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 such redemption date to May 1, 2020 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.

 

Trustee ” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.

 

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

 

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

 

Unrestricted Subsidiary ” of any Person means:

 

(1)                                  any Subsidiary of such Person that at the time of determination shall be or continue to 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.

 

The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Subsidiary (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary owns any Capital Stock of, or owns or holds any Lien on any property of, the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated; provided that:

 

(1)                                  the Company certifies to the Trustee that such designation complies with Section 4.07; and

 

(2)                                  each Subsidiary to be so designated and each of its Subsidiaries has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

The Board of Directors may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary only if:

 

(1)                                  immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Company is able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 4.09(a); and

 

(2)                                  immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

 

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

 

U.S. Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is organized under the Laws of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia.

 

Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary ” of any Person means any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such Person which at the time of determination is a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person.

 

Wholly Owned Subsidiary ” of any Person means any Subsidiary of such Person of which all the outstanding voting securities (other than in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that is incorporated in a jurisdiction other than a State in the United States or the District of Columbia, directors’ qualifying shares or an immaterial amount of shares required to be owned by other Persons pursuant to applicable law) are owned by such Person or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such Person.

 

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Section 1.02                              Other Definitions.

 

Term

 

Defined in Section

Affiliate Transaction

4.11

Applicable Premium Deficit

11.01

Authentication Order

2.02

Change of Control Offer

4.15

Change of Control Payment Date

4.15

Covenant Defeasance

8.03

DTC

2.03

Event of Default

6.01

Increased Amount

4.12

incur

4.09

Initial Lien

4.12

Legal Defeasance

8.02

Net Proceeds Offer

4.10

Net Proceeds Offer Amount

4.10

Paying Agent

2.03

Permitted Indebtedness

4.09

Reference Date

4.07

Registrar

2.03

Replacement Assets

4.10

Restricted Payment

4.07

Reversion Date

4.20

Surviving Entity

5.01

Suspension Period

4.20

TIA

1.04

USA PATRIOT Act

12.14

 

Section 1.03                              Rules of Construction.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

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

 

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

 

(3)                                  “or” is not exclusive;

 

(4)                                  the words “include,” “including” and other words of similar import mean “include, without limitation” or “including, without limitation,” regardless of whether any reference to “without limitation” or words of similar import is made; and the included items do not limit the scope of the more general terms; and the listed included items are covered whether or not they are within the scope of the more general terms;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(8)                                  references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act will be deemed to include substitute, replacement or successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time;

 

(9)                                  all references to Sections or Articles refer to Sections or Articles of this Indenture;

 

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(10)                           use of masculine, feminine or neuter pronouns should not be deemed a limitation, and the use of any such pronouns should be construed to include, where appropriate, the other pronouns;

 

(11)                           “$” refers to U.S. dollars; and

 

(12)                           all references to interest shall include Additional Interest if payable on the Notes.

 

Section 1.04                              Incorporation by Reference of the TIA.

 

Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “ TIA ”), the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.  The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:

 

“indenture note holder” means a Holder;

 

“indenture securities” means the Notes and Note Guarantees;

 

“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture;

 

“indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Trustee; and

 

“obligor” on the indenture securities means the Company, each Guarantor, or any other obligor on the Notes.

 

All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by a rule of the Commission and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them therein.

 

ARTICLE 2
THE NOTES

 

Section 2.01                              Form and Dating.

 

(a)                                  General .  The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto and shall include the Private Placement Legend unless it is removed as contemplated by Section 2.06 hereof.  The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage.  Each Note will be dated the date of its authentication.  The Notes shall be in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

 

The terms and provisions contained in the Notes will constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture and the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby.  However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

 

(b)                                  Global Notes .  Notes issued in global form will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto).  Notes issued in definitive form will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (but without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto).  Each Global Note will represent such of the outstanding Notes as will be specified therein and each shall provide that it represents the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon

 

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and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions.  Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby will be made by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.06 hereof.

 

(c)                                   Euroclear and Clearstream Procedures Applicable .  The provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” and “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear” and the “General Terms and Conditions of Clearstream Banking” and “Customer Handbook” of Clearstream will be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in any Regulation S Global Note that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.

 

(d)                                  Additional Notes.  The aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited, subject to compliance with Sections 2.13 and 4.09 hereof.

 

Section 2.02                              Execution and Authentication.

 

At least one Officer must sign the Notes for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.

 

If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note will nevertheless be valid.

 

A Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee.  The signature will be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.

 

The Trustee will, upon receipt of a written order of the Company signed by at least one Officer (an “ Authentication Order ”), authenticate Notes for original issue that may be validly issued under this Indenture, including any Additional Notes.  The aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding at any time may not exceed the aggregate principal amount of Notes authorized for issuance by the Company pursuant to one or more Authentication Orders, except as provided in Section 2.07 hereof.

 

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate Notes.  An authenticating agent may authenticate 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 Holders, the Company or an Affiliate of the Company.

 

The Notes shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons and only in minimum denominations of $2,000 in aggregate principal amount and any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

Section 2.03                              Registrar and Paying Agent.

 

The Company will maintain an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“ Registrar ”) and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (“ Paying Agent ”).  The Registrar will keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange.  The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents.  The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent.  The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder.  The Company will notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture.  If the Company fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such.  The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

 

The Company initially appoints The Depository Trust Company (“ DTC ”) to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.

 

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The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes. The Company has entered into a letter of representations with DTC in the form provided by DTC and the Trustee and each Agent are hereby authorized to act in accordance with such letter and Applicable Procedures.

 

Section 2.04                              Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

 

The Company will require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of, premium on, if any, or interest, if any, on, the Notes, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment.  While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee.  The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee.  Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company) will have no further liability for the money.  If the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company acts as Paying Agent, it will segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent.  Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the Company, the Trustee will serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

 

Section 2.05                              Holder Lists.

 

The Trustee will preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders.  If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company will furnish to the Trustee at least seven 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 Holders.

 

Section 2.06                              Transfer and Exchange.

 

(a)                                  Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes .  A Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary.  All Global Notes will be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes if:

 

(1)                                  the Company delivers to the Trustee notice from the Depositary that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary or that it has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 120 days after the date of such notice from the Depositary;

 

(2)                                  the Company in its sole discretion determines that the Global Notes (in whole but not in part) should be exchanged for Definitive Notes and delivers a written notice to such effect to the Trustee; or

 

(3)                                  there has occurred and is continuing a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes and DTC requests the issuance of Definitive Notes.

 

Upon the occurrence of any of the preceding events in (1), (2) or (3) above, Definitive Notes shall be issued in such names, and issued in any approved denominations, as requested by or on behalf of the Depositary to the Trustee.  Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and 2.10 hereof.  Every Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 2.07 or 2.10 hereof, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note, except for Definitive Notes issued subsequent to any of the events described in clauses (1), (2) or (3) above and pursuant to clause (c) below.  A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a), however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b), (c) or (d) hereof.

 

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The Company 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 Company will make the calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, its calculations will be final and binding on the Holders.  The Company will provide a schedule of its calculations to the Trustee when requested by the Trustee, and the Trustee is entitled to rely conclusively on the accuracy of the Company’s calculations without independent verification.

 

(b)                                  Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes .  The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures.  Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes will be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein and to the extent required by the Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws.  Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also will require compliance with either subparagraph (1) or (2) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:

 

(1)                                  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 expiration of the applicable 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).  Beneficial interests in any 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 2.06(b)(1).

 

(2)                                  All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes.  In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.06(b)(1) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar the applicable certificates prescribed by the succeeding sections and subparagraphs and either:

 

(A)                                both:

 

(i)                                      a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary 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

 

(ii)                                   instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with such increase; or

 

(B)                                both:

 

(i)                                      a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged; and

 

(ii)                                   instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (1) above.

 

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Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Company in accordance with Section 2.06(i), the requirements of this Section 2.06(b)(2) shall be deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by the Registrar of the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the holder of such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes.  Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.06(g) hereof.

 

(3)                                  Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note.  A beneficial interest in any 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 2.06(b)(2) above and the Registrar receives the following:

 

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

 

(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 B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and

 

(C)                                if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in a IAI Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.

 

(4)                                  Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note.  A beneficial interest in any 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 2.06(b)(2) above and:

 

(A)                                such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of the beneficial interest to be transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

 

(B)                                such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(C)                                such transfer is effected by a participating broker dealer pursuant to the Exchange Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

 

(D)                                the Registrar receives the following:

 

(i)                                      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 C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or

 

(ii)                                   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

 

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form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

 

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (4)(D), if the Company or the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company or the Registrar, as applicable, 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 at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests so transferred or exchanged.

 

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 or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes .

 

(1)                                  Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes .  If any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then, upon the occurrence of any of the events described in clause (1), (2) or (3) of Section 2.06(a) hereof and receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

 

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

 

(B)                                if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

 

(C)                                if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

 

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

 

(E)                                 if such beneficial interest is being transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable;

 

(F)                                  if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or

 

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(G)                                if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(g) hereof, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount.  Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant.  The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered.  Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(1) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.

 

(2)                                  Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes .  A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note upon the occurrence of any of the events described in clause (1), (2) or (3) of Section 2.06(a) hereof and only if:

 

(A)                                such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of such beneficial interest, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

 

(B)                                such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(C)                                such transfer is effected by a participating broker dealer pursuant to the Exchange Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

 

(D)                                the Registrar receives the following:

 

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

 

(ii)                                   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 an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

 

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (2)(D), if the Company or the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company or the Registrar, as applicable, to the effect that

 

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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.

 

(3)                                  Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes.  If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon the occurrence of any of the events described in clause (1), (2) or (3) of Section 2.06(a) hereof and satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(2) hereof, the Trustee will cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Unrestricted Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(g) hereof, and the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount.  Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(3) will be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest requests through instructions to the Registrar from or through the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant.  The Trustee will deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered.  Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(3) will not bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

(d)                                  Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests .

 

(1)                                  Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes .  If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive 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 Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(b) thereof;

 

(B)                                if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

 

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

 

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

 

(E)                                 if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable;

 

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(F)                                  if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or

 

(G)                                if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof, the Trustee will cancel the Restricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the appropriate Restricted Global Note pursuant to Section 2.06(g) hereof.

 

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

 

(A)                                such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

 

(B)                                such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(C)                                such transfer is effected by a participating broker dealer pursuant to the Exchange Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

 

(D)                                the Registrar receives the following:

 

(i)                                      if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or

 

(ii)                                   if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes 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 B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

 

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (2)(D), if the Company or the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company or the Registrar, as applicable, 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 any of the subparagraphs in this Section 2.06(d)(2), the Trustee will cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.

 

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(3)                                  Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes.  A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Definitive Notes 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 will cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of an applicable Unrestricted Global Note.

 

If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial interest is effected pursuant to subparagraphs (2) or (3) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee will authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of Definitive Notes so exchanged or transferred.

 

(e)                                   Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes.   Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the Registrar will register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes.  Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder must present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive 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 must provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.06(e).

 

(1)                                  Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes .  Any Restricted Definitive Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:

 

(A)                                if the transfer will be made to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

 

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

 

(C)                                if the transfer will be made pursuant to any other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.

 

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

 

(A)                                if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(d) thereof; or

 

(B)                                if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (2),

 

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if the Company or the Registrar so requests, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company or the Registrar, as applicable, 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.

 

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

 

(f)                                    Legends.  The following legends will appear on the face of all Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions of this Indenture.

 

(1)                                  Private Placement Legend .

 

(A)                                Except as permitted by subparagraph (B) below, each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear a legend 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 OR 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 IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A NOTES:  ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY), IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S NOTES:  40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) WAS FIRST OFFERED TO PERSONS OTHER THAN DISTRIBUTORS (AS DEFINED IN RULE 902 OF REGULATION S) IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S, ONLY (A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (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 NOT A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER AND THAT IS PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF ANOTHER INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR, IN EACH CASE IN A MINIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF SECURITIES OR (F) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER

 

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PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (D), (E) OR (F) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM.  BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE FURTHER AGREES THAT IT WILL GIVE EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.  THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.  IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S NOTES:

 

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 SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.  BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN, THE HOLDER THEREOF WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT EITHER (1) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY CONSTITUTES OR WILL CONSTITUTE THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (COLLECTIVELY, “SIMILAR LAWS”), OR OF AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” (WITHIN THE MEANING OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR REGULATION 29 C.F.R.  SECTION 2510.3-101, AS MODIFIED BY SECTION 3(42) OF ERISA) OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT, OR (2) THE ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS”.

 

(B)                                Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraphs (b)(4), (c)(2), (c)(3), (d)(2), (d)(3), (e)(2) or (e)(3) of this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) will not bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

(2)                                  Global Note Legend .  Each Global Note will bear a legend in substantially the following form (with appropriate changes in the last sentence if DTC is not the Depositary):

 

“THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (1) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (2) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (3) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (4) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY.

 

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.  UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) (“DTC”), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO.  OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN

 

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AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO.  OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE 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.”

 

(g)                                   Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes.  At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note will be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof.  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 Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note will be reduced accordingly and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary 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 will be increased accordingly and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.

 

(h)                                  General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.

 

(1)                                  To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof or at the Registrar’s request.

 

(2)                                  No service charge will be made to a Holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10, 3.06, 4.10, 4.15 and 9.04 hereof).

 

(3)                                  The Registrar will not be required to register the transfer of or exchange of any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

 

(4)                                  All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes will be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

 

(5)                                  Neither the Registrar nor the Company will be required:

 

(A)                                to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption under Section 3.02 hereof and ending at the close of business on the day of selection;

 

(B)                                to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note (i) selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part or (ii) that have been tendered and not withdrawn in connection with a Change of Control Offer; or

 

(C)                                to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and the next succeeding interest payment date.

 

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(6)                                  Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Company shall deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered by the Registrar as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

(7)                                  The Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02 hereof.

 

(8)                                  All orders, certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile.

 

(i)                                      Exchange Offer.  Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 , the Trustee shall authenticate (i) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the corresponding principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (x) they are not broker-dealers that acquired the beneficial interests tendered in the Exchange Offer directly from the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, (y) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (z) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company and (ii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the corresponding principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes tendered for exchange by Persons who certify to the effect set forth in clause (i) and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer.  In addition, the Trustee shall (i) endorse Schedule A to the Unrestricted Global Notes issued pursuant to the preceding sentence to reflect the principal amount of Restricted Global Notes tendered in the Exchange Offer, (ii) deliver such Unrestricted Global Notes to the Depositary, (iii) instruct the Depositary to deliver the relevant Restricted Global Note(s) to the Trustee, (iv) endorse Schedule A to such Restricted Global Note(s) to reflect the decrease in principal amount resulting from the Exchange Offer, and (v) thereafter, return the Restricted Global Notes to the Depositary, together with all information regarding the Participant accounts to be debited and credited in connection with the Exchange Offer.

 

None of the Trustee or any Agent 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 Participants or beneficial owners of interests in any Definitive Note or 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, to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof and to examine the register to determine the owner of such Note.

 

None of the Trustee or any Agent shall have any responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner in a Global Note, a Participant or other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Depositary or its nominee or of any Participant, with respect to any ownership interest in a Global Note or with respect to the delivery to any Participant, beneficial owner or other Person (other than the Depositary or its nominee) of any notice (including any notice of redemption) or the payment of any amount (other than the Depositary or its nominee), under or with respect to such Global Notes.  All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Notes and this Indenture shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the Holders (which shall be the Depositary or its nominee in the case of the Global Note).  The rights of beneficial owners in the Global Note shall be exercised only through the Depositary subject to the Applicable Procedures.  The Trustee and the Agents shall be entitled to rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Depositary with respect to its members, Participants and any beneficial owners.  The Trustee and the Agents shall be entitled to deal with the Depositary, and any nominee thereof, that is the Holder of any Global Note for all purposes of this Indenture relating to such Global Note (including the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, and the giving of instructions or directions by or to the owner or holder of a beneficial ownership interest in such Global Note) as the sole holder of such Global Note and shall have no obligations to the beneficial owners thereof.  None of the Trustee or any Agent shall have any responsibility or liability for any acts or omissions of the Depositary with

 

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respect to such Global Note for the records of any such Depositary, including records in respect of beneficial ownership interests in respect of any such Global Note, for any transactions between the Depositary and any Participant or between or among the Depositary, any such Participant and/or any holder or owner of a beneficial interest in such Global Note, or for any transfers of beneficial interests in any such Global Note.

 

Section 2.07                              Replacement Notes.

 

If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company and the Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Company will issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee’s requirements are met.  If required by the Trustee or the Company, an indemnity bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Company to protect the Company, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced.  The Company and the Trustee may charge for its expenses in replacing a Note.

 

Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Company and will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

 

Section 2.08                              Outstanding Notes.

 

The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described in this Section 2.08 as not outstanding.  Except as set forth in Section 2.09 hereof, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Note.

 

If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser.

 

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

 

If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of any thereof) holds, on a redemption date or maturity date, money sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date, then on and after that date such Notes will be deemed to be no longer outstanding and will cease to accrue interest.

 

Section 2.09                              Treasury Notes.

 

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Company or any Guarantor, or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company or any Guarantor, will be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee will be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that the Trustee knows are so owned will be so disregarded.

 

Section 2.10                              Temporary Notes.

 

Until certificates representing Notes are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate temporary Notes.  Temporary Notes will be substantially in the form of certificated Notes but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Notes and as may be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.  Without unreasonable delay, the Company will prepare and the Trustee will authenticate definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.

 

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Holders of temporary Notes will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture.

 

Section 2.11                              Cancellation.

 

The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation.  The Registrar and Paying Agent will forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment.  The Trustee and no one else will cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and will cancel Notes in accordance with its customary procedures (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act).  The Company may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

Section 2.12                              Defaulted Interest.

 

If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, it will pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof.  The Company will notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment.  The Company will fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided that no such special record date may be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest.  At least 15 days before the special record date, the Company (or, upon the written request of the Company, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company) will send or cause to be sent to Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

 

Section 2.13                              Issuance of Additional Notes.

 

The Company shall be entitled, upon delivery of an Officers’ Certificate, Opinion of Counsel and Authentication Order, without the consent of holders, to issue Additional Notes under this Indenture which shall have identical terms as the Initial Notes issued on the Issue Date, other than with respect to the date of issuance and issue price and, if applicable, the initial interest accrual date and the initial interest payment date, subject to compliance with Section 4.09 hereof.  The Initial Notes and any Additional Notes issued will be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, provided that if the Additional Notes are not fungible with the Initial Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Additional Notes will have a separate CUSIP number.

 

With respect to any Additional Notes, the Company shall set forth in a resolution of its Board of Directors and an Officers’ Certificate, a copy of each which shall be delivered to the Trustee, the following information:  (1) the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Notes to be authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, (2) the issue price, the date of issuance and the CUSIP number of such Additional Notes and (3) that the issuance of such Additional Notes does not contravene Section 4.09 hereof.

 

Section 2.14.   CUSIP Numbers.

 

The Company in issuing the Notes may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee may use “CUSIP” numbers in notices as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice and 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 numbers.  The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.

 

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ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

 

Section 3.01                              Notices to Trustee.

 

If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.07 hereof, it must furnish to the Trustee, at least 45 days (unless a shorter period not less than 30 days shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) but not more than 60 days (except in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture) before a redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth:

 

(1)                                  the clause of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur;

 

(2)                                  the redemption date;

 

(3)                                  the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed; and

 

(4)                                  the redemption price, if known at the time such notice is given.

 

If the redemption price is not known at the time such notice is to be given, the redemption price shall be set forth in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee no later than two Business Days prior to the redemption date.

 

Section 3.02                              Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased.

 

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee will select the Notes for redemption (1) in compliance with the requirements of the principal securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed, as certified to the Trustee by the Company, (2) if the Notes are not so listed or such exchange prescribes no method of selection, in compliance with the requirements of DTC, or (3) if the Notes are not so listed or such exchange prescribes no method of selection, and the Notes are not held through DTC or DTC prescribes no method of selection, on a pro rata basis, by lot, subject to adjustments so that no Note in an unauthorized denomination remains outstanding after such redemption; provided , however , that no Note of $2,000 in aggregate principal amount or less shall be redeemed in part.

 

Section 3.03                              Notice of Redemption.

 

Notice of redemption will be sent by the Company electronically or mailed by first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture pursuant to Articles 8 or 11 hereof.

 

The notice will identify the Notes to be redeemed and will state:

 

(1)                                  the redemption date;

 

(2)                                  the redemption price, or manner of calculation thereof if not then known;

 

(3)                                  if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion will be issued (or transferred by book-entry) upon cancellation of the original Note;

 

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

 

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

 

(6)                                  that, unless the Company defaults in making such redemption payment, interest on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;

 

(7)                                  the paragraph of the Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed;

 

(8)                                  that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP/ISIN number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes; and

 

(9)                                  any conditions precedent to such redemption described in reasonable detail.

 

At the Company’s request, the Trustee will give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at its expense; provided , however , that the Company has delivered to the Trustee, at least 45 days prior to the redemption date (unless a shorter time is agreed to by the Trustee), an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice together with the notice to be given setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the preceding paragraph.

 

Notice of any redemption of the Notes in connection with a corporate transaction (including an Equity Offering, an incurrence of Indebtedness, consolidation or merger or a Change of Control) may, at the Company’s discretion, be given prior to the completion thereof and any such redemption or notice may, at the Company’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of the related transaction.  If such redemption or purchase is so subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Company’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied or waived by the Company (in its sole discretion), 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 or waived by the redemption date, or by the redemption date as so delayed.  The Company will provide written notice to the Trustee prior to the close of business two Business Days prior to the redemption date (or such shorter period as may be acceptable to the Trustee) if any such redemption has been rescinded or delayed, and upon receipt the Trustee shall provide such notice to each holder of the notes in the same manner in which the notice of redemption was given.  In addition, the Company may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Company’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.

 

Section 3.04      Effect of Notice of Redemption.

 

Once notice of redemption is mailed or sent in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, except as may be provided in Section 3.03 if any such redemption is subject to any condition precedent, Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price.

 

Section 3.05      Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price.

 

Not later than 10:00 a.m.  (New York City time) on the redemption or purchase date, except as may be provided in Section 3.03 if any such redemption is subject to any condition precedent, the Company will deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, all Notes to be redeemed or purchased on that date.  The Trustee or the Paying Agent will promptly return to the Company any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Company in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption or purchase price of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, all Notes to be redeemed or purchased.

 

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If the Company complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase.  If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after an interest record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest will be payable to Holders whose Notes will be subject to redemption by the Company.  If any Note called for redemption or purchase is not so paid upon surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Company to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption or purchase date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof.

 

Section 3.06      Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part.

 

Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed or purchased in part, the Company will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, the Trustee will authenticate for the Holder (or transfer by book-entry) at the expense of the Company a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered.

 

Section 3.07      Optional Redemption.

 

(a)                                  At any time prior to May 1, 2020, the Notes will be redeemable, at the Company’s option, in whole or in part from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the Applicable Premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

 

(b)                                  In addition, the Company may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount thereof) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on May 1 of the year set forth below:

 

Year

 

Percentage

 

2020

 

104.219

%

2021

 

102.813

%

2022

 

101.406

%

2023 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

 

In addition, the Company must pay accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

 

(c)                                   At any time, or from time to time, on or prior to May 1, 2020 the Company may, at its option, use an amount of cash up to the Net Cash Proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings to redeem, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice up to 35% of the principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) outstanding under this Indenture at a redemption price of 105.625% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date); provided that:

 

(1)                                  at least 65% of the principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) outstanding under this Indenture remains outstanding immediately after any such redemption; and

 

(2)                                  the Company makes such redemption not more than 90 days after the consummation of any such Equity Offering.

 

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(d)                               Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.

 

(e)                                   Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in connection with any Change of Control Offer or Net Proceeds Offer, if Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes validly tender and do not validly withdraw such Notes in such Change of Control Offer or Net Proceeds Offer and the Company, or any third party making such Change of Control Offer or Net Proceeds Offer in lieu of the Company, purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Company or such third party will have the right upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase date, to redeem all Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to the price offered to each other Holder in such Change of Control Offer or Net Proceeds Offer plus, to the extent not included, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, to, but excluding, such redemption date.

 

Section 3.08      Mandatory Redemption.

 

The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 

ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS

 

Section 4.01      Payment of Notes.

 

The Company will pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium on, if any, and interest on, the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes.  Principal, premium, if any, and interest will be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of 10:00 a.m.  New York City time on the due date money deposited by the Company in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, then due.

 

The Company will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding or case under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding or case under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest, if any (without regard to any applicable grace period), at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

The Company will pay all Additional Interest, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in the amounts set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement. Additional Interest will be payable in arrears on each interest payment date following accrual in the same manner as regular interest on the Notes.  If Additional Interest is payable on the Notes, the Company shall provide an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee on or before the record date for each interest payment date such Additional Interest is payable setting forth the accrual period and the amount of such Additional Interest in reasonable detail. The Trustee may provide a copy of such Officers’ Certificate or other notice received from the Company relating to Additional Interest to any Holder upon request. Unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee receives at the Corporate Trust Office such a certificate, the Trustee may assume without inquiry that no such Additional Interest is payable. The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder to determine whether any Additional Interest is payable, or with respect to the nature, extent, or calculation of the amount of any Additional Interest owed, or with respect to the method employed in such calculation of any Additional Interest. If the Company has paid Additional Interest directly to the Persons entitled to it, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the particulars of such payment.

 

Section 4.02      Maintenance of Office or Agency.

 

The Company will maintain in the continental United States, an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for payment, registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the

 

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Notes and this Indenture may be served.  The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency.  If at any time the Company fails to maintain any such required office or agency or fails to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the 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 will in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the continental United States for such purposes.  The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

 

The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Company in accordance with Section 2.03 hereof.

 

Section 4.03      Reports to Holders.

 

(a)                                  Notwithstanding that the Company may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, from and after the Issue Date, the Company will furnish to the Trustee, within 15 days after the time periods specified below:

 

(1)                                  within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, all financial information (including audited financial statements) of the Company that would be required to be contained in an annual report on Form 10-K, or any successor or comparable form, filed with the SEC, including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and a report on the annual financial statements by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm;

 

(2)                                  within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, all financial information of the Company that would be required to be contained in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q, or any successor or comparable form, filed with the SEC; and

 

(3)                                  all current reports to the extent relating to such event that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such reports, in each case within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations;

 

in each case, in a manner that complies in all material respects with the requirements specified in such form, except as described above or below and subject to exceptions consistent with the presentation of information in the Offering Circular.

 

(b)                                  [Reserved].

 

(c)                                   At any time that any of the Company’s Subsidiaries are Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then the annual and quarterly financial information required by Section 4.03(a) will include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Company.

 

(d)                                  Substantially concurrently with the furnishing or making such information available to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.03, the Company shall also post copies of such information required by this Section 4.03 on a website (which may be nonpublic and may be maintained by the Company or a third party) to which access will be given to Holders, prospective investors in the Notes (which prospective investors shall be limited to “qualified

 

44



 

institutional buyers” within the meaning of Rule 144A of the Securities Act or non-U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) that certify their status as such to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company), and securities analysts and market making financial institutions that are reasonably satisfactory to the Company.

 

(e)                                   The Trustee shall have no obligation to determine if and when the Company’s financial statements or reports are publicly available and accessible electronically or appears on any website under this Indenture, and shall have no obligation to participate in any conference calls.  Delivery of these reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of them will not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

 

(f)                                    The Company will hold quarterly conference calls for the Holders to discuss financial information for the previous quarter (it being understood that such quarterly conference call may be the same conference call as with the Company’s equity investors and analysts).  Such conference calls will be following the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Company and not later than 15 Business Days from the time that the Company distributes the financial information as set forth in Section 4.03(a).  No fewer than two days prior to the conference call, the Company will issue a press release announcing the time and date of such conference call and providing instructions for Holders, securities analysts and prospective investors to obtain access to such call; provided , however , that such press release can be distributed solely to certified users of the website described in Section 4.03(d).

 

(g)                                   To the extent not satisfied by this Section 4.03, the Company shall, for so long as any Notes are outstanding, furnish to Holders 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.

 

(h)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Section 4.03, if the Company has furnished or filed the reports described in this Section 4.03 with respect to the Company with the SEC via EDGAR (or any successor reporting system of the SEC), the Company shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this Section 4.03.

 

Section 4.04      Compliance Certificate.

 

(a)                                  The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year ended after the Issue Date, an Officers’ Certificate, one signer of which shall be either the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Company and that need not comply with Section 12.05, stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether the Company has complied with this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Company has complied with this Indenture and no Default or Event of Default has occurred during such period (or, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto).

 

(b)                                  So long as any of the Notes are outstanding, the Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 15 Business Days after an Officer becomes aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

Section 4.05      Taxes.

 

The Company will pay, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material taxes, assessments, and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

 

45



 

Section 4.06      Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.

 

The Company and each of the Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company and each of the Guarantors (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

Section 4.07      Restricted Payments.

 

(a)                                  The Company shall not, and shall not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

 

(1)                                  declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution (other than dividends or distributions payable in Qualified Capital Stock of the Company) on or in respect of shares of the Company’s Capital Stock to holders of such Capital Stock;

 

(2)                                  purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Capital Stock of the Company or any warrants, rights or options to purchase or acquire shares of any class of such Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock within 365 days of the Stated Maturity thereof);

 

(3)                                  make any principal payment on, purchase, defease, redeem, prepay, decrease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, earlier than one year prior to any scheduled final maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment, any Subordinated Indebtedness; or

 

(4)                                  make any Investment (other than Permitted Investments)

 

(each of the foregoing actions set forth in clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) being referred to as a “ Restricted Payment ”), if at the time of such Restricted Payment or immediately after giving effect thereto,

 

(i)                                      a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

 

(ii)                                   the Company is not able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness in compliance with Section 4.09(a); or

 

(iii)                                the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments (including such proposed Restricted Payment) made subsequent to the first day of the fiscal quarter of the Company during which the Issue Date occurs (the amount expended for such purposes, if other than in cash, being the fair market value of such property as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company) shall exceed the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(w)                                50% of the cumulative Consolidated Net Income (or if cumulative Consolidated Net Income shall be a loss, minus 100% of such loss) of the Company earned subsequent to the first day of the fiscal quarter of the Company during which the Issue Date occurs and on or prior to the date the Restricted Payment occurs (the “ Reference Date ”) (treating such period as a single accounting period); plus

 

(x)                                  100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value of readily marketable securities or other property received by the Company from any Person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company) from (i) the issuance and sale subsequent to the Issue Date and on or prior to the Reference Date of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or (ii) from the issue and

 

46



 

sale subsequent to the Issue Date and on or prior to the Reference Date of Disqualified Capital Stock or convertible or exchangeable debt securities of the Company, in the case of this clause (ii), that has been converted into or exchange for Qualified Capital Stock; plus

 

(y)                                  without duplication of any amounts included in clause (iii)(x) above, 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and fair market value of readily marketable securities or other property, of any equity contribution received by the Company subsequent to the Issue Date (excluding, in the case of clauses (iii)(x) and (y), any such net cash proceeds to the extent used to (i) redeem the Notes in compliance with Section 3.07(c) or (ii) to make a Restricted Payment pursuant to clauses (2) or (3) of the immediately succeeding paragraph); plus

 

(z)                                   the sum of:

 

(1)                                  the aggregate amount in cash and fair market value of other property returned on or with respect to Investments (other than Permitted Investments) made subsequent to the Issue Date whether through interest payments, principal payments, dividends, by merger, consolidation or other distribution, payment or transfer;

 

(2)                                  the net cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries subsequent to the Issue Date from the disposition of all or any portion of such Investments (other than to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company); and

 

(3)                                  upon redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary (except to the extent the Investment constituted a Permitted Investment), the fair market value of such Subsidiary;

 

provided , however , that the sum of subclauses (z)(1), (z)(2) and (z)(3) above shall not exceed the aggregate amount of all such Investments made subsequent to the Issue Date.

 

(b)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions set forth in Section 4.07(a) do not prohibit:

 

(1)                                  the payment of any dividend or distribution or the consummation of any irrevocable redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration of such dividend or distribution or giving of the redemption notice, as the case may be, if the dividend, distribution or redemption payment would have been permitted on the date of declaration or giving of the redemption notice;

 

(2)                                  if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the acquisition of any shares of Capital Stock of the Company, either (i) solely in exchange for shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or (ii) through the application of net proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale for cash (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company;

 

(3)                                  if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the acquisition of any Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantor’s Note Guarantee, as the case may be, or the acquisition of Disqualified Capital Stock, in each case, either (i) solely in exchange for shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company, or (ii) in exchange for, or by conversion into, or through the application of net proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale for cash (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company), of (a) shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or (b) Refinancing Indebtedness;

 

(4)                                  if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, repurchases, redemptions or other acquisitions by the Company of Common Stock of the Company (or options or warrants to purchase such Common Stock) from directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company or

 

47



 

any of its Subsidiaries or their authorized representatives upon the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of such directors, officers, employees or consultants, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5.0 million; provided that any unused amounts may be carried forward to any succeeding fiscal year in an amount not to exceed $2.5 million in any such fiscal year; provided , however , that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:

 

(a)                                  the cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from the sale of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company to directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries subsequent to the Issue Date (provided that the amount of cash proceeds utilized for any such repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or dividend will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (iii) of Section 4.07(a)); plus

 

(b)                                  the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date;

 

provided that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from any present or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Capital Stock of the Company will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 4.07 or any other provision of this Indenture;

 

(5)                                  if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, other Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed $75.0 million;

 

(6)                                  additional Restricted Payments; provided , however , that (i) after giving pro forma effect to any such Restricted Payment, the Consolidated Debt Ratio shall be less than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00 and (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

 

(7)                                  in the event of a Change of Control, and if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the payment, purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor, in each case at a purchase price not greater than 101% of the principal amount of such Subordinated Indebtedness, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided , however , that prior to, or concurrently with, such payment, purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement, the Company (or a third party to the extent permitted by this Indenture) has made a Change of Control Offer with respect to the Notes as a result of such Change of Control and has repurchased all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn in connection with such Change of Control Offer;

 

(8)                                  in the event of an Asset Sale that requires the Company to offer to repurchase Notes pursuant to Section 4.10, and if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the payment, purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor, in each case at a purchase price not greater than 100% of the principal amount of such Subordinated Indebtedness, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided , however , that (A) prior to, or concurrently with, such payment, purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement, the Company has made an offer with respect to the Notes pursuant to Section 4.10 and has repurchased all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn in connection with such offer and (B) the aggregate amount of all such payments, purchases, redemptions, defeasances or other acquisitions or retirements of all such Subordinated Indebtedness may not exceed the amount of the Net Proceeds Offer Amount remaining after the Company has complied with Section 4.10(a)(3);

 

48



 

(9)                                  repurchases of Common Stock deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options, warrants, rights or other Capital Stock if the Common Stock represents a portion of the exercise price thereof or withholding taxes payable in connection with the exercise thereof;

 

(10)                           if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Restricted Payments constituting a quarterly cash dividend to the shareholders of the Company in an amount not to exceed $10.0 million per fiscal quarter; and

 

(11)                           if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Restricted Payments paid in cash in connection with the repurchase price of minority interests in subsidiaries of IPC in an aggregate amount not to exceed €5.0 million.

 

In determining the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made subsequent to the first day of the fiscal quarter of the Company during which the Issue Date occurs in accordance with Section 4.07(a)(iii), amounts expended pursuant to Section 4.07(b)(1), (4) and (5) shall be included in such calculation.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.07, in the event that a proposed Restricted Payment (or portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Restricted Payments described in Section 4.07(b)(1) through (11) above, or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.07(a), the Company will be entitled to divide, classify or re-classify (based on circumstances existing on the date of such reclassification) such restricted payment or portion thereof in any manner that complies with this Section 4.07 and such Restricted Payment will be treated as having been made pursuant to only such clause or clauses or Section 4.07(a).

 

Section 4.08      Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

(a)                                  The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to:

 

(1)                                  pay dividends or make any other distributions on or in respect of its Capital Stock to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(2)                                  make loans or advances or to pay any Indebtedness or other obligation owed to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or

 

(3)                                  transfer any of its property or assets to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company.

 

(b)                                  The restrictions in Section 4.08(a) hereof will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

 

(1)                                  applicable law, rule regulation, decree or order;

 

(2)                                  the Notes and the related Note Guarantees and this Indenture;

 

(3)                                  customary subletting and non-assignment provisions of any contract or any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(4)                                  any agreement or instrument (including those governing Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or Capital Stock) of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness or Capital Stock was incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction

 

49



 

is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the properties or assets of the Person, or the Capital Stock of the Person, so acquired;

 

(5)                                  contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Issue Date;

 

(6)                                  the Existing Credit Facilities and any related documentation or an agreement governing other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Indenture; provided that, with respect to any agreement governing such other Indebtedness, the provisions relating to such encumbrance or restriction, taken as a whole, are no less favorable to the Company in any material respect as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in its reasonable and good faith judgment than the provisions contained in the Existing Credit Facilities or this Indenture as in effect on the Issue Date;

 

(7)                                  restrictions on the transfer of assets subject to any Lien permitted under this Indenture imposed by the holder of such Lien;

 

(8)                                  restrictions imposed by any agreement to sell assets or Capital Stock permitted under this Indenture to any Person pending the closing of such sale;

 

(9)                                  restrictions imposed by agreements governing obligations of Foreign Restricted Subsidiaries which are permitted under this Indenture;

 

(10)                           restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(11)                           customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements (in each case relating solely to the respective joint venture or similar entity or the equity interests therein) entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(12)                           agreements evidencing Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor that is permitted under this Indenture for so long as such Restricted Subsidiary is not a Guarantor;

 

(13)                           customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

 

(14)                           customary restrictions arising in connection with cash or other deposits in connection with Liens permitted under this Indenture;

 

(15)                           customary restrictions contained in agreements with surety companies that waive or prohibit subrogation claims and/or prohibit parties to such agreements from collecting obligations to the applicable surety company have been paid or satisfied, in each case after a claim is made upon such surety company; and

 

(16)                           any encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, restructurings, replacements or refinancings of those agreements, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (2) and (4) through (14) above; provided , however , that the provisions relating to such encumbrance or restriction contained in any such agreements, taken as a whole, are no less favorable to the Company in any material respect as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in their reasonable and good faith judgment than the provisions relating to such encumbrance or restriction contained in agreements referred to in such clauses (2) and (4) through (14) above.

 

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Nothing contained in this Section 4.08 shall prevent the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from (1) creating, incurring, assuming or suffering to exist any Liens otherwise permitted by Section 4.12 or (2) restricting the sale or other disposition of property or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that secure Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

Section 4.09                              Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness.

 

(a)                                  The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume, guarantee, acquire, become liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to, or otherwise become responsible for payment of (collectively, “ incur ”) any Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Acquired Indebtedness); provided , however , that, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time or as a consequence of the incurrence of any such Indebtedness, the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries may incur Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Acquired Indebtedness) if on the date of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, after giving pro forma effect to the incurrence thereof, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company is at least 2.0 to 1.0; provided , further , that any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is not or will not, upon such incurrence, become a Guarantor may not incur Indebtedness under this paragraph if, after giving pro forma effect to such incurrence (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), more than an aggregate principal amount equal to $60.0 million of Indebtedness of all such non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries would be outstanding under this paragraph at such time.

 

(b)                                  The provisions of Section 4.09(a) hereof will not prohibit the incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness, without duplication (collectively, “ Permitted Indebtedness ”):

 

(1)                                  Indebtedness under the Notes issued on the Issue Date (including the related Note Guarantees) and the Exchange Notes and related exchange guarantees to be issued in exchange for the Notes and the Note Guarantees thereof pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(2)                                  Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Credit Facilities in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (a) $450 million and (b) an amount such that, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness (and application of the net proceeds therefrom), the Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio would be no greater than 1.75 to 1.0; provided that, for purposes of determining the amount of Indebtedness that may be incurred under clause (2)(b), all Indebtedness incurred under this clause (2) shall be treated as Indebtedness secured by Liens (whether or not it is so secured);

 

(3)                                  Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on the Issue Date (other than Indebtedness under clause (1) and (2) of this Section 4.09(b)) (including any amendments or replacements thereof that do not increase the principal amount);

 

(4)                                  Interest Swap Obligations of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries covering Indebtedness of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that such Interest Swap Obligations are entered into for the purpose of mitigating risks associated with liabilities, commitments, investments, assets, or property held or reasonably anticipated by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, or changes in the value of securities issued by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, and not for purposes of speculation or taking a “market view”;

 

(5)                                  Indebtedness under Currency Agreements; provided that in the case of Currency Agreements which relate to Indebtedness, such Currency Agreements do not increase the Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding other than as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates or by reason of fees, indemnities and compensation payable thereunder;

 

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(6)                                  Indebtedness of the Company owing to and held by any Restricted Subsidiary or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company owing to and held by the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided , however , that:  (a) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, and (b) any sale or other transfer (excluding Permitted Liens) of any such Indebtedness to a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, shall be deemed, in each case, to be the incurrence of Indebtedness by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, not permitted by this clause (6);

 

(7)                                  (a) obligations pursuant to any cash management agreement and other Indebtedness in respect of netting services, overdraft protections and similar arrangements and (b) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business;

 

(8)                                  Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries represented by letters of credit, pledges or deposits for the account of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, and obligations owed to customers for advance payments, as the case may be, in order to provide security for workers’ compensation claims, payment obligations in connection with self-insurance, the purchase of goods or other requirements in the ordinary course of business;

 

(9)                                  Indebtedness represented by guarantees by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred under this Indenture; provided that, in the case of a guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary, such Restricted Subsidiary complies with Section 4.18 to the extent applicable;

 

(10)                           Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of bid, payment and performance bonds, bankers’ acceptances, workers’ compensation claims, surety or appeal bonds, payment obligations in connection with insurance or similar obligations, and bank overdrafts (and letters of credit in respect thereof) in the ordinary course of business;

 

(11)                           Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of guarantees, earn-outs, incentives, non-competes, consulting, indemnities or obligations (contingent or other) in respect of purchase price adjustments in connection with the acquisition or disposition of assets;

 

(12)                           Indebtedness of (x) the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary incurred or issued to finance an acquisition or (y) Persons that are acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or merged into or consolidated with the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; provided that after giving effect to such acquisition, merger or consolidation, either:  (a) the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of this covenant; (b) the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would not be lower than immediately prior to such acquisition, merger or consolidation; or (c) such Indebtedness constitutes Acquired Indebtedness; provided that, with respect to this clause (c), the only obligors with respect to such Acquired Indebtedness shall be those Persons who were obligors of such Acquired Indebtedness prior to such acquisition, merger or consolidation; provided , further , that any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is not or will not, upon such incurrence, become a Guarantor may not incur Indebtedness under clause (x) of this clause (12) if, after giving pro forma effect to such incurrence (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), more than an aggregate principal amount equal to $60.0 million of Indebtedness of all such non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries would be outstanding under clause (x) of this clause (12) at such time;

 

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(13)                           Indebtedness represented by Capitalized Lease Obligations and Purchase Money Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding, including any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, not to exceed (A) the greater of (i) $30.0 million and (ii) 4.0% of Consolidated Total Assets plus (B) $45.0 million to finance the acquisition and/or construction of a new headquarters facility for the Company;

 

(14)                           Indebtedness of Foreign Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company in connection with letters of credit and bank guarantees in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $50.0 million;

 

(15)                           Indebtedness of the Company evidenced by commercial paper issued by the Company; provided that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (2) of this Section 4.09(b) and this clause (15) does not exceed the maximum amount of Indebtedness permitted under clause (2) of this Section 4.09(b);

 

(16)                           Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness described in clauses (1), (3), (4), (5) and (12) of this Section 4.09(b) and this clause (16); and

 

(17)                           additional Indebtedness of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding, including any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, not to exceed the greater of (A) $100.0 million and (B) 10.0% of Consolidated Total Assets.

 

For purposes of determining any particular amount of Indebtedness under this of this Section 4.09, guarantees, Liens or letter of credit obligations supporting Indebtedness otherwise included in the determination of such particular amount shall not be included.  For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09, in the event that all or a portion of an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Indebtedness described in clauses (1) through (17) of Section 4.09(b) or is permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a), the Company shall, in its sole discretion, divide, classify (or later reclassify) such item or portion of such item of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this Section 4.09, including under Section 4.09(a) if such reclassified Indebtedness could then be incurred under such test, except that Indebtedness outstanding under the Existing Credit Facilities on the Issue Date shall be deemed to have been incurred on the Issue Date under Section 4.09(b)(2) and may not be reclassified.  Accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, the payment of dividends on Disqualified Capital Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Capital Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Capital Stock for purposes of this Section 4.09.

 

If at any time an Unrestricted Subsidiary becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as of such date (and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date under this Section 4.09, the Company shall be in default of this Section 4.09).

 

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, in the case of revolving credit debt, and the amount of such debt will not be deemed to change as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates after such date of incurrence or commitment; 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 (a) the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced plus (b) the aggregate amount

 

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of fees, underwriting discounts, accrued and unpaid interest, premiums (including, without limitation, tender premiums) and other costs and expenses (including, without limitation, original issue discount, upfront fees or similar fees) incurred in connection with such refinancing.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4.09, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary may incur pursuant to this Section 4.09 shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies.  The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such Refinancing Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

 

(c)                                   The Company will not, and will not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness which by its terms (or by the terms of any agreement governing such Indebtedness) is expressly subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is also by its terms (or by the terms of any agreement governing such Indebtedness) made expressly subordinate to the Notes or the applicable Note Guarantee, as the case may be, to the same extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to other Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be.  For purposes of the foregoing, no Indebtedness will be deemed to be subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor solely by virtue of such Indebtedness being unsecured or by virtue of the fact that the holders of such Indebtedness have entered into one or more intercreditor agreements giving one or more of such holders priority over the other holders in the collateral held by them.

 

Section 4.10                              Asset Sales.

 

(a)                                  The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:

 

(1)                                  the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration (including by way of relief from, or by any other Person assuming responsibility for, any liabilities, contingent or otherwise) at or prior to the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of (as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors);

 

(2)                                  at least 75% of the consideration received by the Company or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from such Asset Sale shall be in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents and shall be received at or prior to the time of such disposition.  For purposes of this clause (2), each of the following shall be deemed to be cash:

 

(A)                                (i) any liabilities, as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet (or in the notes thereto) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (or would be shown on such consolidated balance sheet (or in the notes thereto) as of the date of such Asset Sale), other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any Note Guarantee or (ii) any Guarantees of Indebtedness of Persons other than the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, in each case, that are assumed by the person acquiring such assets to the extent that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries have no further liability with respect to such liabilities;

 

(B)                                any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 180 days after receipt; and

 

(C)                                any Designated Non-Cash Consideration received by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Asset Sale having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together

 

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with all other Designated Non-Cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (C) that is at that time outstanding, in the aggregate, not to exceed the greater of $15.0 million and 1.6% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of receipt of such Designated Non-Cash Consideration, with the Fair Market Value of each item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value;

 

(3)                                  upon the consummation of an Asset Sale, the Company shall apply, or cause such Restricted Subsidiary to apply, the Net Cash Proceeds relating to such Asset Sale within 365 days of receipt thereof either:

 

(A)                                to (x) permanently repay Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries under any Credit Facility and in the case of any such Indebtedness under any revolving credit facility effect a permanent reduction in the availability under such revolving credit facility ( provided , however , that, if there shall not be any term loan indebtedness outstanding under any Credit Facility, in the case of such Indebtedness under any revolving credit facility such prepayment shall not be required to effect a permanent reduction in the availability under such revolving credit facility) or (y) repay or reduce Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that does not guarantee the Notes;

 

(B)                                to make an investment in properties or assets that replace the properties and assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale or in properties or assets (including Capital Stock) that will be used or are useful, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, in the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as they are engaged in on the Issue Date or in businesses reasonably related, incidental, ancillary or complimentary thereto (“ Replacement Assets ”); provided that, in the case of this clause (B), a binding commitment within 365 days of the date of the receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds shall be treated as a permanent application of the Net Cash Proceeds from the date of such commitment so long as the Company or such other Restricted Subsidiary enters into such commitment with the good faith expectation that such Net Cash Proceeds will be applied to satisfy such commitment within 180 days of such commitment; or

 

(C)                                a combination of prepayment and investment permitted by the foregoing clauses (3)(A) and (3)(B).

 

(b)                                  Subject to Section 4.10(a), if any Net Cash Proceeds have not been applied as provided in clauses (3)(A), (3)(B) and (3)(C) of Section 4.10(a) (the “ Net Proceeds Offer Amount ”) within the applicable time period or the last provision of this sentence, such Net Cash Proceeds shall be applied by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to make an offer to purchase (the “ Net Proceeds Offer ”) to all Holders and, to the extent required by the terms of any Pari Passu Indebtedness, to holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness, on a date not less than 30 nor more than 45 days following the date that triggered the Company’s obligation to make such Net Proceeds Offer, from all Holders (and holders of any such Pari Passu Indebtedness) on a pro rata basis based upon the respective outstanding aggregate principal amounts (or accreted value, as applicable) of the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness on the date the Net Proceeds Offer is made, the maximum amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased with the Net Proceeds Offer Amount at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase; provided , however , that if at any time any non-cash consideration received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be, in connection with any Asset Sale is converted into or sold or otherwise disposed of for cash (other than interest received with respect to any such non-cash consideration), then such conversion or disposition shall be deemed to constitute an Asset Sale hereunder and the Net Cash Proceeds thereof shall be applied in accordance with this Section 4.10.  The Company will determine the maximum amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased pursuant to any Net Proceeds Offer.

 

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(c)                                   The Company may make a Net Proceeds Offer at any time and from time to time in advance of its obligation to make a Net Proceeds Offer pursuant to Section 4.10(b).  The Company may also defer any Net Proceeds Offer until there is an aggregate unutilized Net Proceeds Offer Amount equal to or in excess of $25.0 million resulting from one or more Asset Sales (at which time, the entire unutilized Net Proceeds Offer Amount, and not just the amount in excess of $25.0 million, shall be applied as required pursuant to this paragraph).  Upon completion of each Net Proceeds Offer, the amount of unutilized Net Proceeds Offer Amount will be reset at zero.

 

(d)                                  In the event of the transfer of substantially all (but not all) of the property and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as an entirety to a Person in a transaction permitted under Section 5.01, which transaction does not constitute a Change of Control, the successor entity shall be deemed to have sold the properties and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries not so transferred for purposes of this Section 4.10 and shall comply with the provisions of this Section 4.10 with respect to such deemed sale as if it were an Asset Sale.  In addition, the fair market value of such properties and assets of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries deemed to be sold shall be deemed to be Net Cash Proceeds for purposes of this Section 4.10.

 

(e)                                   Notwithstanding Sections 4.10(a) and 4.10(b), the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries will be permitted to consummate an Asset Sale without complying with such sections to the extent that:

 

(1)                                  at least 75% of the consideration for such Asset Sale constitutes Replacement Assets; and

 

(2)                                  such Asset Sale is for fair market value; provided that any consideration not constituting Replacement Assets received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any Asset Sale permitted to be consummated under this Section 4.10(e) shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds subject to the provisions of Sections 4.10(a) and 4.10(b).

 

(f)                                    Each Net Proceeds Offer will be sent to the record Holders as shown on the register of Holders within 25 days following the date triggering the Company obligation to make such Net Proceeds Offer, with a copy to the Trustee, and shall comply with the procedures set forth in this Indenture.  Upon receiving notice of the Net Proceeds Offer, Holders may elect to tender their Notes in whole or in part in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000 in exchange for cash.  To the extent Holders properly tender Notes in an amount exceeding the pro rata portion of the Net Proceeds Offer Amount applicable to the Notes, the tendered Notes will be purchased on a pro rata basis (based on amounts tendered), subject to applicable DTC procedures with respect to Global Notes.  A Net Proceeds Offer shall remain open for a period of at least 20 Business Days or such longer period as may be required by law.

 

(g)                                   The Company will 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 Notes pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with this Section 4.10, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.10 by virtue thereof.

 

Section 4.11                              Transactions with Affiliates.

 

(a)                                  The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation, the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with, or for the benefit of, any of its Affiliates involving aggregate value in excess of $2.0 million (each an “ Affiliate Transaction ”), other than:

 

(1)                                  Affiliate Transactions permitted under Section 4.11(b); and

 

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(2)                                  Affiliate Transactions on terms, taken as a whole, that are no less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that might reasonably have been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on an arm’s-length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

If any such Affiliate Transaction (or a series of related Affiliate Transactions which are similar or part of a common plan) (x) involves aggregate payments or other property with a fair market value in excess of $10.0 million, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall file with the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with this covenant and (y) involves aggregate payments or other property with a fair market value in excess of $20.0 million, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall file with the Trustee a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, set forth in an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with this Section 4.11 and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

(b)                                  The restrictions set forth in Section 4.11(a) shall not apply to:

 

(1)                                  indemnification, employment, consultancy, advisory, services or separation agreements or arrangements and benefit plans or arrangements and any transactions contemplated by any of the foregoing, including the payment of compensation, fees and reimbursement of expenses to, and customary indemnities (including under customary insurance policies) and employee benefit and pension expenses, in each case, in respect of or provided on behalf of, current or former directors, officers, consultants or employees of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (whether directly or indirectly and including through any Person owned or controlled by any of such directors, officers or employees) as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors or senior management;

 

(2)                                  transactions exclusively between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or exclusively between or among such Restricted Subsidiaries (including any entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as a result of such transaction); provided such transactions are not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture;

 

(3)                                  (A) any agreement or arrangement as in effect as of the Issue Date (or transactions pursuant thereto), (B) any other agreements or arrangements pursuant to or in connection with the Transactions or (C) any amendment, modification or supplement to the agreements referenced in clause (A) or (B) above or any replacement thereof, so long as the terms of such agreement or arrangement, as so amended, modified, supplemented or replaced, are not more disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole in any material respect compared to the applicable agreements or arrangements as in effect on the Issue Date or as described in the Offering Circular, as applicable, as determined in good faith by the Company;

 

(4)                                  Restricted Payments or Permitted Investments not prohibited by this Indenture;

 

(5)                                  transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice, which are fair to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary in the reasonable determination of the Board of Directors or the senior management of the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary, or are on terms no less favorable than those that could reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party;

 

(6)                                  issuances or sales of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company or options, warrants or other rights to acquire such Capital Stock and the granting of registration and other customary rights in connection therewith or any contribution to capital of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

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(7)                                  transactions in which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or meets the requirements of Section 4.11(a)(2);

 

(8)                                  payments to or the receipt of payments from, and the entry into of and the consummation of transactions with, joint ventures (to the extent any such joint venture is only an Affiliate as a result of Investments by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries in such joint venture) in the ordinary course of business to the extent otherwise permitted by this Indenture, so long as such payments or transactions are on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that could be obtained in a comparable transaction at the time of such transaction;

 

(9)                                  the Transactions, in each case as disclosed in the Offering Circular, and the payment of all fees, expenses, bonuses and awards related thereto;

 

(10)                           transactions with a Person that is an Affiliate of the Company solely because the Company or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries owns an equity interest in such Person;

 

(11)                           the pledge of Capital Stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries or joint ventures to support the Indebtedness thereof;

 

(12)                           transactions between the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and any Person, a director of which is also a director of the Company; provided , that such director abstains from voting as a director of the Company on any matter involving such other Person; or

 

(13)                           transactions with a Person who is not an Affiliate immediately before the consummation of such transaction that becomes an Affiliate as a result of such transaction.

 

Section 4.12                              Liens.

 

(a)                                  The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or permit or suffer to exist any Liens of any kind against or upon any property or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Permitted Liens) (such Lien, the “ Initial Lien ”), whether owned on the Issue Date or acquired after the Issue Date, or any proceeds therefrom, or assign or otherwise convey any right to receive income or profits therefrom unless:

 

(1)                                  in the case of Liens securing Subordinated Indebtedness, the Notes or the Note Guarantees are secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to such Liens; and

 

(2)                                  in all other cases, the Notes or Note Guarantees, as the case may be, are equally and ratably secured.

 

(b)                                  Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes pursuant to Section 4.12(a) shall provide by its terms that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Initial Lien.

 

(c)                                   For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.12, (A) a Lien securing an item of Indebtedness need not be permitted solely by reference to one category of permitted Liens described in clauses (1) through (36) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” or pursuant to Section 4.12(a) but may be permitted in part under any combination thereof and (B) in the event that a Lien securing an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of permitted Liens described in clauses (1) through (36) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” or pursuant to Section 4.12(a), the Company shall, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify, or later divide,

 

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classify or reclassify, such Lien securing such item of Indebtedness (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this covenant and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Lien or such item of Indebtedness secured by such Lien in one of the clauses of the definition of “Permitted Liens” and such Lien securing such item of Indebtedness will be treated as being incurred or existing pursuant to only one of such clauses or pursuant to Section 4.12(a).

 

With respect to any Lien securing Indebtedness that was permitted to secure such Indebtedness at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Lien shall also be permitted to secure any Increased Amount of such Indebtedness.  The “ Increased Amount ” of any Indebtedness shall mean any increase in the amount of such Indebtedness in connection with any accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value, the amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, the payment of dividends on preferred stock in the form of additional shares of preferred stock of the same class, accretion of original issue discount or liquidation preference and increases in the amount of Indebtedness outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies or increases in the value of property securing Indebtedness described in subclause (7) of the definition of “Indebtedness.”

 

Section 4.13                              Conduct of Business.

 

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, engage in any businesses that are not the same, similar or reasonably related, incidental, ancillary or complimentary to the businesses in which the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are engaged on the Issue Date.

 

Section 4.14                              Corporate Existence.

 

Subject to Article 5 hereof, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things reasonably necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect:

 

(1)                                  its corporate existence in accordance with its organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time); and

 

(2)                                  the rights (charter and statutory) of the Company;

 

provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right if the Board of Directors of the Company shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

Section 4.15                              Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control.

 

(a)                                  Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder will have the right to require that the Company purchase all or a portion of such Holder’s Notes pursuant to the offer described below (a “ Change of Control Offer ”), at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the date of purchase.

 

Within 30 days following the date upon which the Change of Control occurred, the Company shall send a written notice to each Holder, with a copy to the Trustee, which notice shall govern the terms of the Change of Control Offer.  Such notice shall state:

 

(1)                                  that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.15 and that all Notes tendered will be accepted for payment;

 

(2)                                  the purchase price and the purchase date, which (unless otherwise required by law) shall be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is sent (the “ Change of Control Payment Date ”);

 

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(3)                                  that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest in accordance with this Indenture;

 

(4)                                  that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest after the Change of Control Payment Date;

 

(5)                                  that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice (or, if a Global Note, by following the Applicable Procedures) prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;

 

(6)                                  that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the second Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date, a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of Notes delivered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have the Notes purchased (or, if a Global Note, by following the Applicable Procedures); and

 

(7)                                  that Holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, which unpurchased portion must be equal to $2,000 in principal amount or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

The Company will 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 pursuant to a Change of Control Offer.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 4.15, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.15 by virtue of such compliance.

 

(b)                                  On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will, to the extent lawful:

 

(1)                                  accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;

 

(2)                                  Not later than 10 a.m. New York City time deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered and not properly withdrawn; and

 

(3)                                  deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions of Notes being purchased.

 

The Paying Agent will promptly mail (but in any case not later than five days after the Change of Control Payment Date) to each Holder properly tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (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 new Note shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  The Company will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

 

(c)                                   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.15, the Company 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

 

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the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.15 and purchases all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer, or (2) a notice of redemption of all outstanding Notes has been given pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof, unless and until there is a default in the payment of the redemption price on the applicable redemption date or the redemption is not consummated due to the failure of a condition precedent contained in the applicable redemption notice to be satisfied.

 

(d)                                  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, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time the Change of Control Offer is made.  In such a case, the related notice shall describe such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Company’s discretion, the purchase date may be delayed until such time as such condition shall be satisfied, or such purchase may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that such condition shall not have been satisfied by the purchase date, or by the purchase date as so delayed.

 

Section 4.16                              [Reserved].

 

Section 4.17                              Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

The Company will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to issue any Preferred Stock (other than to the Company or to a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) or permit any Person (other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) to own any Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor.

 

Section 4.18                              Additional Subsidiary Note Guarantees.

 

If any existing or future Restricted Subsidiary of the Company shall Guarantee any Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor under (i) a Credit Facility or (ii) Capital Markets Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $100.0 million, then the Company shall cause such Restricted Subsidiary to:

 

(1)                                  execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit E pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Company’s obligations under the Notes and this Indenture on the terms set forth in this Indenture; and

 

(2)                                  deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that contains the statements set forth in Section 12.05 and that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Restricted Subsidiary and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Thereafter, such Restricted Subsidiary shall be a Guarantor for all purposes of this Indenture until such Restricted Subsidiary is released from its Note Guarantee as provided in this Indenture.

 

The form of such supplemental indenture is attached as Exhibit E hereto.

 

Section 4.19                              Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

The Company may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if that designation would not cause a Default.  If a Restricted Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the aggregate fair market value of all outstanding Investments owned by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be an Investment made as of the time of the designation and will reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 4.07 or under one or more clauses of the definition of “Permitted Investments,” as determined by the Company.  The designation will only be permitted if the Investment would be permitted at that time and if the Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

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Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Trustee by an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complies with the preceding conditions and was permitted by Section 4.07.  If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding requirements as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it will thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of this Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary will be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as of such date and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date under Section 4.09, the Company will be in default of such covenant.

 

The Company may at any time redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided that such designation will be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary, and such designation will only be permitted if (1) such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 4.09, calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable reference period; and (2) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation.  Any such designation by the Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complies with the preceding conditions.

 

Section 4.20                              Changes in Covenants When Notes Rated Investment Grade.

 

Beginning on the date following the Issue Date that:

 

(1)                                  the Notes have an Investment Grade Rating; and

 

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

 

and ending on the date (the “ Reversion Date ”) that either Rating Agency ceases to have an Investment Grade Rating on the Notes (such period of time, the “ Suspension Period ”), the following Sections of this Indenture will no longer be applicable to the Notes:

 

(1)                                  Section 4.09 (Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness);

 

(2)                                  Section 4.07 (Restricted Payments);

 

(3)                                  Section 4.10 (Asset Sales);

 

(4)                                  Section 4.08 (Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries);

 

(5)                                  Section 4.11 (Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates); and

 

(6)                                  Section 5.01(a)(2) (Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets).

 

During a Suspension Period, the Company’s Board of Directors may not designate any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

On the Reversion Date, all Indebtedness incurred during the Suspension Period will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as Permitted Indebtedness under Section 4.09(b)(3) and permitted to be refinanced under Section 4.09(b)(16).

 

Calculations made after the Reversion Date of the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under Section 4.07 will be made as though Section 4.07 had been in effect prior to, but not during the Suspension Period and all Restricted Payments made during the Suspension Period not otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 4.07(b) will reduce the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under Section 4.07(a)(iii).  In addition, (1) for purposes of Section 4.11, all agreements, arrangements and transactions entered into by the Company or any

 

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of its Restricted Subsidiaries with an Affiliate of the Company during the applicable Suspension Period prior to such Reversion Date will be deemed to have been entered into on or prior to the Issue Date, (2) for purposes of Section 4.08, all contracts entered into during the applicable Suspension Period prior to such Reversion Date that contain any of the restrictions contemplated by such covenant will be deemed to have been existing on the Issue Date, and (3) all Investments made during the Suspension Period will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that they are classified as Permitted Investments permitted under clause (12) of the definition of “Permitted Investments”.

 

Notwithstanding the fact that covenants suspended during a Suspension Period may be reinstated, (1) no Default or Event of Default will be deemed to have occurred as a result of a failure to comply with such covenants during the Suspension Period or at the time such covenants are reinstated and (2) following a Reversion Date, the Company and each Restricted Subsidiary will be permitted, without causing a Default or Event of Default to consummate the transactions contemplated by any contract entered into during the Suspension Period, so long as such contract and such consummation would have been permitted during such Suspension Period.

 

The Company shall give the Trustee written notice of the start of any Suspension Period and in any event not later than five (5) Business Days after such Suspension Period has begun.  The Company shall give the Trustee written notice of any occurrence of a Reversion Date not later than five (5) Business Days after such Reversion Date.  The Trustee may provide a copy of such notice to any Holder of Notes upon request. The Trustee shall have no obligation to independently determine or verify if such events have occurred or notify the Holders of any Suspension Period or Reversion Date.

 

ARTICLE 5
SUCCESSORS

 

Section 5.01                              Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets.

 

(a)                                  The Company will not, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, consolidate or merge with or into any Person, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of (or cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of) all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries), whether as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, to any Person unless:

 

(1)                                  either:

 

(A)                                the Company shall be the surviving or continuing corporation; or

 

(B)                                the Person (if other than the Company) formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition the properties and assets of the Company and of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries substantially as an entirety (the “ Surviving Entity ”):

 

(i)                                      shall be an entity organized or validly existing under the laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia; provided that in the case where the Surviving Entity is not a corporation, a co-obligor of the Notes is a corporation; and

 

(ii)                                   shall expressly assume, by supplemental indenture (in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee), executed and delivered to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on all of the Notes and the performance of every covenant of the Notes and this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;

 

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(2)                                  immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the assumption contemplated by Section 5.01(a)(1)(B)(ii) (including giving effect to any Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction), the Company or such Surviving Entity, as the case may be, (a) would be able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Section 4.09(a) or (b) the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would not be lower than it was immediately prior to such transaction;

 

(3)                                  immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the assumption contemplated by Section 5.01(a)(1)(B)(ii) above, if applicable (including, without limitation, giving effect to any Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred and any Lien granted in connection with or in respect of the transaction), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing; and

 

(4)                                  the Company or the Surviving Entity shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and that all conditions precedent in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been satisfied.

 

For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or otherwise, in a single transaction or series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of one or more Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company, the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company.

 

(b)                                  Upon any consolidation, combination or merger or any transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in accordance with Section 5.01(a), in which the Company is not the continuing corporation, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, lease or transfer is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture and the Notes with the same effect as if such surviving entity had been named as such and all financial information and reports required by this Indenture shall be provided by and for such surviving entity.

 

Section 5.02                              Successor Corporation Substituted.

 

Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company in a transaction that is subject to, and that complies with the provisions of, Section 5.01 hereof, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the successor Person and not to the Company), and may exercise every right and power of the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein and thereafter the predecessor Person shall be released and discharged of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Notes; provided , however , that the predecessor Company shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the principal of, premium on, if any, and interest, if any, on, the Notes except in the case of a sale of all of the Company’s assets in a transaction that is subject to, and that complies with the provisions of, Section 5.01 hereof.

 

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ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

Section 6.01                              Events of Default.

 

Each of the following is an “ Event of Default ”:

 

(1)                                  the failure to pay interest on any Notes when the same becomes due and payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days;

 

(2)                                  the failure to pay the principal on any Notes, when such principal becomes due and payable, at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise (including the failure to make a payment to purchase Notes tendered pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or a Net Proceeds Offer) on the date specified for such payment in the applicable offer to purchase;

 

(3)                                  a default in the observance or performance of any other covenants or agreements which default continues for a period of 60 days after the Company receives written notice specifying the default (and demanding that such default be remedied) from the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes with a copy to the Trustee (except, in the case of a default with respect to Section 5.01, which will constitute an Event of Default with such notice requirement but without such passage of time requirement);

 

(4)                                  the failure to pay at final stated maturity (giving effect to any applicable grace periods and any extensions thereof) the principal amount of any Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, or the acceleration of the final stated maturity of any such Indebtedness (which acceleration is not rescinded, annulled or otherwise cured within 20 days of receipt by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary of notice of any such acceleration) if the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at final stated maturity or which has been accelerated (in each case with respect to which the 20-day period described above has passed), aggregates $50.0 million or more at any time; provided that this clause (4) 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;

 

(5)                                  one or more final judgments in an aggregate amount of $50.0 million or more (net of any amounts which are covered by enforceable insurance policies issued by solvent carriers, to the extent such coverage has not been denied) shall have been rendered against the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries and such judgments remain undischarged, unpaid or unstayed for a period of 60 days after such judgment or judgments become final and non-appealable;

 

(6)                                  the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, pursuant to or within the meaning of Bankruptcy Law:

 

(A)                                commences a voluntary case or proceeding,

 

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

 

(C)                                consents to the appointment of a trustee, interim receiver, receiver, receiver and manager, liquidator, administrator, custodian, sequestrator, agent or other similar official of it or for all or substantially all of its property,

 

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

 

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(E)                                 generally is not paying its debts as they become due;

 

(7)                                  a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

 

(A)                                is for relief against the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case or proceeding;

 

(B)                                appoints a custodian of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; or

 

(C)                                orders the liquidation or winding up of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary;

 

and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; or

 

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

 

Section 6.02                              Acceleration.

 

(a)                                  If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(6) or 6.01(7) with respect to the Company) shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding Notes may declare the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable by notice in writing to the Company and the Trustee specifying the applicable Event of Default and that it is a “notice of acceleration,” and the same shall become immediately due and payable.

 

(b)                                  If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(6) or 6.01(7) with respect to the Company occurs and is continuing, then all unpaid principal of, and premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all of the outstanding Notes shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.

 

(c)                                   At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to the Notes as described in Section 6.02(a) or 6.02(b), the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may rescind and cancel such declaration and its consequences:

 

(1)                                  if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree;

 

(2)                                  if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration;

 

(3)                                  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;

 

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(4)                                  if the Company has paid the Trustee compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances; and

 

(5)                                  in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type described in Section 6.01(6) or 6.01(7), the Trustee shall have received an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived.

 

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 to collect the payment of principal of, premium on, if any, or interest, if any, on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.

 

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 Holder of a Note in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default.  All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law. If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceedings, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding has been instituted.

 

Section 6.04                              Waiver of Past Defaults.

 

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by written notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, premium on, if any, or interest, if any, on, the Notes (including in connection with an offer to purchase); provided , however , that 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.  Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

Section 6.05                              Control by Majority.

 

Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may 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 it.  However, the Trustee 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 other Holders (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) or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability. The Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

 

Section 6.06                              Limitation on Suits.

 

No Holder of a Note may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

For purposes of Section 6.05 and this Section 6.06, the Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 316(a) in making any determination of whether the Holders of the required aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes have concurred in any request or direction of the Trustee to pursue any remedy available to the Trustee or the Holders with respect to this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise under the law. A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of a Note or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of a Note.

 

Section 6.07                              Rights of Holders to Receive Payment.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the contractual right of any Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal of, premium on, if any, or interest, if any, on the Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an offer to purchase), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

 

Section 6.08                              Collection Suit by Trustee.

 

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

 

Section 6.09                              Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

 

The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents 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 the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Notes), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof.  To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise.  Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or

 

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accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding. The Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors’ committee or other similar committee.

 

Section 6.10                              Priorities.

 

Any money or property collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article 6, and after an Event of Default any money or other property distributable in respect of the Company’s or Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture, shall be paid or distributed in the following order:

 

First :  to the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.07 hereof, including payment of all compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and the costs and expenses of collection;

 

Second :  to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, 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, if any, respectively; and

 

Third :  to the Company or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.

 

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.10.

 

Section 6.11                              Undertaking for Costs.

 

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

 

ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE

 

Section 7.01                              Duties of Trustee.

 

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

 

(b)                                  Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

 

(1)                                  the duties of the Trustee will be determined as provided in the TIA and by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

 

(2)                                  in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture.  However, the Trustee will examine

 

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the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of any mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(e)                                   No provision of this Indenture will require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability.  The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under this Indenture at the request of any Holders, unless such Holder has offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers or duties hereunder.

 

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

 

(g)                                   In connection with any proposed exchange of a Definitive Note for a Global Note, the Company shall be required to use reasonable efforts to provide or cause to be provided to the Trustee all information within its possession that is requested by the Trustee and necessary to allow the Trustee to comply with any applicable tax reporting obligations, including without limitation any cost basis reporting obligations under Section 6045 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustee may rely on information provided to it and shall have no responsibility to verify or ensure the accuracy of such information.

 

Section 7.02                              Rights of Trustee.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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(e)                                   Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Company will be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Company. Any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution.

 

(f)                                    The Trustee will 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 unless such Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to the Trustee against the losses, costs, liabilities and expenses that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

 

(g)                                   The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any Officers’ Certificate, Opinion of Counsel, or any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, approval, appraisal, bond, debenture, note, coupon, security other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document.

 

(h)                                  The Trustee shall have no duty to inquire as to the performance of the covenants of the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries in this Indenture and shall be entitled to assume that the Company, the Guarantors and any Restricted Subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

(i)                                      The permissive rights of the Trustee to take the actions permitted by this Indenture will not be construed as an obligation or duty to do so.

 

(j)                                     Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall the Trustee be liable for punitive, special, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to loss of business, goodwill, opportunity or profits of any kind) of the Company, any Guarantor, any Restricted Subsidiary or any other person, even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

 

(k)                                  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, 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, or other unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or facsimile or other wire or communication facility; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts that are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

 

(l)                                      The Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of the individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

 

(m)                              The Trustee shall not be required to take notice or be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless the Trustee shall be specifically notified in writing of such Default or Event of Default by the Company 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 12.02, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture.

 

(n)                                  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, each Agent, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.

 

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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 otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.  However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest as defined in 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 and duties.  The Trustee is also subject to Section 7.10 hereof.  However, the Trustee is subject to TIA Sections 310(b) and 311, excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b).

 

Section 7.04                              Trustee’s Disclaimer.

 

The Trustee will not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees, it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Company or upon the Company’s direction under any provision of this Indenture, it will not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it will not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or in the Offering Circular or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication. Under no circumstances shall the Trustee be liable in its individual capacity for the obligations evidenced by the Notes or the Note Guarantees. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to any act or omission of any Rating Agency or any rating with respect to the Notes. The Trustee shall have no obligation to independently determine or verify if any event has occurred or notify the Holders of any event dependent upon the rating of the Notes, or if the rating on the Notes has been changed, suspended or withdrawn by any Rating Agency.  The Trustee shall have no obligation to independently determine or verify if any Change or Control, merger event, or any other event has occurred or notify the Holders of any such event.

 

Section 7.05                              Notice of Defaults.

 

If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee will send to Holders in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c) a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs.  Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium on, if any, or interest, if any, on, any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Notes.

 

Section 7.06                              Reports by Trustee to Holders.   Within 60 days after each April 15 following initial issuance, beginning with April 15, 2018, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder as provided in TIA Section 313(c) a brief report dated as of such reporting date, if required by TIA Section 313(a).    The Trustee also shall comply with Section 313(b) of the TIA.

 

Section 7.07                              Compensation and Indemnity.

 

(a)                                  The Company will pay to the Trustee from time to time compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder as agreed in writing with the Company.  The Trustee’s compensation will not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust.  The Company will reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services.  Such expenses will include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

 

(b)                                  The Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, will indemnify the Trustee against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, claims, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Company and the Guarantors (including this Section 7.07) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Company, the Guarantors, any Holder or

 

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any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its negligence or willful misconduct as finally adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction. All indemnifications and releases from liability granted hereunder to the Trustee shall extend to its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, custodians, successors and assigns.

 

(c)                                   The obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under this Section 7.07 will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee. “Trustee” for the purposes of this Section 7.07 shall include any predecessor Trustee and the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder and each agent, custodian and other person employed to act hereunder; provided, however, that the negligence or willful misconduct of any Trustee hereunder shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee hereunder.

 

(d)                                  To secure the Company’s and the Guarantors’ payment obligations in this Section 7.07, the Trustee will have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal of, premium on, if any, or interest, if any, on, particular Notes.  Such Lien will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

(e)                                   When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in clause (6) or (7) of Section 6.01 hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

Section 7.08                              Replacement of Trustee.

 

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

 

(b)                                  The Trustee may resign in writing at any time upon 30 days’ notice and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Company.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee upon 30 days’ notice by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing.  The Company may remove the Trustee if:

 

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

 

(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 custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

 

(4)                                  the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

 

(c)                                   If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Company will promptly appoint a successor Trustee.  Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.

 

(d)                                  If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee (at the expense of the Company), the Company, or the Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

(e)                                   If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six months, fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof, such Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

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(f)                                    A successor Trustee will deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company.  Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee will become effective, and the successor Trustee will have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture.  The successor Trustee will mail a notice of its succession to Holders.  The retiring Trustee will promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07 hereof.  Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Company’s obligations under Section 7.07 hereof will continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

 

(g)                                   If the Trustee is no longer eligible under Section 7.10 , any Holder who satisfies the requirements of TIA Section 310(b) may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

Section 7.09                              Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.

 

If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the successor corporation without any further act will be the successor Trustee.

 

Section 7.10                              Eligibility; Disqualification.

 

There will at all times be a Trustee hereunder who satisfies the requirements of TIA Section 310(a)(1), (2) and (5) that is a corporation 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 power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

 

ARTICLE 8
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

 

Section 8.01                              Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

 

The Company may at any time elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof be applied to all outstanding Notes and the Note Guarantees upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.

 

Section 8.02                              Legal Defeasance and Discharge.

 

Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.02, the Company and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with respect to all outstanding Notes (including the Note Guarantees) on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “ Legal Defeasance ”).  For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Company and the Guarantors will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes (including the Note Guarantees), which will thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.05 hereof and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (1) and (2) below, and to have satisfied all their other obligations under such Notes, the Note Guarantees and this Indenture (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which will survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:

 

(1)                                  the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any and interest on such Notes when such payments are due from the trust referred to in Section 8.04 hereof;

 

(2)                                  the Company’s obligations with respect to such Notes under Article 2 and Section 4.02 hereof;

 

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(3)                                  the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations in connection therewith; and

 

(4)                                  this Article 8.

 

Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Company may exercise its option under this Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.03 hereof.

 

Section 8.03                              Covenant Defeasance.

 

Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, the Company and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from each of their obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15, 4.17, 4.18 and 4.19 hereof and clause (2) of Section 5.01(a) hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, “ Covenant Defeasance ”), and the Notes will thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but will continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes will not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes).  For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes and Note Guarantees, the Company and the Guarantors may omit to comply with and will 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 will not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01 hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes and Note Guarantees will be unaffected thereby.  In addition, upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, Sections 6.01(3), (4), (5), and (8) hereof will not constitute Events of Default.

 

Section 8.04                              Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance.

 

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance under either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof:

 

(1)                                  the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, rated AAA or better by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s at the date deposited with the Trustee, or a combination thereof (or, in each case, if such Rating Agency ceases to rate such securities, the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any Rating Agency selected by the Company as a replacement Rating Agency), in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, investment bank or appraisal firm delivered to the Trustee, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the outstanding Notes on the stated date for payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be;

 

(2)                                  in the case of an election under Section 8.02 hereof, the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel confirming that:

 

(A)                                the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling; or

 

(B)                                since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law,

 

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in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders and Beneficial Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

 

(3)                                  in the case of an election under Section 8.03 hereof, the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel confirming that the Holders and Beneficial Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if 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 an Event of Default resulting from transaction occurring contemporaneously with the borrowing of funds, or the borrowing of funds, to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowings);

 

(5)                                  such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture (other than a Default or an Event of Default resulting from transaction occurring contemporaneously with the borrowing of funds, or the borrowing of funds, to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowings) or any other material agreement or instrument (including, without limitation, the Existing Credit Facilities) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;

 

(6)                                  the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders over any other creditors of the Company or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other creditors of the Company or others;

 

(7)                                  the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with; and

 

(8)                                  the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that assuming no intervening bankruptcy of the Company between the date of deposit and the 124th day following the date of deposit and that no Holder is an insider of the Company, after the 124th day following the date of deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

 

Section 8.05                              Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.

 

Subject to Section 8.06 hereof, all money and non-callable Government Securities (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.05, the “ Trustee ”) pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof in respect of the outstanding Notes will be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

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The Company will pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable Government Securities deposited pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof or the principal 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.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Article 8 to the contrary, the Trustee will deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon the request of the Company any money or non-callable Government Securities held by it as provided in Section 8.04 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, investment bank or appraisal firm expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(1) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

 

Section 8.06                              Repayment to Company.

 

Subject to applicable escheatment laws, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium on, if any, or interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on its request or (if then held by the Company) will be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note will thereafter be permitted to look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, will thereupon cease.

 

Section 8.07                              Reinstatement.

 

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any U.S. dollars or non-callable Government Securities in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, 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 Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes and the Note Guarantees will be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be; provided , however , that, if the Company makes any payment of principal of, premium on, if any, or interest on, any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company will be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

 

ARTICLE 9
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

 

Section 9.01                              Without Consent of Holders.

 

Notwithstanding Section 9.02 of this Indenture, without the consent of any Holder, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes or the Note Guarantees:

 

(1)                                  to cure any ambiguity, defect, or inconsistency; provided that such change does not adversely affect the rights of any of the Holders in any material respect;

 

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

 

(3)                                  to provide for the assumption of the Company’s or a Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees by a successor to the Company or such Guarantor pursuant to Article 5 or Article 10 hereof;

 

(4)                                  to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any Holder;

 

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(5)                                  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 Circular, to the extent that such provision in that “Description of the Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, the Notes or the Note Guarantees, which intent may be evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate to that effect;

 

(6)                                  to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA and  maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;

 

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

 

(8)                                  to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture (including without limitation to evidence its Note Guarantee) and/or a Note Guarantee with respect to the Notes; provided that any such supplemental indenture need be signed only by the Company, the added Guarantor and the Trustee;

 

(9)                                  to provide for any Subsidiary of the Company or any other Person to provide a Note Guarantee, to add Note Guarantees with respect to the Notes, to add security to or for the benefit of Holders of the Notes, or to confirm and evidence the release, termination or discharge of (i) any Note Guarantee of the Notes or (ii) any Lien then securing the Notes, when required or not prohibited by this Indenture; or

 

(10)                           to make any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by this Indenture, including to facilitate the issuance and administration of Notes; provided , however , that (i) 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 laws and (ii) such amendment does not adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes in any material respect.

 

Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the Trustee will join with the Company and the Guarantors in the execution of any amended or supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee will not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental indenture that adversely affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

Section 9.02                              With Consent of Holders.

 

Except as provided in this Section 9.02, the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture (including, without limitation, Section 4.10 and 4.15 hereof) and the Notes and the Note Guarantees with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium on, if any, or interest, if any, on, the Notes, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes).  Section 2.08 hereof shall determine which Notes are considered to be “outstanding” for purposes of this Section 9.02.

 

Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence satisfactory

 

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to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the Trustee will join with the Company and the Guarantors in the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture unless such amended or supplemental indenture directly adversely affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but will not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental Indenture.

 

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

 

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Company will mail or cause to be  sent to the Holders affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver.  Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, will not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or supplemental indenture or waiver.  Subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class may waive compliance in a particular instance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture, the Notes or the Note Guarantees.  However, without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):

 

(1)                                  reduce the amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment;

 

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

 

(3)                                  reduce the principal of, or change the fixed maturity of, any Notes, or change the date on which any Notes may be subject to redemption or reduce the redemption price therefor;

 

(4)                                  make any Notes payable in money other than that stated in the Notes;

 

(5)                                  make any change in the provisions of this Indenture protecting the legal right of each Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on such Note on or after the due date thereof or to bring suit to enforce such payment, or permitting Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding to waive Defaults or Events of Default;

 

(6)                                  after the Company’s obligation to purchase Notes arises thereunder, amend, change or modify in any material respect the obligation of the Company to make and consummate a Change of Control Offer in the event of a Change of Control or make and consummate a Net Proceeds Offer with respect to any Asset Sale that has been consummated or, after such Change of Control has occurred or such Asset Sale has been consummated, modify any of the provisions or definitions with respect thereto;

 

(7)                                  modify or change any provisions of this Indenture or the related definitions affecting the ranking of the Notes or any Note Guarantee in a manner which adversely affects the Holders;

 

(8)                                  release 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;

 

(9)                                  make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions; or

 

(10)                           change the ranking of the Notes in a manner adverse to Holders.

 

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Section 9.03                              Revocation and Effect of Consents.

 

Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Note is a continuing consent by the Holder of a Note and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Note.  However, any such Holder of a Note or subsequent Holder of a Note may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation before the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective.  An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.

 

Section 9.04                              Notation on or Exchange of Notes.

 

The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated.  The Company in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note will not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

Section 9.05                              Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.

 

The Trustee will sign any amended or supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this Article 9 if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee.  In executing any amended or supplemental indenture, the Trustee shall receive and (subject to Section 7.01 hereof) will be fully protected in conclusively relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 12.04 hereof, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture, and with respect to the Opinion of Counsel, stating that the supplemental indenture constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company and the Guarantors party thereto, enforceable against them in accordance with its terms.

 

Section 9.06                              Conformity with the TIA.

 

Every amendment or supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article 9 shall conform to the requirements of the TIA as then in effect.

 

ARTICLE 10
NOTE GUARANTEES

 

Section 10.01                       Guarantee.

 

(a)                                  Subject to this Article 10, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that:

 

(1)                                  the principal of, premium, if any, on, and interest on the Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of, premium on, if any, and interest on the Notes, if lawful, and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and

 

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(2)                                  in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.

 

Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately.  Each Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.

 

(b)                                  Subject to this Article 10, the Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder are unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor.  Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenant that this Note Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.

 

(c)                                   If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Company, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to either the Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either to the Trustee or such Holder, this Note Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, will be reinstated in full force and effect.

 

(d)                                  Each Guarantor agrees that it will not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby.  Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (1) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 hereof for the purposes of this Note Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (2) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6 hereof, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) will forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Note Guarantee.  The Guarantors will 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 Holders under the Note Guarantee.

 

Section 10.02                       Limitation on Guarantor Liability.

 

Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance or a transfer under value for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal, state or provincial law to the extent applicable to any Note Guarantee.  To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor will be limited to the maximum amount that will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article 10, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

 

Section 10.03                       Execution and Delivery of Supplemental Indenture.

 

To evidence its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 hereof, each Guarantor hereby agrees that its execution and delivery of this Indenture or, if applicable, any supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 4.18 hereof and this Section 10.03 shall evidence its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 hereof without the need for notation on the Notes.

 

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If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note, the Note Guarantee will be valid nevertheless.

 

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

 

If, after the Issue Date, any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company Guarantees any Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor under (i) a Credit Facility or (ii) Capital Markets Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $100.0 million, if required by Section 4.18 hereof, the Company will cause such Restricted Subsidiary to comply with the provisions of Section 4.18 hereof and this Article 10, to the extent applicable.

 

Section 10.04                       Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms.

 

Except as otherwise provided in Section 10.05 hereof, each Guarantor will not, and the Company will not cause or permit any Guarantor to, consolidate with or merge with or into any Person other than the Company or any other Guarantor unless:

 

(1)                                  the entity formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Guarantor) or to which such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made is an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

(2)                                  such entity (if other than such Guarantor) assumes by supplemental indenture all of the obligations of the Guarantor on its Note Guarantee;

 

(3)                                  immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

(4)                                  the Guarantor or the surviving entity shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and that all conditions precedent in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been satisfied.

 

Any merger or consolidation of, or sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of assets by, a Guarantor with the Company (with the Company being the surviving entity in case of a merger or consolidation) or another Guarantor that is a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company need only comply with Section 5.01(a)(4).

 

In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, or conveyance and upon the assumption by the successor Person, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of the Note Guarantee and the due and punctual performance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed by the Guarantor, such successor Person will succeed to and be substituted for the Guarantor with the same effect as if it had been named herein as a Guarantor.  All the Note Guarantees so issued will in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Note Guarantees theretofore and thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Note Guarantees had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.

 

Except as set forth in Articles 4 and 5 hereof, and notwithstanding clause (1) above, nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Notes will prevent any consolidation or merger of a Guarantor with or into the Company or another Guarantor, or will prevent any sale, assignment, transfer, or conveyance of the property of a Guarantor as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to the Company or another Guarantor.

 

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Section 10.05                       Releases.

 

(a)                                  In the event of any sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of any Guarantor, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, then the corporation acquiring the property will be released and relieved of any obligations under the Note Guarantee;

 

(b)                                  In the event of any sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, or other disposition of Capital Stock of any Guarantor to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and such Guarantor ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as a result of the sale or other disposition, then such Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee;

 

provided , in both cases, that the Net Cash Proceeds of such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, or other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, including without limitation Section 4.10 hereof.  Upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, or other disposition was made by the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, including without limitation Section 4.10 hereof, the Trustee will execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Note Guarantee.

 

(c)                                   Upon designation of any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, such Guarantor will be automatically released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee.

 

(d)                                  Upon Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance in accordance with Article 8 hereof or satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture in accordance with Article 11 hereof, each Guarantor will be automatically released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee.

 

(e)                                   A Guarantor’s Note Guarantee shall be automatically released upon such Guarantor being released from or discharged of, its Guarantee of, and all pledges and security, if any, granted by such Guarantor in connection with, the New Credit Facilities or such other Guarantee that resulted in the creation of such Note Guarantee (except, in the case of the New Credit Facilities, a release by or as a result of a payment thereon).

 

Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Note Guarantee as provided in this Section 10.05 will remain liable for the full amount of principal of, premium on, if any, and interest on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under this Indenture as provided in this Article 10.

 

ARTICLE 11
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

 

Section 11.01                       Satisfaction and Discharge.

 

This Indenture (including the Notes and the Note Guarantees) will be discharged and the Indenture will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes and Note Guarantees issued hereunder, when:

 

(1)                                  either:

 

(a)                                  all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes that have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

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(b)                                  all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year (or are to be called for redemption within one year), and the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to the date of maturity or redemption, as the case may be, together with irrevocable instructions from the Company directing the Trustee to apply such funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

 

(2)                                  the Company has paid all other sums payable under this Indenture by the Company; and

 

(3)                                  the Company, upon request for written acknowledgement of such satisfaction and discharge, has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

 

In the case of satisfaction and discharge, upon any redemption that requires the payment of the Applicable Premium, the amount deposited with the Trustee shall be sufficient for purposes of subclause (b) of clause (1) of this Section 11.01 to the extent that an amount is deposited with the Trustee equal to the Applicable Premium calculated as of three Business Days prior to the date of such deposit, with any deficit as of the date of redemption (any such amount, the “ Applicable Premium Deficit ”) only required to be deposited with the Trustee on or prior to the date of redemption.  Any Applicable Premium Deficit shall be set forth in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee simultaneously with the deposit of such Applicable Premium Deficit that confirms that such Applicable Premium Deficit shall be applied toward such redemption.

 

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, if money has been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (b) of clause (1) of this Section 11.01, the provisions of Sections 11.02 and 8.06 hereof will survive.  In addition, nothing in this Section 11.01 will be deemed to discharge those provisions of Section 7.07 hereof, that, by their terms, survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

Section 11.02                       Application of Trust Money.

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 8.06 hereof, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 11.01 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal, premium, if any, and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or Government Securities in accordance with Section 11.01 hereof by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Company’s and any Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 11.01 hereof; provided that if the Company has made any payment of principal of, premium on, if any, or interest on any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or Government Securities held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

 

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ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 12.01                       [RESERVED].

 

Section 12.02                       Notices.

 

Any notice or communication by the Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in Person or by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), facsimile transmission, given by electronic mail in PDF format or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’ address:

 

If to the Company and/or any Guarantor:

 

Tennant Company
701 North Lilac Drive, P.O. Box 1452
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440
Facsimile No.:  (763) 513-2195
Attention:  Thomas Stueve, Vice President and Treasurer

 

With a copy to:
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Suite 1500, 50 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-1498
Facsimile No.:  (612) 395-5376  
Attention:  Jonathan Abram

 

If to the Trustee:

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
333 S. Grand Avenue, 5th Floor, Suite 5A

MAC: E2064-05A

Los Angeles, CA 90071
Facsimile No.: (213) 253-7598
Attention:  Corporate, Municipal and Escrow Services

 

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

 

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) will be deemed to have been duly given:  at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if transmitted by facsimile or delivered by electronic mail (in PDF format); and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery. Notice to the Trustee shall be effective only if such receipt is acknowledged. The Trustee shall have the right, but shall not be required, to rely upon and comply with instructions and directions sent by e-mail, facsimile and other similar unsecured electronic methods by persons believed by the Trustee to be authorized to give instructions and directions on behalf of the Company, the Guarantors or any Person.  The Trustee shall have no duty or obligation to verify or confirm that the Person who sent such instructions or directions is, in fact, a Person authorized to give instructions or directions on behalf of the Company or Guarantors; and the Trustee shall have no liability for any losses, liabilities, costs or expenses incurred or sustained by the Company or Guarantors as a result of such reliance upon or compliance with such instructions or directions.  The Company or Guarantors agree to assume

 

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all risks arising out of the use of such electronic methods to submit instructions and directions to the Trustee, including, without limitation, the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.

 

The Company may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders entitled to vote or consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted under this Indenture, which record date shall not be more than 30 days prior to the date of the commencement of solicitation of such action.  If a record date is fixed, those Persons who were Holders of Notes at the close of business on such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to take such action by vote or consent or to revoke any vote or consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date.

 

Any notice or communication to a Holder will 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 or, with respect to Global Notes, to the extent permitted or required by applicable DTC procedures or regulations, sent electronically.  Failure to deliver, mail, transmit or send a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it will not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Note, 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 Depositary (or its designee) pursuant to the standing instructions from the Depositary or its designee, including by electronic mail in accordance with Applicable Procedures.

 

If a notice or communication is delivered, mailed, transmitted or sent in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

 

If the Company mails or sends a notice or communication to Holders, it will mail or send a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

 

Section 12.03                       Communication by Holders with Other Holders.

 

Holders may communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes.

 

Section 12.04                       Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.

 

Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:

 

(1)                                  an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 hereof) 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 satisfied; and

 

(2)                                  an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.

 

Section 12.05                       Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.

 

Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than the certificate required by Section 4.04) must include:

 

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

 

86



 

(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, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been satisfied; and

 

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

 

Section 12.06                       Rules by Trustee and Agents.

 

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

 

Section 12.07                       No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders.

 

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company 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 and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.  The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

 

Section 12.08                       Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Trial by Jury

 

THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WILL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

 

The Company, each of the Guarantors and the Trustee agree that any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Indenture may be instituted in any State or U.S. federal court located in The City of New York and County of New York, and waives any objection that such party may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding, and irrevocably submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding.  The Company and each Guarantor agrees that final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and each Guarantor, as applicable, and may be enforced in any court to the jurisdiction of which the Company and each Guarantor, as applicable, is subject by a suit upon such judgment.

 

THE COMPANY, THE GUARANTORS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES, THE NOTE GUARANTEES AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.

 

Section 12.09                       No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.

 

This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person.  Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

 

87



 

Section 12.10                       Successors.

 

All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Notes will bind its successors.  All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture will bind its successors.  All agreements of each Guarantor in this Indenture will bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.05.

 

Section 12.11                       Severability.

 

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.  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.  Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

 

Section 12.12                       Counterpart Originals.

 

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

 

Section 12.13                       Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

 

The Table of Contents, the TIA Cross Reference Table, and Headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

Section 12.14                       USA PATRIOT Act.

 

The parties hereto acknowledge that, in accordance with Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub.  L.  107-56 (signed into law on October 26, 2001)) (as amended, modified or supplanted from time to time, the “ USA PATRIOT Act ”), the Trustee, like all financial institutions, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that opens an account.  The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as the Trustee may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

Section 12.15                       [Reserved].

 

Section 12.16                       Communications by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.

 

Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes.  The Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Registrar and any other Person shall have the protection of TIA Section 312(c).

 

Section 12.17                       TIA Controls.

 

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

 

Section 12.18 Tax Withholding.

 

By acceptance of any Security issued hereunder, unless otherwise prohibited by law, each Holder is deemed to agree to provide to the Company, the Trustee or any Agent any information or certification that may be required under applicable law with respect to withholding, backup withholding or information reporting, and update or replace such form, information or certification in accordance with its terms or its subsequent amendments to the

 

88



 

extent necessary. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, failure of a Holder to provide the required tax certificates and information may result in amounts of tax being withheld from the payment to such Holder without liability. The Company, the Trustee, or the Agent, as the case may be, shall make such payment after such withholding or deduction has been made and shall account to the relevant authorities for the amount so withheld or deducted. The Company, the Trustee, or the Agent, as the case may be shall have no obligation to gross up any payment hereunder or pay any additional amount as a result of such withholding tax. The Company agrees to provide to the Trustee or the Agent, upon request, sufficient information about Holders or other applicable parties and/or transactions (including any modification to the terms of such transactions) so as to enable the Trustee to determine whether it has tax related obligations under applicable law. The terms of this section shall survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee and the termination of this Indenture

 

[Signatures on following page]

 

89



 

SIGNATURES

 

Dated as of April 18, 2017

 

 

Tennant Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas Paulson

 

 

Name: Thomas Paulson

 

 

Title: SVP and CFO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tennant Coatings, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas A. Stueve

 

 

Name: Thomas A. Stueve

 

 

Title: Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tennant Sales and Service Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas A. Stueve

 

 

Name: Thomas A. Stueve

 

 

Title: Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Maddy Hughes

 

 

Name: Maddy Hughes

 

 

Title: Vice President

 

Signature Pages — Indenture

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

[Face of Note]

 

 

CUSIP/ISIN

 

 

 

 

 

5.625% Senior Notes due 2025

 

 

 

 

No.

 

$

 

TENNANT COMPANY

 

promises to pay to                     or registered assigns, the principal sum of                                                 DOLLARS [(or, in the event of adjustment in accordance with the within-mentioned Indenture, such other amount as may be stated from time to time on the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached hereto)]* on May 1, 2025.

 

Interest Payment Dates:  May 1 and November 1

 

Record Dates:  April 15 and October 15

 

Dated:

 

 

 


*                                          The bracketed language should be included only if the Note is issued in global form .

 

A- 1



 

 

TENNANT COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

A- 2



 

This is one of the Notes referred to

 

in the within-mentioned Indenture:

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Authorized Signatory

 

 

A- 3



 

[Back of Note]

 

5.625% Senior Notes due 2025

 

[Insert the Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

 

[Insert the Private Placement Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

 

Capitalized terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

 

(1)                                  INTEREST .  Tennant Company, a Minnesota corporation (the “ Company ”), promises to pay or cause to be paid interest on the principal amount of this Note at 5.625% per annum from                                                 ,     until maturity.  The Company will pay interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “ Interest Payment Date ”).  Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided that, if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided further that the first Interest Payment Date shall be November 1, 2017.  The Company will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any case or proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any case or proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest, if any (without regard to any applicable grace period), at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

(2)                                  METHOD OF PAYMENT .  The Company will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest), if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on the April 15 or October 15 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest.  The Notes will be payable as to principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, at the office or agency of the Paying Agent and Registrar within the continental United States, or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest, if any, may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to principal of, premium on, if any, and interest, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which will have provided wire transfer instructions to the Company or the Paying Agent; provided , further , that the Company will pay all principal, interest and premium, if any, on any Global Notes registered in the name of DTC or its nominee in immediately available funds to DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of such Global Notes.  Such payment will be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

 

(3)                                  PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR .  Initially, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Company may change the Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to the Holders of the Notes.  The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

 

(4)                                  INDENTURE .  The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of April 18, 2017 (the “ Indenture ”) among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee.  The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the TIA.  The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture for a statement of such terms.  To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of

 

A- 4



 

the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.  The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be issued thereunder.

 

(5)                                  OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

 

(a)                                  At any time prior to May 1, 2020, the Notes will be redeemable, at the Company’s option, in whole or in part from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the Applicable Premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

 

(b)                                  In addition, the Company may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount thereof) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on May 1 of the year set forth below:

 

Year

 

Percentage

 

2020

 

104.219

%

2021

 

102.813

%

2022

 

101.406

%

2023 and thereafter

 

100.000

%

 

In addition, the Company must pay accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

 

(c)                                   At any time, or from time to time, on or prior to  May 1 , 2020 the Company may, at its option, use an amount of cash up to the Net Cash Proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings to redeem, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice up to 35% of the principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) outstanding under the Indenture at a redemption price of 105.625% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date); provided that:

 

(1)                                  at least 65% of the principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) outstanding under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after any such redemption; and

 

(2)                                  the Company makes such redemption not more than 90 days after the consummation of any such Equity Offering.

 

(d)                                  Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 5 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 of the Indenture.

 

(6)                                  MANDATORY REDEMPTION.  The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 

(7)                                  REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDER .

 

(a)                                  Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder will have the right to require that the Company purchase all or a portion of such Holder’s Notes pursuant to the offer described in Section 4.15 of the Indenture (a “ Change of Control Offer ”), at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the date of purchase.

 

A- 5



 

Within 30 days following the date upon which the Change of Control occurred, the Company shall send a written notice to each Holder, with a copy to the Trustee, which notice shall govern the terms of the Change of Control Offer.

 

(b)                                  Subject to Section 4.10(a) of the Indenture, if any Net Cash Proceeds have not been applied as provided in clauses (3)(A), (3)(B) and (3)(C) thereof (the “ Net Proceeds Offer Amount ”) within the applicable time period or the last provision of this sentence, such Net Cash Proceeds shall be applied by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to make an offer to purchase (the “ Net Proceeds Offer ”) to all Holders and, to the extent required by the terms of any Pari Passu Indebtedness, to holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness, on a date not less than 30 nor more than 45 days following the date that triggered the Company’s obligation to make such Net Proceeds Offer, from all Holders (and holders of any such Pari Passu Indebtedness) on a pro rata basis based upon the respective outstanding aggregate principal amounts (or accreted value, as applicable) of the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness on the date the Net Proceeds Offer is made, the maximum amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness that may be purchased with the Net Proceeds Offer Amount at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase; provided , however , that if at any time any non-cash consideration received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be, in connection with any Asset Sale is converted into or sold or otherwise disposed of for cash (other than interest received with respect to any such non-cash consideration), then such conversion or disposition shall be deemed to constitute an Asset Sale hereunder and the Net Cash Proceeds thereof shall be applied in accordance with Section 4.10 of the Indenture.

 

(8)                                  NOTICE OF REDEMPTION .  Notice of redemption will be sent electronically or mailed by first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture pursuant to Articles 8 or 11 of the Indenture.  Notes and portions of Notes selected will be in amounts of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed or purchased, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder shall be redeemed or purchased.

 

Notice of any redemption of the Notes in connection with a corporate transaction (including an Equity Offering, an incurrence of Indebtedness, a consolidation or merger or a Change of Control) may, at the Company’s discretion, be given prior to the completion thereof and any such redemption or notice may, at the Company’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of the related transaction.  If such redemption or purchase is so subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Company’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied or waived by the Company (in its sole discretion), 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 or waived by the redemption date, or by the redemption date as so delayed.  In addition, the Company may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Company’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.

 

(9)                                  DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE .  The Notes are in registered form in
denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.  The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture.  The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture.  The Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.  Also, the Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.

 

A- 6



 

(10)          PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS .  The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.  Only registered Holders have rights under the Indenture.

 

(11)          AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER .  The Indenture, the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented in accordance with Article 9 of the Indenture.

 

(12)          DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES .  The Notes are subject to the Events of Default and remedies set forth in Article 6 of the Indenture.  The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Company is required, upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

 

(13)          TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH COMPANY .  Subject to the TIA, the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.

 

(14)         NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS .  No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the Notes, the 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 and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.  The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

 

(15)         AUTHENTICATION .  This Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

 

(16)         ABBREVIATIONS .  Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as:  TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= 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).

 

(17)         GUARANTEES .  This Note is guaranteed as set forth in the Indenture.

 

(18)          CUSIP/ISIN NUMBERS .  Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP/ ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP/ ISIN numbers in notices (including 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, and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

(19)         REGISTRATION RIGHTS.  Holders of Notes are entitled to the benefits of the registration rights as set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.  The Holders may be entitled to receive Additional Interest pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

(20)         GOVERNING LAW.  THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WILL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THIS NOTE AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

 

A- 7



 

The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement.  Requests may be made to:

 

Tennant Company
701 North Lilac Drive, P.O. Box 1452
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440
Attention:  Thomas Stueve, Vice President and Treasurer

 

A- 8



 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:

 

(Insert assignee’s legal name)

 

 

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

 

 

 

 

 

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

 

and irrevocably appoint

 

to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Signature:

 

 

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this

 

Note)

 

 

Signature Guarantee: *

 

 

*                                          Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

A- 9



 

Option to Holder to Elect Purchase

 

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.15 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

 

o Section 4.10                     o Section 4.15

 

If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.15 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

 

$         

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

Your Signature:

 

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this

Note)

 

Tax Identification No.:

 

Signature Guarantee: *

 

*                                          Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

A- 10



 

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

 

 

The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive 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 officer
of Trustee or
Custodian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


*              This schedule should be included only if the Note is issued in global form .

 

A- 11



 

EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

 

Tennant Company
701 North Lilac Drive, P.O. Box 1452
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440

Facsimile No.:  (763) 513-2195
Attention:  Thomas Stueve, Vice President and Treasurer

 

Wells Fargo Corporate Trust-DAPS Reorg

600 Fourth Street South, 7th Floor

MAC N9300-070

Minneapolis, MN  55479

Phone: 1-800-344-5128

Fax: 1-866-969-1290

Email: dapsreorg@wellsfargo.com

 

Re:  5.625% Senior Notes due 2025

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 18, 2017 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”), among Tennant Company, as issuer (the “ Company ”), the Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo 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 the 144A Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Rule 144A .  The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole 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 Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

2.     o     Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note or a Restricted Definitive 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

 

B- 1



 

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 Definitive 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 Restricted Definitive 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 IAI  Global Note or a Restricted Definitive 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 Definitive 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)           such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act;

 

OR

 

(b)            such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a subsidiary thereof;

 

OR

 

(c)           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)           such Transfer is being effected to an Institutional Accredited Investor and pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A, Rule 144, Rule 903 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 Definitive Notes and the requirements of the exemption claimed, which certification is supported by (1) a certificate executed by the Transferee in the form of Exhibit D to the Indenture and (2) 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 Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the IAI Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive 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 of an Unrestricted Definitive 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 Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer

 

B- 2



 

enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive 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 Definitive 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 Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

 

(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 Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

 

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Guarantee: *

 


*  Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

B- 3



 

ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

 

1.             The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:

 

[CHECK ONE OF (A) OR (B)]

 

(a)           o  a beneficial interest in the:

 

(i)            o  144A Global Note (CUSIP    ), or

 

(ii)            ¨  Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP    ), or

 

(iii)           ¨  IAI Global Note (CUSIP    ); or

 

(b)            ¨  a Restricted Definitive Note.

 

2.             After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:

 

[CHECK ONE]

 

(a)            a beneficial interest in the:

 

(i)            ¨  144A Global Note (CUSIP     ), or

 

(ii)            ¨  Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP                  ), or

 

(iii)           ¨  IAI Global Note (CUSIP     ); or

 

(iv)           ¨  Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP     ); or

 

(b)            ¨  a Restricted Definitive Note; or

 

(c)            ¨  an Unrestricted Definitive Note, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

B- 4



 

EXHIBIT C

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

 

Tennant Company
701 North Lilac Drive, P.O. Box 1452
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440

Facsimile No.:  (763) 513-2195
Attention:  Thomas Stueve, Vice President and Treasurer

 

Wells Fargo Corporate Trust-DAPS Reorg

600 Fourth Street South, 7th Floor

MAC N9300-070

Minneapolis, MN  55479

Phone: 1-800-344-5128

Fax: 1-866-969-1290

Email: dapsreorg@wellsfargo.com

 

Re:  5.625% Senior Notes due 2025

 

(CUSIP [                 ])

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 18, 2017 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”), among Tennant Company, as issuer (the “ Company ”), the Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo 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 Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Definitive 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 Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the 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 beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note .  In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive 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 the Restricted Global 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 Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

C- 1



 

(c)   o     Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note .  In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive 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 Definitive 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.

 

(d)   ¨     Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note .  In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive 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 Definitive 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 Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

2.              Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes .

 

(a)   ¨     Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Restricted Definitive Note .  In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer.  Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

(b)   o     Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note .  In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] o 144A Global Note, o Regulation S Global Note, o IAI 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.

 

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

 

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

Signature Guarantee: *


* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

C- 2



 

EXHIBIT D

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE FROM
ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR

 

Tennant Company
701 North Lilac Drive, P.O. Box 1452
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440

Facsimile No.:  (763) 513-2195
Attention:  Thomas Stueve, Vice President and Treasurer

 

Wells Fargo Corporate Trust-DAPS Reorg

600 Fourth Street South, 7th Floor

MAC N9300-070

Minneapolis, MN  55479

Phone: 1-800-344-5128

Fax: 1-866-969-1290

Email: dapsreorg@wellsfargo.com

 

Re:          5.625% Senior Notes due 2025

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 18, 2017 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Indenture ”), among Tennant Company, as issuer (the “ Company ”), the Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

 

In connection with our proposed purchase of $            aggregate principal amount of:

 

(a)   o a beneficial interest in a Global Note, or

 

(b)   o a Definitive Note,

 

we confirm that:

 

1.           We understand that any subsequent transfer of the Notes or any interest therein is subject to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Indenture and the undersigned agrees to be bound by, and not to resell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Notes or any interest therein except in compliance with, such restrictions and conditions and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”).

 

2.            We understand that the offer and sale of the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, and that the Notes and any interest therein may not be offered or sold except as permitted in the following sentence.  We agree, on our own behalf and on behalf of any accounts for which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that if we should sell the Notes or any interest therein, we will do so only (A) to the Company or any subsidiary thereof, (B) in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined therein), (C) to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined below) that, prior to such transfer, furnishes (or has furnished on its behalf by a U.S. broker-dealer) to you and to the Company a signed letter substantially in the form of this letter and, 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 in form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act, (D) outside the United States in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (E) pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act or (F) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and we further agree to provide to any Person purchasing the Definitive

 

D- 1



 

Note or beneficial interest in a Global Note from us in a transaction meeting the requirements of clauses (A) through (E) of this paragraph a notice advising such purchaser that resales thereof are restricted as stated herein.

 

3.             We understand that, on any proposed resale of the Notes or beneficial interest therein, we will be required to furnish to you and the Company such certifications, legal opinions and other information as you and the Company may reasonably require to confirm that the proposed sale complies with the foregoing restrictions.  We further understand that the Notes purchased by us will bear a legend to the foregoing effect.

 

4.              We are an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act) and have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our investment in the Notes, and we and any accounts for which we are acting are each able to bear the economic risk of our or its investment.

 

5.             We are acquiring the Notes or beneficial interest therein purchased by us for our own account or for one or more accounts (each of which is an institutional “accredited investor”) as to each of which we exercise sole investment discretion.

 

You and the Company are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Insert Name of Accredited Investor]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

Dated:

 

Signature Guarantee: *

 


* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

D- 2



 

EXHIBIT E

 

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 Tennant Company, a Minnesota corporation (the “ Company ”), the Company and Wells Fargo 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 Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “ Indenture ”), dated as of April 18, 2017 providing for the issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (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 Company’s Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth therein (the “ Note Guarantee ”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.

 

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 of the Notes 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 in the Indenture including but not limited to Article 10 thereof.

 

3.             NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS.  No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company 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 and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.  The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

 

4.             NEW YORK LAW TO GOVERN.  THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

 

5.              WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY.  THE COMPANY, THE GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARY AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES, THE NOTE GUARANTEES AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.

 

E- 1



 

6.             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.  The exchange of copies of this Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto.  Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

 

7.             EFFECT OF HEADINGS.  The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

 

8.             THE TRUSTEE.  The Trustee makes no representation as to and shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for the Note Guarantee of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Company.

 

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:

 

 

 

Tennant Company

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

E- 2



 

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

E- 3


Exhibit 4.2

 

Tennant Company

 

5.625% Senior Notes due 2025
unconditionally guaranteed as to the
payment of principal, premium,
if any, and interest by the Guarantors from time to time named herein.

 


 

Registration Rights Agreement

 

April 18, 2017

 

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.
HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.

BMO Capital Markets Corp.

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc.

 

c/o Goldman, Sachs & Co.

200 West Street

New York, New York 10282

 

c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

383 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10179

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Tennant Company, a Minnesota corporation (the “ Company ”), proposes to issue and sell to the Purchasers (as defined herein) upon the terms set forth in the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein) $300,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025, which are unconditionally guaranteed by each of the subsidiaries of the Company listed as signatories to the Purchase Agreement (the “ Guarantors ”).  As an inducement to the Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement and in satisfaction of a condition to the obligations of the Purchasers thereunder, the Company and the Guarantors party hereto agree with the Purchasers for the benefit of holders (as defined herein) from time to time of the Registrable Securities (as defined herein) as follows:

 

1.                                       Certain Definitions .  For purposes of this Registration Rights Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

 

Base Interest ” shall mean the interest that would otherwise accrue on the Securities under the terms thereof and the Indenture, without giving effect to the provisions of this Agreement.

 

The term “ broker-dealer ” shall mean any broker or dealer registered with the Commission under the Exchange Act.

 



 

Business Day ” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13e-4(a)(3) promulgated by the Commission under the Exchange Act, as the same may be amended or succeeded from time to time.

 

Closing Date ” shall mean the date on which the Securities are initially issued.

 

Commission ” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal agency at the time administering the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, whichever is the relevant statute for the particular purpose.

 

EDGAR System ” means the Next-Generation EDGAR filing system of the Commission and the rules and regulations pertaining thereto promulgated by the Commission in Regulation S-T under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, in each case as the same may be amended or succeeded from time to time (and without regard to format).

 

Effective Time ,” in the case of (i) an Exchange Registration, shall mean the time and date as of which the Commission declares the Exchange Registration Statement effective or as of which the Exchange Registration Statement otherwise becomes effective and (ii) a Shelf Registration, shall mean the time and date as of which the Commission declares the Shelf Registration Statement effective or as of which the Shelf Registration Statement otherwise becomes effective.

 

Electing Holder ” shall mean any holder of Registrable Securities that has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company in accordance with Section 3(d)(ii) or Section 3(d)(iii) and the instructions set forth in the Notice and Questionnaire.

 

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission thereunder, as the same may be amended or succeeded from time to time.

 

Exchange Offer ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a).

 

Exchange Registration ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(c).

 

Exchange Registration Statement ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a).

 

Exchange Securities ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a).

 

Guarantors ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the Indenture.

 

The term “ holder ” shall mean the Purchasers and other persons who acquire Securities from time to time (including any successors or assigns), in each case for so long as such person owns any Securities.

 

Indenture ” shall mean that certain trust indenture, dated as of April 18, 2017, among the Company, the guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, as the same may be amended from time to time.

 

Notice and Questionnaire ” means a Notice of Registration Statement and Selling Securityholder Questionnaire substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto.

 

2



 

The term “ person ” shall mean a corporation, limited liability company, association, partnership, organization, business, individual, government or political subdivision thereof or governmental agency.

 

Purchase Agreement ” shall mean the Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2017, among the Purchasers, the Company and the Guarantors relating to the Securities.

 

Purchasers ” shall mean Goldman, Sachs & Co, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc.

 

Registrable Securities ” shall mean the Securities; provided , however , that a Security shall cease to be a Registrable Security upon the earliest to occur of the following: (i) in the circumstances contemplated by Section 2(a), the Security has been exchanged for an Exchange Security in an Exchange Offer as contemplated in Section 2(a) ( provided that any Exchange Security that, pursuant to the last two sentences of Section 2(a), is included in a prospectus for use in connection with resales by broker-dealers shall be deemed to be a Registrable Security with respect to Sections 5, 6 and 9 until resale of such Registrable Security has been effected within the Resale Period); (ii) in the circumstances contemplated by Section 2(b), a Shelf Registration Statement registering such Security under the Securities Act has been declared or becomes effective and such Security has been sold or otherwise transferred by the holder thereof pursuant to and in a manner contemplated by such effective Shelf Registration Statement; (iii) subject to Section 8(b), such Security is actually sold by the holder thereof pursuant to Rule 144 under circumstances in which any legend borne by such Security relating to restrictions on transferability thereof, under the Securities Act or otherwise, is removed by the Company or pursuant to the Indenture; provided that for purposes of this clause (iii), the holding period required by paragraph (d) of Rule 144 shall be deemed to be two years; or (iv) such Security shall cease to be outstanding.

 

Registration Default ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(c).

 

Registration Default Period ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(c).

 

Registration Expenses ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.

 

Resale Period ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a).

 

Restricted Holder ” shall mean (i) a holder that is an affiliate of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405, (ii) a holder who acquires Exchange Securities outside the ordinary course of such holder’s business, (iii) a holder who has arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing Exchange Securities and (iv) a holder that is a broker-dealer, but only with respect to Exchange Securities received by such broker-dealer pursuant to an Exchange Offer in exchange for Registrable Securities acquired by the broker-dealer directly from the Company.

 

Rule 144 ,” “ Rule 405 ”, “ Rule 415 ”, “ Rule 424 ”, “ Rule 430B ” and “ Rule 433 ” shall mean, in each case, such rule promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act (or any successor provision), as the same may be amended or succeeded from time to time.

 

Securities ” shall mean, collectively, the $300,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 to be issued and sold to the Purchasers on the

 

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Closing Date, and securities issued in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof pursuant to the Indenture.  Each Security is entitled to the benefit of the guarantees provided by the Guarantors in the Indenture (the “ Guarantees ”) and, unless the context otherwise requires, any reference herein to a “Security,” an “Exchange Security” or a “Registrable Security” shall include a reference to the related Guarantee.

 

Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission thereunder, as the same may be amended or succeeded from time to time.

 

Shelf Registration ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(b).

 

Shelf Registration Statement ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(b).

 

Special Interest ” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(c).

 

Trust Indenture Act ” shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission thereunder, as the same may be amended or succeeded from time to time.

 

Trustee ” shall mean Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee under the Indenture, together with any successors thereto in such capacity.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference herein to a “Section” or “clause” refers to a Section or clause, as the case may be, of this Agreement, and the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision.

 

2.                                       Registration Under the Securities Act .

 

(a)                                  Except as set forth in Section 2(b) below, the Company and the Guarantors agree to file under the Securities Act a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange (such registration statement, the “ Exchange Registration Statement ”, and such offer, the “ Exchange Offer ”) any and all of the Securities for a like aggregate principal amount of debt securities issued by the Company and guaranteed by the Guarantors, which debt securities and guarantees are substantially identical to the Securities and the related Guarantees, respectively (and are entitled to the benefits of the Indenture), except that they have been registered pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and do not contain provisions for Special Interest contemplated in Section 2(c) below (such new debt securities hereinafter called “ Exchange Securities ”).  The Company and the Guarantors agree to use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Exchange Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act.  The Exchange Offer will be registered under the Securities Act on the appropriate form and will comply with all applicable tender offer rules and regulations under the Exchange Act.  Unless the Exchange Offer would not be permitted by applicable law or Commission policy, the Company further agrees to use all commercially reasonable efforts to (i) commence the Exchange Offer promptly (but no later than 10 Business Days) following the Effective Time of such Exchange Registration Statement, (ii) hold the Exchange Offer open for at least 20 Business Days in accordance with Regulation 14E promulgated by the Commission under the Exchange Act and (iii) exchange Exchange Securities for all Registrable Securities that have been properly tendered and not withdrawn promptly

 

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following the expiration of the Exchange Offer.  The Exchange Offer will be deemed to have been “completed” only (i) if the debt securities and related guarantees received by holders other than Restricted Holders in the Exchange Offer for Registrable Securities are, upon receipt, transferable by each such holder without restriction under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and without material restrictions under the blue sky or securities laws of a substantial majority of the States of the United States of America and (ii) upon the Company having exchanged, pursuant to the Exchange Offer, Exchange Securities for all Registrable Securities that have been properly tendered and not withdrawn before the expiration of the Exchange Offer, which shall be on a date that is at least 20 and not more than 30 Business Days following the commencement of the Exchange Offer.  The Company and the Guarantors agree (x) to include in the Exchange Registration Statement a prospectus for use in any resales by any holder of Exchange Securities that is a broker-dealer and (y) to keep such Exchange Registration Statement effective for a period (the “ Resale Period ”) beginning when Exchange Securities are first issued in the Exchange Offer and ending upon the earlier of the expiration of the 180th day after the Exchange Offer has been completed or such time as such broker-dealers no longer own any Registrable Securities.  With respect to such Exchange Registration Statement, such holders shall have the benefit of the rights of indemnification and contribution set forth in Subsections 6(a), (c), (d) and (e)(4).

 

(b)                                  If (i) on or prior to the time the Exchange Offer is completed existing law or Commission interpretations are changed such that the debt securities or the related guarantees received by holders other than Restricted Holders in the Exchange Offer for Registrable Securities are not or would not be, upon receipt, transferable by each such holder without restriction under the Securities Act, (ii) the Exchange Offer has not been completed within 360 days following the Closing Date or (iii) any holder of Registrable Securities notifies the Company prior to the 20th Business Day following the completion of the Exchange Offer that: (A) it is prohibited by law or Commission policy from participating in the Exchange Offer, (B) it may not resell the Exchange Securities to the public without delivering a prospectus and the prospectus supplement contained in the Exchange Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales or (C) it is a broker-dealer and owns Securities acquired directly from the Company or an affiliate of the Company, then the Company and the Guarantors shall, in lieu of (or, in the case of clause (iii), in addition to) conducting the Exchange Offer contemplated by Section 2(a), file under the Securities Act a “shelf” registration statement providing for the registration of, and the sale on a continuous or delayed basis by the holders of, all of the Registrable Securities, pursuant to Rule 415 or any similar rule that may be adopted by the Commission (such filing, the “ Shelf Registration ” and such registration statement, the “ Shelf Registration Statement ”).  The Company and the Guarantors agree to use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to become or be declared effective no later than 90 days after such Shelf Registration Statement filing obligation arises (but no earlier than 360 days after the Closing Date); provided , that if at any time the Company is or becomes a “well-known seasoned issuer” (as defined in Rule 405) and is eligible to file an “automatic shelf registration statement” (as defined in Rule 405), then the Company and the Guarantors shall file the Shelf Registration Statement in the form of an automatic shelf registration statement as provided in Rule 405.  The Company and the Guarantors agree to use all commercially reasonable efforts to keep such Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective for a period ending on the earlier of the second anniversary of the Effective Time or such time as there are no longer any Registrable Securities outstanding.  No holder shall be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in

 

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the Shelf Registration Statement or to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities unless such holder is an Electing Holder.  The Company and the Guarantors agree, after the Effective Time of the Shelf Registration Statement and promptly upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities that is not then an Electing Holder, to use all commercially reasonable efforts to enable such holder to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, any action necessary to identify such holder as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement (whether by post-effective amendment thereto or by filing a prospectus pursuant to Rules 430B and 424(b) under the Securities Act identifying such holder), provided, however , that nothing in this sentence shall relieve any such holder of the obligation to return a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company in accordance with Section 3(d)(iii).

 

(c)                                   In the event that (i) the Exchange Offer has not been completed within 360 days after the Closing Date or (ii)(x) the Shelf Registration Statement (if required) has not become or been declared effective within the later of 90 days after such Shelf Registration Statement filing obligation arises and 360 days after the Closing Date or (y) any Exchange Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement required by Section 2(a) or Section 2(b) is filed and declared effective but shall thereafter either be withdrawn by the Company or shall become subject to an effective stop order issued pursuant to Section 8(d) of the Securities Act suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement (except as specifically permitted herein) without being succeeded immediately by an additional registration statement filed and declared effective (each such event referred to in clauses (i) and (ii), a “ Registration Default ” and each period during which a Registration Default has occurred and is continuing, a “ Registration Default Period ”), then, as liquidated damages for such Registration Default, subject to the provisions of Section 9(b), special interest (“ Special Interest ”), in addition to the Base Interest, shall accrue on all Registrable Securities then outstanding at a per annum rate of 0.25% for the first 90 days of the Registration Default Period, at a per annum rate of 0.50% for the second 90 days of the Registration Default Period, at a per annum rate of 0.75% for the third 90 days of the Registration Default Period and at a per annum rate of 1.0% thereafter for the remaining portion of the Registration Default Period.  Special Interest shall accrue and be payable only with respect to a single Registration Default at any given time, notwithstanding the fact that multiple Registration Defaults may exist at such time.

 

(d)                                  The Company shall take, and shall cause the Guarantors to take, all actions necessary or advisable to be taken by it to ensure that the transactions contemplated herein are effected as so contemplated, including all actions necessary or desirable to register the Guarantee under any Exchange Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement, as applicable.

 

(e)                                   Any reference herein to a registration statement or prospectus as of any time shall be deemed to include any document incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, therein by reference as of such time; and any reference herein to any post-effective amendment to a registration statement or to any prospectus supplement as of any time shall be deemed to include any document incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, therein by reference as of such time.

 

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3.                                       Registration Procedures .

 

If the Company and the Guarantors file a registration statement pursuant to Section 2(a) or Section 2(b), the following provisions shall apply:

 

(a)                                  The Company shall cause the Indenture to continue to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.

 

(b)                                  In the event that such qualification would require the appointment of a new trustee under the Indenture, the Company shall appoint a new trustee thereunder pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Indenture.

 

(c)                                   In connection with the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations with respect to the registration of Exchange Securities as contemplated by Section 2(a) (the “ Exchange Registration ”), if applicable, the Company and the Guarantors shall:

 

(i)                                      prepare and file with the Commission, an Exchange Registration Statement on any form which may be utilized by the Company and the Guarantors and which shall permit the Exchange Offer and resales of Exchange Securities by broker-dealers during the Resale Period to be effected as contemplated by Section 2(a), and use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Exchange Registration Statement to become effective;

 

(ii)                                   as soon as practicable prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such Exchange Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein as may be necessary to effect and maintain the effectiveness of such Exchange Registration Statement for the periods and purposes contemplated in Section 2(a) and as may be required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and the instructions applicable to the form of such Exchange Registration Statement, and promptly provide each broker-dealer holding Exchange Securities with such number of copies of the prospectus included therein (as then amended or supplemented), in conformity in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act, as such broker-dealer reasonably may request prior to the expiration of the Resale Period, for use in connection with resales of Exchange Securities;

 

(iii)                                promptly notify each broker-dealer that has requested or received copies of the prospectus included in such Exchange Registration Statement, and confirm such advice in writing, (A) when such Exchange Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or any prospectus amendment or supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to such Exchange Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (B) of any comments by the Commission and by the blue sky or securities commissioner or regulator of any state with respect thereto or any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to such Exchange Registration Statement or prospectus or for additional information, (C) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Exchange Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for that purpose, (D) if at any time the representations and warranties of the Company contemplated by Section 5 cease to be true and correct in all material respects, (E) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Exchange Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening

 

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of any proceeding for such purpose, (F) the occurrence of any event that causes the Company to become an “ineligible issuer” as defined in Rule 405, or (G) if at any time during the Resale Period when a prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, that such Exchange Registration Statement, prospectus, prospectus amendment or supplement or post-effective amendment does not conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing;

 

(iv)                               in the event that the Company and the Guarantors would be required, pursuant to Section 3(c)(iii)(G), to notify any broker-dealers holding Exchange Securities, promptly prepare and furnish to each such holder a reasonable number of copies of a prospectus supplemented or amended so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of such Exchange Securities during the Resale Period, such prospectus shall conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act and shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing;

 

(v)                                  use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Exchange Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto at the earliest practicable date;

 

(vi)                               use all commercially reasonable efforts to (A) register or qualify the Exchange Securities under the securities laws or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as are contemplated by Section 2(a) no later than the commencement of the Exchange Offer, to the extent required by such laws, (B) keep such registrations or qualifications in effect and comply with such laws so as to permit the continuance of offers, sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions until the expiration of the Resale Period, (C) take any and all other actions as may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each broker-dealer holding Exchange Securities to consummate the disposition thereof in such jurisdictions and (D) obtain the consent or approval of each governmental agency or authority, whether federal, state or local, which may be required to effect the Exchange Registration, the Exchange Offer and the offering and sale of Exchange Securities by broker-dealers during the Resale Period; provided , however , that the Company and each Guarantor shall not be required for any such purpose to (1) qualify as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction wherein it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for the requirements of this Section 3(c)(vi), (2) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction or become subject to taxation in any such jurisdiction or (3) make any changes to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws or other governing documents or any agreement between it and its stockholders;

 

(vii)                            obtain a CUSIP number for all Exchange Securities, not later than the applicable Effective Time; and

 

(viii)                         comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available to its securityholders no later than eighteen months after the Effective Time of such Exchange Registration Statement, an “earning statement” of the

 

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Company and its subsidiaries complying with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158 thereunder).

 

(d)                                  In connection with the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations with respect to the Shelf Registration, if applicable, the Company and the Guarantors shall:

 

(i)                                      prepare and file with the Commission, within the time periods specified in Section 2(b), a Shelf Registration Statement on any form which may be utilized by the Company and which shall register all of the Registrable Securities for resale by the holders thereof in accordance with such method or methods of disposition as may be specified by the holders of Registrable Securities as, from time to time, may be Electing Holders and use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to become effective within the time periods specified in Section 2(b);

 

(ii)                                   mail the Notice and Questionnaire to the holders of Registrable Securities (A) not less than 30 days prior to the anticipated Effective Time of the Shelf Registration Statement or (B) in the case of an “automatic shelf registration statement” (as defined in Rule 405), mail the Notice and Questionnaire to the holders of Registrable Securities not later than the Effective Time of such Shelf Registration Statement, and in any such case no holder shall be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement, and no holder shall be entitled to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities at any time, unless and until such holder has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company;

 

(iii)                                after the Effective Time of the Shelf Registration Statement, upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities that is not then an Electing Holder, promptly send a Notice and Questionnaire to such holder; provided that the Company shall not be required to take any action to name such holder as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement or to enable such holder to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities until such holder has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company;

 

(iv)                               as soon as practicable prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such Shelf Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein as may be necessary to effect and maintain the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement for the period specified in Section 2(b) and as may be required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and the instructions applicable to the form of such Shelf Registration Statement, and furnish to the Electing Holders copies of any such supplement or amendment simultaneously with or prior to its being used or filed with the Commission to the extent such documents are not publicly available on the Commission’s EDGAR System;

 

(v)                                  comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all of the Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the Electing Holders provided for in such Shelf Registration Statement;

 

(vi)                               provide the Electing Holders and not more than one counsel for all the Electing Holders the opportunity to participate in the preparation of such Shelf Registration

 

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Statement, each prospectus included therein or filed with the Commission and each amendment or supplement thereto;

 

(vii)                            for a reasonable period prior to the filing of such Shelf Registration Statement, and throughout the period specified in Section 2(b), make available at reasonable times at the Company’s principal place of business or such other reasonable place for inspection by the persons referred to in Section 3(d)(vi) who shall certify to the Company that they have a current intention to sell the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration such financial and other information and books and records of the Company, and cause the officers, employees, counsel and independent certified public accountants of the Company to respond to such inquiries, as shall be reasonably necessary (and in the case of counsel, not violate an attorney-client privilege, in such counsel’s reasonable belief), in the judgment of the respective counsel referred to in Section 3(d)(vi), to conduct a reasonable investigation within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act; provided , however , that the foregoing inspection and information gathering on behalf of the Electing Holders shall be conducted by one counsel designated by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities held by the Electing Holders at the time outstanding and provided further that each such party shall be required to maintain in confidence and not to disclose to any other person any information or records reasonably designated by the Company as being confidential, until such time as (A) such information becomes a matter of public record (whether by virtue of its inclusion in such Shelf Registration Statement or otherwise), or (B) such person shall be required so to disclose such information pursuant to a subpoena or order of any court or other governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the matter (subject to the requirements of such order, and only after such person shall have given the Company prompt prior written notice of such requirement), or (C) such information is required to be set forth in such Shelf Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or in an amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement or an amendment or supplement to such prospectus in order that such Shelf Registration Statement, prospectus, amendment or supplement, as the case may be, complies with applicable requirements of the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Commission and does not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing;

 

(viii)                         promptly notify each of the Electing Holders and confirm such advice in writing, (A) when such Shelf Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or any prospectus amendment or supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to such Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (B) of any comments by the Commission and by the blue sky or securities commissioner or regulator of any state with respect thereto or any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to such Shelf Registration Statement or prospectus or for additional information, (C) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for that purpose, (D) if at any time the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 5 cease to be true and correct in all material respects, (E) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, (F) the occurrence of any event that causes the Company to become an “ineligible

 

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issuer” as defined in Rule 405, or (G) if at any time when a prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, that such Shelf Registration Statement, prospectus, prospectus amendment or supplement or post-effective amendment does not conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing;

 

(ix)                               use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto at the earliest practicable date;

 

(x)                                  if requested by any Electing Holder, promptly incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as is required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and as such Electing Holder specifies should be included therein relating to the terms of the sale of such Registrable Securities, including information with respect to the principal amount of Registrable Securities being sold by such Electing Holder, the name and description of such Electing Holder, the offering price of such Registrable Securities and any discount, commission or other compensation payable in respect thereof and with respect to any other terms of the offering of the Registrable Securities to be sold by such Electing Holder; and make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment promptly after notification of the matters to be incorporated in such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

 

(xi)                               furnish to each Electing Holder and the counsel referred to in Section 3(d)(vi) an executed copy (or a conformed copy) of such Shelf Registration Statement, each such amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits thereto (in the case of an Electing Holder of Registrable Securities, upon request) and documents incorporated by reference therein) and such number of copies of such Shelf Registration Statement (excluding exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein unless specifically so requested by such Electing Holder) and of the prospectus included in such Shelf Registration Statement (including each preliminary prospectus and any summary prospectus), in conformity in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act to the extent such documents are not available through the Commission’s EDGAR System, and such other documents, as such Electing Holder may reasonably request in order to facilitate the offering and disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Electing Holder and to permit such Electing Holder to satisfy the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act; and subject to Section 3(e), the Company hereby consents to the use of such prospectus (including such preliminary and summary prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto by each such Electing Holder, in each case in the form most recently provided to such person by the Company, in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by the prospectus (including such preliminary and summary prospectus) or any supplement or amendment thereto;

 

(xii)                            use all commercially reasonable efforts to (A) register or qualify the Registrable Securities to be included in such Shelf Registration Statement under such securities laws or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any Electing Holder shall reasonably request, (B) keep such registrations or qualifications in effect and comply with such

 

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laws so as to permit the continuance of offers, sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions during the period the Shelf Registration Statement is required to remain effective under Section 2(b) and for so long as may be necessary to enable any such Electing Holder to complete its distribution of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement, (C) take any and all other actions as may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each such Electing Holder to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of such Registrable Securities and (D) obtain the consent or approval of each governmental agency or authority, whether federal, state or local, which may be required to effect the Shelf Registration or the offering or sale in connection therewith or to enable the selling holder or holders to offer, or to consummate the disposition of, their Registrable Securities; provided , however , that the Company and the Guarantors shall not be required for any such purpose to (1) qualify as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction wherein it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for the requirements of this Section 3(d)(xii), (2) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction or become subject to taxation in any such jurisdiction or (3) make any changes to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws or other governing documents or any agreement between it and its stockholders;

 

(xiii)                         unless any Registrable Securities shall be in book-entry only form, cooperate with the Electing Holders to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold, which certificates, if so required by any securities exchange upon which any Registrable Securities are listed, shall be printed, penned, lithographed, engraved or otherwise produced by any combination of such methods, on steel engraved borders, and which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends;

 

(xiv)                        obtain a CUSIP number for all Securities that have been registered under the Securities Act, not later than the applicable Effective Time;

 

(xv)                           notify in writing each holder of Registrable Securities of any proposal by the Company to amend or waive any provision of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9(h) and of any amendment or waiver effected pursuant thereto, each of which notices shall contain the text of the amendment or waiver proposed or effected, as the case may be; and

 

(xvi)                        comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available to its securityholders no later than eighteen months after the Effective Time of such Shelf Registration Statement an “earning statement” of the Company and its subsidiaries complying with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158 thereunder).

 

(e)                                   In the event that the Company would be required, pursuant to Section 3(d)(viii)(G), to notify the Electing Holders, the Company shall promptly prepare and furnish to each of the Electing Holders a reasonable number of copies of a prospectus supplemented or amended so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of Registrable Securities, such prospectus shall conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act and shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing.  Each Electing Holder agrees that upon receipt of any notice from the

 

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Company pursuant to Section 3(d)(viii)(G), such Electing Holder shall forthwith discontinue the disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement applicable to such Registrable Securities until such Electing Holder shall have received copies of such amended or supplemented prospectus, and if so directed by the Company, such Electing Holder shall deliver to the Company (at the Company’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies, of the prospectus covering such Registrable Securities in such Electing Holder’s possession at the time of receipt of such notice.

 

(f)                                    In the event of a Shelf Registration, in addition to the information required to be provided by each Electing Holder in its Notice and Questionnaire, the Company may require such Electing Holder to furnish to the Company such additional information regarding such Electing Holder and such Electing Holder’s intended method of distribution of Registrable Securities as may be required in order to comply with the Securities Act.  Each such Electing Holder agrees to notify the Company as promptly as practicable of any inaccuracy or change in information previously furnished by such Electing Holder to the Company or of the occurrence of any event in either case as a result of which any prospectus relating to such Shelf Registration contains or would contain an untrue statement of a material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities or omits to state any material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing, and promptly to furnish to the Company any additional information required to correct and update any previously furnished information or required so that such prospectus shall not contain, with respect to such Electing Holder or the disposition of such Registrable Securities, an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing.

 

(g)                                   Until the expiration of two years after the Closing Date, the Company will not, and will not permit any of its “affiliates” (as defined in Rule 144) to, resell any of the Securities that have been reacquired by any of them except pursuant to an effective registration statement, or a valid exemption from the registration requirements, under the Securities Act.

 

(h)                                  As a condition to its participation in the Exchange Offer, each holder of Registrable Securities shall furnish, upon the request of the Company, a written representation to the Company (which may be contained in the letter of transmittal or “agent’s message” transmitted via The Depository Trust Company’s Automated Tender Offer Procedures, in either case contemplated by the Exchange Registration Statement) to the effect that (A) it is not an “affiliate” of the Company, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act, or if it is such an “affiliate”, it will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable, (B) it is not engaged in and does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer, (C) it is acquiring the Exchange Securities in its ordinary course of business, (D) if it is a broker-dealer that holds Securities that were acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (other than Securities acquired directly from the Company or any of its affiliates), it will deliver a prospectus

 

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meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resales of the Exchange Securities received by it in the Exchange Offer, (E) if it is a broker-dealer, that it did not purchase the Securities to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer from the Company or any of its affiliates, and (F) it is not acting on behalf of any person who could not truthfully and completely make the representations contained in the foregoing subclauses (A) through (E).

 

4.                                       Registration Expenses .

 

The Company agrees to bear and to pay or cause to be paid promptly all expenses incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including (a) all Commission and any Financial Industry Regulatory Authority registration, filing and review fees and expenses including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Eligible Holders in connection with such registration, filing and review, (b) all fees and expenses in connection with the qualification of the Registrable Securities and the Exchange Securities, as applicable, for offering and sale under the State securities and blue sky laws referred to in Section 3(d)(xii) and determination of their eligibility for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Electing Holders may designate, including any reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Electing Holders in connection with such qualification and determination, (c) all expenses relating to the preparation, printing, production, distribution and reproduction of each registration statement required to be filed hereunder, each prospectus included therein or prepared for distribution pursuant hereto, each amendment or supplement to the foregoing, the expenses of preparing the Securities or Exchange Securities, as applicable, for delivery and the expenses of printing or producing any selling agreements and blue sky or legal investment memoranda and all other documents in connection with the offering, sale or delivery of Securities or Exchange Securities, as applicable, to be disposed of (including certificates representing the Securities or Exchange Securities, as applicable), (d) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses relating to the offering, sale or delivery of Securities or Exchange Securities, as applicable, and the preparation of documents referred in clause (c) above, (e) fees and expenses of the Trustee under the Indenture, any agent of the Trustee and any counsel for the Trustee and of any collateral agent or custodian, (f) internal expenses (including all salaries and expenses of the Company’s officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), (g) reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel and independent certified public accountants of the Company, (h) reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of one counsel for the Electing Holders retained in connection with a Shelf Registration, as selected by the Electing Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities held by Electing Holders (which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company), (i) any fees charged by securities rating services for rating the Registrable Securities or the Exchange Securities, as applicable, and (j) fees, expenses and disbursements of any other persons, including special experts, retained by the Company in connection with such registration (collectively, the “ Registration Expenses ”).  To the extent that any Registration Expenses are incurred, assumed or paid by any holder of Registrable Securities, Securities or Exchange Securities, as applicable, the Company shall reimburse such person for the full amount of the Registration Expenses so incurred, assumed or paid promptly after receipt of a request therefor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holders of the Registrable Securities being registered shall pay all agency fees and commissions and underwriting discounts and commissions, if any, and transfer taxes, if any, attributable to the sale of such Registrable Securities and Exchange Securities, as applicable, and the fees and disbursements of any counsel or other advisors or experts retained by such holders (severally or jointly), other than the counsel and experts specifically referred to above.

 

14



 

5.                                       Representations and Warranties .

 

The Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to, and agree with, the Purchasers and each of the holders from time to time of Registrable Securities that:

 

(a)                                  Each registration statement covering Registrable Securities, Securities or Exchange Securities, as applicable, and each prospectus (including any preliminary or summary prospectus) contained therein or furnished pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 3(d) and any further amendments or supplements to any such registration statement or prospectus, when it becomes effective or is filed with the Commission, as the case may be, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and at all times subsequent to the Effective Time when a prospectus would be required to be delivered under the Securities Act, other than from (i) such time as a notice has been given to holders of Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 3(c)(iii)(G) or Section 3(d)(viii)(G) until (ii) such time as the Company furnishes an amended or supplemented prospectus pursuant to Section 3(c)(iv) or Section 3(e), each such registration statement, and each prospectus (including any summary prospectus) contained therein or furnished pursuant to Section 3(c) or Section 3(d), as then amended or supplemented, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing; provided , however , that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by a holder of Registrable Securities expressly for use therein.

 

(b)                                  Any documents incorporated by reference in any prospectus referred to in Section 5(a), when they become or became effective or are or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, will conform or conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and none of such documents will contain or contained an untrue statement of a material fact or will omit or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided , however , that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by a holder of Registrable Securities expressly for use therein.

 

(c)                                   The compliance by the Company with all of the provisions of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the certificate of incorporation, as amended, or the by-laws or other governing documents, as applicable, of the Company or the Guarantors or (iii)  result in any violation of any statute or any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of

 

15



 

their respective properties; and no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the consummation by the Company and the Guarantors of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except (x) the registration under the Securities Act of the Registrable Securities and the Exchange Securities, as applicable, and qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, (y) such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or blue sky laws in connection with the offering and distribution of the Registrable Securities and the Exchange Securities, as applicable, and (z) such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications that have been obtained and are in full force and effect as of the date hereof.

 

(d)                                  This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and by the Guarantors.

 

6.                                       Indemnification and Contribution .

 

(a)                                  Indemnification by the Company and the Guarantors .  The Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, will indemnify and hold harmless each of the holders of Registrable Securities included in an Exchange Registration Statement and each of the Electing Holders as holders of Registrable Securities included in a Shelf Registration Statement against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which such holder or such Electing Holder may become subject under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Exchange Registration Statement or any Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, under which such Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities were registered under the Securities Act, or any preliminary, final or summary prospectus (including, without limitation, any “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 433) contained therein or furnished by the Company to any such holder or any such Electing Holder, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse each such holder and each such Electing Holder for any and all legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred; provided , however , that the Company and the Guarantors shall not be liable to any such person in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such registration statement, or preliminary, final or summary prospectus (including, without limitation, any “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 433), or amendment or supplement thereto, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such person expressly for use therein.

 

(b)                                  Indemnification by the Electing Holders .  The Company may require, as a condition to including any Registrable Securities in any Shelf Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2(b), that the Company shall have received an undertaking reasonably satisfactory to it from each Electing Holder of Registrable Securities included in such Shelf Registration Statement, severally and not jointly, to (i) indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Guarantors and all other Electing Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Shelf Registration Statement, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Company, the Guarantors or such other Electing Holders may become subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or

 

16



 

are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in such registration statement, or any preliminary, final or summary prospectus (including, without limitation, any “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 433) contained therein or furnished by the Company to any Electing Holder, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Electing Holder expressly for use therein, and (ii) reimburse the Company and the Guarantors for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company and the Guarantors in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that no such Electing Holder shall be required to undertake liability to any person under this Section 6(b) for any amounts in excess of the dollar amount of the proceeds to be received by such Electing Holder from the sale of such Electing Holder’s Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration.

 

(c)                                   Notices of Claims, Etc .  Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above of written notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party pursuant to the indemnification provisions of or contemplated by this Section 6, notify such indemnifying party in writing of the commencement of such action; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under the indemnification provisions of or contemplated by Section 6(a) or Section 6(b).  In case any such action shall be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify an indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, such indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party), and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, such indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such indemnified party, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.  No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (i) includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to, or an admission of, fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

 

(d)                                  Contribution .  If for any reason the indemnification provisions contemplated by Section 6(a) or Section 6(b) are unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  The relative fault of such indemnifying party and indemnified party

 

17



 

shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by such indemnifying party or by such indemnified party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.  The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 6(d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 6(d).  The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6(d), no Electing Holder shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the dollar amount of the proceeds received by such holder from the sale of any Registrable Securities (after deducting any fees, discounts and commissions applicable thereto) exceeds the amount of any damages which such holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.  No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  The holders’ obligations in this Section 6(d) to contribute shall be several in proportion to the principal amount of Registrable Securities registered by them and not joint.

 

(e)                                   The obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under this Section 6 shall be in addition to any liability which the Company or the Guarantors may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer, director and partner of each holder, each Electing Holder, and each person, if any, who controls any of the foregoing within the meaning of the Securities Act; and the obligations of the holders and the Electing Holders contemplated by this Section 6 shall be in addition to any liability which the respective holder or Electing Holder may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer and director of the Company or any Guarantor (including any person who, with his consent, is named in any registration statement as about to become a director of the Company or any Guarantor) and to each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, as well as to each officer and director of the other holders and to each person, if any, who controls such other holders within the meaning of the Securities Act.

 

7.                                       Underwritten Offerings .

 

Each holder of Registrable Securities hereby agrees with the Company and each other such holder that no holder of Registrable Securities may participate in any underwritten offering hereunder unless (a) the Company gives its prior written consent to such underwritten offering, (b) the managing underwriter or underwriters thereof shall be designated by Electing Holders holding at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities to be included in such offering, provided that such designated managing underwriter or underwriters is or are reasonably acceptable to the Company, (c) each holder of Registrable Securities participating in such underwritten offering agrees to sell such holder’s Registrable Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the persons entitled selecting the managing underwriter or underwriters hereunder and (d) each holder of Registrable Securities participating in such underwritten offering completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.  The Company hereby agrees with each holder of Registrable Securities that, to the extent it consents to an underwritten offering hereunder, it will negotiate

 

18



 

in good faith and execute all indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements, including using all commercially reasonable efforts to procure customary legal opinions and auditor “comfort” letters.

 

8.                                       Rule 144 .

 

(a)                                  Facilitation of Sales Pursuant to Rule 144 .  The Company covenants to the holders of Registrable Securities that to the extent it shall be required to do so under the Exchange Act, the Company shall timely file the reports required to be filed by it under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act (including the reports under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act referred to in subparagraph (c)(1) of Rule 144), and shall take such further action as any holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitations of the exemption provided by Rule 144.  Upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities in connection with that holder’s sale pursuant to Rule 144, the Company shall deliver to such holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

 

(b)                                  Availability of Rule 144 Not Excuse for Obligations under Section 2 .  The fact that holders of Registrable Securities may become eligible to sell such Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144 shall not (1) cause such Securities to cease to be Registrable Securities or (2) excuse the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations set forth in Section 2 of this Agreement, including without limitation the obligations in respect of an Exchange Offer, Shelf Registration and Special Interest.

 

9.                                       Miscellaneous .

 

(a)                                  No Inconsistent Agreements .  The Company represents, warrants, covenants and agrees that it has not granted, and shall not grant, registration rights with respect to Registrable Securities, Exchange Securities or Securities, as applicable, or any other securities which would be inconsistent with the terms contained in this Agreement.

 

(b)                                  Specific Performance .  The parties hereto acknowledge that there would be no adequate remedy at law if the Company fails to perform any of its obligations hereunder and that the Purchasers and the holders from time to time of the Registrable Securities may be irreparably harmed by any such failure, and accordingly agree that the Purchasers and such holders, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity, shall be entitled to compel specific performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in any court of the United States or any State thereof having jurisdiction.  Time shall be of the essence in this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   Notices .  All notices, requests, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand, if delivered personally, by facsimile or by courier, or three days after being deposited in the mail (registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) as follows: If to the Company, to it at Tennant Company, 701 North Lilac Drive, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440, Attention: Thomas Stueve, and if to a holder, to the address of such holder set forth in the security register or other records of the Company, or to such other address as the Company or any such holder may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

 

19



 

(d)                                  Parties in Interest .  All the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto, the holders from time to time of the Registrable Securities and the respective successors and assigns of the foregoing.  In the event that any transferee of any holder of Registrable Securities shall acquire Registrable Securities, in any manner, whether by gift, bequest, purchase, operation of law or otherwise, such transferee shall, without any further writing or action of any kind, be deemed a beneficiary hereof for all purposes and such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to all of the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities such transferee shall be entitled to receive the benefits of, and be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by all of the applicable terms and provisions of this Agreement.  If the Company shall so request, any such successor, assign or transferee shall agree in writing to acquire and hold the Registrable Securities subject to all of the applicable terms hereof.

 

(e)                                   Survival .  The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and each other provision set forth in this Agreement or made pursuant hereto shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation (or statement as to the results thereof) made by or on behalf of any holder of Registrable Securities, any director, officer or partner of such holder, or any controlling person of any of the foregoing, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the transfer and registration of Registrable Securities by such holder and the consummation of an Exchange Offer.

 

(f)                                    Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

(g)                                   Headings .  The descriptive headings of the several Sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

(h)                                  Entire Agreement; Amendments .  This Agreement and the other writings referred to herein (including the Indenture and the form of Securities) or delivered pursuant hereto which form a part hereof contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter.  This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to its subject matter.  This Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only by a written instrument duly executed by the Company and the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities at the time outstanding.  Each holder of any Registrable Securities at the time or thereafter outstanding shall be bound by any amendment or waiver effected pursuant to this Section 9(h), whether or not any notice, writing or marking indicating such amendment or waiver appears on such Registrable Securities or is delivered to such holder.

 

(i)                                      Inspection .  For so long as this Agreement shall be in effect, this Agreement and a complete list of the names and addresses of all the record holders of Registrable Securities shall be made available for inspection and copying on any Business Day by any holder of Registrable Securities for proper purposes only (which shall include any purpose related to the rights of the holders of Registrable Securities under the Securities, the Indenture and this Agreement) at the offices of the Company at the address thereof set forth in Section 9(c) and at the office of the Trustee under the Indenture.

 

20



 

(j)                                     Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed by the parties in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such respective counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(k)                                  Severability .  If any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions contained in this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

 

21



 

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us five counterparts hereof, and upon the acceptance hereof by you, on behalf of the Purchasers, this letter and such acceptance hereof shall constitute a binding agreement between the Purchasers, the Guarantors and the Company.

 

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

TENNANT COMPANY

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas Paulson

 

Name:

Thomas Paulson

 

Title:

SVP and CFO

 

 

 

TENNANT COATINGS, INC.

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Heidi M. Wilson

 

Name:

Heidi M. Wilson

 

Title:

Secretary

 

 

 

TENNANT SALES AND SERVICE COMPANY

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas A. Stueve

 

Name:

Thomas A. Stueve

 

Title:

Treasurer

 

[Tennant — Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 



 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

 

 

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ William B. Wiltshire

 

Name:

William B. Wiltshire

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

 

[Tennant — Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 



 

 

Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

 

 

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John H. Fiore

 

Name:

John H. Fiore

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

 

[Tennant — Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]

 



 

Exhibit A

 

Tennant Company

 

INSTRUCTION TO DTC PARTICIPANTS

 

(Date of Mailing)

 

URGENT - IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUESTED

 

DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE:  [DATE] (1)

 

The Depository Trust Company (“ DTC ”) has identified you as a DTC Participant through which beneficial interests in the Tennant Company (the “ Company ”) 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “ Securities ”) are held.

 

The Company is in the process of registering the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended for resale by the beneficial owners thereof.  In order to have their Securities included in the registration statement, beneficial owners must complete and return the enclosed Notice of Registration Statement and Selling Securityholder Questionnaire.

 

It is important that beneficial owners of the Securities receive a copy of the enclosed materials as soon as possible as their rights to have the Securities included in the registration statement depend upon their returning the Notice and Questionnaire by [Deadline For Response] .  Please forward a copy of the enclosed documents to each beneficial owner that holds interests in the Securities through you.  If you require more copies of the enclosed materials or have any questions pertaining to this matter, please contact Tennant Company, 701 North Lilac Drive, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440, Attention: Thomas Stueve, (telephone (763) 513 - 2120).

 


(1)                                  Not less than 28 calendar days from date of mailing.

 

A- 1



 

Tennant Company

 

Notice of Registration Statement
and
Selling Securityholder Questionnaire

 

(Date)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Registration Rights Agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) among Tennant Company (the “ Company ”), the Guarantors named therein and the Purchasers named therein dated April 18, 2017.  Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has filed or will file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) a registration statement on Form  [    ] (the “ Shelf Registration Statement ”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), of the Company’s 5.625% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “ Securities ”).  A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement has been filed or will be filed as an exhibit to the Shelf Registration Statement and can be obtained from the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.  All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Each beneficial owner of Registrable Securities (as defined below) is entitled to have the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it included in the Shelf Registration Statement.  In order to have Registrable Securities included in the Shelf Registration Statement, this Notice of Registration Statement and Selling Securityholder Questionnaire (“ Notice and Questionnaire ”) must be completed, executed and delivered to the Company’s counsel at the address set forth herein for receipt ON OR BEFORE [Deadline for Response] .  Beneficial owners of Registrable Securities who do not properly complete, execute and return this Notice and Questionnaire by such date (i) will not be named as selling securityholders in the Shelf Registration Statement and (ii) may not use the Prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities.

 

Certain legal consequences arise from being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and related Prospectus.  Accordingly, holders and beneficial owners of Registrable Securities are advised to consult their own securities law counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and related Prospectus.

 

The term “ Registrable Securities ” is defined in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

A- 2



 

ELECTION

 

The undersigned holder (the “ Selling Securityholder ”) of Registrable Securities hereby elects to include in the Shelf Registration Statement the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it and listed below in Item (3).  The undersigned, by signing and returning this Notice and Questionnaire, agrees to be bound with respect to such Registrable Securities by the terms and conditions of this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 6 of the Registration Rights Agreement, as if the undersigned Selling Securityholder were an original party thereto.

 

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the undersigned has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its officers who sign any Shelf Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), against certain loses arising out of an untrue statement, or the alleged untrue statement, of a material fact in the Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus or the omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact required to be stated in such Shelf Registration Statement or the related prospectus, but only to the extent such untrue statement or omission, or alleged untrue statement or omission, was made in reliance on and in conformity with the information provided in this Notice and Questionnaire.

 

Upon any sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, the Selling Securityholder will be required to deliver to the Company and Trustee the Notice of Transfer set forth in Appendix A to the Prospectus and as Exhibit B to the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

The Selling Securityholder hereby provides the following information to the Company and represents and warrants that such information is accurate and complete:

 

A- 3



 

QUESTIONNAIRE

 

(1)                                  (a)           Full legal name of Selling Securityholder:

 

 

(b)                                  Full legal name of registered Holder (if not the same as in (a) above) of Registrable Securities listed in Item (3) below:

 

(c)                                   Full legal name of DTC Participant (if applicable and if not the same as (b) above) through which Registrable Securities listed in Item (3) below are held:

 

(2)           Address for notices to Selling Securityholder:

 

 

Telephone:

Fax:

Contact Person:

E-mail for Contact Person:

 

(3)           Beneficial Ownership of Securities:

 

Except as set forth below in this Item (3), the undersigned does not beneficially own any Securities .

 

(a)                                  Principal amount of Registrable Securities beneficially owned:

CUSIP No(s). of such Registrable Securities:

 

(b)                                  Principal amount of Securities other than Registrable Securities beneficially owned:
CUSIP No(s). of such other Securities:

 

(c)                                   Principal amount of Registrable Securities that the undersigned wishes to be included in the Shelf Registration Statement:

CUSIP No(s). of such Registrable Securities to be included in the Shelf Registration Statement:

 

(4)           Beneficial Ownership of Other Securities of the Company:

 

Except as set forth below in this Item (4), the undersigned Selling Securityholder is not the beneficial or registered owner of any other securities of the Company, other than the Securities listed above in Item (3).

 

State any exceptions here:

 

 

 

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(5)           Individuals who exercise dispositive powers with respect to the Securities:

 

If the Selling Securityholder is not an entity that is required to file reports with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (a “Reporting Company”), then the Selling Securityholder must disclose the name of the natural person(s) who exercise sole or shared dispositive powers with respect to the Securities.  Selling Securityholders should disclose the beneficial holders, not nominee holders or other such others of record.  In addition, the Commission has provided guidance that Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 should be used by analogy when determining the person or persons sharing voting and/or dispositive powers with respect to the Securities.

 

(a)                                  Is the holder a Reporting Company?

 

Yes                             o             No           o

 

If “No”, please answer Item (5)(b).

 

(b)                                  List below the individual or individuals who exercise dispositive powers with respect to the Securities:

 

 

 

Please note that the names of the persons listed in (b) above will be included in the Shelf Registration Statement and related Prospectus.

 

(6)           Relationships with the Company:

 

Except as set forth below, neither the Selling Securityholder nor any of its affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (5% or more) has held any position or office or has had any other material relationship with the Company (or its predecessors or affiliates) during the past three years.

 

State any exceptions here:

 

 

 

(7)           Plan of Distribution:

 

Except as set forth below, the undersigned Selling Securityholder intends to distribute the Registrable Securities listed above in Item (3) only as follows (if at all):  Such Registrable Securities may be sold from time to time directly by the undersigned Selling Securityholder.  Such Registrable Securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices.  Such sales may be effected in transactions (which may involve crosses or block transactions) (i) on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Registered Securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, (ii) in the over-the-counter market, (iii) in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market, or (iv) through the writing of options.  In connection with sales of the Registrable Securities or otherwise, the Selling Securityholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage

 

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in short sales of the Registrable Securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume.  The Selling Securityholder may also sell Registrable Securities short and deliver Registrable Securities to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge Registrable Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such securities.

 

State any exceptions here:

 

 

 

Note:  In no event may such method(s) of distribution take the form of an underwritten offering of Registrable Securities without the prior written agreement of the Company.

 

(8)           Broker-Dealers:

 

The Commission requires that all Selling Securityholders that are registered broker-dealers or affiliates of registered broker-dealers be so identified in the Shelf Registration Statement.  In addition, the Commission requires that all Selling Securityholders that are registered broker-dealers be named as underwriters in the Shelf Registration Statement and related Prospectus, even if they did not receive the Registrable Securities as compensation for underwriting activities.

 

(a)           State whether the undersigned Selling Securityholder is a registered broker-dealer:

 

Yes         o             No           o

 

(b)                                  If the answer to (a) is “Yes”, you must answer (i) and (ii) below, and (iii) below if applicable.  Your answers to (i) and (ii) below, and (iii) below if applicable, will be included in the Shelf Registration Statement and related Prospectus.

 

(i)                                      Were the Securities acquired as compensation for underwriting activities?

 

Yes         o             No           o

If you answered “Yes”, please provide a brief description of the transaction(s) in which the Securities were acquired as compensation:

 

 

 

(ii)           Were the Securities acquired for investment purposes?

 

Yes         o             No           o

 

(iii)                                If you answered “No” to both (i) and (ii), please explain the Selling  Securityholder’s reason for acquiring the Securities:

 

 

 

(c)                                   State whether the undersigned Selling Securityholder is an affiliate of a registered broker-dealer and, if so, list the name(s) of the broker-dealer affiliate(s):

 

Yes         o             No           o

 

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(d)                                  If you answered “Yes” to question (c) above:

(i)            Did the undersigned Selling Securityholder purchase Registrable Securities in the  ordinary course of business?

 

Yes         o             No           o

 

If the answer is “No” to question (d)(i), provide a brief explanation of the circumstances in which the Selling Securityholder acquired the Registrable Securities:

 

 

(ii)                                   At the time of the purchase of the Registrable Securities, did the undersigned Selling Securityholder have any agreements, understandings or arrangements, directly or indirectly, with any person to dispose of or distribute the Registrable Securities?

 

Yes         o             No           o

 

If the answer is “Yes” to question (d)(ii), provide a brief explanation of such agreements, understandings or arrangements:

 

 

If the answer is “No” to Item (8)(d)(i) or “Yes” to Item (8)(d)(ii), you will be named as an underwriter in the Shelf Registration Statement and the related Prospectus.

 

(9)           Hedging and short sales:

 

(a)                                  State whether the undersigned Selling Securityholder has or will enter into “hedging transactions” with respect to the Registrable Securities:

 

Yes         o             No           o

 

If “Yes”, provide below a complete description of the hedging transactions into which the undersigned Selling Securityholder has entered or will enter and the purpose of such hedging transactions, including the extent to which such hedging transactions remain in place:

 

 

(b)                                  Set forth below is Interpretation A.65 of the Commission’s July 1997 Manual of Publicly Available Interpretations regarding short selling:

 

“An issuer filed a Form S-3 registration statement for a secondary offering of common

 

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stock which is not yet effective.  One of the selling shareholders wanted to do a short sale of common stock “against the box” and cover the short sale with registered shares after the effective date.  The issuer was advised that the short sale could not be made before the registration statement becomes effective, because the shares underlying the short sale are deemed to be sold at the time such sale is made.  There would, therefore, be a violation of Section 5 if the shares were effectively sold prior to the effective date.”

 

By returning this Notice and Questionnaire, the undersigned Selling Securityholder will be deemed to be aware of the foregoing interpretation.

 

*              *              *              *              *

 

By signing below, the Selling Securityholder acknowledges that it understands its obligation to comply, and agrees that it will comply, with the provisions of the Exchange Act, particularly Regulation M (or any successor rule or regulation).

 

The Selling Securityholder hereby acknowledges its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and certain other persons as set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

In the event that the Selling Securityholder transfers all or any portion of the Registrable Securities listed in Item (3) above after the date on which such information is provided to the Company, the Selling Securityholder agrees to notify the transferee(s) at the time of the transfer of its rights and obligations under this Notice and Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

By signing below, the Selling Securityholder consents to the disclosure of the information contained herein in its answers to Items (1) through (9) above and the inclusion of such information in the Shelf Registration Statement and related Prospectus.  The Selling Securityholder understands that such information will be relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation of the Shelf Registration Statement and related Prospectus.

 

In accordance with the Selling Securityholder’s obligation under Section 3(d) of the Registration Rights Agreement to provide such information as may be required by law for inclusion in the Shelf Registration Statement, the Selling Securityholder agrees to promptly notify the Company of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein which may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Shelf Registration Statement remains in effect and to provide such additional information that the Company may reasonably request regarding such Selling Securityholder and the intended method of distribution of Registrable Securities in order to comply with the Securities Act.  Except as otherwise provided in the Registration Rights Agreement, all notices hereunder and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement shall be made in writing, by hand-delivery, first-class mail, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery as follows:

 

(i)            To the Company:

 

 

 

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(ii)           With a copy to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once this Notice and Questionnaire is executed by the Selling Securityholder and received by the Company’s counsel, the terms of this Notice and Questionnaire, and the representations and warranties contained herein, shall be binding on, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns of the Company and the Selling Securityholder (with respect to the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by such Selling Securityholder and listed in Item (3) above.  This Notice and Questionnaire shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Notice and Questionnaire to be executed and delivered either in person or by its duly authorized agent.

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling Securityholder

 

(Print/type full legal name of beneficial owner of Registrable Securities)

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED AND EXECUTED NOTICE AND QUESTIONNAIRE FOR RECEIPT ON OR BEFORE [DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE] TO THE COMPANY’S COUNSEL AT:

 

 

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Exhibit B

 

NOTICE OF TRANSFER PURSUANT TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Tennant Company

c/o Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

333 S. Grand Avenue, 5 th  Floor, Suite 5A

MAC: E2064-05A

Los Angeles, CA 90071

 

Attention:  Trust Officer

 

Re:                              Tennant Company (the “ Company ”)
5.625% Senior Notes due 2025

 

Ladies and Gentleman:

 

Please be advised that                                      has transferred $                           aggregate principal amount of the above-referenced Notes pursuant to an effective Registration Statement on Form  [        ] (File No. 333-          ) filed by the Company.

 

We hereby certify that the prospectus delivery requirements, if any, of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, have been satisfied and that the above-named beneficial owner of the Notes is named as a “Selling Holder” in the Prospectus dated [date] or in supplements thereto, and that the aggregate principal amount of the Notes transferred are the Notes listed in such Prospectus opposite such owner’s name.

 

Dated:

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Name)

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

(Authorized Signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Endnotes- 1